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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 

Amendment No. 1 to

FORM 10

 

GENERAL FORM FOR REGISTRATION OF SECURITIES

Pursuant to Section 12(b) or (g) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   20-1489747
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
395 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 415
South San Francisco, California 94080
  (650) 589-9445
(Address of Principal Executive Offices, including Zip Code)   (Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 

Securities to be Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class
to be so registered


 

Name of each exchange on which
each class is to be registered:


None   None

 

Securities to be Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

 

Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share

(Title of class)

 

Common Stock Warrants

(Title of class)

 



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Index to Financial Statements

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page

ITEM 1.

   BUSINESS    1

ITEM 2.

   FINANCIAL INFORMATION    31

ITEM 3.

   PROPERTIES    59

ITEM 4.

   SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT    59

ITEM 5.

   DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS    62

ITEM 6.

   EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION    67

ITEM 7.

   CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS    80

ITEM 8.

   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS    82

ITEM 9.

   MARKET PRICE OF AND DIVIDENDS ON THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS    82

ITEM 10.

   RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES    85

ITEM 11.

   DESCRIPTION OF REGISTRANT’S SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED    87

ITEM 12.

   INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS    89

ITEM 13.

   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA    90

ITEM 14.

   CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE    91

ITEM 15.

   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS    F-1

EXHIBIT INDEX

    

 

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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This registration statement and other materials we will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) contain, or will contain, disclosures which are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include all statements that do not relate solely to historical or current facts, and can generally be identified by the use of words such as may, believe, will, expect, project, estimate, anticipate, plan or continue. These forward-looking statements are based on the current plans and expectations of our management and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those anticipated. These factors include, but are not limited to: economic conditions affecting the cigarette and consumable goods industry; the adverse effect of legislation and other matters affecting the cigarette industry; financial risks associated with purchasing cigarettes and other tobacco products from certain product manufacturers; increases in excise and other taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products; increased competition in the distribution industry; our reliance on income from rebates, allowances and other incentive programs; our dependence on the convenience store industry; our dependence on certain customers; the risk that we may not be able to retain and attract customers; our inability to borrow additional capital; failure of our suppliers to provide products; the negative affects of product liability claims; the loss of key personnel, our inability to attract and retain new qualified personnel or the failure to renew collective bargaining agreements covering certain of our employees; currency exchange rate fluctuations; government regulation; and the residual effects of the Fleming bankruptcy on our customer, supplier and employee relationships, and our results of operations.

 

These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this registration statement. Except as provided by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You should also read, among other things, the risks and uncertainties described in the section of this registration statement entitled Risk Factors.

 

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS

 

SUMMARY

 

This summary highlights certain aspects of the information contained elsewhere in this registration statement. This summary does not contain all the relevant information and you should read this entire registration statement including the Risk Factors section beginning on page 5. Unless the context indicates otherwise, all references in this registration statement to Core-Mark, the Company, we, us, or our refer to Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc. and its direct and indirect subsidiaries.

 

Core-Mark

 

Core-Mark is one of the largest wholesale distributors to the convenience retail industry in North America in terms of annual sales, providing sales and marketing, distribution and logistics services to customer locations across the United States and Canada. We operate a network of 24 distribution centers in the United States and Canada. We distribute approximately 38,000 stock-keeping units, or SKUs, of packaged consumable goods including cigarettes, tobacco, candy, snacks, fast food, grocery products, non-alcoholic beverages, general merchandise and health and beauty care products to customers in approximately 20,000 store locations in 37 states and five Canadian provinces. We also provide an array of information and data services that enable our customers to efficiently manage retail product sales and marketing functions. We service a variety of store formats, including traditional convenience stores, mass merchandise stores, grocery stores, drug stores, liquor stores, gift shops, specialty stores and other stores that carry convenience products. Our traditional convenience store customers include many of the major national and super-regional convenience store operators as well as thousands of multi- and single-store customers. Some of our largest customers include Alimentation Couche-Tard (the parent company of Circle K stores and Mac’s stores), Arco am/pm franchisees, ConocoPhillips, Esso Convenience, Kroger (convenience), Maverik Country Stores, Petro-Canada, RaceTrac, Shoppers Drug Mart and Valero.

 

We provide sales and marketing services to attempt to maximize our customers’ sales and profits. We sell and distribute products to convenience stores and other retailers that are mass produced by manufacturers. Manufacturers rely on our ability to effectively and efficiently distribute their products because they do not have the distribution capability to effectively sell and deliver their products to thousands of customers in discrete retail locations. We distribute products that are manufactured by thousands of manufacturers and, by leveraging our purchasing power with these manufacturers, we are able to distribute these products in an efficient manner to our customers. Our customers benefit from our distribution network because they gain access to products they would otherwise not be able to access due to their small order sizes and diverse locations. Without our services, retailers would be unable to carry as wide a breadth of inventory due to a lack of information available to them regarding product and merchandising programs.

 

We derive our revenues primarily from the sale of products to convenience store retailers. The products are delivered to our customers using our delivery vehicles dispatched from our distribution centers. Our gross profit is generated by applying a markup to the cost of the product at the time of the sale and from cost reductions from the manufacturers in the form of credit terms discounts, rebates and other manufacturer programs. Our operating expenses are comprised primarily of sales personnel costs; warehouse personnel costs related to receiving, stocking, and selecting product for delivery; delivery costs such as delivery personnel, truck leases and fuel; and costs relating to the rental and maintenance of our distribution centers and other general and administrative costs.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2004, we had $4.2 billion of revenues, including revenues recognized prior to the effective date of our reorganization in August 2004 (See Company Background for additional discussion about the reorganization). For the six months ended June 30, 2005 we had revenues of $2.3 billion.

 

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Our Strategy and Competitive Strengths

 

Our objective is to be the premier distributor to the retail convenience industry in North America. Our ability to successfully compete in our marketplace is founded upon:

 

    The integration of marketing, logistics and information systems while maintaining a culture with a strong customer service focus.

 

    The continuity, experience and proven ability of our management team.

 

    The dedication, commitment and hard work of the approximately 3,650 employees who comprise the Core-Mark family.

 

    Successfully balancing a centralized strategy with a decentralized execution.

 

    Leveraging economies of scale in operational efficiencies, purchasing power and lower overhead expenses.

 

Our three primary strategies to sustain our growth and gain customers are:

 

Grow our Customers’ Sales Profitably.     Our success has been and will continue to be attributed to helping our customers grow their business in a profitable manner. We accomplish this mission primarily through investing in the development and execution of strategic marketing programs which seek to align current consumer demands with the latest in new products, promotion and marketing concepts. Our marketing professionals are constantly working to create and/or discover goods and services which will strengthen our customers’ offerings to the public. By providing product evaluations, recommendations, and other similar services, we enhance our customer’s opportunity for increased profitability.

 

Make it Easy for our Customers to do Business with Us.     Through a carefully crafted framework of customer service personnel, field sales personnel, merchandising representatives, account managers, account directors and executive representatives, we ensure that our customers requirements—large and small—are addressed in a timely and professional manner. Our people are complemented with customer service tools and web based tools designed to make doing business with Core-Mark easy and cost effective. We operate a centralized proprietary information system that provides our customers with reliable and consistent access to our services across all regions. We also offer a broad range of customized services including comprehensive product category management consultation and coordination. Our business has been built on our unique commitment to flexibility and customization in addressing the needs of each of our customers.

 

Do the Fundamentals Well.     We have created and invested in systems, procedures, standards and a culture that ensures our customers consistently receive industry leading order fulfillment rates, on-time deliveries, pricing accuracy and integrity. Our proprietary logistics system coupled with our experience in integrating hardware and software enables us to deliver high volumes of product efficiently and accurately. We believe that the decentralized management of our distribution centers, together with our high standards of service, should enable us to outperform our competition in customer satisfaction.

 

Company Background

 

Our origins date back to 1888, when Glaser Bros., a family-owned-and-operated candy and tobacco distribution business, was founded in San Francisco. In August 1996, we completed a recapitalization resulting in Jupiter Partners, L.P. and senior management owning 75% and 25% of the Company equity, respectively. In June 2002, Fleming Companies, Inc., or Fleming, acquired Core-Mark International, Inc., our operating subsidiary. On April 1, 2003, Fleming filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The debtor-in-possession entities comprising Core-Mark were included in the Chapter 11 proceedings. Fleming’s plan of reorganization, or the Plan, which became effective on August 23, 2004, provided for the reorganization of certain of Fleming’s convenience operations and subsidiaries around Core-Mark International. Fleming’s other assets and liabilities were transferred to two special-purpose trusts and are being liquidated.

 

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On August 23, 2004, pursuant to the Plan, we undertook the following actions:

 

(1) We issued an aggregate of 9.8 million shares of our common stock to Fleming in exchange for the stock of Core-Mark International, Inc. and its subsidiaries. As of June 30, 2005, Fleming had distributed 5,122,947 shares of our common stock to its Class 6(A) creditors and the remaining 4,677,053 shares of common stock were subject to future distribution to Fleming’s creditors as claims are resolved. Further to the Plan, warrants to purchase an aggregate of 990,616 shares of our common stock were issued to Fleming and distributed by Fleming to its Class 6(B) creditors in March 2005. We refer to these warrants as the Class 6(B) warrants. The Class 6(B) warrants have an exercise price of $20.925 per share, a 35% premium to the fair value of a share of our common stock as determined pursuant to the Plan, are immediately exercisable, and expire in 2011. As of June 30, 2005, all of the Class 6(B) warrants allocated to the Class 6(B) creditors under the Plan had been distributed.

 

(2) We entered into a $250 million Credit Agreement, which we refer to as the Prior Revolving Credit Facility. As of August 23, 2004 and June 30, 2005, an aggregate of $118.7 and $86.9 million in obligations thereunder were outstanding under the Prior Revolving Credit Facility consisting of $86.4 million and $59.2 million in funded debt and $32.6 million $27.7 million in letters of credit.

 

(3) We entered into a Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement on August 20, 2004, which we refer to as the Tranche B Note Agreement, incurred an aggregate of $60 million in obligations thereunder in the form of notes and letters of credit issued for our account, and issued warrants to the Tranche B noteholders to purchase an aggregate of 247,654 shares of our common stock. We refer to the notes, letters of credit and warrants issued under the Tranche B Note Agreement as the Tranche B Notes, the Tranche B Letters of Credit and the Tranche B Warrants, respectively. The Tranche B Warrants have an exercise price of $15.50 per share, the fair value of our common stock as determined pursuant to the Plan, are immediately exercisable, and expire in 2011. The $60 million in obligations initially consisted of $35.5 million in Tranche B Notes and $24.5 million in letter of credit obligations under Tranche B Letters of Credit. During the first six months of 2005, we prepaid $15 million in principal amount of the Tranche B Notes. As of June 30, 2005, $20.5 million of Tranche B Notes remained outstanding.

 

(4) We adopted our 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan, or the 2004 Plan. An aggregate of 1,314,444 shares of our common stock are reserved for issuance to the Company’s employees under the 2004 Plan. As of September 21, 2005, 189,738 shares of restricted stock or restricted stock units and options to purchase an aggregate of 1,054,101 shares of our common stock are outstanding under the 2004 Plan. The exercise price of these options and the fair value of the restricted stock awards is $15.50 per share, the fair value of the common stock as determined pursuant to the Plan. An aggregate of 70,605 shares of our common stock are available for future grants under the 2004 Plan.

 

(5) Non-employee members of our board of directors also received options to purchase an aggregate of 30,000 shares of our common stock under our 2004 Directors Equity Incentive Plan. The options granted under our 2004 Plan and the 2004 Directors Equity Incentive Plan have an exercise price of $15.50 per share, the fair value of our common stock as determined pursuant to the Plan.

 

(6) We guaranteed certain obligations of two trusts set up pursuant to the Plan for the benefit of Fleming’s former creditors.

 

(7) We assumed the remaining workers compensation, general liabilities, auto liabilities and pension liabilities of the Fleming grocery divisions totaling approximately $33 million.

 

In February 2005, our board of directors adopted our 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan, or the 2005 Plan, and authorized the grant of restricted stock units under the 2005 Plan to be allocated by our Chief Executive Officer among our employees in proportion to grants made under the 2004 Plan. The number of shares of our common stock issuable under the 2005 Plan is limited to a number of shares having a market value of $5.5 million, based

 

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on the average closing price of our common stock over the eleventh through twentieth trading days following the date that our common stock becomes quoted on the NASDAQ National Market. In February 2005, the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors approved the grant of restricted stock units having a value of approximately $5.0 million with a vesting commencement date of February 1, 2005. It is anticipated that such grants will be made in the fourth quarter of 2005. The Board of Directors determined that the balance of approximately $0.5 million available for grants under the 2005 Plan should be reserved for possible future issuance.

 

In August 2005, two new independent members of our board of directors received options to purchase an aggregate of 15,000 shares of our common stock under our 2005 Directors Equity Incentive Plan. These options have an exercise price of $27.03 per share, the fair market value of our common stock as determined by the board of directors as provided in this plan, on the basis of the average trading price, as quoted in the Pink Sheets, of our common stock over the twenty trading days ending two trading days prior to the date of grant.

 

On October 13, 2005 we entered into a new, five-year $250 million revolving credit agreement, which we refer to as the 2005 Credit Facility, that refinanced and replaced the Prior Revolving Credit Facility and Tranche B Note Agreement, and repaid all debt and replaced or cash-collateralized all letters of credit outstanding under the prior agreements, and terminated those agreements.

 

Corporate Information

 

Our corporate headquarters are located at 395 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 415, South San Francisco, California 94080. The telephone number of our corporate headquarters is (650) 589-9445. Our website address is http://www.core-mark.com. The information included on our website is not included as a part of, or incorporated by reference into, this registration statement.

 

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RISK FACTORS

 

You should carefully consider the following risks together with all of the other information contained in this registration statement. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. If any of the events or circumstances described below were to occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

 

This registration statement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ significantly from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such differences include, but are not limited to, the risk factors set forth below (See—Special Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements).

 

Risks Relating to Our Business

 

Cigarette and consumable goods distribution is a low-margin business sensitive to economic conditions.

 

We derive most of our revenues from the distribution of cigarettes, other tobacco products, candy, snacks, fast food, grocery products, non-alcoholic beverages, general merchandise and health and beauty care products. Our industry is characterized by a high volume of sales with relatively low profit margins. Our non-cigarette sales are at prices that are based on the cost of the product plus a percentage markup. As a result, our profit levels may be negatively impacted during periods of cost deflation for these products, even though our gross profit as a percentage of the price of goods sold may remain relatively constant. Periods of product cost inflation may also have a negative impact on our profit margins and earnings with respect to sales of cigarettes. Gross profit on cigarette sales are generally fixed on a cents per carton basis. Therefore, as cigarette prices increase, gross profit generally decreases as a percent of sales. In addition, if the cost of the cigarettes that we purchase increase due to manufacturer price increases or increases in applicable excise tax rates, our inventory costs and accounts receivable could rise. To the extent that product cost increases are not passed on to our customers due to their resistance to higher prices, our profit margins and earnings could be negatively impacted.

 

The consumable goods distribution industry is sensitive to national and regional economic conditions. Inflation, fuel costs and other factors affecting consumer confidence generally may negatively impact our sales. Our operating results are also sensitive to, and may be adversely affected by, other factors, including difficulties with the collectability of accounts receivable, competitive price pressures, severe weather conditions and unexpected increases in fuel or other transportation-related costs. Increases in fuel prices and reduced demand for the products we distribute resulting from the devastating effect of Hurricane Katrina on the Gulf Coast of the United States could have a negative impact on our business. Due to the low-margins on the products we distribute, changes in general economic conditions could materially adversely affect our operating results.

 

Our sales volume is largely dependent upon the distribution of cigarette products, sales of which are declining.

 

The distribution of cigarette and other tobacco products is currently a significant portion of our business. For the year ended December 31, 2004, approximately 72% of our revenues came from the distribution of cigarettes. During the same period, approximately 36% of our gross profit was generated from cigarettes. Due to increases in the prices of cigarettes and other tobacco products, restrictions on advertising and promotions by cigarette manufacturers, increases in cigarette regulation and excise taxes, health concerns, increased pressure from anti-tobacco groups and other factors, the U.S. and Canadian cigarette and tobacco market has generally been declining, and is expected to continue to decline. Notwithstanding the general decline in consumption, we have benefited from a shift of cigarette and tobacco sales to convenience stores. However, this favorable trend may not continue and may reverse.

 

Legislation and other matters are negatively affecting the cigarette and tobacco industry.

 

The tobacco industry is subject to a wide range of laws and regulations regarding the advertising, sale, taxation and use of tobacco products imposed by local, state, federal and foreign governments. Various state and

 

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provincial governments have adopted or are considering legislation and regulations restricting displays and advertising of tobacco products, establishing fire safety standards for cigarettes, raising the minimum age to possess or purchase tobacco products, requiring the disclosure of ingredients used in the manufacture of tobacco products, imposing restrictions on public smoking, restricting the sale of tobacco products directly to consumers or other unlicensed recipients over the Internet, and other tobacco product regulation. In addition, cigarettes are subject to substantial excise taxes in the United States and Canada. Significant increases in cigarette-related taxes have been proposed or enacted and are likely to continue to be proposed or enacted within the United States and Canada. These tax increases are likely to continue to have an adverse impact on sales of cigarettes due to lower consumption levels or sales outside of legitimate channels.

 

In the United States, we purchase cigarettes primarily from manufacturers covered by the tobacco industry’s Master Settlement Agreement (or MSA), which results in our facing certain financial risks including competition from lower priced sales of cigarettes produced by manufacturers who do not participate in the Master Settlement Agreement.

 

In June 1994, the Mississippi attorney general brought an action against various tobacco industry members. This action was brought on behalf of the state to recover state funds paid for health-care, medical and other assistance to state citizens suffering from diseases and conditions allegedly related to tobacco use. Most other states, through their attorneys general or other state agencies, sued the major U.S. cigarette manufacturers based on similar theories. The cigarette manufacturer defendants settled the first four of these cases scheduled for trial—Mississippi, Florida, Texas and Minnesota—by separate agreements between each state and those manufacturers in each case. These states are referred to as non-MSA states.

 

In November 1998, the major U.S. tobacco product manufacturers entered into the MSA with the other 46 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the United States Virgin Islands, American Samoa and the Northern Marianas to settle asserted and unasserted health care cost recovery and other claims. The MSA and the other state settlement agreements: settled all health-care cost recovery actions brought by, or on behalf of, the settling jurisdictions; released the major U.S. cigarette manufacturers from various additional present and potential future claims relating to past conduct arising out of the use, sale, distribution, manufacture, development, advertising, marketing or health effects of, the exposure to, or research, statements or warnings about, tobacco products; settled all monetary claims relating to future conduct arising out of the use of, or exposure to, tobacco products that have been manufactured in the ordinary course of business; imposed a stream of future payment obligations on major U.S. cigarette manufacturers; and placed significant restrictions on their ability to market and sell cigarettes. The payments required under the MSA result in the products sold by the participating manufacturers to be priced at higher levels than non-MSA manufacturers.

 

In order to limit our potential tobacco related liabilities, we do not purchase cigarettes from non-MSA manufacturers for sale in MSA states. The benefits of the MSA do not apply to sales of cigarettes manufactured by non-MSA manufacturers.

 

Competition among cigarette manufacturers for cigarette sales is primarily based on brand positioning, price, product attributes, consumer loyalty, promotions, advertising and retail presence. Cigarette brands produced by the major tobacco product manufacturers generally require competitive pricing, substantial marketing support, retail programs and other financial incentives to maintain or improve a brand’s market position. Increased selling prices and higher cigarette taxes have resulted in the growth of deep-discount brands. Deep-discount brands are brands manufactured by companies that are not original participants to the MSA, and accordingly, do not have cost structures burdened with MSA-related payments to the same extent as the original participating manufacturers. Historically, major tobacco product manufacturers have had a competitive advantage in the United States because significant cigarette marketing restrictions and the scale of investment required to compete made gaining consumer awareness and trial of new brands difficult. However, since the MSA was signed in November 1998, the category of deep-discount brands manufactured by smaller manufacturers or supplied by importers has grown substantially.

 

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As a result of purchasing premium and discount cigarettes for sale in MSA states exclusively from manufacturers that are parties to the MSA, we are adversely impacted by sales of brands from non-MSA manufacturers and deep-discount brand growth. We believe that small manufacturers, not subject to the MSA, of deep-discount brands have steadily increased their combined market share of cigarette sales. The premium and discount cigarettes subject to the MSA that we sell have been negatively impacted by widening price gaps in the prices between those brands and the deep-discount brands for the past several years. The growth in market share of the deep-discount brands since the MSA was signed in 1998 has had an adverse impact on the volume of the cigarettes that we sell. As a result, our operations may be negatively impacted as sales volumes of premium cigarettes and the other tobacco products erode.

 

We also face competition from illicit and other low priced sales of cigarettes.

 

We also face competition from the diversion into the United States market of cigarettes intended for sale outside the United States, the sale of counterfeit cigarettes by third parties, the sale of cigarettes in non-taxable jurisdictions, inter-state and international smuggling of cigarettes, increased imports of foreign low priced brands, the sale of cigarettes by third parties over the Internet and by other means designed to avoid collection of applicable taxes. The competitive environment has been characterized by a continued influx of cheap products that challenge sales of higher priced and taxed cigarettes manufactured by parties to the MSA. Increased sales of counterfeit cigarettes, sales by third parties over the internet, or sales by means to avoid the collection of applicable taxes, could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

 

If the tobacco industry’s master settlement agreement is invalidated, or tobacco manufacturers cannot meet their obligations to indemnify us, we could be subject to substantial litigation liability.

 

In connection with the MSA, we are indemnified by the tobacco product manufacturers from which we purchase cigarettes and other tobacco products for liabilities arising from our sale of the tobacco products that they supply to us. To date, litigation challenging the validity of the MSA, including claims that the MSA violates antitrust laws, has not been successful. However, if such litigation were to be successful and the MSA is invalidated, we could be subject to substantial litigation due to our sales of cigarettes and other tobacco products, and we may not be indemnified for such costs by the tobacco product manufacturers in the future. In addition, even if we continue to be indemnified by cigarette manufacturers that are parties to the MSA, future litigation awards against such cigarette manufacturers and us could be so large as to eliminate the ability of the manufacturers to satisfy their indemnification obligations. Our results of operations could be negatively impacted due to increased litigation costs and potential adverse rulings against us.

 

Cigarettes and other tobacco products are subject to substantial excise taxes and if these taxes are increased, our sales of cigarettes and other tobacco products could decline.

 

Cigarettes and tobacco products are subject to substantial excise taxes in the United States and Canada. Significant increases in cigarette-related taxes have been proposed or enacted and are likely to continue to be proposed or enacted within the United States and Canada. These tax increases are expected to continue to have an adverse impact on sales of cigarettes due to lower consumption levels and a shift in sales from the premium to the non-premium or discount cigarette segments or to sales outside of legitimate channels. In addition, state and local governments may require us to prepay for excise tax stamps placed on packages of cigarettes and other tobacco products that we sell. If these excise taxes are substantially increased, it could have a negative impact on our liquidity. Accordingly, we may be required to obtain additional debt financing, which we may not be able to obtain on satisfactory terms or at all. Our inability to prepay the excise taxes may prevent or delay our purchase of cigarettes and other tobacco products, which could materially adversely affect our ability to supply our customers.

 

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We face competition in our distribution markets and if we are unable to compete effectively in any distribution market, we may lose market share and suffer a decline in sales.

 

Our distribution centers operate in highly competitive markets. We face competition from local, regional and national tobacco and consumable products distributors on the basis of service, price and variety of products offered, schedules and reliability of deliveries, and the range and quality of services provided.

 

Some of our competitors, including a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., McLane Company, Inc., the largest distributor of tobacco products in the U.S., have substantial financial resources and long standing customer relationships. In addition, heightened competition among our existing competitors or by new entrants into the distribution market could create additional competitive pressures that may reduce our margins and adversely affect our business. If we fail to successfully respond to these competitive pressures or to implement our strategies effectively, we may lose market share and our results of operations could suffer.

 

If the costs to us of the products we distribute increase, or excise stamp taxes increase, and we cannot pass these increases on to our customers, our results of operations could be adversely affected.

 

If we cannot pass along to our customers increases in our cost of goods sold which we experience when manufacturers or taxing authorities increase prices or taxes invoiced or reduce or eliminate discounts, rebates, allowances and other incentive programs, our profit margins could erode. Our industry is characterized by a high volume of sales with relatively low profit margins. If we cannot pass along cost increases to our customers due to resistance to higher prices, our relatively narrow profit margins and earnings could be negatively impacted.

 

We are dependent on the convenience store industry for our revenues, and our results of operations would suffer if there is an overall decline in the convenience store industry.

 

The majority of our sales are made under purchase orders and short-term contracts with convenience stores which inherently involve significant risks. These risks include the uncertainty of general economic conditions in the convenience store industry, credit exposure from our customers and termination of customer relationships without notice, consolidation of our customer base, and consumer movement toward purchasing from club stores and mass merchandisers. Any of these factors could negatively affect the convenience store industry which would negatively affect our results of operations.

 

Some of our distribution centers are dependent on a few relatively large customers, and our failure to maintain our relationships with these customers could substantially harm our business and prospects.

 

Some of our distribution centers are dependent on relationships with a single customer or a few customers, and we expect our reliance on these relationships to continue for the foreseeable future. Any termination or non-renewal of customer relationships could severely and adversely affect the revenues generated by certain of our distribution centers. For example, in connection with Fleming’s bankruptcy, our customer relationships with Target and K-Mart were terminated resulting in a significant loss of revenue and the closure of four distribution centers located in the Eastern United States. Any future termination, non-renewal or reduction in services that we provide to these select customers would cause our revenues to decline and our operating results would be harmed.

 

If we are not able to attract new customers, our results of operations could suffer.

 

Increasing the growth and profitability of our distribution business is particularly dependent upon our ability to retain existing customers and capture additional distribution customers. The ability to capture additional customers through our existing network of distribution centers is especially important because it enables us to leverage our distribution centers and other fixed assets. Our ability to retain existing customers and attract new customers is dependent upon our ability to provide industry-leading customer service, offer competitive products

 

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at low prices, maintain high levels of productivity and efficiency in distributing products to our customers while integrating new customers into our distribution system, and offer marketing, merchandising and ancillary services that provide value to our customers. If we are unable to execute these tasks effectively, we may not be able to attract a significant number of new customers and our existing customer base could decrease, either or both of which could have an adverse impact on our results of operations.

 

We may not be able to borrow the additional capital to provide us with sufficient liquidity and capital resources necessary to meet our future financial obligations.

 

We expect that our principal sources of funds will be cash generated from our operations and, if necessary, borrowings under our $250 million 2005 Credit Facility. While we believe our sources of liquidity are adequate, we cannot assure you that these sources will provide us with sufficient liquidity and capital resources required to meet our future financial obligations, or to provide funds for our working capital, capital expenditures and other needs for the foreseeable future. We may require additional equity or debt financing to meet our working capital requirements or to fund our capital expenditures. We may not be able to obtaining financing on terms satisfactory to us, or at all.

 

We depend on relatively few suppliers for a large portion of our products, and any interruptions in the supply of the products that we distribute could adversely affect our results of operations.

 

We obtain the products we distribute from third party suppliers. At December 31, 2004, we had approximately 3,500 vendors, and during 2004 we purchased approximately 66% of our products from our top 20 suppliers, with our top two suppliers, Philip Morris and R. J. Reynolds, representing approximately 25% and 16% of our purchases, respectively. We do not have any long-term contracts with our suppliers committing them to provide products to us. Although our purchasing volume can provide leverage when dealing with suppliers, suppliers may not provide the products we distribute in the quantities we request or on favorable terms. Because we do not control the actual production of the products we distribute, we are also subject to delays caused by interruption in production based on conditions outside our control. These conditions include job actions or strikes by employees of suppliers, inclement weather, transportation interruptions, and natural disasters or other catastrophic events. Our inability to obtain adequate supplies of the products we distribute as a result of any of the foregoing factors or otherwise, could cause us to fail to meet our obligations to our customers.

 

We may be subject to product liability claims which could materially adversely affect our business.

 

Core-Mark, as with other distributors of food and consumer products, faces the risk of exposure to product liability claims in the event that the use of products sold by us causes injury or illness. With respect to product liability claims, we believe that we have sufficient liability insurance coverage and indemnities from manufacturers. However, product liability insurance may not continue to be available at a reasonable cost, or, if available, may not be adequate to cover all of our liabilities. We generally seek contractual indemnification and insurance coverage from parties supplying the products we distribute, but this indemnification or insurance coverage is limited, as a practical matter, to the creditworthiness of the indemnifying party and the insured limits of any insurance provided by suppliers. If we do not have adequate insurance or if contractual indemnification is not available or if the counterparty can not fulfill its indemnification obligation, product liability relating to defective products could materially adversely impact our results of operations.

 

We depend on our senior management and key personnel.

 

We substantially depend on the continued services and performance of our senior management and other key personnel, particularly J. Michael Walsh, our President and Chief Executive Officer. We do not maintain key person life insurance policies on these individuals or any of our other executive officers, and we do not have employment agreements with any of our executive officers. The loss of the services of any of our executive officers or key employees could harm our business.

 

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We operate in a competitive labor market and a portion of our employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements.

 

Our continued success will partly depend on our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel. We compete with other businesses in each of our markets with respect to attracting and retaining qualified employees. A shortage of qualified employees could require us to enhance our wage and benefits packages in order to compete effectively in the hiring and retention of qualified employees or to hire more expensive temporary employees. In addition, at June 30, 2005 approximately 6%, or approximately 230, of our employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements with labor organizations, which expire at various times over the course of the next three years.

 

We cannot assure you that we will be able to renew our respective collective bargaining agreements on favorable terms, that employees at other facilities will not unionize, that our labor costs will not increase, that we will be able to recover any increases in labor costs through increased prices charged to customers or that we will not suffer business interruptions as a result of strikes or other work stoppages. If we fail to attract and retain qualified employees, to control our labor costs, or to recover any increased labor costs through increased prices charged to our customers or offsets by productivity gains, our results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

 

Currency exchange rate fluctuations could have an adverse effect on our revenues and financial results.

 

We generate a significant portion of our revenues in Canadian dollars, approximately 22% in 2004. We also incur a significant portion of our expenses, in Canadian dollars. To the extent that we are unable to match revenues received in Canadian dollars with costs paid in the same currency, exchange rate fluctuations in Canadian dollars could have an adverse effect on our revenues and financial results. During times of a strengthening U.S. dollar, our reported sales and earnings from our Canadian operations will be reduced because the Canadian currency will be translated into fewer U.S. dollars.

 

We are subject to governmental regulation and if we are unable to comply with regulations that affect our business or if there are substantial changes in these regulations, our business could be adversely affected.

 

As a distributor of food products, we are subject to the regulation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In addition, our employees operate tractor trailers, trucks, forklifts and various other powered material handling equipment. Our operations are also subject to regulation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Department of Transportation, Drug Enforcement Agency and other federal, state and local agencies. Each of these regulatory authorities have broad administrative powers with respect to our operations. If we fail to adequately comply with government regulations or regulations become more stringent, we could experience increased inspections, regulatory authorities could take remedial action including imposing fines or shutting down our operations or we could be subject to increased compliance costs. If any of these events were to occur, our results of operations would be adversely affected.

 

Earthquake and natural disaster damage could have a material adverse affect on our business.

 

We are headquartered in, and conduct a significant portion of our operations in, California. Our operations in California are susceptible to damage from earthquakes. In addition, two of our data centers are located in California and Oregon and may be susceptible to damage in the event of an earthquake. We believe that we maintain adequate insurance to indemnify us for losses. However, significant earthquake damage could result in losses in excess of our insurance coverage which would materially adversely affect our results of operations. We also have operations in areas that have been affected by natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornados, flooding, ice and snow storms. While we maintain insurance to indemnify us for losses due to such occurrences, our insurance may not be sufficient or payments under our policies may not be received timely enough to prevent adverse impacts on our business. Our customers could also be affected by like events, adversely impacting our sales.

 

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Our information technology systems may be subject to failure or disruptions, which could seriously harm our business.

 

Our business is highly dependent on our Distribution Center Management System, or DCMS. The convenience store industry does not have a standard information technology, or IT platform. Therefore, actively integrating our customers into our IT platform is a priority, and our DCMS platform provides our distribution centers with the flexibility to adapt to our customers’ IT requirements. We also rely on our DCMS, and our internal information technology staff, to maintain the information required to operate our distribution centers and provide our customers with fast, efficient and reliable deliveries. While we have taken steps to increase redundancy in our IT systems, if our DCMS fails or is subject to disruptions, we may suffer disruptions in service to our customers and our results of operations could suffer.

 

Risks Relating to Our Recent Reorganization

 

We are guarantors of certain payments pursuant to the Plan of Reorganization.

 

Pursuant to the Plan, two special purpose trusts, the Post Confirmation Trust, or PCT, and the Reclamation Creditor’s Trust, or RCT, were established. We refer to the PCT and the RCT collectively as the Trusts. The Trusts are charged with administering certain responsibilities under the Plan, including liquidating certain assets, the pursuit and collection of litigation claims and causes of action and the reconciliation and payment of specific types of claims including trade lien vendor claims, or TLV claims, each as allocated between the PCT and the RCT pursuant to the Plan. Under the terms of the Plan, we guarantee the payment of PCT administrative claims in excess of $56 million. In addition, if the assets of the RCT are inadequate to satisfy all of the allowed TLV claims, we must pay such claims in full plus any accrued interest. We also guarantee all eligible but unpaid non-TLV claims up to a maximum of $15 million. The Plan limits the combined guarantee amounts of the RCT TLV and non-TLV claims to not greater than $137 million. To the extent that are we are required to fund amounts under the guarantees, our results of operations and our liquidity and capital resources could be materially adversely affected. In addition, we may not have sufficient cash reserves to pay the amounts required under the guarantees when they become due.

 

The Fleming bankruptcy has negatively affected some of our relationships with customers, suppliers and employees and our results of operations and may continue to negatively affect such relationships and our results of operations.

 

We estimate that the former Fleming convenience distribution centers, which included Core-Mark International and seven Fleming distribution centers, lost approximately $1.2 billion in annualized sales after Fleming’s Chapter 11 filing, with approximately $360 million of such lost sales attributable to four closed distribution centers located in the Eastern United States and the balance attributable to the distribution centers now comprising Core-Mark. We cannot predict accurately or quantify the additional effects, if any, that the bankruptcy may continue to have on our operations.

 

Our operating flexibility is limited in significant respects by the restrictive covenants in our 2005 Credit Facility.

 

Our 2005 Credit Facility imposes restrictions on us that could increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions by limiting our flexibility in planning for and reacting to changes in our business and industry. Specifically, these restrictions limit our ability, among other things, to: incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends and make distributions, issue stock of subsidiaries, make investments, repurchase stock, create liens, enter into transactions with affiliates, merge or consolidate, or transfer and sell our assets.

 

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In addition, under our 2005 Credit Facility, we are required to meet certain financial ratios and tests. Our ability to comply with these covenants may be affected by factors beyond our control. If we breach any of these covenants or restrictions, it could result in an event of default under our 2005 Credit Facility, which would permit our lenders to declare all amounts incurred thereunder to be immediately due and payable, and our lenders under our 2005 Credit Facility could terminate their commitments to make further extensions of credit under our 2005 Credit Facility.

 

Our reorganization valuation is based in part on estimates of future performance. If our estimates are not accurate, the market price of our common stock could be adversely affected.

 

Our financial statements reflect the adoption of American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement of Position 90-7, or SOP 90-7. In accordance with fresh-start accounting under SOP 90-7, all assets and liabilities were recorded at their respective fair values on the Effective Date of the Plan, August 23, 2004. These fair values represent our best estimates and are based on independent valuations where applicable. To calculate the fair value of our assets, or reorganization value as defined in SOP 90-7, on the effective date of the Plan, financial projections were prepared and the fair value of assets as well as our enterprise value was determined using various valuation methods based on these financial projections. The estimated enterprise value used for portions of this valuation analysis is highly dependent upon our achieving the future financial results set forth in the projections as well as the realization of certain other assumptions, which are not guaranteed. SOP 90-7 requires that the reorganization value be allocated to the assets in conformity with FASB Statement No. 141, Business Combinations (SFAS No. 141). Although we allocated our reorganization value among our assets in accordance with SFAS No. 141, our allocations were based on assumptions. Accordingly, these allocations are estimates only. Subsequent changes, if any, will be reflected in our operating results. The valuation, insofar as it relates to the enterprise value, necessarily assumes that we will achieve the estimates of future operating results in all material respects. If these results are not achieved, the resulting values could be materially different from our estimates, and the trading price of our common stock could be adversely affected.

 

Our tax treatment of the reorganization may not be accepted by the IRS, which could result in increased tax liabilities.

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities as reflected at August 23, 2004 in connection with the application of fresh-start accounting are based on management’s best estimate of the tax filing position that is probable of being accepted by the applicable taxing authorities. The Company intends to take an alternative position on future tax returns. Based on this alternative tax filing position, the Company has taken deductions on its current period tax return that could be challenged by the taxing authorities. Although management believes that the Company’s tax filing position will more likely than not be sustained in the event of an examination by applicable taxing authorities and we would contest any proposed adjustment vigorously, the outcome of such matters can not be predicted with certainty. As such, the Company has accrued approximately $1.8 million in other tax liabilities on the accompanying December 31, 2004 consolidated balance sheet for this contingency.

 

 

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Risks Relating to An Investment in Our Common Stock

 

Our common stock is not currently listed on a national exchange and you may not be able to resell your common stock, or may have to sell it at a discount.

 

Our common stock is not currently listed on a national exchange or quoted on the NASDAQ National Market. Although we plan to apply for our common stock to be quoted on the NASDAQ National Market, a liquid market for our common stock may not develop or be maintained. If a market does not develop or is not sustained, if may be difficult for you to sell your shares of common stock at a price that is attractive to you or at all. Most of our stockholders are former creditors of Fleming that received shares of our common stock in lieu of cash to satisfy their claims against the Fleming estate. Accordingly, these stockholders may wish to sell their shares of common stock upon receipt or shortly thereafter and may not be long term investors in the company.

 

Approximately 4.5 million of our outstanding shares held by Fleming have yet to be distributed pursuant to the Plan and additional shares will be issued pursuant to the 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan.

 

Pursuant to the Plan, we issued an aggregate of 9.8 million shares of our common stock to Fleming. As of September 21, 2005, 5,367,044 shares of our common stock and warrants to purchase 1,238,270 shares of our common stock have been distributed by Fleming pursuant to the Plan. An aggregate of 4,432,956 shares of our common stock are subject to future distribution pursuant to the Plan by Fleming. Future distributions of the remaining 4,432,956 shares of common stock pursuant to the Plan by Fleming are at the discretion of the Post Confirmation Trust (PCT) and the bankruptcy court and are not in our control. In addition, as of September 21, 2005, restricted stock units, restricted stock and options issued pursuant to our stock incentive plans relating to 1,288,839 shares of our common stock were outstanding.

 

In February 2005, our board of directors adopted our 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan, or the 2005 Plan, and authorized the grant of restricted stock units under the 2005 Plan to be allocated by our Chief Executive Officer among our employees in proportion to grants made under the 2004 Plan. The number of shares of our common stock issuable under the 2005 Plan is limited to a number of shares having a market value of $5.5 million, based on the average closing price of our common stock over the eleventh through twentieth trading days following the date that our common stock becomes listed for quotation on the NASDAQ National Market. In February 2005, the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors approved the grant of restricted stock units having a value of approximately $5.0 million with a vesting commencement date of February 1, 2005. It is anticipated that such grants will be made in the fourth quarter of 2005. The Board of Directors determined that the balance of approximately $0.5 million available for grants under the 2005 Plan should be reserved for possible future issuance.

 

The distribution of a significant amount of shares of common stock onto the market or the sale of a substantial number of shares at any given time could result in a decline in the price of our common stock, cause dilution, or increase volatility.

 

We may not be able to obtain the required approval of holders of shares of our common stock for certain actions as our largest shareholder, Fleming, may not be permitted by the bankruptcy court or may choose not to vote any undistributed shares.

 

As of September 21, 2005, only 5,367,044 shares, or approximately 55%, of our outstanding common stock has been distributed by Fleming under the Plan. Fleming holds the balance of the 9.8 million shares of our common stock to be distributed pursuant to the Plan, and without bankruptcy court approval, Fleming may not be permitted to attend a meeting of our stockholders for purposes of establishing a quorum for a stockholders meeting or to vote its shares of our common stock. Therefore, we may not be able to effect certain corporate actions that require the approval of our stockholders. The failure to take such stockholder actions could have a material adverse affect on us and our operations.

 

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The market price for our common stock may be volatile, which could cause the value of your investment to decline.

 

Any of the following could affect the value of our common stock:

 

    general market and economic conditions;

 

    changes in earnings estimates and recommendations by financial analysts; and

 

    our failure to meet financial analysts’ performance expectations.

 

In addition, many of the risks described elsewhere in this Risk Factors section could materially and adversely affect the value of our common stock. The stock markets have experienced price and volume volatility that has affected many companies’ stock prices. Stock prices for many companies have experienced wide fluctuations that have often been unrelated to operating performance of those companies. Fluctuations such as these may affect the price of our common stock.

 

We will incur significant costs as a result of being a public company.

 

As a public company, we will incur significant accounting, legal, governance, compliance and other expenses that private companies do not incur. In addition, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules subsequently implemented by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the NASDAQ Stock Market, have required changes in corporate governance practices of public companies. We expect these rules and regulations to increase our legal, audit and financial compliance costs and to make some activities more time-consuming and costly. For example, as a result of becoming a public company, we are required to create additional board committees and adopt policies regarding internal controls and disclosure controls and procedures. In addition, we will incur additional costs associated with our public company reporting requirements. We also expect these rules and regulations to make it more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance and we may be required to accept reduced policy limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain the same or similar coverage. As a result, it may be more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified persons to serve on our board of directors or as executive officers.

 

If we fail to comply in a timely manner with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 or to remedy any material weaknesses in our internal controls that we may identify, such failure could result in material misstatements in our financial statements, cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information and have a negative effect on the trading price of our common stock.

 

We are engaged in the process of assessing the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting in connection with the rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 is required in connection with the filing of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2006. While our management is expending significant resources in an effort to complete this important project, there can be no assurance that we will be able to achieve our objective on a timely basis. There also can be no assurance that our auditors will be able to issue an unqualified opinion on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.

 

In addition, in connection with our on-going assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, we may discover “material weaknesses” in our internal controls as defined in standards established by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, or the PCAOB. A material weakness is a significant deficiency, or combination of significant deficiencies, that results in more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected. The PCAOB defines “significant deficiency” as a deficiency that results in more than a remote likelihood that a misstatement of the financial statements that is more than inconsequential will not be prevented or detected.

 

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While we have not identified any material weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting that would cause us to deem such internal controls ineffective, we, together with our auditors, have identified certain deficiencies. Those deficiencies relate to accounting for certain transactions and certain closing procedures affecting our financial statement reporting process, which are primarily attributable to the impact of the Fleming bankruptcy and a lack of resources with the requisite expertise to address these matters. We have retained additional accounting resources and are working to obtain the requisite training for others in the Company to remediate these deficiencies. However, we cannot provide any assurance that additional testing of our internal controls will not uncover additional deficiencies that, when aggregated with any other unremediated deficiencies, would result in a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting.

 

In the event that a material weakness is identified, we will employ qualified personnel and adopt and implement policies and procedures to address any material weaknesses that we identify. However, the process of designing and implementing effective internal controls is a continuous effort that requires us to anticipate and react to changes in our business and the economic and regulatory environments and to expend significant resources to maintain a system of internal controls that is adequate to satisfy our reporting obligations as a public company. We cannot assure you that the measures we will take will remediate any material weaknesses that we may identify or that we will implement and maintain adequate controls over our financial process and reporting in the future.

 

Any failure to complete our assessment of our internal control over financial reporting, to remediate any material weaknesses that we may identify or to implement new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation, could harm our operating results, cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations or result in material misstatements in our financial statements. Any such failure also could adversely affect the results of the periodic management evaluations of our internal controls and, in the case of a failure to remediate any material weaknesses that we may identify, would adversely affect the annual auditor attestation reports regarding the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting that are required under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Inadequate internal controls could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a negative effect on the trading price of our common stock.

 

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BUSINESS

 

Company Overview

 

Core-Mark is one of the largest wholesale distributors to the convenience store industry in North America in terms of annual sales, providing sales and marketing, distribution and logistics services to customer locations across the United States and Canada.

 

Although Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc. was incorporated in Delaware in August 2004, the business conducted by Core-Mark dates back to 1888 when Glaser Bros., a family-owned-and-operated candy and tobacco distribution business, was founded in San Francisco. In June 2002, Fleming acquired Core-Mark International. At the time of the acquisition, Core-Mark International distributed products to convenience stores and other retailers in the Western United States and Canada from a network of 20 distribution centers. In addition to Fleming’s other national retail and wholesale grocery operations, Fleming owned and operated seven convenience store distribution centers in the Eastern and Midwestern United States. After the acquisition of Core-Mark International by Fleming, Core-Mark International’s management continued to operate Core-Mark International’s distribution business and began integrating Fleming’s convenience store distribution centers into Core-Mark International’s operations. In connection with Fleming’s bankruptcy, as described below, four of the seven Fleming convenience distribution centers were closed in 2003. The three continuing Fleming convenience distribution centers were fully integrated into Core-Mark International’s operations by April 2004.

 

On April 1, 2003, Fleming filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The debtor-in-possession entities comprising Core-Mark International and its subsidiaries were included in the Chapter 11 proceedings as a result of Core-Mark’s guarantee of Fleming’s debt.

 

On July 27, 2004, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware confirmed Fleming’s Plan of Reorganization (the Plan) which became effective on August 23, 2004. The Plan provided for the reorganization of the Debtors around CMI. Pursuant to the Plan, Core-Mark Holding, Core-Mark Holdings I, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings II, Inc. and Core-Mark Holdings III, Inc. were formed. Core-Mark Holdings I, Inc. and Core-Mark Holdings II, Inc. each own 50% of Core-Mark Holdings III, Inc. On August 23, 2004 the Plan was declared effective by the bankruptcy court and Core-Mark emerged from bankruptcy. Upon emergence, Fleming transferred its interest in CMI to Core-Mark Holdings III, Inc., making CMI a wholly owned subsidiary of Core-Mark Holdings III, Inc., and transferred all of the remaining assets of one of its convenience store distribution centers to a subsidiary of CMI.

 

A summary organizational chart depicting our current corporate structure after giving effect to the completion of the reorganization is set forth below.

 

LOGO

 

We operate a network of 24 distribution centers in the United States and Canada, including two distribution centers that we operate as a third party logistics provider. One of these third party distribution centers is located

 

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in Phoenix, Arizona, which we refer to as the Arizona Distribution Center, or ADC, and is dedicated solely to supporting the logistics and management requirements of one of our major customers, Circle K. In April 2005, we began operating a second third party logistics distribution facility located in San Antonio, Texas, which we refer to as the Retail Distribution Center, or RDC, and is dedicated solely to supporting Valero.

 

We distribute a diverse line of national and private label convenience store products to over 20,000 customer locations. The products we distribute include cigarettes, tobacco, candy, snacks, fast food, grocery products, non-alcoholic beverages, general merchandise and health and beauty care products. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2004, approximately 72% of our net sales came from the cigarette category and approximately 28% of our net sales came from the remaining non-cigarette categories. However, during the same twelve month period, approximately 36% of our gross profit was generated from cigarette categories while approximately 64% of our gross profit was generated from the non-cigarette categories.

 

We also provide sales and marketing, distribution and logistics services to our customer locations which include a variety of store formats, including traditional convenience retail stores, mass merchandise stores, grocery stores, drug stores, liquor stores, gift shops, specialty stores and other stores that carry convenience products. We distribute approximately 38,000 SKUs of packaged consumable goods to our customers, and also provide an array of information and data services that enable our customers to better manage retail product sales and marketing functions.

 

Our management team is led by J. Michael Walsh, our President and Chief Executive Officer, who has been with Core-Mark since April 1991. He leads a team of 14 senior managers who have largely overseen the operations of Core-Mark since 1991. Our management has expertise in all of the critical functional areas including logistics, sales and marketing, purchasing, information technology, finance and retail store support.

 

Industry Overview

 

Wholesale distributors provide valuable services to both manufacturers of consumer products and convenience retailers. Manufacturers benefit from wholesale distributors’ broad retail coverage, inventory management and efficient processing of small orders. Wholesale distributors provide convenience retailers access to a broad product line, the ability to place small quantity orders, inventory management and access to trade credit. In addition, large full-service wholesale distributors, such as Core-Mark, offer retailers the ability to participate in manufacturer and Company sponsored marketing programs, merchandising and product category management services, as well as the use of information systems that are focused on minimizing retailers’ investment in inventory, while seeking to maximize their sales.

 

The wholesale distribution industry is highly fragmented and historically has consisted of a large number of small, privately-owned businesses and a small number of large, full-service wholesale distributors serving multiple geographic regions. Relative to smaller competitors, large distributors such as Core-Mark benefit from several competitive advantages including: increased purchasing power, the ability to service chain accounts, economies of scale in sales and operations, the ability to spread fixed corporate costs over a larger revenue base and the resources to invest in information technology and other productivity enhancing technology.

 

Convenience in-store merchandise includes candy, snacks, fast food, dairy products, beer, non-alcoholic packaged beverages, frozen items, general merchandise, health and beauty care products, other grocery products, cigarettes, cigars and other tobacco products. Aggregate U.S. wholesale sales of convenience store merchandise include wholesale product sales to traditional convenience stores and sales to a variety of alternative convenience retailers, which we refer to as alternative outlets. Alternative outlets include drug stores, mass merchandisers, grocery stores, liquor stores, cigarette and tobacco shops, hotel gift shops, correctional facilities, military exchanges, college bookstores, casinos, video rental stores, hardware stores, airport concessions and movie theatres, and others.

 

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According to the 2005 NACS State of the Industry Report, during 2004, aggregate U.S. traditional convenience retail in-store sales were approximately $132 billion. We estimate that of the products that these stores sell, 45% to 55% of the products are supplied by wholesale distributors such as Core-Mark. The convenience store retail industry gross profit for in-store sales was approximately $39 billion in 2004 which represents an increase of 9.5% over 2003. Over the ten years from 1994 through 2004, convenience in-store sales increased by a compounded annual growth rate of 6.9%. Two of the factors influencing this growth were a 9.9% compounded annual growth rate in cigarette sales and a 3.5% compounded annual growth rate in the number of stores.

 

The traditional convenience store sector is divided into two principal categories: (1) corporates, defined as corporate-owned and operated chains with a national or multi-region footprint, such as Circle K, Petro-Canada and Valero; and (2) independents and smaller chains, including franchisees, dealers and individually operated locations. Based on the 2005 NACS State of the Industry Report, we estimate independents and smaller chains, those comprising 50 stores or less, represent approximately 76% of traditional convenience store sales in the United States while corporates represented 24%. Conversely, Canadian convenience store sales are dominated by corporates.

 

We estimate that, as of December 31, 2004, there were over 400 wholesale distributors to traditional convenience store retailers in the United States, approximately 30 of which are broad-line distributors similar to Core-Mark. We believe that Core-Mark and McLane Company, Inc., a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., are the two largest convenience wholesale companies, measured by annual sales, in North America. There are also companies that provide products to specific regions of the country, such as The H.T. Hackney Company in the Southeast, Eby-Brown Company in the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast and GSC Enterprises, Inc. in Texas and surrounding states, and several hundred local distributors serving small regional chains and independent convenience stores. In Canada, there are fewer wholesale suppliers as compared to the United States.

 

Strategy and Competitive Strengths

 

Our objective is to be the premier broad line supplier to the retail convenience industry in North America. Our ability to successfully compete in our marketplace is founded upon:

 

    The integration of marketing, logistics and information systems while maintaining a culture with a strong customer service focus.

 

    The continuity, experience and proven ability of our management team.

 

    The dedication, commitment and hard work of the 3,650 employees who comprise the Core-Mark family.

 

    Successfully balancing a centralized strategy with a decentralized execution.

 

    Leveraging economies of scale in operational efficiencies, purchasing power and lower overhead expenses.

 

Our three primary strategies to sustain our growth and gain customers are:

 

Grow our Customers’ Sales Profitably .    We believe that our success has been and will continue to be attributed to helping our customers grow their business in a profitable manner. We accomplish this mission primarily through investing in the development and execution of strategic marketing programs which seek to align current consumer demands with the latest in new products, promotion and marketing concepts. Our marketing professionals work to create and/or discover goods and services which will strengthen our customers’ offerings to the public. By providing product evaluations, recommendations, and other similar services, we enhance our customer’s opportunity for increased profitability.

 

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Make it Easy for our Customers to do Business with Us.     Through a carefully crafted framework of customer service personnel, field sales personnel, merchandising representatives, account managers, account directors and executive representatives, we assure that our customers requirements—large and small—are addressed in a timely and professional manner. We complement our personnel with customer service tools such as 1-800 help and support services. Customers can use the internet to access their purchasing history, search an easy-to-use product catalog, manage store pricing online, streamline item purchasing authorization and search a customized account product database. For the more technologically sophisticated customers, we provide computer assisted ordering and other ordering tools designed to make the ordering process as convenient to our customers as possible. We operate a centralized proprietary information system that provides our customers with a reliable and consistent means of accessing and using our services across all regions. We also offer a broad range of customized services including placing merchandise in the store, ordering, rotating and stocking the product on the store shelves, accommodating special delivery schedules and providing comprehensive product category management consultation and coordination. Our business has been built on our commitment to flexibility and customization to address the needs of each of our customers.

 

Execute on the Fundamentals .    We have created and invested in systems, procedures, standards and a culture that ensures our customers consistently receive industry leading order fulfillment rates, on-time deliveries, pricing accuracy and integrity. Our proprietary logistics system coupled with our experience in the integration of hardware and software enables us to deliver high volumes at a very high level of efficiency and accuracy. We believe that the decentralized management of our distribution centers, along with our high standards of service should enable us to consistently outperform our competition in customer satisfaction.

 

In order to execute on these strategies, we leverage the following competitive strengths:

 

Diversified Product Offerings.     We supply approximately 38,000 SKUs to our customers including cigarettes, tobacco, candy, snacks, fast food, grocery products, non-alcoholic beverages, general merchandise and health and beauty care products. We maintain a diverse and expansive product offering, which allows us to supply the products required by our diverse customer base. By carrying the appropriate product mix and quantities, we have achieved an order fulfillment rate of in excess of 98.5%.

 

Strong Merchandising Orientation.     We offer merchandising initiatives and full-service programs that allow our customers to receive key categories or products through high quality management with weekly in-store merchandising services to drive their sales. We have product merchandisers that are assigned to each participating customer to consult the store on a weekly basis. These merchandisers order, rotate, price, write credits and assist our customers in driving their store sales and profits. In contrast, many of our competitors place the full burden of any merchandising services directly on the customer. Our merchandising expertise results in higher order fulfillment, quality invoicing, product supply integrity and competitive pricing for our customers and increased sales.

 

Balanced Distribution Network.     We operate a centralized information system that provides our customers with a reliable and consistent means of accessing and using our services across our decentralized distribution center network. Our distribution centers operate on a common information system platform and user procedures that allow a multi-regional customer to conduct business in the same manner across all regions. Our decentralized distribution center network provides the flexibility to meet our customers’ unique product requirements and a targeted on-time delivery rate of 95%. In addition, each distribution center carries the products required by the convenience stores in the particular region in which the distribution center is located. We believe that a key to our long term success is to understand our customers’ business and to meet our customers’ unique requirements. Our decentralized distribution center network enables our distribution center management teams and merchandisers to maintain close relationships with our customers resulting in a greater understanding of their businesses and the ability to meet our customer’s unique requirements.

 

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Systems Suite.     We maintain a high level of operating efficiency by investing in information systems technology, including computerization of buying and financial control functions. The convenience store industry does not have a standard IT platform, therefore actively integrating our customers into our IT platform is a priority. Our Distribution Center Management System, or DCMS, platform provides our distribution centers with the flexibility to adapt to our customers’ IT requirements. Once a customer is integrated into our IT platform, the customer can utilize the decision support services that we provide through eBusiness Exchange, our internet based computer assisted ordering and decision support system. Our eBusiness Exchange enables our customers to access their purchasing history, search an easy to use product catalog, manage store retail pricing online, streamline item authorization and search a customized account product database. These functions enable our customers to leverage our information technology to make real time business decisions intelligently. We believe that our eBusiness Exchange helps to solidify our relationships with our customers and drives sales with our customers.

 

Customers and Marketing

 

We service approximately 20,000 customer locations in 37 U.S. states and five Canadian provinces. Our top fifteen customers include Alimentation Couche-Tard (the parent company of Circle K stores in the U.S. and Mac’s stores in Canada), Arco am/pm franchisees, ConocoPhillips, Esso Convenience, Kroger (convenience), Maverik Country Stores, Petro-Canada, RaceTrac and Valero. For the year ended December 31, 2004, traditional convenience store customers accounted for approximately 68% of our sales. We service traditional convenience stores as well as alternative outlets selling convenience store products. Our traditional convenience store customers include many of the major national and super-regional convenience store operators as well as thousands of multi- and single-store customers. Our alternative outlet customers comprise a variety of store formats, including drug stores, mass merchandisers, grocery stores, liquor stores, cigarette and tobacco shops, hotel gift shops, correctional facilities, military exchanges, college bookstores, casinos, video rental stores, hardware stores and airport concessions. Some of our other alternative outlet customers include Hudson News, London Drugs, MGM Grand Hotel and Shoppers Drug Mart. Our top ten customers accounted for approximately 28% of our sales in 2004, while our largest customer accounted for less than 7% of our total sales in 2004.

 

We believe our strength is as a sales and marketing company focused on maximizing our customers’ sales and profits. As of June 30, 2005, approximately one third of our workforce was dedicated to sales and marketing and to directly serving our customers’ merchandising needs. Our sales personnel focus on growing customer profitability, selling marketing programs and obtaining new business. We also have national sales representatives with cross-divisional territorial responsibility that target large chain customers.

 

Our sales representatives accept and process orders, review account balances and assist with current and new product information. They are responsible for ensuring that customers have an adequate supply of product in their stores and that our customers’ orders are promptly and efficiently processed. Our sales representatives report to our distribution center management teams.

 

Our merchandisers, working in coordination with our sales representatives, assist in maximizing the amount of product on our customers’ shelves given the limited space available. They oversee marketing programs and identify incremental sales opportunities to be implemented. They are also trained to organize our customer’s stores to maximize our customer’s sales through SmartSet , our category management program. Our product specialists and category managers provide the merchandisers, along with the sales representatives, information on merchandising strategies relating to our products, promotions and programs.

 

We have designed and developed several merchandising programs to meet our customers’ needs and increase our customers’ sales and profits, including the following:

 

    Arcadia Bay ® .    A premium branding and sales program providing packaging, equipment and Sara Lee ® Arabaca coffee products.

 

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    Boondoggles ® .    A proprietary fast food program serving such items as deli sandwiches, wraps, fried chicken, pizza and bakery items.

 

    Candy Endcap .    A racked sales program focused on best selling candy, gum and mints which is strategically located for impulse sales.

 

    Cooler Door .    A retailer beverage program that fills cooler space with top brand-name products and new items.

 

    Promo Power .    A monthly offering of multiple promotional items including new items and special prices.

 

    SmartSet .    A program which offers custom designed product displays including such categories as frozen food, bag candy and deli products.

 

    SmartStock ® .    A sales program which designs builds and actively manages product displays by categories.

 

    Spacevues .    A software program which designs product placement to maximize use of space.

 

Information Technology Service

 

Our information technology group provides various advisory services such as information technology strategic planning, development, store automation, and evaluation, selection, integration and training support. In 2002, we launched eBusiness Exchange. eBusiness Exchange is an internet based application that provides a number of generic applications and certain customized applications that can be tailored for specific customers. eBusiness Exchange permits our customers to track the products that they have purchased from us over the prior two years. Providing our customers’ access to their purchasing history permits them to leverage their purchasing history in order to make real time purchasing decisions intelligently.

 

Sales, Products and Suppliers

 

The following table summarizes our cigarette and other product sales over the past five years as a percent of our net sales:

 

     2004 (1)

    2003 (1)

    2002 (1)

    2001 (1)

    2000 (1)

 

Cigarettes

                                        

Net sales (in millions)

   $ 3,048.2     $ 3,049.8     $ 3,368.4     $ 2,473.1     $ 2,174.7  

Gross Profit (in millions) (2)(3)

   $ 87.3     $ 106.7     $ 129.3     $ 82.6     $ 71.3  

% of Total Sales

     72 %             71 %     72 %     72 %     72 %

% of Gross Profit

     36 %     40 %     42 %     39 %     37 %
    


 


 


 


 


All other products

                                        

Net sales (in millions)

   $ 1,174.2     $ 1,274.5     $ 1,293.7     $ 951.9     $ 860.7  

% of Total Sales

     28 %     29 %     28 %     28 %     28 %

% of Gross Profit

     64 %     60 %     58 %     61 %     63 %
    


 


 


 


 


Total Net Sales (in millions)

   $ 4,222.4     $ 4,324.3     $ 4,662.1     $ 3,425.0     $ 3,035.4  
    


 


 


 


 


Gross Profit (in millions)

   $ 240.2     $ 269.4     $ 308.3     $ 213.8     $ 195.1  

(1) The years 2004, 2003 and 2002 include the results of the Atlanta, Georgia, Leitchfield, Kentucky and Minneapolis, Minnesota convenience distribution centers previously operated by Fleming. The data for 2000 and 2001, during which time we did not operate these distribution centers, is not available. The information provided for the periods prior to August 23, 2004 relates to the Predecessor Company, while the information after August 23, 2004 is that of the Successor Company. We have combined the Predecessor Company and Successor Company periods in 2004 for convenience of discussion (See Selected Financial Information contained in this registration statement for further discussion). (See Note 3—Fresh-Start Accounting to the consolidated financial statements).

 

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(2) Includes (i) cigarette inventory holding profits related to manufacturer price increases and increases in excise taxes and (ii) LIFO effects.
(3) Includes private label merchandising proceeds in 2000-2003 (See Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations within this registration statement for further discussion).

 

Cigarette Products .    We purchase cigarette products from all the major U.S. and Canadian manufacturers. With cigarettes accounting for over 72% of our net sales revenue in 2004, we control major purchases of cigarettes centrally in order to minimize routine inventory levels and to maximize cigarette purchasing opportunities. The daily replenishment of inventory and brand selection is controlled by our distribution centers.

 

Although U.S. cigarette consumption has declined since 1980, we have benefited from a shift in sales to the convenience store segment. According to the 2005 NACS State of the Industry Report, the convenience store portion of aggregate U.S. cigarette sales increased from approximately 38% in 1993 to 62% in 2004. Total cigarette consumption also declined in Canada as illustrated by consumption statistics available for the years 1995 through 2004.

 

The following table illustrates U.S. cigarette consumption since 1950 and Canadian cigarette consumption since 1995.

 

     Total U.S. Consumption (1)    Total Canadian Consumption (2)

Year


   (in billions of cigarettes)

   (in billions of cigarettes)

1950

   375.8    —  

1960

   484.4    —  

1970

   536.4    —  

1980

   631.5    —  

1990

   525.0    —  

1995

   487.0    45.4

2000

   430.0    42.8

2001

   425.0    41.2

2002

   415.0    36.1

2003

   400.0    33.7

2004

   390.0    32.3

(1) Source: USDA Economic Research Service: Tobacco Situation and Outlook Yearbook (December 2004).
(2) Source: Canadian Tobacco Manufacturers Council—Report 1995 to 2004 (December 2004).

 

We have no long-term cigarette purchase agreements and buy substantially all of our products on an as needed basis. Cigarette manufacturers historically have offered structured incentive programs to wholesalers based on maintaining market share and executing promotional programs. These programs have been significantly decreased by several major manufacturers, including Philip Morris and R.J. Reynolds, and are subject to change by the manufacturer without notice.

 

In order to limit our potential tobacco related liabilities, we do not purchase cigarettes from non-MSA manufacturers for sale in MSA states. The benefits of the MSA do not apply to sales of cigarettes manufactured by non-MSA manufacturers. In November 1998, the major United States tobacco product manufacturers entered into the MSA with 46 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the United States Virgin Islands, American Samoa and the Northern Marianas to settle asserted and unasserted health care cost recovery and other claims. The MSA and other state settlement agreements settled all health-care cost recovery actions brought by, or on behalf of, the settling jurisdictions; released the major U.S. cigarette manufacturers from various additional present and potential future claims; imposed a stream of future payment obligations on major U.S. cigarette manufacturers; and placed significant restrictions on their ability to market and sell cigarettes. As a result of purchasing cigarettes for sale in MSA states exclusively from manufacturers that are parties to the MSA, we are adversely impacted by increases in competitive promotional spending and deep-discount brand growth. Deep-discount brands are brands manufactured by companies that are not original participants to the MSA, and

 

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accordingly, do not have cost structures burdened with MSA-related payments to the same extent as the original participating manufacturers. As a result, the premium, or full, price tier of cigarettes has been negatively impacted by widening price gaps in the prices between those brands and the deep-discount brands for the past several years.

 

Excise taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products are imposed by the various states, localities and provinces and are a significant component of our cost of sales. During 2004, we paid approximately $972 million of excise taxes in the U.S. and Canada. As of January 1, 2005, state cigarette excise taxes in the U.S. jurisdictions we serve ranged from 3 cents per pack of 20 cigarettes in Kentucky to $2.00 per pack of 20 cigarettes in Michigan. In the Canadian jurisdictions we serve, provincial excise taxes ranged from C$1.665 per pack of 20 cigarettes in Ontario to C$4.20 per pack of 20 cigarettes in the Northwest Territories.

 

Food and Non-Food Products . The food product category includes candy, snacks, fast food, grocery and non-alcoholic beverages. The non-food product category includes general merchandise, health and beauty care products and tobacco products other than cigarettes. Food and non-food product categories account for nearly 28% of our sales but approximately 64% of our gross profit. We structure our marketing and merchandising programs around these higher margin products.

 

Our Suppliers . We purchase products for resale from approximately 3,500 trade suppliers and manufacturers located across the United States and Canada. In 2004, we purchased approximately 66% of our products from our top 20 suppliers, with our top two suppliers, Philip Morris and R.J. Reynolds, representing approximately 25% and 16% of our purchases, respectively. We coordinate our purchasing from suppliers by negotiating, on a corporate-wide basis, special arrangements to obtain volume discounts, additional allowances and rebates, while also taking advantage of promotional and advertising allowances offered to us as a wholesale distributor. In addition, buyers in each of our distribution facilities purchase products, particularly food, directly from the manufacturers, improving product availability for individual markets and reducing our inventory investment.

 

We have historically operated without purchase contracts with our major vendors, instead relying on relationships based on industry trade practices. Immediately following the Fleming bankruptcy, the trade credit terms that we had been enjoying were substantially reduced or eliminated by our vendors. We have restored credit terms with nearly all of our vendors, but some of these credit terms are less favorable than those provided to us prior to Fleming’s bankruptcy due in part to changes in industry credit terms.

 

Operations

 

We operate a total of 24 distribution centers. We have operations in the Western United States consisting of 15 distribution centers located in California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Washington; the Southeastern and Midwestern United States consisting of three distribution centers located in Georgia, Kentucky and Minnesota; and Canada consisting of four distribution centers located in Alberta, British Columbia and Manitoba. Two of our 24 distribution centers, Artic Cascade and Allied Merchandising Industry, are consolidating warehouses which buy products from our suppliers in bulk quantities and then distribute the products to our other Western distribution centers. By using Artic Cascade, located in Sacramento, California, to obtain products at lower cost from frozen product vendors, we are able to offer a broader selection of quality products to retailers at more competitive prices. Allied Merchandising Industry purchases the majority of our non-food products, other than cigarettes, for our Western distribution centers enabling us to reduce our overall general merchandise and health and beauty care product inventory. Two of the facilities that we operate are in our role as a third party logistics provider. One distribution facility located in Phoenix, Arizona, referred to as the ADC, is dedicated solely to supporting the logistics and management requirements of one of our major customers, Circle K. In April 2005, we began operating a second third party logistics distribution facility located in San Antonio, Texas, referred to as the Valero Retail Distribution Facility, or RDC, which is dedicated solely to supporting Valero.

 

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Map of Operations

 

LOGO

 

We purchase a variety of brand name and private label products, totaling approximately 38,000 SKUs, including approximately 2,500 SKUs of cigarette and other tobacco products, from our suppliers and manufacturers. We offer customers a variety of food and non-food products, including candy, snacks, fast food, groceries, non-alcoholic beverages, general merchandise and health and beauty care products.

 

A typical convenience store order is comprised of a mix of dry, frozen and chilled products. In 2004, receivers, stockers, order selectors, stampers, forklift drivers and loaders received, stored and picked nearly 300 million items (a carton of 10 packs of cigarettes is one item) or 43 million cubic feet of product, while limiting the order-item error rate to about two errors per thousand items shipped.

 

Distribution Center Management System .    We have developed a proprietary distribution center management system, or DCMS, which integrates billing, accounts payable, inventory management and other applications specific to our business. Our DCMS permits us to predetermine the staffing needs to balance all pick lines; monitor the real-time status of all order selectors and pick lines; and track productivity performance for each order selector. We currently have three data centers and approximately 39 information technology, or IT, professionals. We use DCMS to process order entry, generate electronic customer pick lists for the warehouse, control inventory, schedule customer deliveries, generate purchase orders and customer invoices, process payment to suppliers, process cash collections on accounts receivable, and maintain our accounting records. We have redundancy among our three data centers and all information contained in our data centers is backed-up three times per day. We also contract with a third party to back up the information in our data centers. Our redundancy and information back-up procedures ensure that we will be able to continue to service our customers in the event of a disruption at one of our data centers. A primary responsibility of our IT professionals is to integrate our customers onto our IT platform.

 

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Each day, each distribution center receives several hundred orders, primarily through hand held computer devices known as Telxon units or Electronic Data Interchange, or EDI, technology.

 

    Telxon Units .    Telxon units are handheld order entry devices that are provided to each participating store location. Orders can be scanned or keyed in by the Core-Mark item number or Universal Product Code and then transmitted via modem to our order collection system.

 

    Electronic Data Interchange .    EDI allows the customer to electronically transmit orders and other customer requests eliminating all paperwork. Transaction types using EDI technology include purchase order, invoice, payment notification, price change notification, price and sales catalogue and functional acknowledgement. We also use EDI with many major suppliers and currently have over 200 standard EDI trading partners. EDI technology has allowed us to support and integrate computer assisted ordering with our customers and continuous product replenishment programs with our suppliers.

 

We also use the following automated ordering systems:

 

    Computer Assisted Ordering (CAO) .    We are connected to certain customers with automated store-to-warehouse ordering capability. Optical barcode scanners enable our customers to track sales and inventory levels, and, using this data generate a recommended order. After a review by the store manager, the order is automatically transmitted to us for processing.

 

    Continuous Replenishment Program (CRP) .    We are connected with several major suppliers which enables automated product replenishment purchasing. CRP has lowered inventory stored in our distribution centers and increased product fulfillment rates for our customers.

 

Fulfillment / Picking .    Product picking (the selection of ordered products from the warehouse storage slots, known as the pick line or flow rack) affects order fulfillment rates, delivery time and labor costs. The various items needed to fulfill a customer’s order are collected, batched together and loaded onto trucks to correspond with the delivery of our customers’ orders. Pick line product replenishment is accomplished using the following technology driven restocking techniques individualized to the requirements of the product category:

 

    Batch Order Selection System (BOSS) .    We have converted most of our distribution facilities to a batch order selection system, which permits more efficient handling of full cases of products. Approximately 54% of our products are shipped in full case form. The basic concept of BOSS is that productivity and cost savings can be achieved by picking multiple orders simultaneously instead of picking one order at a time. In addition to significant labor savings, the investment in material handling equipment is reduced.

 

    Planned Item Retrieval (PIR) .    PIR, a storage system, increases utilization and decreases warehouse travel time at the majority of our distribution centers. Usually coupled with a BOSS installation, PIR uses reduced width aisles to create high density storage. The system is designed for selection at all levels, floor to ceiling, enabling slower moving product to be stored in a fraction of the floor space. The slower moving items are stored in the PIR, pre-picked, and merged with faster moving product using BOSS systems and procedures.

 

    Pick-To-Light .    We have installed Pick-to-Light systems to assist with orders placed in less than full-case quantities. The order selector can pick an order by traveling down the face of a flow rack shelving unit and responding to a computer-driven system of lights and displays. The system directs the order selector’s activities on the line and starts each order at the appropriate location helping to eliminate unproductive travel time and distance.

 

We use additional systems and programs to improve the accuracy and efficiency of receiving products and picking orders. This includes a radio frequency system for product receiving and movement that improves accuracy and efficiency through paperless, real-time inventory movement and control. Wireless hand-held computer terminal devices carried by warehouse employees provide interactive sessions to the host computer. This allows for instantaneous updates to the inventory file as the employee moves through the warehouse. When

 

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items are received in a warehouse, the receiving clerk enters the purchase order number and each item on the purchase order is displayed on the handheld terminal advice. When all items have been scanned and counted, the hand-held device automatically determines whether there are any discrepancies. We also employ an on-line verification system which tracks the containers (called totes) in which customer product is packed. This improves the accuracy of our inventory tracking and reduces overall labor costs.

 

Distribution

 

At June 30, 2005, we had approximately 690 transportation department personnel, including delivery drivers, shuttle drivers, routers, training supervisors and managers who focus on achieving safe, on-time deliveries. Our daily orders are picked and loaded nightly in reverse order of scheduled delivery. At June 30, 2005, our trucking system consisted of approximately 390 tractors, trucks and vans, of which nearly all were leased. Fuel consumption for the six months ended June 30, 2005 totaled approximately $4.1 million. Our trailers are typically owned by us and have refrigerated compartments that allow us to deliver frozen and chilled products alongside non-refrigerated goods.

 

We employ a computerized truck routing system that automatically determines a route for the truck to accommodate the delivery times requested by the customer. The system automatically determines the stop order sequence of the truck using the specific geography, mapping of the area and required customer delivery windows, while minimizing the miles driven and the required labor time.

 

We have invested in various security and productivity systems which enable us to track the location of our trucks on a computer screen on a real-time basis. These systems provide a number of benefits, including automatic generation of the driver logs mandated by the Department of Transportation, recording certain metrics of a truck during motion for accident investigation, tracking the driver’s performance in driving the vehicle, tracking excessive idle time for fuel cost reduction and monitoring speed for safety.

 

Competition

 

We believe that there are over 400 traditional convenience wholesalers in the United States. We compete directly with a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., McLane Company, Inc., the largest distributor of tobacco products in the United States. We also compete with regional distributors, such as The H.T. Hackney Company in the Southeast, Eby-Brown Company in the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, GSC Enterprises, Inc. in Texas and surrounding states, and Wallace and Carey, Inc. in Canada, as well as hundreds of local distributors serving small regional chains and independents. In addition, we also compete with manufacturers who deliver their products directly to convenience stores, such as Coca-Cola bottlers, Frito Lay and Interstate Bakeries.

 

Competition within the industry is primarily based on service, price and variety of products offered, schedules and reliability of deliveries, and the range and quality of the services provided. We operate from a perspective that focuses heavily on providing competitive pricing as well as outstanding customer service as evidenced by our decentralized distribution centers, order fulfillment rates, on time deliveries and merchandising support. At least one of our major competitors operates on a logistics model that concentrates on competitive pricing, using large distribution centers and providing competitive order fulfillment rates. This logistics model, however, could result in uncertain delivery times and leaves the customer to perform all of the merchandising functions. Many of our small competitors focus on customer service from small distribution facilities and concentrate on long-standing customer relationships. We believe that our unique combination of price and service is a compelling combination that is highly attractive to customers and results in our increasing growth.

 

Since the tobacco industry’s master settlement agreement, or MSA, was signed in November 1998, we have experienced increased wholesale competition for cigarette sales. Competition amongst cigarette wholesalers is primarily on the basis of service, price and variety. Competition among manufacturers for cigarette sales is primarily based on brand positioning, price, product attributes, consumer loyalty, promotions, advertising and

 

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retail presence. Cigarette brands produced by the major tobacco product manufacturers generally require competitive pricing, substantial marketing support, retail programs and other financial incentives to maintain or improve a brand’s market position. Increased selling prices and higher cigarette taxes have resulted in the growth of deep-discount brands. Deep-discount brands are brands manufactured by companies that are not original participants to the MSA, and accordingly, do not have cost structures burdened with MSA-related payments to the same extent as the original participating manufacturers. Historically, major tobacco product manufacturers have had a competitive advantage in the United States because significant cigarette marketing restrictions and the scale of investment required to compete made gaining consumer awareness and trial of new brands difficult. However, since the MSA was signed in November 1998, the category of deep-discount brands manufactured by smaller manufacturers or supplied by importers has grown substantially.

 

As a result of purchasing cigarettes for sale in MSA states exclusively from manufacturers that are parties to the MSA, we are adversely impacted by increases in deep-discount brand growth. We believe that non-MSA manufacturers that sell deep-discount brands have steadily increased their combined market share of cigarette sales. The premium and discount cigarettes subject to the MSA that we sell have been negatively impacted by widening price gaps in the prices between those brands and the deep-discount brands for the past several years. As a result, our operations may be negatively impacted as sales of premium cigarettes and other tobacco products that we sell decline. Non-MSA cigarettes sold in MSA states also may be subject to additional legal liabilities.

 

We also face competition due to the diversion into the United States market of cigarettes intended for sale outside the United States, the sale of counterfeit cigarettes by third parties, the sale of cigarettes in non-taxable jurisdictions, inter-state and international smuggling of cigarettes, the sale of cigarettes by third parties over the Internet and by other means designed to avoid collection of applicable taxes and increased imports of foreign low priced brands. The competitive environment has been characterized by a continued influx of cheap products, and higher prices due to higher state excise taxes and list price increases for cigarettes manufactures by parties to the MSA. As a result, the lowest priced products of manufacturers of numerous small share brands manufactured by companies that are not parties to the MSA have increased their market share, putting pressure on the profitability of the premium cigarettes that we sell.

 

Seasonality

 

Our quarterly operating results are affected by seasonality due to the nature of our customers’ business. Specifically, we typically generate higher revenues and gross profits during the warm weather months (May through August) than in other times throughout the year. While each period may have many elements that affect sales, the seasonal trends are illustrated by the following table:

 

     % of Full Year Sales by Quarter

     March 31

   June 30

   September 30

   December 31

2004

   22.9    25.3    26.7    25.1

2003

   25.4    26.3    25.4    22.9

2002

   21.6    24.9    29.1    24.4

2001

   22.0    25.7    26.4    25.9

2000

   23.8    25.4    25.8    25.0

1999

   22.2    24.9    26.8    26.1

1998

   22.7    24.6    26.6    26.1

1998 – 2004 average sales

   22.9    25.3    26.7    25.1

1998 – 2002 average sales (1)

   22.5    25.1    26.9    25.5

(1) 2003 and 2004 were excluded as the Fleming bankruptcy had an adverse impact on sales and is not representative of our seasonal activity.

 

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Working Capital Practices

 

We sell products on credit terms to our customers that averaged, as measured by days sales outstanding, about 11 days for 2004 and about 10 days for the six months ended June 30, 2005. Credit terms may impact pricing and are competitive within our industry. An increasing number of our customers remit payment electronically which reduces the labor involved in processing payments. Canadian days sales outstanding in receivables tend to be lower as Canadian industry practice is for shorter credit terms than those in the United States.

 

We maintain our inventory of products based on the level of sales of the particular product and manufacturer replenishment cycles. The number of days a particular item of inventory remains in our distribution centers varies by product and is principally driven by the turnover of that product and economic order quantities. We typically order additional amounts of certain critical products to assure high order fulfillment levels. During 2004, the number of days of cost of sales in inventory averaged about 13 days and during the six months ended June 30, 2005 it averaged approximately 14 days. During the six months ended June 30, 2005, the higher levels were caused in part due to the start up of sales to three new large customers.

 

We obtain terms from our vendors within industry terms and consistent with our credit standing. Vendor terms vary depending on individual vendor policies and also may vary between product categories. We take advantage of the full complement of vendor offerings including early payment terms. During 2004 and for the six months ended June 30, 2005, days purchases outstanding averaged approximately 8 days, with a range of two days prepaid to 30 days credit and was significantly affected by the cigarette industry where the leading vendors provide incentives for prepayment. This average includes the impact of tobacco taxes payable.

 

The days outstanding averages presented in this Working Capital Practices section are calculated using month-end averages.

 

Employees

 

As of June 30, 2005, we had approximately 3,650 employees. Four of our distribution centers, Hayward, Las Vegas, Victoria and Calgary, employ people who are covered by collective bargaining agreements with local affiliates of The International Brotherhood of Teamsters (Hayward and Las Vegas), United Food and Commercial Workers (Calgary) and United Steelworkers of America (Victoria). Approximately 230 employees, or approximately 6%, of our workforce are unionized. There have been no disruptions in customer service, strikes, work stoppages or slowdowns as a result of union activities, and we believe we have satisfactory relations with our employees.

 

Facilities

 

Our headquarters are located in South San Francisco, California, and we operate distribution centers throughout the United States and Canada. We have operations in the Western United States consisting of 15 distribution centers located in California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Washington; the Eastern and Midwestern United States consisting of three distribution centers located in Georgia, Kentucky and Minnesota; and Canada consisting of four distribution centers located in Alberta, British Columbia and Manitoba. Two of our 24 distribution centers, Artic Cascade and Allied Merchandising Industry, are consolidating warehouses which buy products from our suppliers in bulk quantities and then distribute the products to our other Western distribution centers. By using Artic Cascade, located in Sacramento, California, to obtain products at lower cost from frozen product vendors, we are able to offer a broader selection of quality products to retailers at more competitive prices. Allied Merchandising Industry, located in Corona, California, purchases the majority of our non-food products, other than cigarettes, for our Western distribution centers enabling us to reduce our overall general merchandise and health and beauty care product inventory. Each facility is equipped for receiving, stocking, order selection and loading customer orders on trucks for delivery. Each

 

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facility provides warehouse, distribution, sales and support functions for its geographic area under the supervision of a division president and operates under a common set of performance metrics.

 

We also operate as a third party logistics provider at two additional distribution facilities. One distribution facility located in Phoenix, Arizona, referred to as the Arizona Distribution Center, or the ADC, is dedicated solely to supporting the logistics and management requirements of one of our major customers, Circle K. In April 2005, we began operating a second third party logistics distribution facility, located in San Antonio, Texas, referred to as the Valero Retail Distribution Center, or RDC, which is dedicated solely to supporting Valero.

 

Regulation

 

As a distributor of food products, we are subject to the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and regulations promulgated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA. The FDA regulates the holding requirements for foods through its current good manufacturing practice regulations, specifies the standards of identity for certain foods and prescribes the format and content of certain information required to appear on food product labels. A limited number of the over-the-counter medications that we distribute are subject to the regulations of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The products we distribute are also subject to federal, state and local regulation through such measures as the licensing of our facilities, enforcement by state and local health agencies of state and local standards for the products we distribute and regulation of the our trade practices in connection with the sale of our products. Our facilities are inspected periodically by federal, state and local authorities including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration under the U.S. Department of Labor which require us to comply with certain health and safety standards to protect our employees.

 

We are also subject to regulation by numerous other federal, state and local regulatory agencies, including but not limited to the U.S. Department of Labor, which sets employment practice standards for workers, and the U.S. Department of Transportation, which regulates transportation of perishable goods, and similar state and local agencies. Compliance with these laws has not had and is not anticipated to have a material effect on our results of operations.

 

We voluntarily participate in random quality inspections conducted by the American Institute of Baking, or AIB. The AIB publishes standards as a tool to permit operators of distribution centers to evaluate the food safety risks within their operations and determine the levels of compliance with the standards. AIB conducts an inspection which is composed of food safety and quality criteria. AIB conducts its inspections based on five categories, adequacy of the company’s food safety program, pest control, operational methods and personnel practices, maintenance of food safety and cleaning practices. Within these five categories, the AIB evaluates over 100 criteria items. AIB’s independent evaluation is summarized and posted on its website for our customer’s review. In 2004, nearly 90% of our distribution centers received the highest rating from the AIB and the remaining distribution centers received the second highest rating.

 

Registered Trademarks

 

We have registered trademarks including the following: Arcadia Bay ® , Arcadia Bay Coffee Company ® , Boonaritos , Boondoggles ® , Cable Car ® , Core-Mark ® , Core-Mark International ® , EMERALD ® , Feastona ® , Java Street ® , and SmartStock ® .

 

Segment and Geographic Information

 

We operate in two reportable segments—the United States and Canada. See Note 17—Segment and Geographic Information to our audited financial statements and Note 10—Segment and Geographic Information to our unaudited interim financial statements for segment and geographic information.

 

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Available Information

 

Core-Mark will be a reporting registrant under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, on the effective date of this Registration Statement. Our corporate headquarters are located at 395 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 415, South San Francisco, California 94080. The telephone number of our corporate headquarters is (650) 589-9445. Our website address is http://www.core-mark.com. The information included on our website is not included as a part of, or incorporated by reference into, this registration statement.

 

We will make available through our website our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after we have filed or furnished such material to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

You may read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and formation statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.

 

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ITEM 2. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

The information in the Selected Financial Data table below reflects the Successor Company and Predecessor Company (as defined below) results of operations and financial condition of the following entities:

 

Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc., or Core-Mark, is the ultimate parent holding company for all of our operations, including Core-Mark International, Inc., or CMI, Head Distributing Company, Inc., or Head Distributing, Minter Weisman Company, or Minter Weisman, and a convenience distribution center located in Leitchfield, Kentucky. References to the Eastern Distribution Centers refer to Head Distributing, Minter Weisman and the Leitchfield, Kentucky distribution center.

 

On April 1, 2003 Fleming Companies, Inc. (Fleming), including its subsidiaries, filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. On July 27, 2004, the bankruptcy court confirmed Fleming’s Plan of Reorganization, or the Plan. The Plan provided for the reorganization of the debtors around CMI and its subsidiaries, including the Eastern Distribution Centers, as indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of Core-Mark. On August 23, 2004 (Effective Date) the Plan was declared effective by the bankruptcy court and the Company emerged from the Fleming bankruptcy. In connection with the emergence from bankruptcy, Core-Mark implemented American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Statement of Position 90-7 (SOP 90-7) Financial Reporting by Entities in Reorganization Under the Bankruptcy Code . All financial information prior to August 23, 2004 is identified as relating to the Predecessor Company. All financial information after August 22, 2004 relates to the Successor Company (See Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 3—Fresh-Start Accounting to the consolidated financial statements ).

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The following financial information for periods prior to August 23, 2004 relates to the Predecessor Company and financial information for periods after August 23, 2004 relates to the Successor Company.

 

The selected consolidated financial data of the Successor Company for the six months ended June 30, 2005 and for the period August 23, 2004 through December 31, 2004, and of the Predecessor Company for the periods January 1, 2004 through August 22, 2004 and for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 as described below, reflect the consolidated results of operations, financial position, and cash flows of Core-Mark, CMI and the Eastern Distribution Centers. However, the consolidated financial statements reflect the results of operations of Head only following its acquisition in April of 2002. The selected consolidated financial data of the Successor Company for the unaudited six months ended June 30, 2005 and of the Predecessor Company for June 30, 2004 are derived from Core-Mark’s unaudited interim consolidated financial statements included in this registration statement.

 

The selected consolidated financial data for the periods from August 23, 2004 through December 31, 2004, January 1, 2004 through August 22, 2004 and for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 are derived from Core-Mark’s audited consolidated financial statements included in this registration statement. The balance sheet data as of December 31, 2002 are derived from audited consolidated financial statements that are not included in this registration statement.

 

The selected consolidated financial data for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements not included in this registration statement and exclude the Eastern Distribution Centers, which are included in our results of operations only for periods commencing on or after January 1, 2002.

 

 

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The following financial data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, and with Item 2(b), Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

 

    Successor
Company


    Predecessor
Company


  Successor
Company


    Predecessor Company

    Six Months
Ended
June 30,
2005
    Six Months
Ended
June 30,
2004
  Period from
August 23
through
December 31,
    Period from
January 1
through
August 22,
    Year Ended December 31,

(in millions except per share amounts)   (unaudited)

    (unaudited)

  2004

    2004

    2003

    2002

    2001(a)

  2000(a)

Statement of Operations Data:

                                                         

Net sales(a)

  $ 2,347.9        $ 2,036.3   $ 1,549.3        $ 2,673.1     $ 4,324.3     $ 4,662.1     $ 3,425.0   $ 3,035.4

Gross profit(b)

    135.9       114.2     90.4       149.8       269.4       308.3       213.9     195.1

Warehousing and distribution expenses

    65.4       59.1     42.6       78.7       130.2       131.8       92.6     84.3

Selling, general and administrative expenses

    53.0       47.4     35.1       59.3       98.3       93.2       77.9     73.5

Goodwill and other long-lived asset impairment(c)

    —         —       —         —         291.4       —         —       —  

Income (loss) from operations

    17.0       7.7     12.3       11.8       (252.2 )     79.8       44.2     34.9

Interest expense, net(d)

    6.2       3.8     4.8       4.4       5.4       8.2       11.1     12.9

Reorganization items, net(e)

    —         1.7     0.8       (70.0 )     7.3       —         —       —  

Income (loss) from continuing operations

    5.8       1.4     3.4       50.7       (265.2 )     39.5       17.5     11.1

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

    —         —       —         —         (2.8 )     0.3       —       —  

Net income (loss)

    5.8       1.4     3.4       50.7       (268.0 )     39.8       17.5     11.1

Per Share Data(f):

                                                         

Basic income (loss) per common share:

                                                         

Continuing operations

  $ 0.59     $ 0.14   $ 0.35     $ 5.17     $ (27.06 )   $ 4.03     $ 1.79   $ 1.13

Discontinued operations

    —         —       —         —       $ (0.29 )   $ 0.03       —       —  

Net income (loss)

  $ 0.59     $ 0.14   $ 0.35     $ 5.17     $ (27.35 )   $ 4.06     $ 1.79   $ 1.13

Diluted income (loss) per common share:

                                                         

Continuing operations

  $ 0.56     $ 0.14   $ 0.35     $ 5.17     $ (27.06 )   $ 4.03     $ 1.79   $ 1.13

Discontinued operations

    —         —       —         —       $ (0.29 )   $ 0.03       —       —  

Net income (loss)

  $ 0.56     $ 0.14   $ 0.35     $ 5.17     $ (27.35 )   $ 4.06     $ 1.79   $ 1.13

Shares used to compute net income (loss) per share:

                                                         

Basic

    9.8       9.8     9.8       9.8       9.8       9.8       9.8     9.8

Diluted

    10.4       9.8     9.8       9.8       9.8       9.8       9.8     9.8

Other Financial Data:

                                                         

Excise taxes(g)

    547.3       464.6     355.0       616.5       897.0       780.7       626.5     597.5

Cigarette inventory holding profits(h)

    5.1       0.2     1.1       0.2       7.2       9.8       5.8     4.8

LIFO expense (income)(b)

    3.2       2.1     1.8       2.7       (2.1 )     (16.7 )     5.6     6.3

Depreciation and amortization(i)

    7.2       5.6     4.7       7.0       9.9       12.2       9.7     8.9

Stock-based compensation

    2.0       —       0.9       —         —         —         —       —  

Capital expenditures

    3.4       4.7     5.7       6.4       8.4       5.5       7.9     7.6
   
    As of
June 30,
2005


    As of
June 30,
2004


  As of
December 31,
2004


    As of
August 22,
2004


    As of December 31, 2004

          2003

    2002

    2001(a)

  2000(a)

Balance Sheet Data

                                                         

Total assets

  $ 521.4     $ 498.3   $ 503.6     $ 517.2     $ 513.8     $ 773.4     $ 390.1   $ 374.9

Total debt, including current maturities(d)

    77.1       —       77.5       118.7       —         —         163.5     186.6

(a) The data for the years and periods ended December 31, 2001 and 2000 exclude the Eastern Distribution Centers. Net sales of the Eastern Distribution Centers were $209.0 million and $364.7 million for the periods from August 23, 2004 to December 31, 2004 and from January 1, 2004 to August 22, 2004, respectively, and $766.7 million and $1,072.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
(b) During the year ended December 31, 2002, Core-Mark recognized last-in first-out (LIFO) income of $16.7 million, primarily due to a decline in inventories during the period January 1, 2002 to June 17, 2002, when CMI was acquired by Fleming. For more information on the impact of the LIFO inventory valuation method see Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

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(c) Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets in 2003 was the result of the Fleming bankruptcy.
(d) Interest expense, net includes interest expense, net of interest income. At December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002, Core-Mark was operating as a subsidiary of Fleming and did not have debt. Interest expense for the period from June 17, 2002, when Core-Mark was acquired by Fleming to August 22, 2004 was imputed as required under SAB Topic 1.B (See Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the consolidated financial statements).
(e) Reorganization items, net: in 2003 consists of bankruptcy related costs including bankruptcy professional fees and provisions for uncollectible balances related to disputes with vendors arising out of bankruptcy; for the period from January 1, 2004 through August 22, 2004 consists of fresh-start accounting adjustments, including a $5.8 million adjustment to reflect the fair value of assets and liabilities, a $66.1 million net gain on the discharge of pre-petition debt, and other bankruptcy related costs including professional fees of $1.6 million; and for the period from August 23 to December 31, 2004 includes primarily bankruptcy related professional fees.
(f) For the Predecessor Company, basic net income (loss) per share and diluted net income (loss) per share have been computed by dividing net income (loss) for the period by the 9,800,000 shares of Core-Mark common stock outstanding after emergence from bankruptcy.
(g) State and provincial cigarette and tobacco excise taxes paid by the Company are included in net sales and cost of goods sold.
(h) Cigarette inventory holding profits represent income related to cigarette and excise tax stamp inventories on hand at the time either cigarette manufacturers increase their prices or states increase their excise taxes. This income is recorded as an offset to cost of goods sold and recognized as the inventory is sold. This income is not predictable and is dependent on inventory levels and the timing of manufacturer price increases or state excise tax increases.
(i) Depreciation and amortization includes depreciation on property and equipment, amortization of purchased intangibles and goodwill, and other deferred charges.

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following is a discussion and analysis of Core-Mark’s business, critical accounting policies and its consolidated results of operations and financial condition. Following an introduction and overview is an executive summary providing significant highlights of the operations and business initiatives. The critical accounting policies disclose certain accounting policies that are material to Core-Mark’s results of operations and financial condition for the periods presented. The discussion and analysis of Core-Mark’s results of operations is presented in three comparative sections, 2004 compared with 2003, 2003 compared with 2002, and the unaudited six months ended June 30, 2005 compared with the six months ended June 30, 2004. Disclosures related to seasonality, liquidity and financial condition and contractual obligations and commitments complete management’s discussion and analysis. The information in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis contains certain forward-looking statements, which reflect our current view with respect to future events and financial performance. Any such forward looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results of operations to differ materially from historical results or current expectations. (See Special Note Regarding Forward Looking Statement on page ii and Item 1—Business—Risk Factors beginning on page 5.) This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with Core-Mark’s consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto.

 

Overview

 

Core-Mark is one of the leading wholesale distributors to the convenience store industry in North America, providing sales and marketing, distribution and logistics services to customer locations across the United States and Canada. We operate a network of 24 distribution centers in the United States and Canada, distributing a diverse line of national and private label convenience store products to approximately 20,000 customer locations. The products we distribute include cigarettes, tobacco, candy, snacks, fast food, grocery products, non-alcoholic beverages, general merchandise, and health and beauty care products. We service a variety of store formats including traditional convenience stores, grocery stores, drug stores, mass merchandise stores, liquor stores and other stores that carry convenience products.

 

We derive our net sales primarily from sales to convenience store customers. We deliver products to our customers using delivery vehicles dispatched from our distribution centers. Our gross profit is generated by applying a markup to the cost of the product at the time of the sale and from cost reductions from our vendors in the form of credit term discounts and other vendor programs. Our operating expenses are comprised primarily of: sales personnel costs; warehouse personnel costs related to receiving, stocking, and selecting product for delivery; delivery costs such as delivery personnel, truck leases and fuel; costs relating to the rental and maintenance of our facilities, and other general and administrative costs.

 

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Background

 

Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc. was incorporated on August 20, 2004 as the ultimate parent company for Core-Mark Holdings I, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings II, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings III, Inc., Core-Mark International, Inc., and Core-Mark International’s wholly owned subsidiaries pursuant to a plan of reorganization, the Plan, following a bankruptcy petition as described below.

 

In June 2002, Fleming Companies, Inc., or Fleming, acquired Core-Mark International. After the acquisition, Core-Mark International’s management continued to operate Core-Mark International’s distribution business and began integrating Fleming’s convenience distribution centers into Core-Mark International’s operations.

 

On April 1, 2003 Fleming filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The debtor-in-possession entities comprising Core-Mark were included in the Chapter 11 proceedings as Core-Mark had guaranteed Fleming’s debt. The Plan, which became effective on August 23, 2004, provided for the reorganization of the debtors around Core-Mark. Fleming’s other assets and liabilities were transferred to two special-purpose trusts, and its remaining direct and indirect subsidiaries have been dissolved or are in the process of being dissolved.

 

On August 23, 2004, Core-Mark emerged from the Fleming bankruptcy and reflected the terms of the Plan in its consolidated financial statements, applying the terms of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement of Position 90-7 (SOP 90-7), Financial Reporting by Entities in Reorganization under the Bankruptcy Code with respect to financial reporting upon emergence from bankruptcy (fresh-start accounting).

 

Pursuant to fresh-start accounting rules, a new reporting entity, which we refer to as the Successor Company, was deemed to be created and the recorded amounts of assets and liabilities were adjusted to reflect their estimated fair values at the time of emergence from bankruptcy and are based on management’s assessments which considered independent valuations where applicable. The effective date of Core-Mark’s emergence from bankruptcy was August 23, 2004. All financial information prior to August 23, 2004 is identified as relating to the Predecessor Company. All financial information after August 22, 2004 relates to the Successor Company.

 

In applying fresh-start accounting to our August 23, 2004 consolidated financial statements, adjustments to reflect the fair value of assets and liabilities amounted to $5.8 million in reorganization items, net. The adjustment was primarily attributable to ascribing value to intangible internally developed software of $6.0 million, an adjustment to our deferred rent accrual of $3.8 million, offset by charges for the re-valuation of other balance sheet items totaling $4.0 million, including inventory and accounts receivables. The restructuring of our capital structure and resulting discharge of pre-petition debt resulted in a net gain of $66.1 million. The charge for the revaluation of our assets and liabilities and the net gain on the discharge of pre-petition debt are recorded in reorganization items, net in the consolidated statements of operations (See Note 10—Reorganization Items, Net to the consolidated financial statements).

 

Trust Guarantees .    Pursuant to the Plan, two special purpose trusts were established, the Post-Confirmation Trust, or PCT, and the Reclamation Creditors’ Trust, or RCT, which we refer to collectively as the Trusts (See Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Note 1—Summary Company Information and Emergence from Bankruptcy to the consolidated financial statements) . We guaranteed payment obligations of the Trusts based on certain thresholds, in the event of the Trusts’ inability to pay eligible settlements. FASB Interpretation No. 45 (FIN 45), Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others , requires that an entity issuing a guarantee must recognize, at the inception of the guarantee, a liability equal to the fair value of the guarantee. Based on the estimates provided by the Trusts and our analysis prepared in accordance with FIN 45, we believe that (i) the guaranteed claims of the PCT are substantially below the guarantee threshold, and (ii) the assets of the RCT will be sufficient to satisfy the Trade Lien Vendor (TLV) and Non-Trade Lien Vendor (non-TLV) claims against it. Therefore, no liability is believed

 

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to exist at this time with respect to these guarantees. However, if the assets of either Trust are insufficient to cover the liabilities of such Trust we could be required to satisfy the guarantees.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of our Financial Condition and Results of Operations is based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP. The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of net sales and expenses during the reporting period. The critical accounting polices used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements are those that are important both to the presentation of financial condition and results of operations and require significant judgments with regards to estimates used and are more fully explained in Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our consolidated financial statements. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts, inventories, fresh-start valuations, intangible assets, trust guarantees, vendor allowances, income taxes, and self-insurance obligations. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various assumptions we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. We believe the current assumptions and other considerations used to estimate amounts reflected in our financial statements are appropriate; however, actual results could differ from these estimates.

 

The following is a summary of our most critical policies and estimates.

 

Inventories .    Our U.S. inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost of goods sold is determined on a last-in, first-out (LIFO) basis using producer price indices as published by the U.S. Department of Labor. The producer price indices are applied to inventory which is grouped by merchandise having similar characteristics. Under LIFO, current costs of goods sold are matched against current sales. Historically, increases in the cost of products such as cigarettes and tobacco resulted from cost increases by the manufacturers and increases in federal and state excise taxes. During periods of rising prices, the LIFO method of costing inventories generally results in higher costs being charged against income (LIFO expense), while lower costs are retained in inventories. To the extent inventories or prices decline significantly at the end of any period where there have been increasing prices in previous periods, under LIFO some older and potentially lower priced inventory is considered as having been sold, resulting in a lower cost of goods sold compared to current prices, and increased current gross profit (LIFO income).

 

We provide inventory valuation adjustments for spoiled, aged and unrecoverable inventory based on amounts on hand and historical experience.

 

Vendor Rebates and Allowances .    Periodic payments from vendors in various forms, volume or other purchase discounts are reflected in the carrying value of the related inventory when earned and as cost of goods sold as the related merchandise is sold. Up-front consideration received from vendors linked to purchase or other commitments is initially deferred and amortized ratably to cost of goods sold or as the performance of the activities specified by the vendor to earn the fee is completed. Cooperative advertising rebates, slotting allowances, racking, and other promotional reimbursements from suppliers are recorded as reductions to cost of goods sold in the period the related promotional or merchandising programs were provided. Some of the vendor allowances, rebates and merchandising promotions require that we make assumptions and judgments regarding, for example, the likelihood of achieving market share levels or attaining specified levels of purchases. Vendor rebates and allowances are at the discretion of our vendors and can fluctuate due to changes in vendor strategies and market requirements.

 

Income Taxes .    Income taxes are accounted for under the liability method in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes . Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and

 

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liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when management does not consider it more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized.

 

Prior to emergence from bankruptcy, the Predecessor Company’s financial statements were prepared on a carve-out basis. For financial reporting purposes, the provision for income taxes was computed based on a stand-alone, separate-return basis. However, Core-Mark’s operating results were included in Fleming’s consolidated U.S. income tax return and consolidated, combined or unitary state income tax returns and in tax returns of the Canadian operations. Deferred tax asset and liability accounts were adjusted to their realizable values in connection with fresh-start accounting. Prior to emergence the Company had a valuation allowance of $4.2 million, primarily related to limitations on net operating loss carry-forwards, which was utilized as part of the applicable fresh-start accounting tax adjustments. As of December 31, 2004, the Company had a valuation allowance of $0.7 million related to foreign tax credits, which will expire in 2014.

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities as reflected at August 23, 2004 in connection with the application of fresh-start accounting are based on our best estimate of the tax filing position that is as probable of being accepted by the applicable taxing authorities. We intend to take an alternative position on future tax returns. Based on this alternative tax filing position, we have taken deductions on our current period tax return that may be challenged by the taxing authorities. Although we believe that our tax filing position will more likely than not be sustained in the event of an examination by applicable taxing authorities and we would contest any proposed adjustment vigorously, the outcome of such matters can not be predicted with certainty. As such, we have accrued approximately $1.8 million in other tax liabilities on the accompanying December 31, 2004 consolidated balance sheet for this contingency.

 

Claim Liabilities and Insurance Recoverables .    We maintain reserves related to health and welfare, workers compensation and auto liability programs that are principally self-insured. The reserves include an estimate of expected settlements on pending claims and a provision for claims incurred but not reported. These estimates are based on management’s assessment of potential liability which considered independent actuarial analyses or other acceptable methods using available information with respect to pending claims, historical experience and current cost trends. Claims activity, and resultant requirements, will fluctuate based on incurrence of claims and related health care costs required to satisfy these claims.

 

Pursuant to the Plan, on the Effective Date, we assumed approximately $29.5 million in self-insurance obligations from Fleming related to workers compensation and auto liability programs based on management’s assessment of a third party actuarial valuation. These amounts were recorded in the reorganization adjustments as of August 23, 2004 and are included in accrued liabilities and claims liabilities. (See Note 5—Other Balance Sheet Accounts Detail to the consolidated financial statements).

 

Pension Liabilities .    We maintain a frozen pension plan and post-retirement benefit plan for certain employees and former employees of CMI. Pursuant to the Plan, we maintain three pension plans for certain former-Fleming employees. The Pension costs and other post-retirement benefit costs charged to operations are determined based on management’s assessment, which considered annual valuations by an independent actuary. Included in the actuarial calculation are an assumed return on plan assets based on a weighted-average expected rate of return developed using historical returns for each major class of pension plan assets, and an assumed discount rate which approximates the rate at which benefits could be effectively settled as of the measurement date. To select an appropriate discount rate, we review current yields on Moody’s Aa rate investments. To select an appropriate long-term rate of return on plan assets, management reviews the historical returns and makes adjustments based on expectations of future rates of returns consistent with the duration of the plans.

 

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Adjustments arising from plan amendments, changes in assumptions and experience gains and losses are amortized over the expected average remaining service life of the employee group. (See Note 16—Employee Benefit Plans to the consolidated financial statements).

 

Forward-Looking Trend and Other Information

 

Cigarette Consumption

 

The distribution of cigarettes currently represents a significant portion of our business. For the year ended December 31, 2004, approximately 72% of our revenues came from the distribution of cigarettes. During the same period, approximately 36% of our gross profit was generated from cigarettes.

 

Aggregate U.S. cigarette consumption has been in decline since 1980 and we expect this trend to continue. However, over the last decade our cigarette sales have benefited from a shift in sales to the convenience store segment. As a result of this shift, our cigarette sales have not declined in proportion to the decline in overall consumption. We anticipate that eventually the shift in cigarette carton sales to the convenience store segment will stabilize and cigarette carton sales through convenience stores will start to decline more in line with the overall decline in cigarette consumption.

 

We focus our marketing efforts primarily on growing our non-cigarette product sales. Non-cigarette products typically earn higher profit margins than cigarette sales and our goal is to continue to increase non-cigarette product sales in the future to offset the potential decline in cigarette revenues and gross profit.

 

Excise taxes on cigarettes are a significant component of our net sales and our cost of sales. For the year ended December 31, 2004, approximately 23% of our net sales and 24% of our cost of sales represented excise taxes. We anticipate that as states, localities and provinces impose increasingly higher excise taxes on cigarette sales they will become a larger component of our sales and our cost of sales. Increases in excise taxes result in higher sales prices per carton, but do not typically increase gross profit cents per carton. As a result, we anticipate that increases in excise taxes will tend to offset the effect of any decrease in carton sales on our revenues. However, increases in excise taxes generally would not increase our gross profit dollars, which would generally decline with declines in carton sales.

 

Cigarette Inventory Holding Profits

 

Over the past several years we have earned significant cigarette inventory holding profits. For example, cigarette inventory holding profits for the six months ended June 30, 2005 were $5.1 million, or 3.8% of our gross profit for the period. Cigarette inventory holding profits represent profit related to cigarette and excise tax stamp inventories on hand at the time either cigarette manufacturers increase their prices or states, localities or provinces that allow such inventory holding profits increase their excise taxes. This profit is recorded as an offset to cost of goods sold and is recognized as the inventory is sold. It is difficult to predict whether cigarette holding profits will occur in the future since they are dependent on the actions of cigarette manufacturers and taxing authorities. See Item 2—Financial Information—(a) Selected Financial Information—Selected Consolidated Financial Data where we set forth cigarette holding inventory profits for the periods presented.

 

Impact of Emergence From Bankruptcy in 2004 on Cash Flows From Operating Activities

 

In connection with our emergence from the Fleming bankruptcy on August 23, 2004, our net cash provided by Successor and Predecessor Companies combined operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2004 benefited from an increase in accounts payable of $30.0 million resulting from our successful efforts to secure more favorable trade credit terms with our vendors and a decrease in other receivables of $27.5 million related primarily to collections of vendor receivables that had been stalled during the bankruptcy proceedings. We do not expect that these one-time benefits associated with our emergence from bankruptcy will recur in future periods.

 

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Executive Summary of Results of Operations

 

In June 2002, CMI was acquired by Fleming. After the consummation of the acquisition, Fleming began assigning the responsibility of managing Fleming’s seven convenience distribution centers, which we refer to as the Fleming Distribution Centers, to CMI’s management. The process of converting these distribution centers to CMI’s systems and management was under way by the end of the first quarter of 2003. On April 1, 2003, Fleming filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on behalf of itself and all of its subsidiaries, including CMI, which was a guarantor of Fleming’s senior notes, senior subordinated notes and convertible senior subordinated notes.

 

In the months following the bankruptcy filing, all of the convenience distribution operations were adversely impacted by Fleming’s use of cash flow generated from convenience operations to subsidize other corporate needs. Fleming was unable to make all of its vendor payments and product deliveries including those for the convenience operations. Additionally, as a result of the bankruptcy filing, vendor credit terms and state excise tax terms were reduced or ceased, and cash or deposit payments via wire transfers were required by significant vendors, further straining liquidity. During the early months of bankruptcy, CMI’s ability to fulfill customer orders decreased significantly and ultimately caused a loss of customers, primarily those serviced out of the Fleming Eastern Distribution Centers. The significant customer losses that resulted from Fleming’s inability to satisfy its vendor payment and customer delivery obligations resulted in the closing of four Fleming Distribution Centers. In mid-2003, Fleming determined that the convenience distribution operations were of value, and decided to attempt to preserve them. During mid-2003, sufficient liquidity for our operations was obtained through (i) a reduction of working capital requirements, (ii) the support of customers and vendors, (iii) private label merchandising proceeds, and (iv) insurance proceeds permitting us to keep the remaining distribution centers operating. The estimated impact of the bankruptcy to the net sales of the continuing entities that now comprise Core-Mark was approximately $800 million in lost annualized net sales with approximately $530 million of such lost sales attributable to the Eastern Distribution Centers. We measured the annualized losses by evaluating specific customer losses during the period April 1, 2003 through October 31, 2003 and annualizing the results.

 

We have been successful in normalizing business operations since fall 2003, and we believe customer, vendor, and employee confidence has risen significantly since that time. On August 23, 2004, Core-Mark emerged from bankruptcy as the sole surviving entity of the Fleming group of companies. In connection with the emergence from bankruptcy we were relieved of our pre-petition obligations to the Fleming creditors and our vendors. After our common stock is fully distributed pursuant to the Plan, and assuming all outstanding warrants and options are exercised, Fleming creditors will have been issued approximately 88% of the common stock of Core-Mark, management will have been issued approximately 10% and the Tranche B lenders will have been issued approximately 2%.

 

Pursuant to the Plan, we entered into a three-year agreement with a group of lenders to provide a $250 million revolving credit facility. In addition, we entered into a $60 million five-year term loan consisting of notes or letters of credit. Upon emergence from bankruptcy, we had $118.7 million in long-term debt on our balance sheet. As of December 31, 2004, we had repaid approximately $41 million of this debt, and $77.5 million remained outstanding. As of June 30, 2005 we had repaid a net $0.4 million of this debt and $77.1 million remained outstanding.

 

On October 13, 2005 we entered into a new, five-year $250 million revolving credit facility, the 2005 Credit Facility, that refinanced and replaced the Prior Revolving Credit Facility and the term loan agreement, and repaid all debt and replaced or cash-collateralized all letters of credit outstanding under the prior agreements, and terminated those agreements. As of October 31, 2005, there was $61.1 million in revolving loans outstanding under the 2005 Credit Facility.

 

Since our emergence from the Fleming bankruptcy, our trade accounts payable increased from $35.5 million to $61.2 million at December 31, 2004, reflecting resumption of pre-bankruptcy terms with nearly all vendor credit terms. At June 30, 2005 our trade accounts payable balance was $66.2 million. Due to changes in industry- wide credit terms, we do not expect to return to historical trade accounts payable levels. From a liquidity

 

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Index to Financial Statements

standpoint, with the 2005 Credit Facility, the resumption of trade terms, along with cash generated from operations, we believe that we have the required capital resources to meet our working capital, capital expenditure and other cash needs for at least the next 12 months ( See Liquidity and Capital Resources section below ).

 

Our business is highly competitive and our future success will continue to depend on our ability to deliver high volumes of product efficiently and accurately, making it easy for our customers to do business with us by providing technology, merchandising and sales and marketing services, and helping our customers grow their business in a profitable manner. Growing sales and further improving operational efficiencies in our Eastern Distribution Centers and refinancing our debt to reduce interest costs are two important objectives which will, if accomplished successfully, improve our profitability.

 

Results of Operations

 

Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2004 and 2003

 

For the purposes of the periods presented in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, the results of the Successor Company for the period from August 23, 2004 through December 31, 2004 and the Predecessor Company for the period from January 1, 2004 through August 22, 2004 have been combined for convenience of discussion since separate discussions of the Predecessor and Successor periods would not be meaningful in terms of operating results or comparisons to other periods. We refer to the combined results collectively as Year Ended December 31, 2004 or 2004. Due to fresh-start accounting applied with differing effect to the Predecessor and Successor Company periods, the combined 2004 results should not be taken as indicative of our historical results.

 

The following table sets forth the combined results of operations for the periods August 23, 2004 through December 31, 2004 and January 1, 2004 through August 22, 2004, and compares them to the year ended December 31, 2003. The comparative table is presented solely to complement management’s discussion and analysis of our results of operations.

 

(in millions)   Successor
and
Predecessor
2004
Combined
compared to
Predecessor
2003


    Successor
and
Predecessor
Combined
year ended
December 31,
2004


   

Combined
2004

% of Net
Sales


    Successor
Period from
August 23,
through
December 31,
2004


    Predecessor
Period from
January 1
through
August 22,
2004


    Predecessor
Year ended
December 31,
2003


    2003
% of Net
Sales


 

Net sales

  $ (101.9 )   $ 4,222.4     100.0        $ 1,549.3        $ 2,673.1     $ 4,324.3     100.0  

Net sales—Cigarettes

    (1.6 )     3,048.2     72.2       1,124.3       1,923.9       3,049.8     70.5  

Net sales—Food/Non-food

    (100.3 )     1,174.2     27.8       425.0       749.2       1,274.5     29.5  

Gross profit

    (29.2 )     240.2     5.7       90.4       149.8       269.4     6.2  

Warehousing and distribution expenses

    (8.9 )     121.3     2.9       42.6       78.7       130.2     3.0  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

    (3.9 )     94.4     2.2       35.1       59.3       98.3     2.3  

Goodwill and other long-lived asset impairment

    (291.4 )     —       —         —         —         291.4     6.7  

Income (loss) from operations

    276.3       24.1     0.6       12.3       11.8       (252.2 )   (5.8 )

Interest expense, net

    3.8       9.2     0.2       4.8       4.4       5.4     0.1  

Reorganization items, net

    (76.5 )     (69.2 )   (1.6 )     0.8       (70.0 )     7.3     0.2  

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

    2.8       —       —         —         —         (2.8 )   (0.1 )

Net income (loss)

    322.1       54.1     1.3       3.4       50.7       (268.0 )   (6.2 )

 

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Net sales .    Net sales overall decreased $101.9 million, or 2.4%, in 2004 compared to 2003. The decrease was primarily due to customer losses resulting from Fleming’s Chapter 11 filing. The former Fleming Eastern Distribution Centers were significantly impacted by the bankruptcy, and experienced an aggregate net sales decline of approximately $193.0 million due primarily to the loss of customers. These distribution centers had fewer stable, long-term relationships within their customer base than was the case in our other distribution centers. This decrease was significantly offset by increases in net sales in the remaining distribution centers.

 

Net sales from our Canadian operations increased overall by $85.2 million in 2004 compared to 2003, primarily due to an increase of $63.9 million caused by changes in foreign currency translation rates. The strengthening of the Canadian dollar compared to the U.S. dollar resulted in U.S. dollar sales increases. Excluding the impact of the Eastern Distribution Centers and foreign currency translation, overall sales increased by approximately $27 million. The inability to attract new customers during bankruptcy significantly impacted our ability to grow net sales.

 

Net sales of cigarettes decreased $1.6 million, or less than 1%, in 2004 compared to 2003. This was caused by a decline in cigarette sales at the former Fleming Eastern Distribution Centers of $118.5 million which was largely offset by increases in cigarette sales by our other distribution centers of $116.9 million. During 2004, cigarette carton sales volume declined by 1.7% primarily due to lost business as a result of the bankruptcy. Although cigarette carton volume declined by 1.7%, the decline in net cigarette sales of only 0.1% was due to increases in cigarette manufacturer prices and state and provincial excise taxes, which were passed on to our customers and reflected in net sales as well as the impact of foreign currency translation.

 

Net sales of food products and non-food products decreased $100.3 million, or 7.9%, in 2004 compared with 2003. Of this decrease, $74.5 million was attributable to the former Fleming Eastern Distribution Centers and $25.8 million was attributable to the remaining distribution centers. The decrease in food and non-food sales was due to the loss of customers and our inability to attract new customers while in bankruptcy.

 

Gross profit .    Gross profit decreased by $29.2 million in 2004 compared with 2003. Our gross profit is primarily comprised of two components: profits earned as a result of mark-ups to our customers and profits earned by participating in vendor discount and rebate programs, and other promotional and merchandising programs. Additionally, changes in our LIFO reserves impact gross profit. Gross profit declined in 2004 as compared to 2003 due to the decline in net sales from lost customers and lost vendor discounts resulting from the Fleming bankruptcy. Additionally, a $6.6 million increase in LIFO expense, the non-recurrence in 2004 of $6.0 million in income related to private label merchandising income earned in 2003 and a $5.9 million decrease in cigarette inventory holding gains in 2004 compared to 2003 related to cigarette tax and manufacturer price increases in 2003, contributed to the decline. Core-Mark had LIFO expense of $4.5 million in 2004 compared to LIFO income of $2.1 million in 2003 which was primarily the result of inflation in the confection product category. During 2003, we recorded cigarette inventory holding profits of approximately $7.2 million as a result of cigarette tax and manufacturer price increases compared to $1.3 million in 2004. Distributors, such as Core-Mark, from time to time, may earn higher gross profits on cigarette inventory quantities on hand, which we refer to as cigarette inventory holding profits, due to increases in state and local taxes and cigarette manufacturer pricing. In addition, effective with the bankruptcy, two major cigarette manufacturers in Canada withheld their credit terms discounts, resulting in a reduction in gross profit of $3.5 million in 2004 and $4.7 million in 2003. The slight decline in the remaining gross profit as a percentage of sales in 2004 compared to 2003 was primarily due to the fact that vendor merchandising allowances and terms discounts were negatively impacted as a result of the bankruptcy.

 

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The following table sets forth notable components comprising the change in gross profit as a percentage of net sales year over year.

 

(in millions)    Successor and
Predecessor
Combined year ended
December 31, 2004


   

2004

% of Net
sales


    Predecessor Year
ended
December 31, 2003


   

2003

% of Net
sales


 

Net sales

   $ 4,222.4     100.00 %                     4,324.3     100.00 %
    


       


     

Private label merchandising proceeds

     —       —         6.0     0.14  

LIFO income (expense)

     (4.5 )   (0.11 )     2.1     0.05  

Cigarette inventory holding profits

     1.3     0.03       7.2     0.17  

Credit terms withheld

     (3.5 )   (0.08 )     (4.7 )   (0.11 )

Remaining gross profit

     246.9     5.85       258.8     5.98  
    


 

 


 

Gross profit

   $ 240.2     5.69     $ 269.4     6.23  
    


 

 


 

 

Our operating expenses include costs related to warehousing, distribution, selling, general and administrative activities, and goodwill and other long-lived asset impairment. Overall, costs related to labor and benefits comprise more than 60% of our normal operating expense. A significant percentage of our labor costs are variable in nature and fluctuate relative to our sales volume.

 

Warehousing and distribution expenses .    The decline in warehousing and distribution expense of $8.9 million in 2004 from 2003 was due primarily to a decline in salaries and benefits by approximately $7.3 million, in connection with the decline in sales volume and increased efficiencies in the Eastern Distribution Centers. Staff reductions were required as a result of the decline in sales volume due primarily to the bankruptcy. During the same period, we were also refining the operations in the Eastern Distribution Centers by incorporating available technology and proven methodologies.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses .    The decline in selling, general and administrative expenses of $3.9 million in 2004 from 2003 was due in part to a reduction in sales personnel in our Eastern Distribution Centers. This was in response to the lost business described above and contributed to a decrease in selling expenses of $1.9 million. In addition, general and other administrative expenses at our Eastern Distribution Centers were reduced in 2004 compared to 2003 by $2.5 million, primarily due to salary and benefit reductions required due to the lost business. Slight increases overall in selling, general, and administrative expenses at our other distribution centers and corporate offices explain the difference.

 

Goodwill and other long-lived asset impairment .    In connection with the Fleming bankruptcy filing in 2003, we evaluated our goodwill and long-lived intangible assets for potential impairment. As a result we recorded an impairment charge to write-off goodwill and long-lived intangible assets in accordance with SFAS 142. This charge was $291.4 million in total and is reflected in our 2003 statement of operations. After such charge, there was no remaining goodwill or intangible long-lived assets and no charge was required in 2004.

 

Income (loss) from operations .    Income from operations for 2004 was $24.1 million compared to a loss from operations of $252.2 million for 2003, an increase of $276.3 million, primarily attributable to the write-off of goodwill and long-lived assets during 2003. After eliminating the impact of the $291.4 million charge, the decrease to $24.1 million in 2004 from $39.2 million in 2003 is primarily attributable to lost business, which was driven by the bankruptcy and our inability to secure full vendor discounts, coupled with rising inventory costs under the LIFO method.

 

Interest expense, net .    Interest expense increased by $3.8 million in 2004 from 2003 due primarily to an increase in the effective borrowing rates under our Prior Revolving Credit Facility and term loan and increased debt levels required upon emergence from bankruptcy. Interest expense for 2003 was estimated as part of carve-out accounting, because of our related party borrowings with our former parent, Fleming.

 

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Reorganization items, net .    Reorganization items, net represents expenses we incurred as a result of the Chapter 11 bankruptcy and adjustments related to fresh-start accounting. In 2004, the application of fresh-start accounting resulted in a $5.8 million adjustment to reflect the fair value of assets and liabilities and a net gain of $66.1 million relating to the discharge of pre-petition debt. Additionally, in 2004, in connection with the reorganization, we incurred $2.7 million of other bankruptcy related costs, including professional fees. The charges in 2003 consisted primarily of professional fees and other cost incurred in connection with the Fleming bankruptcy. ( See Note 10—Reorganization Items, Net to the consolidated financial statements) .

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations .    Income (loss) from discontinued operations included the revenues and expenses associated with the discontinuation of our Adel, Georgia distribution center, which took place in January 2004. The Adel distribution center was closed due to the loss of customers as a result of the Fleming bankruptcy.

 

Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2003 and 2002

 

The following table sets forth our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002. The table is presented solely to complement management’s discussion and analysis of our results of operations.

 

(in millions)   

Predecessor

2003
compared t o
2002


   

Predecessor

Year ended
December 31,
2003


   

2003

% of
Net
Sales


   

Predecessor

Year ended
December 31,
2002


  

2002

% of
Net
sales


Net sales

   $ (337.8 )   $ 4,324.3     100.0     $ 4,662.1    100.0

Net sales—Cigarettes

     (318.6 )     3,049.8     70.5       3,368.4    72.3

Net sales—Food/Non-food

     (19.2 )     1,274.5     29.5       1,293.7    27.7

Gross profit

     (38.9 )     269.4     6.2       308.3    6.6

Warehousing and distribution expenses

     (1.6 )     130.2     3.0       131.8    2.8

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     5.1       98.3     2.3       93.2    2.0

Goodwill and other long-lived asset impairment

     291.4       291.4     6.7       —      —  

Income (loss) from operations

     (332.0 )     (252.2 )   (5.8 )     79.8    1.7

Interest expense, net

     (2.8 )     5.4     0.1       8.2    0.2

Reorganization items, net

     7.3       7.3     0.2       —      —  

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

     (3.1 )     (2.8 )   (0.1 )     0.3    0.0

Net income (loss)

     (307.8 )     (268.0 )   (6.2 )     39.8    0.9

 

Net sales .    The decrease in net sales in 2003 of $337.8 million, or 7.2% compared to 2002 was primarily due to customer losses in connection with the Fleming Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing and a cigarette manufacturer “buy-down” program described below, offset by increases in sales to existing customers, increases due to foreign currency translation impacts, and cigarette tax increases. The former Fleming Eastern Distribution Centers were most significantly affected by the bankruptcy since solid long-term relationships with the customers of these distribution centers did not exist at the time of the bankruptcy, resulting in an aggregate net sales decline of approximately $306 million. In addition, one of the major cigarette manufacturers introduced a discount program that reduced our sales price to our customers by $6.50 per carton of cigarettes, effective February 1, 2003, resulting in a decrease in sales of approximately $206 million in 2003 compared to 2002. An increase in net sales of approximately $174 million, or 3.7%, compared to 2002, is primarily the result of increased sales to our existing customers. Of this increase, overall sales from our Canadian operations were impacted positively by approximately $94.2 million in 2003 compared to 2002, due to changes in foreign currency translation rates. The strengthening of the Canadian dollar compared to the U.S. dollar resulted in U.S. dollar sales increases.

 

Net sales of cigarettes decreased $318.6 million, or 9.5%, in 2003 compared to 2002 due primarily to a decline in cigarette sales of $239.8 million related to the former Fleming Eastern Distribution Centers, the cigarette manufacturer “buy-down” program described above, negatively impacting sales by approximately $206 million, offset by cigarette manufacturer price increases and cigarette tax increases. In 2003, cigarette carton

 

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sales volume declined by 12.9%, primarily as a result of lost business due to the bankruptcy. Although cigarette carton sales volume declined by 12.9%, the decline in net sales of 9.5% was lower due to increases in cigarette manufacturer prices during 2003 that we passed on to our customers, increasing our sales compared to the prior year. Additionally, several states, in particular, Arizona, Nevada and Wyoming, increased cigarette taxes during 2003 and these increases are reflected in our net sales of cigarettes.

 

Net sales of food and non-food products declined by $19.2 million, or 1.5%, in 2003 compared to 2002 due to a decrease of $66.1 million related to the former Fleming Eastern Distribution Centers partially offset by an increase of $44.1 million at the remaining distribution centers. The increase in food and non-food sales at the remaining distribution centers was primarily due to two new customers whom we began servicing during late 2002 and early 2003 that were heavily concentrated in food and non-food categories. These customers were subsequently lost due to the Fleming bankruptcy.

 

Gross profit .    The decline in gross profit of $38.9 million, or 12.6%, was primarily the result of lost customers and lost vendor discounts, both the result of the bankruptcy. In addition, gross profit declined due to a decrease in LIFO inventory income of $14.6 million; LIFO income was $2.1 million in 2003 compared to LIFO income of $16.7 million in 2002. This decrease was due to a significant reduction in inventories in June 2002, which was a LIFO inventory measurement date required as a result of the acquisition of CMI by Fleming (See Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the consolidated financial statements) . Upon the acquisition of Core-Mark, Fleming opted not to maintain the existing inventory levels required to sustain LIFO tax layers. Also, gross profit declined by $2.6 million in 2003 as a result of lower cigarette inventory holding profits relating to cigarette tax and manufacturer price increases. The overall decline in gross profit was offset by a $1.0 million increase in private label merchandising proceeds. In addition, effective with the Fleming bankruptcy filing, two major cigarette manufacturers in Canada withheld their credit terms discounts, resulting in a decrease in cigarette gross profit totaling approximately $4.7 million in 2003. The decline in the remaining gross profit is primarily attributable to decreases in monies earned from vendors in the form of cash discounts and other merchandising income. We believe the reduction in vendor merchandising income reflects the result of the bankruptcy and vendors withholding certain monies historically provided.

 

Increases in net sales of cigarettes driven by tax and manufacturer price increases do not generate significant additional gross profit dollars, thereby deflating gross profit margin percentages in this category.

 

The following table sets forth notable components comprising the change in gross profit as a percentage of net sales year over year.

 

(in millions)    Predecessor
year ended
December 31,
2003


   

2003

% of Net
sales


    Predecessor
year ended
December 31,
2002


  

2002

% of Net
sales


 

Net sales

   $ 4,324.3     100.00 %   $ 4,662.1    100.00 %
    


       

      

Private label merchandising proceeds

     6.0     0.14       5.0    0.11  

LIFO income (expense)

     2.1     0.05       16.7    0.36  

Cigarette inventory holding profits

     7.2     0.17       9.8    0.21  

Credit terms withheld

     (4.7 )   (0.11 )     —      —    

Remaining gross profit

     258.8     5.98       276.8    5.93  
    


 

 

  

Gross profit

   $ 269.4     6.23     $ 308.3    6.61  
    


 

 

  

 

Warehousing and distribution expenses .    Warehousing and distribution expenses for 2003 decreased $1.6 million compared to 2002. As a percentage of sales these expenses increased to 3.0% in 2003 from 2.8% in 2002. The increase as a percentage of sales in 2003 was primarily due to the inability to reduce expenses in the Eastern Distribution Centers as quickly as sales were being lost during the period immediately following Fleming’s bankruptcy filing.

 

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Selling, general and administrative expenses .    Selling, general and administrative expenses for 2003 increased $5.1 million compared to 2002. As a percentage of sales, selling and administrative expenses increased to 2.3% in 2003 from 2.0% in 2002. An increase of $4.3 million was attributable to increases in costs in our Eastern Distribution Centers. In addition, when the bankruptcy occurred and sales began to decline, we were unable to reduce these costs as quickly as sales were declining resulting in an increase in expenses as a percentage of sales year over year. In addition increases in expenses in our other distribution centers totaling $0.8 million was due primarily to increases in insurance costs.

 

Goodwill and other long-lived asset impairment .    As a result of the Fleming bankruptcy in 2003, which was deemed an event or change in circumstances under SFAS No. 142, we recorded an impairment charge to write-off goodwill and long-lived intangible assets in accordance with SFAS No. 142 ( See Note 5—Other Balance Sheet Account Detail to the consolidated financial statements ). The charge was $291.4 million and is reflected in the 2003 statement of operations. No such charge was recorded in 2002.

 

Income (loss) from operations .    The loss from operations for the year ended December 31, 2003 was $252.2 million compared to income from operations of $79.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, primarily attributable to Fleming’s bankruptcy and to the other items described above.

 

Interest expense, net .    Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2003 and for the period from June 17, 2002 (the date CMI was acquired by Fleming) through December 31, 2002 includes imputed interest of $4.0 million and $4.3 million, respectively which were estimated as part of carve-out accounting related to interest on debt incurred by Fleming pursuant to its acquisition of CMI. The overall decrease in interest expense of $2.8 million in 2003 compared to 2002 was the result of lower average debt for 2003. Subsequent to the emergence from the Fleming bankruptcy, interest expense is based on the Company’s actual borrowings. Additionally, for the period January 1, 2002 through June 17, 2002, CMI had debt with higher interest rates than the rates applicable to Fleming’s debt, which was the basis of the imputed interest calculation.

 

Reorganization items, net .    Reorganization expenses for the year ended December 31, 2003 of $7.3 million included legal, consulting and other costs attributable to the bankruptcy.

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations .    Income (loss) from discontinued operations included the revenues and expenses associated with the discontinuation of our Adel distribution center in January 2004.

 

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Comparison of the Six Months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004

 

This discussion is based on the unaudited results of operations for Successor and Predecessor Company periods. The financial information in this registration statement for periods ending prior to August 23, 2004, including the six months ended June 30, 2004 relates to the Predecessor Company and does not reflect the reorganization pursuant to the Plan or the effect of fresh start accounting. All financial information for periods commencing on or after August 23, 2004 included in this registration statement, including the six months ended June 30, 2005, relates to the Successor Company and includes the effect of the reorganization pursuant to the Plan and fresh start accounting. The financial information for the Successor Company is not directly comparable to the financial information for the Predecessor Company due to the Fleming bankruptcy, reorganization and the effects of fresh-start accounting which impacted the six months ended June 30, 2004 but did not impact the comparable period in 2005.

 

(in millions)    Six months
ended June 30,
2005 compared
to six months
ended June 30,
2004


   

Successor

Six months
ended
June 30,
2005


  

2005

% of Net
Sales


        

Predecessor

Six months
ended
June 30,
2004


  

2004

% of Net
Sales


Net sales

   $ 311.6     $ 2,347.9    100.0             $ 2,036.3    100.0

Net sales—Cigarettes

     207.4       1,673.6    71.3            1,466.2    72.0

Net sales—Food/Non-food

     104.2       674.3    28.7            570.1    28.0

Gross profit

     21.7       135.9    5.8            114.2    5.6

Warehousing and distribution expenses

     6.3       65.4    2.8            59.1    2.9

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     5.6       53.0    2.3            47.4    2.3

Income from operations

     9.3       17.0    0.7            7.7    0.4

Interest expense, net

     2.4       6.2    0.3            3.8    0.2

Reorganization items, net

     (1.7 )     —      —              1.7    0.1

Net income

     4.4       5.8    0.2            1.4    0.1

 

Net sales .    Net sales overall for the six months ended June 30, 2005 increased $311.6 million, or 15.3%, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2004. The increase was primarily due to three significant new customers, which we began servicing in the first quarter of 2005. These new customers represent approximately $215.0 million of the increase in net sales. The remaining increase in net sales of $96.6 million was due to increases in net sales to existing customers, increases due to the impact of cigarette tax increases, increases in sales in our Canadian distribution centers due to foreign currency translation changes, offset by net decreases in sales attributable to other customer gains and losses. The increases in our overall Canadian operations sales due to foreign currency translation rate changes were approximately $37.6 million in the 2005 period compared to 2004.

 

Net sales of cigarettes for the six months ended June 30, 2005 increased $207.4 million, or 14.1% compared to the six months ended June 30, 2004. An increase of $153.0 million or 10.4% was attributable to the addition of the three new customers in 2005. In the six months ended June 30, 2005, cigarette carton sales increased by 10.2% compared to the six months ended June 30, 2004. This increase was primarily attributable to three significant new customers in 2005. The remaining increase was attributable in part to increases in state and provincial taxes that occurred since July 2004, which we passed on to our customers. Several states and provinces increased cigarette taxes during 2004 and the six months ended June 30, 2005 and these increases are reflected in our net sales of cigarettes. In addition, the change in foreign currency translation rates resulted in increases in sales in our Canadian distribution centers in 2005 compared to 2004.

 

Net sales of food and non-food products for the six months ended June 30, 2005 increased $104.2 million or 18.3% compared to the same period in 2004. An increase of $62.0 million, or 10.9%, is attributable to the three new customers mentioned above. The remaining increase of $42.2 million, or 7.4%, is primarily due to increases in sales to existing customers.

 

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Gross profit .    Gross profit for the six months ended June 30, 2005 increased by $21.7 million, or 19.0%, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2004. The increase in gross profit dollars was primarily caused by an increase in sales volume and the impact of cigarette inventory holding profits related to state cigarette tax increases and manufacturer price increases. As a percent of sales, gross profit increased from 5.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2004 to 5.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2005.

 

Several factors impacted gross profit margins period over period. Effective with the Fleming bankruptcy filing, two major cigarette manufacturers in Canada withdrew their credit terms discounts, resulting in lost cigarette gross profit totaling approximately $2.9 million in the first six months of 2004. The credit terms discounts were restored after emergence from bankruptcy and therefore the gross profit was restored during the entire six months ended June 30, 2005. Cigarette gross profit for the six months ended June 30, 2005 included approximately $5.1 million in inventory holding profits relating to cigarette tax increases and manufacturer price increases, compared to $0.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004. In addition, LIFO expense increased from $2.1 million in the six months ended June 30, 2004 to $3.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2005, primarily due to inflation.

 

Cigarette gross profit margins were negatively impacted in the six months ended June 30, 2005, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2004 due to the impact of state and provincial excise taxes on sales. The significant tax increases are reflected as an increase in net sales, however, aside from the aforementioned inventory holding profits, our gross profit dollars generally remained unaffected due to cigarette pricing dynamics. The decrease in the remaining gross profit as a percentage of sales was primarily due to a decrease in cigarette gross profit margins and slightly lower margins earned related to sales to the three new significant customers obtained in early 2005.

 

The following table sets forth notable components comprising the change in gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the six months ended June 30, 2005 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2004:

 

(in millions)    Successor Six
months ended
June 30, 2005


   

2005

% of Net
sales


         Predecessor Six
months ended
June 30, 2004


   

2004

% of Net
sales


 

Net sales

   $ 2,347.9     100.00 %          $ 2,036.3     100.00 %
    


            


     

LIFO expense

     (3.2 )   (0.14 )          (2.1 )   (0.10 )

Cigarette inventory holding profits

     5.1     0.22            0.2     0.01  

Credit terms withheld

     —       —              (2.9 )   (0.14 )

Remaining gross profit

     134.0     5.71            119.0     5.84  
    


 

      


 

Gross profit

   $ 135.9     5.79          $ 114.2     5.61  
    


 

      


 

 

Warehousing and distribution expenses .    Warehousing and distribution expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2005 increased by $6.3 million compared to the six months ended June 30, 2004. As a percentage of sales these expenses decreased from 2.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2004 to 2.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2005. The decrease as a percent to sales in the six months ended June 30, 2005 is primarily due to cost improvements generated through the re-engineering of our three Eastern Distribution Centers. In addition, the successful leveraging of fixed costs in relation to net sales increases reduced expenses as a percentage of sales.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses .    Selling, general and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2005 increased by $5.6 million compared to the six months ended June 30, 2004. As a percentage of sales, these expenses remained constant at 2.3%, the increase in amount being primarily due to increased sales. Expense reductions of approximately $2.0 million attributable to the Eastern Distribution Centers significantly contributed to a reduction in expenses compared to the six months ended June 30, 2004. Selling, general and administrative expenses were negatively impacted by costs associated with our initiative to register our common stock under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Additionally, we incurred initial expenses related to compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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Income from operations .    Income from operations for the six months ended June 30, 2005 was $17.0 million compared to $7.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004, primarily attributable to the items discussed in this section.

 

Interest expense, net .    Interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2005 increased by $2.4 million compared to the six months ended June 30, 2004. For the six months ended June 30, 2005, the effective interest rate and average net borrowings, including letter of credit borrowings, were higher than the six months ended June 30, 2004. The higher effective interest rate for the 2005 period was in part due to the higher interest rates charged under our Tranche B borrowings. Interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2004 was imputed as required under carve-out accounting during the time that the Company had inter-company borrowings with Fleming.

 

Reorganization items, net .    Reorganization expenses in the six months ended June 30, 2004 include legal, consulting and other costs attributable to the Fleming bankruptcy. No expenses were incurred in the six months ended June 30, 2005 because the Company emerged from the Fleming bankruptcy on August 23, 2005.

 

Seasonality

 

Quarterly operating results can be affected by seasonality due to the nature of our customers’ businesses. Specifically, we typically generate higher revenues and gross profits during the warm weather travel months (May through August) than in other times throughout the year. While each period may have many elements that affect sales, the seasonal trends are illustrated by the following table:

 

     % of Full Year Sales by Quarter

     March 31

   June 30

   September 30

   December 31

2004

   22.9    25.3    26.7    25.1

2003

   25.4    26.3    25.4    22.9

2002

   21.6    24.9    29.1    24.4

2001

   22.0    25.7    26.4    25.9

2000

   23.8    25.4    25.8    25.0

1999

   22.2    24.9    26.8    26.1

1998

   22.7    24.6    26.6    26.1

1998 – 2004 average sales

   22.9    25.3    26.7    25.1

1998 – 2004 avg. excluding 2003 (1)

   22.6    25.1    26.9    25.4

(1) 2003 was excluded as the Fleming bankruptcy had a significant impact on sales and is not representative of our seasonal activity.

 

Inflation

 

Historically, we have not experienced a significant adverse impact as a result of price increases from our suppliers as we have been able to adjust our selling prices in order to maintain our overall gross profit dollars. However, significant increases in cigarette product costs and cigarette excise taxes adversely impact our gross profit margin percentages. Inflation can also result in increases in LIFO expense, adversely impacting our gross profit margins. Increases in net sales of cigarettes driven by tax and manufacturer price increases do not generate significant recurring additional gross profit dollars, thereby deflating gross profit margin percentages in this category. While we have historically been able to maintain or slightly increase gross profit dollars related to such increases, gross profit margin percentages typically decline as a result of the impact significant price or tax increases have on net sales. The ability to continue to pass through price increases, either from manufacturers or costs incurred in the business, including labor and fuel costs, is not assured.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Our liquidity requirements arise primarily from the funding of our working capital, capital expenditure programs and debt service requirements with respect to our credit facilities. We have historically funded our capital requirements through our current operations and external borrowings. However during the period June 18, 2002 to August 23, 2004, when Fleming was our parent company, to the extent necessary, we funded our operations through intercompany borrowings.

 

Our cash as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 was $26.2 million and $31.1 million, respectively. Our restricted cash as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 was $12.1 million and $19.8 million, respectively. Restricted cash represents funds that have been set aside in trust as required by Canadian provincial taxing authorities to secure amounts payable to these authorities for cigarette and tobacco excise taxes.

 

As of June 30, 2005, our cash and restricted cash were $35.5 million and $13.2 million, respectively, compared with $26.2 million and $12.1 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2004.

 

Cash flows from operating activities

 

Cash flows from operating activities were $7.1 million, $53.4 million, and $90.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively. Cash flow from operating activities for the combined Successor and Predecessor period ended December 31, 2004 reflect payment of $55.6 million in excise tax liabilities previously classified as subject to compromise allowed pursuant to the Plan.

 

Year ended December 31, 2004

 

During 2004, net cash provided by the Successor and Predecessor Companies combined operating activities of $7.1 million consisted of an increase in cash from changes in assets and liabilities of $51.1 million and cash provided by operations of $11.6 million, offset by excise tax payments of $55.6 million described above. Cash provided by operations during 2004 was driven by $54.1 million in net income, offset primarily by adjustments related to fresh-start accounting and deferred taxes.

 

The increase in cash provided from changes in assets and liabilities was primarily driven by an increase in accounts payable of $30.0 million which resulted from our successful efforts to secure more favorable trade credit terms with our vendors after the Plan was approved. Of the total $30.0 million increase in accounts payable, $18.8 million occurred after emergence from bankruptcy. In addition, cash provided from changes in assets and liabilities benefited from a $27.5 million decrease in other receivables related primarily to collections of vendor receivables that were stalled during bankruptcy. These sources of cash were offset by payments of $55.6 million in excise tax liabilities previously classified as liabilities subject to compromise, a net increase of $10.0 million in deposits, prepayments and other non-current assets, which was primarily due to an increase in workers’ compensation deposits which we inherited from Fleming pursuant to the Plan, partially offset by a reduction in deposits required by our vendors, which was related to our emergence from bankruptcy.

 

Year ended December 31, 2003

 

During 2003, net cash provided by operating activities of $53.4 million consisted of cash provided by operations of $18.2 million and an increase in cash from changes in assets and liabilities of $35.2 million. Cash provided by operations includes the net loss of $268.0 million for 2003 which was offset by $286.2 million in non-cash charges primarily related to the impairment of goodwill and long-lived intangible assets, depreciation and amortization. Contributing to the increase in cash from changes in asset and liabilities were decreases in accounts receivable of $39.1 million and inventories of $21.6 million, and a net increase in accounts payable of $22.3 million (including a decrease in trade accounts payable of $81.0 million and cigarette and tobacco taxes payable of $18.3 million, and an increase in liabilities subject to compromise of $121.6 million). These were offset by increases in restricted cash, other receivables and deposits and prepayments. The decreases in trade

 

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Index to Financial Statements

accounts receivable and inventories were a result of the bankruptcy, as disruptions to our supply chain led to inventory shortages and ultimately a loss of sales. The decrease in inventories was partially offset by a purchase of excess cigarette inventories in connection with a Canadian manufacturer holiday and in anticipation of U.S. cigarette manufacturer price changes at year-end 2003. The net increase in accounts payable is attributable to the bankruptcy filing because pre-petition indebtedness was stayed. The increase in other receivables of $29.5 million was the result of our inability to collect vendor promotional allowances and other incentive program monies due us while in bankruptcy. The increase in deposits and prepayments was a result of several vendors requiring cash payments prior to the shipment of products. In addition, restricted cash, related to monies set aside as security to obtain tax credit terms with two provinces in Canada, was $19.8 million at December 31, 2003, while it did not exist at December 31, 2002

 

Year ended December 31, 2002

 

During 2002, net cash provided by operating activities of $90.0 million consisted of cash generated from operations of $42.4 million and cash attributable to changes in assets and liabilities of $47.6 million. Cash generated from operations includes net income of $39.8 million coupled with the benefit of non-cash charges to depreciation and amortization, partially offset by the change in our LIFO inventory allowance of $16.7 million. Contributing to the increase in cash from changes in asset and liabilities was a decrease in inventories of $31.6 million and a net increase in trade accounts payable totaling $25.6 million, partially offset by an increase in other receivables of $11.6 million. The decrease in inventories and increase in trade accounts payable from December 31, 2001 to December 31, 2002 was primarily the result of significant cigarette purchases in December 2001 in connection with our LIFO tax planning strategy. As a result of the acquisition by Fleming in June 2002, this activity did not recur in December 2002 resulting in a decline in inventories in 2002. The increase in accounts payable in 2002 was primarily the result of credit terms provided to us by U.S. cigarette manufacturers at the end of the year in connection with the aforementioned purchase in December 2002, resulting in a higher level of trade accounts payable at December 31, 2002 compared to December 31, 2001. The increase in other receivables at December 31, 2002 was the result of a significant amount due from our insurance carriers that occurred in December 2002 because of a fire at one of our distribution centers.

 

Six months ended June 30, 2005

 

For the six months June 30, 2005, net cash provided by operating activities was $15.6 million and consisted of cash generated from operations of $16.5 million, and cash used as a result of changes in assets and liabilities of $0.9 million. Cash generated from operations includes net income of $5.8 million coupled with the benefit of non-cash charges for depreciation and amortization, and the change in our LIFO inventory allowance. The slight decrease in cash from changes in assets and liabilities was primarily due an increase in accounts receivable and deposits and prepayments. The increase in accounts receivable and accounts payable was due primarily to an increase in sales and purchases generated from new business gains in 2005. The increase in deposits and prepayments was primarily due to pre-payments made on purchases of cigarettes at the end of June 2005, in anticipation of the holiday weekend sales volume. This was partially offset by an increase in accounts payable and cigarette taxes payable due to increased purchases, and a decrease in other receivables. The decrease in other receivables during the period was the result of a reduction in vendor receivables outstanding as we continue to reconcile and collect on delinquent vendor credits caused as a result of the bankruptcy.

 

Six months ended June 30, 2004

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2004, cash provided by operating activities was $6.9 million and consisted of cash generated from operations totaling $11.0 million, offset by a decrease in cash from changes in assets and liabilities of $4.1 million. Cash generated from operations includes net income of $1.4 million coupled with the benefit of non-cash charges, primarily depreciation and amortization. The primary factors contributing to the decrease in cash from changes in asset and liabilities was a decrease in cigarette and tobacco taxes payable of $10.3 million, and payments made for liabilities subject to compromise pursuant to the Plan, partially offset by

 

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Index to Financial Statements

a decrease in inventories of $41.7 million. The decrease in inventory levels of $41.7 million was due to the higher-than-normal levels of inventory at the end of 2003 when we purchased excess cigarette inventories in connection with a Canadian manufacturer holiday and in anticipation of U.S. cigarette manufacturer price changes. The additional Canadian cigarette inventory at December 31, 2003 also resulted in increased cigarette and tobacco taxes payable, which declined from December 2003 to June 2004. Payments made for liabilities subject to compromise consisted of $28.1 million related to excise tax liabilities that were allowed pursuant to the Plan.

 

Cash flows relating to investing activities

 

Years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

 

For 2004, 2003 and 2002 cash used in investing activities was $12.1 million, $8.4 million and $5.5 million, respectively. The cash used was entirely attributable to capital expenditures related to property and equipment. In 2004, additional capital expenditures were incurred related to increasing operating efficiencies in our Eastern Distribution Centers as compared to normal replacement spending for delivery and warehouse equipment in 2003. In 2002, our capital expenditures were notably lower than usual due to the impact of Fleming’s acquisition of CMI, which resulted in delays in capital spending while we integrated their convenience operations.

 

Six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2005 and June 30, 2004, cash flows used in investing activities were $3.4 million and $4.7 million, respectively, and was entirely attributable to capital expenditures during the period. For the six months ended June 30, 2005 capital spending related primarily to the scheduled replacement of property and warehouse equipment and for the six months ended June 30, 2004, spending related to the reengineering of the Eastern Distribution Centers. Our capital expenditure plan is to spend approximately $10 million during 2005, primarily related to facility upgrades and scheduled replacement of delivery and warehouse equipment.

 

Cash flows from financing activities

 

Year ended December 31, 2004

 

For 2004, net cash used by financing activities was $1.3 million. As described further under Revolving Credit and Tranche B Notes and Letters of Credit below, as a result of our reorganization, we borrowed $86.4 million under our Prior Revolving Credit Facility and $35.5 million of term debt notes were issued. Debt issuance costs of $3.8 million were paid in connection with the emergence financing. Additionally, during the period January 1, 2004 through August 22, 2004, a net of $55.0 million of distributions from our former parent were received. Pursuant to the Plan, $139.6 million was distributed to the PCT and RCT upon emergence. Net payments made on our outstanding debt obligations totaled $41.4 million for the year.

 

Revolving Credit Facility .    On August 23, 2004, pursuant to the Plan, we entered into a three-year agreement with a group of lenders to provide a $250 million revolving credit facility, consisting of a $240 million revolving loan and a $10 million first-in last-out loan (FILO). Borrowing under the Prior Revolving Credit Facility was subject to a formula based on eligible accounts receivable and inventory (the Borrowing Base). The Borrowing Base supported both borrowings and letter of credit obligations under the Prior Revolving Credit Facility. At our option, U.S. interest rates on the revolving credit agreement and letters of credit were based on LIBOR or the higher of prime or the federal funds rate plus 0.50% plus an applicable margin (2.25% to 2.75%). Interest was payable monthly, or if we elected LIBOR, at the expiration of each LIBOR period which was 30, 60, or 90 days, as set forth in the Prior Revolving Credit Facility. The FILO LIBOR margin was 4.0%. Canadian borrowing rates were based on the higher of the Canadian prime rate or the Bank Acceptance rate plus 1.75%. We were subject to an unused facility fee of 0.50%, or $0.3 million for the period August 23, 2004 through December 31, 2004. The credit agreement for the Prior Revolving Credit Facility contained restrictive covenants, including a requirement to realize specified minimum levels of EBITDA, as defined in the credit agreement, limitations on capital spending, and a minimum aggregate Borrowing Base requirement, and placed restrictions on our ability to make payments under our Tranche B Note Agreement and Trust guarantees. The credit agreement for the Prior Revolving Credit Facility also contained cross defaults to the Tranche B Note

 

50


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Index to Financial Statements

Agreement which contained a requirement that we maintain specified maximum leverage ratios of debt to EBITDA, as defined in the Tranche B Note Agreement. All obligations under the Prior Revolving Credit Facility were collateralized by a first priority interest in, and liens upon, substantially all of our present and future assets. The terms of the Prior Revolving Credit Facility allowed for prepayment without penalty. We paid financing fees of approximately $3.3 million in connection with entering into the Prior Revolving Credit Facility. These debt issuance costs were deferred, were included in other non-current assets and were being amortized over the term of the agreement. At December 31, 2004 we had a net available borrowing capacity under the Prior Revolving Credit Facility of approximately $117.9 million.

 

During the period August 23, 2004 through December 31, 2004, the maximum amount of borrowing and letters of credit outstanding under the Prior Revolving Credit Facility were $86.4 million and $36.7 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2004, the total borrowings outstanding were $45.0 million and letters of credit outstanding were $36.7 million. At December 31, 2004, we elected the LIBOR option and the 30 and 90 day LIBOR rates were 2.40% and 2.56%, respectively. As of December 31, 2004 we were in compliance with all of our covenants under the Prior Revolving Credit Facility. The weighted average interest rate for the period August 23, 2004 through December 31, 2004 was 4.6%.

 

Tranche B Note Agreement .    On August 23, 2004 we entered into a Tranche B Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement, as amended (Tranche B Note Agreement) with a group of lenders providing for a term credit facility in the total amount of $60 million. Under the Tranche B Note Agreement (i) we issued five-year Tranche B Notes in the principal amount of approximately $35.5 million, and (ii) Tranche B Letters of Credit were issued for our account in the amount of approximately $24.5 million. We paid financing fees of approximately $0.5 million in connection with entering into the Tranche B Note Agreement. These debt issuance costs were deferred and included in other non-current assets and were being amortized over the term of the Tranche B Note Agreement. Additionally, based on the net proceeds received, $1.8 million is recorded as a debt discount and is being amortized into interest expense over the term of the Tranche B Agreement.

 

The Tranche B Notes bore interest at the rate of LIBOR plus 12%. As of December 31, 2004 the 30 day LIBOR rate was 2.40%. We also paid an annual commitment fee equal to 12% of the amount of the Tranche B Letters of Credit. Interest on the Tranche B Notes and the Tranche B Letters of Credit fees was payable monthly in arrears. All interest and commitment fees, except for 3% per annum, were payable in cash. The remaining 3% of interest and commitment fees could be paid in kind or cash, at our option. From the period August 23, 2004 through June 30, 2005, we elected to pay all interest and commitments fees in cash. All obligations under the Tranche B Notes and the Letters of Credit were collateralized by a second priority interest in, and liens upon, substantially all of our present and future assets. The Tranche B Note Agreement contained restrictive financial covenants including a requirement to realize specified minimum levels of EBITDA, as defined in the Tranche B Note Agreement, a requirement that we maintain specified maximum leverage ratios of debt to EBITDA, limitations on capital spending and a minimum aggregate borrowing availability requirement. The Tranche B Notes matured on August 23, 2009. As of August 23, 2004 and December 31, 2004 we were in compliance with all of our covenants under the Tranche B Note Agreement.

 

The Tranche B Notes and Letters of Credit were subject to optional redemption and replacement features including call protection at 112% during the first year and 106% during the second year, except that we could redeem or replace the Tranche B Notes and the Letters of Credit without premium, up to an aggregate of $15 million during the first year, up to a cumulative aggregate of $30 million during the second year, and the total of the Tranche B Notes and Letters of Credit after two years from the initial date of the Tranche B Agreement. Our ability to redeem Tranche B Notes and replace Tranche B Letters of Credit was limited by covenants contained in our Prior Revolving Credit Facility that restricted payments based on a formula that was derived from information contained in an RCT financial summary report that is required to be filed with the Bankruptcy Court periodically. However, in absence of the RCT report, during 2005, payments were permitted up to $10.0 million provided that certain financial covenants are satisfied after giving effect to such payment. As of August 23, 2004 and December 31, 2004, a total of $35.5 million in Tranche B Notes and Letters of Credit in the amount of $24.5 million were issued and outstanding under the Tranche B Note Agreement.

 

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Index to Financial Statements

In February 2005, we redeemed $10.0 million in outstanding Tranche B Notes the maximum amount permitted per the Tranche B Note Agreement and our Prior Revolving Credit Facility. Subsequently, we received a consent from our revolving credit lenders permitting us to prepay an additional $5.0 million of the Tranche B Notes in April 2005, which we did. Additionally, in August 2005, we prepaid $15.0 million in outstanding Tranche B Notes. On September 28, 2005, we prepaid the remaining $5.5 million in funded notes outstanding under the term loan agreement. As required by that agreement, we also paid a 6% prepayment premium of $0.3 million. These payments were also permitted under our Prior Revolving Credit Facility.

 

In connection with the issuance of the Tranche B Notes, we issued warrants to the Tranche B lenders to purchase up to an aggregate of 247,654 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $15.50 per share, the fair value of our common stock as determined pursuant to the Plan. The warrants are immediately exercisable and expire seven years from the date of issuance. The warrants are valued at $1.4 million and were charged to discount on debt and amortized into interest expense over the term of the notes. The value of the warrants was calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: a term of seven years, a risk free interest rate of 3.85%, volatility of 30%, and an expected dividend yield of zero.

 

The Company’s long-term debt obligations and outstanding letters of credit as of August 23 and December 31, 2004 were as follows (in millions):

 

     December 31,
2004


    August 23,
2004


 

Revolving credit facility

   $ 45.0     $ 86.4  

Tranche B notes payable

     35.5       35.5  
    


 


Subtotal

     80.5       121.9  

Less: debt discount

     (3.0 )     (3.2 )
    


 


Subtotal

     77.5       118.7  
    


 


Less: current portion of long-term debt:

     —         —    
    


 


Total long-term debt, net of current portion

   $ 77.5     $ 118.7  
    


 


Letters of credit outstanding

   $ 61.2     $ 57.1  
    


 


 

2005 Debt Refinancing

 

2005 Credit Facility . On October 13, 2005, we entered into a new five-year revolving credit facility with a group of lenders. The 2005 Credit Facility refinanced and replaced the Prior Revolving Credit Facility and the Tranche B Note Agreement, and in conjunction with establishing the 2005 Credit Facility we prepaid all $32.3 million in outstanding revolving loans under the Prior Revolving Credit Facility and Tranche B Note Agreement, cash collateralized or transferred to the 2005 Credit Facility all $53.3 million in letters of credit issued under the Prior Revolving Credit Facility and the Tranche B Note Agreement, and terminated the Prior Revolving Credit Facility and the Tranche B Note Agreement. As required under the Tranche B Note Agreement, we paid a 6% pre-payment fee of $1.5 million for the termination of the Tranche B Note Agreement. The pre-payment fee will be expensed in our fourth quarter 2005 results of operations. We paid a total of approximately $2.3 million in financing costs in connection with the 2005 Credit Facility which will be deferred and amortized over the life of the facility.

 

Approximately $2.0 million of unamortized put option costs and warrant value related to the Tranche B Note Agreement initially recorded as debt discount will be recorded as expense in the our fourth quarter 2005 results of operations. Additionally, unamortized debt issuance costs related to the Prior Revolving Credit Facility and the Tranche B Note Agreement of approximately $2.4 million will be expensed in the our fourth quarter 2005 results of operations.

 

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The 2005 Credit Facility provides for up to $250 million in revolving loans, of which $160 million is available as letters of credit and up to C$110 million is available in Canadian dollars. Borrowing under the 2005 Credit Facility is subject to a formula based on eligible accounts receivable, eligible inventory, certain equipment and certain unrestricted cash balances, less certain reserves (the 2005 Credit Facility Borrowing Base), which limits the amount of revolving loans and letters of credit available. The administrative agent under the 2005 Credit Facility also has the right, under certain circumstances, to establish additional reserves against the commitment under the 2005 Credit Facility.

 

At our option, interest rates on the U.S. revolving loans and letters of credit under the 2005 Credit Facility are based on LIBOR plus an applicable margin, or on an alternate base rate equal to the higher of the prime rate or the federal funds rate plus 0.50%. There is no additional margin on alternate base rate advances. Loans made in Canadian Dollars bear interest at either a rate based on the Canadian deposit offered rate (CDOR), which is equal to the rate quoted on the publicly available CDOR screen plus 0.10%, plus an applicable margin or at a Canadian base rate equal to the greater of the Canadian prime rate or the CDOR rate plus 1%. The applicable margin on LIBOR-based loans and CDOR-based loans may range from 1.00% to 1.75% depending on our adjusted EBITDA as defined in the 2005 Credit Facility, and is initially set at 1.50%. Interest is payable monthly, or if we elect LIBOR or CDOR, at the expiration of each LIBOR or CDOR period, which is one, two, three or six months, as we may elect under the 2005 Credit Facility (except that if we elect a LIBOR or CDOR period of six months, interest is payable at the end of the third and sixth months). We are subject to an unused facility fee that may range from 0.25% to 0.30% of the unused portion of the 2005 Credit Facility depending on our adjusted EBITDA as defined in the 2005 Credit Facility, and is initially set at 0.25%.

 

The Credit Agreement for the 2005 Credit Facility (the 2005 Credit Agreement) contains restrictive covenants, including among others limitations on dividends and other restricted payments, other indebtedness, liens, investments and acquisitions, and certain asset sales. If our availability under the 2005 Credit Facility falls below $35 million, we will be obligated to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio, calculated as provided in the 2005 Credit Agreement and based on adjusted EBITDA as defined in the 2005 Credit Agreement, of not less than 1.1 to 1.

 

All obligations under the 2005 Credit Facility are secured by a first priority interest in, and liens upon, substantially all of our present and future assets. The terms of the 2005 Credit Facility permit prepayment without penalty at any time (subject to customary break costs with respect to LIBOR or CDOR—based loans prepaid prior to the end of an interest period).

 

As of October 13, 2005, there were $61.1 million in revolving loans and $27.4 million in letters of credit outstanding under the 2005 Credit Facility, our availability under the 2005 Credit Agreement was $91.6 million, and we were in compliance with all of our covenants under the 2005 Credit Agreement.

 

The refinancing of our debt will provide us more favorable interest rates on our borrowings and is expected to result in a decrease in interest expense as compared to our previous credit facilities.

 

We believe that our ability to generate cash from operations and funds available from our new 2005 Credit Facility are adequate to fund working capital, capital spending and other cash needs for at least the next 12 months. Our ability to generate adequate cash from operations in the future, however, will depend on, among other things, our ability to successfully implement our business strategies while continuing to tightly control our expenses, and to manage the impact of changes in manufacturers’ pricing. We can give no assurance that we will be able to successfully implement those strategies and cost control initiatives, or successfully manage our pricing to match increases from the manufactures. In addition, changes in our operating plans, lower than anticipated sales, increased expenses, interest rate increases, acquisitions or other events may cause us to seek additional debt or equity financing in future periods. We can give no assurance that financing will be available on acceptable terms or at all. Additional equity financing could be dilutive to holders of our common stock; debt financing, if available, could impose additional cash payment obligations and additional covenants and operating restrictions.

 

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Years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002

 

On June 17, 2002, pursuant to our acquisition by Fleming, our outstanding debt was extinguished. From June 17, 2002 through emergence from bankruptcy, we did not have any debt on our financial statements. For the years ended December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002 we had net distributions to Fleming totaling $28.5 million and $61.5 million, respectively, which were the result of excess cash flows from operations. Checks drawn in excess of bank balances resulted in a use of cash totaling $16.4 million in 2003, while in 2002 they resulted in a source of cash totaling $11.6 million. These changes represent the change in the amount of issued checks that have not cleared through our banking system. The outstanding checks are typically funded through borrowings on our Prior Revolving Credit Facility when they clear the bank.

 

Six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2005, net cash used by financing activities was $2.4 million compared to net cash provided of $12.6 million for the six months ending June 30, 2004. During the six months ended June 30, 2005, we redeemed $15.0 million of our Tranche B Notes and borrowed a net of $14.3 million under the Prior Revolving Credit Facility.

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2005, the maximum amount of borrowing and letters of credit outstanding under the Prior Revolving Credit Facility were $59.2 million and $38.7 million, respectively. As of June 30, 2005, the total borrowings outstanding under the Facility were $59.2 million and letters of credit outstanding were $27.7 million.

 

The weighted average interest rate for the six months ended June 30, 2005 for the Prior Revolving Credit Facility was 5.4%. As of June 30, 2005 we were in compliance with all of its covenants and had a net available borrowing capacity of approximately $88.7 million.

 

In February 2005, we redeemed $10.0 million in outstanding Tranche B Notes, the maximum amount permitted under the Tranche B Note Agreement. Subsequently we received a consent agreement from our lenders permitting us to pay an additional $5.0 million of the Tranche B Notes, which we did in April 2005. As a result of these payments, the principal amount of the Tranche B Notes issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2005 had been reduced to $20.5 million. Tranche B Letters of Credit outstanding as of June 30, 2005 remained at $24.5 million. The weighted average interest rate on the Tranche B Notes was 14.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2005. The Company was in compliance with all of its covenants under the Tranche B notes.

 

In August, 2005, we prepaid $15.0 million in outstanding funded Tranche B Notes. On September 28, 2005, we prepaid the remaining $5.5 million in funded notes outstanding under the term loan agreement. As required by that agreement, we also paid a prepayment premium of $0.3 million. These payments were permitted under our Prior Revolving Credit Facility.

 

The following table summarizes our funded debt obligations and outstanding letters of credit under the Tranche B Note Agreement as of June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004 (in millions):

 

     June 30,
2005


    December 31,
2004


 

Revolving credit facility

   $ 59.2     $ 45.0  

Tranche B notes payable

     20.5       35.5  
    


 


Subtotal

     79.7       80.5  

Less: debt discount

     (2.6 )     (3.0 )

Subtotal

     77.1       77.5  

Less current portion

     —         —    
    


 


Total long-term debt, net of current portion

   $ 77.1     $ 77.5  
    


 


Letters of credit outstanding

   $ 52.2     $ 61.2  
    


 


 

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On October 13, 2005 we entered into the 2005 Credit Agreement, repaid all debt and replaced or cash collateralized all letters of credit outstanding under the Prior Revolving Credit Facility and the Tranche B Note Agreement, and terminated the Prior Revolving Credit Facility and the Tranche B Note Agreement. As required under the Tranche B Note Agreement, we paid a prepayment fee of $1.5 million for the termination of the Tranche B Note Agreement.

 

Contractual Obligations and Commitments

 

Contractual Obligations .    The following table presents information regarding our contractual obligations that exist as of December 31, 2004:

 

(in millions)    Total

   2005

   2006

   2007

   2008

   2009

   2010 and
Thereafter


Long-term debt (1)

   $ 80.5    $ —      $ —      $ 45.0    $ —      $ 35.5    $ —  

Operating leases

     72.9      16.2      14.4      11.5      8.1      6.2      16.5
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

Total contractual obligations

   $ 153.4    $ 16.2    $ 14.4    $ 56.5    $ 8.1    $ 41.7    $ 16.5
    

  

  

  

  

  

  


(1) As of June 30, 2005, the Company had made payments totaling $15.0 million reducing the $35.5 million long-term debt obligation due in 2009 to $20.5 million. In addition, on August 15, 2005 we pre-paid an additional $15.0 million of long-term debt due in 2009 with the proceeds from borrowing under our Prior Revolving Credit Facility. On September 28, 2005, we prepaid the remaining $5.5 million in funded notes outstanding under the term loan agreement. As required by that agreement, we also paid a 6% prepayment premium of $0.3 million.

 

Purchase orders for the purchase of inventory and other services are not included in the table above because purchase orders represent authorizations to purchase rather than binding agreements. For the purposes of this table, contractual obligations for purchase of goods or services are defined as agreements that are enforceable and legally binding and that specify all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions, and the approximate timing of the transaction. Our purchase orders are based on our current inventory needs and are fulfilled by our suppliers within short time periods. We also enter into contracts for outsourced services; however, the obligations under these contracts are not significant and the contracts generally contain clauses allowing for cancellation without significant penalty.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

Letter of Credit Commitments .    As of December 31, 2004, our standby letters of credit issued under our Prior Revolving Credit Facility and the Tranche B Note Agreement were $61.2 million of which $54.7 million relates to workers’ compensation and casualty insurance. All of the standby letters of credit expire in 2005. However, in the ordinary course of our business, we will continue to renew or modify the terms of the letters of the credit as required by business needs. As of June 30, 2005, our standby letters of credit issued under our Prior Revolving Credit Facility and the Tranche B Note Agreement were $52.2 million and of this amount, standby letters of credit relating to workers’ compensation and casualty insurance totaled $46.3 million.

 

Trust Guarantees .    Pursuant to the Plan, two special purpose trusts were established, the Post-Confirmation Trust, or PCT, and the Reclamation Creditors’ Trust, or RCT, collectively, the Trusts (See Note 1—Summary Company Information and Emergence from Bankruptcy to the consolidated financial statements) . The Trusts were established in order to administer post-confirmation responsibilities ordered under the Plan including, but not limited to, the pursuit of assets and reconciliation and subsequent settlement of pre-petition and post-petition claims, including specific administrative claims. Under the terms of the Plan, we guarantee the payment of all PCT administrative claims in excess of $56 million. In addition, if the assets of the RCT are inadequate to satisfy all of the allowed TLV claims, we must pay such claims in full plus any accrued interest. We also guarantee all eligible but unpaid non-TLV claims up to a maximum of $15 million. The Plan limits the combined amounts of the RCT TLV and non-TLV claims to not greater than $137 million. FIN 45 requires that an entity issuing a guarantee must recognize, at the inception of the guarantee, a liability equal to the fair value of the guarantee. Based on the estimates provided by the Trusts, we believe that (i) the PCT administrative claims are substantially

 

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Index to Financial Statements

below the guarantee threshold and (ii) the assets of the RCT will be sufficient to satisfy the TLV claims and non- TLV claims against it. Therefore, we have not accrued any liability with respect to these guarantees. However, if the assets of either Trust are insufficient to cover the liabilities of such Trust we could be required to satisfy the guarantees. We have reviewed the Trusts and guarantees pursuant to FIN 46 and found that they are not subject to consolidation.

 

Operating Leases .    The majority of our sales offices, warehouse facilities, and trucks are subject to lease agreements which expire at various dates through 2016 (excluding renewal options). These leases generally require us to maintain, insure, and pay any related taxes. In most instances, we expect the leases that expire will be renewed or replaced in the normal course of our business.

 

Third Party Distribution Centers .    We currently manage two regional distribution centers for third party convenience store operators who engage in self-distribution. Under the agreements relating to these facilities, the third parties have a “put” right under which they may require us to acquire the facilities. If the put right is exercised, we will be required to (1) purchase the inventory in the facilities at cost, (2) purchase the physical assets of the facilities at fully depreciated cost, and (3) assume the obligations of the third parties as lessees under the leases related to those facilities. While we believe the likelihood that these put options will be exercised is remote, if they are exercised, we could be required to make aggregate capital expenditures of approximately $10 million, based on current estimates. The amount of capital expenditure would vary depending on the timing of any exercise of such puts.

 

Litigation

 

In the ordinary course of our business, we are subject to certain legal proceedings, claims, investigations and administrative proceedings. In accordance with SFAS No. 5 Accounting for Contingencies , we record a provision for a liability when it is both probable that the liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated. When applicable, these provisions are reviewed at least quarterly and adjusted to reflect the impacts of negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel, and other information and events pertaining to a particular case. At both June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, we were not involved in any material litigation.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections . SFAS No. 154 establishes new standards on accounting for changes in accounting principles. Pursuant to the new rules, all such changes must be accounted for by retrospective application to the financial statements of prior periods unless it is impracticable to do so. SFAS No. 154 supercedes Accounting Principles Bulletin (APB) Opinion 2, Accounting for Changes and SFAS No. 3, Reporting Accounting Changes in Interim Financial Statements , though it carries forward the guidance of those pronouncements with respect to accounting for changes in estimates, changes in the reporting entity, and error corrections. This statement is effective for accounting changes and error corrections made in years beginning after December 15, 2005, with early adoption permitted for changes and corrections made in years beginning after May 2005. We do not expect adoption of SFAS No. 154 to have a material impact on our financial statements.

 

In March 2005, the SEC issued SAB No. 107 which offers guidance on SFAS No. 123(R). SAB No. 107 was issued to assist preparers by simplifying some of the implementation challenges of SFAS No. 123(R) while enhancing the information that investors receive. SAB No. 107 creates a framework that is premised on two overarching themes: (a) considerable judgment will be required by preparers to successfully implement SFAS No. 123(R), specifically when valuing employee stock options; and (b) reasonable individuals, acting in good faith, may conclude differently on the fair value of employee stock options. Key topics covered by SAB No. 107 include valuation models, expected volatility and expected term. We expect to apply the principles of SAB No. 107 in conjunction with our adoption of SFAS No. 123(R).

 

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In December, 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004) (SFAS No. 123R), Share-Based Payment . SFAS No. 123(R) replaces SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25. Generally, the approach in SFAS No. 123(R) is similar to the approach described in SFAS No. 123 for fair value. However, SFAS No. 123(R) requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the financial statements based on their fair values and prohibits pro forma disclosure as an alternative to financial statement recognition. SFAS No. 123(R) is effective for interim or annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2005. We are evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 123(R).

 

In December 2004, FASB issued Staff Position No. 109-2 (FSP No. 109-2), Accounting and Disclosure Guidance for the Foreign Earnings Repatriation Provision within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the Act). The Act, which was signed into law on October 22, 2004, provides for a special one-time tax deduction of 85 percent of certain foreign earnings that are repatriated (as defined in the Act) in either a company’s last tax year that began before the enactment date, or the first tax year that begins during the one-year period beginning on the date of enactment. Accordingly, the position provides guidance on accounting for income taxes that related to the accounting treatment for unremitted earnings in a foreign investment (a consolidated subsidiary or corporate joint venture that is essentially permanent in nature). Further, the position permits a company time beyond the financial reporting period of enactment to evaluate the effect of the Act on its plan for reinvestment or repatriation of foreign earnings for purposes of applying SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. Accordingly, an enterprise that has not yet completed its evaluation of the repatriation provision for purposes of applying SFAS No. 109 is required to disclose certain information, for each period for which financial statements covering periods affected by the Act are presented. Subsequently, the total effect on income tax expense (or benefit) for amounts that have been recognized under the repatriation provision must be provided in a company’s financial statements for the period in which it completes its evaluation of the repatriation provision. The provisions of FSP No. 109-2 are effective immediately. As of and for the year ended December 31, 2004, we have not yet completed our evaluation; consequently, the required information is disclosed in Note 16 Income Taxes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 153 Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets—An Amendment of APB Opinion No. 29 . The provisions of this statement are effective for non monetary asset exchanges occurring in periods beginning after June 15, 2005. This statement eliminates the exception to fair value for exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it with a general exception for exchange transactions that do not have commercial substance—that is, transactions that are not expected to result in significant changes in the cash flows of the reporting entity. We do not believe that the adoption of SFAS No. 153 will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In November 2004, FASB issued SFAS No. 151, Inventory Costs that amends the guidance in Accounting Research Bulletin No. 43, Chapter 4, Inventory Pricing , (ARB No. 43) to clarify the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and wasted material (spoilage). In addition, this statement requires that an allocation of fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. SFAS No. 151 is effective for inventory costs incurred during years beginning after June 15, 2005. We do not believe that the adoption of SFAS No. 151 will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In May 2004, the FASB issued FSP No. 106-2, Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 , which supercedes FSP No. 106-1 Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 , and provides guidance on accounting for the effects of the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the MMA) for employers that sponsor postretirement health care plans that provide prescription drug coverage that is at least actuarially equivalent to that offered by Medicare Part B. The MMA provides a prescription drug benefit for Medicare eligible employees starting in 2006. This statement is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after June 15, 2004. The adoption of FSP No. 106-2 did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

 

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Index to Financial Statements

In December 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 132 (Revised) (SFAS No. 132R) Employer’s Disclosure about Pensions and Other Post retirement Benefits . SFAS No. 132R retains disclosure requirements of the original SFAS No. 132 and requires additional disclosures relating to assets, obligations, cash flows, and net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit pension plans and defined benefit post retirement plans. SFAS No. 132R is effective for years ending after December 15, 2003, except that certain disclosures are effective for years ending after June 15, 2004. Interim period disclosures are effective for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2003. The adoption of SFAS No. 132R did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In January 2003, the FASB issued FIN No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (FIN No. 46) , and a revised interpretation of FIN No. 46 (FIN No. 46R) in December 2003, in an effort to expand upon existing accounting guidance that addresses when a company should consolidate the financial results of another entity. FIN No. 46 requires variable interest entities, as defined, to be consolidated by a company if that company is subject to a majority of expected losses of the entity or is entitled to receive a majority of expected residual returns of the entity, or both. A company that is required to consolidate a variable interest entity is referred to as the entity’s primary beneficiary. The interpretation also requires certain disclosures about variable interest entities that a company is not required to consolidate, but in which it has a significant variable interest. The consolidation and disclosure requirements apply immediately to variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003. The adoption of FIN 46R did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In July 2002, The Public Company Accounting Reform and Investor Protection Act of 2002 (the Sarbanes—Oxley Act) was enacted. Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act stipulates that public companies must take responsibility for maintaining an effective system of internal control. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires public companies to report on the effectiveness of their control over financial reporting and obtain an attestation report from their independent registered public accounting firm about management’s report. The act requires most public companies (accelerated filers) to report on the company’s internal control over financial reporting for years ended on or after November 15, 2004. Other public companies (non-accelerated filers) must begin to comply with the new requirements related to internal control over financial reporting for their first year ending on or after July 15, 2006 under the latest extension granted by the SEC. Our company is a non-accelerated filer and therefore expects to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act for the year ended December 31, 2006.

 

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Our major exposure to market risk comes from changes in short-term interest rates on our variable rate debt. At December 31, 2004, variable rate debt represented 100% of our total debt. Depending upon the borrowing option chosen, the variable rate debt is based upon LIBOR or the prime rate plus an applicable margin. If interest rates on existing variable rate debt increased 26 basis points (which approximates 10% of the LIBOR component of our variable rate debt), our results from operations and cash flows would not be materially affected.

 

We conduct business in Canada. However, changes in the U.S./Canadian exchange rate had no material impact on the overall results of the Canadian operations, as virtually all revenues and expenses of such operations are Canadian dollar based. To the extent that funds are moved to or from Canada, we would be exposed to fluctuations in the U.S./Canadian exchange rate. The U.S./Canadian exchange rate based on the noon rate used for balance sheet translation was 1.2062, 1.2977, and 1.2924 as of December 31, 2004, August 23, 2004, and December 31, 2003, and was 1.2256 and 1.3404 as of June 30, 2005 and June 30, 2004.

 

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ITEM 3. PROPERTIES

 

Our headquarters are located in South San Francisco, California, and consist of 22,000 square feet of leased office space. We also lease 13,000 square feet for use by our information technology and tax personnel in Richmond, British Columbia. The following table sets forth for each distribution center: the location of the distribution center and the approximate aggregate square footage of each distribution center. We lease all of our distribution centers other than our distribution center located in Leitchfield, Kentucky, which we own.

 

City and State of Location


   Square
Footage (1)


Albuquerque, New Mexico

   115,447

Atlanta, Georgia

   100,266

Bakersfield, California

   69,904

Corona, California

   194,400

Corona, California (2)

   57,040

Denver, Colorado

   140,000

Fort Worth, Texas

   138,500

Grants Pass, Oregon

   43,050

Hayward, California

   130,080

Las Vegas, Nevada

   100,000

Los Angeles, California

   193,679

Leitchfield, Kentucky

   121,192

Minneapolis, Minnesota

   197,685

Portland, Oregon

   111,740

Reno, Nevada (3)

   24,800

Sacramento, California

   108,450

Sacramento, California (4)

   100,000

Salt Lake City, Utah

   95,500

Spokane, Washington

   51,384

Spokane, Washington

   27,000

Calgary, Alberta

   75,512

Vancouver, British Columbia

   65,100

Victoria, British Columbia

   47,575

Winnipeg, Manitoba

   55,296
    

Total Square Footage

   2,363,600

(1) All square footage excludes mezzanine space.
(2) This facility is our Allied Merchandising Industry consolidating warehouse.
(3) This facility is a depot.
(4) Includes Artic Cascade, one of two of our consolidating warehouses.

 

We also operate distribution centers on behalf of two of our major customers, one in Phoenix, Arizona for Circle K and the one in San Antonio, Texas for Valero. Each facility is leased by the specific customer solely for their use and operated by Core-Mark.

 

ITEM 4. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.

 

The following table sets forth certain information as of September 21, 2005 regarding the beneficial ownership of shares of our common stock by: (i) each person or entity known to us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our common stock; (ii) each of our named executive officers; (iii) each member of our board of directors; and (iv) all members of our board of directors and executive officers as a group.

 

Except as otherwise noted below, each of the following individual’s address of record is c/o Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc., 395 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite #415, South San Francisco, California 94080.

 

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Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC. In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of that person, shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options or warrants or the conversion of other securities held by that person that are currently exercisable or convertible, or are exercisable or convertible within 60 days of September 21, 2005, are deemed to be issued and outstanding. These shares, however, are not deemed outstanding for the purposes of computing percentage ownership of each other stockholder.

 

     Securities Beneficially Owned

 

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


   Shares of Common
Stock Beneficially
Owned


   Percentage of Common
Stock Outstanding


 

Principal Securityholders:

           

Fleming Companies, Inc (1)

   4,432,956    45.2 %

Third Point LLC (2)

   924,043    9.42 %

River Run Capital Management (3)

   609,967    6.2 %

Sankaty Advisors LLC (4)

   602,352    6.1 %

Directors and Executive Officers:

           

J. Michael Walsh (5)

   45,889    *  

Basil P. Prokop (5)

   42,069    *  

Chris Walsh (5)

   36,329    *  

Scott McPherson (5)

   28,043    *  

Thomas B. Perkins (5)

   28,043    *  

Robert A. Allen (6)

   2,500    *  

Stuart W. Booth (7)

      *  

Gary F. Colter (6)

   2,500    *  

L. William Krause (7)

      *  

Harvey L. Tepner (6)

   2,500    *  

Randolph I. Thornton (6)

   2,500    *  

All directors and executive officers as a group
(14 persons)

   249,009    2.5 %

 * Represents beneficial ownership of less than 1%.
(1) The address of Fleming Companies, Inc. is 15150 Preston Road, Suite 240, Dallas, Texas 75248. Pursuant to the Plan, we issued an aggregate of 9.8 million shares of our common stock to Fleming in exchange for the stock of Core-Mark International, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Fleming has distributed 5,367,044 shares of our common stock to certain of its creditors and continues to hold 4,432,956 shares that are subject to future distribution to Fleming’s creditors as claims are resolved. Fleming will also transfer certain shares of our common stock to our subsidiary, Core-Mark Holding Company III, Inc. and Core-Mark Holding Company III will hold such stock, not for its own account, but rather in trust for the benefit of holders of certain disputed claims.
(2) The address of Third Point LLC is 9520 N. May Avenue, Suite 300, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73120. Third Point LLC is the Investment Manager for Third Point Partners L.P., Third Point Partners Qualified L.P., Third Point Offshore Fund Ltd., Third Point Ultra Ltd., Third Point Resources Ltd., Third Point Resources LP, and Lyxor/Third Point Fund Limited, which hold 116,500, 50,800, 571,800, 86,500, 27,500, 16,700, 54,243 common shares respectively. Mr. Daniel Loeb exercises voting and investment control over such shares and may be deemed to beneficially own the shares. Mr. Loeb disclaims beneficial ownership of all such shares except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein.
(3) The address of River Run Capital Management is 152 West 57th Street—52nd Floor, New York, New York 10019. Consists of: (i) 197,169 shares of common stock and warrants exercisable for 66,109 shares of common stock held by River Run Partners, LP, (ii) 230,074 shares of common stock and warrants exercisable for 78,182 shares of common stock held by River Run Fund, Ltd, and (iii) 27,264 shares of common stock and warrants exercisable 11,169 shares of common stock held by Cold Springs, LP. The warrants are immediately exercisable and have an exercise price of $20.925 per share. Mr. Ian Wallace exercises voting and investment control over the River Run Capital Management affiliated shares and may be deemed to beneficially own the shares. Mr. Wallace disclaims beneficial ownership of all such shares except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein.
(4)

The address of Sankaty Advisors LLC is 111 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02199. Consists of: (i) 44,051 shares of common stock and warrants exercisable for 4,929 shares of common stock held by Sankaty High Yield Asset Partners, L.P. (Sankaty I), whose sole general partner is Sankaty High Yield Asset Investors, LLC (SHYA), whose sole managing member is Sankaty Investors, LLC (SI), whose sole managing member is Mr. Jonathan S. Lavine, (ii) 97,950 shares of common stock and warrants exercisable for 16,686 shares of common stock held by Sankaty High Yield Partners II, L.P., whose sole general partner is Sankaty High Yield Asset Investors II, LLC (SHYAII), whose sole managing member is Sankaty Investors II, LLC (SI II), whose sole managing member is Mr. Lavine, (iii) 107,805 shares of common stock warrants exercisable representing 25,712 shares of common stock held by Sankaty High

 

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Yield Partners III, L.P., whose sole general partner is Sankaty High Yield Asset Investors III, LLC (SHYAIII), whose sole managing member is Sankaty Investors III, LLC (SI III), whose sole managing member is Mr. Lavine, (iv) warrants exercisable for 23,222 shares of common stock held by Prospect Harbor Credit Partners, L.P. (Prospect Harbor), whose sole general partner is Prospect Harbor Investors, LLC (PHI), whose sole managing member is Sankaty Credit Member, LLC (SCM), whose sole managing member is Mr. Lavine, (v) 206,688 shares of common stock and warrants exercisable for 61,200 shares of common stock held by Sankaty Credit Opportunities, L.P. (SCO), whose sole general partner is Sankaty Credit Opportunities Investors, LLC (SCOI), whose sole managing member is SCM, whose sole managing member is Mr. Lavine, (vi) 6,090 shares of common stock and warrants exercisable for 2,436 shares of Common Stock held by Brant Point CBO 1999-1, Ltd. (Brant Point I), whose collateral manager is Sankaty Advisors, LLC (SA), whose sole managing member is Mr. Lavine, (vii) 5,583 shares of Common Stock held by Brant Point II CBO 2000-1 Ltd. (Brant Point II), whose collateral manager is SA, whose sole managing member is Mr. Lavine. The warrants are immediately exercisable and have exercise prices of $15.50 per share or $20.925 per share, the fair values as determined pursuant to the Plan. By virtue of their relationship to Sankaty I, each of SHYA and SI may be deemed to beneficially own the shares held by Sankaty I. Each of SHYA and SI disclaims beneficial ownership of all such shares except to the extent of their pecuniary interest therein. By virtue of their relationship to Sankaty II, SHYAII and SI II may be deemed to beneficially own the shares held by Sankaty II. Each of SHYAII and SI II disclaims beneficial ownership of all such shares except to the extent of their pecuniary interest therein. By virtue of their relationship to Sankaty III, SHYAIII and SI III may be deemed to beneficially own the shares held by Sankaty III. Each of SHYAIII and SI III disclaims beneficial ownership of all such shares except to the extent of their pecuniary interest therein. By virtue of their relationship to Prospect Harbor, PHI and SCM may be deemed to beneficially own the shares held by Prospect Harbor. Each of PHI and SCM disclaims beneficial ownership of all such shares except to the extent of their pecuniary interest therein. By virtue of their relationship to SCO, SCOI and SCM may be deemed to beneficially own the shares held by SCO. Each of SCOI and SCM disclaims beneficial ownership of all such shares except to the extent of their pecuniary interest therein. SA, by virtue of its relationship to each of Brant Point I and Brant Point II, may be deemed to beneficially own the shares held by such funds. SA disclaims beneficial ownership of all such shares except to the extent of its pecuniary interest therein. By virtue of his relationship to Sankaty I, Sankaty II, Sankaty III, Prospect Harbor, SCO, Brant Point I and Brant Point II, Mr. Lavine may be deemed to beneficially own the shares held by such funds. Mr. Lavine disclaims beneficial ownership of all such shares except to the extent of its or his pecuniary interest therein. Mr. Lavine exercises voting and investment control over the Sankaty Advisors LLC affiliated shares and may be deemed to beneficially own the shares. Mr. Lavine disclaims beneficial ownership of all such shares except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein.

(5) Represents the portion of options or restricted stock units granted to such officer under the 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan that are exercisable by such officer within 60 days of September 21, 2005. Generally, one third of the options and restricted stock units granted under the 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan vested on August 23, 2005, and the remaining options and restricted stock units vest in equal monthly installments over the two year period commencing on August 23, 2005, for each consecutive month that the grantee remains an employee.
(6) Certain of our non-employee Directors received options to purchase 7,500 shares of our common stock granted under the 2004 Directors Equity Incentive Plan on August 23, 2004 which have an exercise price of $15.50 per share, the fair value of our common stock as determined pursuant to the Plan, and vest over three years. One third of the options vested on August 23, 2005, and the remaining options vest in equal quarterly installments over the two year period commencing on August 23, 2005, for each consecutive quarter that the grantee remains a director. The 2,500 shares represent the portion of options exercisable in shares of common stock within 60 days of September 21, 2005 that are held by each of our Directors.
(7) Messrs. Booth and Krause were appointed to our board of directors in August 2005. Mr. Booth and Mr. Krause were each granted options to purchase 7,500 shares of our common stock under the 2005 Directors Equity Incentive Plan on August 12, 2005. The options have an exercise price of $27.03, the fair value of a share of our common stock as determined by the Board of Directors as provided in the plan on the basis of the average trading price of our common stock over the twenty trading days ending two trading days prior to the date of grant. One third of the options vest on August 12, 2006, and the remaining options vest in equal quarterly installments over the two year period commencing on August 12, 2006, for each consecutive quarter that the grantee remains a director.

 

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ITEM 5. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS.

 

Our Directors and Executive Officers

 

The following table sets forth names, ages and positions of the persons who are our directors and executive officers as of August 30, 2005:

 

Name


   Age

  

Position


J. Michael Walsh

   57    President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

James E. Wall

   57    Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Basil P. Prokop

   61    President—Canada Distribution

Chris L. Walsh

   40    Senior Vice President—Sales and Marketing

Gregory P. Antholzner

   45    Vice President—Finance and Control

Henry Hautau

   63    Vice President—Employee and Corporate Services

Scott E. McPherson

   35    Vice President—U.S. Divisions

Thomas B. Perkins

   46    Vice President—U.S. Divisions

Robert A. Allen (2)(3)

   56    Director

Stuart W. Booth (1)

   54    Director

Gary F. Colter (1)(2)(3)

   59    Director

L. William Krause (2)(3)

   63    Director

Harvey L. Tepner

   48    Director

Randolph I. Thornton (1)(2)(3)

   59    Director, Chairman of the Board of Directors

(1) Member of the Audit Committee.
(2) Member of the Compensation Committee.
(3) Member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

 

J. Michael Walsh has served as our President and Chief Executive Officer since March 2003 and as a Director since August 2004. From October 1999 to March 2003, Mr. Walsh served as our Executive Vice President—Sales. From April 1991 to January 1996, Mr. Walsh was a Senior Vice President—Operations and was Senior Vice President—U.S. Distribution from January 1996 to October 1999. Before joining Core-Mark, Mr. Walsh served as the Senior Vice President—Operations of Food Services of America. Mr. Walsh received a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial engineering from Texas Tech University and a Master of Business Administration from Texas A&M at West Texas.

 

James E. Wall has served as our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since September 2004. Prior to joining us, Mr. Wall served as the Chief Financial Officer of Memec PLC from August 2002 to April 2003. From August 1999 to April 2001, Mr. Wall served as the Chief Financial Officer of Metricom, Inc (which subsequently filed for bankruptcy), and Treasurer and Controller of Air Touch Communications, Inc. from September 1995 to August 1999. Mr. Wall received a Bachelor of Science degree in international marketing from California State University at Los Angeles and a Master of Business Administration from the University of California at Los Angeles. Mr. Wall also did doctoral work in accounting, finance and management at Pace University and is a certified public accountant licensed in California.

 

Basil P. Prokop has served as President of Canada Distribution since 1992. From 1987 to 1992, Mr. Prokop served as the Vice President and Director of Core-Mark Canada, and from 1986 to 1987 he served as Senior Vice President of Sales of Core-Mark Canada. Mr. Prokop joined Core-Mark in 1984 as a result of our acquisition of Western Smallwares, where he had been employed in various positions, including as a partner and senior officer, from 1960 to 1984.

 

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Chris L. Walsh has served as our Senior Vice President—Sales and Marketing since 2003. Mr. Walsh is responsible for major new business development, relationships and income generation with our key vendors and development and execution of marketing programs throughout Core-Mark. Mr. Walsh joined Core-Mark in 1995 as Director of Foodservice. He was promoted to Vice President—Merchandising in 1997 and Vice President—Marketing in 1999. Prior to joining Core-Mark, Mr. Walsh served in marketing management positions at Nestle, Tyson Foods and Taco Bell. Mr. Walsh received a Bachelor of Arts Degree, cum laude , in economics and English from the University of Puget Sound and a Master of Business Administration from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University.

 

Gregory P. Antholzner has served as our Vice President—Finance and Control since January 2003. Mr. Antholzner joined Core-Mark in November 1988 as an Accounting Manager. Mr. Antholzner was promoted to Director of Accounting in March 1992. In January 1996, Mr. Antholzner was promoted to Assistant Controller and in July 1998 he became Corporate Controller. Mr. Antholzner received a Bachelor of Science degree in the registered accounting program from the University of New York at Buffalo.

 

Henry Hautau has served as our Vice President—Employee and Corporate Services since 1992. Prior to joining Core-Mark, Mr. Hautau served in human resource management positions with SOHIO Petroleum Company (British Petroleum North America), Alesa Alusuisse, and Schlumberger Limited. Mr. Hautau received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Francis College in Loretto, Pennsylvania.

 

Scott E. McPherson has served as our Vice President—U.S. Divisions since January 2003. From June 2001 to January 2003, Mr. McPherson served as President of our Fort Worth distribution center. From June 2000 to June 2001, Mr. McPherson served as our Director of Corporate Marketing and from September 1992 to June 2000 he served as General Sales Manager of our Portland distribution center. Mr. McPherson received a Bachelor of Science Degree in business administration from Lewis & Clark College and a Master of Business of Administration from the University of Portland.

 

Thomas B. Perkins has served as our Vice President—U.S. Divisions since September 2003. From January 2001 to August 2003, Mr. Perkins served as the President of our Arizona distribution center. From September 1996 to December 2000, Mr. Perkins served as the President of our Spokane distribution center and from August 1993 to August 1996 served as Controller of our Los Angeles distribution center. Prior to joining Core-Mark, Mr. Perkins was a controller with Pepsi Cola Company. Mr. Perkins received a Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Arizona University. Mr. Perkins is a certified public accountant licensed in California (inactive).

 

Robert A. Allen has served as a Director of Core-Mark since August 2004. Mr. Allen was Acting Chief Operating Officer of the Fleming Companies, Inc. from March 2003 to April 2003. From 1998 to 2003, Mr. Allen served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Core-Mark International, Inc. and President and Chief Operating Officer of Core-Mark International, Inc. from 1996 to 1998. Mr. Allen received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California at Berkeley.

 

Gary F. Colter has served as a Director of Core-Mark since August 2004. Mr. Colter has been employed principally by CRS Inc., a corporate restructuring and strategy management consulting company since 2002 and currently serves as its President. Prior to that time, Mr. Colter was employed by KPMG, serving as: Vice Chairman of KPMG Canada from 2001 to 2002; Managing Partner–Global Financial Advisory Services and Member International Executive Team of KPMG International from 1998 to 2000; Vice Chairman–Financial Advisory Services, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of KPMG Inc. and on the Management Committee of KPMG Canada from 1989 to 1998; and Partner of KPMG Canada and its predecessor, Peat Marwick, from 1975 to 2002. Mr. Colter is a member of the board of directors of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Owens- Illinois, Inc. and Saskatchewan Wheat Pool, and serves as the chair of the audit committee of all three companies. Mr. Colter received a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration from the Ivey Business School of the University of Western Ontario. Mr. Colter is a fellow chartered accountant (FCA).

 

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Harvey L. Tepner has served as a Director of Core-Mark since August 2004 and also serves as a member of the board of directors of the Post Confirmation Trust of the Fleming Companies. Since December 2002, Mr. Tepner has been a Partner of Compass Advisers, LLP in charge of its investment banking restructuring practice. Prior to that time Mr. Tepner was a Managing Director of Loeb Partners Corporation from 1995 to 2002. Prior to Loeb, Mr. Tepner worked as an officer in the corporate finance departments of Dillon, Read & Co. Inc. and Rothschild Inc. Mr. Tepner is a Chartered Accountant (Canada) and previously worked for Price Waterhouse in Canada. Mr. Tepner received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Carleton University and a Masters of Business Administration degree from Cornell University.

 

Randolph I. Thornton has served as a Director and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Core-Mark since August 2004 and also serves as a member of the board of directors of the Post Confirmation Trust of the Fleming Companies. Mr. Thornton has served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Comdisco Holding Company, Inc. since August 2004. From May 1970 to February 2004, Mr. Thornton was employed by Citigroup, Inc., most recently serving as a managing director until Mr. Thornton retired from Citigroup, Inc. in February 2004. Mr. Thornton is a member of the board of directors of Comdisco Holding Company, Inc. In addition, Mr. Thornton was a member of the board of directors of Edison Brothers Stores, Inc. from 1997 to 2000 and served as the chair of its audit committee during that time. Mr. Thornton received a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Lafayette College and a Master of Business Administration from Columbia Business School.

 

Stuart W. Booth has served as a Director of Core-Mark since August 2005. Mr. Booth has been employed by Central Garden & Pet Company, a publicly-traded marketer and producer of pet and lawn and garden supplies, since 2002, and is currently its Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary. During 2001, Mr. Booth served as the Chief Financial Officer of RespondTV, Inc., an interactive television infrastructure and services company. From 1998 to 2000, Mr. Booth was Principal Vice President and Treasurer of Bechtel Group, Inc., an engineering, construction and project management firm. From 1975 to 1998, Mr. Booth served in various financial positions at Pacific Gas & Electric Company and related entities, including as principal financial officer for financial operations, acquisitions and divestitures at PG&E Enterprises. Mr. Booth received a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from California State University, Chico, and a Masters of Business Administration from California State University, San Francisco.

 

L. William Krause has served as a Director of Core-Mark since August 2005. Mr. Krause presently serves as President of LWK Ventures, a private investment firm, a position he has held since 1991. Mr. Krause has been Chairman of the Board of Caspian Networks, Inc., a high performance networking systems provider, since April 2002 and was CEO from April 2002 until June 2004. From September 2001 to February 2002, Mr. Krause was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Exodus Communications, Inc., which he guided through Chapter 11 Bankruptcy to a sale of assets. He also served as President and Chief Executive Officer of 3Com Corporation, a global data networking company, from 1981 to 1990, and as its Chairman from 1987 to 1993 when he retired. Presently, Mr. Krause serves on the board of directors of Brocade Communications Systems, Inc., Packeteer, Inc., Sybase, Inc., and TriZetto Group. Mr. Krause received a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from The Citadel.

 

Family Relationships

 

The only family relationship between any of the executive officers or directors is between J. Michael Walsh and Chris L. Walsh. J. Michael Walsh is Chris L. Walsh’s uncle.

 

Board of Directors

 

Our bylaws provide that the size of the board of directors shall be determined from time to time by our board of directors. Our board of directors currently consists of seven members. Each of our executive officers and directors, other than non-employee directors, devotes his or her full time to our affairs. Our non-employee directors devote the amount of time to our affairs as necessary to discharge their duties. Stuart Booth, Gary F.

 

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Colter, L. William Krause and Randolph I. Thornton are each independent within the meaning of the rules of the NASDAQ National Market and collectively constitute a majority of our board of directors. In addition, effective as of the end of April 2006, we expect that Robert A. Allen will be independent within the meaning of the rules of the NASDAQ National Market.

 

Committees of the Board of Directors

 

Pursuant to our bylaws, our board of directors is permitted to establish committees from time to time as it deems appropriate. To facilitate independent director review and to make the most effective use of our directors’ time and capabilities, our board of directors has established the following committees: the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The charter of each of the committees discussed below is available on our website. The membership and function of each committee are described below.

 

Audit Committee

 

The audit committee provides assistance to the board of directors in fulfilling its legal and fiduciary obligations in matters involving our accounting, auditing, financial reporting, internal control and legal compliance functions. It approves the services performed by our independent accountants and reviews their reports regarding our accounting practices and systems of internal accounting controls. The audit committee also oversees the audit efforts of our independent accountants and takes those actions as it deems necessary to satisfy itself that the accountants are independent of management. The audit committee currently consists of Stuart W. Booth, Gary F. Colter and Randolph I. Thornton, each of whom is a non-employee member of our board of directors and is independent within the meaning of the rules of the NASDAQ National Market and relevant federal securities laws and regulations. Mr. Booth is the Chairman of the audit committee, and he and Mr. Colter qualify as audit committee financial experts as defined under Securities and Exchange Commission rules. We believe that the composition of our audit committee meets the criteria for independence under, and the functioning of our audit committee complies with the applicable requirements of, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the current rules of the NASDAQ National Market.

 

Compensation Committee

 

The compensation committee reviews and approves our general compensation policies and recommends to our board of directors the compensation provided to our directors and executive officers. The compensation committee also reviews and determines bonuses for our officers and other employees. In addition, the compensation committee reviews and determines equity-based compensation for our directors, officers, employees and consultants and administers our stock option plans. The current members of the compensation committee are Gary F. Colter, L. William Krause, Robert A. Allen, and Randolph I. Thornton, each of whom is a non-employee member of our board of directors. Messrs. Colter, Krause and Thornton are each independent within the meaning of the rules of the NASDAQ National Market. Effective as of the end of April 2006, we expect that Mr. Allen will be independent within the meaning of such rules. Mr. Colter is the Chairman of the compensation committee. We believe that the composition of our compensation committee meets the criteria for independence under, and the functioning of our compensation committee complies with the applicable requirements of, the rules of the NASDAQ National Market.

 

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

 

The nominating and corporate governance committee is responsible for making recommendations to the board of directors regarding candidates for directorships and the size and composition of the board of directors. In addition, the nominating and corporate governance committee is responsible for overseeing our corporate governance guidelines and reporting and making recommendations to the board of directors concerning corporate governance matters. The members of the nominating and governance committee are Robert A. Allen, Gary F.

 

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Colter, L. William Krause and Randolph I. Thornton. Messrs. Colter, Krause and Thornton are each independent within the meaning of the rules of the NASDAQ National Market. Effective as of the end of April 2006, we expect that Mr. Allen will be independent within the meaning of such rules. Mr. Allen is the Chairman of the nominating and corporate governance committee. We believe that the composition of our nominating and governance committee meets the criteria for independence under, and the functioning of our nominating and corporate governance committee complies with the applicable requirements of, the rules of the NASDAQ National Market.

 

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

 

The members of our compensation committee are Robert A. Allen, Gary F. Colter, L. William Krause and Randolph I. Thornton. Randolph I. Thornton is a member of the board of directors of the Post Confirmation Trust of the Fleming Companies and advised the creditors committee on the compensation of our executive officers and members of our Board of Directors.

 

Harvey L. Tepner, a member of our board of directors (and a member of our compensation committee and chairman of our audit committee from August 2004 through September 2, 2005), is a Partner of Compass Advisers, LLP. Mr. Tepner is also a Managing Director of Compass SRP Associates LLP, a special purpose joint venture that provided financial advisory and investment banking services to the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of Fleming in connection with Fleming’s bankruptcy. Compass Advisers, LLP owns a 50% interest in Compass SRP Associates LLP. Pursuant to the Plan, Compass SRP Associates LLP has received total fees and expenses of approximately $4,781,000, of which $2,269,930 was distributed to Compass Advisers, LLP. All fees and expenses paid to Compass SRP Associates LLP were approved by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware after submission of applications by Compass SRP Associates LLP. Harvey L. Tepner is a member of the board of directors of the Post Confirmation Trust of the Fleming Companies but recused himself from any discussions regarding the compensation of Compass SRP Associates LLP.

 

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ITEM 6. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The following table summarizes all compensation paid to our Chief Executive Officer and to our four other most highly compensated executive officers whose total annual salary and bonus exceeded $100,000 for services rendered in all capacities to us during the year ended December 31, 2004. We will refer to these executive officers as the named executive officers. The information included in this table for 2002, 2003 and for the period of January 1, 2004 to August 23, 2004, the effective date of Fleming’s reorganization, reflects compensation earned by the named executive officer for services rendered to Core-Mark as a subsidiary of Fleming and such amounts do not necessarily reflect the compensation these individuals will earn as our executive officers.

 

Summary Compensation

 

    

Year


   Annual Compensation

   Long-Term
Compensation


  

All Other
Compensation
(2)(3)(4)


Name and Principal Position


      Salary

   Bonus

   Restricted
Stock
Units(1)


   Securities
Underlying
Options (#)


  

J. Michael Walsh

President and Chief Executive Officer

   2004
2003
2002
   $
$
$
451,731
401,250
242,062
   $
$
$
225,000
200,000
102,500
   $
$
$
279,000
—  
—  
   100,000
—  
—  
   $
$
$
7,679
1,053
31,661

Basil P. Prokop

President—Canada Distribution

   2004
2003
2002
   $
$
$
256,954
214,625
172,122
   $
$
$
135,258
123,810
101,266
   $
$
$
255,750
—  
—  
   91,667
—  
—  
   $
$
$
14,458
13,406
11,065

Chris L. Walsh

Senior Vice President—Sales and Marketing

   2004
2003
2002
   $
$
$
213,462
196,000
170,992
   $
$
$
151,000
120,000
66,186
   $
$
$
220,875
—  
—  
   79,167
—  
—  
   $
$
$
6,872
539
337,200

Scott E. McPherson

Vice President—U.S. Divisions

   2004
2003
2002
   $
$
$
182,539
149,808
107,885
   $
$
$
58,992
105,000
39,600
   $
$
$
170,500
—  
—  
   61,111
—  
—  
   $
$
$
6,552
7,335
185,763

Thomas B. Perkins

Vice President—U.S. Divisions

   2004
2003
2002
   $
$
$
183,548
142,727
125,769
   $
$
$
113,238
105,000
61,583
   $
$
$
170,500
—  
—  
   61,111
—  
—  
   $
$
$
6,011
5,931
216,344

(1) Reflects a value of $15.50 per share, the fair value of our common stock as determined pursuant to the Plan, the value of the shares of common stock underlying the restricted stock units on the date of grant. The per share value is based on valuations of Core-Mark common stock conducted in connection with Fleming’s plan of reorganization. The restricted stock units were issued pursuant to our 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan. The aggregate holdings and value of the shares of restricted stock units held on December 31, 2004, by the individuals reported in this column are: Mr. J. Michael Walsh, 18,000 shares/$279,000; Mr. Prokop, 16,500 shares/$255,750; Mr. Chris L. Walsh, 14,250 shares/$220,875; Mr. McPherson, 11,000 shares/$170,500; and Mr. Perkins, 11,000 shares/$170,500. The shares of restricted stock were issued pursuant to our 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan. Pursuant to the terms of the plan, the restricted stock units vested with respect to one-third of the shares on August 23, 2005, and the remaining two-thirds of the restricted stock units vest ratably over the 24 month period after August 23, 2005, for each consecutive month of service that the individual provides to the Company.
(2) The figures for 2004 consist of: (i) matching contributions to our 401(k) Plan in the following amounts: $6,500 for Mr. J. Michael Walsh, $4,293 for Mr. Prokop, $6,288 for Mr. Chris Walsh, $5,493 for Mr. McPherson and $5,506 for Mr. Perkins; (ii) the payment of long term disability and accidental death and dismemberment insurance premiums in the following amounts: $1,179 for Mr. J. Michael Walsh, $692 for Mr. Prokop, $584 for Mr. Chris Walsh, $502 for Mr. McPherson and $505 for Mr. Perkins; and (iii) payment of a car allowance in the following amounts: $9,473 for Mr. Prokop and $557 for Mr. McPherson.
(3) The figures for 2003 consist of: (i) matching contributions to our 401(k) Plan in the following amounts: $3,998 for Mr. Prokop, (ii) the payment of long term disability and accidental death and dismemberment insurance premiums in the following amounts: $1,053 for Mr. J. Michael Walsh, $587 for Mr. Prokop, $539 for Mr. Chris Walsh, $412 for Mr. McPherson and $393 for Mr. Perkins; and (iii) payment of a car allowance in the following amounts: $8,821 for Mr. Prokop, $6,923 for Mr. McPherson and $5,538 for Mr. Perkins.
(4)

The figures for 2002 consist of: (i) matching contributions to our 401(k) Plan in the following amounts: $5,500 for Mr. J. Michael Walsh, $3,414 for Mr. Prokop, $5,322 for Mr. Chris Walsh, $3,452 for Mr. McPherson and $3,989 for Mr. Perkins; (ii) the payment of long term disability and accidental death and dismemberment insurance premiums in the following amounts: $597 for Mr. J. Michael Walsh, $436

 

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for Mr. Prokop, $427 for Mr. Chris Walsh, $270 for Mr. McPherson and $314 for Mr. Perkins; (iii) the payment of a car allowance in the following amounts: $25,564 for Mr. J. Michael Walsh, $7,215 for Mr. Prokop, $24,189 for Mr. Chris Walsh, $7,200 for Mr. McPherson and $7,200 for Mr. Perkins; and (iv) and payment of the following amounts by Fleming for outstanding options in connection with the acquisition of Core-Mark International by Fleming: $307,262 for Mr. Chris Walsh, $174,841 for Mr. McPherson and $204,841 for Mr. Perkins.

(5) Mr. Prokop receives his cash compensation in Canadian dollars. We report these amounts in the summary compensation table above in U.S. dollars based on the US/Canadian year-end exchange rate for each of 2004, 2003 and 2002 of $1.2034, $1.2923 and $1.58.

 

Stock Options

 

The following table sets forth information relating to the stock options granted under our 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan in 2004 to our named executive officers as well as information on their stock options holdings at the end of 2004.

 

Option Grants in 2004 Year

 

    

No. of Shares
Underlying
Securities
Granted


  

Percent of
Total
Securities
Granted to
Employees
(%)


   

Exercise
Price

($/sh)


  

Expiration
Date


   Potential Realizable Value
at Assumed Annual Rates
of Stock Option Price
Appreciation for Option
Term(1)


Name


              5%

   10%

J. Michael Walsh

   100,000    8.0 %   $ 15.50    8/23/11    $ 631,006    $ 1,470,512

Basil P. Prokop

   91,667    7.3 %   $ 15.50    8/23/11    $ 578,424    $ 1,347,974

Chris L. Walsh

   79,167    6.3 %   $ 15.50    8/23/11    $ 499,548    $ 1,164,160

Scott E. McPherson

   61,111    4.9 %   $ 15.50    8/23/11    $ 385,614    $ 898,644

Thomas B. Perkins

   61,111    4.9 %   $ 15.50    8/23/11    $ 385,614    $ 898,644

(1) The dollar amounts represented are based on calculations assuming annual rates of stock price appreciation over the option term at 5 percent and 10 percent rates set by the Securities and Exchange Commission and are not intended to forecast possible future appreciation, if any, of our common stock. On the grant date there was no public trading market for our common stock. For the purposes of calculating the potential realizable value we used $15.50 per share, the fair value of our common stock as determined pursuant to the Plan, as the value of our common stock on the date of grant. The price of $15.50 per share was also the basis used to calculate our option expense in our consolidated financial statements. The actual stock price appreciation over the 7-year option term may not be at the above 5 percent and 10 percent assumed rates of compounded stock price appreciation or at any other defined level. Unless the market price of our common stock appreciates over the option term, no value will be realized from the option grant made to the named executive officer.

 

Aggregate Option Exercises in Last Year and Year End Option Values

 

None of our named executive officers exercised any options to purchase our common stock in 2004. The following table provides information on the amount and value of unexercised in the money options at December 31, 2004. The following table assumes a per-share fair value equal to $15.50 as of December 31, 2004, the fair value of a share of our common stock as determined pursuant to the Plan:

 

     Shares
Acquired on
Exercise (#)


   Value
Realized


   Number of Securities
Underlying Unexercised
Options at December 31, 2004


   Value of Unexercised
In-The-Money Options
at December 31, 2004(2)


Name


         Exercisable(1)

   Unexercisable

   Exercisable

   Unexercisable

J. Michael Walsh

   —      $ —      —      100,000    $ —      $ —  

Basil P. Prokop

   —      $ —      —      91,667    $ —      $ —  

Chris L. Walsh

   —      $ —      —      79,167    $ —      $ —  

Scott E. McPherson

   —      $ —      —      61,111    $ —      $ —  

Thomas B. Perkins

   —      $ —      —      61,111    $ —      $ —  

(1)

No options were exercisable until August 23, 2005. The options vested with respect to one third of the shares of common stock underlying the option on August 23, 2005, and the options vest with respect to the remaining shares of common stock in equal monthly

 

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installments over the two year period commencing on August 23, 2005, for each consecutive month of service that individual provides to the Company.

(2) The exercise price for the unexercisable options is $15.50 per share, the fair value of our common stock as determined pursuant to the Plan. As of December 31, 2004 there was no trading market for shares of our common stock. Therefore, we have assumed that the fair market value for a share of our common stock remained equal to the exercise price as of December 31, 2004 and, accordingly, that none of the unexercisable options were in-the-money.

 

Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units

 

In connection with our emergence from bankruptcy, we granted each named executive officer restricted stock or restricted stock units as follows:

 

Name


   Number of Shares
or Units


J. Michael Walsh

   18,000

Basil P. Prokop

   16,500

Chris L. Walsh

   14,250

Scott E. McPherson

   11,000

Thomas B. Perkins

   11,000

 

The transfer restrictions with respect to one third of the shares of restricted common stock or restricted stock units, lapsed on August 23, 2005. The transfer restrictions with respect to the remaining shares of restricted common stock or restricted stock units lapse in equal monthly installments over the two year period commencing on August 23, 2005. If we are acquired by a non-public company, then all unvested shares will immediately vest. In addition, if we are acquired by a public company and the holder of the restricted stock or units is terminated without cause within one year after we are acquired, then all unvested shares or units will immediately vest.

 

Director Compensation

 

We reimburse the members of our board of directors for reasonable expenses in connection with their attendance at board and committee meetings. In addition, non-employee directors receive an annual fee of $30,000 and a fee of $1,500 for each board and committee meeting attended. In addition, the Chairman of the board of directors receives an annual fee of $50,000 as consideration for acting as the Chairman of the board of directors. The Chairman of the audit committee, compensation committee and nominating and corporate governance committee receive an annual fee of $15,000, $7,500 and $7,500, respectively, in consideration for acting as the Chairman of the respective committee. The annual fee is paid in equal quarterly installments. Each non-employee director also received an option to purchase 7,500 shares of our common stock under our 2004 or 2005 Directors Equity Incentive Plan. The exercise price of the stock options granted to our non-employee directors is based on the fair value of our common stock as determined by our board of directors on the date of grant. The options vest one-third on the first anniversary of the grant date, and the balance quarterly over the next two years.

 

Equity Incentive Plans

 

2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan

 

We adopted our 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan, or the 2004 Plan, effective August 23, 2004, the effective date of the Plan. The 2004 Plan permits us to issue incentive awards to eligible participants selected by our Compensation Committee that are settled in our common stock, cash, or other Core-Mark securities. Available awards under the 2004 Plan include:

 

    stock options (including incentive stock options under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986);

 

    stock appreciation rights;

 

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    restricted stock and restricted stock units; and

 

    performance awards.

 

Effective Date and Term .    The 2004 Plan was effective on August 23, 2004, and will remain in effect for a period of up to 10 years after such date. Our board of directors or the Compensation Committee may amend or terminate the 2004 Plan at any time prior to its expiration without prior stockholder approval unless stockholder approval is required by law or the listing requirements of a principal stock exchange in which our common stock is listed, the amendment removes a plan provision that is otherwise subject to stockholder approval, or the amendment would directly or indirectly increase the number of shares authorized under the 2004 Plan (except as is otherwise permitted through the 2004 Plan’s adjustment provision). The termination of the 2004 Plan will not adversely affect outstanding awards under the 2004 Plan.

 

Administration .    The 2004 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee but the board of directors may resolve to administer the plan directly in which case references to the Compensation Committee refer to the board of directors. The Compensation Committee is authorized to:

 

    select persons to participate in the 2004 Plan, determine the form and substance of grants under the 2004 Plan, and the conditions and restrictions, if any, subject to which such grants will be made,

 

    determine the form and substance of the grant agreements reflecting the terms and conditions of grants, certify that the conditions and restrictions applicable to any grant have been met,

 

    modify the terms of grants,

 

    interpret the 2004 Plan and grant agreements,

 

    determine the duration and purposes for leaves of absences which may be taken without constituting a termination of employment or services for purposes of the 2004 Plan,

 

    make any adjustments necessary or desirable in connection with grants made to participants located outside of the United States,

 

    adopt, amend or rescind rules and regulations for plan administration (including (a) to correct any defect, supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the 2004 Plan or any grant agreement or (b) to ensure the plan complies with Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act, the Internal Revenue Code, to the extent applicable, and other applicable law) and to make such other determinations for carrying out the 2004 Plan as the Compensation Committee deems appropriate, and

 

    exercise such powers and perform such acts as are deemed necessary or advisable with respect to the 2004 Plan to promote Core-Mark’s best interests.

 

The Compensation Committee’s determinations and interpretations under the 2004 Plan are in the Compensation Committee’s complete discretion and are binding on Core-Mark, the participants in the 2004 Plan and all other parties.

 

Eligibility .    Awards under the 2004 Plan may be granted, in the discretion of the Compensation Committee, to any director, officer (including a non-employee officer) or employee of the Company, as well as to any other individual performing services for us or any Core-Mark subsidiary and to any individual to whom an offer of employment or offer to provide services has been extended by us or any Core-Mark subsidiary.

 

Number of Shares Available for Issuance .    Subject to adjustment as described below, 1,314,444 shares of our common stock (including treasury shares) were authorized for granting awards under the 2004 Plan. If any grant under the 2004 Plan expires or terminates unexercised, becomes unexercisable, is forfeited as to any shares, or is tendered or withheld as to any shares in payment of the exercise price of the grant or the taxes payable with respect to the exercise, then such unpurchased, forfeited, tendered or withheld shares are thereafter available for future awards under the 2004 Plan. As of August 30, 2005, options for 1,054,101 shares at an exercise price of

 

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$15.50 per share, 8,542 shares of restricted stock and 181,196 restricted stock units were outstanding under the 2004 Plan, and 70,605 shares were available for future grants.

 

Annual Award Limits .    The Compensation Committee may not grant to any one participant in any calendar year stock options and SARs for a number of shares in excess of 20% of the total number of shares authorized under the 2004 Plan. In accordance with rules governing incentive stock options, the aggregate fair value of shares for which an incentive stock option is first exercisable during any calendar year (whether under the 2004 Plan or any other plan of the Company or its subsidiaries) may not exceed $100,000.

 

Adjustments .    In the event of any adjustment, recapitalization, reorganization or other change in our capital structure, stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, combination of shares, merger, consolidation, distribution to stockholders of a material amount of assets of the Company (including in the form of an extraordinary dividend) or any other change in the corporate structure or shares of the Company, the Compensation Committee will make such equitable adjustments as it deems appropriate in the number and kind of shares or other property available under the 2004 Plan and to the exercise price of outstanding stock options or other awards. In the event of any merger, consolidation or other reorganization in which we are not the surviving or continuing corporation or in which a change in control is to occur, awards under the 2004 Plan may be assumed by the surviving or continuing corporation or canceled in exchange for property (including cash). Our board of directors’ determinations and interpretations under the 2004 Plan are in the board of directors’ complete discretion and are binding on the Company, the participants and all other parties.

 

Awards .    It is anticipated that shares available for future grants will be granted to our executives and other employees under the 2004 Plan from time to time subject to the approval of our Compensation Committee. We cannot presently determine the timing of the remaining awards. Nothing contained in the 2004 Plan will prevent us or any of our affiliates from adopting or continuing in effect other or additional compensation arrangements.

 

Stock Options .    A participant granted a stock option will be entitled to purchase a specified number of shares of our common stock during a specified term at a fixed exercise price, affording the participant an opportunity to benefit from the appreciation in the market price of our common stock from the date of grant. The exercise price will be established by the Compensation Committee. In accordance with rules governing incentive stock options, the exercise price of an incentive stock option will not be less than the fair value of a share of our common stock on the date of grant (or less than 110% of such fair value if a grant is made to an employee who, at the time of grant owns more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of our stock or any of our subsidiaries, such an employee is referred to as a ten percent shareholder. In compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, the Compensation Committee will not grant stock options with an exercise price less than the fair value of a share of the our common stock on the date of grant. Stock options will be designated as incentive stock options or non-qualified stock options. If an incentive stock option fails to qualify as an incentive stock option, then to the extent of such non-qualification, it will be treated as a non-qualified stock option.

 

The term of each stock option will be determined by the Compensation Committee. If required by the Internal Revenue Code, no option shall be exercisable more than ten years from the date of grant, or five years from the date of grant for a Ten Percent Shareholder.

 

The Compensation Committee will determine the circumstances that a stock option is exercisable and vested. Unless a grant agreement provides otherwise, stock options become fully exercisable and vested upon a change of control, as defined in the 2004 Plan. Unless a grant agreement provides otherwise:

 

    a stock option that is exercisable on the date of a participant’s death or disability will remain exercisable for one year following the date of such death or disability (or, if sooner, until the expiration date of such option),

 

    a stock option that is exercisable on the date of termination of service, other than for cause shall remain exercisable for 90 days following such termination of service (or, if sooner, until the expiration date of such option), and

 

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    a stock option that is exercisable on the date of termination of service for cause shall expire and be forfeited immediately upon such termination of service.

 

If a stock option is granted to an individual in anticipation of the individual becoming employed or providing services to us or any of our subsidiaries and such employment or service does not commence, such stock option regardless if then exercisable shall expire and be forfeited immediately.

 

Unless a grant agreement provides otherwise, a participant whose employment or service terminates for cause must return to us the option gain realized from any option exercise that occurred within the one year preceding such employment or service termination. We may deduct the amount of any such option gain from any payment otherwise owed to the participant, such as salary.

 

Stock options may be exercised by payment in cash, delivery of outstanding shares of our common stock having a fair value equal to the exercise price (which shares, if the Compensation Committee so determines, must have been owned by the participant for at least six months prior to the date of exercise), by a cashless exercise procedure approved by the Compensation Committee, or any combination of the foregoing. On the date of grant or on the date of exercise, the Compensation Committee may provide for the reload of stock options such that if a participant tenders shares to pay the exercise price of a stock option and any tax withholding, the participant receives a new option for the number of shares so tendered with an exercise price equal to the fair value of the shares at the time the reload option is granted.

 

As of August 30, 2005, options to purchase 1,054,101 shares at an exercise price of $15.50 per share were outstanding under the 2004 Plan.

 

SARs .    A participant granted an SAR will be entitled to receive the excess of the fair value (calculated as of the exercise date) of a share of our common stock over the grant price of the SAR in cash, our common stock, combination thereof, or any other manner approved by the Compensation Committee. SARs may be granted alone or in tandem with options. If granted alone the grant price must not be less than fair value of our common stock on the date of grant.

 

The Compensation Committee will determine the circumstances that an SAR is exercisable and vested. However, a SAR will be exercised automatically on the last day prior to the expiration of the SAR (or in the case of tandem SAR prior to the expiration of the related stock option) if the fair value of our common stock exceeds the grant price. If an SAR can be settled in cash, the Compensation Committee intends to establish an exercise date that complies with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

Unless a grant agreement provides otherwise, SARs become fully exercisable and vested upon a change of control, as defined in the 2004 Plan. Unless a grant agreement provides otherwise:

 

    a SAR that is exercisable on the date of a participant’s death or disability will remain exercisable for one year following the date of such death or disability (or, if sooner until the expiration date of such SAR),

 

    a SAR that is exercisable on the date of termination of service, other than for cause shall remain exercisable for 90 days following such termination of service (or, if sooner, until the expiration date of such SAR), and

 

    a SAR that is exercisable on the date of termination of service for cause shall expire and be forfeited immediately upon such termination of service.

 

If a SAR is granted to an individual in anticipation of the individual becoming employed or providing services to us or any of our subsidiaries and such employment or service does not commence, such SAR regardless if then exercisable shall expire and be forfeited immediately.

 

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Unless a grant agreement provides otherwise, a participant whose employment or service terminates for cause must return to the Company the amount distributed upon the exercise of any SAR that occurred within the one year preceding such employment or service termination. We may deduct the amount of any such option gain from any payment otherwise owed to the participant, such as salary.

 

Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units .    Restricted stock and restricted stock units, or RSUs, are awards that will be subject to certain restrictions and subject to a risk of forfeiture upon certain kinds of employment terminations, as determined by the Compensation Committee, during a restricted period specified by the Compensation Committee. Restricted stock provides a participant with all of the rights of a holder of our common stock, including the right to vote the shares and to receive dividends, at the end of a specified period. Any stock or other securities received as a distribution with respect to restricted stock is subject to the same restrictions in effect for the restricted stock. A RSU represents a right to receive a share of our common stock at the end of a specified period. Unless a grant agreement provides otherwise, a holder of a RSU has the right to receive accumulated dividends or distributions on the corresponding shares underlying the RSU on the date the RSU vests and thereafter until the underlying shares are issued.

 

The Compensation Committee will determine the circumstances that restricted stock and RSUs vest and related restrictions lapse. Unless a grant agreement provides otherwise, restricted stock and RSUs vest (and restrictions lapse) upon a change in control or termination of service due to death, disability or retirement. If restricted stock or a RSU is granted to an individual in anticipation of the individual becoming employed or providing services to us or any of our subsidiaries and such employment or service does not commence, such award shall be immediately forfeited to us.

 

Prior to the end of a vesting period, settlement of RSUs may be further deferred and upon such deferral the RSU shall be considered a deferred stock unit. Unless otherwise provided in the grant agreement, the deferral period shall end on the earliest of: the participant’s death, termination of service, change in control, or the date selected by the participant. The Compensation Committee intends that any such deferral will be made in compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

As of August 30, 2005, 8,542 shares of restricted stock and 181,196 restricted stock units were outstanding under the 2004 Plan.

 

Performance Awards .    Performance awards are rights valued, vested or payable based upon the achievement of performance goals over a performance cycle, all as established by the Compensation Committee at the time of the award. Performance goals and objectives may be adjusted by the Compensation Committee during a performance cycle for any reason that the Compensation Committee deems equitable. Performance awards may include specific dollar-value target awards, performance units, and performance shares. The Compensation Committee may establish performance goals and objectives for a performance cycle on the basis of criteria and objectives.

 

Generally, a participant must be in the service of Core-Mark or any of its subsidiaries at the end of a performance cycle to receive payment of a performance award. However, if a participant’s service terminates due to death, retirement or disability prior to the end of a performance cycle, the participant shall be paid a proportionate amount of the performance award based upon the elapsed portion of the performance cycle and our performance over that portion of such cycle.

 

Unless a grant agreement provides otherwise, in the event of a change in control, a participant shall earn no less than the portion of the performance award the participant would have earned if the performance cycle had terminated on the date of the change in control.

 

Amendment or Substitution of Awards .    The Compensation Committee may amend awards under the 2004 Plan in any manner that it deems appropriate except that pursuant to the 2004 Plan’s adjustment provision, no

 

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amendment to the 2004 Plan or an award may adverse affect a participant’s rights under an award without the participant’s consent, and the exercise price of an option may not be reduced without stockholder approval. The Compensation Committee may permit holders to surrender outstanding awards under the plan to exercise or realize rights under other awards or in exchange for the grant of new awards under the plan or otherwise, or require holders of awards to surrender outstanding awards as a condition to the grant of new awards under the 2004 Plan or otherwise.

 

Transferability .    Unless a grant agreement provides otherwise, awards generally will be non-transferable except upon the death of a participant (by will or by the laws of descent and distribution) or to a family member of a participant by gift or pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order. Unless a grant agreement provides otherwise, stock options may be exercised only by the option holder, a family member who has acquired the option by gift or qualified domestic relations order, by the executor or administrator of the estate of any of the foregoing to whom the option is transferred by will or the laws of descent and distribution or by the guardian or legal representative of any of the foregoing. All provisions of the plan shall continue to apply to any award transferred to a permitted transferee as if the award were then held by the original grantee.

 

2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan

 

We adopted our 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan, or the 2005 Plan, effective February, 2005. The 2005 Plan permits us to issue incentive awards to eligible participants selected by our Compensation Committee that are settled in our common stock, cash, or other Core-Mark securities. Available awards under the 2005 Plan include restricted stock and restricted stock units and performance awards.

 

Effective Date and Term .    The 2005 Plan was effective in February, 2005 and will remain in effect for a period of up to 10 years after such date. Our board of directors or the Compensation Committee may amend or terminate the 2005 Plan at any time prior to its expiration without prior stockholder approval unless stockholder approval is required by law or the listing requirements of a principal stock exchange in which our common stock is listed, the amendment removes a plan provision that is otherwise subject to stockholder approval, or the amendment would directly or indirectly increase the number of shares authorized under the 2005 Plan (except as is otherwise permitted through the 2005 Plan’s adjustment provision). The termination of the 2005 Plan will not adversely affect outstanding awards under the 2005 Plan.

 

Administration .    The 2005 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee but the board of directors may resolve to administer the plan directly in which case references to the Compensation Committee refer to the board of directors. The Compensation Committee is authorized to:

 

    select persons to participate in the 2005 Plan, determine the form and substance of grants under the 2005 Plan, and the conditions and restrictions, if any, subject to which such grants will be made,

 

    determine the form and substance of the grant agreements reflecting the terms and conditions of grants, certify that the conditions and restrictions applicable to any grant have been met,

 

    modify the terms of grants,

 

    interpret the 2005 Plan and grant agreements,

 

    determine the duration and purposes for leaves of absences which may be taken without constituting a termination of employment or services for purposes of the 2005 Plan,

 

    make any adjustments necessary or desirable in connection with grants made to participants located outside of the United States,

 

    adopt, amend or rescind rules and regulations for plan administration (including (a) to correct any defect, supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the 2005 Plan or any grant agreement or (b) to ensure the plan complies with Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act, the Internal Revenue Code, to the extent applicable, and other applicable law) and to make such other determinations for carrying out the 2005 Plan as the Compensation Committee deems appropriate, and

 

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    exercise such powers and perform such acts as are deemed necessary or advisable with respect to the 2005 Plan to promote our best interests.

 

The Compensation Committee’s determinations and interpretations under the 2005 Plan are in the Compensation Committee’s complete discretion and are binding on us, the participants in the 2005 Plan and all other parties.

 

Eligibility .    Awards under the 2005 Plan may be granted, in the discretion of the Compensation Committee, to any director, officer (including a non-employee officer) or employee of the Company, as well as to any other individual performing services for us or any Core-Mark subsidiary and to any individual to whom an offer of employment or offer to provide services has been extended by us or any Core-Mark subsidiary.

 

Number of Shares Available for Issuance .    The number of shares of our common stock issuable under the 2005 plan is limited to a number of shares having a market value of $5.5 million, based on the average closing price of our common stock during the 11th through 20th days of trading once it becomes eligible for quotation on the NASDAQ National Market. If any grant under the 2005 Plan expires or terminates unexercised, becomes unexercisable, is forfeited as to any shares, or is tendered or withheld as to any shares in payment of the exercise price of the grant or the taxes payable with respect to the exercise, then such unpurchased, forfeited, tendered or withheld shares are thereafter available for future awards under the 2005 Plan. In February 2005, the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors approved the grant of restricted stock units having a value of approximately $5.0 million with a vesting commencement date of February 1, 2005. It is anticipated that such grants will be made in the fourth quarter of 2005. The Board of Directors determined that the balance of approximately $0.5 million available for grants under the 2005 Plan should be reserved for possible future issuance.

 

Adjustments .    In the event of any adjustment, recapitalization, reorganization or other change in our capital structure, stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, combination of shares, merger, consolidation, distribution to stockholders of a material amount of assets of the Company (including in the form of an extraordinary dividend) or any other change in the corporate structure or shares of the Company, the Compensation Committee will make such equitable adjustments as it deems appropriate in the number and kind of shares or other property available under the 2005 Plan. In the event of any merger, consolidation or other reorganization in which we are not the surviving or continuing corporation or in which a change in control is to occur, awards under the 2005 Plan may be assumed by the surviving or continuing corporation or canceled in exchange for property (including cash). Our board of directors’ determinations and interpretations under the 2005 Plan are in the board of directors’ complete discretion and are binding on us, the participants and all other parties.

 

Awards .    It is anticipated that we will issue periodic grants to our executives and other employees of the remaining amounts available under the 2005 Plan subject to the approval of our Compensation Committee. We cannot presently determine the timing of the remaining additional awards. Nothing contained in the 2005 Plan will prevent us or any of our affiliates from adopting or continuing in effect other or additional compensation arrangements.

 

Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units .    Restricted stock and restricted stock units, or RSUs, are awards that will be subject to certain restrictions and subject to a risk of forfeiture upon certain kinds of employment terminations, as determined by the Compensation Committee, during a restricted period specified by the Compensation Committee. Restricted stock provides a participant with all of the rights of a holder of our common stock, including the right to vote the shares and to receive dividends, at the end of a specified period. Any stock or other securities received as a distribution with respect to restricted stock is subject to the same restrictions in effect for the restricted stock. A RSU represents a right to receive a share of our common stock at the end of a specified period. Unless a grant agreement provides otherwise, a holder of a RSU has the right to receive accumulated dividends or distributions on the corresponding shares underlying the RSU on the date the RSU vests and thereafter until the underlying shares are issued.

 

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The Compensation Committee will determine the circumstances that restricted stock and RSUs vest and related restrictions lapse. Unless a grant agreement provides otherwise, restricted stock and RSUs vest (and restrictions lapse) upon a change in control or termination of service due to death, disability or retirement. If restricted stock or a RSU is granted to an individual in anticipation of the individual becoming employed or providing services to us or any of our subsidiaries and such employment or service does not commence, such award shall be immediately forfeited to us.

 

Prior to the end of a vesting period, settlement of RSUs may be further deferred and upon such deferral the RSU shall be considered a deferred stock unit. Unless otherwise provided in the grant agreement, the deferral period shall end on the earliest of: the participant’s death, termination of service, change in control, or the date selected by the participant. The Compensation Committee intends that any such deferral will be made in compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

Performance Awards .    Performance awards are rights valued, vested or payable based upon the achievement of performance goals over a performance cycle, all as established by the Compensation Committee at the time of the award. Performance goals and objectives may be adjusted by the Compensation Committee during a performance cycle for any reason that the Compensation Committee deems equitable. Performance awards may include specific dollar-value target awards, performance units, and performance shares. The Compensation Committee may establish performance goals and objectives for a performance cycle on the basis of criteria and objectives.

 

Generally, a participant must be in the service of Core-Mark or any of its subsidiaries at the end of a performance cycle to receive payment of a performance award. However, if a participant’s service terminates due to death, retirement or disability prior to the end of a performance cycle, the participant shall be paid a proportionate amount of the performance award based upon the elapsed portion of the performance cycle and our performance over that portion of such cycle.

 

Unless a grant agreement provides otherwise, in the event of a change in control, a participant shall earn no less than the portion of the performance award the participant would have earned if the performance cycle had terminated on the date of the change in control.

 

Amendment or Substitution of Awards .    The Compensation Committee may amend awards under the 2005 Plan in any manner that it deems appropriate except that pursuant to the 2005 Plan’s adjustment provision, no amendment to the 2005 Plan or an award may adverse affect a participant’s rights under an award without the participant’s consent. The Compensation Committee may permit holders to surrender outstanding awards under the plan to exercise or realize rights under other awards or in exchange for the grant of new awards under the plan or otherwise, or require holders of awards to surrender outstanding awards as a condition to the grant of new awards under the 2005 Plan or otherwise.

 

Transferability .    Unless a grant agreement provides otherwise, awards generally will be non-transferable except upon the death of a participant (by will or by the laws of descent and distribution) or to a family member of a participant by gift or pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order. All provisions of the plan shall continue to apply to any award transferred to a permitted transferee as if the award were then held by the original grantee.

 

2004 Directors Equity Incentive Plan

 

We adopted our 2004 Directors Equity Incentive Plan, or the 2004 Directors Plan, effective August 23, 2004, the effective date of the 2004 Directors Plan. The 2004 Directors Plan permits us to grant non-qualified stock options to our non-employee directors. The following is a description of the 2004 Directors Plan.

 

Effective Date and Term .    The 2004 Directors Plan was effective on August 23, 2004 and will remain in effect for a period of up to 10 years after such date. Our board of directors may amend or terminate the plan at

 

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any time prior to its expiration without prior stockholder approval unless stockholder approval is required by law or the listing requirements of a principal stock exchange in which our common stock is listed.

 

Administration .    The 2004 Directors Plan is administered by our Board of Directors. Our board of directors is authorized to:

 

    select persons to participate in the 2004 Directors Plan,

 

    determine the form and substance of grants under the 2004 Directors Plan, and the conditions and restrictions, if any, subject to which such grants will be made,

 

    determine the form and substance of the grant agreements reflecting the terms and conditions of grants,

 

    certify that the conditions and restrictions applicable to any grant have been met,

 

    modify the terms of grants,

 

    interpret the 2004 Directors Plan and grant agreements,

 

    determine the duration and purposes for leaves of absences which may be taken without constituting a termination of services for purposes of the 2004 Directors Plan,

 

    make any adjustments necessary or desirable in connection with grants made to participants located outside of the United States,

 

    adopt, amend or rescind rules and regulations for the 2004 Directors Plan administration (including (a) to correct any defect, supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the plan or any grant agreement or (b) to ensure the 2004 Directors Plan complies with Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act, the Internal Revenue Code, to the extent applicable, and other applicable law) and to make such other determinations for carrying out the 2004 Directors Plan as our board of directors deems appropriate, and

 

    exercise such powers and perform such acts as are deemed necessary or advisable with respect to the plan to promote the Company’s best interests.

 

Our board of directors’ determinations and interpretations under the 2004 Directors Plan are in the board of directors’ complete discretion and are binding on the Company, the participants and all other parties.

 

Eligibility .    Awards under the 2004 Directors Plan may be granted, in the discretion of our board of directors, to any non-employee director of the Company or any subsidiary.

 

Number of Shares Available for Issuance .    Subject to adjustment as described below, 30,000 shares of our common stock (including treasury shares) are available for granting awards under the 2004 Directors Plan. On August 23, 2004 we granted our non-employee directors options to purchase a total of 30,000 shares of our common stock under the 2004 Directors Plan. If any grant under the 2004 Directors Plan expires or terminates unexercised, becomes unexercisable, is forfeited as to any shares, or is tendered or withheld as to any shares in payment of the exercise price of the grant or the taxes payable with respect to the exercise, then such un-purchased, forfeited, tendered or withheld shares is thereafter available for future awards under the 2004 Directors Plan.

 

Annual Award Limits .    Our board of directors may not grant to any one participant in any calendar year stock options for a number of shares in excess of 25% of the total number of shares authorized under the 2004 Directors Plan, subject to adjustment.

 

Adjustments .    In the event of any adjustment, recapitalization, reorganization or other change in our capital structure, stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, combination of shares, merger, consolidation, distribution to stockholders of a material amount of assets of the Company (including in the form of an extraordinary dividend) or any other change in the corporate structure or shares of the Company, our board of

 

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directors will make such equitable adjustments as it deems appropriate in the number and kind of shares or other property available under the 2004 Directors Plan and in the exercise price of outstanding stock options. In the event of any merger, consolidation or other reorganization in which we are not the surviving or continuing corporation or in which a change in control is to occur, stock options under the plan may be assumed by the surviving or continuing corporation or canceled in exchange for property (including cash). Our board of directors’ determinations and interpretations under the 2004 Directors Plan are in our board of directors’ complete discretion and are binding on the Company, the participants and all other parties.

 

Awards .    The options to purchase shares of our common stock granted under the 2004 Directors Plan on August 23, 2004 have an exercise price of $15.50 per share, the fair value of our common stock as determined pursuant to the Plan, and vest over three years and expire after seven years. One third of the options vested on August 23, 2005, and the remaining options vest in equal quarterly installments over the two year period commencing on August 23, 2005, for each consecutive quarter that the grantee remains a director.

 

Stock Options .    A participant granted a stock option will be entitled to purchase a specified number of shares during a specified term at a fixed exercise price, affording the participant an opportunity to benefit from the appreciation in the market price of our stock from the date of grant. The exercise price will be established by our board of directors. In compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, our board of directors will not grant stock options with an exercise price less than the fair value of a share of our common stock on the date of grant. The term of each stock option will be determined by our board of directors. If required by the Internal Revenue Code, no option shall be exercisable more than ten years from the date of grant.

 

Our board of directors will determine the circumstances that a stock option is exercisable and vested. Unless a grant agreement provides otherwise, stock options become fully exercisable and vested upon a change of control, as defined in the 2004 Directors Plan. Unless a grant agreement provides otherwise,

 

    a stock option that is exercisable on the date of a participant’s death or disability ( i.e. , the date a participant would be eligible for long term disability benefits) will remain exercisable for one year following the date of such death or disability (or, if sooner, until the expiration date of such option),

 

    a stock option that is exercisable on the date a participant ceases to be a director, other than for cause shall remain exercisable for 90 days following such termination of service (or, if sooner, until the expiration date of such option), and

 

    a stock option that is exercisable on the date a participant ceases to be a director for cause shall expire and be forfeited immediately upon such termination of service.

 

Unless a grant agreement provides otherwise, a participant who ceases to be a director for cause must return to the Company the option gain realized from any option exercise that occurred within the one year preceding such employment or service termination. We may deduct the amount of any such option gain from any payment otherwise owed to the participant.

 

Stock options may be exercised by payment in cash, delivery of outstanding shares of our common stock having a fair value equal to the exercise price (which shares, if our board of directors determines, must have been owned by the participant for at least six months prior to the date of exercise), by a cashless exercise procedure approved by our board of directors, or any combination of the foregoing. On the date of grant or on the date of exercise, our board of directors may provide for the reload of stock options such that if a participant tenders shares to pay the exercise price of a stock option and any taxes, the participant receives a new option for the number of shares so tendered with an exercise price equal to the fair value of the shares at the time the reload option is granted.

 

Transferability .    Unless a grant agreement provides otherwise, stock options granted under the 2004 Directors Plan generally will be non-transferable except upon the death of a participant (by death or by the laws of descent and distribution) or to a family member of a participant by gift or pursuant to a qualified domestic

 

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relations order. Unless a grant agreement provides otherwise, stock options may be exercised only by the option holder, a family member who has acquired the option by gift or qualified domestic relations order, by the executor or administrator of the estate of any of the foregoing to whom the option is transferred by will or the laws of descent and distribution or by the guardian or legal representative of any of the foregoing. All provisions of the plan shall continue to apply to any award transferred to a permitted transferee as if the award were then held by the original grantee.

 

2005 Directors Equity Incentive Plan

 

We adopted our 2005 Directors Equity Incentive Plan, or the 2005 Directors Plan, effective August, 2005. The 2005 Directors Plan permits us to grant non-qualified stock options to our non-employee directors. The terms of the 2005 Directors Plan are substantially similar to the 2004 Directors Plan other than:

 

    there are 15,000 shares available for issuance;

 

    any one participant may not receive more than 50% of the total number of shares authorized under the 2005 Directors Plan in any calendar year;

 

    the options to purchase shares of our common stock granted on August 12, 2005, under the 2005 Directors Plan have an exercise price of $27.03, the fair value of a share of our common stock as determined by our Board of Directors, as provided in the plan on the basis of the average trading price of our common stock over the twenty trading days ending two trading days prior to the date of grant.

 

    Such options vest over three years, of which one third will vest on August 12, 2006, and the remaining options will vest in equal quarterly installments over the two year period commencing on August 12, 2006, for each consecutive quarter that the grantee remains a director.

 

Severance Policy

 

Each of our executive officers and vice presidents are entitled to certain benefits under the Core-Mark Executive Severance Policy. Pursuant to the policy, upon the officer’s involuntary termination other than for cause, gross misconduct (each as defined in the policy) or long term disability and upon our acceptance of an executed separation agreement, the officer is entitled to the following benefits based on the years of service to Core-Mark and location of employment:

 

U.S. Employees

 

Number of Years of Service


  

Benefit


Less than two years

  

Two months of base salary

At least two years but less than five years

  

Four months of base salary

At least five years but less than ten years

  

Eight months of base salary

At least ten years but less than 20 years

  

12 months of base salary

More than 20 years

  

18 months of base salary

 

All payments under the severance policy are made in one lump sum at the first regularly scheduled payroll issuance following termination. In addition to above payments, employee shall receive COBRA cost reimbursement for the same number of months of their base salary payment plus payment of a pro rated bonus for the year of their termination.

 

Canadian Employees

 

The severance benefits paid to Canadian employees are based on the applicable provincial laws.

 

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ITEM 7. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

 

Transactions with Certain Holders of 5% or More of Our Outstanding Common Stock

 

The funds managed by Sankaty Advisors LLP invested approximately $29 million in our Tranche B second lien term loan facility. As part of this second lien facility, these funds managed by Sankaty Advisors LLP also received warrants to purchase an aggregate of 119,700 shares of our common stock. The warrants have an exercise price of $15.50 per share, the fair value of our common stock as determined pursuant to the Plan and may be exercised at the election of the holder at any time prior to August 23, 2011. The number of shares to be issued upon exercise of the warrants is subject to adjustment if we issue shares of our common stock at a price below the then current fair value of our common stock, effect a reorganization or reclassification of our common stock, consolidate or merge with another entity or transfer all or substantially all of our assets. We have entered into a registration rights agreement with Sankaty Advisors LLP and its affiliates and the other holders of the warrants. The holders of the warrants may require us to include the shares of common stock issued upon exercise of the warrants in future registration statements that we file, subject to cutback at the option of the underwriters for the offering. The registration rights terminate upon the earlier of (i) the shares issued upon exercise of the warrants have been sold pursuant to an effective registration statement or (ii) the shares issued upon exercise of the warrants have been sold pursuant to Rule 144.

 

Additionally, certain funds managed by Sankaty Advisors LLP made a $10 million commitment in our $250 million Prior Revolving Credit Facility. Finally, investment funds advised by Sankaty Advisors purchased senior notes and senior subordinated notes of Fleming, our former parent company. Pursuant to the Plan, such investment funds received shares of our Common Stock and warrants to purchase our common stock in exchange for the satisfaction, settlement, release and discharge of claims related to senior notes and senior subordinated notes.

 

Transactions with Directors and Management

 

Harvey L. Tepner, a member of our board of directors (and a member of our compensation committee and chairman of our audit committee from August 2004 through September 2, 2005), is a Partner of Compass Advisers, LLP. Mr. Tepner is also a Managing Director of Compass SRP Associates LLP, a special purpose joint venture that provided financial advisory and investment banking services to the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of Fleming in connection with Fleming’s bankruptcy. Compass Advisers, LLP owns a 50% interest in Compass SRP Associates LLP. Pursuant to the Plan, Compass SRP Associates LLP has received total fees and expenses of approximately $4,781,000, of which $2,269,930 was distributed to Compass Advisers, LLP. All fees and expenses paid to Compass SRP Associates LLP were approved by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware after submission of applications by Compass SRP Associates LLP. Harvey L. Tepner is a member of the board of directors of the Post Confirmation Trust of the Fleming Companies but recused himself from any discussions regarding the compensation of Compass SRP Associates LLP.

 

One of our customers, Eureka Management Group LLC, is primarily owned by Ron McPherson, who is the father of Scott McPherson, one of our Vice Presidents. The Company recorded net sales to Eureka Management Group LLC of approximately $190,000 and $825,000 in the first six months of 2005 and 2004, respectively. These transactions were negotiated at arms-length and in the ordinary course. As of June 30, 2005, we held a non-recourse note receivable of approximately $220,000 related to these transactions which is collateralized by a deed of trust on a convenience store owned by Eureka Management Group LLC.

 

Securities Issued Pursuant to Our 2004 and 2005 Long Term Incentive Plans

 

In August 2004, we approved the grant of options to purchase an aggregate of 1,060,422 shares of our common stock to certain of our officers and employees under our 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan. The options have an exercise price of $15.50, the fair value of a share of our common stock as determined pursuant to the Plan and have a three year vesting period. One third of the shares vested on August 23, 2005, and the remaining shares vest in equal monthly installments over the two year period commencing on August 23, 2005, for each

 

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consecutive month of service that individual provides to the Company. Certain members of our management are entitled to accelerated vesting of their option shares and restricted stock units in the event that they are terminated without cause or resign for good reason prior to the expiration of the vesting period or are terminated without cause or resign for good reason within one year after a change of control of the company.

 

In addition in 2004, we issued an aggregate of 190,876 shares of restricted common stock and restricted stock units to certain of our officers and employees under our 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan. The transfer restrictions with respect to one third of the shares of restricted common stock lapsed on August 23, 2005 and the transfer restrictions with respect to the remaining shares of restricted common stock lapse in equal monthly installments over the two year period commencing on August 23, 2005 for each month of service provided by the stockholder to the Company. The restricted stock units vest over a three year period. One third of the shares vested on August 23, 2005, and the remaining shares vest in equal monthly installments over the two year period commencing on August 23, 2005, for each consecutive month of service that the individuals provide services to Company. If we are acquired by a non-public company, then all unvested shares will immediately vest. In addition, if we are acquired by a public company and the holder of the restricted stock is terminated without cause within one year after we are acquired, then all unvested shares will immediately vest.

 

In February 2005, the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors approved the grant of restricted stock units having a value of approximately $5.0 million with a vesting commencement date of February 1, 2005. It is anticipated that such grants will be made in the fourth quarter of 2005.

 

Options Issued Pursuant to Our Directors Equity Incentive Plans

 

In August, 2004, we issued an option to purchase 7,500 shares to each of our non-employee directors under our 2004 Directors Equity Incentive Plan. The options have an exercise price of $15.50, the fair value of a share of our common stock as determined pursuant to the Plan. The options vest over three years. One third of the options vested on August 23, 2005, and the remaining options vest in equal quarterly installments over the two year period commencing on August 23, 2005, for each consecutive quarter that the grantee remains a director. Any unvested option shares will immediately vest upon a change of control of the Company.

 

In August, 2005, we issued an option to purchase 7,500 shares to two new non-employee directors under our 2005 Directors Equity Incentive Plan. The options have an exercise price of $27.03, the fair value of a share of our common stock as determined by our Board of Directors as provided in the plan on the basis of the average trading price of our common stock over the twenty trading days ending two trading days prior to the date of grant. The options vest over three years and expire after seven years. One third of the options vest on August 12, 2006, and the remaining options vest in equal quarterly installments over the two year period commencing on August 12, 2006, for each consecutive quarter that the grantee remains a director. Any unvested option shares will immediately vest upon a change of control of the Company.

 

Indemnification Agreements

 

We have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers. We believe that these agreements are necessary to attract and retain qualified persons as directors and executive officers. These agreements require us to indemnify these individuals to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law against liabilities that may arise by reason of their service to us, and to advance expenses incurred as a result of any proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified. We also intend to enter into indemnification agreements with our future directors and executive officers.

 

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ITEM 8. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

Proceedings Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code

 

On April 1, 2003, Fleming filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The debtor entities comprising Core-Mark were included in the Chapter 11 proceedings. The Plan, pursuant to which the debtors were reorganized around Core-Mark International and Fleming’s one remaining convenience store wholesale distribution center, was confirmed on July 26, 2004 and became effective on August 23, 2004.

 

Pursuant to the Plan, two special purpose trusts, the Post Confirmation Trust, or PCT, and the Reclamation Creditor’s Trust, or RCT, were established. These trusts are charged with administering certain responsibilities under the Plan, including liquidating certain assets, the pursuit and collection of litigation claims and causes of action and the reconciliation and payment of specific types of claims, including trade lien vendor claims, or TLV claims, each as allocated between the PCT and the RCT pursuant to the Plan. Under the terms of the Plan, in the event that the amount of PCT administrative claims exceeds $56 million, we guarantee the payment of all such claims. In addition, if the assets of the RCT are inadequate to satisfy all of the allowed TLV claims, we must pay such claims in full plus any accrued interest. We also guarantee all eligible but unpaid non-TLV claims up to a maximum of $15 million. The Plan limits the amounts of the TLV and non-TLV claims to not greater than $137 million.

 

ITEM 9. MARKET PRICE OF AND DIVIDENDS ON THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 

Our authorized capital stock consists of 50,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share. As of September 21, 2005, there were 9,800,000 shares of common stock outstanding held by approximately 232 holders of record plus 8,542 shares of restricted common stock outstanding held by certain of our employees. We emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy on August 23, 2004. Pursuant to the Plan, Fleming distributed 5,122,947 shares of our common stock to its creditors in April 2005 and made further distributions to its creditors of 172,999 shares in July 2005 and 71,098 shares in September 2005. As of September 21, 2005, an additional 4,432,956 shares of our common stock remain to be distributed by Fleming to its creditors pursuant to the Plan.

 

Pursuant to the Plan, we issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of 990,616 shares of our common stock to Fleming’s Class 6(B) creditors. We also issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of 247,654 shares of our common stock to the holders of our Tranche B Notes. We have entered into a registration rights agreement with the holders of the Tranche B Warrants pursuant to which we have agreed to register under the Securities Act of 1933 the shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of the Tranche B Warrants.

 

Unless held by an affiliate, as that term is defined under the Securities Act of 1933, sales of the shares of our common stock and the warrants issued pursuant to the Plan by the holders thereof are not subject to the registration requirement of the Securities Act of 1933 or the trading restrictions of Rule 144 thereunder.

 

As of August 30, 2005, we had issued options to purchase 1,099,101 shares or our common stock, 8,542 shares of restricted stock and 181,196 restricted stock units to employees and directors under equity compensation plans.

 

We intend to apply to have our common stock quoted on the Nasdaq National Market. Prior to April 2005, our common stock was not traded. Beginning in April 2005, our common stock has traded over-the-counter and sales have been reported on the Pink Sheets service provided by Pink Sheets LLC under the symbol CMRK. There continues to be no established trading market for our common stock. Based on information obtained form the Pink Sheet service, the high and low bid quotations for our common stock for the quarter ending June 30, 2005 were $34.00 and $25.50 per share. Such prices are based on inter-dealer bid and ask prices, without markup, markdown, commissions, or adjustments and may not represent actual transactions.

 

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We have not declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock. The credit agreement for our 2005 Credit Facility prohibit us from paying cash dividends on our common stock. In addition, we intend to retain future earnings, if any, to finance the operation and expansion of our business. Therefore, we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. The payment of any future dividends will be determined by our board of directors in light of then existing conditions, including our earnings, financial condition and capital requirements, restrictions in financing agreements, business conditions and other factors.

 

The following table sets forth the total number of shares of our common stock to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options and upon the vesting of restricted stock units, the weighted average exercise price of such options and price of the restricted stock units and the number of shares of our common stock available for future issuance under our 2004 Plan, 2005 Plan and Directors Plans. None of the 2004 Plan, 2005 Plan or Directors Plans was approved by our stockholders, however the 2004 Plan and 2004 Directors Plan were approved by the Bankruptcy Court in connection with Fleming’s bankruptcy. For a description of each of the plans see Item 6—Executive Compensation—Equity Incentive Plans.

 

Equity Compensation Plan Information

(as of September 21, 2005)

 

    

Number of securities to
be issued upon exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants, and

rights


    Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights


   Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding
securities reflected in
column 1)


2004 Long Term Incentive Plan—Restricted Stock Units and Options

   1,235,297 (1)   $ 15.50    63,146

2005 Long Term Incentive Plan—Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units

   *       —      *

2004 Directors Equity Incentive Plan

   30,000     $ 15.50    0

2005 Directors Equity Incentive Plan

   15,000     $ 27.03    0

(1) Includes 1,054,101 options with an exercise price of $15.50 per share, and 181,196 shares of restricted stock units with an exercise price equal to par value.
 * The number of shares of our common stock issuable under the 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan is limited to the sum of (A) the numbers of shares having a market value of $5.0 million, based on the average closing price of our common stock during the 11th through 20th days of trading once it becomes eligible for quotation on the NASDAQ National Market, plus (B) an additional number of shares equal to 10% of the number of shares calculated based on the foregoing clause (A) that may be reserved for issuance under the 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan at our Chief Executive Officer’s recommendation and the approval of our Compensation Committee.

 

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The following table summarizes the status of our equity capitalization:

 

          Shares Outstanding or Subject to Issuance (1)

     Shares
Authorized (1)


   August 23,
2004


   December 31,
2004


   June 30,
2005


   July 31,
2005


   September 21,
2005


Common Stock Issued Pursuant to the Plan of Reorganization @ $0.01 par value

   9,800,000    9,800,000    9,800,000    9,800,000    9,800,000    9,800,000

Held by Fleming pending distribution under the Plan:

        9,800,000    9,800,000    4,677,053    4,504,054    4,432,956

Distributed:

        —      —      5,122,947    5,295,946    5,367,044
         
  
  
  
  
          9,800,000    9,800,000    9,800,000    9,800,000    9,800,000

Management & Director Incentive Plans:

                             

Restricted Stock Grants under 2004 LTIP

        15,375    15,375    15,375    15,375    8,542

Restricted Stock Units under 2004 LTIP

        175,501    175,501    174,363    174,363    181,196
         
  
  
  
  

sub-total

   200,000    190,876    190,876    189,738    189,738    189,738

Options Granted under 2004 LTIP

   1,114,444    1,060,422    1,060,422    1,054,101    1,054,101    1,054,101

Options Granted under 2004 Director’s Equity Incentive Plan

   30,000    30,000    30,000    30,000    30,000    30,000

Options Granted under 2005 Director’s Equity Incentive Plan

   15,000    —      —      —      —      15,000
         
  
  
  
  
          1,281,298    1,281,298    1,273,839    1,273,839    1,288,839
         
  
  
  
  

Tranche B Warrants

   247,654    247,654    247,654    247,654    247,654    247,654

Class 6(b) Warrants

   990,616    990,616    990,616    990,616    990,616    990,616
    
                        

Subtotal Shares Issued or subject to issuance

   12,397,714                         
    
                        

Balance of total shares authorized

   37,602,286                         
    
  
  
  
  
  

Totals

   50,000,000    12,319,568    12,319,568    12,312,109    12,312,109    12,327,109
    
  
  
  
  
  

(1) Shares under restricted stock units, options and warrants will be issued upon vesting or exercise. However, shares subject to issuance does not include options to be issued pursuant to the 2005 LTIP as the exact number of shares cannot be determined since they are based on average closing price to be determined when the stock is publicly traded on the NASDAQ National Market.

 

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ITEM 10. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES.

 

Common Stock and Warrants Issued Pursuant to the Plan of Reorganization

 

Pursuant to Fleming’s plan of reorganization, on August 23, 2004 we issued an aggregate of 9,800,000 shares of our common stock and warrants to purchase an aggregate of 990,616 shares of our common stock to the Class 6(B) creditors of Fleming. We refer to the warrants we issued to the Class 6(B) creditors as the Class 6(B) Warrants. We received no cash consideration for the issuance of common stock and the Class 6(B) Warrants. The Class 6(B) Warrants have an exercise price of $20.925 per share and may be exercised at the election of the holder at any time prior to August 23, 2011. The number of shares to be issued upon exercise of the Class 6(B) Warrants is subject to adjustment if we issue shares of our common stock at a price below the then current fair value of our common stock, effect a reorganization or reclassification of our common stock, consolidate or merge with another entity or transfer all or substantially all of our assets. The shares of common stock and the Class 6(B) Warrants were issued pursuant to an exemption from registration under Section 1145(a) of the Bankruptcy Code.

 

Warrants Issued In Connection with Our Tranche B Loan

 

In connection with our emergence from bankruptcy, on August 23, 2004 we issued $35.5 million in aggregate principal amount of Senior Secured Notes due August 23, 2009, which we refer to as the Tranche B Notes, to a group of private institutional investors. On the same date we issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of 247,654 shares of our common stock to the holders of the Tranche B Notes. We refer to these warrants as the Tranche B Warrants. The total consideration that we received for the Tranche B Notes and the Tranche B Warrants was $35.5 million in cash. The Tranche B Warrants have an exercise price of $15.50 per share, the fair value of our common stock as determined pursuant to the Plan, and may be exercised at the election of the holder at any time prior to August 23, 2011. The number of shares to be issued upon exercise of the Tranche B Warrants is subject to adjustment if we issue shares of our common stock at a price below the then current fair value of our common stock, effect a reorganization or reclassification of our common stock, consolidate or merge with another entity or transfer all or substantially all of our assets. The Tranche B Notes and the Tranche B Warrants were issued pursuant to an exemption from registration under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933.

 

We have entered into a registration rights agreement with the holders of the Tranche B Warrants. The holders may require us to include the shares of common stock issued upon exercise of the Tranche B Warrants in future registration statements that we file, subject to cutback at the option of the underwriters for the offering. The registration rights terminate upon the earlier of (i) the shares issued upon exercise of the Tranche B Warrants have been sold pursuant to an effective registration statement or (ii) the shares issued upon exercise of the Tranche B Warrants have been sold pursuant to Rule 144.

 

Securities Issued Pursuant to Our 2004 and 2005 Long Term Incentive Plans

 

In August 2004, we approved the grant of options to purchase an aggregate of 1,060,422 shares of our common stock to certain of our officers and employees under our 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan, of which 1,054,101 were outstanding at September 21, 2005. The options have an exercise price of $15.50, the fair value of a share of our common stock as determined pursuant to the Plan, and have a three year vesting period. One third of the option shares and restricted stock units vested on August 23, 2005 and the remaining option shares and restricted stock units vest in equal monthly installments during the two year period commencing on August 23, 2005. Certain members of our management are entitled to accelerated vesting of their option shares and restricted stock units in the event that they are terminated without cause or resign for good reason prior to the expiration of the vesting period or are terminated without cause or resign for good reason within one year after a change of control of the company.

 

As of July 31, we had issued an aggregate of 15,375 shares of restricted common stock to certain of our officers and employees under our 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan. In August 2005, 6,833 shares of restricted

 

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common stock were exchanged for an equal number of restricted stock units, leaving 8,542 shares of restricted common stock outstanding.

 

The shares of restricted stock are subject to restrictions on transfer that lapse over a three year period. The transfer restrictions with respect to one third of the shares of restricted common stock lapse on August 23, 2005, and the transfer restrictions with respect to the remaining shares of restricted common stock lapsed in equal monthly installments over the two year period commencing on August 23, 2005. If we are acquired by a non-public company, then all unvested shares will immediately vest. In addition, if we are acquired by a public company and the holder of the restricted stock is terminated without cause within one year after we are acquired, then all unvested shares will immediately vest.

 

As of July 31, 2005, we had issued restricted stock units for an aggregate 174,363 shares of our common stock to certain of our officers and employees under our 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan. In August 2005, 6,833 shares of restricted common stock were exchanged for an equal number of restricted stock units, resulting in 181,196 restricted stock units outstanding. The restricted stock units vest over a three year period. One third of the shares of common stock underlying the restricted stock units vested on August 23, 2005. The remaining shares of common stock underlying the restricted stock units vest in equal monthly installments over the two year period commencing on August 23, 2005. If we are acquired by a non-public company, then all unvested restricted stock units will immediately vest. In addition, if we are acquired by a public company and the holder of the restricted stock unit is terminated without cause within one year after we are acquired, then all unvested shares underlying the restricted stock units will immediately vest.

 

The options, restricted stock units and shares of restricted stock were issued pursuant to an exemption from registration under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Rule 701 promulgated thereunder.

 

In February 2005, the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors approved the grant of restricted stock units having a value of approximately $5.0 million with a vesting commencement date of February 1, 2005. It is anticipated that such grants will be made in the fourth quarter of 2005.

 

Options Issued Pursuant to Our Directors Equity Incentive Plans

 

In August, 2004, we issued an option to purchase 7,500 shares to each of our non-employee directors for a total of 30,000 shares under our 2004 Directors Equity Incentive Plan. The options have an exercise price of $15.50, the fair value of a share of our common stock as determined pursuant to the Plan. The options vest over three years. One third of the options vested on August 23, 2005, and the remaining options vest in equal quarterly installments over the two year period commencing on August 23, 2005 for each consecutive quarter that the grantee remains a director. Any unvested option shares will immediately vest upon a change of control of the Company. The options were issued pursuant to an exemption from registration under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Rule 701 promulgated thereunder.

 

In August, 2005, we issued an option to purchase 7,500 shares to each of our two new non-employee directors for a total of 15,000 shares under our 2005 Directors Equity Incentive Plan. The options have an exercise price of $27.03, the fair value of a share of our common stock as determined by the Board of Directors as provided in the plan on the basis of the average trading price of our common stock over the twenty trading days ending two trading days prior to the date of grant. The options vest over three years and expire after seven years. One third of the options vest on August 12, 2006, and the remaining options vest in equal quarterly installments over the two year period commencing on August 12, 2006 for each consecutive quarter that the grantee remains a director. Any unvested option shares will immediately vest upon a change of control of the Company. The options were issued pursuant to an exemption from registration under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Rule 701 promulgated thereunder.

 

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ITEM 11. DESCRIPTION OF REGISTRANT’S SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED.

 

General

 

Our authorized capital stock consists of 50,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share. As of September 21, 2005, there were 9,800,000 shares of common stock outstanding held by approximately 232 holders of record plus 8,542 shares of restricted common stock held by our employees. The outstanding shares of our common stock are fully paid and non-assessable. As of September 21, 2005, there were 2,518,567 shares subject to issuance upon the exercise of options, warrants and restricted stock units.

 

Pursuant to this registration statement, we are registering our common stock and the Class 6(B) Warrants to purchase our common stock described below.

 

Common Stock

 

Dividend Rights .    Holders of outstanding shares of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends out of assets legally available at the times and in the amounts that our board of directors may determine from time to time. Our debt instruments restrict us from paying cash dividends on our common stock.

 

Voting Rights .    Each holder of common stock is entitled to one vote for each share of common stock held on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. We have not provided for cumulative voting for the election of directors in our certificate of incorporation. This means that the holders of a majority of the shares voted can elect all of the directors then standing for election.

 

No Preemptive, Conversion or Redemption Rights .    Our common stock is not entitled to preemptive rights and is not subject to conversion or redemption.

 

Right to Receive Liquidation Distributions .    Upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, the holders of our common stock are entitled to share in all assets remaining after payment of all liabilities. Each outstanding share of common stock is fully paid and nonassessable.

 

Common Stock Warrants

 

Class 6(B) Warrants :    As of September 21, 2005, we had outstanding warrants to purchase an aggregate of 990,616 shares of common stock which were issued to Fleming’s Class 6(B) creditors pursuant to Fleming’s plan of reorganization. The Class 6(B) Warrants have an exercise price of $20.925 and may be exercised at the election of the holder at any time prior to August 23, 2011. The number of shares of common stock to be issued upon exercise of the warrants is subject to adjustment if we issue shares of our common stock at a price below the then current fair value of our common stock, effect a reorganization or reclassification of our common stock, consolidate or merge with another entity or transfer all of substantially all of our assets. The Class 6(B) Warrants are being registered pursuant to this registration statement.

 

Tranche B Warrants :    In connection with the issuance of our Tranche B Notes, we issued warrants to the purchasers of the Tranche B Notes to purchase an aggregate of 247,654 shares of our common stock. The Tranche B Warrants have an exercise price of $15.50 per share, the fair value of our common stock as determined pursuant to the Plan and may be exercised at the election of the holder at any time prior to August 23, 2011. The Tranche B Warrants are not being registered pursuant to this registration statement.

 

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Index to Financial Statements

Anti-Takeover Effects of Delaware Law and Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws

 

The provisions of Delaware law, our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws described below may have the effect of delaying, deferring or discouraging another party from acquiring control of us.

 

Delaware Law

 

Effective upon the listing of our common stock on the NASDAQ National Market, we will be subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law regulating corporate takeovers. In general, those provisions prohibit a Delaware corporation from engaging in any business combination with any interested stockholder for a period of three years following the date that the stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless: the transaction is approved by the board of directors before the date the interested stockholder attained that status; upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced; or on or after the date the business combination is approved by the board of directors and authorized at a meeting of stockholders by at least two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested stockholder.

 

Section 203 defines business combination to include the following: any merger or consolidation involving the corporation and the interested stockholder; any sale, transfer, pledge or other disposition of 10% or more of the assets of the corporation involving the interested stockholder; subject to certain exceptions, any transaction that results in the issuance or transfer by the corporation of any stock of the corporation to the interested stockholder; any transaction involving the corporation that has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of the stock of any class or series of the corporation beneficially owned by the interested stockholder; or the receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits provided by or through the corporation.

 

In general, Section 203 defines an interested stockholder as any entity or person beneficially owning 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation and any entity or person affiliated with or controlling or controlled by any of these entities or persons. A Delaware corporation may opt out of this provision either with an express provision in its original certificate of incorporation or in an amendment to its certificate of incorporation or bylaws approved by its stockholders. However, we have not opted out, and do not currently intend to opt out of this provision. The statute could prohibit or delay mergers or other takeover or change in control attempts and, accordingly, may discourage attempts to acquire us.

 

Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws

 

Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide that: no action can be taken by stockholders except at an annual or special meeting of the stockholders called in accordance with our bylaws, and stockholders may not act by written consent; our board of directors will be expressly authorized to make, alter or repeal our bylaws; and we will indemnify officers and directors against losses that they may incur in investigations and legal proceedings resulting from their services to us, which may include services in connection with takeover defense measures.

 

NASDAQ National Market Quotation

 

We intend to apply for the quotation of our common stock on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol CORE.

 

Transfer Agent and Registrar

 

The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock and the common stock warrants is Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

 

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Index to Financial Statements
ITEM 12. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.

 

Limitation of Liability and Indemnification Matters

 

We have adopted provisions in our certificate of incorporation that limit the liability of our directors for monetary damages for breach of their fiduciary duty as directors, except for liability that cannot be eliminated under the Delaware General Corporation Law. Delaware law provides that directors of a company will not be personally liable for monetary damages for breach of their fiduciary duty as directors, except for liabilities: for any breach of their duty of loyalty to us or our stockholders; for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; for unlawful payment of dividend or unlawful stock repurchase or redemption as provided under Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law; or for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.

 

Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws also provide that we will indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. Our bylaws also permit us to purchase insurance on behalf of any officer, director, employee or other agent for any liability arising out of his actions as our officer, director, employee or agent. We have entered into separate indemnification agreements with our directors and executive officers that could require us, among other things, to indemnify them against certain liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service as directors and to advance their expenses incurred as a result of any proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified. We believe that the limitation of liability provision in our certificate of incorporation and the indemnification agreements will facilitate our ability to continue to attract and retain qualified individuals to serve as directors and officers.

 

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Index to Financial Statements
ITEM 13. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Our financial statements required by this item are submitted as a separate section of this Form 10 (See Item 15(a)(1) for a listing of financial statements provided in the section titled “Financial Statements.”

 

SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

The table below sets forth the Successor Company’s unaudited consolidated results of operations for each of the last 3 quarters ended June 30, 2005 and for the period from August 23, 2004 through September 30, 2004 and Predecessor Company’s unaudited consolidated results of operations for each of the last 6 quarters ended June 30, 2004 and for the period from July 1, 2004 through August 22, 2004 (in millions, except per share amounts):

 

   

Three Months Ended

(unaudited)

(in millions, except per share data)


 
    Successor Company

      Predecessor Company

 
                September 30, 2004

           
    June 30,
2005


  March 31,
2005


  December 31,
2004


  August 23 to
September 30,
2004


      July 1 to
August 22,
2004


    June 30,
2004


  March 31,
2004


 

Net sales

  $ 1,268.1   $ 1,079.8   $ 1,061.8   $ 487.5       $ 636.8     $ 1,067.7   $ 968.6  

Net sales—Cigarettes

    899.8     773.8     774.4     349.9         457.7       765.7     700.5  

Net sales—Food/Non-food

    368.3     306.0     287.4     137.6         179.1       302.0     268.1  

Cigarette inventory holding profits

    2.6     2.5     1.1     —           —         0.1     0.1  

Gross profit

    72.4     63.5     62.0     28.4         35.6       59.4     54.8  

Warehousing and distribution expenses

    34.2     31.2     29.5     13.1         19.6       29.3     29.8  

Selling and administrative expenses

    25.6     27.4     24.6     10.5         12.0       24.2     23.1  

Income from operations

    12.4     4.6     7.5     4.8         4.1       5.8     1.9  

Interest expense, net

    3.0     3.2     3.3     1.5         0.6       1.8     2.0  
 

Reorganization items, net

    —       —       0.2     0.6         (71.7 )     0.7     1.0  

Net income (loss)

    5.2     0.6     1.8     1.6         49.3       2.1     (0.7 )

Basic net income (loss) per share

  $ 0.53   $ 0.06   $ 0.19   $ 0.16       $ 5.03     $ 0.21   $ (0.7 )

Diluted net income (loss) per share

  $ 0.50   $ 0.06   $ 0.19   $ 0.16       $ 5.03     $ 0.21   $ (0.7 )

Shares used in computing basic net income per share

    9.8     9.8     9.8     9.8         9.8       9.8     9.8  

Shares used in computing diluted net income per share

    10.4     10.2     9.8     9.8         9.8       9.8     9.8  

Depreciation and amortization

    3.9     3.3     3.2     1.5         1.5       2.9     2.6  

 

   

Three Months Ended

(unaudited)

(in millions, except per share data)

Predecessor Company


    December 31,
2003


    September 30,
2003


    June 30,
2003


    March 31,
2003


Net sales

  $ 992.6     $ 1,097.9     $ 1,135.4     $ 1,098.4

Gross profit

    57.6       67.4       73.2       71.2

(Loss) income from continuing operations

    (5.9 )     11.3       (278.1 )     7.5

Interest expense, net

    3.7       (1.8 )     1.4       2.1

Reorganization items, net

    5.5       1.2       0.6       0.0

Net (loss) income

    (7.6 )     10.8       (278.5 )     7.3

Basic net (loss) income per share

  $ (0.78 )   $ 1.10     $ (28.42 )   $ 0.74

Diluted net (loss) income per share

  $ (0.78 )   $ 1.10     $ (28.42 )   $ 0.74

Shares used in computing basic net income (loss) per share

    9.8       9.8       9.8       9.8

Shares used in computing diluted net income (loss) per share

    9.8       9.8       9.8       9.8

Depreciation and amortization

    1.9       3.9       1.9       2.2

 

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Index to Financial Statements
ITEM 14. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

 

In connection with the reorganization of Core-Mark International, Inc. and its subsidiaries under the Plan, we retained Burr, Pilger & Mayer LLP as our independent accountants. In November 2004, we dismissed and replaced Burr, Pilger & Mayer LLP as our independent accountants. The reports of Burr, Pilger & Mayer LLP on our financial statements for years 2003 and 2002 and for the period from January 1, 2004 through August 22, 2004 contained no adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles. There have been no disagreements with Burr, Pilger & Mayer LLP on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or accounting scope or procedure, which disagreements if not resolved to the satisfaction of Burr, Pilger & Mayer LLP would have caused them to make reference thereto in their report on the financial statements for such years. The decision to change accounting firms was approved by the audit committee of our board of directors. In November 2004, we engaged PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our new independent accountants. The replacement of Burr, Pilger & Mayer LLP by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP was approved by our Board of Directors. We have provided Burr, Pilger & Mayer with a copy of the disclosure contained in this section of the registration statement.

 

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Index to Financial Statements
ITEM 15. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS

 

     Page

(a)    Financial Statements filed as part of this registration statement

    

1.      Financial statements

    

A.     Audited Financial Statements

    

•         Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms

   F-2/3

•         Consolidated Balance Sheets

         Successor Company—at December 31, 2004 and August 23, 2004

         Predecessor Company—at December 31, 2003

   F-4

•         Consolidated Statements of Operations

         Successor Company—for the period from August 23, 2004 through December 31, 2004

         Predecessor Company—for the period from January 1, 2004 through August 22, 2004 and Years Ended December 31, 2003 and 2002

   F-5

•         Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income (Loss)

   F-6

         Successor Company—for the period from August 23, 2004 through December 31, 2004

         Predecessor Company—for the period from January 1, 2004 through August 22, 2004 and Years Ended December 31, 2003, and 2002

    

•         Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

         Successor Company—for the period from August 23, 2004 through December 31, 2004

         Predecessor Company—for the period from January 1, 2004 through August 22, 2004 and Years Ended December 31, 2003, and 2002

   F-7

•         Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   F-8

B.     Unaudited Interim Financial Statements

    

•         Consolidated Interim Balance Sheets

         Successor Company—at June 30, 2005 (unaudited) and December 31, 2004

   F-48

•         Consolidated Interim Statements of Operations

         Successor Company—Six Months Ended June 30, 2005 (unaudited)

         Predecessor Company—Six Months Ended June 30, 2004 (unaudited)

   F-49

•         Consolidated Interim Statements of Cash Flows

         Successor Company—Six Months Ended June 30, 2005 (unaudited)

         Predecessor Company—Six Months Ended June 30, 2004 (unaudited)

   F-50

•         Notes to Consolidated Interim Financial Statements (unaudited)

   F-51

2.      Financial Statement Schedules

    

         All financial statement schedules are omitted because all required information is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or the notes thereto.

    

 

F-1


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Index to Financial Statements

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders

of Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc.

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Core-Mark Holding Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries as of August 23, 2004 and December 31, 2003 and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for period from January 1, 2004 through August 22, 2004 and the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Core-Mark Holding Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries as of August 23, 2004, and December 31, 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the period from January 1, 2004 through August 22, 2004 and the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the United States Bankruptcy Court for District of Delaware confirmed the Third Amended and Revised Joint Plan of Reorganization of the Fleming Companies, Inc and its Subsidiaries (the “plan”) on July 27, 2004. Confirmation of the plan and the Company’s emergence from bankruptcy resulted in the discharge of claims against the Company that arose before April 1, 2003 as provided for in the plan. The plan was substantially consummated and the Company emerged from bankruptcy on August 23, 2004. In connection with its emergence from bankruptcy, the Company adopted fresh start accounting as of August 23, 2004.

 

/s/ Burr, Pilger & Mayer LLP

San Francisco, California

 

September 1, 2005

 

F-2


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc:

 

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and other comprehensive income and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc. and its subsidiaries (Successor Company) at December 31, 2004, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the period from August 23, 2004 to December 31, 2004 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Successor Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware confirmed the Third Amended and Revised Joint Plan of Reorganization of Fleming Companies, Inc. and its Subsidiaries (the “plan”) on July 27, 2004. Confirmation of the plan resulted in the discharge of all claims against the Company that arose before April 1, 2003 and substantially alters rights and interests of equity security holders as provided for in the plan. The plan was substantially consummated on August 23, 2004 and the Company emerged from bankruptcy. In connection with its emergence from bankruptcy, the Company adopted fresh start accounting as of August 23, 2004.

 

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

 

San Francisco, California

September 1, 2005

 

F-3


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In millions, except share data)

 

     Successor Company

    Predecessor
Company


 
     December 31,
2004


    August 23,
2004


    December 31,
2003


 
Assets                         

Current assets

                        

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 26.2     $ 34.5     $ 31.1  

Restricted cash

     12.1       26.6       19.8  

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $7.7, $7.0 and $5.6, respectively

     131.7       137.1       132.0  

Other receivables, net

     34.8       53.9       62.5  

Inventories, net

     186.3       141.9       189.8  

Deposits and prepayments

     38.7       52.4       29.3  
    


 


 


Total current assets

     429.8       446.4       464.5  
 

Property and equipment, net

     41.3       38.0       38.7  

Deferred income taxes

     0.7       —         9.2  

Other non-current assets, net

     31.8       32.8       1.4  
    


 


 


Total assets

   $ 503.6     $ 517.2     $ 513.8  
    


 


 


Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity                         

Current liabilities

                        

Accounts payable

   $ 61.2     $ 35.5     $ 23.3  

Cigarette and tobacco taxes payable

     49.0       51.8       52.7  

Accrued liabilities

     60.5       61.2       59.2  

Income taxes payable

     14.4       9.3       8.7  

Deferred income taxes

     14.4       21.6       18.9  
    


 


 


Total current liabilities

     199.5       179.4       162.8  
 

Long-term debt

     77.5       118.7       —    

Other tax liabilities

     1.8       —         —    

Deferred income taxes

     —         0.3       —    

Claims liabilities, net of current portion

     46.3       46.6       3.0  

Pension liabilities

     11.4       10.9       4.5  
    


 


 


Total liabilities not subject to compromise

     336.5       355.9       170.3  

Liabilities subject to compromise

     —         —         124.8  
    


 


 


Total liabilities

     336.5       355.9       295.1  
    


 


 


Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)

                        
 

Stockholders’ equity:

                        

Predecessor Company common stock; $0.0001 par value (100 shares authorized, issued and outstanding at December 31, 2003)

     —         —         —    

Successor Company common stock; $0.01 par value (50,000,000 shares authorized, 9,815,375 and 9,815,375 shares issued and outstanding at December 31 and August 23, 2004, respectively)

     0.1       0.1       —    

Additional paid-in capital

     168.9       168.9       462.0  

Deferred stock-based compensation

     (6.8 )     (7.7 )                 —    

Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)

     3.4       —         (245.0 )

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     1.5       —         1.7  
    


 


 


Total stockholders’ equity

     167.1       161.3       218.7  
    


 


 


Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 503.6     $ 517.2     $ 513.8  
    


 


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-4


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Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In millions, except per share data)

 

    Successor Company

    Predecessor Company

   

Period from August 23
through December 31,

2004


   

Period from January 1
through August 22,

2004


    Year ended December 31,

              2003      

          2002      

Net sales (a)

  $ 1,549.3                $ 2,673.1     $ 4,324.3     $ 4,662.1

Cost of goods sold (a) (b)

    1,458.9       2,523.3       4,054.9       4,353.8
   


 


 


 

Gross profit

    90.4       149.8       269.4       308.3
   


 


 


 

Warehousing and distribution expenses

    42.6       78.7       130.2       131.8

Selling, general and administrative expenses

    35.1       59.3       98.3       93.2

Amortization of intangible assets

    0.4       —         1.7       3.5

Goodwill and asset impairment charges

    —         —         291.4       —  
   


 


 


 

Total operating expenses

    78.1       138.0       521.6       228.5
   


 


 


 

Income (loss) from operations

    12.3       11.8       (252.2 )     79.8

Interest expense, net

    4.8       4.4       5.4       8.2

Reorganization items, net

    0.8       (70.0 )     7.3       —  

Amortization of debt issuance costs

    0.4       —         —         0.7
   


 


 


 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

    6.3       77.4       (264.9 )     70.9

Provision for income taxes from continuing operations

    2.9       26.7       0.3       31.4
   


 


 


 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

    3.4       50.7       (265.2 )     39.5

Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes

    —         —         (4.6 )     0.5
   


 


 


 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes from discontinued operations

    —         —         (1.8 )     0.2
   


 


 


 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

    —         —         (2.8 )     0.3
   


 


 


 

Net income (loss)

  $ 3.4     $ 50.7     $ (268.0 )   $ 39.8
   


 


 


 

Basic income (loss) per common share:

                             

Continuing operations

  $ 0.35     $ 5.17     $ (27.06 )   $ 4.03

Discontinued operations

    —         —         (0.29 )     0.03
   


 


 


 

Net income (loss)

  $ 0.35     $ 5.17     $ (27.35 )   $ 4.06
   


 


 


 

Diluted income (loss) per common share:

                             

Continuing operations

  $ 0.35     $ 5.17     $ (27.06 )   $ 4.03

Discontinued operations

    —         —         (0.29 )     0.03
   


 


 


 

Net income (loss)

  $ 0.35     $ 5.17     $ (27.35 )   $ 4.06
   


 


 


 

Basic weighted average shares

    9.8       9.8       9.8       9.8

Diluted weighted average shares

    9.8       9.8       9.8       9.8

(a) State and provincial cigarette and tobacco excise taxes paid by the Company are included in both sales and cost of goods sold and totaled $355.0, $616.5, $897.0, and $780.7 for the periods August 23 through December 31, 2004, January 1 through August 22, 2004, and the years ended December 31, 2003, and 2002, respectively.
(b) Cost of goods sold excludes depreciation and amortization expense attributable to distribution assets of $1.5, $3.6, $5.9, and $5.8, that have been included in warehousing and distribution expenses for the periods August 23 through December 31, 2004, January 1 through August 22, 2004, and the years ended December 31, 2003, and 2002, respectively.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-5


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(In millions)

 

    Common Stock

    Additional
Paid-In
Capital


    Deferred
Stock-Based
Compensation


    Retained
Earnings
(Accumulated
Deficit)


    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)


    Total
Stockholders’
Equity


    Total
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)


 
    Shares

    Amount

             
Predecessor Company                                                              

Balance, December 31, 2001

  5.5     $ 0.1     $ 84.9     $ —       $ 39.2     $ (9.2 )   $ 115.0     $ —    

Tax benefit from stock options exercised

  —         —         4.2       —         —         —         4.2       —    

Foreign currency translation adjustment

  —         —         —         —         —         0.8       0.8       —    

Effect of acquisition of CMI by Fleming

  (5.5 )     (0.1 )     402.1       —         (56.0 )     8.4       354.4       —    
   

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Balance including impact of CMI acquisition

  —         —         491.2       —         (16.8 )     —         474.4          

Net income

  —         —         —         —         39.8       —         39.8       39.8  

Acquisition of Head Distributing Company

  —         —         60.8       —         —         —         60.8       —    

Net distributions to Fleming Companies, Inc.

  —         —         (61.5 )     —         —         —         (61.5 )     —    

Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of taxes of $0.6

  —         —         —         —         —         (1.0 )     (1.0 )     (1.0 )

Foreign currency translation adjustment

  —         —         —         —         —         (0.2 )     (0.2 )     (0.2 )
   

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Total comprehensive income

                                                        $ 38.6  
                                                         


Balance, December 31, 2002

  —         —         490.5       —         23.0       (1.2 )     512.3          

Net loss

  —         —         —         —         (268.0 )     —         (268.0 )     (268.0 )

Net distributions to Fleming Companies, Inc.

  —         —         (28.5 )     —         —         —         (28.5 )     —    

Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of taxes of $0.1

  —         —         —         —         —         (0.1 )     (0.1 )     (0.1 )

Foreign currency translation adjustment

  —         —         —         —         —         3.0       3.0       3.0  
   

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Total comprehensive loss

                                                        $ (265.1 )
                                                         


Balance, December 31, 2003

  —         —         462.0       —         (245.0 )     1.7       218.7          

Net income

  —         —         —         —         50.7       —         50.7       50.7  

Net distributions to Fleming Companies, Inc.

  —         —         55.0       —         —         —         55.0       —    

Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of taxes of $0.7

  —         —         —         —         —         (1.1 )     (1.1 )     (1.1 )

Foreign currency translation adjustment

  —         —         —         —         —         (0.5 )     (0.5 )     (0.5 )
   

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Total comprehensive income

                          —                               $ 49.1  
                                                         


Balance prior to application of fresh-start accounting

  —       $ —       $ 517.0     $ —       $ (194.3 )   $ 0.1     $ 322.8          
   

 


 


 


 


 


 


       

Reorganization and fresh-start accounting adjustments (See Note 3—Fresh-Start Accounting)

  9.8       0.1       (348.1 )     (7.7 )     194.3       (0.1 )     (161.5 )        
   

 


 


 


 


 


 


       

Balance, August 23, 2004

  9.8     $ 0.1     $ 168.9     $ (7.7 )   $ —       $ —       $ 161.3          
   

 


 


 


 


 


 


       
Successor Company                                                              

Balance, August 23, 2004

  9.8     $ 0.1     $ 168.9     $ (7.7 )   $ —       $ —       $ 161.3     $ —    

Net income

  —         —         —                 3.4       —         3.4       3.4  

Amortization of deferred stock-based compensation

  —         —         —         0.9       —         —         0.9       —    

Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of taxes of $0.6

  —         —         —         —         —         (0.9 )     (0.9 )     (0.9 )

Foreign currency translation adjustment

  —         —         —         —         —         2.4       2.4       2.4  
   

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Total comprehensive income

                                                        $ 4.9  
                                                         


Balance, December 31, 2004

  9.8     $ 0.1     $ 168.9     $ (6.8 )   $ 3.4     $ 1.5     $ 167.1          
   

 


 


 


 


 


 


       

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-6


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In millions)

 

    Successor Company

    Predecessor Company

 
    Period from August 23
through December 31,
2004


    Period from January 1
through August 22,
2004


    Year ended December 31,

 
            2003    

        2002    

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

                               

Net income (loss)

  $ 3.4     $ 50.7     $ (268.0 )   $ 39.8  

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

                               

LIFO and inventory reserves

    1.9       2.7       (2.1 )     (16.7 )

Fresh-start accounting adjustments, net

    —         (81.3 )     —         —    

Amortization of stock-based compensation expense

    0.9       —         —         —    

Allowance for doubtful accounts

    1.4       5.7       3.4       1.9  

Depreciation and amortization

    4.7       7.0       9.9       12.2  

Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets

    —         —         291.4       —    

Deferred income taxes

    (7.2 )     21.7       (16.4 )     1.0  

Tax benefit on employee stock options

    —         —         —         4.2  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:

                               

Restricted cash

    14.5       (6.7 )     (19.8 )     —    

Accounts receivable

    3.3       (6.4 )     39.1       (4.4 )

Other receivables

    17.8       9.7       (29.5 )     (11.6 )

Inventories

    (48.3 )                         47.8       21.6       31.6  

Deposits, prepayments and other non-current assets

    12.8       (22.8 )     (18.2 )     (0.2 )

Accounts payable

    18.8       11.2       (81.0 )     25.6  

Cigarette and tobacco taxes payable

    0.2       (1.1 )     (18.3 )     10.2  

Liabilities subject to compromise

    —         (55.6 )     121.6       —    

Pension, claims and other accrued liabilities and income taxes payable

    7.7       (7.4 )     19.7       (3.6 )
   


 


 


 


Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

    31.9       (24.8 )     53.4       90.0  
   


 


 


 


Cash flows from investing activities:

                               

Additions to property and equipment

    (5.7 )     (6.4 )     (8.4 )     (5.5 )
   


 


 


 


Net cash used in investing activities

    (5.7 )     (6.4 )     (8.4 )     (5.5 )
   


 


 


 


Cash flows from financing activities:

                               

Proceeds from emergence financing

    —         120.5       —         —    

Net cash distributed to Trusts upon emergence

    —         (139.6 )     —         —    

Net capital distributions from (to) Fleming

    —         55.0       (28.5 )     (61.5 )

Borrowing under revolving line of credit

    1,220.1       —         —         —    

Repayments under revolving line of credit

    (1,261.5 )     —         —         —    

Principal payments on long-term debt

    —         —         —         (33.5 )

Changes in debt issuance costs

    —         (3.8 )     —         —    

Increase (decrease) in cash provided by checks drawn in excess of bank balances

    5.0       3.0       (16.4 )     11.6  
   


 


 


 


Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

    (36.4 )     35.1       (44.9 )     (83.4 )
   


 


 


 


Effects of changes in foreign exchange rates

    1.9       (0.5 )     5.1       0.4  
   


 


 


 


 

(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

    (8.3 )     3.4       5.2       1.5  
 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning period

    34.5       31.1       25.9       24.4  
   


 


 


 


Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $ 26.2     $ 34.5     $ 31.1     $ 25.9  
   


 


 


 


Supplemental disclosures:

                               

Cash paid during the period for:

                               

Income Taxes

  $ 4.0     $ —       $ —       $ 17.0  

Interest

  $ 1.7     $ —       $ 2.3     $ 7.8  

Payments made in conjunction with Chapter 11 reorganization:

                               

Professional fees

  $ 0.5     $ 1.6     $ 2.0     $ —    

Pre-petition claim payments

  $ —       $ 54.9     $ —       $ —    

Non-cash transactions

  $ —       $ 1.6     $ —       $ —    

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-7


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1. Summary Company Information and Emergence from Bankruptcy

 

Nature of Operations

 

Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc. (Core-Mark Holding), was incorporated on August 20, 2004 as a holding company for Core-Mark Holdings I, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings II, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings III, Inc. Core-Mark International, Inc. (CMI) and CMI’s wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, Core-Mark or the Company) pursuant to a plan of reorganization following a bankruptcy petition by the Company’s former parent, Fleming Companies, Inc. (Fleming), as described below. Core-Mark is a broad-line, full service wholesale distributor of packaged consumer products to the convenience retail industry in the United States and Canada, with revenues generated from the sale of cigarettes, tobacco products, candy, food, health and beauty aids and other general merchandise. The Company’s principal customers include traditional convenience stores, grocery stores, drug stores, mass merchandisers and liquor stores. Core-Mark’s origin dates back to 1888, when Glaser Bros., a family owned and operated candy and tobacco distribution business, was founded in San Francisco.

 

In June 2002, Fleming acquired CMI. At the time of acquisition, CMI distributed products to convenience stores and other retailers in the Western United States and Canada from a network of 20 distribution centers. In addition to Fleming’s other operations, Fleming owned and operated seven convenience store distribution centers in the Eastern and Midwestern United States. After the acquisition of CMI by Fleming, CMI’s management continued to operate CMI’s convenience distribution business and began integrating Fleming’s convenience distribution centers into its operations. Minter-Weisman Company (Minter-Weisman) and Head Distributing Company (Head Distributing), two subsidiaries of Fleming, became subsidiaries of CMI in December 2002 as part of such integration ( See Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the consolidated financial statements ).

 

Chapter 11 Filing by Fleming Companies, Inc.

 

Fleming Bankruptcy. On April 1, 2003 (the Petition Date), Fleming filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the state of Delaware. During the bankruptcy proceedings, Fleming and its subsidiaries, including CMI and its subsidiaries (collectively, the Debtors) continued to operate the business as debtors-in-possession under the jurisdiction of the bankruptcy court and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code.

 

Emergence of Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc.

 

Core-Mark Emerges from the Reorganization as a Separate Entity. On July 27, 2004 (the Confirmation Date), the bankruptcy court confirmed Fleming’s Plan of Reorganization, as amended and revised (the Plan). The Plan provided for the reorganization of the Debtors with CMI surviving as an operating entity. Pursuant to the Plan, certain creditors formed Core-Mark Holding, Core-Mark Holdings I, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings II, Inc. and Core-Mark Holding III, Inc. Core-Mark Holdings I, Inc., and Core-Mark Holdings II, Inc. each own 50% of Core-Mark Holdings III, Inc. On August 23, 2004 (the Effective Date), the Plan was declared effective by the bankruptcy court and Core-Mark emerged from bankruptcy. Upon emergence, Fleming transferred its interest in CMI to Core-Mark Holdings III, Inc., making CMI a wholly-owned subsidiary of Core-Mark Holdings III, Inc., and transferred all of the remaining assets of one of its wholly-owned convenience store distribution centers to a subsidiary of CMI. Upon emergence from the Fleming bankruptcy, Core-Mark reflected the terms of the Plan in its consolidated financial statements applying the terms of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Statement of Position 90-7, Financial Reporting by Entities in Reorganization under the Bankruptcy Code (SOP 90-7) with respect to financial reporting upon emergence from bankruptcy ( See Note 3 —Fresh-Start Accounting to the consolidated financial statements ).

 

F-8


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Disposition of the Creditors and Equity Holders of the Fleming Companies, Pursuant to the Plan of Reorganization. Three categories of claimants with the following claim disposition terms were established pursuant to the Plan. The Fleming equity holders received no distribution and their interests were canceled. Administrative and priority tax claimants and debtor-in-possession lenders were to be paid in full. Other claimants are served by two special-purpose trusts: the Reclamation Creditors Trust (RCT) and the Post Confirmation Trust (PCT), which together we refer to as the Trusts, as described below. The assets and liabilities of the Debtors remaining after the formation of Core-Mark were transferred into the Trusts. At their inception, the total assets of the Trusts were designed and estimated to be in excess of the total liabilities owed to their claimants . The RCT serves the trade lien vendor (TLV) and non-trade lien vendor (non-TLV) claimants and is responsible for pursuing and liquidating the assigned RCT assets in order to satisfy claims from holders who have asserted that their claims have been granted priority and/or are secured by a lien ( See terms of claim disposition at Reclamation’s Creditor Trust, below). The PCT serves the Class 6(A) and Class 6(B) claimants and is responsible for liquidating the assigned PCT assets, issuing the Company’s common stock and common stock warrants, and reconciling and settling claims against Fleming and Core-Mark ( See terms of claim disposition at Post Confirmation Trust, below ).

 

Pursuant to the Plan, the Debtors, including principally Core-Mark, contributed approximately $122 million in cash to the PCT. The Company entered into a revolving credit agreement and Tranche B Note Agreement to fund its cash payment to the PCT (See Note 8—Long-term Debt to the consolidated financial statements).

 

Under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code, actions by creditors to collect indebtedness owed prior to the Petition Date were stayed and certain other pre-petition contractual obligations were not enforced against the Debtors. The Company received approval from the bankruptcy court to pay specific pre-petition liabilities, including taxes, employee salaries and wages, benefits and other employee obligations. The restructuring of the Company’s capital structure and resulting discharge of pre-petition debt resulted in a net gain of $66.1 million (See Note 9—Liabilities Subject to Compromise to the consolidated financial statements).

 

Fleming transferred the remaining workers compensation, general liability, auto liability and pension liabilities of its wholesale grocery division totaling approximately $33 million, and selected assets and liabilities of its discontinued convenience distribution centers located in Altoona, Pennsylvania; Marshfield, Wisconsin; and Chicago, Illinois to Core-Mark.

 

Core-Mark Capitalization.

 

Common Stock

 

Core-Mark Holding was incorporated on August 20, 2004. The authorized capital stock of Core-Mark Holding consists of 50 million shares of common stock, with a par value of $0.01 per share. Core-Mark Holding transferred 9,800,000 shares of common stock to Fleming in exchange for the stock of Core-Mark International and its subsidiaries. Under the Plan of Reorganization, Fleming will distribute this common stock to its creditors as instructed by the PCT in settlement of pre-petition claims. The Company determined that $3.2 million in estimated fair value of the common stock to be disbursed by the PCT should be recorded as a reduction to the gain on discharge of liabilities subject to compromise upon emergence.

 

Warrants

 

On August 23, 2004, pursuant to the Plan, Core-Mark issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of 990,616 shares of common stock. The warrants were transferred by Core-Mark to the PCT and the warrants were distributed by the PCT to creditors (Class 6(B) claimants) in partial settlement of their pre-petition liabilities. The warrants have an exercise price of $20.925 per share, with a seven-year term and were issued to the PCT for the

 

F-9


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

benefit of former holders of Fleming senior subordinated notes. The warrants were valued at $4.6 million and were recorded as additional paid-in capital upon emergence. The estimated fair value of the warrants was calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: a term of seven years, a risk free interest rate of 3.85%, expected volatility of 30%, and an expected dividend yield of zero.

 

On August 23, 2004, Core-Mark issued additional warrants, pursuant to the Plan, to purchase an aggregate of 247,654 shares of common stock to holders of the Tranche B Notes. The warrants have an exercise price of $15.50 per share, the fair value of our common stock as determined pursuant to the Plan, and a seven-year term (See Note 8 – Long-term Debt to the consolidated financial statements). The warrants were valued at $1.4 million, based on the fair value of our common stock of $15.50, pursuant to the Plan. They were recorded as a discount on debt and are being amortized into interest expense over the term of the Tranche B notes using the effective interest rate method. The estimated fair value of the warrants was calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: a term of seven years, a risk free interest rate of 3.85%, expected volatility of 30%, and an expected dividend yield of zero.

 

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

 

Pursuant to the Plan, on the Effective Date the Company established a stock-based compensation plan with two components consisting of 1,114,444 options to purchase common stock and 200,000 restricted shares of common stock reserved for grants to management. The stock options have exercise price of $15.50 per share based on the fair value of our common stock pursuant to the Plan. The options and restricted shares vest over three years and have a seven year term (See Note 15—Stock Based-Compensation Plans to the consolidated financial statements ). Non-employee members of our board of directors also received options to purchase an aggregate of 30,000 shares of our common stock under our 2004 Directors Equity Incentive Plan.

 

Special Purpose Trusts and Guarantees by Core-Mark

 

Post Confirmation Trust

 

Pursuant to the Plan, the PCT was established and charged with administering certain post-confirmation responsibilities under the Plan, including, but not limited to, liquidating certain assets, the pursuit and collection of litigation claims and causes of action and the reconciliation and payment of specific types of claims, each as allocated between the PCT and the RCT pursuant to the Plan. The liabilities of the PCT include tax and other statutory related claims, professional fees, reserves, general unsecured claims and certain administrative claims that were not satisfied on the Effective Date of the Plan. The assets of the PCT include cash, trade account receivables, certain royalty payments receivable related to the sale of Fleming’s wholesale operations, litigation claims receivable, certain RCT assets assigned to the PCT and Fleming’s remaining assets which were transferred to the PCT upon Core-Mark’s emergence from bankruptcy, as described in the Plan.

 

At the inception of the PCT its total assets were estimated to be approximately $180 million and total liabilities were estimated to be approximately $145 million, including approximately $52 million in certain non-professional fee administrative claims. These estimates are based on financial projections prepared by an independent restructuring firm hired by Fleming, and on an evaluation of the accounts and records of Fleming, and are included in Fleming’s disclosure statement and the Plan as filed with the bankruptcy court. Under the terms of the Plan, Core-Mark guarantees all PCT liabilities with respect to administrative claims in excess of $56 million. Core-Mark’s guarantee in connection with the PCT is related solely to the administrative claims portion of the trust. The beneficiaries of the PCT, after the satisfaction of all liabilities to be satisfied by the PCT and all PCT expenses, are certain unsecured creditors, the RCT and Core-Mark as set forth in the Plan (See Note 12—Commitments and Contingencies to the consolidated financial statements).

 

F-10


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Reclamation Creditors’ Trust

 

Pursuant to the Plan, the RCT was established to administer certain post-confirmation responsibilities under the Plan, including, but not limited to, the pursuit and collection of RCT assets and the payment of reclamation claims. To facilitate the claims reconciliation process, the PCT provides professional staff and employees of the PCT, computer systems, data bases and other relevant information to the RCT. The RCT reimburses the PCT for direct costs and an allocation of indirect costs for such staff, employees, data bases and other information subject to certain limitations as set forth in the Plan. The assets of the RCT included approximately $6 million in cash at inception and certain of the assets of the Debtors including vendor deductions, disputed payments, preference claims, causes of action and other rights of the Debtors against the reclamation creditors, as described in the Plan.

 

At its inception, the total assets of the RCT were estimated to be approximately $140 million and total liabilities were estimated to be approximately $120 million. These estimates are based on financial projections prepared by Fleming’s independent restructuring firm, based on an evaluation of the accounts and records of Fleming, and are included in Fleming’s disclosure statement and the Plan as filed with the bankruptcy court. The TLV creditors are the primary beneficiaries of the RCT and their claims are entitled to be settled in full before any payments are made to the non-TLV creditors. In the event that the assets of the trust are inadequate to satisfy all of the allowed TLV claims, Core-Mark must pay such claims in full plus any accrued interest pursuant to certain guarantees under the Plan. In addition, Core-Mark guarantees all eligible but unpaid non-TLV claims up to a maximum of $15 million. For each dollar of excess assets transferred from the PCT to the RCT in excess of $10 million, the Core-Mark non-TLV guarantee is reduced by 50% of that amount transferred. (See Note 12—Commitments and Contingencies to the consolidated financial statements).

 

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The consolidated financial statements of Core-Mark reflect the results of operations, financial position, and cash flows of CMI, including two former Fleming subsidiaries, Minter-Weisman and Head Distributing, and Fleming’s convenience distribution center located in Leitchfield, Kentucky (collectively, the Eastern Distribution Centers.)

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include Core-Mark and all entities in which Core-Mark has a majority voting interest. All significant inter-company balances and transactions are eliminated.

 

The Company also evaluates its relationships with variable interest entities in which it may not have a majority or voting interest but with which it may be required to consolidate because it is deemed to be the primary beneficiary of that entity. As of December 31, 2004, the Company’s exposure to expected losses or residual returns from such variable interest entities was not significant.

 

Push Down Accounting

 

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) Topic 5.J Push Down Basis of Accounting Required in Certain Limited Circumstances (Topic 5.J) generally requires that push down accounting be applied whenever separate financial information is presented for a wholly-owned subsidiary. Push down accounting requires that the financial statements of a subsidiary reflect the parent company’s basis of the assets and liabilities in the subsidiary. As such, the consolidated financial statements of the Predecessor Company reflect Fleming’s basis in the assets and liabilities of CMI, at June 17, 2002 when CMI was acquired, and Fleming’s basis in the assets and liabilities of the Eastern Distribution Centers when they were acquired. The Predecessor Company’s stockholders’ equity reflects Fleming’s investment in CMI and the Eastern Distribution

 

F-11


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Centers while giving effect to the net income (loss) of CMI and the net inter-company capital distributions to Fleming.

 

Use of Estimates

 

These financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. This requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The Company’s management considers the allowance for doubtful accounts, the allowance related to other receivables, inventory reserves, fresh-start valuations, recoverability of goodwill and other long-lived assets, carve-out expense allocations, trust guarantees, the realizability of deferred income taxes, pension benefits and self-insurance reserves, and the fair value of the Company’s common stock and stock volatility to be those estimates which involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Foreign Currency Translation

 

The assets and liabilities of the Company’s Canadian operations, whose functional currency is the Canadian dollar, are translated at exchange rates in effect at period-end. Income and expenses are translated at average rates for the period. Adjustments resulting from such translation are presented as foreign currency translation adjustments and are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a separate component of stockholders’ equity.

 

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

 

Cash and cash equivalents include cash, money market funds and all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Restricted cash represents funds collected and set aside in trust as required by Canadian provincial taxing authorities. As of December 31, 2004, August, 23, 2004 and December 31, 2003, the Company included in cash book overdrafts of $20.7 million, $15.7 million and $12.7 million, respectively, reflecting issued checks that have not cleared through its banking system in the ordinary course of business, in accounts payable. The Company’s policy has been to fund these outstanding checks as they clear with cash held on deposit with other financial institutions or with borrowings under its line of credit.

 

Financial Instruments

 

The carrying amount for the Company’s cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, trade accounts receivable, other receivables, trade accounts payable, cigarette and tobacco taxes payable and other accrued liabilities approximates fair value because of the short maturity of these financial instruments. The carrying amount of the Company’s long-term debt approximates fair value based on the Company’s best estimate of interest rates that would be available to the Company for similar debt obligations. The carrying amount of the Company’s variable rate debt approximates fair value due to the variable nature of interest rates.

 

Risks and Concentrations

 

Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk, consist principally of temporary cash investments, accounts receivable and other receivables. The Company places its cash and cash equivalents in investment-grade, short-term instruments with high quality financial institutions and, by policy, limits the amount of credit exposure in any one financial instrument. The Company pursues amounts and allowances due from its vendors, and in the normal course of business, is often allowed to deduct these amounts and allowances from payments made by the Company to such vendors.

 

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Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

A credit review is completed for new customers and ongoing credit evaluations of customer’s financial condition are performed and prepayment or other guarantees are required whenever deemed necessary. Credit limits given to customers are based on a risk assessment of their ability to pay and other factors. The Company has no individual customers that account for more than 10% of its total sales. The Company has no individual customers that account for more than 10% of its total accounts receivable. However, some of our distribution centers are dependent on relationships with a single customer or a few large customers.

 

The Company has two significant suppliers: Philip Morris USA, Inc. and R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. For the periods from August 23, 2004 through December 31, 2004, January 1, 2004 through August 22, 2004 and for the year ended December 31, 2003, cigarette product purchases were approximately 25% from Philip Morris USA, Inc. and approximately 16% from R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company.

 

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

 

Accounts receivable consists of trade receivables from customers. The Company evaluates the collectibility of accounts receivable and determines the appropriate allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical experience and a review of specific customer accounts. The Company reviews its allowance for doubtful accounts monthly. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when the Company believes it is probable that accounts receivable will not be recovered.

 

The changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts due from customers consist of the following during the following periods (in millions):

 

     Successor Company

    Predecessor Company

 
     Period from
August 23 through
December 31, 2004


   

Period from
January 1 through

August 22, 2004


    Year ended
December 31,


 
         2003

    2002

 

Balance, beginning of period (1)

   $ 7.0     $ 5.6     $ 4.8       4.3  

Net additions charged to operations

     2.2       2.8       3.4       1.9  

Less: Write-offs

     (1.5 )                     (1.4 )     (2.6 )     (1.4 )
    


 


 


 


Balance, end of period

   $ 7.7     $ 7.0     $ 5.6     $ 4.8  
    


 


 


 



(1) Includes balance assumed upon acquisition of Head Distributing.

 

Other Receivables

 

Other receivables consist primarily of amounts due from vendors for promotional allowances and other incentive programs, which are accrued as earned, as well as net vendor receivables relating to vendor deductions and disputed payments arising after the Petition Date. The Company evaluates the collectibility of amounts due from vendors and determines the appropriate allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical experience and on a review of specific amounts outstanding. A significant portion of the allowance for doubtful accounts relates to vendor receivables arising after Fleming filed for bankruptcy and which have been outstanding for more than 12 months as of December 31, 2004. While management believes that such allowances are adequate, these estimates could change in the future depending upon management’s ability to collect these vendor receivables. The allowance for doubtful accounts due from vendors was $4.5 million, $3.7 million and $1.7 million as of December 31, 2004, August 23, 2004 and December 31, 2003.

 

F-13


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Inventories

 

Inventories consist of finished goods, including cigarettes and other tobacco products, food and other products, and related consumable products held for re-sale and are valued at the lower of cost or market. In the United States, cost is primarily determined on a last–in, first–out (LIFO) basis using producer price indices as determined by the Department of Labor. Under the LIFO method, current costs of goods sold are matched against current sales. Inventories in Canada are valued on a first–in, first–out (FIFO) basis as LIFO is not a permitted inventory valuation method in Canada.

 

During periods of rising prices, the LIFO method of costing inventories generally results in higher current costs being charged against income while lower costs are retained in inventories. Conversely, during periods of decreasing prices, the LIFO method of costing inventories generally results in lower current costs being charged against income and higher stated inventories. Liquidations of inventory may also result in the sale of low-cost inventory and a decrease of cost of goods sold.

 

The Company provides inventory valuation adjustments for spoiled, aged and unrecoverable inventory based on amounts on hand and historical shrinkage experience. This reserve was $1.2 million, $0 million, and $2.3 million as of December 31, 2004, August 23, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively.

 

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment are recorded at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization on new purchases are computed using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the property or the term of the lease including available renewal option terms if it is reasonably assured that those terms will be exercised. Upon retirement or sale, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any related gain or loss is reflected in operations. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred.

 

The Company has determined the following useful lives for its fixed assets:

 

     Useful life in
years


Delivery equipment

   4 to 10

Office furniture and equipment

   3 to 10

Warehouse equipment

   3 to 15

Leasehold improvements

   4 to 18

Building

   25

 

Asset Retirement Obligations

 

The Company evaluates the legal obligations arising from the retirement of long-lived assets in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligation s. Asset retirement obligations of the Company relate primarily to operating leases of its distribution centers. Specifically, certain leases require that the Company restore property to its original state upon termination of the lease. This would include the removal of any leasehold improvements, fixtures and equipment in addition to other cosmetic requirements. Under SFAS No. 143 the fair value of the liability is added to the carrying amount of the associated asset and then depreciated over the lesser of the lease term or the useful life of the asset. The lease term includes available renewal option terms if it is reasonably assured that those terms will be exercised by the Company.

 

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Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

 

The Company evaluates long-lived assets in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets . Long-lived assets consist primarily of land, buildings, furniture, fixtures and equipment, leasehold improvements and intangible assets. An impairment of long-lived assets exists when future undiscounted cash flows are less than an asset group’s carrying value over the estimated remaining useful life of the primary assets. Impairment is measured as the difference between carrying value and fair value. Fair value is based on appraised value or estimated sales value, similar assets in recent transactions, or discounted cash flows. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less the cost to sell such assets (See Note 5—Other Balance Sheet Accounts Detail to the consolidated financial statements).

 

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

 

The Company reviews its goodwill and intangible assets for impairment, in accordance with SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets on an annual basis or whenever significant events or changes occur in its business. The reviews are performed at the operating division level, which comprise the Company’s reporting units. The provisions of SFAS No. 142 require that a two-step test be performed to assess goodwill for impairment. First, the fair value of each reporting unit is compared to its carrying value. Generally, fair value represents the discounted projected cash flows of an operating division. If the fair value exceeds the carrying value, goodwill is not impaired and no further testing is performed. The second step is performed if the carrying value exceeds the fair value. The implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill must be determined and compared to the carrying value of the goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment loss equal to the difference will be recorded (See Note 5—Other Balance Sheet Accounts Detail to the consolidated financial statements). The Company does not amortize those intangible assets that have been determined to have indefinite useful lives.

 

Debt Issuance Costs

 

Debt issuance costs have been deferred and are being amortized over the terms of the related debt agreements, generally three to five years, using the effective interest method. Debt issuance costs were $3.4 million, $3.8 million and $0 at December 31, 2004, August 23, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively. Debt issuance costs are included in other non-current assets, net on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

Claims Liabilities and Insurance Recoverables

 

Pursuant to the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 39 (FIN No. 39) Offsetting of Amounts Related to Certain Contracts , the Company’s claims liabilities and the related recoverables from its insurance carriers for estimated claims in excess of deductible amounts and other insured events are presented in their gross amounts on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets because there is no right of off-set. The carrying values of claims liabilities and insurance recoverables are not discounted. Insurance recoverables are included in other receivables, net and other non-current assets, net. Insurance recoverables at December 31, 2003 were negligible because the Company had not yet assumed the Fleming self-insurance obligations described above.

 

The Company maintains reserves related to health and welfare, workers compensation and auto liability programs that are principally self-insured. The Company’s workers compensation and auto liability self-insurance programs currently have a per-claim ceiling of $500,000, and the Company has purchased insurance to

 

F-15


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

cover the claims that exceed the ceiling up to policy limits. Self-insured reserves are for pending or future claims that fall outside the policy. The reserves include an estimate of expected settlements on pending claims and a provision for claims incurred but not reported. These estimates are based on the Company’s assessment of potential liability using an actuarial analysis of available information with respect to pending claims, historical experience and current cost trends. Accruals for claims under these programs are included in accrued liabilities and claims liabilities, net of current portion ( See Note—5 Other Balance Sheet Accounts Detail to the consolidated financial statements).

 

On the Effective Date, the Company assumed approximately $29.5 million in self-insurance obligations from Fleming related to workers compensation and auto liability programs pursuant to the Plan. These amounts were included in the reorganization adjustments as disclosed in Note 3—Fresh-Start Accounting to the consolidated financial statements, as of August 23, 2004 and are included in accrued liabilities and claims liabilities, net of current portion in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2004 and August 23, 2004 (See Note 5—Other Balance Sheet Accounts Detail to the consolidated financial statements).

 

Carve-out Accounting

 

The Predecessor Company’s consolidated financial statements for the period ended August 22, 2004, and the years ended December 31 2003 and 2002, included herein are presented on a carve-out basis and do not reflect what the consolidated results of operations, financial position, and cash flows of Core-Mark and its subsidiaries would have been had Core-Mark been a separate stand-alone entity during all of the periods presented. SAB Topic 1.B, Allocation of Expenses and Related Disclosure in Financial Statements of Subsidiaries, Divisions or Lesser Business Components of Another Entity (Topic 1.B) requires that financial statements prepared on a carve-out basis include costs incurred by the parent company on behalf of the carved out entity. Core-Mark has maintained its own independent systems and infrastructure and did not rely on Fleming for any significant administrative, management or other services. However, estimated costs incurred by Fleming and allocated to Core-Mark are as follows (in millions):

 

     Predecessor Company

    

Period from

January 1 through
August 22, 2004


   Year ended December 31,

          2003  

     2002  

Insurance, investor relations, legal, Board of Directors and other

   $ 0.5    $ 0.7    $ 0.7

Imputed interest

     4.1      4.0      4.3
    

  

  

Total

   $ 4.6    $ 4.7    $ 5.0
    

  

  

 

From January 1, 2002 until Fleming’s acquisition of CMI on June 17, 2002, net interest expense included amounts paid based on CMI’s outstanding debt during this period. The debt was extinguished pursuant to the acquisition.

 

In accordance with the carve-out accounting provisions of Topic 1.B, from June 17, 2002 until emergence from bankruptcy on August 23, 2004, net interest expense includes amounts imputed to reflect a charge from Fleming to the Company for interest on debt incurred by Fleming pursuant to its acquisition of CMI. Imputed interest amounts were $4.3 million, $4.0 million and $4.1 million for the period from June 17, 2002 to December 31, 2002, the year ended December 31, 2003 and the period from January 1 to August 22, 2004, respectively. The average rate was 7.7% for all periods.

 

F-16


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Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Revenue Recognition

 

The Company recognizes revenue in accordance SAB No. 104, Revenue Recognition . Under this bulletin, four criteria must be met for revenue recognition: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement must exist, (2) delivery must occur, (3) the selling price must be fixed or determinable and (4) collectibility must be reasonably assured. Based on its terms of sale, the Company has determined these criteria are met at the point at which the product is delivered and title passes to the customer. The Company grants its customers sales incentives such as rebates or discounts and treats these as a reduction of revenues at the time the sale is recognized. The Company monitors product returns on an ongoing basis. Based on current analysis and its historical experience, the Company has determined that the amount of product returns is insignificant. Therefore, no allowance for product returns has been provided for in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and statements of operations.

 

Vendor Rebates and Allowances

 

Periodic payments from vendors in various forms, volume or other purchase discounts are reflected in the carrying value of the related inventory when earned and as cost of goods sold as the related merchandise is sold. Up-front consideration received from vendors linked to purchase or other commitments is initially deferred and amortized ratably to cost of goods sold or as the performance of the activities specified by the vendor to earn the fee is completed. Cooperative advertising rebates, slotting allowances, racking, and other promotional reimbursements from suppliers are recorded as reductions to cost of goods sold in the period the related promotional or merchandising programs were provided.

 

Pension Costs and Other Post-retirement Benefit Costs

 

Pension costs and other post-retirement benefit costs charged to operations are estimated on the basis of annual valuations by an independent actuary. Adjustments arising from plan amendments, changes in assumptions and experience gains and losses are amortized over the expected average remaining service life of the employee group (See Note 16 —Employee Benefit Plans to the consolidated financial statements).

 

Income Taxes

 

Income taxes are accounted for under the liability method in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes . Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when management does not consider it more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized.

 

Prior to emergence from bankruptcy, the Predecessor Company’s financial statements were prepared on a carve-out basis. For financial reporting purposes, the provision for income taxes was computed based on a stand-alone, separate-return basis. However, Core-Mark’s operating results were included in Fleming’s consolidated U.S. income tax return and consolidated, combined or unitary state income tax returns and in tax returns of the Canadian operations. Upon emergence, deferred tax asset and liability accounts were provided for in accordance with SFAS No. 109 and SOP 90-7.

 

F-17


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Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

Comprehensive income (loss) is presented in accordance with SFAS No. 130 Comprehensive Income and consists primarily of foreign currency translation adjustments and minimum pension liability adjustments, net of tax.

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income consisted of the following (in millions):

 

    

Minimum Pension

Liability
Adjustments


   

Foreign
Currency

Translation
Adjustment


    Total

 

Balance at December 31, 2002

   $ (1.0 )   $ (0.2 )   $ (1.2 )

Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of taxes of $0.1

     (0.1 )     —         (0.1 )

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     —         3.0       3.0  
    


 


 


Balance at December 31, 2003

     (1.1 )     2.8       1.7  

Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of taxes of $0.7

     (1.1 )     —         (1.1 )

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     —         (0.5 )     (0.5 )

Fresh start adjustment

     2.2       (2.3 )     (0.1 )
    


 


 


Balance at August 23, 2004

     —         —         —    

Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of taxes of $0.6

     (0.9 )     —         (0.9 )

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     —         2.4       2.4  
    


 


 


Balance at December 31, 2004

   $ (0.9 )   $ 2.4     $ 1.5  
    


 


 


 

Stock-based Compensation

 

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation using the fair value method as permitted by SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.

 

Segment Information

 

Pursuant to SFAS No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information , which establishes standards for reporting by public enterprises on information about product lines, geographical areas and major customers, the method of determining what information to report is based on the way management organizes the Company for making operational decisions and assessment of financial performance. From the perspective of the Company’s chief operating decision maker, the Company is engaged in the business of distributing packaged consumer products to convenience retail stores in the United States of America and Canada. Therefore, the Company has determined that it has two reportable segments and evaluates these two reportable segments based on geographical area.

 

Earnings (Loss) per Share

 

Basic earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period, excluding unvested restricted stock. Diluted earnings per share assumes the exercise of stock options and common stock warrants and the impact of restricted stock, when dilutive, using the treasury stock method.

 

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Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Reclassifications

 

Certain financial statement reclassifications have been made to the prior period presentation in order to conform them to the current period presentation. Such reclassifications had no impact on consolidated net income or stockholders’ equity as previously reported.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In May 2005, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 154, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections . SFAS No. 154 establishes new standards on accounting for changes in accounting principles. Pursuant to the new rules, all such changes must be accounted for by retrospective application to the financial statements of prior periods unless it is impracticable to do so. SFAS No. 154 supersedes Accounting Principles Bulletin (APB) Opinion 2 , Accounting for Changes and SFAS No. 3, Reporting Accounting Changes in Interim Financial Statements , though it carries forward the guidance of those pronouncements with respect to accounting for changes in estimates, changes in the reporting entity, and error corrections. This statement is effective for accounting changes and error corrections made in years beginning after December 15, 2005, with early adoption permitted for changes and corrections made in years beginning after May 2005. The Company does not expect adoption of SFAS No. 154 to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In March 2005, the SEC issued SAB No. 107 which offers guidance on SFAS No. 123(R). SAB No. 107 was issued to assist preparers by simplifying some of the implementation challenges of SFAS No. 123(R) while enhancing the information that investors receive. SAB No. 107 creates a framework that is premised on two overarching themes: (a) considerable judgment will be required by preparers to successfully implement SFAS No. 123(R), specifically when valuing employee stock options; and (b) reasonable individuals, acting in good faith, may conclude differently on the fair value of employee stock options. Key topics covered by SAB No. 107 include valuation models, expected volatility and expected term. The Company expects to apply the principles of SAB No. 107 in conjunction with its adoption of SFAS No. 123(R).

 

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004) (SFAS No. 123R), Share-Based Payment . SFAS No. 123(R) replaces SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25. Generally, the approach in SFAS No. 123(R) is similar to the approach described in SFAS No. 123 for fair value. However, SFAS No. 123(R) requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the financial statements based on their fair values and prohibits pro forma disclosure as an alternative to financial statement recognition. SFAS No. 123(R) is effective for interim or annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2005. The Company is evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 123(R).

 

In December 2004, the FASB issued Staff Position (FSP) No. 109-2, Accounting and Disclosure Guidance for the Foreign Earnings Repatriation Provision within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the Act). The Act, which was signed into law on October 22, 2004, provides for a special one-time tax deduction of 85 percent of certain foreign earnings that are repatriated (as defined in the Act) in either a company’s last tax year that began before the enactment date, or the first tax year that begins during the one-year period beginning on the date of enactment. Accordingly, the position provides guidance on accounting for income taxes that related to the accounting treatment for unremitted earnings in a foreign investment (a consolidated subsidiary or corporate joint venture that is essentially permanent in nature). Further, the position permits a company time beyond the financial reporting period of enactment to evaluate the effect of the Act on its plan for reinvestment or repatriation of foreign earnings for purposes of applying SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes . Accordingly, an enterprise that has not yet completed its evaluation of the repatriation provision for purposes of applying SFAS No. 109 is required to disclose certain information, for each period for which financial statements

 

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Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

covering periods affected by the Act are presented. Subsequently, the total effect on income tax expense (or benefit) for amounts that have been recognized under the repatriation provision must be provided in a company’s financial statements for the period in which it completes its evaluation of the repatriation provision. The provisions of FSP No. 109-2 are effective immediately. As of and for the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company has not yet completed its evaluation; consequently, the required information is disclosed in Note 13—Income Taxes to the consolidated financial statements .

 

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 153 Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets—An Amendment of APB Opinion No. 29 . The provisions of this statement are effective for non monetary asset exchanges occurring in periods beginning after June 15, 2005. This statement eliminates the exception to fair value for exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it with a general exception for exchange transactions that do not have commercial substance—that is, transactions that are not expected to result in significant changes in the cash flows of the reporting entity. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 153 to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In November 2004, FASB issued SFAS No. 151, Inventory Costs that amends the guidance in Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) No. 43, Chapter 4, Inventory Pricing , (ARB No. 43) to clarify the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and wasted material (spoilage). In addition, this statement requires that an allocation of fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. SFAS No. 151 is effective for inventory costs incurred during years beginning after June 15, 2005. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 151 to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In May 2004, the FASB issued FSP No. 106-2, Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 , which supercedes FSP No. 106-1 Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 , and provides guidance on accounting for the effects of the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA) for employers that sponsor postretirement health care plans that provide prescription drug coverage that is at least actuarially equivalent to that offered by Medicare Part B. The MMA provides a prescription drug benefit for Medicare eligible employees starting in 2006. This statement is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after June 15, 2004. The adoption of FSP No. 106-2 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In January 2003, the FASB issued FIN No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, and a revised interpretation of FIN No. 46 (FIN No. 46R) in December 2003, in an effort to expand upon existing accounting guidance that addresses when a company should consolidate the financial results of another entity. FIN No. 46 requires variable interest entities, as defined, to be consolidated by a company if that company is subject to a majority of expected losses of the entity or is entitled to receive a majority of expected residual returns of the entity, or both. A company that is required to consolidate a variable interest entity is referred to as the entity’s primary beneficiary. The interpretation also requires certain disclosures about variable interest entities that a company is not required to consolidate, but in which it has a significant variable interest. The consolidation and disclosure requirements apply immediately to variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003. The adoption of FIN 46R did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In July 2002, The Public Company Accounting Reform and Investor Protection Act of 2002 (the Sarbanes-Oxley Act) was enacted. Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act stipulates that public companies must take responsibility for maintaining an effective system of internal control. The act requires public companies to report on the effectiveness of their control over financial reporting and obtain an attestation report from their independent registered public accounting firm about management’s report. The act requires most public

 

F-20


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Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

companies (accelerated filers) to report on the company’s internal control over financial reporting for years ended on or after November 15, 2004. Other public companies (non-accelerated filers) must begin to comply with the new requirements related to internal control over financial reporting for their first year ending on or after July 15, 2006 under the latest extension granted by the SEC. CMI is a non-accelerated filer and therefore expects to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act for the year ended December 31, 2006.

 

3. Fresh-Start Accounting

 

In connection with the emergence from bankruptcy, Core-Mark adopted American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Statement of Position 90-7 (SOP 90-7) Financial Reporting by Entities in Reorganization Under the Bankruptcy Code . Pursuant to the fresh-start accounting rules, a new reporting entity, the Successor Company, was deemed to be created and the recorded amounts of assets and liabilities were adjusted to reflect their estimated fair values at the time of emergence from bankruptcy and were based on independent valuations where applicable. The effective date of Core-Mark’s emergence from bankruptcy was August 23, 2004 when the refinancing of the Company’s debts as contemplated under the Plan was completed. All financial information prior to August 23, 2004 is identified as relating to the Predecessor Company. All financial information after August 23, 2004 relates to the Successor Company. Consequently, after giving effect to the reorganization and fresh-start accounting as required by SOP 90-7, the financial statements of the Successor Company are not comparable to those of the Predecessor Company .

 

A set of financial projections was developed which were filed with the bankruptcy court as part of the Plan of Reorganization. Based on these financial projections, an enterprise value was determined in March 2004 by an independent valuation firm using various valuation methods, including (i) a review and analysis of several recent transactions of companies in similar industries as the Company, and (ii) a calculation of the present value of future operating cash flows. The estimated enterprise value is highly dependent upon the Company achieving its future financial results set forth in the projections as well as the realization of certain other assumptions, which are not guaranteed. The estimated enterprise value of the Company was calculated to be approximately $265 million to $310 million. The midpoint of the range, $290 million, was selected as the Company’s estimated enterprise value for purposes of the Plan.

 

Given the passage of time and the change in the Company’s balance sheet just prior to emergence from bankruptcy, the Company engaged another independent valuation firm in June 2005 in connection with the application of fresh-start accounting at emergence. This independent valuation firm utilized generally accepted valuation techniques, considering estimated discounted cash flows based on the same financial projections as filed in the Plan, and a balance sheet that was more reflective of the balance sheet at the date of emergence to determine the estimated fair value of the assets at August 23, 2004.

 

In accordance with the guidelines of SOP 90-7, the reorganization value, which generally approximates the fair value of the assets, was determined. Detail analyses of the components of assets such as cash, accounts receivable, other receivables, inventories and deposits and prepayments were performed by management with the assistance of the independent valuation firm to determine the appropriate fair value of such assets at August 23, 2004. Consideration of turn-over rates on inventory and accounts receivable, currency translation rates employed on Canadian assets and realizable values of other receivables and deposits and prepayments were taken into consideration. The property and equipment was valued using a depreciated replacement cost analysis reflecting a utility decline rate of 15% and a discount rate of 7% per annum.

 

The Company assessed the existence of intangible assets as of emergence with the assistance of an independent valuation firm. The valuation projected cash flows over a nine year period subsequent to the emergence date. For the years beyond this period, a residual value was derived by applying a growth model with

 

F-21


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Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

an assumed 2% long term growth rate. Projected future revenues were assumed to grow at 7.5% in the year following emergence and converge towards a long term growth rate of 2.0%. Expenses and margins were assumed to be at levels equivalent to those incurred historically by the Company. Projections of the Company’s balance sheet assumed a gradual return to historical trade terms with the Company’s vendors, and working capital requirements were applied accordingly to the projected cash flows. Capital expenditures were projected using a sales to net fixed assets ratio which was reflective of past and future expected utilization rates. In order to derive projected net income, a 40% effective income tax rate was applied.

 

The resulting projected cash flows were discounted at a 14% annual rate. The discount rate was derived through a weighted average cost of capital method (WACC) assuming a 20% debt to equity ratio. The cost of equity was derived through the use of the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM), applying a 20 year treasury rate as the risk free rate, and the market risk premium of 7% as published by Ibbotson & Associates. An additional premium of 3% was applied to reflect unsystematic risk resulting from the emergence from bankruptcy. Both the beta utilized in the CAPM and the debt-to-equity ratio applied in deriving the WACC were based on comparisons to selected guideline companies with similar characteristics to the Company.

 

In connection with this valuation, at emergence, the carrying amount of the Company’s assets and liabilities were adjusted to fair value, resulting in a net revaluation adjustment of $5.8 million included in reorganization items, net. (See Note 10—Reorganization Items, net to the consolidated financial statements.) The net revaluation increase to the Company’s assets and liabilities was primarily attributable to ascribing value to intangible internally developed software of $6.0 million, an adjustment to our deferred rent accrual of $3.8 million, offset by charges for the revaluation of other balance sheet items totaling $4.0 million.

 

The restructuring of the Company’s capital structure and the resulting discharge of pre-petition debt resulted in a net gain of $66.1 million. The income resulting from the gain from the discharge of pre-petition debt was recorded in reorganization items, net, in the consolidated statement of operations (See Note 10—Reorganization Items, Net to the consolidated financial statements).

 

F-22


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

As part of the provisions of SOP 90-7, the Company adopted on August 23, 2004, all accounting pronouncements and related interpretations that were scheduled to be effective within the subsequent twelve-month period (See Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the consolidated financial statements).

 

The reorganization and the adoption of fresh-start accounting resulted in the following adjustments to the

Company's consolidated balance sheet as of August 23, 2004:

 

    Successor
Balance Sheet
August 23,
2004


  Fresh-Start
Adjustments


    Reorganization
Adjustments


    Predecessor
Balance Sheet
August 22,
2004


 
Assets                              

Current assets:

                             

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 34.5   $ —       $ (22.5 ) (a)   $ 57.0  

Restricted cash

    26.6     —         —         26.6  

Accounts receivable, net

    137.1     —         —         137.1  

Other receivables, net

    53.9     5.0 (e)     0.2 (a)     48.7  

Inventories, net

    141.9     2.3 (e)     —         139.6  

Deposits and prepayments

    52.4     —         1.5 (c)     50.9  
   

 


 


 


Total current assets

    446.4     7.3       (20.8 )     459.9  

Property and equipment, net

    38.0     —         —         38.0  

Deferred income taxes

    —       —         —         —    

Other non-current assets, net

    32.8     5.9 (e)     2.8 (a)     24.1  
   

 


 


 


Total assets

  $ 517.2   $ 13.2     $ (18.0 )   $ 522.0  
   

 


 


 


Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity                              

Current liabilities:

                             

Accounts payable

  $ 35.5   $ —       $ —       $ 35.5  

Cigarette and tobacco taxes payable

    51.8     —         —         51.8  

Accrued liabilities

    61.2     1.7 (e)     13.0 (b)(c)     46.5  

Income taxes payable

    9.3     (0.7 ) (e)     —         10.0  

Deferred income taxes

    21.6     8.8 (e)     —         12.8  
   

 


 


 


Total current liabilities

    179.4     9.8       13.0       156.6  

Long-term debt

    118.7     —         118.7 (a)     —    

Deferred income taxes

    0.3     (6.8 ) (e)     (11.5 ) (c)     18.6  

Claims liabilities, net of current portion

    46.6     —         19.1 (c)     27.5  

Pension liabilities

    10.9     —         3.0 (c)     7.9  

Liabilities subject to compromise

    —       (69.9 ) (d)     —         69.9  
   

 


 


 


Total liabilities

    355.9     (66.9 )     142.3       280.5  

Other equity (g)

    —       69.8       11.5       (81.3 )

Stockholders’ equity

    161.3     10.3 (d)(e)(f)(g)     (171.8 ) (a)(b)(c)(g)     322.8  
   

 


 


 


Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $ 517.2   $ 13.2     $ (18.0 )   $ 522.0  
   

 


 


 



(a) to record exit financing; payments to the RCT and PCT Trusts, exit financing fees and related warrants.
(b) to record the assumption of liabilities from Fleming’s discontinued operations in Altoona, PA., Marshfield, WI., and Chicago. IL.
(c) to record the assumption of Fleming’s remaining workers compensation and pension obligations.
(d) to record the gain resulting from discharge of pre-petition liabilities.
(e) to adjust assets and liabilities to fair market value.
(f) to adjust paid-in capital to reflect the elimination of the accumulated deficit and the accumulated other comprehensive loss.
(g) to adjust equity to reflect reorganization and fresh-start items included in net income.

 

F-23


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

4. Acquisitions by Fleming

 

Head Distributing Company

 

On April 23, 2002, Fleming acquired Head, a privately held wholesale distributor of consumer products to convenience stores with two distribution centers located in the state of Georgia. The purchase of Head by Fleming was an initiative to increase Fleming’s presence in the convenience store wholesale distribution industry. Fleming’s acquisition costs totaled $60.8 million consisting of $31.7 million in cash consideration, assumed outstanding debt of $29 million and $0.1 million in transaction costs. The acquisition of Head was accounted for as a purchase under SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations . In connection with the purchase, $44.8 million was allocated to Head’s net assets, $1.4 million to identifiable intangible assets and $14.6 million to goodwill. Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the identifiable tangible and intangible assets. Valuations were based on analyses prepared by an independent valuation expert. Identifiable intangibles were being amortized over their estimated useful life of three years. Head was contributed to CMI by Fleming in December 2002.

 

Pursuant to the push down accounting rules of SAB Topic 5.J, the purchase price allocation of the net assets, identifiable intangibles and goodwill of Head have been reflected in the consolidated financial statements of Core-Mark as of the acquisition date with an offset to additional paid-in capital. Pro-forma results of operations have not been presented because the effect of the acquisition was not material to the consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.

 

CMI

 

On June 17, 2002, Fleming acquired CMI. Fleming’s acquisition costs totaled $432.5 million consisting of $291 million in cash consideration, assumed debt of $132 million and $9.5 million in related transaction costs. The acquisition of CMI by Fleming was a strategic initiative to enable Fleming to have a national presence in the convenience store wholesale distribution industry. The addition of CMI to Fleming’s existing convenience store distribution business created that national presence. At the time of the acquisition, all 5,500,000 outstanding shares of common stock of CMI, in addition to options to purchase shares of common stock, were purchased by Fleming, canceled and retired, and the Articles of Incorporation of CMI were amended to set the total number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance to 100 with stated par value of $0.0001.

 

The acquisition of CMI was accounted for as a purchase. In accordance with SFAS No. 141, $168.4 million was allocated to CMI’s net assets, $44.4 million to identifiable intangible assets and $219.6 million to goodwill. Beginning on June 17, 2002, identifiable intangibles were amortized over their estimated useful lives ranging from three to ten years. Pursuant to the push down accounting rules of SAB Topic 5.J, the amortization is reflected in the accompanying consolidated statements of operation of Core-Mark for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2003.

 

F-24


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

5. Other Balance Sheet Accounts Detail

 

Other Receivables, Net

 

Other receivables, net consist of the following (in millions):

 

     Successor Company

    Predecessor
Company


     December 31,
2004


  

August 23,

2004


   

December 31,

2003


Vendor receivables, net

   $ 27.6    $ 50.3                $ 62.1

Insurance recoverables, current

     2.5      3.1       —  

Other

     4.7      0.5       0.4
    

  


 

Total

   $ 34.8    $ 53.9     $ 62.5
    

  


 

 

Deposits and Prepayments

 

Deposits and prepayments consist of the following (in millions):

 

     Successor Company

    Predecessor
Company


     December 31,
2004


  

August 23,

2004


   

December 31,

2003


Deposits

   $ 21.1    $ 24.5                $ 7.0

Prepayments

     17.6      27.9       22.3
    

  


 

Total

   $ 38.7    $ 52.4     $ 29.3
    

  


 

 

Other Non-Current Assets, Net

 

Other non-current assets, net consist of the following (in millions):

 

     Successor Company

    Predecessor
Company


     December 31,
2004


  

August 23,

2004


   

December 31,

2003


Internally developed and other software, net

   $ 6.2    $ 6.0                $ —  

Insurance recoverables, net of current portion

     20.7      20.9       —  

Debt issuance costs, net

     3.3      3.8       —  

Other non-current assets

     1.6      2.1       1.4
    

  


 

Total

   $ 31.8    $ 32.8     $ 1.4
    

  


 

 

Intangible Assets . As a result of Core-Mark’s then parent company Fleming filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on April 1, 2003, the Company performed a test for impairment on its acquired intangibles and long-lived assets based on third-party valuations. The test measured the value of those assets based on an income approach using the net present value of expected future cash flows generated by the reporting units or asset groupings, as applicable. As a result of the impairment testing performed, the acquired intangible assets were determined to be impaired, but property and equipment were not impaired based on third-party valuations. As a result, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $45.8 million to write-down the purchased intangibles and certain other long-lived intangible assets to their fair value as of April 1, 2003. This non-cash impairment charge is included in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2003.

 

F-25


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Amortization expense related to intangible assets was $1.7 million and $3.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

In accordance with Fresh-Start accounting under SOP 90-7, Management initiated an independent third-party valuation analysis which determined the fair value of the Company’s internally developed software to be $6.0 million at August 23, 2004. As of December 31, 2004, internally developed software with an eight-year life was $5.7 million, net of accumulated amortization. In addition, other non-current assets included other purchased software with an average life of one to three years which amounted to $0.5 million as of December 31, 2004.

 

Goodwill. Upon adoption of SFAS No. 142 on January 1, 2002, the Company ceased amortizing the remaining balances of goodwill existing at that time. For goodwill arising after January 1, 2002, no amortization was required in accordance with SFAS No. 142. The Company completed the transitional goodwill impairment test in January 2002 upon adoption of SFAS No. 142 and completed an annual test for impairment in December 2002. In each case, the Company determined that the carrying amount of goodwill was not impaired.

 

On April 1, 2003, Core-Mark’s then parent company Fleming filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which was deemed an event or change in circumstances under SFAS No. 142 requiring impairment testing. As of the date of bankruptcy filing, the Company performed an impairment test on goodwill for each of its reporting units, or operating divisions, using the two-step approach. In testing the Company’s goodwill for impairment, the Company’s reporting units were determined, according to SFAS No. 142, to be the 22 distribution centers. For purposes of goodwill testing, with the assistance of an independent valuation firm, the Company’s unallocated goodwill was allocated to the reporting units based on projected cash flow performance. Additionally, with the assistance of an independent valuation firm, the Company determined the fair value of each reporting unit. This fair value was determined based on discounted cash flows derived from the financial projections provided to the bankruptcy court pursuant to the Plan. The resulting fair value of each reporting unit was then compared to its carrying value. Each of the 22 reporting units tested individually had fair values below their carrying values, indicating potential impairment. The Company then completed the next step of the goodwill impairment test by allocating the fair value of each reporting unit to its assets and liabilities, deriving the resulting fair value of goodwill. The result of this analysis was that none of the reporting units could support any of the allocated goodwill. Accordingly, an impairment charge of $245.6 million was recorded effective April 1, 2003, which represented 100% of the Company’s then total goodwill balance. This non-cash impairment charge is included in goodwill and asset impairment charges on the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2003.

 

Accrued Liabilities

 

Accrued liabilities consist of the following (in millions):

 

     Successor Company

    Predecessor
Company


     December 31,
2004


   August 23,
2004


    December 31,
2003


Accrued payroll, retirement, and other benefits

   $ 15.7    $ 18.6                $ 12.6

Auto, workers compensation, and medical claims, current

     18.8      16.6       9.1

Other accrued expenses

     21.4      21.6       33.0

Accrued customer incentives payable

     4.6      4.4       4.5
    

  


 

Total

   $ 60.5    $ 61.2     $ 59.2
    

  


 

 

F-26


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

6. Inventories

 

Inventories consist of the following (in millions):

 

     Successor Company

    Predecessor
Company


    

December 31,

2004


   

August 23,

2004


   

December 31,

2003


Inventories at FIFO, net of reserves

   $ 188.1     $ 141.9                $ 189.4

Less: LIFO reserve

     (1.8 )     —         0.4
    


 


 

Inventories

   $ 186.3     $ 141.9     $ 189.8
    


 


 

 

During the period from August 23, 2004 through December 31, 2004, and the period from January 1, 2004 through August 22, 2004, the Company did not liquidate LIFO inventory quantities. In conjunction with the Company’s Fresh-Start accounting, on August 23, 2004 inventories were adjusted to fair value. Consequently, the LIFO reserve of $2.3 million at August 22, 2004 was eliminated.

 

During the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, inventory reductions resulted in a liquidation of LIFO inventory quantities which were carried at lower costs compared with the cost of purchases in the prior years. The effect of these liquidations decreased cost of goods sold by approximately $2.1 million and $16.7 million and increased net income by approximately $1.3 million and $10.1 million, or $0.13 per share and $1.03 per share, for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

7. Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment consist of the following (in millions):

 

     Successor Company

    Predecessor
Company


 
     December 31,
2004


   

August 23,

2004


    December 31,
2003


 

Delivery equipment

   $ 5.8     $ 5.4                $ 15.4  

Office furniture and equipment

     3.8       3.1       13.1  

Warehouse equipment

     24.1       19.0       11.1  

Leasehold improvements

     8.3       8.5       8.8  

Land and Building

     2.1       2.0       2.0  
    


 


 


       44.1       38.0       50.4  

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (2.8 )     —         (11.7 )
    


 


 


Total

   $ 41.3     $ 38.0     $ 38.7  
    


 


 


 

Depreciation and amortization expense related to property and equipment is as follows (in millions):

 

Successor Company

       Predecessor Company

Period from
August 23 through
December 31, 2004


      

Period from

January 1 through
August 22, 2004


   Year ended December 31,

        2003

   2002

$2.8        $5.7    $8.2    $8.0

      
  
  

 

F-27


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

8. Long-term Debt

 

Revolving Credit Facility

 

On August 23, 2004, pursuant to the Plan, the Company entered into a three-year agreement with a group of lenders to provide a $250 million revolving credit facility. The revolving credit facility consists of a $240 million revolving loan and a $10 million first-in last-out (FILO) loan. Borrowing under the revolving credit facility is subject to a formula based on eligible accounts receivable and inventory (the Borrowing Base). The Borrowing Base will support both borrowings and letter of credit obligations under the facility. At the Company’s option, U.S. interest on the revolving loan and letters of credit outstanding are computed based on LIBOR or the higher of prime or the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, plus an applicable margin (2.25% to 2.75%). Interest is payable monthly, or if the Company elects LIBOR, at the expiration of each LIBOR period, which is 30, 60, or 90 days, as set forth in the revolving credit facility. The FILO loan is based on LIBOR plus a margin of 4.0%. Interest on Canadian borrowing is based on the higher of the Canadian prime rate or the Bank Acceptance rate plus 1.75 basis points and is payable monthly. The Company is subject to an unused facility fee of 0.50% which required the Company to pay $0.3 million for the period from August 23, 2004 through December 31, 2004.

 

The facility contains restrictive financial covenants, including a requirement to realize specified minimum levels of EBITDA, as defined in the agreement, limitations on capital spending, and a minimum aggregate Borrowing Base requirement, and places restrictions on the Company’s ability to make payments under its Tranche B Note Agreement and Trust guarantees, each as defined in the agreement. The credit agreement for the revolving credit facility also cross defaults to the Tranche B Note Agreement, which contains a requirement that the Company maintain specified maximum leverage ratios of debt to EBITDA, as defined in the Tranche B Note Agreement. All obligations under the revolving credit facility are collateralized by a first priority interest in, and liens upon, substantially all of the Company’s present and future assets. The terms of the revolving credit facility allow for prepayment without penalty. The Company is required to pay off any outstanding balance on the facility in August 2007. The Company paid financing fees of approximately $3.3 million in connection with entering into the facility. These debt issuance costs were deferred and included in other non-current assets on the consolidated balance sheet and are being amortized over the term of the agreement. At December 31, 2004 the Company was in compliance with all of the covenants and had a net available borrowing capacity under the revolving credit facility of approximately $117.9 million.

 

During 2004, the maximum amount of borrowing and letters of credit outstanding under the revolving credit facility were $86.4 million and $36.7 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2004, the total borrowings outstanding were $45.0 million and letters of credit outstanding were $36.7 million. At December 31, 2004, the Company elected the LIBOR option and the 30 and 90 day LIBOR rates were 2.40% and 2.56%, respectively. As of December 31, 2004, the Company was in compliance with all of its covenants under the revolving credit facility, as amended. The weighted-average interest rate for the revolving credit facility for the period from August 23, 2004 through December 31, 2004 was 4.6%. The balance outstanding on the revolving credit facility has been classified as long-term debt because there is not a lock-box arrangement and the facility expires on August 23, 2007.

 

Tranche B Note Agreement

 

On August 23, 2004, the Company entered into a Tranche B Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement, as amended (Tranche B Note Agreement) with a group of lenders providing for a term loan in the total amount of $60 million. Under the Tranche B Note Agreement (i) the Company issued five-year Tranche B Notes in the principal amount of $35.5 million, and (ii) Tranche B Letters of Credit were issued for its account in the amount of $24.5 million. The Company paid financing fees of approximately $0.5 million and incurred put option costs of $1.8 million in connection with entering into the Tranche B Note Agreement. The debt issuance costs incurred

 

F-28


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

were deferred and included in other non-current assets on the consolidated balance sheets and are being amortized over the term of the Tranche B Note Agreement. Based on the net proceeds received, the put option costs of $1.8 million are recorded as a debt discount and are being amortized into interest expense over the term of the Tranche B Note Agreement.

 

The Tranche B Notes bear interest at the rate of LIBOR plus 12%, or 14.40% as of December 31, 2004. The Company also pays an annual commitment fee equal to 12% of the amount of the Letters of Credit. Interest on the Tranche B Notes and the Tranche B Letters of Credit fees are payable monthly in arrears. All interest and commitment fees, except for 3% per annum, are payable in cash. The remaining 3% of interest and commitment fees may be paid in kind or cash, at the Company’s option. For the period from August 23, 2004 through December 31, 2004, the Company elected to pay all interest and commitment fees in cash. All obligations under the Tranche B Notes and the Letters of Credit are collateralized by a second priority interest in, and liens upon, substantially all of the Company’s present and future assets. The Tranche B Note Agreement contains restrictive financial covenants including requirements for minimum levels of EBITDA, as defined in the Tranche B Note Agreement, a maximum leverage ratio of debt to EBITDA, limitations on capital spending and a minimum aggregate borrowing availability requirement, each as defined in the Tranche B Note Agreement. The Tranche B Notes mature on August 23, 2009 and the Company is required to pay all outstanding principal and all accrued interest (including capitalized interest) then outstanding under the Tranche B Note Agreement. As of December 31, 2004, the Company was in compliance with all of its covenants under the Tranche B Note Agreement.

 

The principal balance of the Tranche B Notes outstanding is due August 23, 2009. The Tranche B Notes and Tranche B Letters of Credit are also subject to optional redemption and replacement features including call protection at 112% during the first year and 106% during the second year of the Tranche B Note Agreement, except that the Company may redeem or replace the Tranche B Notes and the Letters of Credit without premium, up to an aggregate of $15 million during the first year, up to a cumulative aggregate of $30 million during the second year, and the total of the Tranche B Notes and Letters of Credit after two years from the initial date of the Tranche B Note Agreement. The Company’s ability to redeem Tranche B Notes and replace Tranche B Letters of Credit is limited by covenants contained in its revolving credit facility that restrict payments based on a formula that is derived from information contained in an RCT financial summary report that is required to be filed with the Bankruptcy Court periodically. However, in absence of the RCT report, during 2005, payments are permitted up to $10.0 million provided that certain financial covenants are satisfied after giving effect to such payment (See Note 18—Subsequent Events to the consolidated financial statements). As of August 23, 2004 and December 31, 2004, a total of $35.5 million in Tranche B Notes and $24.5 million in letters of credit were outstanding under the Tranche B Note Agreement.

 

In connection with the issuance of the Tranche B Notes, the Company also issued warrants to the Tranche B lenders to purchase up to an aggregate of 247,654 shares of its common stock at an exercise price of $15.50 per share, the fair value of our common stock as determined pursuant to the Plan. The warrants are immediately exercisable and expire seven years from the date of issuance. The warrants are valued at $1.4 million and a corresponding amount was recorded as discount on debt, which will be amortized into interest expense over the term of the Tranche B Notes. The value of the warrants was calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: a term of seven years, a risk free interest rate of 3.85%, expected volatility of 30%, and an expected dividend yield of zero.

 

F-29


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The Company’s long-term debt and outstanding letters of credit is as follows (in millions):

 

     December 31,
2004


    August 23,
2004


 

Revolving credit facility

   $ 45.0                $ 86.4  

Tranche B notes payable

     35.5       35.5  
    


 


Subtotal

     80.5       121.9  

Less: Debt discount

     (3.0 )     (3.2 )
    


 


Subtotal

     77.5       118.7  

Less: Current portion of long-term debt

     —         —    
    


 


Total long-term debt, net of current portion

   $ 77.5     $ 118.7  
    


 


Letters of credit outstanding

   $ 61.2     $ 57.1  
    


 


 

As of December 31, 2003, the Company had no long-term debt.

 

The following table presents information regarding the scheduled contractual maturities of long-term debt as of December 31, 2004:

 

Year


   (in millions)

2005

   $ —  

2006

     —  

2007

     45.0

2008

     —  

2009

     35.5

Thereafter

     —  
    

Total

   $ 80.5
    

 

9. Liabilities Subject To Compromise

 

Pursuant to the Plan, the Predecessor Company paid specific pre-petition liabilities, including taxes, employee salaries and wages, benefits and other employee obligations. All other pre-petition liabilities were classified as liabilities subject to compromise in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, as of December 31, 2003 . On the Effective Date, substantially all of the pre-petition liabilities were cancelled (See Note 1—Summary Company Information and Emergence from Bankruptcy to the consolidated financial statements) .

 

The following table summarizes the components of the Predecessor Company’s liabilities subject to compromise in the accompanying December 31, 2003 consolidated balance sheet (in millions):

 

     December 31,
2003


Accounts payable

   $ 84.7

Tobacco and other taxes payable

     40.1
    

Total liabilities subject to compromise

   $ 124.8
    

 

Pursuant to the Fresh-Start accounting under SOP 90-7, on August 23, 2004 the remaining balance of liabilities subject to compromise totaling $69.9 million was discharged and recorded as a gain on cancellation of debt and is included in reorganization items, net in the consolidated statements of operations (See Note 3—Fresh-Start Accounting to the consolidated financial statements ).

 

F-30


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

10. Reorganization Items, Net

 

Reorganization items, net, represent expenses and other adjustments the Company incurred as a result of Fleming’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy, in addition to adjustments related to Fresh-Start accounting (See Note 3—Fresh-Start Accounting to the consolidated financial statements) . Reorganization items, net, is presented separately in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations as required by SOP 90-7 and consists of the following (in millions):

 

     Successor Company

    Predecessor Company

     Period from
August 23 through
December 31, 2004


    Period from
January 1 through
August 22, 2004


    Year ended
December 31,


         2003

   2002

Net gain on cancellation of debt

   $ —                $ (66.1 )   $ —      $ —  

Revaluation of assets and liabilities

     —         (5.8 )     —        —  

Professional fees

     0.7       1.6       2.5      —  

Other expenses

     0.1       0.3       4.8      —  
    


 


 

  

Total

   $ 0.8     $ (70.0 )   $ 7.3    $ —  
    


 


 

  

 

Other reorganization expenses include charges related to former customer proprietary inventory, vendor receivables arising as a result of the bankruptcy deemed uncollectible and other charges. In connection with the bankruptcy, substantial professional fees were incurred and paid by Fleming, and the unallocated portions are not included herein.

 

11. Discontinued Operations

 

In April 2002, Fleming acquired Head Distributing. Subsequent to the acquisition, in January 2004, the Predecessor Company closed Head’s distribution center located in Adel, Georgia (Adel) and transferred the majority of its net assets, including inventory and accounts receivable to its distribution center located in Atlanta, Georgia.

 

Detailed operating results of the Adel, Georgia distribution center, included in income (loss) from discontinued operations on the accompanying Predecessor Company’s consolidated statements of operations, are presented in the following table, except for goodwill and asset impairment charges (in millions).

 

     For the year ended
December 31,


     2003

     2002

Net sales

   $ 69.9      $ 72.3

Cost of goods sold

     65.4        67.7
    


  

Gross profit

     4.5        4.6

Warehousing and distribution expenses

     4.4        2.8

Selling general and administrative expenses

     4.7        1.2

Income tax (benefit) provision

     (1.8 )      0.3
    


  

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

   $ (2.8 )    $ 0.3
    


  

 

There were no operating results from discontinued operations for the periods from January 1, 2004 through August 22, 2004 and from August 23, 2004 through December 31, 2004.

 

F-31


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Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The assets and liabilities of the Adel, Georgia distribution center are included in the Predecessor Company’s consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2003 are as follows:

 

Description


   (in millions)

Accounts receivable, net

   $ 1.5

Other receivables, net

     1.1

Inventories, net

     1.2

Property and equipment, net

     0.1
    

Total assets

   $ 3.9
    

Accounts payable

   $ 0.1

Other accrued liabilities

     0.6

Cigarette and tobacco taxes payable

     0.1
    

Total liabilities

   $ 0.8
    

 

12. Commitments and Contingencies

 

Operating Leases

 

The Company leases nearly all of its sales and warehouse facilities and trucks under operating lease agreements expiring at various dates through 2016, excluding renewal options. Minimum rent is expensed in accordance with SFAS No. 13, Accounting for Lease s, on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease including available renewal options terms if it is reasonably assured that the renewal options will be exercised. The operating leases generally require the Company to pay taxes, maintenance and insurance. In most instances, the Company’s management expects the operating leases that expire will be renewed or replaced in the normal course of the Company’s business. If applicable, the Company records a liability for asset retirement obligations associated with its leases, in accordance with SFAS No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations . At December 31, 2004 the Company believes that its asset retirement obligations are insignificant.

 

Future minimum rental payments under non-cancelable operating leases (with initial or remaining lease terms in excess of one year and excluding contracted vehicle maintenance costs) were as follows as of December 31, 2004:

 

Year Ending December 31,


   (in millions)

2005

   $ 16.2

2006

     14.4

2007

     11.5

2008

     8.1

2009

     6.2

Thereafter

     16.5
    

     $ 72.9
    

 

Total rental expense for operating leases, including contracted vehicle maintenance costs, is as follows (in millions):

 

Successor Company

    Predecessor Company

Period from
August 23 through
December 31, 2004


    Period from
January 1 through
August 22, 2004


   Year ended December 31,

         2003    

       2002    

$ 7.3                $ 16.5    $ 19.5    $ 16.1



 

  

  

 

F-32


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Litigation

 

The Company is subject to certain legal proceedings, claims, investigations and administrative proceedings in the ordinary course of its business. In accordance with SFAS No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies , the Company makes a provision for a liability when it is both probable that the liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated. These provisions, if any, are reviewed at least quarterly and adjusted to reflect the impacts of negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel, and other information and events pertaining to a particular case. At December 31, 2004, and based on discussions with legal counsel, the Company was not involved in any material litigation.

 

Trust Guarantees

 

Pursuant to the Plan, the Company guarantees the payment of all PCT administrative claims in excess of $56 million. In addition, if the assets of the RCT are inadequate to satisfy all of the allowed TLV claims in the RCT, the Company must pay such claims in full plus any accrued interest. The Company also guarantees all eligible but unpaid non-TLV claims in the RCT up to a maximum of $15 million. The Plan limits the combined RCT guarantee amounts of the TLV and non-TLV claims to no more than $137 million. FASB Interpretation No. 45 (FIN 45), Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, requires that an entity issuing a guarantee must recognize, at the inception of the guarantee, a liability equal to the fair value of the guarantee. Based on the estimates provided by the Trusts and the Company’s analysis the assets of the Trusts are sufficient to satisfy the claims against it; therefore, the Company believes that the fair value of its guarantee liability as of August 23, 2004 was not significant. In accordance with SFAS 5 Accounting for Conti ngencies, the Company deemed remote the likelihood that a liability existed as of December 31, 2004 to satisfy the trust claims. However, if the assets of the Trust prove insufficient to pay the claims in the future, the Company could be required to satisfy the guarantees.

 

13. Income Taxes

 

The Company is subject to United States federal, state, local and foreign income taxes. The domestic and foreign components of income (loss) from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes were as follows (in millions):

 

     Successor
Company


    Predecessor Company

    

Period from
August 23,
through
December 31,

2004


   

Period from
January 1,
through

August 22,

2004


   Year ended
December 31,


          2003

    2002

Domestic

   $ 1.5            $ 62.6    $ (262.7 )   $ 67.2

Foreign

     4.8       14.8      (2.2 )     3.7
    


 

  


 

     $ 6.3     $ 77.4    $ (264.9 )   $ 70.9
    


 

  


 

 

F-33


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Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The Company’s income tax provision (benefit) from continuing operations consists of the following (in millions):

 

     Successor
Company


    Predecessor Company

    

Period from
August 23,
through
December 31,

2004


   

Period from

January 1,
through

August 22,

2004


   Year ended
December 31,


          2003

    2002

Current:

                             

Federal

   $ 6.5     $ 4.6    $ 13.7     $ 23.3

State

     1.9       1.1      3.1       5.1

Foreign

     2.4       —        —         1.6
    


 

  


 

Total current tax provision

     10.8       5.7      16.8       30.0
    


 

  


 

Deferred:

                             

Federal

     (5.8 )     11.8      (12.5 )     0.5

State

     (1.2 )             5.2      (2.7 )     0.1

Foreign

     (0.9 )     4.0      (1.3 )     0.8
    


 

  


 

Total deferred tax (benefit) provision

     (7.9 )     21.0      (16.5 )     1.4
    


 

  


 

Income tax provision

   $ 2.9     $ 26.7    $ 0.3     $ 31.4
    


 

  


 

 

Total income tax provision differs from the expected income tax provision computed by applying the U.S. federal statutory corporate income tax rate to income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes as follows (in millions):

 

     Successor
Company


    Predecessor Company

 
    

Period from
August 23,
through
December 31,

2004


   

Period from
January 1,
through

August 22,

2004


    Year ended
December 31,


 
         2003

    2002

 

Expected federal income tax provision at the statutory rate

   $ 2.2     $ 27.1     $ (92.7 )   $ 24.8  

Increase (decrease) resulting from:

                                

State income taxes, net of federal benefit

     0.4       4.1       0.3       3.3  

Non-deductible goodwill impairment

     —         —         93.8       1.0  

Exclusion of cancellation of debt income

     —         (1.3 )     —         —    

Effect of foreign operations

     (0.8 )             4.0       (1.3 )     1.9  

Change in valuation allowances

     0.7       (4.2 )     —         (0.1 )

Adjustment to estimated tax accruals

     —         (2.8 )     —         —    

Other, net

     0.4       (0.2 )     0.2       0.5  
    


 


 


 


Income tax provision

   $ 2.9     $ 26.7     $ 0.3     $ 31.4  
    


 


 


 


 

F-34


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The tax effects of significant temporary differences which comprise deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in millions):

 

     Successor Company

    Predecessor
Company


 
     December 31,
2004


    August 23,
2004


    December 31,
2003


 

Deferred tax assets:

                        

Net operating loss carryforwards

   $ —       $ —       $ 4.7  

Employee benefits, including post-retirement benefits

     17.9       14.7       7.5  

Trade and other receivables

     3.3       —         2.1  

Goodwill and intangibles

     0.1       0.2       7.8  

Self-insurance reserve

     4.7       9.3       1.7  

Other

     1.6       0.7       2.1  
    


 


 


Subtotal

     27.6       24.9       25.9  

Less: valuation allowance

     (0.7 )     —         (4.2 )
    


 


 


Net deferred tax assets

     26.9       24.9       21.7  
    


 


 


Deferred tax liabilities:

                        

Inventories

     20.3       21.6       23.2  

Trade and other receivables

     —         3.6       —    

Property and equipment

     12.0       12.5       3.8  

Deferred income

     2.3       2.8       —    

Deferred debt issuance costs

     2.5       2.7       —    

Other

     3.5       3.6       4.4  
    


 


 


Total deferred tax liabilities

     40.6       46.8       31.4  
    


 


 


Total net deferred tax liability

   $ (13.7 )   $ (21.9 )             $ (9.7 )
    


 


 


 

The net deferred tax assets (liabilities) as presented in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are as follows (in millions):

 

     Successor Company

    Predecessor
Company


 
     December 31,
2004


    August 23,
2004


    December 31,
2003


 

Net current deferred taxes

   $ (14.4 )   $ (21.6 )             $ (18.9 )

Net non-current deferred taxes

     0.7       (0.3 )     9.2  
    


 


 


Net deferred tax liabilities

   $ (13.7 )   $ (21.9 )   $ (9.7 )
    


 


 


 

In assessing the potential realization of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. The Company considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. At each balance sheet date, a valuation allowance has been established against the deferred tax assets based on management’s assessment whether it is more likely than not that these deferred tax assets would not be realized. Prior to emergence the Company had a valuation allowance of $4.2 million, primarily related to limitations on net operating loss carry-forwards, which was utilized as part of the applicable Fresh-Start accounting adjustments. As of December 31, 2004, the Company had a valuation allowance of $0.7 million related to foreign tax credits, which will expire in 2014.

 

F-35


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities as reflected at August 23, 2004 in connection with the application of fresh-start accounting are based on management’s best estimate of the tax filing position as probable of being accepted by the applicable taxing authorities. The Company intends to take an alternative position on future tax returns. Based on this alternative tax filing position, the Company has taken deductions on its current period tax return that may be challenged by the taxing authorities. Although management believes that the Company’s tax filing position will more likely than not be sustained in the event of an examination by applicable taxing authorities and would contest any proposed adjustment vigorously, the outcome of such matters can not be predicted with certainty. As such, the Company has accrued approximately $1.8 million in other tax liabilities on the accompanying December 31, 2004 consolidated balance sheet for this contingency.

 

14. Earnings Per Share

 

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per share (in millions, except per share amounts):

 

     Successor
Company


    Predecessor Company

    

Period from
August 23,
through
December 31,

2004


   

Period from
January 1,
through
August 22,

2004


   Year ended
December 31,


          2003

    2002

Net income (loss)

   $ 3.4                $ 50.7    $ (268.0 )   $ 39.8
    


 

  


 

Basic weighted-average shares outstanding

     9.8       9.8      9.8       9.8

Dilutive common equivalent shares:

                             

Unvested restricted stock

     —         —        —         —  

Stock options

     —         —        —         —  

Tranche B warrants

     —         —        —         —  

Class 6(b) warrants

     —         —        —         —  
    


 

  


 

Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding

     9.8       9.8      9.8       9.8
    


 

  


 

Basic earnings (loss) per share

   $ 0.35     $ 5.17    $ (27.35 )   $ 4.06
    


 

  


 

Diluted net earnings (loss) per share

   $ 0.35     $ 5.17    $ (27.35 )   $ 4.06
    


 

  


 

 

Upon emergence from the Fleming bankruptcy, all common stock equivalents of the Predecessor Company were cancelled. As such, basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share for the Predecessor Company were computed using the Successor Company’s capital structure for comparative purposes only. As of December 31, 2004, the unvested restricted stock, stock options, Tranche B warrants and Class 6(b) warrants were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have had an anti-dilutive impact.

 

15. Stock-Based Compensation Plans

 

On the Effective Date, the Company established the 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan (2004 LTIP), a stock-based compensation plan with two components consisting of 1,114,444 stock options and 200,000 restricted stock, which are described below. The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation plans using the fair value method as prescribed in SFAS No. 123, whereby stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the vesting period. Total stock-based compensation cost recognized on the accompanying consolidated statement of operations was $0.9 million during the period from August 23, 2004 to December 31, 2004. There was no stock-based compensation plan in place prior to August 23, 2004, therefore the stock-based compensation cost was $0 for the period from January 1, 2004 through August 22, 2004 and for the years ended December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002.

 

F-36


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Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Stock Options

 

Under the Company’s 2004 LTIP, the Company’s Board of Directors is authorized to grant options to its employees to purchase up to 1,114,444 shares of common stock. For each option, the exercise price must equal the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant and carries a term of seven years. One third of the option shares vest on the first anniversary of the vesting commencement date and the remaining shares vest in equal monthly installments over the two year period following the first anniversary of the vesting commencement date.

 

Under the Company’s 2004 Directors Equity Incentive Plan (2004 Directors’ Plan), the Company’s Board of Directors may from time to time grant options to non-employee board members to purchase up to 7,500 shares of the Company’s common stock in aggregate. On the Effective Date, a total of 30,000 options to purchase common stock were granted to the non-employee Directors of the Company. This plan has terms and vesting requirements similar to those of the 2004 LTIP, except options vest quarterly under the 2004 Directors’ Plan versus monthly vesting under the 2004 LTIP.

 

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The following assumptions were used for option grants made during the period from August 23, 2004 to December 31, 2004: expected life of four years, a risk free interest rate of 3.0%, expected volatility of 30%, and an expected dividend yield of zero. Based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model, the weighted-average grant date fair value per option granted from August 23, 2004 to December 31, 2004 was $4.39. Total stock-based compensation cost recognized from stock option awards totaled $0.5 million during the period from August 23, 2004 through December 31, 2004.

 

Stock option activity for the period from August 23, 2004 to December 31, 2004 is summarized below:

 

     Number of Option
Shares


   Weighted Average
Exercise Price (a)


Outstanding at August 23, 2004

   —      $ —  

Options granted

   1,090,422      15.50

Options exercised

   —        —  

Options canceled

   —        —  
    
      

Outstanding at December 31, 2004

   1,090,422    $ 15.50
    
      

(a) As determined pursuant to the Plan.

 

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2004:

 

Options Outstanding

    Options Exercisable

Exercise Prices

   Number Option
Shares


   Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual Life


   Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price


    Number Option
Shares


   Weighted-Average
Exercise Price


$ 15.50    1,090,422    6.67 years    $ 15.50                        —      —  


  
  
  


 
  

 

Restricted Stock Awards

 

The 2004 LTIP provides for the granting of 200,000 shares of restricted common stock to officers and key employees. Restricted common stock issued under the 2004 LTIP generally vests over three years, with a one-year cliff vesting, followed by vesting ratably over the remaining 24 months. In August 2004, pursuant to the Plan, the Company granted 190,876 shares of common stock with a fair-value of $15.50 per share, as determined

 

F-37


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Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

pursuant to the Plan. None of the restricted common shares were vested as of December 31, 2004. Upon the issuance of the restricted common shares, the Company recorded deferred stock-based compensation totaling $3.0 million, which approximates the fair value of the restricted common shares on the date of grant. This deferred stock-based compensation is being recognized ratably over the three-year vesting period of the restricted common shares using the straight-line method. Total compensation costs recognized from restricted stock awards totaled $0.4 million during the period from August 23, 2004 through December 31, 2004. There was no stock-based compensation plan in place prior to August 23, 2004, therefore there were no restricted stock awards granted during the period from January 1, 2004 through August 22, 2004 and for the years ended December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002.

 

16. Employee Benefit Plans

 

Pension Plans

 

The Predecessor Company sponsored a qualified defined-benefit pension plan and a post-retirement benefit plan for employees hired before September 1986. There have been no new entrants to the pension or post retirement benefit plans after those benefit plans were frozen on September 30, 1989. As part of the Plan, these pension and post-retirement benefit plans remained in place after the Effective Date, and the Successor Company will continue to honor these plans.

 

Pursuant to the Plan, on the Effective Date, the Company was assigned the obligation for three former Fleming defined-benefit pension plans, which represented approximately $3.9 million in net pension obligations. This amount was included in the reorganization adjustments, (See Note 3—Fresh-Start Accounting to the consolidated financials ) as of August 23, 2004 and is included in accrued liabilities and pension liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2004 and August 23, 2004. The Predecessor Company’s frozen pension benefit plan and post-retirement benefit plan and the three former Fleming pension plans are collectively referred to as the Pension Plans.

 

In December 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 132 (Revised 2003), Employer’s Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits, which enhanced the required disclosures about pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans, but did not change the measurement or recognition principles for those plans. The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 132R on January 1, 2004, the “measurement date”. The statement requires additional annual disclosures about assets, obligations, cash flows, and net periodic benefit costs of defined benefit pension plans and other defined benefit postretirement plans.

 

F-38


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The following tables provide a reconciliation of the changes in the Pension Plans’ benefit obligations and fair value of assets over the two-year period ending December 31, 2004, and a statement of the funded status for the period from August 23, 2004 to December 31, 2004, the period from January 1, 2004 to August 22, 2004 and for the year ended December 31, 2003 (in millions):

 

    Pension Benefits

    Other Post-retirement Benefits

 
    Successor Company

    Predecessor
Company


    Successor Company

    Predecessor
Company


 
    December 31,
2004


    August 23,
2004


    December 31,
2003


    December 31,
2004


    August 23,
2004


    December 31,
2003


 

Change in benefit obligation:

                                               

Obligation at beginning of period

  $ 37.0     $ 17.4            $ 16.8     $ 3.7     $ 3.6            $ 3.3  

Service cost

    —         —         —         —         —         0.1  

Interest cost

    0.8       0.7       1.1       0.1       0.2       0.2  

Participant contributions

    —         —         —         —         —         —    

Actuarial loss

    2.0       0.7       0.6       0.1       —         0.2  

Benefit payments

    (0.9 )     (0.8 )     (1.1 )     (0.1 )     (0.1 )     (0.2 )

Assignment of Fleming plans

    —         19.0       —         —         —         —    
   


 


 


 


 


 


Benefit obligation at end of period

  $ 38.9     $ 37.0     $ 17.4     $ 3.8     $ 3.7     $ 3.6  
   


 


 


 


 


 


Change in Pension Plan Assets:

                                               

Fair value of pension plan assets at beginning of period

  $ 27.5     $ 13.0     $ 12.4     $ 0.0     $ 0.0     $ 0.0  

Actual return on plan assets

    1.2       0.2       1.4       —         —         —    

Employer contributions

    0.9       —         0.3       0.1       0.1       0.2  

Participant contributions

    —         —         —         —         —         —    

Benefit payments

    (0.9 )     (0.8 )     (1.1 )     (0.1 )     (0.1 )     (0.2 )

Assignment of Fleming plans

    —         15.1       —         —         —         —    
   


 


 


 


 


 


Fair value of pension plan assets at end of period

  $ 28.7     $ 27.5     $ 13.0     $ 0.0     $ 0.0     $ 0.0  
   


 


 


 


 


 


Funded Status:

                                               

Funded status

    ($10.2 )     ($9.5 )     ($4.4 )     ($3.8 )     ($3.7 )     ($3.6 )

Unrecognized gain (loss), net

    1.5       —         1.7       0.1       —         0.8  
   


 


 


 


 


 


Net amount recognized

    ($8.7 )     ($9.5 )     ($2.7 )     ($3.7 )     ($3.7 )     ($2.8 )
   


 


 


 


 


 


 

F-39


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The following table discloses the amounts recognized in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets (in millions):

 

     Pension Benefits

   Other Post-retirement Benefits

     Successor Company

    Predecessor
Company


   Successor Company

    Predecessor
Company


     December 31,
2004


   August 23,
2004


    December 31,
2003


   December 31,
2004


   August 23,
2004


    December 31,
2003


Accrued benefit cost

   $ 10.2    $ 9.5            $ 4.4    $ 3.7    $ 3.7            $ 2.8

Less: Accumulated other comprehensive income

     1.5      —         1.7      —        —         —  
    

  


 

  

  


 

Net amount recognized

   $ 8.7    $ 9.5     $ 2.7    $ 3.7    $ 3.7     $ 2.8
    

  


 

  

  


 

 

The following table provides information for Pension Plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets (in millions):

 

     Successor Company

    Predecessor
Company


     December 31,
2004


  

August 23,

2004


    December 31,
2003


Projected benefit obligation

   $ 38.9    $ 37.0              $ 17.4

Accumulated benefit obligation

     38.9      37.0       17.4

Net amount recognized

     28.7      27.5       13.0

 

The following table provides components of the net periodic pension cost (in millions):

 

     Successor Company

    Predecessor Company

 
    

Period from

August 23, through
December 31,
2004


   

Period from

January 1,
through

August 22,
2004


    Year ended
December 31,


 
         2003

    2002

 

Interest cost

   $ 0.8              $ 0.7     $ 1.1     $ 1.1  

Expected return on plan assets

     (0.7 )     (0.6 )     (0.9 )     (1.0 )

Amortization of net actuarial loss

     —         —         —         0.2  
    


 


 


 


Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 0.1     $ 0.1     $ 0.2     $ 0.3  
    


 


 


 


 

The following table provides components of the net periodic other benefit cost (in millions):

 

     Successor Company

    Predecessor Company

    

Period from

August 23, through
December 31,
2004


   

Period from

January 1,
through

August 22,
2004


   Year ended
December 31,


          2003

   2002

Service cost

   $ —                $ —      $ 0.1    $ —  

Interest cost

     0.1       0.2      0.2      0.2
    


 

  

  

Net periodic other benefit cost

   $ 0.1     $ 0.2    $ 0.3    $ 0.2
    


 

  

  

 

F-40


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The increase in minimum liability included in other accumulated comprehensive income is as follows (in millions):

 

Successor Company

    Predecessor Company

Period from

August 23, to
December 31, 2004


   

Period from
January 1, through

August 22, 2004


   Year ended December 31,

     2003

   2002

$1.5                                    $ —      $0.1    $1.0


 
  
  

 

The prior-service costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the average remaining service period of active participants. Gains and losses in excess of 10% of the greater of the benefit obligation and market-related value of assets are amortized over the average remaining service period of active participants.

 

The weighted-average assumptions used in the measurement of the Company’s benefit obligations are shown in the following table:

 

     Pension Benefits

    Other Post-retirement Benefits

 
     Successor Company

    Predecessor
Company


    Successor Company

    Predecessor
Company


 
     December 31,
2004


    August 23,
2004


    December 31,
2003


    December 31,
2004


    August 23,
2004


    December 31,
2003


 

Discount rate

   5.50 %   6.00 %       6.25 %   5.75 %   6.00 %       6.25 %

Rate of compensation increase

   —       —       —       —       —       —    

 

The weighted-average assumptions used in the measurement of net periodic benefit costs are shown in the following table:

 

    Pension Benefits

    Other Post-retirement Benefits

 
    Successor Company

    Predecessor
Company


    Successor Company

    Predecessor
Company


 
    December 31,
2004


    August 23,
2004


    December 31,
2003


    December 31,
2004


    August 23,
2004


    December 31,
2003


 

Discount rate

  6.00 %   6.25 %       6.75 %   6.00 %   6.25 %       6.75 %

Expected return on assets

  7.50 %   7.50 %   7.50 %   —       —       —    

Rate of compensation increase

  —       —       —       —       —       —    

 

Assumed health care trend rates for the post-retirement benefit plans are as follows:

 

     Successor Company

    Predecessor
Company


 
     December 31,
2004


    August 23,
2004


    December 31,
2003


 

Assumed rate for next year

   11.00 %   11.00 %               11.00 %

Ultimate rate

   5.00 %   5.00 %   5.00 %

Year that ultimate rate is reached

   2010     2010     2010  

 

F-41


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the post-retirement health care plans. A 1% change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects (in millions):

 

     1% Increase

   1% Decrease

Effect on total of service and interest cost components of net periodic postretirement health care benefit cost

   $ —      $ —  

Effect on the health care component of the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation

   $ 0.3    $ 0.6

 

The Company uses a building block approach in determining the overall expected long-term return on assets. Under this approach, a weighted average expected rate of return is developed based on historical returns for each major asset class and the proportion of assets of the class held by the Pension Plans. After determining the weighted average in this manner, the Company reviews the result and may make adjustments to reflect expectations of future rates of return that differ from those experienced in the past.

 

The Company selects the assumed discount rate(s) for each benefit plan as the rate at which the benefits could be effectively settled as of the measurement date. In selecting an appropriate rate the Company refers to current yields on Moody’s Aa rate investment plus approximately 25 basis points.

 

Core-Mark’s Pension Plan weighted-average asset allocations by asset category are as follows:

 

     Successor Company

    Predecessor
Company


 

Asset Category


   December 31,
2004


    August 23,
2004


    December 31,
2003


 

Equity securities

   42 %   53 %               43 %

Debt securities

   52 %   23 %   54 %

Insurance contracts

   0 %   0 %   0 %

Common collective funds

   2 %   11 %   0 %

Other

   4 %   13 %   3 %
    

 

 

     100 %   100 %   100 %
    

 

 

 

The Company implemented new investment guidelines in 2005. The Company’s new asset allocation ranges are: 0-20% cash, 50-70% equity, and 30-50% fixed income. In addition to asset allocation, the Company’s investment guidelines set forth the requirement for diversification within asset class, types and classes for investment prohibited and permitted, specific indices to be used for benchmark in investment decisions, and criteria for individual security.

 

The Company contributed $0.9 million, $0.0 million and $0.3 million to its pension benefit plan for the period from August 23, 2004 through December 31, 2004, for the period from January 1, 2004 through August 22, 2004 and for the year ended December 31, 2003, respectively.

 

The Company contributed $0.1 million, $0.1 million and $0.2 million to its post-retirement benefit plan for the period from August 23, 2004 through December 31, 2004, for the period from January 1, 2004 through August 22, 2004 and for the year ended December 31, 2003, respectively.

 

The Company expects to make 2005 contributions of $1.9 million and $0.2 million, respectively, for pension and other post-retirement benefits. However, the Company may reassess planned contributions to its benefit plans based on the Company’s 2005 results.

 

F-42


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Estimated future benefit payments reflecting future service are as follows (in millions):

 

Year ended December 31,


   Pension

   Other
Postretirement


2005

   $ 2.6    $ 0.2

2006

     2.5      0.2

2007

     2.5      0.2

2008

     2.6      0.2

2009

     2.6      0.2

2010 through 2014

     13.5        1.4

 

Savings Plans

 

The Company maintains defined contribution plans in the United States, subject to Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, and in Canada, subject to the Department of National Revenue Taxation Income Tax Act. Eligible U.S. employees may elect to contribute on a tax-deferred basis from 1% to 75%, of their compensation to a maximum of $14,000. In Canada, employees may elect to contribute from 1% to 18% of their compensation to a maximum of $16,500 Canadian dollars. A contribution of up to 6% is considered to be a basic contribution and the Company may make a discretionary matching contribution of $0.50 for each dollar of a participant’s basic contribution. As a result of the bankruptcy, the Company’s cash contributions were suspended during the year ended December 31, 2003 through emergence on August 23, 2004. However, beginning in August 23, 2004, the Company resumed accruing a matching contribution and made its first cash payment since emergence in early 2005 which totaled $1.5 million.

 

17. Segment and Geographic Information

 

Core-Mark is one of the largest wholesale distributors to the convenience retail industry in North America, providing sales and marketing, distribution and logistics services to customer locations across the United States and Canada. The Company distributes consumable goods including cigarettes, tobacco, candy, snacks, fast food, grocery products, non-alcoholic beverages, general merchandise and health and beauty care products to customers in approximately in 37 states and five Canadian provinces. The Company services a variety of store formats, including traditional convenience stores, mass merchandise stores, grocery stores, drug stores, liquor stores, gift shops, specialty stores and other stores that carry convenience products.

 

F-43


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The Company has identified two reportable segments, United States and Canada, based on the differing economic characteristics of each. Accounting policies for measuring segment assets and earnings before income taxes are substantially consistent with those described in Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the consolidated financial statements . For management reporting purposes, the Company evaluates business segment performance before income taxes and other items that do not reflect the underlying business performance. Inter-segment revenues are not significant and no single customer accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s total revenues. Information about the Company’s operations by business segment and geographical location is as follows (in millions):

 

     Successor Company

    Predecessor Company

 
     Period from
August 23 through
December 31, 2004


    Period from
January 1 through
August 22, 2004


    Year ended
December 31,


 
         2003

    2002

 

Net sales:

                                

United States

   $ 1,186.9     $ 2,079.2     $ 3,461.3     $ 3,999.4  

Canada

     355.2       583.7       853.7       655.2  

Corporate adjustments and eliminations

     7.2       10.2       9.3       7.5  
    


 


 


 


Total

   $ 1,549.3     $ 2,673.1     $ 4,324.3     $ 4,662.1  
    


 


 


 


Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes:

                                

United States

   $ (0.8 )             $ (5.2 )   $ (11.1 )   $ 34.9  

Canada

     3.3       (1.6 )     (0.6 )     4.9  

Corporate adjustments and eliminations

     3.8       84.2       (253.2 )     31.1  
    


 


 


 


Total

   $ 6.3     $ 77.4     $ (264.9 )   $ 70.9  
    


 


 


 


Interest expense:

                                

United States

   $ 10.0     $ 17.5     $ 15.8     $ 14.4  

Canada

     0.2       0.5       (0.3 )     (0.6 )

Corporate adjustments and eliminations

     (5.4 )     (13.6 )     (10.1 )     (5.6 )
    


 


 


 


Total

   $ 4.8     $ 4.4     $ 5.4     $ 8.2  
    


 


 


 


Depreciation and amortization:

                                

United States

   $ 3.1     $ 5.7     $ 7.0     $ 7.1  

Canada

     0.2       0.4       0.7       0.6  

Corporate adjustments and eliminations

     1.4       0.9       2.2       4.5  
    


 


 


 


Total

   $ 4.7     $ 7.0     $ 9.9     $ 12.2  
    


 


 


 


 

Identifiable assets by geographic area:

 

     Successor Company

    Predecessor Company

    

As of

December 31, 2004


  

As of

August 23, 2004


   

As of

December 31, 2003


Identifiable assets:

                     

United States

   $ 421.2    $ 420.1                    $ 401.4

Canada

     82.4      97.1       112.4
    

  


 

Total

   $ 503.6    $ 517.2     $ 513.8
    

  


 

 

F-44


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

18. Subsequent Events

 

Redemption of Tranche B Notes

 

In February 2005, the Company redeemed $10.0 million in outstanding Tranche B Notes, the maximum amount permitted under the Tranche B Note Agreement and the revolving credit facility. Subsequently the Company received a consent agreement from the revolving credit lenders, permitting it to prepay an additional $5.0 million of the Tranche B Notes in April 2005 which it did. In August 2005, as permitted under the Tranche B Note Agreement, the Company prepaid an additional $15.0 million in outstanding Tranche B Notes. Each of these prepayments were also in compliance with terms contained in the Company’s revolving credit facility, as amended.

 

2005 Stock Plan

 

In February 2005, the Company adopted the 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan (2005 LTIP). Under the 2005 LTIP, the number of shares of common stock issuable is limited to a number of shares having a market value of $5.5 million, based on the average closing price of our common stock over the eleventh through twentieth trading days following the date that the common stock becomes listed for quotation on the NASDAQ National Market. Each share of restricted stock vests as follows: one third of the options or shares of restricted stock vest on the first anniversary of the vesting commencement date and the remaining shares vest in equal monthly installments over the two year period following the first anniversary of the vesting commencement date. In February 2005, the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors approved the grant of restricted stock units having a value of approximately $5.0 million and a vesting commencement date of February 1, 2005. It is anticipated that such grants will be made in the fourth quarter of 2005. The Board of Directors determined that the balance of approximately $0.5 million available for grants under the 2005 Plan should be reserved for possible future issuance.

 

2005 Directors’ Equity Incentive Plan

 

The Company adopted the 2005 Directors Equity Incentive Plan (2005 Directors Plan) to be effective in August 2005. The 2005 Directors Plan permits granting of non-qualified stock options to non-employee directors. The terms of the 2005 Directors Plan are substantially similar to the 2004 Directors Plan other than:

 

    there are 15,000 shares available for issuance;

 

    any one participant may not receive more than 50% of the total number of shares authorized under the 2005 Directors Plan in any calendar year;

 

    the options to purchase shares of common stock granted on August 12, 2005, under the 2005 Directors Plan have an exercise price of $27.03, the fair value of a share of our common stock as determined by the Board of Directors as provided in this plan on the basis of the average trading price of our common stock over the twenty trading days ending two trading days prior to the date of grant.

 

    the options vest over three years, of which one third will vest on August 12, 2006, and the remaining options will vest in equal quarterly installments over the two year period commencing on August 12, 2006, for each consecutive quarter that the grantee remains a director.

 

F-45


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Debt Refinancing and Redemption (Unaudited)

 

On September 28, 2005, the Company prepaid the remaining $5.5 million in outstanding funded Tranche B Notes. As required by the Tranche B Note Agreement, the Company also paid a 6% prepayment premium of $0.3 million. This payment was in compliance with terms contained in the Company’s revolving credit facility as amended.

 

2005 Credit Facility .    On October 13, 2005, the Company entered into a new five-year revolving credit facility, which we refer to as the 2005 Credit Facility, with a group of lenders. The 2005 Credit Facility refinanced and replaced the Prior Revolving Credit Facility and the Tranche B Note Agreement, and in conjunction with establishing the 2005 Credit Facility the Company prepaid all $32.3 million in outstanding revolving loans under the Prior Revolving Credit Facility and Tranche B Note Agreement, cash collateralized or transferred to the 2005 Credit Facility all $53.3 million in letters of credit issued under the Prior Revolving Credit Facility and the Tranche B Note Agreement, and terminated the Prior Revolving Credit Facility and the Tranche B Note Agreement. As required under the Tranche B Note Agreement, the Company paid a 6% pre-payment fee of $1.5 million for the termination of the Tranche B Note Agreement. This pre-payment fee will be expensed in the Company’s fourth quarter 2005 results of operations. The Company paid a total of approximately $2.3 million in financing costs in connection with the 2005 Credit Facility, which will be deferred and amortized over the life of the facility.

 

Approximately $2.0 million of unamortized debt discounts related to the Tranche B Note Agreement will be expensed in the Company’s fourth quarter 2005 results of operations. Additionally, unamortized debt issuance costs related to the Prior Revolving Credit Facility and the Tranche B Note Agreement of approximately $2.4 million will be expensed in the Company’s fourth quarter 2005 results of operations.

 

The 2005 Credit Facility provides for up to $250 million in revolving loans, of which $160 million is available as letters of credit and up to C$110 million is available in Canadian dollars. Borrowing under the 2005 Credit Facility is subject to a formula based on eligible accounts receivable, eligible inventory, certain equipment and certain unrestricted cash balances, less certain reserves (the 2005 Credit Facility Borrowing Base), which limits the amount of revolving loans and letters of credit available. The administrative agent under the 2005 Credit Facility also has the right, under certain circumstances, to establish additional reserves against the commitment under the 2005 Credit Facility.

 

At the Company’s option, interest rates on the U.S. revolving loans and letters of credit under the 2005 Credit Facility are based on LIBOR plus an applicable margin, or on an alternate base rate equal to the higher of the prime rate or the federal funds rate plus 0.50%. There is no additional margin on alternate base rate advances. Loans made in Canadian Dollars bear interest at either a rate based on the Canadian deposit offered rate (CDOR), which is equal to the rate quoted on the publicly available CDOR screen plus 0.10%, plus an applicable margin or at a Canadian base rate equal to the greater of the Canadian prime rate or the CDOR rate plus 1%. The applicable margin on LIBOR-based loans and CDOR-based loans may range from 1.00% to 1.75% depending on our adjusted EBITDA as defined in the 2005 Credit Facility, and is initially set at 1.50%. Interest is payable monthly, or if we elect LIBOR or CDOR, at the expiration of each LIBOR or CDOR period, which is one, two, three or six months, as the Company may elect under the 2005 Credit Facility (except that if the Company elects a LIBOR or CDOR period of six months, interest is payable at the end of the third and sixth months). The Company is subject to an unused facility fee that may range from 0.25% to 0.30% of the unused portion of the 2005 Credit Facility depending on the Company’s adjusted EBITDA as defined in the 2005 Credit Facility, and is initially set at 0.25%.

 

F-46


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The Credit Agreement for the 2005 Credit Facility (the 2005 Credit Agreement) contains restrictive covenants, including among others limitations on dividends and other restricted payments, other indebtedness, liens, investments and acquisitions, and certain asset sales. If the Company’s availability under the 2005 Credit Facility falls below $35 million, we will be obligated to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio, calculated as provided in the 2005 Credit Agreement and based on adjusted EBITDA as defined in the 2005 Credit Agreement, of not less than 1.1 to 1.

 

All obligations under the 2005 Credit Facility are secured by a first priority interest in, and liens upon, substantially all of the Company’s present and future assets. The terms of the 2005 Credit Facility permit prepayment without penalty at any time (subject to customary break costs with respect to LIBOR or CDOR—based loans prepaid prior to the end of an interest period).

 

F-47


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

     Page

Interim Financial statements

    

Unaudited Interim Financial Statements

    

•         Consolidated Interim Balance Sheets

         Successor Company—at June 30, 2005 (unaudited) and December 31, 2004

   F-49

•         Consolidated Interim Statements of Operations

         Successor Company—Six Months Ended June 30, 2005 (unaudited)
Predecessor Company—Six Months Ended June 30, 2004 (unaudited)

   F-50

•         Consolidated Interim Statements of Cash Flows

         Successor Company—Six Months Ended June 30, 2005 (unaudited)
Predecessor Company—Six Months Ended June 30, 2004 (unaudited)

   F-51

•         Notes to Consolidated Interim Financial Statements (unaudited)

   F-52

 

F-48


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED INTERIM BALANCE SHEETS

(In millions, except share data)

 

     June 30,
2005


    December 31,
2004


 
     (Unaudited)        
Assets                 

Current assets:

                

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 35.5     $ 26.2  

Restricted cash

     13.2       12.1  

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $7.1 and $7.7, respectively

     146.3       131.7  

Other receivables, net

     24.0       34.8  

Inventories, net

     184.0       186.3  

Deposits and prepayments

     44.1       38.7  
    


 


Total current assets

     447.1       429.8  

Property and equipment, net

     40.1       41.3  

Deferred income taxes

     1.4       0.7  

Other non-current assets, net

     32.8       31.8  
    


 


Total assets

   $ 521.4     $ 503.6  
    


 


Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity                 

Current liabilities:

                

Accounts payable

   $ 66.2     $ 61.2  

Cigarette and tobacco taxes payable

     58.0       49.0  

Accrued liabilities

     63.9       60.5  

Income taxes payable

     7.9       14.4  

Deferred income taxes

     14.0       14.4  
    


 


Total current liabilities

     210.0       199.5  

Long-term debt

     77.1       77.5  

Other tax liabilities

     1.0       1.8  

Claims liabilities, net of current portion

     47.5       46.3  

Pension liabilities

     11.4       11.4  
    


 


Total liabilities

     347.0       336.5  
    


 


Stockholders’ equity:

                

Common stock; $0.01 par value (50,000,000 shares authorized, 9,815,375 and 9,815,375 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively)

     0.1       0.1  

Additional paid-in capital

     168.9       168.9  

Deferred stock-based compensation

     (4.8 )     (6.8 )

Retained earnings

     9.2       3.4  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     1.0       1.5  
    


 


Total stockholders’ equity

     174.4       167.1  
    


 


Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 521.4     $ 503.6  
    


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-49


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In millions, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

     Successor
Company


    Predecessor
Company


     Six months ended
June 30, 2005


    Six months ended
June 30, 2004


Net sales (a)

   $ 2,347.9                    $ 2,036.3

Cost of goods sold (a) (b)

     2,212.0       1,922.1
    


 

Gross profit

     135.9       114.2
    


 

Warehousing and distribution expenses

     65.4       59.1

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     53.0       47.4

Amortization of intangible assets

     0.5       —  
    


 

Total operating expenses

     118.9       106.5
    


 

Income from operations

     17.0       7.7
 

Interest expense, net

     6.2       3.8

Reorganization items, net

     —         1.7

Amortization of debt issuance costs

     0.5       —  
    


 

Income before income taxes

     10.3       2.2
 

Provision for income taxes

     4.5       0.8
    


 

Net income

   $ 5.8     $ 1.4
    


 

Basic income per common share

   $ 0.59     $ 0.14
    


 

Diluted income per common share

   $ 0.56     $ 0.14
    


 

Basic weighted average shares

     9.8       9.8

Diluted weighted average shares

     10.4       9.8

(a) State and provincial cigarette and tobacco excise taxes paid by the Company are included in both sales and cost of goods sold and totaled $547.3 and $464.6, respectively.
(b) Cost of goods sold excludes depreciation and amortization expense attributable to distribution assets of $3.0 and $2.7, respectively, that have been included in warehousing and distribution expenses.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In millions)

(Unaudited)

 

     Successor
Company


    Predecessor
Company


 
     Six months ended
June 30, 2005


    Six months ended
June 30, 2004


 

Cash flows from operating activities:

                

Net income

   $ 5.8     $ 1.4  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

                

LIFO and inventory reserves

     3.2       2.1  

Amortization of stock-based compensation expense

     2.0       —    

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     (0.6 )     1.5  

Depreciation and amortization

     7.2       5.6  

Deferred income taxes

     (1.1 )     0.4  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

                

Restricted cash

     (1.1 )     (1.8 )

Accounts receivable

     (13.7 )     (11.5 )

Other receivables

     10.8       6.0  

Inventories

     (0.5 )     41.7  

Deposits, prepayments and other non-current assets

     (8.7 )     (6.3 )

Accounts payable

     6.7       0.4  

Cigarette and tobacco taxes payable

     8.5       (10.3 )

Liabilities subject to compromise

     —         (28.1 )

Pension, claim and other accrued liabilities and income taxes payable

     (2.9 )                       5.8  
    


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     15.6       6.9  
    


 


Cash flows from investing activities:

                

Additions to property and equipment

     (3.4 )     (4.7 )
    


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (3.4 )     (4.7 )
    


 


Cash flows from financing activities:

                

Borrowing under line of credit

     1,939.7       —    

Repayments under line of credit

     (1,925.4 )     —    

Principal payments on long-term debt

     (15.0 )     —    

Net capital distributions from Fleming Companies, Inc.  

     —         13.5  

Decrease in cash provided by checks drawn in excess of bank balances

     (1.7 )     (0.9 )
    


 


Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (2.4 )     12.6  
    


 


Effects of changes in foreign exchange rates

     (0.5 )     (0.6 )
    


 


 

Increase in cash

     9.3       14.2  

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning period

     26.2       31.1  
    


 


Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 35.5     $       45.3  
    


 


Supplemental disclosures:

                

Cash paid during the period for:

                

Income taxes

   $ 12.3     $ —    

Interest

   $ 0.1     $ —    

Payments made in conjunction with Chapter 11 reorganization:

                

Professional fees

   $ —       $ 0.9  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

1. Summary Company Information and Emergence from Bankruptcy

 

Core-Mark is a broad-line, full service wholesale distributor of packaged consumer products to the convenience retail industry in the United States and Canada, with revenues generated from the sale of cigarettes, tobacco products, candy, food, health and beauty aids and other general merchandise.

 

In June 2002, Fleming Companies, Inc. (Fleming) acquired Core-Mark. On April 1, 2003 (the Petition Date), Fleming and its subsidiaries (collectively, the Debtors) filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the state of Delaware.

 

On July 27, 2004, (the Confirmation Date), the bankruptcy court confirmed Fleming’s Plan of Reorganization, as amended and revised (the Plan). The Plan provided for the reorganization of the Debtors with Core-Mark surviving as an operating entity.

 

Upon emergence from the Fleming bankruptcy on August 23, 2004 (the Effective Date), Core-Mark reflected the terms of the Plan in its consolidated financial statements applying the provisions of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement of Position 90-7, Financial Reporting by Entities in Reorganization under the Bankruptcy Code (SOP 90-7) with respect to financial reporting upon emergence from bankruptcy ( See Note 3 —Fresh-Start Accounting to the consolidated financial statements ).

 

2. Basis of Presentation

 

The interim financial information as of June 30, 2005 and for the six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004 is unaudited. In the opinion of the Company’s management, the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements and include all adjustments (consisting of only normally recurring adjustments) necessary for the fair presentation of its consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows. Results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full year or any other future period.

 

Upon the Company’s emergence from the Fleming bankruptcy and pursuant to the fresh-start accounting rules, a new reporting entity, the Successor Company, was deemed to be created and the recorded amounts of assets and liabilities were adjusted to reflect their estimated fair values, based on independent valuations where applicable. The effective date of Core-Mark’s emergence from the Fleming bankruptcy was August 23, 2004. All financial information after August 22, 2004 relates to the Successor Company. All financial information before August 23, 2004 relates to the Predecessor Company. Consequently, after giving effect to the reorganization and fresh-start accounting as required by SOP 90-7, the financial statements of the Successor Company are not comparable to those of the Predecessor Company.

 

The significant accounting policies and certain financial information that are normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, but which are not required for interim reporting purposes, have been omitted. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited financial statements for the period from January 1, 2004 through August 22, 2004, and for the period from August 23, 2004 through December 31, 2004.

 

3. Inventories

 

Inventories consist of finished goods and include tobacco products, food and other products, and related consumable products held for re-sale and are valued at the lower of cost or market. In the United States, cost is

 

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Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

determined primarily on a last-in, first-out (LIFO) basis using producer price indices as determined by the Department of Labor. Under the LIFO method, current costs of goods sold are matched against current sales. Inventories in Canada are valued on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis as LIFO is not a permitted inventory valuation method in Canada.

 

Inventories consist of the following (in millions):

 

     June 30,
2005


    December 31,
2004


 
     (unaudited)        

Inventory at FIFO, net of reserves

   $ 189.0     $ 188.1  

Less: LIFO reserve

     (5.0 )                 (1.8 )
    


 


Inventory

   $ 184.0     $ 186.3  
    


 


 

During periods of rising prices, the LIFO method of costing inventories generally results in higher current costs being charged against income while lower costs are retained in inventories. Conversely, during periods of decreasing prices, the LIFO method of costing inventories generally results in lower current costs being charged against income and higher stated inventories. The following table identifies the increase (decrease) in cost of goods sold resulting from the change in the LIFO reserve (unaudited) (in millions):

 

     Successor
Company


    Predecessor
Company


     For the six months
ended June 30, 2005


    For the six months
ended June 30, 2004


     $ 3.2                $ 2.1
    


 

 

4. Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income (loss), minimum pension liability adjustment and foreign currency translation adjustments. The components of comprehensive income (loss) for the six months ended June 30, 2005 and June 30, 2004, respectively, are as follows (unaudited) (in millions):

 

     Successor
Company


    Predecessor
Company


 
     Six months ended
June 30, 2005


    Six months ended
June 30, 2004


 

Components of comprehensive income (loss):

                

Net income (loss)

   $ 6.7     $ 1.4  

Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax

     —         (0.5 )

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     (0.6 )                     1.7  
    


 


Total comprehensive income (loss)

   $ 6.1     $ 2.6  
    


 


 

5. Long-term Debt

 

Revolving Credit Facility

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2005, the maximum amount of borrowing and letters of credit outstanding under the revolving credit facility were $59.2 million and $38.7 million, respectively. For the six

 

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Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

months ended June 30, 2005 we paid total unused facility fees of $0.4 million. As of June 30, 2005, the total borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility were $59.2 million and letters of credit outstanding were $27.7 million. The weighted average interest rate for the six months ended June 30, 2005 for the revolving credit facility was 5.4%. As of June 30, 2005, the Company was in compliance with all of its covenants and had a net available borrowing capacity of approximately $88.7 million.

 

Tranche B Note Agreement

 

As of June 30, 2005, a total of $20.5 million in notes payable remained outstanding and letters of credit in the amount of $24.5 million were issued and outstanding under the Tranche B Note Agreement. The interest rate on the Tranche B Notes was 14.7% at June 30, 2005. As of June 30, 2005, the Company was in compliance with all of its covenants under the Tranche B Note Agreement.

 

The Company’s long-term debt and outstanding letters of credit is as follows (in millions):

 

     June 30,
2005


    December 31,
2004


 
     (Unaudited)        

Revolving credit facility

   $ 59.2     $ 45.0  

Tranche B notes payable

     20.5       35.5  
    


 


Subtotal

     79.7       80.5  

Less: Debt discount

     (2.6 )     (3.0 )
    


 


Subtotal

     77.1       77.5  

Less: Current portion of long-term debt

     —         —    
    


 


Total long-term debt, net of current portion

   $ 77.1     $ 77.5  
    


 


Letters of credit outstanding

   $ 52.2     $ 61.2  
    


 


 

6. Income Taxes

 

The Company is subject to United States federal, state, local and foreign income taxes and accounts for income taxes under an asset and liability approach that requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company’s financial statements or tax returns. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.

 

In assessing the potential realization of deferred tax assets, the Company considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. At each balance sheet date, a valuation allowance has been established against the deferred tax assets based on management’s assessment whether it is more likely than not that these deferred tax assets would not be realized.

 

As of June 30, 2005, after taking into account a valuation allowance of $1.0 million, the Company had a net deferred tax liability of $12.6 million, of which an amount of $14.0 million is shown as a current deferred tax liability and $1.4 million as a non-current deferred tax asset in the consolidated balance sheet. The effective income tax rates for the six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004 are based on the federal statutory income tax

 

F-54


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Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

rate, adjusted by the effect of state income taxes, net of federal benefit, changes in valuation allowances, effect of foreign operation and other permanent items.

 

7. Earnings Per Share

 

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share (unaudited) (in millions, except per share amounts):

 

     Successor
Company


    Predecessor
Company


     For the six
months ended
June 30, 2005


    For the six
months ended
June 30, 2004


Net income

   $ 5.8                    $ 1.4
    


 

Basic weighted-average shares outstanding

     9.8       9.8

Dilutive common equivalent shares:

              

Unvested restricted stock

     0.2       —  

Stock options

     0.3       —  

Class 6 (b) warrants

     0.1       —  

Tranche B warrants

     —         —  
    


 

Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding

     10.4       9.8
    


 

Basic net income per share

   $ 0.59     $ 0.14
    


 

Diluted net income per share

   $ 0.56     $ 0.14
    


 

 

8. Stock-Based Compensation Plans

 

The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation plans using the fair value method as prescribed by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123, Accounting for Stock based Compensation, whereby stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the vesting period. Total compensation cost recognized on the consolidated statement of operations for stock-based compensation awards was $2.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2005. There were no stock options granted during the six months ended June 30, 2005 and June 30, 2004.

 

In February 2005, the Company adopted the 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan (2005 LTIP). Under the 2005 LTIP, the number of shares of common stock issuable is limited to a number of shares having a market value of $5.5 million, based on the average closing price of our common stock over the eleventh through twentieth trading days following the date that the common stock becomes listed for quotation on the NASDAQ National Market. Each share of restricted stock vests as follows: one third of the options or shares of restricted stock vest on the first anniversary of the vesting commencement date and the remainder vest in equal monthly installments over the two year period following the first anniversary of the vesting commencement date. In February 2005, the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors approved the grant of restricted stock units having a value of approximately $5.0 million and a vesting commencement date of February 1, 2005. It is anticipated that such grants will be made in the fourth quarter of 2005. The Board of Directors determined that the balance of approximately $0.5 million available for grants under the 2005 Plan should be reserved for possible future issuance.

 

F-55


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Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

The following tables summarizes information about stock options activity and stock options outstanding as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2005 (unaudited):

 

     Number of
Option
Shares


    Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price


Outstanding at December 31, 2004

   1,090,422     $ 15.50

Options granted (unaudited)

   —         —  

Options exercised (unaudited)

   —         —  

Options canceled (unaudited)

   (6,321 )     15.50
    

     

Outstanding at June 30, 2005 (unaudited)

   1,084,101       15.50
    

     

 

Options Outstanding


    Options Exercisable

Exercise
Prices


   Number
Option Shares


   Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual Life


   Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price


    Number of
Option Shares


   Weighted-
Average Exercise
Price


$15.50

   1,084,101    6.17 years    $ 15.50                    $—      $—  

  
  
  


 
  

 

9. Employee Benefit Plans

 

The Company sponsors a qualified defined benefit pension plan and a post-retirement benefit plan for employees hired before September 1986. There have been no new entrants to the pension or non-pension post retirement benefit plans after those benefit plans were frozen on September 30, 1989. Pursuant to the Plan, on the Effective Date, the Company was assigned the obligation for the three former Fleming defined-benefit pension plans. The Predecessor Company’s frozen pension benefit plans and post-retirement benefit plan and the three former Fleming pension plans are collectively referred to the Pension Plans.

 

The following tables provide the components of the net periodic pension and other post-retirement benefit costs for the six months ending June 30, 2005 and 2004 (unaudited) (in millions):

 

     Successor Company

    Predecessor Company

    

For the six months ended

June 30, 2005


   

For the six months ended

June 30, 2004


     Pension
Benefits


    Other Post-
retirement
Benefit


    Pension
Benefits


    Other Post-
retirement
Benefit


Service cost

   $ —       $ 0.0                $ —       $ —  

Interest cost

     1.0       0.1       0.5       0.1

Expected return on plan assets

     (1.1 )     —         (0.4 )     —  

Amortization of:

                              

Prior service cost

     —         —         —         —  

Net actuarial loss

     —         —         —         —  
    


 


 


 

Net periodic benefit (income) cost

   $ (0.1 )   $ 0.1     $ 0.1     $ 0.1
    


 


 


 

 

The Company contributed $0.6 million and $0.1 million, respectively, to its pension and other post-retirement benefit plans during the six months ended June 30, 2005 compared to $0 million and $0.1 million, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2004.

 

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Index to Financial Statements

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

10. Segment and Geographic Information

 

Core-Mark is one of the largest wholesale distributors to the convenience retail industry in North America, providing sales and marketing, distribution and logistics services to customer locations across the United States and Canada. The Company distributes consumable goods including cigarettes, tobacco, candy, snacks, fast food, grocery products, non-alcoholic beverages, general merchandise and health and beauty care products to customers in approximately in 37 states and five Canadian provinces. The Company services a variety of store formats, including traditional convenience stores, mass merchandise stores, grocery stores, drug stores, liquor stores, gift shops, specialty stores and other stores that carry convenience products.

 

The Company has identified two reportable segments, United States and Canada, based on the differing economic characteristics of each. For management reporting purposes, the Company evaluates business segment performance before income taxes, and other items that do not reflect the underlying business performance. Inter-segment revenues are not significant and no single customer accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s total revenues. Information about the Company’s operations by business segment and geographic areas is as follows (unaudited) (in millions):

 

     Successor Company

    Predecessor Company

 
    

Six months ended

June 30, 2005


   

Six months ended

June 30, 2004


 

Net sales:

                

United States

   $ 1,852.7     $ 1,585.5  

Canada

     483.6       442.8  

Corporate adjustments and eliminations

     11.6       8.0  
    


 


Total

   $ 2,347.9     $ 2,036.3  
    


 


Income (loss) before income taxes:

                

United States

   $ 11.2     $ (5.5 )

Canada

     4.1       (1.4 )

Corporate adjustments and eliminations

     (5.0 )                         4.3  
    


 


Total

   $ 10.3     $ (2.6 )
    


 


Interest expense:

                

United States

   $ 12.2     $ 13.2  

Canada

     (0.7 )     0.4  

Corporate adjustments and eliminations

     (5.3 )     (9.8 )
    


 


Total

   $ 6.2     $ 3.8  
    


 


Depreciation and amortization:

                

United States

   $ 5.2     $ 4.9  

Canada

     0.6       0.4  

Corporate adjustments and eliminations

     1.4       0.3  
    


 


Total

   $ 7.2     $ 5.6  
    


 


 

Identifiable assets by geographic area (unaudited) (in millions):

 

    

June 30,

2005


   

December 31,

2004


Identifiable assets:

              

United States

   $ 440.0                    $ 421.2

Canada

     81.4       82.4
    


 

Total

   $ 521.4     $ 503.6
    


 

 

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Index to Financial Statements

EXHIBITS

 

  (b) The following exhibits are filed as part of this registration statement:

 

Exhibit
No.


  

Description


    2.1+    Third Amended and Revised Joint Plan of Reorganization of Fleming Companies, Inc. and its Subsidiaries Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, dated May 25, 2004.
    3.1+    Certificate of Incorporation of Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc.
    3.2+    Amended and Restated Bylaws of Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc.
    4.1+    Form of Class 6(B) Warrant
  10.1+    2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan
  10.2+    2004 Directors Equity Incentive Plan
  10.3+    2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan
  10.4+    2005 Directors Equity Incentive Plan
  10.5+    Form of Indemnification Agreement for Officers and Directors
  10.6    Credit Agreement, dated August 20, 2004, among Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings I, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings II, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings III, Inc., Core-Mark International, Inc., Core-Mark Midcontinent, Inc., Core-Mark Interrelated Companies, Inc., Head Distributing Company, Inc. and Minter-Weisman Co., Inc, as Borrowers, the Lenders Signatory Thereto from Time to Time as Lenders, General Electric Capital Corporation as Agent and Lender, Congress Financial Corporation (Western) as Co-Syndication Agent and Lender, JP Morgan Chase Bank as Co-Syndication Agent and Lender, Bank of America, N.A. as Co-Documentation Agent and Lender, Wells Fargo Foothill, LLC as Co-Documentation Agent and Lender, and GE Canada Finance Holding Company as Canadian Lender with GECC Capital Markets Group, Inc. as Lead Arranger.
  10.7    First Amendment, dated September 24, 2004, to the Credit Agreement, dated August 20, 2004, among Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings I, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings II, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings III, Inc., Core-Mark International, Inc., Core-Mark Midcontinent, Inc., Core-Mark Interrelated Companies, Inc., Head Distributing Company, Inc. and Minter-Weisman Co., Inc, as Borrowers, the Lenders Signatory Thereto from Time to Time as Lenders, General Electric Capital Corporation as Agent and Lender, Congress Financial Corporation (Western) as Co-Syndication Agent and Lender, JP Morgan Chase Bank as Co-Syndication Agent and Lender, Bank of America, N.A. as Co-Documentation Agent and Lender, Wells Fargo Foothill, LLC as Co-Documentation Agent and Lender, and GE Canada Finance Holding Company as Canadian Lender with GECC Capital Markets Group, Inc. as Lead Arranger.
  10.8    Second Amendment and Consent, dated June 30, 2005, to the Credit Agreement, dated August 20, 2004, among Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings I, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings II, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings III, Inc., Core-Mark International, Inc., Core-Mark Midcontinent, Inc., Core-Mark Interrelated Companies, Inc., Head Distributing Company, Inc. and Minter-Weisman Co., Inc, as Borrowers, the Lenders Signatory Thereto from Time to Time as Lenders, General Electric Capital Corporation as Agent and Lender, Congress Financial Corporation (Western) as Co-Syndication Agent and Lender, JP Morgan Chase Bank as Co-Syndication Agent and Lender, Bank of America, N.A. as Co-Documentation Agent and Lender, Wells Fargo Foothill, LLC as Co-Documentation Agent and Lender, and GE Canada Finance Holding Company as Canadian Lender with GECC Capital Markets Group, Inc. as Lead Arranger.

 

E-1


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements
Exhibit
No.


  

Description


  10.9    Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 20, 2004, among Core-Mark Holdings Company, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings I, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings II, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings III, Inc., Core-Mark International, Inc., Core-Mark Midcontinent, Inc., Core-Mark Interrelated Companies, Inc., Head Distributing Company, Minter-Weisman Co., Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and the Purchasers listed therein.
  10.10    Amendment and Consent, dated as of June 30, 2005, to the Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 20, 2004, among Core-Mark Holdings Company, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings I, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings II, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings III, Inc., Core-Mark International, Inc., Core-Mark Midcontinent, Inc., Core-Mark Interrelated Companies, Inc., Head Distributing Company, Minter-Weisman Co., Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and the Purchasers listed therein.
  10.11+    Registration Rights Agreement, dated August 20, 2004, among Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc. and the parties listed on Schedule I attached thereto (previously filed as Exhibit 10.10 to the Company’s Form 10 Registration Statement filed on September 6, 2005).
  10.12+    Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant
  10.13    Credit Agreement, dated October 12, 2005, among Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings I, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings II, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings III, Inc., Core-Mark International, Inc., Core-Mark Midcontinent, Inc., Core-Mark Interrelated Companies, Inc., Head Distributing Company, Inc. and Minter-Weisman Co., Inc, as Borrowers, the Lenders Signatory Thereto as Lenders, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, General Electric Capital Corporation and Wachovia Capital Finance Corporation (Western), as Co-Syndication Agents, and Bank of America, N.A. and Wells Fargo Foothill, LLC, as Co-Documentation Agents.
  10.14    Pledge and Security Agreement, dated October 12, 2005, among Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings I, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings II, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings III, Inc., Core-Mark International, Inc., Core-Mark Midcontinent, Inc., Core-Mark Interrelated Companies, Inc., Head Distributing Company, Inc. and Minter-Weisman Co., Inc., as Grantors, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent.
  10.15    Amended and Restated Administrative Claims Guaranty Agreement, dated August 31, 2004, between Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc. and the Post Confirmation Trust.
  10.16    Subordinated Secured Guaranty Agreement, dated August 20, 2004, between Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc. and the Reclamation Creditors’ Trust.
  10.17    Junior Subordinated Secured Guaranty Agreement, dated August 20, 2004, between Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc. and the Reclamation Creditors’ Trust.
  10.18    Amendment and Acknowledgement, dated October 12, 2005, to the Subordinated Secured Guaranty Agreement, dated August 20, 2004, and the Junior Subordinated Secured Guaranty Agreement, dated August 20, 2004, between Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc. and the Reclamation Creditors’ Trust.
  11.1+    Statement of Computation of Earnings Per Share (required information contained within this Form 10)
  16.1+    Letter from Burr, Pilger & Mayer LLP regarding change of certifying accountant.
  21.1+    List of Subsidiaries of Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc.

+ Previously filed.

 

E-2


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this amendment no. 1 to this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

        CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC.
Date: October 21, 2005       By:   /s/    J. M ICHAEL W ALSH        
           

Name:

  J. Michael Walsh
           

Title:

  President and Chief Executive Officer

 

S-1


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
No.


  

Description


2.1+      Third Amended and Revised Joint Plan of Reorganization of Fleming Companies, Inc. and its Subsidiaries Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, dated May 25, 2004.
3.1+      Certificate of Incorporation of Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc.
3.2+      Amended and Restated Bylaws of Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc.
4.1+      Form of Class 6(B) Warrant
10.1+      2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan
10.2+      2004 Directors Equity Incentive Plan
10.3+      2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan
10.4+      2005 Directors Equity Incentive Plan
10.5+      Form of Indemnification Agreement for Officers and Directors
10.6        Credit Agreement, dated August 20, 2004, among Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings I, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings II, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings III, Inc., Core-Mark International, Inc., Core-Mark Midcontinent, Inc., Core-Mark Interrelated Companies, Inc., Head Distributing Company, Inc. and Minter-Weisman Co., Inc, as Borrowers, the Lenders Signatory Thereto from Time to Time as Lenders, General Electric Capital Corporation as Agent and Lender, Congress Financial Corporation (Western) as Co-Syndication Agent and Lender, JP Morgan Chase Bank as Co-Syndication Agent and Lender, Bank of America, N.A. as Co-Documentation Agent and Lender, Wells Fargo Foothill, LLC as Co-Documentation Agent and Lender, and GE Canada Finance Holding Company as Canadian Lender with GECC Capital Markets Group, Inc. as Lead Arranger.
10.7        First Amendment, dated September 24, 2004, to the Credit Agreement, dated August 20, 2004, among Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings I, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings II, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings III, Inc., Core-Mark International, Inc., Core-Mark Midcontinent, Inc., Core-Mark Interrelated Companies, Inc., Head Distributing Company, Inc. and Minter-Weisman Co., Inc, as Borrowers, the Lenders Signatory Thereto from Time to Time as Lenders, General Electric Capital Corporation as Agent and Lender, Congress Financial Corporation (Western) as Co-Syndication Agent and Lender, JP Morgan Chase Bank as Co-Syndication Agent and Lender, Bank of America, N.A. as Co-Documentation Agent and Lender, Wells Fargo Foothill, LLC as Co-Documentation Agent and Lender, and GE Canada Finance Holding Company as Canadian Lender with GECC Capital Markets Group, Inc. as Lead Arranger.
10.8        Second Amendment and Consent, dated June 30, 2005, to the Credit Agreement, dated August 20, 2004, among Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings I, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings II, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings III, Inc., Core-Mark International, Inc., Core-Mark Midcontinent, Inc., Core-Mark Interrelated Companies, Inc., Head Distributing Company, Inc. and Minter-Weisman Co., Inc, as Borrowers, the Lenders Signatory Thereto from Time to Time as Lenders, General Electric Capital Corporation as Agent and Lender, Congress Financial Corporation (Western) as Co-Syndication Agent and Lender, JP Morgan Chase Bank as Co-Syndication Agent and Lender, Bank of America, N.A. as Co-Documentation Agent and Lender, Wells Fargo Foothill, LLC as Co-Documentation Agent and Lender, and GE Canada Finance Holding Company as Canadian Lender with GECC Capital Markets Group, Inc. as Lead Arranger.
10.9        Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 20, 2004, among Core-Mark Holdings Company, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings I, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings II, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings III, Inc., Core-Mark International, Inc., Core-Mark Midcontinent, Inc., Core-Mark Interrelated Companies, Inc., Head Distributing Company, Minter-Weisman Co., Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and the Purchasers listed therein.


Table of Contents
Index to Financial Statements
Exhibit
No.


  

Description


10.10      Amendment and Consent, dated as of June 30, 2005, to the Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 20, 2004, among Core-Mark Holdings Company, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings I, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings II, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings III, Inc., Core-Mark International, Inc., Core-Mark Midcontinent, Inc., Core-Mark Interrelated Companies, Inc., Head Distributing Company, Minter-Weisman Co., Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and the Purchasers listed therein.
10.11+    Registration Rights Agreement, dated August 20, 2004, among Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc. and the parties listed on Schedule I attached thereto (previously filed as Exhibit 10.10 to the Company’s Form 10 Registration Statement filed on September 6, 2005).
10.12+    Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant
10.13      Credit Agreement, dated October 12, 2005, among Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings I, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings II, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings III, Inc., Core-Mark International, Inc., Core-Mark Midcontinent, Inc., Core-Mark Interrelated Companies, Inc., Head Distributing Company, Inc. and Minter-Weisman Co., Inc, as Borrowers, the Lenders Signatory Thereto as Lenders, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, General Electric Capital Corporation and Wachovia Capital Finance Corporation (Western), as Co-Syndication Agents, and Bank of America, N.A. and Wells Fargo Foothill, LLC, as Co-Documentation Agents.
10.14      Pledge and Security Agreement, dated October 12, 2005, among Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings I, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings II, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings III, Inc., Core-Mark International, Inc., Core-Mark Midcontinent, Inc., Core-Mark Interrelated Companies, Inc., Head Distributing Company, Inc. and Minter-Weisman Co., Inc., as Grantors, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent.
10.15      Amended and Restated Administrative Claims Guaranty Agreement, dated August 31, 2004, between Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc. and the Post Confirmation Trust.
10.16      Subordinated Secured Guaranty Agreement, dated August 20, 2004, between Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc. and the Reclamation Creditors’ Trust.
10.17      Junior Subordinated Secured Guaranty Agreement, dated August 20, 2004, between Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc. and the Reclamation Creditors’ Trust.
10.18      Amendment and Acknowledgement, dated October 12, 2005, to the Subordinated Secured Guaranty Agreement, dated August 20, 2004, and the Junior Subordinated Secured Guaranty Agreement, dated August 20, 2004, between Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc. and the Reclamation Creditors’ Trust.
11.1+    Statement of Computation of Earnings Per Share (required information contained within this Form 10)
16.1+    Letter from Burr, Pilger & Mayer LLP regarding change of certifying accountant.
21.1+    List of Subsidiaries of Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc.

+ Previously filed.

Exhibit 10.6

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

Dated as of August 20, 2004

 

among

 

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC.,

CORE-MARK HOLDINGS I, INC.

CORE-MARK HOLDINGS II, INC.

CORE-MARK HOLDINGS III, INC.

CORE-MARK INTERNATIONAL, INC.,

CORE-MARK MIDCONTINENT, INC.,

CORE-MARK INTERRELATED COMPANIES, INC.,

HEAD DISTRIBUTING COMPANY, and

MINTER-WEISMAN CO.,

as Borrowers,

 

THE LENDERS SIGNATORY HERETO FROM TIME TO TIME

as Lenders,

 

GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION,

as Agent and Lender,

 

CONGRESS FINANCIAL CORPORATION (WESTERN),

as Co-Syndication Agent and Lender,

 

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK.,

as Co-Syndication Agent and Lender,

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

as Co-Documentation Agent and Lender,

 

WELLS FARGO FOOTHILL, LLC,

as Co-Documentation Agent and Lender,

 

and

 

GE CANADA FINANCE HOLDING COMPANY,

as Canadian Lender, with

 

GECC CAPITAL MARKETS GROUP, INC.,

as Lead Arranger


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

              Page

1.

  AMOUNT AND TERMS OF CREDIT    3
   

1.1

   Credit Facilities    3
   

1.2

   Letters of Credit    9
   

1.3

   Prepayments    9
   

1.4

   Use of Proceeds    11
   

1.5

   Interest and Applicable Margins    11
   

1.6

   Eligible Accounts    14
   

1.7

   Eligible Inventory    17
   

1.8

   Cash Management Systems    20
   

1.9

   Fees    20
   

1.10

   Receipt of Payments    21
   

1.11

   Application and Allocation of Payments    21
   

1.12

   Loan Account and Accounting    22
   

1.13

   Indemnity    22
   

1.14

   Access    24
   

1.15

   Taxes    24
   

1.16

   Capital Adequacy; Increased Costs; Illegality    25
   

1.17

   Single Loan    26
   

1.18

   Conversion to Dollars    27
   

1.19

   Judgment Currency; Contractual Currency    27
   

1.20

   Allocation of Fees and Expenses and Computations    28
   

1.21

   Canadian Lender’s Put Rights    28

2.

  CONDITIONS PRECEDENT    29
   

2.1

   Conditions to the Initial Loans    29
   

2.2

   Further Conditions to Each Loan    31

3.

  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES    31
   

3.1

   Corporate Existence; Compliance with Law    32
   

3.2

   Executive Offices, Collateral Locations, FEIN    32
   

3.3

   Corporate Power, Authorization, Enforceable Obligations    32
   

3.4

   Financial Statements and Projections    33

 

-i-


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

              Page

   

3.5

   Material Adverse Effect    33
   

3.6

   Ownership of Property; Liens    34
   

3.7

   Labor Matters    34
   

3.8

   Ventures, Subsidiaries and Affiliates; Outstanding Stock and Indebtedness    35
   

3.9

   Government Regulation    35
   

3.10

   Margin Regulations    35
   

3.11

   Taxes    36
   

3.12

   ERISA    36
   

3.13

   No Litigation    37
   

3.14

   Brokers    37
   

3.15

   Intellectual Property    37
   

3.16

   Full Disclosure    38
   

3.17

   Environmental Matters    38
   

3.18

   Insurance    39
   

3.19

   Deposit and Disbursement Accounts    39
   

3.20

   Solvency    39
   

3.21

   Bonding; Licenses    39
   

3.22

   Subordinated Debt    39
   

3.23

   Status of Holdings    39
   

3.24

   Transfer of Assets of Debtors to Borrowers under the Plan of Reorganization    39

4.

  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND INFORMATION    40
   

4.1

   Reports and Notices    40
   

4.2

   Communication with Accountants    40

5.

  AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS    40
   

5.1

   Maintenance of Existence and Conduct of Business    40
   

5.2

   Payment of Charges    40
   

5.3

   Books and Records    41
   

5.4

   Insurance; Damage to or Destruction of Collateral    41
   

5.5

   Compliance with Benefit Plan Settlements and Laws    43

 

-ii-


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

              Page

   

5.6

   Supplemental Disclosure    43
   

5.7

   Intellectual Property    43
   

5.8

   Environmental Matters    43
   

5.9

   Landlords’ Agreements, Mortgagee Agreements, Bailee Letters and Real Estate Purchases    44
   

5.10

   Auditor    45
   

5.11

   Foreign Assets Control Regulations    45
   

5.12

   Environmental Reports    45
   

5.13

   Further Assurances    45

6.

  NEGATIVE COVENANTS    46
   

6.1

   Mergers, Subsidiaries, Etc.    46
   

6.2

   Investments; Loans and Advances    48
   

6.3

   Indebtedness    49
   

6.4

   Employee Loans and Affiliate Transactions    50
   

6.5

   Capital Structure and Business    51
   

6.6

   Guaranteed Indebtedness    51
   

6.7

   Liens    51
   

6.8

   Sale of Stock and Assets    51
   

6.9

   ERISA    52
   

6.10

   Financial Covenants    52
   

6.11

   Hazardous Materials    52
   

6.12

   Sale-Leasebacks    52
   

6.13

   Cancellation of Indebtedness    52
   

6.14

   Restricted Payments; Tranche B Restricted Payments; Holdings Guaranty Restricted Payment    53
   

6.15

   Change of Corporate Name, State of Incorporation or Location; Change of Fiscal Year    54
   

6.16

   No Impairment of Intercompany Transfers    55
   

6.17

   No Speculative Transactions    55
   

6.18

   Changes Relating to Subordinated Debt; Material Contracts    55
   

6.19

   Excluded Subsidiaries    55

 

-iii-


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

              Page

   

6.20

   Business Activities    55

7.

  TERM    56
   

7.1

   Termination    56
   

7.2

   Survival of Obligations Upon Termination of Financing Arrangements    56

8.

  EVENTS OF DEFAULT; RIGHTS AND REMEDIES    56
   

8.1

   Events of Default    56
   

8.2

   Remedies    58
   

8.3

   Waivers by Borrowers    59

9.

  ASSIGNMENT AND PARTICIPATIONS; APPOINTMENT OF AGENT    59
   

9.1

   Assignment and Participations    59
   

9.2

   Appointment of Agent    62
   

9.3

   Agent’s Reliance, Etc.    62
   

9.4

   GE Capital and Affiliates    63
   

9.5

   Lender Credit Decision    63
   

9.6

   Indemnification    63
   

9.7

   Successor Agent    64
   

9.8

   Setoff and Sharing of Payments    64
   

9.9

   Advances; Payments; Non-Funding Lenders; Information; Actions in Concert    65

10.

  SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS    68
   

10.1

   Successors and Assigns    68

11.

  MISCELLANEOUS    68
   

11.1

   Complete Agreement; Modification of Agreement    68
   

11.2

   Amendments and Waivers    68
   

11.3

   Fees and Expenses    70
   

11.4

   No Waiver    71
   

11.5

   Remedies    72
   

11.6

   Severability    72
   

11.7

   Conflict of Terms    72
   

11.8

   Confidentiality    72

 

-iv-


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

              Page

   

11.9

   GOVERNING LAW    72
   

11.10

   Notices    73
   

11.11

   Section Titles    74
   

11.12

   Counterparts    74
   

11.13

   WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL    74
   

11.14

   Press Releases and Related Matters    74
   

11.15

   Reinstatement    74
   

11.16

   Advice of Counsel    75
   

11.17

   No Strict Construction    75

12.

  CROSS-GUARANTY    75
   

12.1

   Cross-Guaranty    75
   

12.2

   Waivers by Borrowers    76
   

12.3

   Benefit of Guaranty    76
   

12.4

   Waiver of Subrogation, Etc.    76
   

12.5

   Election of Remedies    76
   

12.6

   Limitation    77
   

12.7

   Contribution with Respect to Guaranty Obligations    77
   

12.8

   Liability Cumulative    78
   

12.9

   Subordination    78

 

-v-


INDEX OF APPENDICES

 

Annex A (Recitals)

   -    Definitions

Annex B (Section 1.2)

   -    Letters of Credit

Annex C (Section 1.8)

   -    Cash Management System

Annex D (Section 2.1(a))

   -    Closing Checklist

Annex E (Section 4.1(a))

   -    Financial Statements and Projections - Reporting

Annex F (Section 4.1(b))

   -    Collateral Reports

Annex G (Section 6.10)

   -    Financial Covenants

Annex H (Section 9.9(a))

   -    Lenders’ Wire Transfer Information

Annex I (Section 11.10)

   -    Notice Addresses

Annex J (from Annex A

Commitments definition)

   -    Commitments as of Closing Date

Exhibit 1.1(a)(i)

   -    Form of Notice of Revolving Credit Advance

Exhibit 1.1(a)(ii)

   -    Form of Revolving Note

Exhibit 1.1(b)(i)

   -    Form of Notice of First Funded Revolving Credit Advance

Exhibit 1.1(b)(ii)

   -    Form of First Funded Revolving Note

Exhibit 1.1(c)(ii)

   -    Form of Swing Line Note

Exhibit 1.1(d)(i)

   -    Form of Notice of Canadian Advance

Exhibit 1.1(d)(ii)

   -    Form of Canadian Note

Exhibit 1.5(e)(i)

   -    Form of Notice of Conversion/Continuation-LIBOR

Exhibit 1.5(e)(ii)

   -    Form of Notice of Conversion/Continuation-BA Rate

Exhibit 4.1(b)

   -    Form of Borrowing Base Certificate

Exhibit 9.1(a)

   -    Form of Assignment Agreement

Exhibit A

   -    Application for Standby Letter of Credit

Exhibit B

   -    Material Contracts

Exhibit C

   -    Petty Cash Accounts

Exhibit D

   -    Assets of the Post Confirmation Trust

Exhibit E

   -    Assets of the Reclamation Creditors’ Trust

Exhibit F

   -    Existing Letters of Credit

Schedule 1.1

   -    Agent’s and Canadian Lender’s Representatives

Disclosure Schedule 1.4

   -    Sources and Uses; Funds Flow Memorandum

Disclosure Schedule 3.1

   -    Type of Entity; State of Organization

Disclosure Schedule 3.2

   -    Executive Offices, Collateral Locations, FEIN

Disclosure Schedule 3.4(a)

   -    Financial Statements

Disclosure Schedule 3.4(b)

   -    Pro Forma

Disclosure Schedule 3.4(c)

   -    Projections

Disclosure Schedule 3.6

   -    Real Estate and Leases

Disclosure Schedule 3.7

   -    Labor Matters

 

-vi-


Disclosure Schedule 3.8

   -    Ventures, Subsidiaries and Affiliates; Outstanding Stock

Disclosure Schedule 3.11

   -    Tax Matters

Disclosure Schedule 3.12

   -    ERISA

Disclosure Schedule 3.13

   -    Litigation

Disclosure Schedule 3.15

   -    Intellectual Property

Disclosure Schedule 3.17

   -    Hazardous Materials

Disclosure Schedule 3.18

   -    Insurance

Disclosure Schedule 3.19

   -    Deposit and Disbursement Accounts

Disclosure Schedule 3.21

   -    Bonding; Licenses

Disclosure Schedule 5.1

   -    Trade Names

Disclosure Schedule 6.2

   -    Existing Investments

Disclosure Schedule 6.3

   -    Existing Indebtedness

Disclosure Schedule 6.4(a)

   -    Transactions with Affiliates

Disclosure Schedule 6.7

   -    Existing Liens

 

-vii-


This CREDIT AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of August 20, 2004, is by and among (a) CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC., a Delaware corporation (“ Holdings ”), CORE-MARK HOLDINGS I, INC., a Delaware corporation, CORE-MARK HOLDINGS II, INC., a Delaware corporation, CORE-MARK HOLDINGS III, INC., a Delaware corporation, CORE-MARK INTERNATIONAL, INC., a Delaware corporation, CORE-MARK MIDCONTINENT, INC., an Arkansas corporation, CORE-MARK INTERRELATED COMPANIES, INC., a California corporation, HEAD DISTRIBUTING COMPANY, a Georgia corporation, and MINTER-WEISMAN CO., a Minnesota corporation (collectively, the “ Borrowers ” and each individually, a “ Borrower ”); (b) GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (in its individual capacity, “ GE Capital ”), for itself, as Lender, and as administrative agent for Lenders; (c) CONGRESS FINANCIAL CORPORATION (WESTERN), a California corporation, for itself, as Lender, and as co-syndication agent for Lenders, (d) JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, a New York banking corporation, for itself, as Lender, and as co-syndication agent for Lenders, (e) BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., a national banking association, for itself, as Lender, and as co-documentation agent, (f) WELLS FARGO FOOTHILL, LLC, a California limited liability company, for itself, as Lender, and as co-documentation agent, (g) the other Lenders signatory hereto from time to time; and (h) GE CANADA FINANCE HOLDING COMPANY, as Canadian Lender.

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, on April 1, 2003 (the “ Petition Date ”), Fleming Companies, Inc. (“ Fleming ”) and certain of its Subsidiaries (collectively, the “ Debtors ”) commenced Case No. 03-10945 (MFW), as administratively consolidated (the “ Chapter 11 Case ”), under Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Code, 11 U.S.C. 101 et seq. (the “ Bankruptcy Code ”), with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “ Bankruptcy Court ”).

 

WHEREAS, by order, docketed July 27, 2004, the Bankruptcy Court confirmed that certain Debtors’ and Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors’ Third Amended and Revised Joint Plan of Reorganization of Fleming Companies, Inc. and its Filing Subsidiaries Under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code dated July 16, 2004 (as amended, the “ Plan of Reorganization ”), in accordance with §1129 of the Bankruptcy Code;

 

WHEREAS, Lenders are willing to make certain loans and other extensions of credit to Borrowers of up to such amount upon the terms and conditions set forth herein;

 

WHEREAS, Borrowers have agreed to secure all of their obligations under the Loan Documents by granting to Agent, for the benefit of Agent and Lenders, a first priority security interest in and lien upon substantially all of their existing and after-acquired personal and real property;

 

WHEREAS, each Borrower acknowledges that it will receive substantial direct and indirect benefits by reason of the making of loans and other financial accommodations to the other Borrowers as provided in this Agreement;

 

WHEREAS, the Agent’s and the Lenders’ willingness to extend financial accommodations to the Borrowers, and to administer each Borrower’s collateral security


therefor, on a combined basis as more fully set forth in this Agreement, is done solely as an accommodation to the Borrowers and at the Borrowers’ request and in furtherance of the Borrowers’ mutual and collective enterprise;

 

WHEREAS, in addition, Borrowers are entering into a Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement in an aggregate principal amount of $60,000,000 among the Borrowers, the purchasers from time to time party thereto, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as LC Issuer (as defined therein) and as agent for LC Issuer and such purchasers (with such amendments, modifications, and supplements entered into from time to time as permitted hereunder, the “ Tranche B Loan Facility ”) to be entered into concurrently with this Agreement and the Effective Date (as defined below); and

 

WHEREAS, capitalized terms used in this Agreement shall have the meanings ascribed to them in Annex A and, for purposes of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, the rules of construction set forth in Annex A shall govern. All Annexes, Disclosure Schedules, Exhibits and other attachments (collectively, “ Appendices ”) hereto, or expressly identified in this Agreement, are incorporated herein by reference, and taken together with this Agreement, shall constitute but a single agreement. These recitals shall be construed as part of the Agreement.

 

2


NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants hereinafter contained, and for other good and valuable consideration, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1. AMOUNT AND TERMS OF CREDIT

 

1.1 Credit Facilities .

 

(a) Revolving Credit Facility .

 

(i) Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, each Lender agrees to make available to Borrowers, from time to time until the Commitment Termination Date, its Pro Rata Share of advances of the Revolving Loan in Dollars (each, a “ Revolving Credit Advance ”); provided , however , Borrowers shall not request, and Lenders shall have no obligation to make, any Revolving Credit Advances to Borrowers at any time First Funded Revolver Borrowing Availability exists hereunder. The Pro Rata Share of the Revolving Loan of any Lender shall not at any time exceed its separate Revolving Loan Commitment. The obligations of each Lender hereunder shall be several and not joint. Until the Commitment Termination Date, Borrowers may borrow, repay and reborrow under this Section 1.1(a) ; provided that the amount of any Revolving Credit Advance to be made at any time shall not exceed the Revolver Borrowing Availability at such time. The Revolver Borrowing Availability may be reduced by Reserves imposed by Agent in its Permitted Discretion. Each Revolving Credit Advance shall be made on notice by Borrower Representative on behalf of the Borrowers to one of the representatives of Agent identified in Schedule 1.1 at the address specified therein. Any such notice must be given no later than (1) 1:00 p.m. (New York time) on the Business Day of the proposed Revolving Credit Advance, in the case of an Index Rate Loan, or (2) 1:00 p.m. (New York time) on the date which is three (3) Business Days prior to the proposed Revolving Credit Advance, in the case of a LIBOR Loan. Each such notice (a “ Notice of Revolving Credit Advance ”) must be given in writing (by telecopy or overnight courier, or by telephone to be confirmed in writing on the same Business Day) substantially in the form of Exhibit 1.1(a)(i) , and shall include the information required in such Exhibit and such other information as may be reasonably required by Agent. If Borrowers desire to have the Revolving Credit Advances bear interest by reference to a LIBOR Rate, Borrower Representative must comply with Section 1.5(e)(i) .

 

(ii) Except as provided in Section 1.12 , Borrowers shall execute and deliver to each Lender a note to evidence the Revolving Loan Commitment of that Lender. Each note shall be in the principal amount of the Revolving Loan Commitment of the applicable Lender, dated or to be dated on or about the date hereof and substantially in the form of Exhibit 1.1(a)(ii) (each a “ Revolving Note ” and, collectively, the “ Revolving Notes ”). Each Revolving Note shall represent the joint and several obligation of the Borrowers to pay the amount of the applicable Lender’s Revolving Loan Commitment or, if less, such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all Revolving Credit Advances to the Borrowers together with interest thereon as prescribed in Section 1.5 . The entire unpaid balance of the aggregate Revolving Loan and all other non-contingent Obligations shall be immediately due and payable in full in immediately available funds on the Commitment Termination Date.

 

(iii) Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, at the request of Borrower Representative, in its discretion Agent may (but shall have absolutely no obligation to) make Revolving Credit Advances to Borrowers on behalf of Lenders in amounts that cause the outstanding balance of the aggregate Revolving Loan to exceed the Revolver

 

3


Borrowing Base (less the Swing Line Loan) (any such excess Revolving Credit Advances are herein referred to collectively, together with Protective Overadvances, as “ Overadvances ”); provided that (A) no such event or occurrence shall cause or constitute a waiver of Agent’s, Swing Line Lender’s or Lenders’ right to refuse to make any further Overadvances, Swing Line Advances or Revolving Credit Advances, or incur any Letter of Credit Obligations, as the case may be, at any time that an Overadvance exists, and (B) no Overadvance shall result in a Default or Event of Default based on Borrowers’ failure to comply with Section 1.3(b)(i) for so long as Agent permits such Overadvance to be outstanding, but solely with respect to the amount of such Overadvance. In addition, Overadvances may be made even if the conditions to lending set forth in Section 2 have not been met. All Overadvances shall constitute Index Rate Loans, shall bear interest at the Default Rate and shall be payable within one (1) Business Day after demand by Agent. Except as otherwise provided in Section 1.11(b) , (w) the aggregate outstanding amount of Overadvances shall not exceed Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000) at any time (it being understood that the aggregate outstanding amount of Protective Overadvances shall not exceed Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000) at any time), (x) except for Protective Overadvances, any Overadvance shall not remain outstanding for more than sixty (60) days during any single 180-day period, (y) any Overadvance shall not cause the aggregate Revolving Loan to exceed the Revolver Maximum Amount, and (z) the authority of Agent to make Overadvances may be revoked prospectively by a written notice to Agent signed by Requisite Lenders.

 

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(b) First Funded Revolving Loan Facility .

 

(i) Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, each Lender agrees to make available to Borrowers from time to time until the Commitment Termination Date its Pro Rata Share of advances of the First Funded Revolving Loan in Dollars (each, a “ First Funded Revolving Credit Advance ”). The Pro Rata Share of the First Funded Revolving Loan of any Lender shall not at any time exceed its separate First Funded Revolving Loan Commitment. The obligations of each Lender hereunder shall be several and not joint. Until the Commitment Termination Date, Borrowers may borrow, repay and reborrow under this Section 1.1(b) ; provided that the amount of any First Funded Revolving Credit Advance to be made at any time shall not exceed First Funded Revolver Borrowing Availability at such time. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is acknowledged and agreed that to the extent, as of any date of determination, (x) the aggregate outstanding First Funded Revolving Loan is less than the First Funded Revolver Maximum Amount and (y) Revolver Borrowing Availability exists hereunder, then the First Funded Revolving Loan shall be funded up to the First Funded Revolver Maximum Amount (provided such additional amount advanced shall not exceed the Revolving Borrowing Availability as of such date), with an amount equal to the difference between the First Funded Revolver Maximum Amount and the aggregate outstanding First Funded Revolving Loan being deducted from Revolving Borrowing Availability hereunder. First Funded Revolver Borrowing Availability may be reduced by Reserves imposed by Agent in its Permitted Discretion. Each First Funded Revolving Credit Advance shall be made on notice by Borrower Representative on behalf of the Borrowers to one of the representatives of Agent identified in Schedule 1.1 at the address specified therein. Any such notice must be given no later than (1) 1:00 p.m. (New York time) on the Business Day of the proposed First Funded Revolving Credit Advance, in the case of an Index Rate Loan, or (2) 1:00 p.m. (New York time) on the date which is three (3) Business Days prior to the proposed First Funded Revolving Credit Advance, in the case of a LIBOR Loan. Each such notice (a “ Notice of First Funded Revolving Credit Advance ”) must be given in writing (by telecopy or overnight courier, or by telephone to be confirmed in writing on the same Business Day) substantially in the form of Exhibit 1.1(b)(i) , and shall include the information required in such Exhibit and such other information as may be reasonably required by Agent. If Borrowers desire to have the First Funded Revolving Credit Advances bear interest by reference to a LIBOR Rate, Borrower Representative must comply with Section 1.5(e)(i) .

 

(ii) Except as provided in Section 1.12 , Borrowers shall execute and deliver to each Lender a note to evidence the First Funded Revolving Loan Commitment of that Lender. Each note shall be in the principal amount of the First Funded Revolving Loan Commitment of the applicable Lender, dated or to be dated on or about the date hereof and substantially in the form of Exhibit 1.1(b)(ii) (each a “ First Funded Revolving Note ” and, collectively, the “ First Funded Revolving Notes ”). Each First Funded Revolving Note shall represent the joint and several obligation of the Borrowers to pay the amount of the applicable Lender’s First Funded Revolving Loan Commitment or, if less, such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all First Funded Revolving Credit Advances to the Borrowers together with interest thereon as prescribed in Section 1.5 . The entire unpaid balance of the aggregate First Funded Revolving Loan and all other non-contingent Obligations shall be immediately due and payable in full in immediately available funds on the Commitment Termination Date.

 

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(c) Swing Line Facility .

 

(i) Agent shall notify the Swing Line Lender upon Agent’s receipt of any Notice of Revolving Credit Advance. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Swing Line Lender may, in its reasonable discretion, make available from time to time until the Commitment Termination Date advances in Dollars (each, a “ Swing Line Advance ”) in accordance with any such notice. The provisions of this Section 1.1(c) shall not relieve Lenders of their obligations to make Advances under Section 1.1(a) or (b) ; provided that if the Swing Line Lender makes a Swing Line Advance pursuant to any such notice, such Swing Line Advance shall be in lieu of any Revolving Credit Advance that otherwise may be made by Lenders pursuant to such notice. The aggregate amount of Swing Line Advances outstanding shall not exceed at any time the lesser of (A) the Swing Line Commitment and (B) the lesser of the Maximum Amount and (except for Overadvances) the sum of the Revolver Borrowing Base and the First Funded Revolver Borrowing Base, in each case, less the outstanding balance of the Loans at such time (“ Swing Line Availability ”). Until the Commitment Termination Date, Borrowers may from time to time borrow, repay and reborrow under this Section 1.1(c) . Each Swing Line Advance shall be made pursuant to a Notice of Revolving Credit Advance or Notice of First Funded Revolving Credit Advance, as the case may be, delivered to Agent by Borrower Representative on behalf of Borrowers in accordance with Section 1.1(a) or (b) . Any such notice must be given no later than 1:00 p.m. (New York time) on the Business Day of the proposed Swing Line Advance. Unless the Swing Line Lender has received at least one Business Day’s prior written notice from Requisite Lenders instructing it not to make a Swing Line Advance, the Swing Line Lender shall, notwithstanding the failure of any condition precedent set forth in Sections 2.2 , be entitled to fund that Swing Line Advance, and to have each Lender make Revolving Credit Advances in accordance with Section 1.1(c)(iii) or purchase participating interests in accordance with Section 1.1(c)(iv) . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, the Swing Line Loan shall constitute an Index Rate Loan. Borrowers shall repay the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Swing Line Loan upon demand therefor by Agent.

 

(ii) Borrowers shall execute and deliver to the Swing Line Lender a promissory note to evidence the Swing Line Commitment. Such note shall be in the principal amount of the Swing Line Commitment of the Swing Line Lender, dated or to be dated on or about the date hereof and substantially in the form of Exhibit 1.1(c)(ii) (the “ Swing Line Note ”). The Swing Line Note shall represent the joint and several obligation of Borrowers to pay the amount of the Swing Line Commitment or, if less, the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all Swing Line Advances made to Borrowers together with interest thereon as prescribed in Section 1.5 . The entire unpaid balance of the Swing Line Loan and all other noncontingent Obligations shall be immediately due and payable in full in immediately available funds on the Commitment Termination Date.

 

(iii) The Swing Line Lender, at any time and from time to time no less frequently than once weekly, or more frequently upon the request of the Borrower Representative, shall, on behalf of Borrowers (and each Borrower hereby irrevocably authorizes the Swing Line Lender to so act on its behalf), request each Lender (including the Swing Line Lender) to make a Revolving Credit Advance to Borrowers (which shall be an Index Rate Loan) in an amount equal to that Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the principal amount of the Borrowers’

 

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Swing Line Loan (the “ Refunded Swing Line Loan ”) outstanding on the date such notice is given, it being understood that Borrowers may repay such Swing Line Loan with the proceeds of a First Funded Revolving Credit Advance or, if the First Funded Revolving Loan is fully funded at such time, a Revolving Credit Advance, provided that the conditions set forth in Section 2.2 and, with respect to requested LIBOR Loans or BA Rate Loans, Section 1.5(e) , are satisfied. Unless any of the events described in Sections 8.1(h) or 8.1(i) has occurred and is continuing (in which event the procedures of Section 1.1(c)(iv) shall apply) and regardless of whether the conditions precedent set forth in this Agreement to the making of an Advance are then satisfied, each Lender shall disburse directly to Agent, its Pro Rata Share of a Revolving Credit Advance on behalf of the Swing Line Lender prior to 3:00 p.m. (New York time) in immediately available funds on the Business Day next succeeding the date that notice is given. The proceeds of those Revolving Credit Advances shall be immediately paid to the Swing Line Lender and applied to repay the Refunded Swing Line Loan of the Borrowers.

 

(iv) If, prior to refunding a Swing Line Loan with a Revolving Credit Advance pursuant to Section 1.1(c)(iii) , one of the events described in Sections 8.1(h) or 8.1(i) has occurred and is continuing, then, subject to the provisions of Section 1.1(c)(v) below, each Lender shall, on the date such Revolving Credit Advance was to have been made for the benefit of the Borrowers, purchase from the Swing Line Lender an undivided participation interest in the Swing Line Loan to Borrowers in an amount equal to its Pro Rata Share of such Swing Line Loan. Upon request, each Lender shall promptly transfer to the Swing Line Lender, in immediately available funds, the amount of its participation interest.

 

(v) Each Lender’s obligation to make Advances in accordance with Section 1.1(c)(iii) and to purchase participation interests in accordance with Section 1.1(c)(iv) shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance, including (A) any setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right that such Lender may have against the Swing Line Lender, any Borrower or any other Person for any reason whatsoever; (B) the occurrence or continuance of any Default or Event of Default; (C) any inability of any Borrower to satisfy the conditions precedent to borrowing set forth in this Agreement at any time or (D) any other circumstance, happening or event whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing. If any Lender does not make available to Agent or the Swing Line Lender, as applicable, the amount required pursuant to Sections 1.1(c)(iii) or 1.1(c)(iv) , as the case may be, the Swing Line Lender shall be entitled to recover such amount on demand from such Lender, together with interest thereon for each day from the date of non-payment until such amount is paid in full at the Federal Funds Rate for the first two Business Days and at the Index Rate thereafter.

 

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(d) Canadian Advances .

 

(i) Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, Canadian Lender agrees to make available to Borrowers, from time to time until the Commitment Termination Date, advances of the First Funded Revolving Loan or the Revolving Loan in Canadian dollars (each, a “ Canadian Advance ”); provided , however , Borrowers shall not request, and Canadian Lender shall have no obligation to make, any Canadian Advances under the Revolving Loan to Borrowers at any time First Funded Revolver Borrowing Availability exists hereunder. The Pro Rata Share of the First Funded Revolving Loan or the Revolving Loan of any Lender shall not at any time exceed its separate First Funded Revolving Loan Commitment or Revolving Loan Commitment, as the case may be. The obligations of each Lender hereunder shall be several and not joint. Until the Commitment Termination Date, Borrowers may borrow, repay and reborrow under this Section 1.1(d) ; provided that the amount of any Canadian Advance to be made at any time shall not exceed First Funded Revolver Borrowing Availability or Revolver Borrowing Availability (as the case may be) at such time; and provided , further , the aggregate outstanding amount of Canadian Advances shall not exceed the Canadian Sublimit at any time. Each Canadian Advance shall be made on notice by Borrower Representative on behalf of the Borrowers to one of the representatives of Canadian Lender identified in Schedule 1.1 at the address specified therein. Any such notice must be given no later than 1:00 p.m. (New York time) on the Business Day of the proposed Canadian Advance. Each such notice (a “ Notice of Canadian Advance ”) must be given in writing (by telecopy or overnight courier, or by telephone to be confirmed in writing on the same Business Day) substantially in the form of Exhibit 1.1(d)(i) , and shall include the information required in such Exhibit and such other information as may be reasonably required by Canadian Lender. If Borrowers desire to have a Canadian Advance advanced as a BA Rate Loan, it must comply with Section 1.5(e)(ii) .

 

(ii) Borrowers shall execute and deliver to Canadian Lender a note to evidence the Canadian Sublimit. The note shall be in the principal amount of the Canadian Sublimit, dated or to be dated on or about the date hereof and substantially in the form of Exhibit 1.1(d)(ii) (the “ Canadian Note ”). The Canadian Note shall represent the joint and several obligation of the Borrowers to pay the amount of the Canadian Sublimit or, if less, the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all Canadian Advances to the Borrowers together with interest thereon as prescribed in Section 1.5 . The entire unpaid balance of the aggregate Canadian Advances and all other non-contingent Obligations shall be immediately due and payable in full in immediately available funds on the Commitment Termination Date.

 

(e) Reliance on Notices; Appointment of Borrower Representative . Each of Agent and Canadian Lender shall be entitled to rely upon, and shall be fully protected in relying upon, any Notice of Revolving Credit Advance, Notice of First Funded Revolving Credit Advance, Notice of Canadian Advance, Notice of Conversion/Continuation-LIBOR, Notice of Conversion/Continuation-BA Rate or similar notice believed by Agent or Canadian Lender (as the case may be) to be genuine. Each of Agent and Canadian Lender may assume that each Person executing and delivering any notice in accordance herewith was duly authorized, unless the responsible individual acting thereon for Agent and Canadian Lender has actual knowledge to the contrary. Each Borrower hereby designates Borrower Representative as its representative and agent on its behalf for the purposes of issuing Notices of Revolving Credit Advances, Notices of First Funded Revolving Credit Advances, Notices of Canadian Advances, Notices of

 

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Conversion/Continuation-LIBOR and Notices of Conversion/Continuation-BA Rate, giving instructions with respect to the disbursement of the proceeds of the Loans, selecting interest rate options, requesting Letters of Credit, giving and receiving all other notices and consents hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents and taking all other actions (including in respect of compliance with covenants) on behalf of any Borrower or Borrowers under the Loan Documents. Borrower Representative hereby accepts such appointment. Agent, Canadian Lender and each Lender may regard any notice or other communication pursuant to any Loan Document from Borrower Representative as a notice or communication from all Borrowers, and may give any notice or communication required or permitted to be given to any Borrower or Borrowers hereunder to Borrower Representative on behalf of such Borrower or Borrowers. Each Borrower agrees that each notice, election, representation and warranty, covenant, agreement and undertaking made on its behalf by Borrower Representative shall be deemed for all purposes to have been made by such Borrower and shall be binding upon and enforceable against such Borrower to the same extent as if the same had been made directly by such Borrower. Each Borrower appoints Borrower Representative as such Borrower’s agent for service of process.

 

1.2 Letters of Credit . Subject to and in accordance with the terms and conditions contained herein and in Annex B , Borrower Representative, on behalf of Borrowers, shall have the right to request, and Lenders agree to incur, or purchase participations in, Letter of Credit Obligations in respect of Borrowers.

 

1.3 Prepayments .

 

(a) Voluntary Prepayments; Reductions in Revolving Loan Commitments . Borrowers may at any time on at least five (5) Business Days’ prior written notice by Borrower Representative to Agent and Canadian Lender (i) prepay the Revolving Credit Advances and Canadian Advances, as applicable, and, if no Revolving Credit Advances are then outstanding, the First Funded Revolving Credit Advances, and (ii) permanently reduce (but not terminate) the Revolving Loan Commitment; provided that (A) any such reductions shall be in a minimum amount of $3,000,000 and integral multiples of $250,000 in excess of such amount, (B) the Revolving Loan Commitment shall not be reduced to an amount less than $100,000,000, and (C) after giving effect to such reductions, Borrowers shall comply with Section 1.3(b)(i) . In addition, Borrowers may at any time on at least ten (10) days’ prior written notice by Borrower Representative to Agent and Canadian Lender terminate the First Funded Revolving Loan Commitment and the Revolving Loan Commitment; provided that upon such termination, all Loans and other non-contingent Obligations shall be immediately due and payable in full and all Letter of Credit Obligations shall be cash collateralized or otherwise satisfied in accordance with Annex B hereto. Any voluntary prepayment and any reduction of the Revolving Loan Commitment or termination of the First Funded Revolving Loan Commitment and the Revolving Loan Commitment must be accompanied by the payment of any LIBOR funding breakage costs in accordance with Section 1.13(b) . Upon any such reduction of the Revolving Loan Commitment or termination of the First Funded Revolving Loan Commitment and Revolving Loan Commitment, as the case may be, Borrowers’ right to request First Funded Revolving Credit Advances, Revolving Credit Advances and/or Canadian Advances, or request that Letter of Credit Obligations be incurred on its behalf, or request Swing Line Advances, shall simultaneously be permanently reduced or terminated, as the case may be; provided that a

 

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permanent reduction of the Revolving Loan Commitment shall not require a corresponding pro rata reduction in the L/C Sublimit. Each notice of partial prepayment shall designate the Loans or other Obligations to which such prepayment is to be applied.

 

(b) Mandatory Prepayments .

 

(i) If at any time the aggregate sum of the outstanding balances of the Revolving Loan and the Swing Line Loan exceed the lesser of (A) the Revolver Maximum Amount and (B) the Revolver Borrowing Base, Borrowers shall, within one (1) Business Day after demand by Agent, repay the aggregate outstanding Revolving Credit Advances to the extent required to eliminate such excess. If any such excess remains after repayment in full of the aggregate outstanding Revolving Credit Advances, Borrowers shall provide cash collateral for the Letter of Credit Obligations in the manner set forth in Annex B to the extent required to eliminate such excess. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Overadvance made pursuant to Section 1.1(a)(iii) shall be repaid in accordance with Section 1.1(a)(iii) .

 

(ii) If at any time the outstanding balance of the First Funded Revolving Loan exceeds the lesser of (A) the First Funded Revolver Maximum Amount and (B) the First Funded Revolver Borrowing Base, Borrowers shall, within one (1) Business Day after demand by Agent, repay the aggregate outstanding First Funded Revolving Credit Advances to the extent required to eliminate such excess. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any prepayment made pursuant to this Section 1.3(b)(ii) shall be paid only after any and all mandatory prepayments required by Section 1.3(b)(i) have been paid.

 

(iii) If at any time the outstanding balance of the Canadian Advances exceeds the Canadian Sublimit, Borrowers shall, within one (1) Business Day after demand by Canadian Lender, repay the aggregate outstanding Canadian Advances to the extent required to eliminate such excess.

 

(c) Application of Prepayments from Insurance and Condemnation Proceeds . Prepayments from insurance or condemnation proceeds in accordance with Section 5.4(b) or (c)  and the Mortgage(s), respectively, shall be applied: first , to the Swing Line Loans; second , to the Revolving Credit Advances or, to the extent made under the Revolving Loan, Canadian Advances, as applicable; and last , to the First Funded Revolving Credit Advances or, to the extent made under the First Funded Revolving Loan, Canadian Advances, as applicable. None of the Revolving Loan Commitment, the Swing Line Commitment or the First Funded Revolving Loan Commitment shall be permanently reduced by the amount of any such prepayments. For the avoidance of doubt, to the extent mandatory prepayments are required to be applied under this clause (c)  to Revolving Credit Advances and Canadian Advances owing to both the Agent and the Canadian Lender, respectively, in accordance with the above-referenced priorities, such prepayments shall be applied pro rata in accordance with the relative amounts of such Advances then due and owing to such Person.

 

(d) No Implied Consent . Nothing in this Section 1.3 shall be construed to constitute Agent’s or any Lender’s consent to any transaction that is not permitted by other provisions of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents.

 

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1.4 Use of Proceeds . Borrowers shall utilize the proceeds of the Loans solely for (a) the Refinancing, (b) the financing of Borrowers’ ordinary working capital and general corporate needs, but excluding in any event the making of any Restricted Payment not specifically permitted by Section 6.14 , (c) funding the Trusts to the extent required pursuant to the Plan of Reorganization, and (d) for certain other pre-petition and post-petition obligations which are provided for in the Plan of Reorganization. Disclosure Schedule (1.4)  contains a description of Borrowers’ sources and uses of funds as of the Closing Date, including Loans and Letter of Credit Obligations to be made or incurred on that date, and a funds flow memorandum detailing how funds from each source are to be transferred to particular uses.

 

1.5 Interest and Applicable Margins .

 

(a) Borrowers shall pay interest to Agent, for the ratable benefit of Lenders in accordance with the various Loans being made by each Lender or Canadian Lender (as applicable), in arrears on each applicable Interest Payment Date, at the following rates: (i) with respect to the Revolving Credit Advances, the Index Rate plus the Applicable Revolver Index Margin per annum or, at the election of Borrower Representative, the applicable LIBOR Rate plus the Applicable Revolver LIBOR Margin per annum; (ii) with respect to the First Funded Revolving Credit Advances, the Index Rate plus the Applicable First Funded Revolver Index Margin per annum or, at the election of Borrower Representative, the applicable LIBOR Rate plus the Applicable First Funded Revolver LIBOR Margin per annum; (iii) with respect to the Canadian Advances, the Index Rate plus the Applicable First Funded Revolver Index Margin or the Applicable Revolver Index Margin per annum (as applicable) or, at the election of Borrower Representative, the applicable BA Rate plus the Applicable First Funded Revolver BA Margin or Applicable Revolver BA Margin per annum (as applicable); and (iv) with respect to the Swing Line Loan, the Index Rate plus the Applicable Revolver Index Margin per annum.

 

The Applicable Margins with respect to the First Funded Revolving Loan and the Unused Line Fee are as follows:

 

Applicable First Funded Revolver Index Margin

   2.75 %

Applicable First Funded Revolver LIBOR Margin

   4.00 %

Applicable First Funded Revolver BA Margin

   4.00 %

Applicable Unused Line Fee Margin

   0.50 %

 

The Applicable Margins with respect to the Revolving Credit Loans and Letters of Credit shall be adjusted by reference to the following grid:

 

If aggregate outstanding amount of the Revolving
Credit Loans and Letters of Credit is:


  

Level of

Applicable Margins:


< 33 1/3 % of the lesser of (i) the Revolver Maximum Amount and (ii) the Revolver Borrowing Base

  

Level I

 

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If aggregate outstanding amount of the Revolving
Credit Loans and Letters of Credit is:


  

Level of

Applicable Margins:


> 33 1/3 % but < 66 2/3 % of the lesser of (i) the Revolver Maximum Amount and (ii) the Revolver Borrowing Base

  

Level II

> 66 2/3 % of the lesser of (i) the Revolver Maximum Amount and (ii) the Revolver Borrowing Base

  

Level III

 

     Applicable Margins

 
     Level I

    Level II

    Level III

 

Applicable Revolver Index Margin

   1.00 %   1.25 %   1.50 %

Applicable Revolver LIBOR Margin

   2.25 %   2.50 %   2.75 %

Applicable Revolver BA Margin

   2.25 %   2.50 %   2.75 %

Applicable L/C Margin

   2.25 %   2.50 %   2.75 %

 

All adjustments in the Applicable Margins with respect to the Revolving Credit Loans and Letters of Credit shall be implemented on a prospective basis, based on the average daily aggregate outstanding amount of the Revolving Credit Loans and Letters of Credit for the month most recently ended, as determined by Agent on or prior to the fifth (5th) Business Day of each calendar month, with any such adjustments taking effect on the first day of the immediately succeeding calendar month.

 

(b) If any payment on any Loan becomes due and payable on a day other than a Business Day, the maturity thereof will be extended to the next succeeding Business Day (except as set forth in the definition of LIBOR Period) and, with respect to payments of principal, interest thereon shall be payable at the then applicable rate during such extension.

 

(c) All computations of Fees calculated on a per annum basis and interest shall be made by Agent on the basis of a 360-day year (other than interest on Index Rate Loans, which shall be made on the basis of a 365/366-day year), in each case for the actual number of days occurring in the period for which such interest and Fees are payable. Each determination by Agent of an interest rate and Fees hereunder shall be presumptive evidence of the correctness of such rates and Fees.

 

(d) So long as an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing under Sections 8.1(a), (h) or (i) , or so long as any other Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and at the election of Agent (or upon the written request of Requisite Lenders) confirmed by

 

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written notice from Agent to Borrower Representative, the interest rates applicable to the Loans and the Letter of Credit Fees shall be increased by two percentage points (2%) per annum above the rates of interest or the rate of such Fees otherwise applicable hereunder unless Supermajority Lenders elect to impose a smaller increase (the “ Default Rate ”), and all outstanding Obligations shall bear interest at the Default Rate applicable to such Obligations. Interest and Letter of Credit Fees at the Default Rate shall accrue from the initial date of such Event of Default under Sections 8.1(a), (h) or (i)  or election of Agent (or written request of Requisite Lenders) until that Event of Default is cured or waived and shall be payable upon demand.

 

(e) (i) Subject to the conditions precedent set forth in Section 2.2 , Borrower Representative shall have the option to (A) request that any Revolving Credit Advance or First Funded Revolving Credit Advance be made as a LIBOR Loan, (B) convert at any time all or any part of outstanding Loans (other than a Swing Line Loan) from Index Rate Loans to LIBOR Loans, (C) convert any LIBOR Loan to an Index Rate Loan, subject to payment of LIBOR breakage costs in accordance with Section 1.13(b) if such conversion is made prior to the expiration of the LIBOR Period applicable thereto, or (D) continue all or any portion of any Loan (other than the Swing Line Loan) as a LIBOR Loan upon the expiration of the applicable LIBOR Period and the succeeding LIBOR Period of that continued Loan shall commence on the first day after the last day of the LIBOR Period of the Loan to be continued. Any Loan or group of Loans having the same proposed LIBOR Period to be made or continued as, or converted into, a LIBOR Loan must be in a minimum amount of $2,500,000 and integral multiples of $500,000 in excess of such amount. Any such election must be made by 1:00 p.m. (New York time) on the third Business Day prior to (1) the date of any proposed Advance which is to bear interest at the LIBOR Rate, (2) the end of each LIBOR Period with respect to any LIBOR Loans to be continued as such, or (3) the date on which Borrower Representative wishes to convert any Index Rate Loan to a LIBOR Loan for a LIBOR Period designated by Borrower Representative in such election. If no election is received with respect to a LIBOR Loan by 1:00 p.m. (New York time) on the third Business Day prior to the end of the LIBOR Period with respect thereto (or if a Default or an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or if the additional conditions precedent set forth in Section 2.2 shall not have been satisfied), that LIBOR Loan shall be converted to an Index Rate Loan at the end of its LIBOR Period. Borrower Representative must make such election by notice to Agent in writing, by telecopy or overnight courier (or by telephone to be confirmed in writing on the same Business Day). In the case of any conversion or continuation, such election must be made pursuant to a written notice (a “ Notice of Conversion/Continuation-LIBOR ”) in the form of Exhibit 1.5(e)(i)

 

(ii) Subject to the conditions precedent set forth in Section 2.2 , Borrower Representative shall have the option to (A) request that any Canadian Advance be made as a BA Rate Loan, (B) convert at any time all or any part of the outstanding Canadian Advances (other than the Swing Loan) from Index Rate Loans to BA Rate Loans, (C) convert any BA Rate Loan to an Index Rate Loan, subject to payment of BA Rate breakage costs in accordance with Section 1.13(b) if such conversion is made prior to the expiration of the BA Period applicable thereto, or (D) continue any BA Rate Loan as a BA Rate Loan upon the expiration of the applicable BA Period and the succeeding BA Period of that continued BA Rate Loan shall commence on the first day after the last day of the BA Period of the BA Rate Loan to be continued; provided , however , that no Loan, or any part thereof, shall be made as, converted to, or continued at the expiration of the BA Period therefor as a BA Rate Loan if any Default or

 

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Event of Default has occurred and is continuing. Any Canadian Advance or group of Canadian Advances having the same proposed BA Period to be made or continued as, or converted into, a BA Rate Loan must be in a minimum amount of $2,500,000 and integral multiples of $500,000 in excess of such amount. Any such election must be made by 1:00 pm (New York time) on the third Business Day prior to (1) the date of any proposed Canadian Advance which is to bear interest at the BA Rate, (2) the end of each BA Period with respect to any BA Rate Loans to be continued as such, or (3) the date on which Borrower wishes to convert any Canadian Advance to a BA Rate Loan for a BA Period designated by Borrower in such election. If no election is received with respect to a BA Rate Loan by 1:00 p.m. (New York time) on the second Business Day prior to the end of the BA Period with respect thereto (or if a Default or an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or the additional conditions precedent set forth in Section 2.2 shall not have been satisfied), that BA Rate Loan shall be converted to an Index Rate Loan at the end of its BA Period. Borrower Representative must make such election by notice to Agent in writing, by telecopy or overnight courier (or by telephone to be confirmed in writing on the same Business Day). In the case of any conversion or continuation, such election must be made pursuant to a written notice (a “ Notice of Conversion/Continuation-BA Rate ”) in the form of Exhibit 1.5(e)(ii) .

 

(f) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Section 1.5 , if a court of competent jurisdiction determines in a final order that the rate of interest payable hereunder exceeds the highest rate of interest permissible under law (the “ Maximum Lawful Rate ”), then so long as the Maximum Lawful Rate would be so exceeded, the rate of interest payable hereunder shall be equal to the Maximum Lawful Rate; provided , however , that if at any time thereafter the rate of interest payable hereunder is less than the Maximum Lawful Rate, Borrowers shall continue to pay interest hereunder at the Maximum Lawful Rate until such time as the total interest received by Agent, on behalf of Lenders, is equal to the total interest that would have been received had the interest rate payable hereunder been (but for the operation of this paragraph) the interest rate payable since the Closing Date as otherwise provided in this Agreement. In no event shall the total interest received by any Lender pursuant to the terms hereof exceed the amount that such Lender could lawfully have received had the interest due hereunder been calculated for the full term hereof at the Maximum Lawful Rate.

 

1.6 Eligible Accounts . All of the Accounts owned by Borrowers and reflected in the most recent Borrowing Base Certificate delivered by Borrower Representative to Agent shall be “Eligible Accounts” for purposes of this Agreement, except any Account to which any of the exclusionary criteria set forth below applies. Agent shall have the right to establish, modify or eliminate Reserves against Eligible Accounts from time to time in its Permitted Discretion after the Closing Date; provided that, no Reserves in effect on the Closing Date (other than the AMI Reserve (as defined in the initial Borrowing Base Certificate delivered to Agent on the Closing Date)) shall be eliminated or modified so as to make more credit available following the Closing Date without the approval of the Supermajority Lenders (it being understood that Agent shall have the right to eliminate or modify the AMI Reserve in its Permitted Discretion). In addition, Agent reserves the right, at any time and from time to time after the Closing Date, to adjust any of the criteria set forth below and to establish new criteria and to adjust advance rates with respect to Eligible Accounts, in its Permitted Discretion, reflecting changes in the collectibility or realization values of such Accounts arising or discovered by Agent after the Closing Date subject to the approval of Supermajority Lenders in the case of changes,

 

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adjustments or new criteria which have the effect of making more credit available; provided that the approval of the Supermajority Lenders shall not be required in the case of adjustments or new criteria which have the effect of making more credit available which have been implemented following Agent’s imposition of adjustments or new criteria which have had the effect of making less credit available in a like amount. Eligible Accounts shall not include any Account of any Borrower:

 

(a) that arises from a sale to any director, officer or other employee or Affiliate of any Borrower, or any entity that has any common officer or director with any Borrower, except to the extent any such Account arises from an arm’s length sale to any such Person other than an officer or employee (the Borrowers hereby represent to Agent and Lenders that no Borrower has actual knowledge of the existence of any such Accounts arising from arm’s length sales to such Persons unless otherwise disclosed on the Borrowing Base Certificate most recently delivered to Agent pursuant to Annex F to the Agreement);

 

(b) that has not been paid within sixty (60) days following its due date;

 

(c) to the extent any credit balance of such Account is outstanding greater than sixty (60) days following such Account’s due date;

 

(d) that arose from the sale of goods to a vendor or other factory representative, but only to the extent of the amount of the account payable to such vendor or representative (it being understood that the amount excluded from the Borrowing Base pursuant to this clause (d)  shall not exceed the amount of the Account);

 

(e) that is the obligation of an Account Debtor that is (i) the United States government or a political subdivision thereof, or any state, county or municipality or department, agency or instrumentality thereof, (ii) the Canadian federal government or any department, agency or instrumentality thereof, or (iii) a Canadian provincial, territorial or municipal government, unless Agent, in its sole discretion, has agreed to the contrary in writing and such Borrower, if necessary or desirable, has complied with respect to such obligation with the Federal Assignment of Claims Act of 1940, the Financial Administration Act (Canada) or any applicable state, county or municipal law restricting assignment thereof;

 

(f) that is in default as a result of the occurrence of any of the following:

 

(i) the Account Debtor obligated upon such Account suspends business, makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors or fails to pay its debts generally as they come due; or

 

(ii) a petition is filed by or against any Account Debtor obligated upon such Account under any bankruptcy law or any other federal, state or foreign (including any provincial) receivership, insolvency relief or other law or laws for the relief of debtors;

 

(g) to the extent that any defense, counterclaim, setoff or dispute is asserted in writing or otherwise known by such Borrower as to such Account;

 

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(h) that arises with respect to goods that are delivered on a cash-on-delivery or cash-and-carry basis;

 

(i) to the extent such Account constitutes a “charge back”, re-bill or similar adjustment for unauthorized deductions made by the Account Debtor;

 

(j) that is the obligation of an Account Debtor if fifty percent (50%) or more of the Dollar amount of all Accounts owing by that Account Debtor are ineligible under the criteria set forth in Section 1.6(b) ;

 

(k) that constitutes unapplied cash;

 

(l) to the extent that such Account is subject to customer rebates in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices, but only to the extent of the amount of such customer rebates (it being understood that the amount excluded from the Borrowing Base pursuant to this clause (l)  shall not exceed the amount of the Account);

 

(m) that constitutes a customer deposit or other payment in advance for goods or services not yet delivered or provided, as the case may be;

 

(n) Accounts of any Borrower subject to an unreconciled variance between such Borrower’s general ledger and accounts receivable aging;

 

(o) to the extent such Account is pre-billed by any Borrower in excess of one (1) day;

 

(p) that does not arise from the sale of goods or the performance of services by such Borrower in the ordinary course of its business;

 

(q) (i) upon which such Borrower’s right to receive payment is not absolute or is contingent upon the fulfillment of any condition whatsoever or (ii) as to which such Borrower is not able to bring suit or otherwise enforce its remedies against the Account Debtor through judicial process or (iii) if the Account represents a progress billing consisting of an invoice for goods sold or used or services rendered pursuant to a contract under which the Account Debtor’s obligation to pay that invoice is subject to such Borrower’s completion of further performance under such contract or is subject to the equitable lien of a surety bond issuer;

 

(r) that is not a true and correct statement of bona fide indebtedness incurred in the amount of the Account for merchandise sold to or services rendered and accepted by the applicable Account Debtor;

 

(s) with respect to which an invoice, reasonably acceptable to Agent in form and substance, has not been sent to the applicable Account Debtor;

 

(t) that (i) is not owned by such Borrower or (ii) is subject to any Lien of any other Person, other than (A) Liens in favor of Agent, on behalf of itself and Lenders, (B) encumbrances described in clause (a)  of the definition of Permitted Encumbrances and (C) the second priority Liens (junior to the Liens in favor of the Agent) securing Subordinated Debt

 

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evidenced by the Subordinated Debt Documents and, in the case of the Liens securing the Tranche B Loan Facility, subject to the Intercreditor Agreement;

 

(u) that is the obligation of an Account Debtor located in a foreign country other than Canada unless payment thereof is assured by a letter of credit assigned and delivered to Agent, reasonably satisfactory to Agent as to form, amount and issuer;

 

(v) to the extent such Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof is liable for goods sold or services rendered by the applicable Account Debtor to such Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof but only to the extent of the potential offset;

 

(w) as to which Agent’s Lien thereon, on behalf of itself and Lenders, is not a first priority perfected Lien;

 

(x) as to which any of the representations or warranties in the Loan Documents applicable to Accounts are untrue;

 

(y) to the extent such Account is evidenced by a judgment, Instrument or Chattel Paper;

 

(z) that arises with respect to goods that are delivered on a bill-and-hold basis or placed on consignment, guaranteed sale or other terms by reason of which the payment by the Account Debtor is or may be conditional;

 

(aa) to the extent that such Account, together with all other Accounts owing by such Account Debtor and its Affiliates, as of any date of determination exceed fifteen percent (15%) of all Eligible Accounts or, solely with respect to Accounts that are owing by any Account Debtor and its Affiliates which have a rating of BBB- or higher from S&P (or an equivalent rating from an equivalent Canadian rating agency, as determined by the Agent in its reasonable discretion), twenty percent (20%) of all Eligible Accounts; or

 

(bb) that is payable in any currency other than Dollars or Canadian dollars.

 

1.7 Eligible Inventory . All of the Inventory owned by Borrowers and reflected in the most recent Borrowing Base Certificate delivered by Borrower Representative to Agent shall be “ Eligible Inventory ” for purposes of this Agreement, except any Inventory to which any of the exclusionary criteria set forth below applies. Agent shall have the right to establish, modify or eliminate Reserves against Eligible Inventory from time to time in its Permitted Discretion; provided that, no Reserves in effect on the Closing Date (other than the AMI Reserve (as defined in the initial Borrowing Base Certificate delivered to Agent on the Closing Date)) shall be eliminated or modified so as to make more credit available following the Closing Date without the approval of the Supermajority Lenders (it being understood that Agent shall have the right to eliminate or modify the AMI Reserve in its Permitted Discretion). In addition, Agent reserves the right, at any time and from time to time after the Closing Date, to adjust the criteria set forth below and to establish new criteria and to adjust advance rates with respect to Eligible Inventory, in its Permitted Discretion reflecting changes in the salability or realization values of Inventory arising or discovered by Agent after the Closing Date, subject to the approval of the Supermajority Lenders in the case of adjustments or new criteria which have

 

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the effect of making more credit available; provided that the approval of the Supermajority Lenders shall not be required in the case of adjustments or new criteria which have the effect of making more credit available which have been implemented following Agent’s imposition of adjustments or new criteria which have had the effect of making less credit available in a like or greater amount. Eligible Inventory shall not include:

 

(a) seventy-five (75%) of Inventory of any Borrower that consists of goods which have been returned by the applicable buyer, which constitutes “dry room” inventory;

 

(b) Inventory of any Borrower that consists of display items or packing or shipping materials, manufacturing supplies, work-in-process Inventory, equipment or replacement parts;

 

(c) the amount of Inventory equal to the monthly “shrink” which the Borrowers accrue for;

 

(d) (i) fifty percent (50%) of non-cigarette Inventory on hand over 180 days but less than 360 days; (ii) one hundred percent (100%) of non-cigarette Inventory on hand over 360 days; or (iii) twenty-five percent (25%) of cigarette Inventory on hand over 180 days;

 

(e) Inventory of any Borrower which constitutes U.S. cigarette tax stamps of a jurisdiction in which such Borrower has a cigarette tax liability greater than the amount of a surety bond or other similar arrangement backing such liability, provided that such Inventory shall be ineligible under this clause (e)  only to the extent of any such shortfall;

 

(f) fifty percent (50%) of Inventory consisting of novelty items;

 

(g) seventy-five percent (75%) of the portion of Inventory of any Borrower that represents the difference between the standard cost and discounted purchase price of such Inventory due to discounts, rebates, allowances and manufacturer incentives;

 

(h) $500,000 of Perishable Inventory (it being understood that such amount represents Borrowers’ good faith estimate of the Borrowers’ Perishable Inventory as of the Closing Date and Borrowers make no representations or warranties as to the actual amount of such Perishable Inventory, and neither Agent nor Lenders shall have any obligation to advance on Perishable Inventory following the Closing Date);

 

(i) Inventory of any Borrower subject to an unreconciled variance between such Borrower’s general ledger and perpetual records;

 

(j) the amount of Inventory of any Borrower that represents a price adjustment related to cigarette price increases due to discontinuation of vendor rebate or discount programs;

 

(k) any portion of Inventory of any Borrower, the value of which is attributable to intercompany profits among the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries;

 

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(l) the amount of Inventory of any Borrower which represents an unreconciled variance between the book accounts and the physical Inventory counts conducted by the Agent or its representatives in accordance with this Agreement;

 

(m) Inventory of any Borrower that is placed on consignment or is in transit; provided that Inventory in an amount not to exceed $500,000 (or such greater amount which may be consented by Agent in its sole discretion) which is in transit between Borrowers or divisions of Borrowers shall constitute Eligible Inventory;

 

(n) Inventory of any Borrower that is not owned by such Borrower free and clear of all Liens and rights of any other Person (including the rights of a purchaser that has made progress payments and the rights of a surety that has issued a bond (unless collateralized in a manner reasonably satisfactory to Agent) to assure such Borrower’s performance with respect to that Inventory), except (i) the Liens in favor of Agent, on behalf of itself and Lenders, (ii) Permitted Encumbrances in favor of landlords and bailees to the extent permitted in Section 5.9 hereof (subject to Reserves established by Agent in accordance with Section 5.9 hereof), (iii) encumbrances described in clause (a)  of the definition of Permitted Encumbrances, (iv) encumbrances described in clause (e)  of the definition of Permitted Encumbrances (subject to Reserves established by Agent in its Permitted Discretion) and (v) the second priority Liens (junior to the Liens in favor of the Agent) securing Subordinated Debt evidenced by the Subordinated Debt Documents and, in the case of Liens securing the Tranche B Loan Facility, subject to the Intercreditor Agreement;

 

(o) Inventory of any Borrower that (i) is not located on premises owned, leased or rented by such Borrower and set forth in Disclosure Schedule (3.2) , or (ii) is stored at a leased location, unless Agent has given its prior consent thereto and unless either (x) a reasonably satisfactory landlord waiver has been delivered to Agent to the extent not otherwise addressed to Agent’s reasonable satisfaction in the Confirmation Order or the Confirmation Recognition Order, as applicable, or (y) Reserves reasonably satisfactory to Agent have been established with respect thereto, or (iii) is stored with a bailee or warehouseman unless a reasonably satisfactory, acknowledged bailee letter has been received by Agent to the extent not otherwise addressed to Agent’s reasonable satisfaction in the Confirmation Order or the Confirmation Recognition Order, as applicable, and Reserves reasonably satisfactory to Agent have been established with respect thereto, or (iv) is located at an owned location subject to a mortgage in favor of a lender other than Agent unless a reasonably satisfactory mortgagee waiver has been delivered to Agent to the extent not otherwise addressed to Agent’s reasonable satisfaction in the Confirmation Order or the Confirmation Recognition Order, as applicable, or (v) is located at any site if the aggregate book value of Inventory at any such location is less than $100,000 (unless otherwise consented to by Agent in its sole discretion);

 

(p) Inventory of any Borrower that is covered by a negotiable document of title, unless such document has been delivered to Agent with all necessary endorsements, free and clear of all Liens except those in favor of Agent and Lenders and the second priority Liens (junior to the Liens in favor of the Agent) securing Subordinated Debt evidenced by the Subordinated Debt Documents and, in the case of the Tranche B Loan Facility, subject to the Intercreditor Agreement;

 

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(q) Inventory of any Borrower that is obsolete, slow moving (in excess of one year’s supply), unsalable, shopworn, seconds, damaged or unfit for sale;

 

(r) Inventory of any Borrower that breaches any of the representations or warranties pertaining to Inventory set forth in the Loan Documents;

 

(s) Inventory of any Borrower that consists of any costs associated with “freight-in” charges;

 

(t) Inventory of any Borrower that consists of Hazardous Materials or goods that can be transported or sold only with licenses that are not readily available;

 

(u) Inventory of any Borrower that is not covered by casualty insurance reasonably acceptable to Agent;

 

(v) Inventory of any Borrower that is subject to any patent or trademark license requiring the payment of royalties or fees or requiring the consent of the licensor for a sale thereof by Agent; or

 

(w) Inventory of any Borrower that is subject to any derivative or forward contract that can be terminated based upon the bankruptcy filing of any Borrower.

 

1.8 Cash Management Systems . On or prior to the Closing Date, Borrowers will establish and will maintain until the Termination Date, the cash management systems described in Annex C (the “ Cash Management Systems ”).

 

1.9 Fees .

 

(a) Borrowers shall pay to GE Capital the Fees specified in the Commitment Letter at the times specified for payment therein.

 

(b) As additional compensation for the Lenders, Borrowers shall pay to Agent, for the ratable benefit of such Lenders, in arrears, on the first Business Day of each month prior to the Commitment Termination Date and on the Commitment Termination Date, a Fee for Borrowers’ non-use of available funds in an amount equal to the Applicable Unused Line Fee Margin per annum (calculated on the basis of a 360-day year for actual days elapsed) multiplied by the difference between (x) the Maximum Amount (as it may be reduced from time to time) and (y) the average for the period of the daily closing balances of the aggregate Loans and Letter of Credit Obligations outstanding during the period for which such Fee is due.

 

(c) Borrowers shall pay to Agent, for the ratable benefit of Lenders, the Letter of Credit Fee as provided in Annex B .

 

(d) When and as Canadian Lender collects interest on the Canadian Advances prior to the Put Date, Canadian Lender shall receive all of such interest for its account. However, Canadian Lender shall promptly pay to each Lender an amount calculated as such Lender’s notional Pro Rata Share of the Applicable Margins minus 0.50%, as a fee for the put rights set forth in Section 1.21 (the “ Put Fee ”). If Borrowers pay less than all of the interest then

 

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due and owing by it for any period, then the Canadian Lender’s obligations to pay the Put Fee shall be reduced by the amount of the interest shortfall.

 

1.10 Receipt of Payments . Borrowers shall make each payment under this Agreement not later than 2:00 p.m. (New York time) on the day when due in immediately available funds in Dollars or, with respect to payments relating to the Canadian Advances, in Canadian dollars, to the US Collection Account or Canadian Collection Account, as applicable. For purposes of computing interest and Fees and determining Revolver Borrowing Availability and/or First Funded Revolver Borrowing Availability as of any date, all payments shall be deemed received on the first Business Day following the Business Day on which immediately available funds therefor are received in the US Collection Account or Canadian Collection Account, as applicable, prior to 2:00 p.m. (New York time). Payments received after 2:00 p.m. New York time on any Business Day or on a day that is not a Business Day shall be deemed to have been received on the following Business Day.

 

1.11 Application and Allocation of Payments .

 

(a) So long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, (i) payments consisting of proceeds from the Cash Management System described on Annex C shall be applied, first , to the Swing Line Loan, second , to the Revolving Loan (or Canadian Advances, if applicable), and last , to the First Funded Revolving Loan (or Canadian Advances, if applicable); (ii) voluntary prepayments shall be applied in accordance with the provisions of Section 1.3(a) ; and (iii) mandatory prepayments shall be applied as set forth in Sections 1.3(c) ; provided that all payments made from amounts received from the Canadian Cash Management System described on Annex C shall be applied first , against any outstanding Canadian Advances and then , to the other Obligations; and provided , further , that any such payments of non-Canadian Advances from amounts received from the Canadian Cash Management System described on Annex C shall be made in Dollars. All payments and prepayments applied to a particular Loan shall be applied ratably to the portion thereof held by each Lender as determined by its Pro Rata Share, or to the Canadian Lender in the case of Canadian Advances (prior to the Put Date). As to any other payment, and as to all payments made when an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or following the Commitment Termination Date, each Borrower hereby irrevocably waives the right to direct the application of any and all payments received from or on behalf of such Borrower, and each Borrower hereby irrevocably agrees that Agent shall have the continuing exclusive right to apply any and all such payments against the Obligations of Borrowers as Agent may deem advisable notwithstanding any previous entry by Agent in the Loan Account or any other books and records. In the absence of a specific determination by Agent with respect thereto, payments shall be applied to amounts then due and payable in the following order: (1) to Fees and Agent’s and Canadian Lender’s expenses reimbursable hereunder; (2) to interest on the Swing Line Loan; (3) to principal payments on the Swing Line Loan; (4) to interest on the Revolving Loan; (5) to principal payments on the Revolving Loan (or Canadian Advances, if applicable) and to provide cash collateral for Letter of Credit Obligations in the manner described in Annex B , ratably to the aggregate, combined principal balance of the Revolving Loan (or Canadian Advances, if applicable) and outstanding Letter of Credit Obligations; (6) to interest on the First Funded Revolving Loan (or Canadian Advances, if applicable); (7) to principal payments on the First Funded Revolving Loan (or Canadian Advances, if applicable); and (8) to all other Obligations, including expenses of

 

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Lenders to the extent reimbursable under Section 11.3 ; provided that all payments made from amounts received from the Canadian Cash Management System described on Annex C shall be applied first , against any outstanding Canadian Advances and then , to the other Obligations; and provided , further , that any such payments of non-Canadian Advances from amounts received from the Canadian Cash Management System described on Annex C shall be made in Dollars. For the avoidance of doubt, to the extent payments are to be applied in accordance with the preceding sentence to amounts owing to the Agent and the Canadian Lender (whether in the case of Fees, expenses, interest, principal or otherwise) in accordance with the priorities referenced in such sentence, such payments shall be applied pro rata in accordance with the relative amounts then due and owing to such Person.

 

(b) Agent is authorized to, and at its sole election may, charge to the First Funded Revolving Loan balance or, if the First Funded Revolving Loan is fully funded at such time, the Revolving Loan balance, on behalf of Borrowers and cause to be paid all Fees, expenses, Charges, costs (including insurance premiums in accordance with Section 5.4(a) ) and interest and principal owing by Borrowers under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents if and to the extent Borrowers fail to pay promptly any such amounts as and when due, even if the amount of such charges would exceed the First Funded Revolver Borrowing Availability or Revolver Borrowing Availability, as the case may be, at such time. At Agent’s option and to the extent permitted by law, any charges so made shall constitute part of the First Funded Revolving Loan or Revolving Loan, as the case may be, hereunder.

 

1.12 Loan Account and Accounting . Agent shall maintain a loan account (the “ Loan Account ”) on its books to record: all Advances, all payments made by Borrowers, and all other debits and credits as provided in this Agreement with respect to the Loans or any other Obligations. All entries in the Loan Account shall be made in accordance with Agent’s customary accounting practices as in effect from time to time. The balance in the Loan Account, as recorded on Agent’s most recent printout or other written statement, shall, absent manifest error, be presumptive evidence of the amounts due and owing to Agent and Lenders by Borrowers; provided that any failure to so record or any error in so recording shall not limit or otherwise affect any Borrower’s duty to pay the Obligations. Agent shall render to Borrower Representative a monthly accounting of transactions with respect to the Loans setting forth the balance of the Loan Account as to each Borrower for the immediately preceding month. Unless Borrower Representative notifies Agent in writing of any objection to any such accounting (specifically describing the basis for such objection), within thirty (30) days after the date thereof, each and every such accounting shall be presumptive evidence of all matters reflected therein. Only those items expressly objected to in such notice shall be deemed to be disputed by Borrowers. Notwithstanding any provision herein contained to the contrary, any Lender may elect (which election may be revoked) to dispense with the issuance of Notes to that Lender and may rely on the Loan Account as evidence of the amount of Obligations from time to time owing to it.

 

1.13 Indemnity .

 

(a) Each Borrower that is a signatory hereto shall jointly and severally indemnify and hold harmless each of Agent, Canadian Lender, Lenders and their respective Affiliates, and each such Person’s respective officers, directors, employees, attorneys, agents and

 

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representatives (each, an “ Indemnified Person ”), from and against any and all suits, actions, proceedings, claims, damages, losses, liabilities and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements and other costs of investigation or defense, including those incurred upon any appeal) that may be instituted or asserted against or incurred by any such Indemnified Person as the result of credit having been extended, suspended or terminated under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and the administration of such credit, and in connection with or arising out of the transactions contemplated hereunder and thereunder and any actions or failures to act in connection therewith, including any and all Environmental Liabilities and legal costs and expenses arising out of or incurred in connection with disputes between or among any parties to any of the Loan Documents (collectively, “ Indemnified Liabilities ”); provided , that no such Borrower shall be liable for any indemnification to an Indemnified Person to the extent that any such suit, action, proceeding, claim, damage, loss, liability or expense results from that Indemnified Person’s gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct. NO INDEMNIFIED PERSON SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE TO ANY OTHER PARTY TO ANY LOAN DOCUMENT, ANY SUCCESSOR, ASSIGNEE OR THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARY OF SUCH PERSON OR ANY OTHER PERSON ASSERTING CLAIMS DERIVATIVELY THROUGH SUCH PARTY, FOR INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES WHICH MAY BE ALLEGED AS A RESULT OF CREDIT HAVING BEEN EXTENDED, SUSPENDED OR TERMINATED UNDER ANY LOAN DOCUMENT OR AS A RESULT OF ANY OTHER TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREUNDER OR THEREUNDER.

 

(b) To induce Lenders to provide the LIBOR Rate and the BA Rate option on the terms provided herein, if (i) any LIBOR Loans or BA Rate Loans are repaid in whole or in part prior to the last day of any applicable LIBOR Period or BA Period, as the case may be (whether that repayment is made pursuant to any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or occurs as a result of acceleration, by operation of law or otherwise); (ii) Borrowers shall default in payment when due of the principal amount of or interest on any LIBOR Loan or BA Rate Loan; (iii) Borrowers shall refuse to accept any borrowing of, or shall request a termination of, any borrowing of, conversion into or continuation of, LIBOR Loans or BA Rate Loans after Borrower Representative has given notice requesting the same in accordance herewith; or (iv) Borrowers shall fail to make any prepayment of a LIBOR Loan or BA Rate Loan after Borrower Representative has given a notice thereof in accordance herewith, then Borrowers shall jointly and severally indemnify and hold harmless each Lender from and against all losses, costs and expenses resulting from or arising from any of the foregoing. Such indemnification shall include any loss (including loss of margin) or expense arising from the reemployment of funds obtained by it or from fees payable to terminate deposits from which such funds were obtained. For the purpose of calculating amounts payable to a Lender under this subsection, each Lender shall be deemed to have actually funded its relevant LIBOR Loan or BA Rate Loan through the purchase of a deposit bearing interest at the LIBOR Rate or BA Rate, as the case may be, in an amount equal to the amount of that LIBOR Loan or BA Rate Loan and having a maturity comparable to the relevant LIBOR Period or BA Period, as the case may be; provided , that each Lender may fund each of its LIBOR Loans or BA Rate Loans in any manner it sees fit, and the foregoing assumption shall be utilized only for the calculation of amounts payable under this subsection. This covenant shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the payment of the Notes and all other amounts payable hereunder. As promptly as practicable under the circumstances, each Lender shall provide Borrower Representative with its

 

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written calculation of all amounts payable pursuant to this Section 1.13(b) , and such calculation shall be binding on the parties hereto unless Borrower Representative shall object in writing within ten (10) Business Days of receipt thereof, specifying the basis for such objection in reasonable detail.

 

1.14 Access . Each Borrower shall, during normal business hours, from time to time upon three (3) Business Days’ prior notice as frequently as Agent reasonably determines to be appropriate: (a) provide Agent and any of its officers, employees and agents reasonable access to its properties, facilities, advisors, officers and employees of each Borrower and to the Collateral, (b) permit Agent, and any of its officers, employees and agents, to inspect, audit and make extracts from any Borrower’s books and records, and (c) permit Agent, and its officers, employees and agents, to inspect, review, evaluate and make test verifications and counts of the Accounts, Inventory and other Collateral of any Borrower. If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, each such Borrower shall provide such access to Agent and to each Lender at all times and without advance notice. Furthermore, so long as any Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Borrowers shall provide Agent and each Lender with reasonable access to their suppliers and customers. Each Borrower shall make available to Agent and its counsel reasonably promptly originals or copies of all books and records that Agent may reasonably request. Each Borrower shall deliver any document or instrument necessary for Agent, as it may from time to time reasonably request, to obtain records from any service bureau or other Person that maintains records for such Borrower, and shall maintain duplicate records or supporting documentation on media, including computer tapes and discs owned by such Borrower. Agent will give Lenders at least five (5) Business Days’ prior written notice of regularly scheduled audits. Representatives of other Lenders may accompany Agent’s representatives on regularly scheduled audits at no charge to Borrowers.

 

1.15 Taxes .

 

(a) Any and all payments by Borrowers hereunder (including any payments made pursuant to Section 12 ) or under the Notes shall be made, in accordance with this Section 1.15 , free and clear of and without deduction for any and all present or future Taxes. If any Borrower shall be required by law to deduct any Taxes from or in respect of any sum payable hereunder (including any sum payable pursuant to Section 12 ) or under the Notes, (i) the sum payable shall be increased as much as shall be necessary so that after making all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 1.15 ) Agent or Lenders, as applicable, receive an amount equal to the sum they would have received had no such deductions been made, (ii) such Borrower shall make such deductions, and (iii) such Borrower shall pay the full amount deducted to the relevant taxing or other authority in accordance with applicable law. Within thirty (30) days after the date of any payment of Taxes, Borrower Representative shall furnish to Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt evidencing payment thereof.

 

(b) Each Borrower shall jointly and severally indemnify and, within ten (10) days of demand therefore (which demand shall describe in reasonable detail the amount and nature of such Taxes), pay Agent and each Lender for the full amount of Taxes (including any Taxes imposed by any jurisdiction on amounts payable under this Section 1.15 and including any Taxes imposed by any jurisdiction on the Put Fee) paid by Agent or such Lender, as appropriate, and any liability (including penalties, interest and expenses) arising therefrom or with respect thereto.

 

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(c) Each Lender organized under the laws of a jurisdiction outside the United States (a “ Foreign Lender ”) as to which payments to be made under this Agreement or under the Notes are exempt from United States withholding tax under an applicable statute or tax treaty shall provide to Borrower Representative, Agent and Canadian Lender a properly completed and executed IRS Form W-8ECI or Form W-8BEN or other applicable form, certificate or document prescribed by the IRS or the United States certifying as to such Foreign Lender’s entitlement to such exemption (a “ Certificate of Exemption ”). Any foreign Person that seeks to become a Lender under this Agreement shall provide a Certificate of Exemption to Borrower Representative, Agent and Canadian Lender prior to becoming a Lender hereunder. No foreign Person may become a Lender hereunder if such Person fails to deliver a Certificate of Exemption in advance of becoming a Lender. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 1.15 , Borrowers shall not be required to pay additional amounts to any Lender pursuant to this Section 1.15 to the extent that the obligation to pay such additional amount would not have arisen but for the failure of such Lender to comply with the terms of this paragraph (c) .

 

1.16 Capital Adequacy; Increased Costs; Illegality .

 

(a) If any law, treaty, governmental (or quasi-governmental) rule, regulation, guideline or order regarding capital adequacy, reserve requirements or similar requirements or compliance by any Lender with any request or directive regarding capital adequacy, reserve requirements or similar requirements (whether or not having the force of law), in each case, adopted after the Closing Date, from any central bank or other Governmental Authority increases or would have the effect of increasing the amount of capital, reserves or other funds required to be maintained by such Lender and thereby reducing the rate of return on such Lender’s capital as a consequence of its obligations hereunder, then Borrowers shall from time to time upon demand by such Lender (with a copy of such demand to Agent) pay to Agent, for the account of such Lender, additional amounts sufficient to compensate such Lender for such reduction. A certificate as to the amount of that reduction and showing the basis of the computation thereof submitted by such Lender to Borrower Representative and to Agent shall be presumptive evidence of the matters set forth therein.

 

(b) If, due to either (i) the introduction of or any change in any law or regulation (or any change in the interpretation thereof) or (ii) the compliance with any guideline or request from any central bank or other Governmental Authority (whether or not having the force of law), in each case adopted after the Closing Date, there shall be any increase in the cost to any Lender of agreeing to make or making, funding or maintaining any Loan, then Borrowers shall from time to time, upon written demand by such Lender (with a copy of such demand to Agent), pay to Agent for the account of such Lender additional amounts sufficient to compensate such Lender for such increased cost. A certificate as to the amount of such increased cost, submitted to Borrower Representative and to Agent by such Lender, shall be presumptive evidence of the matters set forth therein. Each Lender agrees that, as promptly as practicable after it becomes aware of any circumstances referred to above which would result in any such increased cost, the affected Lender shall, to the extent not inconsistent with such Lender’s

 

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internal policies of general application, use reasonable commercial efforts to minimize costs and expenses incurred by it and payable to it by Borrowers pursuant to this Section 1.16(b) .

 

(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if the introduction of or any change in any law or regulation (or any change in the interpretation thereof) shall make it unlawful, or any central bank or other Governmental Authority shall assert that it is unlawful, for any Lender to agree to make or to make or to continue to fund or maintain any LIBOR Loan, then, unless that Lender is able to make or to continue to fund or to maintain such LIBOR Loan at another branch or office of that Lender without, in that Lender’s reasonable opinion, materially adversely affecting it or its Loans or the income obtained therefrom, on notice thereof and demand therefor by such Lender to Borrower Representative through Agent, (i) the obligation of such Lender to agree to make or to make or to continue to fund or maintain LIBOR Loans shall terminate and (ii) each Borrower shall forthwith prepay in full all outstanding LIBOR Loans owing by such Borrower to such Lender, together with interest accrued thereon, unless Borrower Representative on behalf of such Borrower, within five (5) Business Days after the delivery of such notice and demand, converts all LIBOR Loans into Index Rate Loans.

 

(d) Within thirty (30) days after receipt by Borrower Representative of written notice and demand from any Lender (an “ Affected Lender ”) for payment of additional amounts or increased costs as provided in Sections 1.15(a), 1.16(a) or 1.16(b) , Borrower Representative may, at its option, notify Agent and such Affected Lender of its intention to replace the Affected Lender. So long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Borrower Representative, with the consent of Agent, may obtain, at Borrowers’ expense, a replacement Lender (“ Replacement Lender ”) for the Affected Lender, which Replacement Lender must be reasonably satisfactory to Agent. If Borrowers obtain a Replacement Lender within ninety (90) days following notice of their intention to do so, the Affected Lender must sell and assign its Loans and Commitments to such Replacement Lender for an amount equal to the principal balance of all Loans held by the Affected Lender and all accrued interest and Fees with respect thereto through the date of such sale and such assignment shall not require the payment of an assignment fee to Agent; provided , that Borrowers shall have reimbursed such Affected Lender for the additional amounts or increased costs that it is entitled to receive under this Agreement through the date of such sale and assignment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Borrowers shall not have the right to obtain a Replacement Lender if the Affected Lender rescinds its demand for increased costs or additional amounts within 15 days following its receipt of Borrowers’ notice of intention to replace such Affected Lender. Furthermore, if Borrowers give a notice of intention to replace and do not so replace such Affected Lender within ninety (90) days thereafter, Borrowers’ rights under this Section 1.16(d) shall terminate with respect to such Affected Lender and Borrowers shall promptly pay all increased costs or additional amounts demanded by such Affected Lender pursuant to Sections 1.15(a), 1.16(a) and 1.16(b) .

 

1.17 Single Loan . All Loans to Borrowers and all of the other Obligations of Borrowers arising under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall constitute one general obligation of Borrowers secured, until the Termination Date, by all of the Collateral.

 

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1.18 Conversion to Dollars . All valuations or computations of monetary amounts set forth in this Agreement shall include the Dollar Equivalent of such amounts. In connection with all Dollar amounts and Canadian dollar amounts set forth in this Agreement, calculations and valuations of Canadian dollars shall be converted to Dollars in accordance with prevailing exchange rates, as determined by Agent in its reasonable discretion, on the applicable date.

 

1.19 Judgment Currency; Contractual Currency .

 

(a) If, for the purpose of obtaining or enforcing judgment against any Borrower in any court in any jurisdiction, it becomes necessary to convert into any other currency (such other currency being hereinafter in this Section 1.19 referred to as the “ Judgment Currency ”) an amount due under any Loan Document in any currency (the “ Obligation Currency ”) other than the Judgment Currency, the conversion shall be made at the rate of exchange prevailing on the Business Day immediately preceding (i) the date of actual payment of the amount due, in the case of any proceeding in the courts of any jurisdiction that will give effect to such conversion being made on such date, or (ii) the date on which the judgment is given, in the case of any proceeding in the courts of any other jurisdiction (the applicable date as of which such conversion is made pursuant to this Section 1.19 being hereinafter referred to as the “ Judgment Conversion Date ”).

 

(b) If, in the case of any proceeding in the court of any jurisdiction referred to in Section 1.19(a) , there is a change in the rate of exchange prevailing between the Judgment Conversion Date and the date of actual receipt for value of the amount due, the applicable Borrower shall pay such additional amount (if any, but in any event not a lesser amount) as may be necessary to ensure that the amount actually received in the Judgment Currency, when converted at the rate of exchange prevailing on the date of payment, will produce the amount of the Obligation Currency which could have been purchased with the amount of the Judgment Currency stipulated in the judgment or judicial order at the rate of exchange prevailing on the Judgment Conversion Date. Any amount due from a Borrower under this Section 1.19(b) shall be due as a separate debt and shall not be affected by judgment being obtained for any other amounts due under or in respect of any of the Loan Documents.

 

(c) The term “rate of exchange” in this Section 1.19 means the rate of exchange at which Agent would, on the relevant date at or about noon (New York City time), be able to sell the Obligation Currency against the Judgment Currency to prime banks.

 

(d) Any amount received or recovered by Agent or Canadian Lender in respect of any sum expressed to be due to them (whether for itself or as trustee for any other person) from any Borrower under this Agreement or under any of the other Loan Documents in a currency other than the currency (the “ contractual currency ”) in which such sum is so expressed to be due (whether as a result of, or from the enforcement of, any judgment or order of a court or tribunal of any jurisdiction, the winding-up of a Borrower or otherwise) shall only constitute a discharge of such Borrower to the extent of the amount of the contractual currency that Agent or Canadian Lender is able, in accordance with its usual practice, to purchase with the amount of the currency so received or recovered on the date of receipt or recovery (or, if later, the first date on which such purchase is practicable). If the amount of the contractual currency so purchased is

 

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less than the amount of the contractual currency so expressed to be due, such Borrower shall indemnify Agent and Canadian Lender against any loss sustained by it as a result, including the cost of making any such purchase other than losses resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Person seeking such indemnification.

 

1.20 Allocation of Fees and Expenses and Computations . Dollars are the currency of account and payment for each and every sum at any time due from the Borrowers hereunder; provided that:

 

(a) unless expressly provided elsewhere in this Agreement, each repayment of a Loan or a part thereof shall be made in the currency in which such Loan is denominated;

 

(b) each payment of interest shall be made in the currency in which such principal, or other sum, in respect of which such interest is payable, is denominated;

 

(c) each payment in respect of costs and expenses shall be made in the currency in which the same were incurred; and

 

(d) any amount expressed to be payable in a currency other than Dollars shall be paid in that other currency.

 

1.21 Canadian Lender’s Put Rights . So long as any Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Canadian Lender shall have the right, upon written notice (a “ Put Notice ”) to each other Lender to require each other Lender to, within three (3) Business Days following receipt of a Put Notice, purchase the aggregate outstanding amount of its Pro Rata Share of Canadian Advances from the Canadian Lender by payment of such amount in immediately available funds in Canadian dollars. Each Lender’s duty to purchase the aggregate outstanding amount of such Pro Rata Share of Canadian Advances shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance, including: (a) any setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right that such Lender may have against the Canadian Lender, any Borrower or any other Person for any reason whatsoever; (b) the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default; (c) any inability of any Borrower to satisfy the conditions precedent to borrowing set forth in this Agreement at any time; or (d) any other circumstance, happening or event whatsoever, whether or not similar to the foregoing. If any Lender does not pay to the Canadian Lender the amount of the aggregate outstanding amount of its Pro Rata Share of Canadian Advances within three (3) Business Days after receipt of the Put Notice (the “ Put Date ”), such amount shall be due and payable on demand and shall bear interest at the Index Rate plus the Applicable Revolver Index Rate Margin or the Applicable First Funded Revolver Index Rate Margin, as applicable, plus a gross-up for any applicable withholding taxes, until paid.

 

All interest on the Canadian Advances accruing prior to the Put Date shall be received by the Canadian Lender, and the Canadian Lender shall be obligated to pay the Put Fee, in accordance with Section 1.9(d) . From and after the Put Date, Borrowers shall pay interest and principal on the Canadian Advances to Canadian Lender for distribution to the Lenders who have purchased

 

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their Pro Rata Share of Canadian Advances, and Borrowers shall, absent applicable exemptions, gross up the entire interest payable on the Canadian Advances in accordance with Section 1.15 .

 

2. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

 

2.1 Conditions to the Initial Loans . No Lender shall be obligated to make any Loan or incur any Letter of Credit Obligations on the Closing Date, or to take, fulfill, or perform any other action hereunder, until the following conditions have been satisfied or provided for in a manner reasonably satisfactory to Agent, or waived in writing by Agent and Requisite Lenders:

 

(a) Credit Agreement; Loan Documents . This Agreement or counterparts hereof shall have been duly executed by, and delivered to, Borrowers, Agent and Lenders (it being understood that documents received by the Agent will be deemed received by the Lenders); and Agent shall have received such documents, instruments, agreements and legal opinions as Agent shall reasonably request in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, including all those listed in the Closing Checklist attached hereto as Annex D , each in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent.

 

(b) Repayment of Prior Lender Obligations; Satisfaction of Outstanding L/Cs . (i) Agent shall have received a fully executed copy (with originals thereof to follow to Agent via overnight courier) of a pay-off letter reasonably satisfactory to Agent confirming that all of the Prior Lender Obligations will be repaid in full from the proceeds of the initial Advances and all Liens upon any of the property of Borrowers or any of their Subsidiaries in favor of Prior Lender shall be terminated immediately upon such payment from the proceeds of the initial Advances; and (ii) all letters of credit issued or guaranteed by Prior Lender shall have been cash collateralized, supported by a guaranty of Agent or supported by a Letter of Credit issued pursuant to Annex B , as mutually agreed upon by Agent, Borrowers and Prior Lender.

 

(c) Approvals . Agent shall have received (i) satisfactory evidence that the Borrowers have obtained all required consents and approvals of all Persons including all requisite Governmental Authorities, to the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and the consummation of the Related Transactions or (ii) an officer’s certificate in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent affirming that no such consents or approvals are required.

 

(d) Minimum Liquidity . Borrowers shall have Minimum Liquidity on the Closing Date, after giving effect to the initial Advances made to each Borrower, the incurrence of any initial Letter of Credit Obligations and the consummation of the Related Transactions (on a pro forma basis, with trade payables being paid as they become due, and expenses and liabilities being paid in the ordinary course of business and without acceleration of sales), of at least $25,000,000.

 

(e) Payment of Fees . Borrowers shall have paid the Fees required to be paid on the Closing Date in the respective amounts specified in Section 1.9 (including the Fees specified in the Commitment Letter), and shall have reimbursed Agent for all reasonable fees, costs and expenses of closing presented as of the Closing Date and reimbursable hereunder.

 

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(f) Due Diligence . Agent shall have (i) received a copy of Borrowers’ Projections and the Pro Forma, which such Projections and Pro Forma shall be satisfactory to Agent in all respects, (ii) completed a roll forward of its previous Collateral audit and inventory appraisal, with results reasonably satisfactory to Agent, and (iii) completed its business and legal due diligence, with results reasonably satisfactory to Agent.

 

(g) Consummation of Related Transactions . Each of the Related Transactions Documents shall be in full force and effect in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent. The Related Transactions shall have been consummated in accordance with the terms of the Related Transactions Documents.

 

(h) Satisfaction with Plan of Reorganization . The terms of any amendments of, or elections made pursuant to, the Plan of Reorganization shall be reasonably acceptable to Agent and Requisite Lenders.

 

(i) Confirmation Order . The Plan of Reorganization shall have been confirmed by the final order entered by the Bankruptcy Court, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Agent (the “ Confirmation Order ”). The Confirmation Order shall not have been supplemented, modified or stayed by the Bankruptcy Court or any other court having jurisdiction to issue any such stay, and shall have been entered upon proper notice to all parties to be bound by the Reorganization Plan, as may be required by the Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Rules (including any applicable local bankruptcy rules), order of the Bankruptcy Court, and any applicable local bankruptcy rules. Without limiting the general applicability of the immediately preceding sentence, the Confirmation Order shall specifically provide that (a) the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents are approved and ratified as being entered into in good faith, providing the most favorable financing terms and being critical to the success and feasibility of the Plan of Reorganization, (b) on or prior to the Effective Date, the Borrowers are authorized to enter into this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and to grant liens and security interests to Agent in substantially all of their assets (except for any assets to be transferred to the Trusts pursuant to the Plan of Reorganization), and such documents, liens and security interests are approved, (c) all fees, costs and expenses paid by Borrowers in connection with the Commitment Letter and this Agreement are ratified and approved, and (d) the Commitment Letter and any or all other Loan Documents signed by the Debtors shall be binding and enforceable against the Borrowers upon and after the Effective Date as if executed and delivered by the Borrowers notwithstanding any provision in the Plan of Reorganization or the Confirmation Order to the contrary. Moreover, the time to appeal the Confirmation Order or to seek review, rehearing, or certiorari with respect to the Confirmation Order must have expired, no appeal or petition for review, rehearing, or certiorari with respect to the Confirmation Order may be pending, and the Confirmation Order must otherwise be a final, non-appealable order in full force and effect.

 

(j) Confirmation Recognition Order . The Confirmation Recognition Order shall have been entered by the Canadian Court, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Agent (the “ Confirmation Recognition Order ”). The Confirmation Recognition Order shall not have been supplemented, modified or stayed by the Canadian Court or any other court having jurisdiction to issue any such stay.

 

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(k) Corporate Structure; Other Indebtedness . Agent shall be satisfied with the corporate structure, capital structure, debt instruments, material contracts, and governing documents of Borrowers and their Subsidiaries, and the tax effects resulting from the credit facility evidenced by this Agreement.

 

(l) Cash Management . Borrowers shall have established the Cash Management System described in Annex C , reasonably acceptable to Agent.

 

2.2 Further Conditions to Each Loan . Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, no Lender shall be obligated to fund any Advance, convert or continue any Loan as a LIBOR Loan or incur any Letter of Credit Obligation, if, as of the date thereof:

 

(a) any representation or warranty by any Borrower contained herein or in any other Loan Document is untrue or incorrect as of such date as reasonably determined by Agent or Requisite Lenders, except to the extent that such representation or warranty expressly relates to an earlier date and except for changes therein expressly permitted or expressly contemplated by this Agreement and Agent or Requisite Lenders have determined not to make such Advance, convert or continue any Loan as LIBOR Loan or BA Rate Loan (as applicable), or incur such Letter of Credit Obligation as a result of the fact that such warranty or representation is untrue or incorrect;

 

(b) any Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result after giving effect to any Advance (or the incurrence of any Letter of Credit Obligation), and Agent or Requisite Lenders shall have determined not to make any Advance, convert or continue any Loan as a LIBOR Loan or BA Rate Loan (as the case may be) or incur any Letter of Credit Obligation as a result of that Default or Event of Default; or

 

(c) after giving effect to any Advance (or the incurrence of any Letter of Credit Obligations), (i) the outstanding principal amount of the aggregate First Funded Revolving Loan would exceed the First Funded Revolver Borrowing Availability as of such date of determination, or (ii) the outstanding principal amount of the aggregate Revolving Loan would exceed the Revolver Borrowing Availability as of such date of determination.

 

The request and acceptance by any Borrower of the proceeds of any Advance, the incurrence of any Letter of Credit Obligations or the conversion or continuation of any Loan into, or as, a LIBOR Loan or BA Rate Loan shall be deemed to constitute, as of the date thereof, (i) a representation and warranty by Borrowers that the conditions in this Section 2.2 have been satisfied and (ii) a reaffirmation by Borrowers of the cross-guaranty provisions set forth in Section 12 and of the granting and continuance of Agent’s Liens, on behalf of itself and Lenders, pursuant to the Collateral Documents.

 

3. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

To induce Lenders to make the Loans and to incur Letter of Credit Obligations, the Borrowers, jointly and severally, make the following representations and warranties to Agent and each Lender with respect to all Borrowers, each and all of which shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement.

 

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3.1 Corporate Existence; Compliance with Law . Each Borrower (a) is a corporation, limited liability company or limited partnership duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its respective jurisdiction of incorporation or organization set forth in Disclosure Schedule (3.1) ; (b) is duly qualified to conduct business and is in good standing in each other jurisdiction where its ownership or lease of property or the conduct of its business requires such qualification, except where the failure to be so qualified or be in good standing would not result in exposure to losses or liabilities which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; (c) has the requisite power and authority and the legal right to own, pledge, mortgage or otherwise encumber and operate its properties, to lease the property it operates under lease and to conduct its business as now conducted or proposed to be conducted; (d) subject to specific representations regarding Environmental Laws, has all material licenses, permits, consents or approvals from or by, and has made all material filings with, and has given all material notices to, all Governmental Authorities having jurisdiction, to the extent required for such ownership, operation and conduct; (e) is in compliance with its charter and bylaws or partnership or operating agreement, as applicable; and (f) subject to specific representations set forth herein regarding ERISA, Environmental Laws, tax and other laws, is in compliance with all applicable provisions of law, except where the failure to comply, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

3.2 Executive Offices, Collateral Locations, FEIN . As of the Closing Date, each Borrower’s name as it appears in official filings in its state of incorporation or organization, state of incorporation or organization, organization type, organization number, if any, issued by its state incorporation or organization, and the current location of each Borrower’s chief executive office and the warehouses and premises at which any Collateral is located are set forth in Disclosure Schedule (3.2) . Other than as set forth in Disclosure Schedule (3.2) , none of such locations has changed within the four (4) months preceding the Closing Date and each Borrower has only one state of incorporation or organization. In addition, Disclosure Schedule (3.2)  lists the federal employer identification number of each Borrower.

 

3.3 Corporate Power, Authorization, Enforceable Obligations . The execution, delivery and performance by each Borrower of the Loan Documents to which it is a party and the creation of all Liens provided for therein: (a) are within such Person’s corporate, limited liability company or limited partnership power, as applicable; (b) have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate, limited liability company or limited partnership action; (c) do not contravene any provision of such Person’s charter, bylaws or partnership or operating agreement as applicable; (d) do not violate any law or regulation, or any order or decree of any court or Governmental Authority by which such Person or its assets are bound; (e) do not conflict with or result in the breach or termination of, constitute a default under or accelerate or permit the acceleration of any performance required by, any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, material lease, material agreement or other material instrument to which such Person is a party or by which such Person or any of its property is bound; (f) do not result in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon any of the property of such Person other than those in favor of Agent, on behalf of itself and Lenders, pursuant to the Loan Documents; and (g) do not require the consent or approval of any Governmental Authority or any other Person, except those referred to in Section 2.1(c) , all of which will have been duly obtained, made or complied with on or prior to the Closing Date. Each of the Loan Documents shall be duly executed and delivered by each Borrower and each such Loan Document shall constitute a legal, valid and

 

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binding obligation of such Borrower enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency and similar laws affecting the enforceability of creditors’ rights generally.

 

3.4 Financial Statements and Projections . Except for the Projections, all Financial Statements of Borrowers that are referred to below and provided to the Agent have been prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the periods covered (except as disclosed therein and except, with respect to unaudited Financial Statements, for the absence of footnotes and normal year-end audit adjustments) and present fairly in all material respects the financial position of the Persons covered thereby as at the dates thereof and the results of their operations and cash flows for the periods then ended (subject to adjustments made as required by (i) the Securities and Exchange Commission (“ SEC ”) in connection with the formal investigation by the SEC into the business practices of Fleming and its Subsidiaries commencing on or about March 11, 2003 (the “ SEC Investigation ”), and (ii) any restatement of any of the Borrowers’ Financial Statements for any period ended prior to the Closing Date in connection with the SEC Investigation or the audit committee’s internal investigation).

 

(a) Financial Statements . Copies of the Borrowers’ unaudited consolidated balance sheets at June 30, 2004, and the related statements of income and cash flows, for the portion of the Fiscal Year ended as of the end of such Fiscal Month have been delivered on the date hereof and are attached hereto as Disclosure Schedule (3.4(a)) .

 

(b) Pro Forma . The Pro Forma delivered on the date hereof and attached hereto as Disclosure Schedule (3.4(b))  was prepared by Borrowers giving pro forma effect to the Related Transactions, was based on the projected consolidated balance sheet of Borrowers, as of July 31, 2004.

 

(c) Projections . The Projections delivered on the date hereof and attached hereto as Disclosure Schedule (3.4(c))  have been prepared by the Borrowers in light of the past operations of their businesses, but including future payments of known contingent liabilities (it being understood that Holdings’ prospective contingent liabilities to the Reclamation Creditors’ Trust and the Post Confirmation Trust under the applicable Holdings Guaranty are unknown as of the Closing Date and therefore are not reflected in the Projections), and reflect consolidated projections for the Fiscal Year(s) ending on December 31, 2004 through December 31, 2008 on an annual basis for such years. The Projections reflect estimates and assumptions, all of which the Borrowers believe to be reasonable and fair in light of current conditions and current facts known to the Borrowers and, as of the Closing Date, reflect the Borrowers’ good faith and reasonable estimates of the future financial performance of the Borrowers for the period set forth therein. The Projections are not a guaranty of future performance, and actual results may differ from the Projections.

 

3.5 Material Adverse Effect . Between November 1, 2003 and the Closing Date: (a) no Borrower has incurred any obligations, contingent or noncontingent liabilities, liabilities for Charges, long-term leases or unusual forward or long-term commitments that are not reflected in the Pro Forma and that, alone or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (b) no contract, lease or other agreement or instrument has been entered into by any Borrower or has become binding upon any Borrower’s assets and no

 

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law or regulation applicable to any Borrower has been adopted that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and (c) no Borrower is in default and, to the best of Borrowers’ knowledge, no third party is in default under any material contract, lease or other agreement or instrument to which such Borrower is a party, that alone or in the aggregate could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Since November 1, 2003, no event has occurred, that alone or together with other events, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

3.6 Ownership of Property; Liens . As of the Closing Date, the real estate (“ Real Estate ”) listed in Disclosure Schedule (3.6)  constitutes all of the real property owned, leased, subleased, or used by any Borrower. As of the Closing Date, except as set forth in Disclosure Schedule (3.6) , each Borrower owns good fee simple title to all of its owned Real Estate. Each Borrower owns valid leasehold interests in all of its leased Real Estate, all as described on Disclosure Schedule (3.6) , and copies of all such leases or a summary of terms thereof reasonably satisfactory to Agent have been made available to Agent for its review. Disclosure Schedule (3.6)  further describes any Real Estate with respect to which any Borrower is a lessor, sublessor or assignor as of the Closing Date. Except as set forth in Disclosure Schedule (3.6) , each Borrower also has good title to, or valid leasehold interests in or other rights to use, all of its personal property and assets. As of the Closing Date, none of the properties and assets of any Borrower are subject to any Liens other than Permitted Encumbrances, and there are no facts, circumstances or conditions known to any Borrower that could reasonably be expected to result in any Liens (including Liens arising under Environmental Laws) other than Permitted Encumbrances. Disclosure Schedule (3.6)  also describes any purchase obligations of any Borrower pertaining to any Real Estate. As of the Closing Date, no portion of any Borrower’s Real Estate has suffered any material damage by fire or other casualty loss that has not heretofore been repaired and restored in all material respects to its original condition or otherwise remedied. As of the Closing Date, all material permits required to have been issued or appropriate to enable the Real Estate to be lawfully occupied and used for all of the purposes for which it is currently occupied and used have been lawfully issued and are in full force and effect. The Liens granted to Agent, on behalf of itself and Lenders, pursuant to the Collateral Documents will at all times be fully perfected first priority Liens in and to the Collateral described therein, subject to Permitted Encumbrances.

 

3.7 Labor Matters . Except as set forth on Disclosure Schedule 3.7 , as of the Closing Date (a) no strikes or other material labor disputes against any Borrower are pending or, to any Borrower’s knowledge, threatened; (b) hours worked by and payment made to employees of each Borrower comply in all material respects with the Fair Labor Standards Act and each other federal, state, provincial, local or foreign law applicable to such matters; (c) all payments due from any Borrower for employee health and welfare insurance have been paid or accrued as a liability on the books of such Borrower as required by GAAP, and such Borrower has withheld all employee withholdings and has made all employee contributions to be withheld and made by it pursuant to applicable law; (d) no Borrower is a party to or bound by any collective bargaining agreement, management agreement, consulting agreement, employment agreement, bonus, restricted stock, stock option, or stock appreciation plan or agreement or any similar plan, agreement or arrangement (and true and complete copies of any agreements described on Disclosure Schedule (3.7)  have been delivered to Agent); (e) there is no organizing activity involving any Borrower pending or, to any Borrower’s knowledge, threatened by any

 

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labor union or group of employees; (f) there are no representation proceedings pending or, to any Borrower’s knowledge, threatened with the National Labor Relations Board, and no labor organization or group of employees of any Borrower has made a pending demand for recognition; and (g) there are no material complaints or charges against any Borrower pending or, to the knowledge of any Borrower, threatened to be filed with any Governmental Authority or arbitrator based on, arising out of, in connection with, or otherwise relating to the employment or termination of employment by any Borrower of any individual.

 

3.8 Ventures, Subsidiaries and Affiliates; Outstanding Stock and Indebtedness . Except as set forth in Disclosure Schedule (3.8) , as of the Closing Date, no Borrower has any Subsidiaries, is engaged in any joint venture or partnership with any other Person, or is an Affiliate of any other Person. All of the issued and outstanding Stock of each Borrower (other than Holdings) is owned by each of the Stockholders and in the amounts set forth in Disclosure Schedule (3.8) . Except as set forth in Disclosure Schedule (3.8) , there are no outstanding rights to purchase, options, warrants or similar rights or agreements pursuant to which any Borrower may be required to issue, sell, repurchase or redeem any of its Stock or other equity securities or any Stock or other equity securities of its Subsidiaries. All outstanding Indebtedness of each Borrower and Guaranteed Indebtedness of the Borrowers as of the Closing Date (except for the Obligations) is described in Section 6.3 (including Disclosure Schedule (6.3) ).

 

3.9 Government Regulation . No Borrower is subject to regulation as an “investment company” or an “affiliated person” of, or “promoter” or “principal underwriter” for, an “investment company,” as such terms are defined in, and pursuant to, the Investment Company Act of 1940. No Borrower is subject to regulation under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, the Federal Power Act, or, except to the extent such Borrower has obtained the requisite consents and approvals thereunder, if any, authorizing such Borrower’s incurrence of the Obligations, with any other federal, foreign, state or provincial statute that restricts or limits its ability to incur Indebtedness or to perform its obligations hereunder. The making of the Loans by Lenders to Borrowers, the incurrence of the Letter of Credit Obligations on behalf of Borrowers, the application of the proceeds thereof and repayment thereof and the consummation of the Related Transactions will not violate any provision of any such statute or any rule, regulation or order issued by the SEC.

 

3.10 Margin Regulations . No Borrower is engaged, nor will it engage, principally or as one of its important activities, in the business of extending credit for the purpose of “purchasing” or “carrying” any “margin stock” as such terms are defined in Regulation U of the Federal Reserve Board as now and from time to time hereafter in effect (such securities being referred to herein as “ Margin Stock ”). No Borrower owns any Margin Stock, and none of the proceeds of the Loans or other extensions of credit under this Agreement will be used, directly or indirectly, for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any Margin Stock, for the purpose of reducing or retiring any Indebtedness that was originally incurred to purchase or carry any Margin Stock or for any other purpose that might cause any of the Loans or other extensions of credit under this Agreement to be considered a “purpose credit” within the meaning of Regulations T, U or X of the Federal Reserve Board. No Borrower will take or permit to be taken any action that might cause any Loan Document to violate any regulation of the Federal Reserve Board.

 

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3.11 Taxes . All Federal income, foreign income, provincial income and other material tax returns, reports and statements, including information returns, required by any Governmental Authority to be filed by any Borrower have been filed with the appropriate Governmental Authority, and all Charges payable by any Borrower have been paid prior to the date on which any fine, penalty, interest or late charge may be added thereto for nonpayment thereof excluding Charges or other amounts being contested in accordance with Section 5.2(b) and unless the failure to so file or pay would not reasonably be expected to result in fines, penalties or interest in excess of $1,000,000 in the aggregate. Proper and accurate amounts have been withheld by each Borrower from its respective employees for all periods in full and complete compliance in all material respects with all applicable federal, state, provincial, local and foreign laws and such withholdings payable by any Borrower have been timely paid to the respective Governmental Authorities. Disclosure Schedule (3.11)  sets forth as of the Closing Date those taxable years for which any Borrower’s income tax returns and other material tax returns (which for purposes of this sentence means an audit where the potential liability of such Borrower could reasonably be expected to exceed $100,000) are currently being audited by the IRS or any other applicable Governmental Authority, and any assessments or threatened assessments in connection with such audit, or otherwise currently outstanding. Except as described in Disclosure Schedule (3.11) , as of the Closing Date, no Borrower has executed or filed with the IRS or any other Governmental Authority any agreement or other document extending, or having the effect of extending, the period for assessment or collection of any Charges. None of the Borrowers and their respective predecessors are liable for any material Charges of any other Person: (a) under any agreement (including any tax sharing agreements) or (b) to each Borrower’s knowledge, as a transferee. As of the Closing Date, no Borrower has agreed or been requested to make any adjustment under IRC Section 481(a), by reason of a change in accounting method or otherwise, which would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

3.12 ERISA .

 

(a) Disclosure Schedule (3.12)  lists, as of the Closing Date, (i) all ERISA Affiliates and (ii) all Plans and separately identifies all Pension Plans, including Title IV Plans, Multiemployer Plans, and all Retiree Welfare Plans. Copies of all such listed Plans, together with a copy of the latest form IRS/DOL 5500-series, as applicable, for each such Plan, have been delivered to Agent. To the Borrowers’ knowledge only with respect to Multiemployer Plans, each Qualified Plan has either been determined by the IRS to qualify under Section 401 of the IRC, or the Borrowers may rely to establish such qualification on an opinion letter issued to the prototype plan sponsor, and nothing has occurred that would cause the loss of such protection, qualification, reliance or tax-exempt status. To the Borrowers’ knowledge only with respect to Multiemployer Plans, except as set forth in Disclosure Schedule (3.12) , each Plan is in compliance in all material respects with the applicable provisions of ERISA, the IRC and its terms, including the timely filing of all reports required under the IRC or ERISA. To the Borrowers’ knowledge only with respect to (A) Multiemployer Plans and (B) the actions or omissions of independent third parties, except as set forth in Disclosure Schedule (3.12) , neither any Borrower nor ERISA Affiliate has failed to make any material contribution or pay any material amount due as required by either Section 412 of the IRC or Section 302 of ERISA or the terms of any such Plan. To the Borrowers’ knowledge only with respect to Multiemployer Plans, no “prohibited transaction,” as defined in Section 406 of ERISA and Section 4975 of the IRC,

 

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has occurred with respect to any Plan, that would subject any Borrower to a material tax on prohibited transactions imposed by Section 502(i) of ERISA or Section 4975 of the IRC.

 

(b) Except as set forth in Disclosure Schedule (3.12)  as of the Closing Date: (i) no Title IV Plan has any material Unfunded Pension Liability, and no Borrower or ERISA Affiliate has any liability or contingent liability with respect to any Title IV Plan; (ii) to the Borrowers’ knowledge only with respect to Multiemployer Plans, except for events taking place on or before the Closing Date solely as part of the Plan of Reorganization, no ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur; (iii) to the Borrowers’ knowledge only with respect to Multiemployer Plans, there are no pending, or to the knowledge of any Borrower, threatened unfunded liabilities, material claims (other than claims for benefits in the normal course and claims in the Chapter 11 Case), sanctions, actions or lawsuits, asserted or instituted against any Plan or any Person as fiduciary or sponsor of any Plan; and (iv) no Borrower or ERISA Affiliate reasonably expects to incur any material liability as a result of a complete or partial withdrawal from a Multiemployer Plan.

 

(c) Disclosure Schedule (3.12)  lists, as of the Closing Date, all Benefit Settlement Plans. Neither any Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate has failed to comply in any material respect with the terms of any Benefit Plan Settlement applicable to it, and there are no pending, or to the knowledge of any Borrower, threatened material claims, sanctions, actions or lawsuits asserted against any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate for alleged failure to comply with the terms of any Benefit Plan Settlement.

 

3.13 No Litigation . No action, claim, lawsuit, demand, investigation or proceeding is now pending or, to the knowledge of any Borrower, threatened against any Borrower, before any Governmental Authority or before any arbitrator or panel of arbitrators (collectively, “ Litigation ”), (a) that challenges any Borrower’s right or power to enter into or perform any of its obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party, or the validity or enforceability of any Loan Document, or (b) that has a reasonable risk of being determined adversely to any Borrower and that, if so determined, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as set forth on Disclosure Schedule (3.13) , as of the Closing Date there is no Litigation pending or, to any Borrower’s knowledge, threatened, that seeks damages in excess of $500,000 or injunctive relief against, or alleges criminal misconduct of, any Borrower.

 

3.14 Brokers . Except as set forth on Disclosure Schedule (3.14) , no broker or finder brought about the obtaining, making or closing of the Loans or the Related Transactions, and no Borrower or Affiliate thereof has any obligation to any Person in respect of any finder’s or brokerage fees in connection therewith.

 

3.15 Intellectual Property . As of the Closing Date, each Borrower owns or has rights to use all material Intellectual Property necessary to continue to conduct its business as now conducted by it or presently proposed to be conducted by it, and each material Patent, Trademark, Copyright and License (other than readily available, mass-marketed, “off the shelf” Intellectual Property) is listed, together with application or registration numbers, as applicable, in Disclosure Schedule (3.15 ). Each Borrower conducts its business and affairs without infringement of or interference with any Intellectual Property of any other Person in any material

 

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respect. Except as set forth in Disclosure Schedule (3.15 ), no Borrower is aware of any material infringement claim by any other Person with respect to any Intellectual Property.

 

3.16 Full Disclosure . No information contained in this Agreement, any of the other Loan Documents, Financial Statements or Collateral Reports or other written reports (other than the Projections) from time to time prepared by any Borrower and delivered hereunder or any written statement prepared by any Borrower and furnished by or on behalf of any Borrower to Agent or any Lender pursuant to the terms of this Agreement contains or will contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omits or will omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements contained herein or therein not misleading in any material respect in light of the circumstances under which they were made.

 

3.17 Environmental Matters .

 

(a) Except as set forth in Disclosure Schedule (3.17)  and except as could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, as of the Closing Date: (i) the Real Estate is free of contamination from any Hazardous Material except for such contamination that would not adversely impact the value or marketability of such Real Estate and that would not result in Environmental Liabilities; (ii) no Borrower has caused or suffered to occur any Release of Hazardous Materials on, at, in, under, above, to, from or about any of its Real Estate; (iii) the Borrowers are and have been in compliance with all Environmental Laws, except for such noncompliance that would not result in Environmental Liabilities; (iv) the Borrowers have obtained, and are in compliance with, all Environmental Permits required by Environmental Laws for the operations of their respective businesses as presently conducted or as proposed to be conducted, except where the failure to so obtain or comply with such Environmental Permits would not result in Environmental Liabilities, and all such Environmental Permits are valid, uncontested and in good standing; (v) no Borrower is involved in operations or knows of any facts, circumstances or conditions, including any Releases of Hazardous Materials, that are likely to result in any Environmental Liabilities of such Borrower; (vi) there is no Litigation arising under or related to any Environmental Laws, Environmental Permits or Hazardous Material that seeks damages, penalties, fines, costs or expenses or injunctive relief against, or that alleges criminal misconduct by, any Borrower; (vii) no notice has been received by any Borrower identifying it as a “potentially responsible party” or requesting information under CERCLA or analogous state statutes, and to the knowledge of the Borrowers, there are no facts, circumstances or conditions that may result in any Borrower being identified as a “potentially responsible party” under CERCLA or analogous state statutes; and (viii) the Borrowers have provided to Agent copies of all existing environmental reports, reviews and audits and all written information pertaining to actual or potential Environmental Liabilities, in each case relating to any Borrower.

 

(b) Each Borrower hereby acknowledges and agrees that Agent (i) is not now, and has not ever been, in control of any of the Real Estate or any Borrower’s affairs, and (ii) does not have the capacity through the provisions of the Loan Documents or otherwise to influence any Borrower’s conduct with respect to the ownership, operation or management of any of its Real Estate or compliance with Environmental Laws or Environmental Permits.

 

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3.18 Insurance . Disclosure Schedule (3.18)  lists all insurance policies of any nature maintained, as of the Closing Date, for current occurrences by each Borrower, as well as a summary of the terms of each such policy.

 

3.19 Deposit and Disbursement Accounts . Disclosure Schedule (3.19)  lists all banks and other financial institutions at which any Borrower maintains deposit or other accounts as of the Closing Date, including any Disbursement Accounts, Canadian Disbursement Accounts, payroll accounts, petty cash accounts and the Tax Trust Accounts, and such Schedule correctly identifies the name, address and telephone number of each depository, the name in which the account is held, a description of the purpose of the account, and the complete account number therefor.

 

3.20 Solvency . After giving effect to (a) the Loans and Letter of Credit Obligations to be made or incurred on the Closing Date or such other date as Loans and Letter of Credit Obligations requested hereunder are made or incurred, (b) the disbursement of the proceeds of such Loans pursuant to the instructions of Borrower Representative; (c) the Refinancing and the consummation of the other Related Transactions; and (d) the payment and accrual of all transaction costs in connection with the foregoing, (i) each Borrower (other than Subsidiaries of Core-Mark International, Inc.) will be Solvent, (ii) each Borrower (after excluding consideration of certain intercompany liabilities owed by Subsidiaries of Core-Mark International, Inc. that are subordinated to the Obligations) will be Solvent, and (iii) the Borrowers, on a consolidated basis, will be Solvent.

 

3.21 Bonding; Licenses . Except as set forth on Disclosure Schedule (3.21) , as of the Closing Date, no Borrower is a party to or bound by any surety bond agreement or binding requirement with respect to products or services sold by it or any trademark or patent license agreement with respect to products sold by it.

 

3.22 Subordinated Debt . As of the Closing Date, Borrowers have delivered to Agent a complete and correct copy of the Subordinated Debt Documents (including all schedules, exhibits, amendments, supplements, modifications, assignments and all other documents delivered pursuant thereto or in connection therewith). Each of the Borrowers has the corporate power and authority to incur the Indebtedness evidenced by the Subordinated Debt Documents. All Obligations, including the Letter of Credit Obligations, constitute senior Indebtedness entitled to the benefits of the subordination provisions contained in the Subordinated Debt Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement. Borrowers acknowledge that Agent and each Lender are entering into this Agreement and are extending the Commitments in reliance upon the subordination provisions of the Subordinated Debt Documents, the Intercreditor Agreement and this Section 3.22 .

 

3.23 Status of Holdings . Prior to the Closing Date, Holdings will not have engaged in any business or incurred any Indebtedness or any other liabilities (except in connection with its corporate formation, the Holdings Guaranties, the Related Transactions Documents and this Agreement).

 

3.24 Transfer of Assets of Debtors to Borrowers under the Plan of Reorganization . As of the Closing Date, no non-Borrower Debtor, other than Fleming

 

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Companies, Inc., has transferred any assets or other property to the Borrowers under or pursuant to the Plan of Reorganization, and any assets and property transferred from Fleming Companies, Inc. to the Borrowers are free and clear of all Liens, except for Permitted Encumbrances.

 

4. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND INFORMATION

 

4.1 Reports and Notices .

 

(a) Each Borrower hereby agrees that from and after the Closing Date and until the Termination Date, it shall deliver to Agent or to Agent and Lenders, as required, the Financial Statements, notices, Projections and other information at the times, to the Persons and in the manner set forth in Annex E .

 

(b) Each Borrower hereby agrees that, from and after the Closing Date and until the Termination Date, it shall deliver to Agent or to Agent and Lenders, as required, the various Collateral Reports (including Borrowing Base Certificates in the form of Exhibit 4.1(b) ) at the times, to the Persons and in the manner set forth in Annex F .

 

4.2 Communication with Accountants . Each Borrower authorizes (a) Agent ( provided that Agent provides prior notice to Borrower Representative of any such communications and Borrower Representative is afforded a reasonable opportunity to be present during any such communications (it being understood that Borrower Representative’s failure to be present shall not affect Agent’s rights hereunder)) and (b) so long as an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, each Lender, to communicate directly with its independent certified public accountants, if any, and authorizes and shall instruct those accountants and advisors to communicate to Agent and each Lender information relating to any Borrower with respect to the business, results of operations and financial condition of any Borrower.

 

5. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

 

Each Borrower jointly and severally agrees as to all Borrowers that from and after the date hereof and until the Termination Date:

 

5.1 Maintenance of Existence and Conduct of Business . Each Borrower shall (a) do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its corporate existence and its material rights and franchises; (b) continue to conduct its business substantially as now conducted or as otherwise permitted hereunder; (c) at all times maintain, preserve and protect all of its assets and properties used or useful in the conduct of its business, and keep the same in working order and condition in all material respects (taking into consideration ordinary wear and tear) and from time to time make, or cause to be made, all necessary or appropriate repairs, replacements and improvements thereto consistent with industry practices; and (d) transact business only in such corporate and trade names as are set forth in Disclosure Schedule (3.1)  or Disclosure Schedule (5.1) .

 

5.2 Payment of Charges .

 

(a) Subject to Section 5.2(b) and except as provided in the Plan of Reorganization, each Borrower shall pay and discharge or cause to be paid and discharged

 

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promptly all material Charges payable by it, including, to the extent material, (i) Charges imposed upon it, its income and profits, or any of its property (real, personal or mixed) and all Charges with respect to tax, social security and unemployment withholding with respect to its employees, (ii) lawful claims for labor, materials, supplies and services or otherwise, and (iii) all storage or rental charges payable to warehousemen or bailees, in each case, before any thereof shall become past due.

 

(b) Each Borrower may in good faith contest, by appropriate proceedings, the validity or amount of any Charges, Taxes or claims described in Section 5.2(a) ; provided , that (i) adequate reserves with respect to such contest are maintained on the books of such Borrower, in accordance with GAAP; (ii) no Lien shall be imposed to secure payment of such Charges (other than payments to warehousemen and/or bailees pursuant to Liens that are permitted under clause (e)  of the definition of “Permitted Encumbrances”) that is superior to any of the Liens securing the Obligations and such contest is maintained and prosecuted continuously and with diligence and operates to suspend collection or enforcement of such Charges; (iii) none of the Collateral becomes subject to forfeiture or loss as a result of such contest and (iv) such Borrower shall promptly pay or discharge such contested Charges, Taxes or claims and all additional charges, interest, penalties and expenses, if any, and shall deliver to Agent evidence reasonably acceptable to Agent of such compliance, payment or discharge, if such contest is terminated or discontinued adversely to such Borrower or the conditions set forth in this Section 5.2(b) are no longer met.

 

5.3 Books and Records . Each Borrower shall keep adequate books and records with respect to its business activities in which proper entries, reflecting all financial transactions, are made in accordance with GAAP and on a basis consistent with the Financial Statements attached as Disclosure Schedule (3.4(a) ).

 

5.4 Insurance; Damage to or Destruction of Collateral .

 

(a) The Borrowers shall, at their sole cost and expense, maintain the policies of insurance described on Disclosure Schedule (3.18)  (or substantially similar replacement policies) as in effect on the date hereof or otherwise in form and amounts and with insurers reasonably acceptable to Agent. Such policies of insurance (or the loss payable and additional insured endorsements delivered to Agent) shall contain provisions pursuant to which the insurer agrees to provide thirty (30) days prior written notice to Agent in the event of any non-renewal, cancellation or material amendment of any such insurance policy. If any Borrower at any time or times hereafter shall fail to obtain or maintain any of the policies of insurance required above, or to pay all premiums relating thereto, upon notice to Borrower Representative, Agent may at any time or times thereafter obtain and maintain such policies of insurance and pay such premiums and take any other action with respect thereto that Agent deems advisable. Agent shall have no obligation to obtain insurance for any Borrower or pay any premiums therefor. By doing so, Agent shall not be deemed to have waived any Default or Event of Default arising from any Borrower’s failure to maintain such insurance or pay any premiums therefor. All sums so disbursed, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, court costs and other charges related thereto, shall be payable on demand by Borrowers to Agent and shall be additional Obligations hereunder secured by the Collateral.

 

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(b) Agent reserves the right at any time upon any material change in any Borrower’s risk profile (including any change in the product mix maintained by any Borrower or any laws affecting the potential liability of such Borrower) to require additional forms and limits of insurance to, in Agent’s Permitted Discretion, adequately protect both Agent’s and Lenders’ interests in all or any portion of the Collateral and to ensure that each Borrower is protected by insurance in amounts and with such coverage as is customary for its industry. If reasonably requested by Agent, each Borrower shall deliver to Agent from time to time a report of a reputable insurance broker, reasonably satisfactory to Agent, with respect to its insurance policies.

 

(c) Each Borrower shall deliver to Agent, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent, endorsements to (i) all “All Risk” and business interruption insurance naming Agent, on behalf of itself and Lenders, as loss payee with respect to the insured subject-matter, and (ii) all general liability and other liability policies naming Agent, on behalf of itself and Lenders, as additional insured with respect to the insured subject-matter. Each Borrower irrevocably makes, constitutes and appoints Agent (and all officers, employees or agents designated by Agent), so long as any Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or the anticipated insurance proceeds exceed $1,000,000 (it being understood that the Borrowers shall have no obligation to aggregate the amount of any such proceeds which are less than $50,000 arising from any one insurable event or occurrence), as such Borrower’s true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact for the purpose of making, settling and adjusting claims under such “All Risk” policies of insurance, endorsing the name of such Borrower on any check or other item of payment for the proceeds of such “All Risk” policies of insurance and for making all determinations and decisions with respect to such “All Risk” policies of insurance. Agent shall have no duty to exercise any rights or powers granted to it pursuant to the foregoing power-of-attorney. Borrower Representative shall promptly notify Agent of any loss, damage, or destruction to the Collateral in the aggregate amount of $1,000,000 or more, whether or not covered by insurance (it being understood that the Borrowers shall have no obligation to aggregate the amount of any single loss, damage, or destruction to the Collateral in an amount less than $50,000). After deducting from such proceeds (i) the expenses incurred by Agent in the collection or handling thereof, and (ii) amounts required to be paid to creditors (other than Lenders) having Permitted Encumbrances, if any, Agent may, at its option, apply such proceeds to the reduction of the Obligations in accordance with Section 1.3(d) ; or permit or require the applicable Borrower to use such money, or any part thereof, to replace, repair, restore or rebuild the Collateral in a diligent and expeditious manner with materials and workmanship of substantially the same quality as existed before the loss, damage or destruction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the casualty giving rise to such insurance proceeds could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect and such insurance proceeds do not exceed $1,000,000 in the aggregate (it being understood that the Borrowers shall have no obligation to aggregate the amount of any such proceeds which are less than $50,000 arising from any one casualty), Agent shall permit the applicable Borrower to replace, restore, repair or rebuild the property; provided that if such Borrower shall not have completed or entered into binding agreements to complete such replacement, restoration, repair or rebuilding within 180 days of such casualty, Agent may apply such insurance proceeds to the Obligations in accordance with Section 1.3(d) . All insurance proceeds that are to be made available to Borrowers to replace, repair, restore or rebuild the Collateral shall be applied by Agent to reduce the outstanding principal balance of the Loans of such Borrowers (which application shall not result in a

 

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permanent reduction of the First Funded Revolving Loan Commitment or the Revolving Loan Commitment) and upon such application, Agent shall establish a Reserve against the First Funded Revolver Borrowing Base or Revolver Borrowing Base, as the case may be, of the Borrowers in an amount equal to the amount of such proceeds so applied. Thereafter, such funds shall be made available to that Borrower to provide funds to replace, repair, restore or rebuild the Collateral as follows: (i) Borrower Representative shall request an Advance be made to Borrowers in the amount requested to be released; (ii) so long as the conditions set forth in Section 2.2 have been met, Lenders shall make such Advance; and (iii) in the case of insurance proceeds applied against the Loans, the Reserve established with respect to such insurance proceeds shall be reduced by the amount of such Advance. To the extent not used to replace, repair, restore or rebuild the Collateral, such insurance proceeds shall be applied in accordance with Section 1.3(d) .

 

5.5 Compliance with Benefit Plan Settlements and Laws . Each Borrower shall comply with all Benefit Plan Settlements and all federal, state, provincial local and foreign laws and regulations applicable to it, including those relating to PACA, ERISA, labor laws, and Environmental Laws and Environmental Permits, except to the extent that the failure to comply, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

5.6 Supplemental Disclosure . From time to time as may be reasonably requested by Agent (which request will not be made more frequently than once each year absent the occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default) or at Borrowers’ election, the Borrowers shall supplement each Disclosure Schedule hereto, or any representation herein or in any other Loan Document, with respect to any matter hereafter arising that, if existing or occurring at the date of this Agreement, would have been required to be set forth or described in such Disclosure Schedule or as an exception to such representation or that is necessary to correct any information in such Disclosure Schedule or representation which has been rendered inaccurate thereby (and, in the case of any supplements to any Disclosure Schedule, such Disclosure Schedule shall be appropriately marked to show the changes made therein); provided that (a) no such supplement to any such Disclosure Schedule or representation shall amend, supplement or otherwise modify any Disclosure Schedule or representation, except as consented to by Agent in writing; provided that any such supplement to any such Disclosure Schedule or representation which constitutes (or, in Agent’s reasonable discretion, may be deemed) a waiver of any Default or Event of Default resulting from the matters disclosed therein shall require the prior written consent of Agent and Requisite Lenders, and (b) no supplement shall be required or permitted as to representations and warranties that relate solely to the Closing Date.

 

5.7 Intellectual Property . Each Borrower will conduct its business and affairs without infringement of or interference with any Intellectual Property of any other Person in any material respect and shall comply in all material respects with the terms of its Licenses.

 

5.8 Environmental Matters . Except as could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, each Borrower shall and shall cause each Person within its control to: (a) conduct its operations and keep and maintain its Real Estate in compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws and Environmental Permits; (b) implement any and all investigation, remediation, removal and response actions that are appropriate or necessary to

 

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maintain the value of the Real Estate or to otherwise comply with Environmental Laws and Environmental Permits pertaining to the presence, generation, treatment, storage, use, disposal, transportation or Release of any Hazardous Material on, at, in, under, above, to, from or about any of its Real Estate; (c) notify Agent promptly after such Borrower becomes aware of any violation of Environmental Laws or Environmental Permits or any Release on, at, in, under, above, to, from or about any Real Estate; and (d) promptly forward to Agent a copy of any order, notice, request for information or any communication or report received by such Borrower in connection with any such violation or Release or any other matter relating to any Environmental Laws or Environmental Permits, in each case whether or not the Environmental Protection Agency or any Governmental Authority has taken or threatened any action in connection with any such violation, Release or other matter. If Agent at any time has a reasonable basis to believe that there may be a violation of any Environmental Laws or Environmental Permits by any Borrower or any Environmental Liability arising thereunder, or a Release of Hazardous Materials on, at, in, under, above, to, from or about any of its Real Estate, that, in each case, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, then each Borrower shall, upon Agent’s written request (i) cause the performance of such environmental audits including subsurface sampling of soil and groundwater, and preparation of such environmental reports, at Borrowers’ expense, as Agent may from time to time reasonably request, which shall be conducted by reputable environmental consulting firms reasonably acceptable to Agent and shall be in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Agent, or (ii) permit Agent or its representatives to have access to all Real Estate for the purpose of conducting such environmental audits and testing as Agent reasonably deems appropriate, including subsurface sampling of soil and groundwater. Borrowers shall reimburse Agent for the reasonable costs of such audits and tests and the same will constitute a part of the Obligations secured hereunder.

 

5.9 Landlords’ Agreements, Mortgagee Agreements, Bailee Letters and Real Estate Purchases . As reasonably requested by Agent and to the extent not otherwise addressed to Agent’s reasonable satisfaction in the Confirmation Order or the Confirmation Recognition Order, as applicable, each Borrower shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain a landlord’s agreement, mortgagee agreement or bailee letter, as applicable, from the lessor of each leased property, mortgagee of owned property or bailee with respect to any warehouse, processor or converter facility or other location where Collateral having an aggregate fair market value of at least $100,000 is stored or located, which agreement or letter shall contain a waiver or subordination of all Liens or claims that the landlord, mortgagee or bailee may assert against the Collateral at that location, and shall otherwise be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to Agent. With respect to such locations or warehouse space leased or owned as of the Closing Date and thereafter, if Agent has not received a landlord or mortgagee agreement, bailee letter or entry of the Confirmation Order or the Confirmation Recognition Order, as applicable, providing for collateral access as of the Closing Date (or, if later, as of the date such location is acquired or leased), any Borrower’s Eligible Inventory at that location shall, in Agent’s Permitted Discretion, be excluded from the Revolver Borrowing Base or First Funded Revolver Borrowing Base, as applicable, or be subject to such Reserves as may be established by Agent in its Permitted Discretion. After the Closing Date, no real property or warehouse space shall be leased by any Borrower and no Inventory having an aggregate fair market value of more than $100,000 shall be shipped to a processor or converter under arrangements established after the Closing Date without the prior written consent of Agent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld and which consent, in Agent’s discretion, may be conditioned upon the establishment

 

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of Reserves acceptable to Agent in its Permitted Discretion) or, unless and until a reasonably satisfactory landlord agreement or bailee letter, as appropriate, shall first have been obtained with respect to such location. Each Borrower shall timely and fully pay and perform its material obligations under all leases and other agreements with respect to each leased location or public warehouse where any Collateral having an aggregate fair market value of at least $100,000 is or may be located. To the extent otherwise permitted hereunder, if any Borrower proposes to acquire a fee ownership interest in Real Estate after the Closing Date, it shall first provide to Agent a mortgage or deed of trust granting Agent a first priority Lien on such Real Estate, together with environmental audits, mortgage title insurance commitment, real property survey, local counsel opinion(s), and, if required by Agent, supplemental casualty insurance and flood insurance, and such other documents, instruments or agreements reasonably requested by Agent, in each case, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent.

 

5.10 Auditor . Borrowers shall continue to engage Burr, Pilger & Mayer LLP, a “big four” accounting firm, or another auditor, reasonably satisfactory to Agent.

 

5.11 Foreign Assets Control Regulations . Each Borrower is and will remain in full compliance with all foreign asset control and bank secrecy laws and regulations applicable to it (i) ensuring that no person who owns a controlling interest in or otherwise controls such Borrower is or shall be (A) listed on the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Person List maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (“ OFAC ”), Department of the Treasury, and/or any other similar lists maintained by OFAC pursuant to any authorizing statute, Executive Order or regulation or (B) a person designated under Section 1(b), (c) or (d) of Executive Order No. 13224 (September 23, 2001), any related enabling legislation or any other similar Executive Orders, and (ii) ensuring compliance with all applicable Bank Secrecy Act (“ BSA ”) laws, regulations and government guidance on BSA compliance and on the prevention and detection of money laundering violations.

 

5.12 Environmental Reports . Upon the request of Agent in its Permitted Discretion, at any time following the Closing Date, Borrowers shall deliver to Agent Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Reports, consistent with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard E 1527-94 and applicable state requirements, on all of the Mortgaged Properties, prepared by environmental engineers reasonably satisfactory to Agent, all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent; and upon such further request of Agent in its Permitted Discretion, Borrowers shall deliver such environmental review and audit reports, including Phase II reports, with respect to the Mortgaged Properties as Agent shall have requested, and Agent shall be satisfied, in its sole discretion, with the contents of all such environmental reports. Agent shall have received letters executed by the environmental firms preparing such environmental reports, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent, authorizing Agent and Lenders to rely on such reports.

 

5.13 Further Assurances . Each Borrower agrees that it shall and shall cause each other Borrower to, at such Borrower’s expense and upon the reasonable request of Agent, duly execute and deliver, or cause to be duly executed and delivered, to Agent such further instruments and do and cause to be done such further acts as may be reasonably necessary or proper in the reasonable opinion of Agent to carry out more effectively the provisions and purposes of this Agreement and each Loan Document.

 

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6. NEGATIVE COVENANTS

 

Each Borrower jointly and severally agrees as to all Borrowers that from and after the date hereof until the Termination Date:

 

6.1 Mergers, Subsidiaries, Etc . No Borrower shall directly or indirectly, by operation of law or otherwise, (a) form or acquire any Subsidiary, or (b) merge with, consolidate with, acquire all or substantially all of the assets or Stock of, or otherwise combine with or acquire, any Person, except that any Borrower may merge with another Borrower, provided that Borrower Representative shall be the survivor of any such merger to which it is a party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Borrower (other than Holdings) or Holdings (so long as contemporaneously therewith, all assets so acquired are transferred to one or more other Borrowers) may acquire all or substantially all of the assets or Stock of any Person (the “ Target ”) (in each case, a “ Permitted Acquisition ”) subject to the satisfaction of each of the following conditions:

 

(i) Agent shall receive at least 30 Business Days’ prior written notice of such proposed Permitted Acquisition, which notice shall include a reasonably detailed description of such proposed Permitted Acquisition; provided that Agent shall have received at least 15 Business Days’ prior written notice (or such other period as may be consented to by Agent in its reasonable discretion) of any proposed Junior Permitted Acquisition only;

 

(ii) such Permitted Acquisition shall only involve assets located in the United States or Canada and comprising a business, or those assets of a business, of the type engaged in by Borrowers as of the Closing Date, and which business would not subject Agent or any Lender to regulatory or third party approvals in connection with the exercise of its rights and remedies under this Agreement or any other Loan Documents other than approvals applicable to the exercise of such rights and remedies with respect to Borrowers prior to such Permitted Acquisition;

 

(iii) such Permitted Acquisition shall be consensual and shall have been approved by the Target’s board of directors, where applicable;

 

(iv) no additional Indebtedness, Guaranteed Indebtedness, contingent obligations or other liabilities shall be incurred, assumed or otherwise be reflected on a consolidated balance sheet of Borrowers and, if applicable, Target after giving effect to such Permitted Acquisition, except (A) Loans made hereunder and (B) ordinary course trade payables, accrued expenses and unsecured Indebtedness of the Target to the extent no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result after giving effect to such Permitted Acquisition;

 

(v) the sum of all amounts payable in connection with Permitted Acquisitions (including all transaction costs and all Indebtedness, liabilities and contingent obligations incurred or assumed in connection therewith or otherwise reflected in a consolidated balance sheet of Borrowers and Target) shall not exceed $10,000,000 in any one Permitted Acquisition and $30,000,000 in the aggregate for all such Permitted Acquisitions;

 

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(vi) for Permitted Acquisitions involving the acquisition of the Target’s Stock only, the Target shall not have incurred an operating loss for the trailing twelve-month period preceding the date of the Permitted Acquisition, as determined based upon the Target’s financial statements for its most recently completed fiscal year and its most recent interim financial period completed within 60 days prior to the date of consummation of such Permitted Acquisition;

 

(vii) the business and assets acquired in such Permitted Acquisition shall be free and clear of all Liens (other than Permitted Encumbrances);

 

(viii) at or prior to the closing of any Permitted Acquisition, Agent will be granted a first priority perfected Lien (subject to Permitted Encumbrances) in all assets acquired pursuant thereto or in the assets and Stock of the Target, and Holdings and Borrowers and the Target shall have executed such documents and taken such actions as may be required by Agent in connection therewith;

 

(ix) Concurrently with delivery of the notice referred to in clause (i)  above, Borrowers shall have delivered to Agent, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent:

 

(1) a pro forma consolidated balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement of Borrowers (the “ Acquisition Pro Forma ”), based on recent financial statements, which shall be complete and shall fairly present in all material respects the assets, liabilities, financial condition and results of operations of Borrowers in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, but taking into account such Permitted Acquisition and the funding of all Loans in connection therewith, and such Acquisition Pro Forma shall reflect that (x) on a pro forma basis, Borrowers would have had a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio not less than 1.00:1 for the four-quarter period reflected in the Compliance Certificate most recently delivered to Agent pursuant to Annex E prior to the consummation of such Permitted Acquisition (after giving effect to such Permitted Acquisition and all Loans funded in connection therewith as if made on the first day of such period), (y) average daily Aggregate Borrowing Availability (less $10,000,000 or such other amount as Borrowers may be required to maintain pursuant to Section 6.10 , Annex G , clause (c)  of this Agreement) of all Borrowers for the 30-day period preceding the consummation of such Permitted Acquisition would have exceeded $25,000,000 on a pro forma basis (after giving effect to such Permitted Acquisition (other than any impact on the Revolver Borrowing Base and First Funded Revolver Borrowing Base) and all Loans funded in connection therewith as if made on the first day of such period), and (z) on a pro forma basis, no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result after giving effect to such Permitted Acquisition and Borrowers would have been in compliance with the financial covenants set forth in Annex G for the four quarter period reflected in the Compliance Certificate most recently delivered to Agent pursuant to Annex E prior to the consummation of such Permitted Acquisition (after giving effect to such Permitted Acquisition and all Loans funded in connection therewith as if made on the first day of such period);

 

(2) updated versions of the most recently delivered Projections covering the 1-year period commencing on the date of such Permitted Acquisition and otherwise prepared in accordance with the Projections (the “ Acquisition Projections ”) and based upon

 

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historical financial data of a recent date reasonably satisfactory to Agent, taking into account such Permitted Acquisition; and

 

(3) a certificate of the chief financial officer of Borrower Representative to the effect that: (w) each Borrower (other than Subsidiaries of Core-Mark International, Inc.) (after taking into consideration all rights of contribution and indemnity such Borrower has against each other Borrower) will be Solvent upon the consummation of the Permitted Acquisition; (x) the Acquisition Pro Forma fairly presents the financial condition of Borrowers (on a consolidated basis) as of the date thereof after giving effect to the Permitted Acquisition; (y) the Acquisition Projections are reasonable estimates of the future financial performance of Borrowers subsequent to the date thereof based upon the historical performance of Borrowers and the Target and show that Borrowers shall continue to be in compliance with the financial covenants set forth in Annex G for the period until the Commitment Termination Date; and (z) Borrowers have completed their due diligence investigation with respect to the Target and such Permitted Acquisition, which investigation was conducted in a manner similar to that which would have been conducted by a prudent purchaser of a comparable business and the results of which investigation were delivered to Agent and Lenders;

 

(x) on or prior to the date of such Permitted Acquisition, Agent shall have received, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent, copies of the acquisition agreement and related agreements and instruments, and all opinions, certificates, lien search results and other documents reasonably requested by Agent including those specified in the last sentence of Section 5.9 , if applicable; and

 

(xi) at the time of such Permitted Acquisition and after giving effect thereto, no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, for Junior Permitted Acquisitions only, the Borrowers shall not be required to comply with clauses (v), (vi), (ix)(1)(x), (ix)(2) or (ix)(3) above prior to consummating such Junior Permitted Acquisition (but shall, for the avoidance of doubt, be required to comply with all other conditions for a Permitted Acquisition set forth above).

 

6.2 Investments; Loans and Advances . Except as otherwise expressly permitted by this Section 6.2 and Section 6.4 , no Borrower shall make or permit to exist any investment in, or make, accrue or permit to exist loans or advances of money to, any Person, through the direct or indirect lending of money, holding of securities or otherwise, except that: (a) Borrowers may hold investments comprised of notes payable, or stock or other securities issued by Account Debtors to any Borrower pursuant to negotiated agreements with respect to settlement in the ordinary course of business of such Account Debtor’s Accounts (other than Accounts which were classified as Eligible Accounts within thirty (30) days of such settlement on the most recently delivered Borrowing Base Certificate hereunder), so long as the aggregate amount of such Accounts so settled by Borrowers does not exceed $300,000 per Account and $2,000,000 in the aggregate as to all Accounts (or such higher amounts as may be consented to by Agent in its reasonable discretion), it being understood that Borrowers shall have no obligation to aggregate the amount of any settled Accounts which individually are less than $25,000, (b) each Borrower may make capital contributions to, and maintain its existing investments in its Subsidiaries (other than Excluded Subsidiaries) and other investments

 

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described in reasonable detail on Disclosure Schedule (6.2)  as of the Closing Date, (c) any Borrower may make investments in the ordinary course of its business consistent with past practices consisting of advances, allowances and rebates to such Borrower’s customers, (d) Borrowers may make investments or loans in their customers, the terms of which shall not exceed sixty (60) months, in an amount not to exceed $2,000,000 at any time outstanding to any one customer or $5,000,000 at any time outstanding in the aggregate (or such higher amounts as may be consented to by Agent in its reasonable discretion), (e) any Borrower may make investments in connection with transactions permitted under Section 6.17 , (f) so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Borrowers may make investments, subject to Control Letters in favor of Agent for the benefit of Lenders or otherwise subject to a perfected security interest in favor of Agent for the benefit of Lenders, in (i) marketable direct obligations issued or unconditionally guaranteed by the United States of America or any agency thereof maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof, (ii) commercial paper maturing no more than one year from the date of creation thereof and currently having the highest rating obtainable from either Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group (“ S&P ”) or Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“ Moody’s ”), (iii) certificates of deposit maturing no more than one year from the date of creation thereof issued by commercial banks incorporated under the laws of the United States of America or Canada, each having combined capital, surplus and undivided profits of not less than $300,000,000 and having a senior unsecured rating of “A” or better by a nationally recognized rating agency (or an equivalent rating from an equivalent Canadian rating agency, as the case may be, as determined by the Agent in its reasonable discretion) (an “ A Rated Bank ”), (iv) time deposits maturing no more than 30 days from the date of creation thereof with A Rated Banks, (v) mutual funds that invest solely in one or more investments described in clauses (i) through (iv)  above, and (iv) money market funds that (x) comply with the criteria set forth in Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, (y) are rated AAA by S&P and Aaa by Moody’s and (z) have portfolio assets of at least $5,000,000,000, (g) Borrowers may make investments permitted under Section 6.3(a)(vi) and (h) Borrowers may make investments not otherwise permitted hereunder in an aggregate amount not to exceed $2,000,000 at any time outstanding.

 

6.3 Indebtedness .

 

(a) No Borrower shall create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Indebtedness, except (without duplication) (i) Indebtedness secured by purchase money security interests and Capital Leases permitted in Section 6.7(e) , (ii) the Loans and the other Obligations, (iii) unfunded pension fund and other employee benefit plan obligations and liabilities to the extent they are permitted to remain unfunded under applicable law, (iv) existing Indebtedness described in Disclosure Schedule (6.3)  and refinancings thereof or amendments or modifications thereto that do not have the effect of increasing the principal amount thereof or changing the amortization thereof (other than to extend the same) and that are otherwise on terms and conditions no less favorable to any Borrower, Agent or any Lender, as reasonably determined by Agent, than the terms of the Indebtedness being refinanced, amended or modified, (v) Subordinated Debt evidenced by the Subordinated Debt Documents and refinancings thereof or amendments thereto to the extent permitted hereunder and by the Intercreditor Agreement, (vi) Indebtedness consisting of intercompany loans and advances made by any Borrower to any other Borrower; provided that: (A) each Borrower shall have executed and delivered to each other Borrower, on the Closing Date, a demand note (collectively, the “ Intercompany Notes ”) to

 

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evidence any such intercompany Indebtedness owing at any time by such Borrower to such other Borrowers which Intercompany Notes shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent and shall be pledged and delivered to Agent pursuant to the applicable Pledge Agreement or Security Agreement as additional collateral security for the Obligations; (B) each Borrower shall record all intercompany transactions on its books and records in a manner consistent with past practices and reasonably satisfactory to Agent; (C) the obligations of each Borrower under any such Intercompany Notes shall be subordinated to the Obligations of such Borrower hereunder in a manner reasonably satisfactory to Agent; and (D) no Default or Event of Default would occur and be continuing after giving effect to any such proposed intercompany loan, (vii) Indebtedness incurred in connection with the Cash Management Systems, (viii) Indebtedness incurred in connection with the financing of such Borrower’s insurance premiums and on terms reasonably satisfactory to Agent, (ix) Indebtedness incurred in connection with transactions permitted under Section 6.17 , (x) Indebtedness incurred in the ordinary course of business in connection with surety and appeal bonds, (xi) Indebtedness consisting of the deferred purchase price of any Permitted Acquisition, subject to Section 6.1(v) and the last paragraph of Section 6.1 , and (xii) other Indebtedness in an aggregate outstanding amount not to exceed $1,000,000 at any time.

 

(b) No Borrower shall, directly or indirectly, voluntarily purchase, redeem, defease or prepay any principal of, premium, if any, interest or other amount payable in respect of any Indebtedness prior to its scheduled maturity, other than (i) the Obligations; (ii) Indebtedness secured by a Permitted Encumbrance if the asset securing such Indebtedness has been sold or otherwise disposed of in accordance with Sections 6.8(b) or (c) ; (iii) Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.3(a)(iv) upon any refinancing thereof in accordance with Section 6.3(a)(iv) ; and (iv) as otherwise permitted in Section 6.14 .

 

6.4 Employee Loans and Affiliate Transactions .

 

(a) Except as otherwise expressly permitted in this Section 6 with respect to Affiliates, no Borrower shall enter into or be a party to any transaction with any Affiliate of any Borrower thereof except (i) in the ordinary course of and pursuant to the reasonable requirements of such Borrower’s business and upon fair and reasonable terms that are no less favorable to such Borrower than would be obtained in a comparable arm’s length transaction with a Person not an Affiliate of such Borrower and (ii) agreements with its directors and officers for reasonable compensation, fees and expenses of such Persons in their capacity as such. In addition, if any such transaction or series of related transactions identified in clause (i)  above involves payments in excess of $100,000 in the aggregate, or if any such transaction or series of related transactions identified in clause (ii)  above (other than with respect to officers) involves payments in excess of $250,000 in the aggregate the terms of these transactions must be disclosed in advance to Agent and Lenders. All such transactions existing as of the date hereof are described in Disclosure Schedule (6.4(a)) . For the avoidance of doubt, transactions solely as among Borrowers shall not be subject to Section 6.4(a)(i) .

 

(b) No Borrower shall enter into any lending or borrowing transaction with any employees of any Borrower, except loans to its respective employees in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices for travel and entertainment expenses,

 

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relocation costs and similar purposes up to a maximum of $100,000 to any employee and up to a maximum of $250,000 in the aggregate at any one time outstanding.

 

6.5 Capital Structure and Business . If all or part of a Borrower’s Stock is pledged to Agent, that Borrower shall not issue additional Stock except Stock that is pledged to the Agent pursuant to the applicable Pledge Agreement. No Borrower shall amend its charter or bylaws in a manner that could reasonably be expected to adversely affect Agent or Lenders or such Borrower’s duty or ability to repay the Obligations. No Borrower shall engage in any business other than the businesses currently engaged in by it or businesses reasonably related thereto.

 

6.6 Guaranteed Indebtedness . No Borrower shall create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Guaranteed Indebtedness except (a) by endorsement of instruments or items of payment for deposit to the general account of any Borrower, (b) for Guaranteed Indebtedness incurred for the benefit of any other Borrower if the primary obligation is expressly permitted by this Agreement, (c) Guaranteed Indebtedness outstanding on the Closing Date and (d) Guaranteed Indebtedness evidenced by the Holdings Guaranties.

 

6.7 Liens . No Borrower shall create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Lien on or with respect to its Accounts or any of its other properties or assets (whether now owned or hereafter acquired) except for (a) Permitted Encumbrances, (b) Liens in existence on the date hereof and described on Disclosure Schedule (6.7)  (including Liens securing the Indebtedness described on Disclosure Schedule (6.3)  and permitted refinancings, extensions and renewals thereof), including extensions or renewals of any such Liens; provided that the principal amount of the Indebtedness so secured is not increased and the Lien does not attach to any other property, (c) Liens securing Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.3(a)(ii), (v), (vii) and (viii) , (d) Liens created after the date hereof by conditional sale or other title retention agreements (including Capital Leases) or in connection with purchase money Indebtedness with respect to Equipment and Fixtures acquired by any Borrower in the ordinary course of business, involving the incurrence of an aggregate amount of purchase money Indebtedness and Capital Lease Obligations of not more than $2,500,000 outstanding at any one time for all such Liens ( provided that such Liens attach only to the assets subject to such purchase money debt and such Indebtedness is incurred within twenty (20) days following such purchase and does not exceed 100% of the purchase price of the subject assets), (e) precautionary UCC or PPSA financing statements filed with respect to operating leases permitted hereunder, and (f) any interest or title of a licensor, lessor or sublessor under any license or lease (as the case may be) permitted hereunder. In addition, no Borrower shall become a party to any agreement, note, indenture or instrument, or take any other action, that would prohibit the creation of a Lien on any of its properties or other assets in favor of Agent, on behalf of itself and Lenders, as additional collateral for the Obligations, except operating leases, Capital Leases or Licenses which prohibit Liens upon the assets that are subject thereto.

 

6.8 Sale of Stock and Assets . No Borrower shall sell, transfer, convey, assign or otherwise dispose of any of its properties or other assets, including the Stock of any of its Subsidiaries, whether in a public or a private offering or otherwise, or any of its Accounts, other than (a) the transfer by a Borrower of assets or Stock of a Subsidiary of such Borrower to another Borrower hereunder (subject to Section 6.20 ), (b) the sale of Inventory in the ordinary

 

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course of business, (c) the sale or other disposition of surplus, obsolete, negligible or uneconomical assets, (d) sales or other dispositions of assets (other than Stock) provided that (i) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a result thereof, (ii) any such sale or disposition is consummated at arm’s length and for fair and reasonable consideration, (iii) the cash consideration paid in connection with any such sale or disposition shall equal at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the total consideration paid to such Borrower and the Borrowers shall have taken all actions reasonably required to provide the Agent with a valid and first perfected priority Lien in any non-cash consideration, and (iv) except to the extent consented to by Agent in connection with a transaction permitted under Section 6.12 , the value of such assets sold or disposed of does not exceed (A) $5,000,000 in any one transaction or series of related transactions, (B) $10,000,000 during any period of twelve (12) consecutive Fiscal Months, and (C) $25,000,000 in the aggregate, (e) the sale and discount of Accounts that do not constitute Eligible Accounts, and (f) the sale or liquidation in the ordinary course of business of investments permitted under Section 6.2(a) or 6.2(f) .

 

6.9 ERISA . No Borrower shall, or shall cause or permit any ERISA Affiliate to, cause or permit to occur (i) an event that could reasonably be expected to result in the imposition of a Lien under Section 412 of the IRC or Section 302 or 4068 of ERISA or (ii) an ERISA Event to the extent such ERISA Event would reasonably be expected to result in taxes, penalties and other liabilities in an aggregate amount in excess of $250,000 in the aggregate. No Borrower shall, or shall cause or permit any ERISA Affiliate to (i) fail to comply with the terms of any Benefit Plan Settlement, to the extent such failure could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect or (ii) modify, amend, supplement, waive or terminate any provision of any Benefit Plan Settlement.

 

6.10 Financial Covenants . Borrowers shall not breach or fail to comply with any of the Financial Covenants.

 

6.11 Hazardous Materials . No Borrower shall cause or permit a Release of any Hazardous Material on, at, in, under, above, to, from or about any of the Real Estate where such Release would (a) violate in any respect, or form the basis for any Environmental Liabilities under, any Environmental Laws or Environmental Permits or (b) otherwise adversely impact the value or marketability of any of the Real Estate or any of the Collateral, other than such violations or Environmental Liabilities that could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

6.12 Sale-Leasebacks . No Borrower shall enter into any sale-leaseback, synthetic lease or similar transaction involving any of its assets having a fair market value of $500,000 or more during any Fiscal Year, except with the prior written consent of Agent.

 

6.13 Cancellation of Indebtedness . No Borrower shall cancel any claim or debt owing to it, except for reasonable consideration negotiated on an arm’s length basis and in the ordinary course of its business consistent with past practices.

 

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6.14 Restricted Payments; Tranche B Restricted Payments; Holdings Guaranty Restricted Payment .

 

(a) No Borrower shall make any Restricted Payment, except (i) intercompany loans and advances between Borrowers to the extent permitted by Section 6.3 , (ii) dividends and distributions by Subsidiaries of any Borrower paid to such Borrower (other than Holdings), (iii) employee loans permitted under Section 6.4(b) , (iv) payments of principal and interest of Intercompany Notes issued in accordance with Section 6.3 , (v) scheduled payments of interest with respect to Subordinated Debt (other than with respect to the Tranche B Loan Facility), (vi) dividends and distributions by any Borrower to holders of its Stock payable in additional shares of such Stock, and (vii) cash distributions by Subsidiaries of Holdings to Holdings to enable Holdings to pay taxes attributable to the operations of Holdings and other expenses incidental to the activities permitted by Section 6.20 ; provided that (x) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result after giving effect to any Restricted Payment pursuant to clause (v)  above, (y) the timing of the Restricted Payments referred to in clause (v)  above shall be set within thirty (30) days following the delivery of Financial Statements necessary to determine current compliance with the Financial Covenants prior to each such payment and (z) Borrowers shall have a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the period of twelve (12) months most recently ended not less than 1.00:1 after giving pro forma effect to any Restricted Payment referred to in clause (v)  above.

 

(b) No Borrower shall make any Tranche B Restricted Payment; provided , however , Borrowers may make:

 

(i) payments of interest, fees, expenses and other charges (including the repayment of Borrowers’ “LC Reimbursement Liability” through the issuance of “Additional Notes”, as such terms are defined in the Tranche B Loan Facility) on or with respect to the Tranche B Loans as set forth in the Tranche B Loan Facility documents as in effect on the date hereof or as modified from time to time in accordance with Section 6.18 ;

 

(ii) payments and prepayments of the principal of and premium, if any, on the Tranche B Loans so long as

 

(A) any such payment does not exceed the positive difference (if any) between (x) the outstanding principal amount of the Tranche B Loans as of any date of proposed payment and (y) the unpaid TLV Reclamation Claims as of such date (as determined by Agent in its sole discretion by reference to the RCT Report most recently delivered pursuant to Annex F ) less cash of the Reclamation Creditors’ Trust in excess of $3,000,000 as of such date,

 

(B) after giving effect to any such payment, the remaining outstanding principal amount of the Tranche B Loans shall not be less than the lesser of (x) $15,000,000 minus the aggregate unreimbursed amounts paid by the Borrowers pursuant to a draw under the TLV Guaranty and (y) the unpaid Net Non-TLV Reclamation Claims as of such date (as determined by Agent in its sole discretion by reference to the RCT Report most recently delivered pursuant to Annex F ) less , if there are no unpaid TLV Reclamation Claims outstanding on such date, cash of the Reclamation Creditors’ Trust in excess of $3,000,000 as of such date,

 

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(C) Borrowers shall have Aggregate Borrowing Availability (less $10,000,000 or such other amount as Borrowers may be required to maintain pursuant to Section 6.10 , Annex G , clause (c)  of this Agreement) of at least $25,000,000 after giving effect to any such payment,

 

(D) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result after giving effect to any such payment, and

 

(E) Agent has received the RCT Report most recently required to be delivered pursuant to Annex F ; and

 

(iii) during the Fiscal Year ending December 31, 2005, Borrowers shall be permitted to make payments and prepayments of the principal of and premium, if any, on the Tranche B Loans in an aggregate amount not to exceed $10,000,000 so long as (A) Borrowers shall have Aggregate Borrowing Availability (less $10,000,000 or such other amount as Borrowers may be required to maintain pursuant to Section 6.10 , Annex G , clause (c)  of this Agreement) of at least $50,000,000 after giving effect to any such payment, (B) Borrowers shall have a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the period of twelve (12) months most recently ended of at least 1.00:1 after giving pro forma effect to any such payment and (C) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result after giving effect to any such payment.

 

The timing of any Tranche B Restricted Payment permitted under clauses (ii) and (iii)  above shall be set within thirty (30) days following the delivery of Financial Statements necessary to determine current compliance with the Financial Covenants prior to each such payment. For purposes of this Section 6.14(b) , “TLV Reclamation Claims” and “Net Non-TLV Reclamation Claims” shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Plan of Reorganization.

 

(c) No Borrower shall make any Holdings Guaranty Restricted Payment; provided that regularly scheduled payments of principal and interest with respect to the Holdings Guaranties, as and when required under the Holdings Guaranties as in effect on the Closing Date, without acceleration, may be made if (i) the payment is permitted under the applicable Holdings Guaranty as in existence on the Closing Date and (ii) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result after giving effect to such Holdings Guaranty Restricted Payment.

 

6.15 Change of Corporate Name, State of Incorporation or Location; Change of Fiscal Year . No Borrower shall (a) change its name as it appears in official filings in the state of its incorporation or other organization (b) change its chief executive office, principal place of business, corporate offices or warehouses or locations at which Collateral having an aggregate fair market value in excess of $100,000 is held or stored, or the location of its records concerning the Collateral, (c) change the type of entity that it is, (d) change its organization identification number, if any, issued by its state of incorporation or other organization, or (e) change its state of incorporation or organization or incorporate or organize in any additional jurisdictions, in each case without at least thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to Agent and after Agent’s written acknowledgment that any reasonable action requested by Agent in connection therewith, including to continue the perfection of any Liens in favor of Agent, on behalf of Lenders, in any Collateral, has been (or will be) completed or taken prior to any such change,

 

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and provided that any such new location shall be in the continental United States, or in the case of warehouses or locations at which Collateral is held or stored, in the continental United States or Canada. No Borrower shall change its Fiscal Year without the prior written consent of Agent.

 

6.16 No Impairment of Intercompany Transfers . No Borrower shall directly or indirectly enter into or become bound by any agreement, instrument, indenture or other obligation (other than this Agreement, the other Loan Documents and the Related Transactions Documents) that could directly or indirectly restrict, prohibit or require the consent of any Person with respect to the payment of dividends or distributions or the making or repayment of intercompany loans by a Subsidiary of any Borrower to any Borrower or between Borrowers.

 

6.17 No Speculative Transactions . No Borrower shall engage in any transaction involving commodity options, futures contracts or similar transactions, except solely to hedge against fluctuations in the prices of commodities, interest rates or foreign currency exchange rates owned or purchased by it in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices.

 

6.18 Changes Relating to Subordinated Debt; Material Contracts .

 

(a) No Borrower shall change or amend the terms of any Subordinated Debt (or any indenture or agreement in connection therewith), other than (i) ministerial amendments and other modifications which could not adversely affect the interests of Agent or any Lender and (ii) amendments and other changes to the Tranche B Loan Facility permitted by the Intercreditor Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the prior sentence and except as permitted by the Intercreditor Agreement, no Borrower will consent to any amendment, modification or supplement to or waiver of any provision of the Subordinated Debt Documents, as applicable, if the effect of such amendment, supplement, modification or waiver would be to (w) increase the principal amount of any Subordinated Debt (including to reborrow or reincur any previously paid amount) or release or forgive any unpaid principal amount, (x) increase the interest rate thereon, (y) shorten the maturity thereof or accelerate the date for any payment, or (z) alter any covenant (other than to make such covenant less restrictive or to waive the same).

 

(b) No Borrower shall change or amend the terms of any Material Contract, other than ministerial amendments and other modifications which could not adversely affect the interests of Agent or any Lender.

 

6.19 Excluded Subsidiaries . No Borrower shall permit any Excluded Subsidiary to engage in any business or other activities, to hold any material assets or to incur any Indebtedness or any other liabilities.

 

6.20 Business Activities . From and after the consummation of the Related Transactions on the Closing Date, Holdings shall not engage in any business or have any assets or incur any Indebtedness or Guaranteed Indebtedness (other than the Obligations and the Holdings Guaranties) other than (i) owning the Stock of its Subsidiaries owned by it as of the Closing Date or acquired following the Closing Date in accordance with Section 6.1 , (ii) the entering into, and the performance of obligations under, this Agreement, the other Loan

 

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Documents to which it is a party and the Related Transaction Documents to which it is a party, (iii) activities associated with amounts paid by or with any distributions paid to Holdings which are permitted under Section 6.14 , and (iv) Subordinated Debt as evidenced by the Subordinated Debt Documents; provided , however , Holdings may engage in activities incidental to (A) the maintenance of its corporate existence in compliance with applicable law and (B) legal, tax and accounting matters in connection with any of the foregoing activities.

 

7. TERM

 

7.1 Termination . The financing arrangements contemplated hereby shall be in effect until the Commitment Termination Date, and the Loans and all other Obligations shall be automatically due and payable in full on such date.

 

7.2 Survival of Obligations Upon Termination of Financing Arrangements . Except as otherwise expressly provided for in the Loan Documents, no termination or cancellation (regardless of cause or procedure) of any financing arrangement under this Agreement shall in any way affect or impair the obligations, duties and liabilities of the Borrowers or the rights of Agent and Lenders relating to any unpaid portion of the Loans or any other Obligations, due or not due, liquidated, contingent or unliquidated, or any transaction or event occurring prior to such termination, or any transaction or event, the performance of which is required after the Commitment Termination Date. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein or in any other Loan Document, all undertakings, agreements, covenants, warranties and representations of or binding upon the Borrowers, and all rights of Agent and each Lender, all as contained in the Loan Documents, shall not terminate or expire, but rather shall survive any such termination or cancellation and shall continue in full force and effect until the Termination Date; provided that the provisions of Section 11 , the payment obligations under Sections 1.15 and 1.16 , and the indemnities contained in the Loan Documents shall survive the Termination Date.

 

8. EVENTS OF DEFAULT; RIGHTS AND REMEDIES

 

8.1 Events of Default . The occurrence of any one or more of the following events (regardless of the reason therefor) shall constitute an “ Event of Default ” hereunder:

 

(a) Any Borrower (i) fails to make any payment of principal of, or interest on, or Fees owing in respect of, the Loans or any of the other Obligations when due and payable, or (ii) fails to pay or reimburse Agent or Lenders for any expense reimbursable hereunder or under any other Loan Document within ten (10) days following Agent’s demand for such reimbursement or payment of expenses.

 

(b) Any Borrower fails or neglects to perform, keep or observe any of the provisions of Sections 1.4, 1.8, 5.4(a) or 6 , or any of the provisions set forth in Annexes C or G , respectively.

 

(c) Any Borrower fails or neglects to perform, keep or observe any of the provisions of Section 4.1 or any provisions set forth in Annexes E or F , respectively, and the same shall remain unremedied for three (3) Business Days or more (it being understood that

 

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Borrowers’ noncompliance with Annex F, clause (b)  shall not constitute a Default or an Event of Default solely to the extent such failure to comply is due to the Reclamation Creditors’ Trust’s failure to deliver the RCT Report to Borrowers in a timely manner).

 

(d) Any Borrower fails or neglects to perform, keep or observe any other provision of this Agreement or of any of the other Loan Documents (other than any provision embodied in or covered by any other clause of this Section 8.1 ) and the same shall remain unremedied for thirty (30) days or more.

 

(e) A default or breach occurs under any other agreement, document or instrument to which any Borrower is a party that is not cured within any applicable grace period therefor, and such default or breach (i) involves the failure to make any payment when due in respect of any Indebtedness or Guaranteed Indebtedness (other than the Obligations) of any Borrower in excess of $1,000,000 in the aggregate (including (x) undrawn committed or available amounts and (y) amounts owing to all creditors under any combined or syndicated credit arrangements), or (ii) causes, or permits any holder of such Indebtedness or Guaranteed Indebtedness or a trustee to cause, Indebtedness or Guaranteed Indebtedness or a portion thereof in excess of $1,000,000 in the aggregate to become due prior to its stated maturity or prior to its regularly scheduled dates of payment, or cash collateral in respect thereof to be demanded, in each case, regardless of whether such default is waived, or such right is exercised, by such holder or trustee.

 

(f) Any information contained in any Borrowing Base Certificate is untrue or incorrect in any respect (other than (i) inadvertent, immaterial errors not exceeding $250,000 in the aggregate in any Borrowing Base Certificate or (ii) errors understating the First Funded Revolver Borrowing Base or the Revolver Borrowing Base), or any representation or warranty herein or in any Loan Document or in any written statement, report, financial statement or certificate (other than a Borrowing Base Certificate) made or delivered to Agent or any Lender by any Borrower is untrue or incorrect in any material respect as of the date when made or deemed made.

 

(g) Assets of any Borrower with a fair market value of $1,000,000 or more are attached, seized, levied upon or subjected to a writ or distress warrant, or come within the possession of any receiver, trustee, custodian or assignee for the benefit of creditors of any Borrower and such condition continues for thirty (30) days or more, unless contested by such Borrower in good faith.

 

(h) A case or proceeding is commenced against any Borrower seeking a decree or order in respect of such Borrower (i) under the Bankruptcy Code, or any other applicable federal, state or foreign bankruptcy or other similar law, (ii) appointing a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee or sequestrator (or similar official) for such Borrower or for any substantial part of any such Borrower’s assets, or (iii) ordering the winding-up or liquidation of the affairs of such Borrower, and such case or proceeding shall remain undismissed or unstayed for sixty (60) days or more or a decree or order granting the relief sought in such case or proceeding shall be entered by a court of competent jurisdiction.

 

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(i) Any Borrower (i) files a petition seeking relief under the Bankruptcy Code, or any other applicable federal, state or foreign bankruptcy or other similar law, (ii) consents to or fails to contest in a timely and appropriate manner the institution of proceedings thereunder or the filing of any such petition or the appointment of or taking possession by a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee or sequestrator (or similar official) for such Borrower or for any substantial part of any such Borrower’s assets, (iii) makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, (iv) takes any action authorizing any of the foregoing; or (v) admits in writing its inability to, or is generally unable to, pay its debts as such debts become due.

 

(j) A final judgment or judgments for the payment of money in excess of $1,000,000 in the aggregate at any time are outstanding against one or more of the Borrowers (which judgments are not covered by insurance policies as to which liability has been accepted by the insurance carrier), and the same are not, within forty-five (45) days after the entry thereof, discharged or execution thereof stayed or bonded pending appeal, or such judgments are not discharged prior to the expiration of any such stay.

 

(k) Any material provision of any Loan Document for any reason ceases to be valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with its terms (or any Borrower shall challenge the enforceability of any Loan Document or shall assert in writing, or engage in any action or inaction based on any such assertion, that any provision of any of the Loan Documents has ceased to be or otherwise is not valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with its terms), or any Lien created under any Loan Document ceases to be a valid and perfected first priority Lien (except as otherwise permitted herein or therein) in any of the Collateral purported to be covered thereby.

 

(l) Any Change of Control occurs.

 

(m) Any event occurs, whether or not insured or insurable, as a result of which revenue-producing activities cease or are substantially curtailed at facilities of Borrowers generating more than 20% of Borrowers’ consolidated revenues for the Fiscal Year preceding such event and such cessation or curtailment continues for more than forty-five (45) days.

 

(n) Any “Event of Default” under and as defined in any Mortgage shall have occurred.

 

(o) Any “Event of Default” under and as defined in the Tranche B Loan Facility or in any other Subordinated Debt Document shall have occurred.

 

(p) Any default or breach by any Borrower occurs and is continuing under any Material Contract or any Material Contract shall be terminated for any reason.

 

8.2 Remedies .

 

(a) If any Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Agent may (and at the written request of the Requisite Lenders shall), without notice, suspend the First Funded Revolving Loan facility and the Revolving Loan facility with respect to additional Advances and/or the incurrence of additional Letter of Credit Obligations, whereupon any additional Advances and additional Letter of Credit Obligations shall be made or incurred in

 

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Agent’s sole discretion (or in the sole discretion of the Requisite Lenders, if such suspension occurred at their direction) so long as such Default or Event of Default is continuing. If any Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Agent may (and at the written request of Requisite Lenders shall), without notice, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, increase the rate of interest applicable to the Loans and the Letter of Credit Fees to the Default Rate.

 

(b) If any Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Agent may (and at the written request of the Requisite Lenders shall), without notice: (i) terminate the First Funded Revolving Loan facility and the Revolving Loan facility with respect to further Advances or the incurrence of further Letter of Credit Obligations; (ii) reduce the First Funded Revolving Loan Commitment and the Revolving Loan Commitment from time to time; (iii) declare all or any portion of the Obligations, including all or any portion of any Loan to be forthwith due and payable, and require that the Letter of Credit Obligations be cash collateralized in the manner set forth in Annex B , all without presentment, demand, protest or further notice of any kind, all of which are expressly waived by Borrowers; or (iv) exercise any rights and remedies provided to Agent under the Loan Documents or at law or equity, including all remedies provided under the Code; provided that, upon the occurrence of an Event of Default specified in Sections 8.1(h) or (i) , the Commitments shall be immediately terminated and all of the Obligations, including the aggregate Loans, shall be immediately due and payable without declaration, notice or demand by any Person.

 

8.3 Waivers by Borrowers . Except as otherwise provided for in this Agreement or by applicable law, each Borrower waives (including for purposes of Section 12 ): (a) presentment, demand and protest and notice of presentment, dishonor, notice of intent to accelerate, notice of acceleration, protest, default, nonpayment, maturity, release, compromise, settlement, extension or renewal of any or all commercial paper, accounts, contract rights, documents, instruments, chattel paper and guaranties at any time held by Agent on which any Borrower may in any way be liable, and hereby ratifies and confirms whatever Agent may do in this regard, (b) all rights to notice and a hearing prior to Agent’s taking possession or control of, or to Agent’s replevy, attachment or levy upon, the Collateral or any bond or security that might be required by any court prior to allowing Agent to exercise any of its remedies, and (c) the benefit of all valuation, appraisal, marshaling and exemption laws.

 

9. ASSIGNMENT AND PARTICIPATIONS; APPOINTMENT OF AGENT

 

9.1 Assignment and Participations .

 

(a) Subject to the terms of this Section 9.1 , any Lender (and the Canadian Lender pursuant to the exercise of the Canadian Lender’s put rights in accordance with Section 1.21 ) may make an assignment to a Qualified Assignee of, or sell participations in, at any time or times, the Loan Documents, Loans, Letter of Credit Obligations and any Commitment or any portion thereof or interest therein, including any Lender’s rights, title, interests, remedies, powers or duties thereunder. Any assignment by a Lender shall: (i) require the consent of Agent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed with respect to a Qualified Assignee) and, so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Borrower Representative (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed but which consent shall not be required with respect to an Affiliate of such Lender) and the execution of an

 

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assignment agreement (an “ Assignment Agreement ”) substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit 9.1(a) and otherwise in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to, and acknowledged by, Agent; (ii) be conditioned on such assignee Lender representing to the assigning Lender and Agent that it is purchasing the applicable Loans to be assigned to it for its own account, for investment purposes and not with a view to the distribution thereof; (iii) after giving effect to any such partial assignment, the assignee Lender shall have Commitments in an amount at least equal to $10,000,000 and the assigning Lender shall have retained Commitments in an amount at least equal to $10,000,000; and (iv) include a payment to Agent of an assignment fee of $3,500. In the case of an assignment by a Lender under this Section 9.1 , the assignee shall have, to the extent of such assignment, the same rights, benefits and obligations as all other Lenders hereunder. The assigning Lender shall be relieved of its obligations hereunder with respect to its Commitments or assigned portion thereof from and after the date of such assignment. Each Borrower hereby acknowledges and agrees that any assignment shall give rise to a direct obligation of Borrowers to the assignee and that the assignee shall be considered to be a “Lender”. In all instances, each Lender’s liability to make Loans hereunder shall be several and not joint and shall be limited to such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the applicable Commitment. In the event Agent, Canadian Lender or any Lender assigns or otherwise transfers all or any part of the Obligations, Agent or any such Lender shall so notify Borrowers and Borrowers shall, upon the request of Agent, Canadian Lender or such Lender, execute new Notes in exchange for the Notes, if any, being assigned. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 9.1(a) , any Lender may at any time pledge the Obligations held by it and such Lender’s rights under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to a Federal Reserve Bank, and any Lender that is an investment fund may assign the Obligations held by it and such Lender’s rights under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to another investment fund managed by the same investment advisor; provided , that no such pledge to a Federal Reserve Bank shall release such Lender from such Lender’s obligations hereunder or under any other Loan Document.

 

(b) Any participation by a Lender of all or any part of its Commitments shall be made with the understanding that all amounts payable by Borrowers hereunder shall be determined as if that Lender had not sold such participation, and that the holder of any such participation shall not be entitled to require such Lender to take or omit to take any action hereunder except actions directly affecting (i) any reduction in the principal amount of, or interest rate or Fees payable with respect to, any Loan in which such holder participates, (ii) any extension of the scheduled amortization of the principal amount of any Loan in which such holder participates or the final maturity date thereof, and (iii) any release of all or substantially all of the Collateral (other than in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the Collateral Documents or the other Loan Documents). Solely for purposes of Sections 1.13, 1.15, 1.16 and 9.8 , each Borrower acknowledges and agrees that a participation shall give rise to a direct obligation of Borrowers to the participant and the participant shall be considered to be a “Lender”. Except as set forth in the preceding sentence no Borrower shall have any obligation or duty to any participant. Neither Agent nor any Lender (other than the Lender selling a participation) shall have any duty to any participant and may continue to deal solely with the Lender selling a participation as if no such sale had occurred.

 

(c) Except as expressly provided in this Section 9.1 , no Lender shall, as between Borrowers and that Lender, or Agent and that Lender, be relieved of any of its

 

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obligations hereunder as a result of any sale, assignment, transfer or negotiation of, or granting of participation in, all or any part of the Loans, the Notes or other Obligations owed to such Lender.

 

(d) Each Borrower shall assist any Lender permitted to sell assignments or participations under this Section 9.1 as reasonably required to enable the assigning or selling Lender to effect any such assignment or participation, including the execution and delivery of any and all agreements, notes and other documents and instruments as shall be requested and, if requested by Agent, the preparation of informational materials for, and the participation of management in meetings with, potential assignees or participants. Each Borrower shall certify the correctness, completeness and accuracy of all descriptions of the Borrowers and their respective affairs contained in any selling materials provided by them and all other information provided by them and included in such materials, except that any Projections delivered by Borrowers shall only be certified by Borrowers as having been prepared by Borrowers in compliance with the representations contained in Section 3.4(c) .

 

(e) Any Lender may furnish any information concerning Borrowers in the possession of such Lender from time to time to assignees and participants (including prospective assignees and participants); provided that such Lender shall obtain from assignees or participants confidentiality covenants substantially equivalent to those contained in Section 11.8 .

 

(f) So long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, no Lender shall assign or sell participations in any portion of its Loans or Commitments to a potential Lender or participant, if, as of the date of the proposed assignment or sale, the assignee Lender or participant would be subject to capital adequacy or similar requirements under Section 1.16(a) , increased costs under Section 1.16(b) , an inability to fund LIBOR Loans under Section 1.16(c) , or withholding taxes in accordance with Section 1.15(a) .

 

(g) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any Lender (a “ Granting Lender ”), may grant to a special purpose funding vehicle (an “ SPC ”), identified as such in writing by the Granting Lender to Agent and Borrowers, the option to provide to Borrowers all or any part of any Loans that such Granting Lender would otherwise be obligated to make to Borrowers pursuant to this Agreement; provided that (i) nothing herein shall constitute a commitment by any SPC to make any Loan; and (ii) if an SPC elects not to exercise such option or otherwise fails to provide all or any part of such Loan, the Granting Lender shall be obligated to make such Loan pursuant to the terms hereof. The making of a Loan by an SPC hereunder shall utilize the Commitment of the Granting Lender to the same extent, and as if such Loan were made by such Granting Lender. No SPC shall be liable for any indemnity or similar payment obligation under this Agreement (all liability for which shall remain with the Granting Lender). Any SPC may (i) with notice to, but without the prior written consent of, Borrowers and Agent and without paying any processing fee therefor assign all or a portion of its interests in any Loans to the Granting Lender or to any financial institutions (consented to by Borrowers and Agent) providing liquidity and/or credit support to or for the account of such SPC to support the funding or maintenance of Loans and (ii) disclose on a confidential basis any non-public information relating to its Loans to any rating agency, commercial paper dealer or provider of any surety, guarantee or credit or liquidity enhancement to such SPC. This Section 9.1(g) may not be amended without the prior written consent of each Granting Lender, all or any of whose Loans are being funded by an SPC at the time of such amendment. For the avoidance of doubt,

 

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the Granting Lender shall for all purposes, including without limitation, the approval of any amendment or waiver of any provision of any Loan Document or the obligation to pay any amount otherwise payable by the Granting Lender under the Loan Documents, continue to be the Lender of record hereunder.

 

9.2 Appointment of Agent . GE Capital is hereby appointed to act on behalf of all Lenders as Agent under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. The provisions of this Section 9.2 are solely for the benefit of Agent and Lenders and no Borrower nor any other Person shall have any rights as a third party beneficiary of any of the provisions hereof. In performing its functions and duties under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, Agent shall act solely as an agent of Lenders and does not assume and shall not be deemed to have assumed any obligation toward or relationship of agency or trust with or for any Borrower or any other Person. Agent shall have no duties or responsibilities except for those expressly set forth in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. The duties of Agent shall be mechanical and administrative in nature and Agent shall not have, or be deemed to have, by reason of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or otherwise a fiduciary relationship in respect of any Lender. Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, Agent shall not have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for failure to disclose, any information relating to any Borrower or any of their respective Subsidiaries or any Account Debtor that is communicated to or obtained by GE Capital or any of its Affiliates in any capacity. Neither Agent nor any of its Affiliates nor any of their respective officers, directors, employees, agents or representatives shall be liable to any Lender for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it hereunder or under any other Loan Document, or in connection herewith or therewith, except for damages caused by its or their own gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct.

 

If Agent shall request instructions from Requisite Lenders, Supermajority Lenders or all affected Lenders with respect to any act or action (including failure to act) in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, then Agent shall be entitled to refrain from such act or taking such action unless and until Agent shall have received instructions from Requisite Lenders, Supermajority Lenders or all affected Lenders, as the case may be, and Agent shall not incur liability to any Person by reason of so refraining. Agent shall be fully justified in failing or refusing to take any action hereunder or under any other Loan Document (a) if such action would, in the opinion of Agent, be contrary to law or the terms of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (b) if such action would, in the opinion of Agent, expose Agent to Environmental Liabilities or (c) if Agent shall not first be indemnified to its satisfaction against any and all liability and expense which may be incurred by it by reason of taking or continuing to take any such action. Without limiting the foregoing, no Lender shall have any right of action whatsoever against Agent as a result of Agent acting or refraining from acting hereunder or under any other Loan Document in accordance with the instructions of Requisite Lenders, Supermajority Lenders or all affected Lenders, as applicable.

 

9.3 Agent’s Reliance, Etc . Neither Agent nor any of its Affiliates nor any of their respective directors, officers, agents or employees shall be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it or them under or in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, except for damages caused by its or their own gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Agent: (a) may treat the payee of

 

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any Note as the holder thereof until Agent receives written notice of the assignment or transfer thereof signed by such payee and in form reasonably satisfactory to Agent; (b) may consult with legal counsel, independent public accountants and other experts selected by it and shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with the advice of such counsel, accountants or experts; (c) makes no warranty or representation to any Lender and shall not be responsible to any Lender for any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents; (d) shall not have any duty to ascertain or to inquire as to the performance or observance of any of the terms, covenants or conditions of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents on the part of any Borrower or to inspect the Collateral (including the books and records) of any Borrower; (e) shall not be responsible to any Lender for the due execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant hereto or thereto; and (f) shall incur no liability under or in respect of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents by acting upon any notice, consent, certificate or other instrument or writing (which may be by telecopy, telegram, cable or telex) believed by it to be genuine and signed or sent by the proper party or parties.

 

9.4 GE Capital and Affiliates . With respect to its Commitments hereunder, GE Capital shall have the same rights and powers under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not Agent; and the term “Lender” or “Lenders” shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated, include GE Capital in its individual capacity. GE Capital and its Affiliates may lend money to, invest in, and generally engage in any kind of business with, any Borrower, any of their Affiliates and any Person who may do business with or own securities of any Borrower or any such Affiliate, all as if GE Capital were not Agent and without any duty to account therefor to Lenders. GE Capital and its Affiliates may accept fees and other consideration from any Borrower for services in connection with this Agreement or otherwise without having to account for the same to Lenders. Each Lender acknowledges the potential conflict of interest between GE Capital as a Lender holding disproportionate interests in the Loans and GE Capital as Agent.

 

9.5 Lender Credit Decision . Each Lender acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon Agent or any other Lender and based on the Financial Statements referred to in Section 3.4(a) and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit and financial analysis of the Borrowers and its own decision to enter into this Agreement. Each Lender also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon Agent or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement. Each Lender acknowledges the potential conflict of interest of each other Lender as a result of Lenders holding disproportionate interests in the Loans, and expressly consents to, and waives any claim based upon, such conflict of interest.

 

9.6 Indemnification . Lenders agree to indemnify Agent (to the extent not reimbursed by Borrowers and without limiting the obligations of Borrowers hereunder), ratably according to their respective Pro Rata Shares, from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever that may be imposed on, incurred by, or asserted

 

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against Agent in any way relating to or arising out of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any action taken or omitted to be taken by Agent in connection therewith; provided , that no Lender shall be liable for any portion of such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements resulting from Agent’s gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct. Without limiting the foregoing, each Lender agrees to reimburse Agent promptly upon demand for its ratable share of any out-of-pocket expenses (including reasonable counsel fees) incurred by Agent in connection with the preparation, execution, delivery, administration, modification, amendment or enforcement (whether through negotiations, legal proceedings or otherwise) of, or legal advice in respect of rights or responsibilities under, this Agreement and each other Loan Document, to the extent that Agent is not reimbursed for such expenses by Borrowers.

 

9.7 Successor Agent . Agent may resign at any time by giving not less than thirty (30) days’ prior written notice thereof to Lenders and Borrower Representative. Upon any such resignation, the Requisite Lenders shall have the right to appoint a successor Agent with the consent of the Borrower Representative (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed). If no successor Agent shall have been so appointed by the Requisite Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within thirty (30) days after the resigning Agent’s giving notice of resignation, then the resigning Agent may, on behalf of Lenders, appoint a successor Agent, which shall be a Lender, if a Lender is willing to accept such appointment, or otherwise shall be a commercial bank or financial institution or a subsidiary of a commercial bank or financial institution if such commercial bank or financial institution is organized under the laws of the United States of America or of any State thereof and has a combined capital and surplus of at least $300,000,000. If no successor Agent has been appointed pursuant to the foregoing, within thirty (30) days after the date such notice of resignation was given by the resigning Agent, such resignation shall become effective and the Requisite Lenders shall thereafter perform all the duties of Agent hereunder until such time, if any, as the Requisite Lenders appoint a successor Agent as provided above. Any successor Agent appointed by Requisite Lenders hereunder shall be subject to the approval of Borrower Representative, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed; provided that such approval shall not be required if a Default or an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing. Upon the acceptance of any appointment as Agent hereunder by a successor Agent, such successor Agent shall succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the resigning Agent. Upon the earlier of the acceptance of any appointment as Agent hereunder by a successor Agent or the effective date of the resigning Agent’s resignation, the resigning Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, except that any indemnity rights or other rights in favor of such resigning Agent shall continue. After any resigning Agent’s resignation hereunder, the provisions of this Section 9 shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was acting as Agent under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

 

9.8 Setoff and Sharing of Payments . In addition to any rights now or hereafter granted under applicable law and not by way of limitation of any such rights, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default and subject to Section 9.9(f) , each Lender is hereby authorized at any time or from time to time, without prior notice to any Borrower or to any Person other than Agent, any such notice being hereby expressly waived, to offset and to appropriate and to apply any and all balances held by it at any of its offices for the

 

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account of any Borrower (regardless of whether such balances are then due to such Borrower) and any other properties or assets at any time held or owing by that Lender or that holder to or for the credit or for the account of any Borrower against and on account of any of the Obligations that are not paid when due; provided that the Lender exercising such offset rights shall give notice thereof to the affected Borrower promptly after exercising such rights. Any Lender exercising a right of setoff or otherwise receiving any payment on account of the Obligations in excess of its Pro Rata Share thereof shall purchase for cash (and the other Lenders or holders shall sell) such participations in each such other Lender’s or holder’s Pro Rata Share of the Obligations as would be necessary to cause such Lender to share the amount so offset or otherwise received with each other Lender or holder in accordance with their respective Pro Rata Shares (other than offset rights exercised by any Lender with respect to Sections 1.13, 1.15 or 1.16 ). Each Lender’s obligation under this Section 9.8 shall be in addition to and not in limitation of its obligations to purchase a participation in an amount equal to its Pro Rata Share of the Swing Line Loans under Section 1.1 . Each Borrower agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by law, that (a) any Lender may exercise its right to offset with respect to amounts in excess of its Pro Rata Share of the Obligations and may sell participations in such amounts so offset to other Lenders and holders and (b) any Lender so purchasing a participation in the Loans made or other Obligations held by other Lenders or holders may exercise all rights of offset, bankers’ lien, counterclaim or similar rights with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender or holder were a direct holder of the Loans and the other Obligations in the amount of such participation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if all or any portion of the offset amount or payment otherwise received is thereafter recovered from the Lender that has exercised the right of offset, the purchase of participations by that Lender shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored without interest.

 

9.9 Advances; Payments; Non-Funding Lenders; Information; Actions in Concert .

 

(a) Advances; Payments .

 

(i) Lenders shall refund or participate in the Swing Line Loan in accordance with clause (iii)  of Section 1.1(c) . If the Swing Line Lender declines to make a Swing Line Loan or if Swing Line Availability is zero, Agent shall notify Lenders, promptly after receipt of a Notice of Revolving Credit Advance and in any event prior to 1:00 p.m. (New York time) on the date such Notice of Revolving Advance is received, by telecopy, telephone or other similar form of transmission. Each Lender shall make the amount of such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of such Revolving Credit Advance available to Agent in same day funds by wire transfer to Agent’s account as set forth in Annex H not later than 3:00 p.m. (New York time) on the requested funding date, in the case of an Index Rate Loan, and not later than 11:00 a.m. (New York time) on the requested funding date, in the case of a LIBOR Loan or BA Rate Loan. After receipt of such wire transfers (or, in the Agent’s sole discretion, before receipt of such wire transfers), subject to the terms hereof, Agent shall make the requested Revolving Credit Advance to the Borrower designated by Borrower Representative in the Notice of Revolving Credit Advance. All payments by each Lender shall be made without setoff, counterclaim or deduction of any kind.

 

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(ii) Not less than once during each calendar week or more frequently at Agent’s election (each, a “ Settlement Date ”), Agent shall advise each Lender by telephone, or telecopy of the amount of such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of principal, interest and Fees paid for the benefit of Lenders with respect to each applicable Loan. Provided that each Lender has funded all payments or Advances required to be made by it and has purchased all participations required to be purchased by it under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as of such Settlement Date, Agent shall pay to each Lender such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of principal, interest and Fees paid by Borrowers since the previous Settlement Date for the benefit of such Lender on the Loans held by it. To the extent that any Lender (a “ Non-Funding Lender ”) has failed to fund all such payments and Advances or failed to fund the purchase of all such participations, Agent shall be entitled to set off the funding short-fall against that Non-Funding Lender’s Pro Rata Share of all payments received from Borrowers. Such payments shall be made by wire transfer to such Lender’s account (as specified by such Lender in Annex H or the applicable Assignment Agreement) not later than 2:00 p.m. (New York time) on the next Business Day following each Settlement Date.

 

(b) Availability of Lender’s Pro Rata Share . Agent may assume that each Lender will make its Pro Rata Share of each Revolving Credit Advance available to Agent on each funding date. If such Pro Rata Share is not, in fact, paid to Agent by such Lender when due, Agent will be entitled to recover such amount on demand from such Lender without setoff, counterclaim or deduction of any kind. If any Lender fails to pay the amount of its Pro Rata Share forthwith upon Agent’s demand, Agent shall promptly notify Borrower Representative and Borrowers shall immediately repay such amount to Agent. Nothing in this Section 9.9(b) or elsewhere in this Agreement or the other Loan Documents shall be deemed to require Agent to advance funds on behalf of any Lender or to relieve any Lender from its obligation to fulfill its Commitments hereunder or to prejudice any rights that Borrowers may have against any Lender as a result of any default by such Lender hereunder. To the extent that Agent advances funds to any Borrower on behalf of any Lender and is not reimbursed therefor on the same Business Day as such Advance is made, Agent shall be entitled to retain for its account all interest accrued on such Advance until reimbursed by the applicable Lender.

 

(c) Return of Payments .

 

(i) If Agent or Canadian Lender pays an amount to a Lender under this Agreement in the belief or expectation that a related payment has been or will be received by Agent or Canadian Lender from Borrowers and such related payment is not received by Agent or Canadian Lender, then Agent or Canadian Lender will be entitled to recover such amount from such Lender on demand without setoff, counterclaim or deduction of any kind.

 

(ii) If Agent or Canadian Lender determines at any time that any amount received by Agent or Canadian Lender under this Agreement must be returned to any Borrower or paid to any other Person pursuant to any insolvency law or otherwise, then, notwithstanding any other term or condition of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, Agent or Canadian Lender will not be required to distribute any portion thereof to any Lender. In addition, each Lender will repay to Agent or Canadian Lender on demand any portion of such amount that Agent or Canadian Lender has distributed to such Lender, together with interest at

 

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such rate, if any, as Agent or Canadian Lender is required to pay to any Borrower or such other Person, without setoff, counterclaim or deduction of any kind.

 

(d) Non-Funding Lenders . The failure of any Non-Funding Lender to make any Advance or any payment required by it hereunder or to purchase any participation in any Swing Line Loan to be made or purchased by it on the date specified therefor shall not relieve any other Lender (each such other Lender, an “ Other Lender ”) of its obligations to make such Advance or purchase such participation on such date, but none of any Other Lender, Agent and Canadian Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any Non-Funding Lender to make an Advance, purchase a participation or make any other payment required hereunder. Notwithstanding anything set forth herein to the contrary, a Non-Funding Lender shall not have any voting or consent rights under or with respect to any Loan Document or constitute a “Lender” (or be included in the calculation of “Requisite Lenders” or “Supermajority Lenders” hereunder) for any voting or consent rights under or with respect to any Loan Document. At Borrower Representative’s request, Agent or a Person reasonably acceptable to Agent shall have the right with Agent’s consent and in Agent’s sole discretion (but shall have no obligation) to purchase from any Non-Funding Lender, and each Non-Funding Lender agrees that it shall, at Agent’s request, sell and assign to Agent or such Person, all of the Commitments of that Non-Funding Lender for an amount equal to the principal balance of all Loans held by such Non-Funding Lender and all accrued interest and fees with respect thereto through the date of sale, such purchase and sale to be consummated pursuant to an executed Assignment Agreement.

 

(e) Dissemination of Information . Agent shall use reasonable efforts to provide Lenders with any notice of Default or Event of Default received by Agent from, or delivered by Agent to, any Borrower, with notice of any Event of Default of which Agent has actually become aware and with notice of any action taken by Agent following any Event of Default; provided , that Agent shall not be liable to any Lender for any failure to do so, except to the extent that such failure is attributable to Agent’s gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct. Lenders acknowledge that Borrowers are required to provide Financial Statements and Collateral Reports to Agent and/or Lenders in accordance with Annexes E and F hereto and agree that Agent use reasonable efforts to provide the same to Lenders.

 

(f) Actions in Concert . Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, each Lender hereby agrees with each other Lender that no Lender shall take any action to protect or enforce its rights arising out of this Agreement or the Notes (including exercising any rights of setoff) without first obtaining the prior written consent of Agent and Requisite Lenders, it being the intent of Lenders that any such action to protect or enforce rights under this Agreement and the Notes shall be taken in concert and at the direction or with the consent of Agent or Requisite Lenders.

 

(g) Co-syndication Agents and Co-documentation Agents . Notwithstanding Anything else to the Contrary in this Agreement or any other Loan Document, none of Congress Financial Corporation (Western), as co-syndication agent, JP Morgan Chase & Co., as co-syndication agent, Bank of America, N.A., as co-documentation agent, or Wells Fargo Foothill, LLC, as co-documentation agent, shall have any duties or responsibilities in such capacities under this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any fiduciary duty with any

 

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Lender, and no implied covenants, functions, responsibilities, duties obligations or liabilities shall be read into this Agreement or otherwise exist against such Persons in such capacities.

 

10. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS

 

10.1 Successors and Assigns . This Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be binding on and shall inure to the benefit of each Borrower, Agent, Lenders and their respective successors and assigns, except as otherwise provided herein or therein. No Borrower may assign, transfer, hypothecate or otherwise convey its rights, benefits, obligations or duties hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents without the prior express written consent of Agent and Lenders. Any such purported assignment, transfer, hypothecation or other conveyance by any Borrower without the prior express written consent of Agent and Lenders shall be void. The terms and provisions of this Agreement are for the purpose of defining the relative rights and obligations of each Borrower, Agent and Lenders with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby and no Person shall be a third party beneficiary of any of the terms and provisions of this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents.

 

11. MISCELLANEOUS

 

11.1 Complete Agreement; Modification of Agreement . The Loan Documents constitute the complete agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter thereof and may not be modified, altered or amended except as set forth in Section 11.2 . Any letter of interest, commitment letter, fee letter or confidentiality agreement, if any, between any Borrower and Agent or any Lender or any of their respective Affiliates, predating this Agreement and relating to a financing of substantially similar form, purpose or effect shall be superseded by this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations of the Borrowers regarding the payment to GE Capital of the Fees set forth in the Commitment Letter shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and shall constitute Obligations hereunder.

 

11.2 Amendments and Waivers .

 

(a) Except for actions expressly permitted to be taken by Agent, no amendment, modification, termination or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or any consent to any departure by any Borrower therefrom, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by Agent, Borrowers, and by Requisite Lenders, Supermajority Lenders or all affected Lenders, as applicable. Except as set forth in clauses (b), (c) and (d)  below, all such amendments, modifications, terminations or waivers requiring the consent of any Lenders shall require the written consent of Requisite Lenders.

 

(b) Except as set forth in Sections 1.6 and 1.7 , no amendment, modification, termination or waiver of or consent with respect to any provision of this Agreement that increases the percentage advance rates set forth in the definition of the Revolver Borrowing Base or the First Funded Revolver Borrowing Base, or that makes less restrictive the nondiscretionary criteria for exclusion from Eligible Accounts and Eligible Inventory set forth in Sections 1.6 and 1.7 , shall be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by Agent, Supermajority Lenders and Borrowers. No amendment, modification, termination or waiver of

 

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or consent with respect to Section 6.10, Annex G, clause (c) , shall be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by Agent, Supermajority Lenders and Borrowers.

 

(c) No amendment, modification, termination or waiver shall, unless in writing and signed by Agent and each Lender directly affected thereby: (i) increase the principal amount of any Lender’s Commitment (which action shall be deemed only to affect those Lenders whose Commitments are increased and may be approved by Requisite Lenders, including those Lenders whose Commitments are increased); (ii) reduce the principal of, rate of interest on or Fees payable with respect to any Loan or Letter of Credit Obligations of any affected Lender; (iii) extend any scheduled payment date or final maturity date of the principal amount of any Loan of any affected Lender; (iv) waive, forgive, defer, extend or postpone any payment of interest or Fees as to any affected Lender; (v) except as otherwise permitted herein or in the other Loan Documents, release, or permit any Borrower to sell or otherwise dispose of, any Collateral with a value exceeding $5,000,000 in the aggregate (which action shall be deemed to directly affect all Lenders); (vi) change the percentage of the Commitments or of the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Loans that shall be required for Lenders or any of them to take any action hereunder; and (vii) amend or waive this Section 11.2 or the definition of the terms “Requisite Lenders” or “Supermajority Lenders” insofar as such definition affects the substance of this Section 11.2 or the definition of the term “Protective Overadvances”. Furthermore, no amendment, modification, termination or waiver affecting the rights or duties of Agent, Canadian Lender or L/C Issuer under this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be effective unless in writing and signed by Agent, Canadian Lender or L/C Issuer, as the case may be, in addition to Lenders required hereinabove to take such action. Each amendment, modification, termination or waiver shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which it was given. No amendment, modification, termination or waiver shall be required for Agent to take additional Collateral pursuant to any Loan Document. No amendment, modification, termination or waiver of any provision of any Note shall be effective without the written concurrence of the holder of that Note. No notice to or demand on any Borrower in any case shall entitle such Borrower or any other Borrower to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances. Any amendment, modification, termination, waiver or consent effected in accordance with this Section 11.2 shall be binding upon each holder of the Notes at the time outstanding and each future holder of the Notes.

 

(d) If, in connection with any proposed amendment, modification, waiver or termination (a “ Proposed Change ”):

 

(i) requiring the consent of all affected Lenders, the consent of Requisite Lenders is obtained, but the consent of other Lenders whose consent is required is not obtained (any such Lender whose consent is not obtained as described in this clause (i)  and in clauses (ii) and (iii)  below being referred to as a “ Non-Consenting Lender ”),

 

(ii) requiring the consent of Supermajority Lenders, the consent of Requisite Lenders is obtained, but the consent of Supermajority Lenders is not obtained, or

 

(iii) requiring the consent of Requisite Lenders, the consent of Lenders holding 51% or more of the aggregate Commitments is obtained, but the consent of Requisite Lenders is not obtained,

 

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then, so long as Agent is not a Non-Consenting Lender, at Borrower Representative’s request, Agent or a Person reasonably acceptable to Agent shall have the right with Agent’s consent and in Agent’s sole discretion (but shall have no obligation) to purchase from such Non-Consenting Lenders, and such Non-Consenting Lenders agree that they shall, upon Agent’s request, sell and assign to Agent or such Person, all of the Commitments of such Non-Consenting Lenders for an amount equal to the principal balance of all Loans held by the Non-Consenting Lenders and all accrued interest and Fees with respect thereto through the date of sale, such purchase and sale to be consummated pursuant to an executed Assignment Agreement.

 

(e) Upon payment in full in cash and performance of all of the Obligations (other than indemnification Obligations), termination of the Commitments and a release of all claims against Agent and Lenders, and so long as no suits, actions, proceedings or claims are pending or threatened against any Indemnified Person asserting any damages, losses or liabilities that are Indemnified Liabilities, Agent shall deliver to Borrowers termination statements, mortgage releases and other documents necessary or appropriate to evidence the termination of the Liens securing payment of the Obligations.

 

11.3 Fees and Expenses . Borrowers shall reimburse (i) Agent and Canadian Lender for all reasonable fees, costs and expenses (including the reasonable fees and expenses of its counsel (including Canadian counsel), advisors, consultants and auditors) and (ii) Agent and Canadian Lender (and, with respect to clauses (b)  and (c)  below, all Lenders) for all reasonable fees, costs and expenses, including the reasonable fees, costs and expenses of counsel or other advisors (including environmental and management consultants and appraisers), incurred in connection with the negotiation, preparation and filing and/or recordation of the Loan Documents and incurred in connection with:

 

(a) any amendment, modification or waiver of, consent with respect to, or termination of, any of the Loan Documents or Related Transactions Documents or advice in connection with the syndication and administration of the Loans made pursuant hereto or its rights hereunder or thereunder;

 

(b) any litigation, contest, dispute, suit, proceeding or action (whether instituted by Agent, Canadian Lender, any Lender, any Borrower or any other Person and whether as a party, witness or otherwise) in any way relating to the Collateral, any of the Loan Documents or any other agreement to be executed or delivered in connection herewith or therewith, including any litigation, contest, dispute, suit, case, proceeding or action, and any appeal or review thereof, in connection with a case commenced by or against any or all of the Borrowers or any other Person that may be obligated to Agent or Canadian Lender by virtue of the Loan Documents; including any such litigation, contest, dispute, suit, proceeding or action arising in connection with any work-out or restructuring of the Loans during the pendency of one or more Events of Default; provided that in the case of reimbursement of counsel for Lenders other than Agent, such reimbursement shall be limited to one counsel for all such Lenders; provided , further , that no Person shall be entitled to reimbursement under this clause (b)  in respect of any litigation, contest, dispute, suit, proceeding or action to the extent any of the foregoing results from such Person’s gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct;

 

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(c) any attempt to enforce any remedies of Agent or Canadian Lender, as applicable, against any or all of the Borrowers or any other Person that may be obligated to Agent, Canadian Lender or any Lender by virtue of any of the Loan Documents, including any such attempt to enforce any such remedies in the course of any work-out or restructuring of the Loans during the pendency of one or more Events of Default; provided , that in the case of reimbursement of counsel for Lenders other than Agent’s counsel or Canadian Lender’s counsel, such reimbursement shall be limited to one counsel for all such Lenders;

 

(d) any workout or restructuring of the Loans during the pendency of one or more Events of Default;

 

(e) the obtaining of approval of the Loan Documents by the Bankruptcy Court; and

 

(f) efforts to (i) monitor the Loans or any of the other Obligations, (ii) evaluate, observe or assess any of the Borrowers or their respective affairs, and (iii) verify, protect, evaluate, assess, appraise, collect, sell, liquidate or otherwise dispose of any of the Collateral;

 

including, as to each of clauses (a) through (f)  above, all reasonable attorneys’ and other professional and service providers’ fees arising from such services and other advice, assistance or other representation, including those in connection with any appellate proceedings, and all expenses, costs, charges and other fees incurred by such counsel and others in connection with or relating to any of the events or actions described in this Section 11.3 , all of which shall be payable, on demand, by Borrowers to Agent or Canadian Lender, as applicable. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, such expenses, costs, charges and fees may include: fees, costs and expenses of accountants, environmental advisors, appraisers, investment bankers, management and other consultants and paralegals; court costs and expenses; photocopying and duplication expenses; court reporter fees, costs and expenses; long distance telephone charges; air express charges; telegram or telecopy charges; secretarial overtime charges; and reasonable expenses for travel, lodging and food paid or incurred in connection with the performance of such legal or other advisory services.

 

11.4 No Waiver . Agent’s, Canadian Lender’s or any Lender’s failure, at any time or times, to require strict performance by the Borrowers of any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall not waive, affect or diminish any right of Agent or such Lender thereafter to demand strict compliance and performance herewith or therewith. Any suspension or waiver of an Event of Default shall not suspend, waive or affect any other Event of Default whether the same is prior or subsequent thereto and whether the same or of a different type. Subject to the provisions of Section 11.2 , none of the undertakings, agreements, warranties, covenants and representations of any Borrower contained in this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents and no Default or Event of Default by any Borrower shall be deemed to have been suspended or waived by Agent, Canadian Lender or any Lender, unless such waiver or suspension is by an instrument in writing signed by an officer of or other authorized employee of Agent and the applicable required Lenders, and directed to Borrowers specifying such suspension or waiver.

 

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11.5 Remedies . Agent’s, Canadian Lender’s and Lenders’ rights and remedies under this Agreement shall be cumulative and nonexclusive of any other rights and remedies that Agent, Canadian Lender or any Lender may have under any other agreement, including the other Loan Documents, by operation of law or otherwise. Recourse to the Collateral shall not be required.

 

11.6 Severability . Wherever possible, each provision of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be interpreted in such a manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity without invalidating the remainder of such provision or the remaining provisions of this Agreement or such other Loan Document.

 

11.7 Conflict of Terms . Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents by specific reference to the applicable provisions of this Agreement, if any provision contained in this Agreement conflicts with any provision in any of the other Loan Documents, the provision contained in this Agreement shall govern and control.

 

11.8 Confidentiality . Agent, Canadian Lender and each Lender agree to use commercially reasonable efforts (equivalent to the efforts Agent, Canadian Lender or such Lender applies to maintaining the confidentiality of its own confidential information) to maintain as confidential all confidential information provided to them by the Borrowers for a period of two (2) years following the Termination Date, except that Agent, Canadian Lender and any Lender may disclose such information (a) to Persons employed or engaged by Agent, Canadian Lender or such Lender; (b) to any bona fide assignee or participant or potential assignee or participant that has agreed to comply with the covenant contained in this Section 11.8 (and any such bona fide assignee or participant or potential assignee or participant may disclose such information to Persons employed or engaged by them as described in clause (a)  above); (c) as required or requested by any Governmental Authority or reasonably believed by Agent, Canadian Lender or such Lender to be compelled by any court decree, subpoena or legal or administrative order or process; (d) as, on the advice of Agent’s, Canadian Lender’s or such Lender’s counsel, is required by law; (e) in connection with the exercise of any right or remedy under the Loan Documents or in connection with any Litigation to which Agent, Canadian Lender or such Lender is a party; or (f) that ceases to be confidential through no fault of Agent, Canadian Lender or any Lender.

 

11.9 GOVERNING LAW . EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE EXPRESSLY PROVIDED IN ANY OF THE LOAN DOCUMENTS, IN ALL RESPECTS, INCLUDING ALL MATTERS OF CONSTRUCTION, VALIDITY AND PERFORMANCE, THE LOAN DOCUMENTS AND THE OBLIGATIONS SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK APPLICABLE TO CONTRACTS MADE AND PERFORMED IN THAT STATE AND ANY APPLICABLE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. EACH OF THE AGENT, LENDERS AND BORROWERS HEREBY CONSENTS AND AGREES THAT THE STATE OR FEDERAL COURTS LOCATED IN NEW YORK COUNTY, CITY OF NEW YORK, NEW YORK SHALL HAVE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION TO HEAR AND DETERMINE ANY CLAIMS OR DISPUTES BETWEEN

 

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THE BORROWERS, AGENT AND LENDERS PERTAINING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS OR TO ANY MATTER ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS; PROVIDED , THAT AGENT, LENDERS AND THE BORROWERS ACKNOWLEDGE THAT ANY APPEALS FROM THOSE COURTS MAY HAVE TO BE HEARD BY A COURT LOCATED OUTSIDE OF NEW YORK COUNTY; PROVIDED FURTHER , THAT NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE DEEMED OR OPERATE TO PRECLUDE AGENT FROM BRINGING SUIT OR TAKING OTHER LEGAL ACTION IN ANY OTHER JURISDICTION TO REALIZE ON THE COLLATERAL OR ANY OTHER SECURITY FOR THE OBLIGATIONS, OR TO ENFORCE A JUDGMENT OR OTHER COURT ORDER IN FAVOR OF AGENT. EACH BORROWER EXPRESSLY SUBMITS AND CONSENTS IN ADVANCE TO SUCH JURISDICTION IN ANY ACTION OR SUIT COMMENCED IN ANY SUCH COURT, AND EACH BORROWER HEREBY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION THAT SUCH BORROWER MAY HAVE BASED UPON LACK OF PERSONAL JURISDICTION, IMPROPER VENUE OR FORUM NON CONVENIENS AND HEREBY CONSENTS TO THE GRANTING OF SUCH LEGAL OR EQUITABLE RELIEF AS IS DEEMED APPROPRIATE BY SUCH COURT. EACH BORROWER HEREBY WAIVES PERSONAL SERVICE OF THE SUMMONS, COMPLAINT AND OTHER PROCESS ISSUED IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR SUIT AND AGREES THAT SERVICE OF SUCH SUMMONS, COMPLAINTS AND OTHER PROCESS MAY BE MADE BY REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED MAIL ADDRESSED TO SUCH BORROWER AT THE ADDRESS SET FORTH IN ANNEX I OF THIS AGREEMENT AND THAT SERVICE SO MADE SHALL BE DEEMED COMPLETED UPON THE EARLIER OF SUCH BORROWER’S ACTUAL RECEIPT THEREOF OR THREE (3) BUSINESS DAYS AFTER DEPOSIT IN THE UNITED STATES MAILS, PROPER POSTAGE PREPAID.

 

11.10 Notices . Except as otherwise provided herein, whenever it is provided herein that any notice, demand, request, consent, approval, declaration or other communication shall or may be given to or served upon any of the parties by any other parties, or whenever any of the parties desires to give or serve upon any other parties any communication with respect to this Agreement, each such notice, demand, request, consent, approval, declaration or other communication shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been validly served, given or delivered: (a) upon the earlier of actual receipt and three (3) Business Days after deposit in the United States Mail, registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, with proper postage prepaid; (b) upon transmission, when sent by telecopy or other similar facsimile transmission (with such telecopy or facsimile promptly confirmed by delivery of a copy by personal delivery or United States Mail as otherwise provided in this Section 11.10 ); (c) one (1) Business Day after deposit with a reputable overnight courier with all charges prepaid or (d) when delivered, if hand-delivered by messenger, all of which shall be addressed to the party to be notified and sent to the address or facsimile number indicated in Annex I or to such other address (or facsimile number) as may be substituted by notice given as herein provided. The giving of any notice required hereunder may be waived in writing by the party entitled to receive such notice. Failure or delay in delivering copies of any notice, demand, request, consent, approval, declaration or other communication to any Person (other than Borrower Representative or Agent) designated in Annex I to receive copies shall in no way adversely affect the effectiveness of such notice, demand, request, consent, approval, declaration or other communication.

 

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11.11 Section Titles . The Section titles and Table of Contents contained in this Agreement are and shall be without substantive meaning or content of any kind whatsoever and are not a part of the agreement between the parties hereto.

 

11.12 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of separate counterparts, each of which shall collectively and separately constitute one agreement.

 

11.13 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL . BECAUSE DISPUTES ARISING IN CONNECTION WITH COMPLEX FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS ARE MOST QUICKLY AND ECONOMICALLY RESOLVED BY AN EXPERIENCED AND EXPERT PERSON AND THE PARTIES WISH APPLICABLE STATE AND FEDERAL LAWS TO APPLY (RATHER THAN ARBITRATION RULES), THE PARTIES DESIRE THAT THEIR DISPUTES BE RESOLVED BY A JUDGE APPLYING SUCH APPLICABLE LAWS. THEREFORE, TO ACHIEVE THE BEST COMBINATION OF THE BENEFITS OF THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM AND OF ARBITRATION, THE PARTIES HERETO WAIVE ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, SUIT, OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT TO RESOLVE ANY DISPUTE, WHETHER SOUNDING IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, AMONG AGENT, LENDERS AND ANY BORROWER ARISING OUT OF, CONNECTED WITH, RELATED TO, OR INCIDENTAL TO THE RELATIONSHIP ESTABLISHED AMONG THEM IN CONNECTION WITH, THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS OR THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED THERETO.

 

11.14 Press Releases and Related Matters . Each Borrower agrees that neither it nor its Affiliates will in the future issue any press releases or other public disclosure (other than Borrowers’ periodic filings with the SEC or any other securities exchange) using the name of GE Capital or its affiliates or referring to this Agreement, the other Loan Documents or the Related Transactions Documents without at least two (2) Business Days’ prior notice to GE Capital and without the prior written consent of GE Capital unless (and only to the extent that) such Borrower or Affiliate is required to do so under law and then, in any event, such Borrower or Affiliate will consult with GE Capital before issuing such press release or other public disclosure. Each Borrower consents to the publication by Agent or any Lender of advertising material relating to the financing transactions contemplated by this Agreement using Borrower’s name, product photographs, logo or trademark. Agent reserves the right to provide to industry trade organizations information necessary and customary for inclusion in league table measurements.

 

11.15 Reinstatement . This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and continue to be effective should any petition be filed by or against any Borrower for liquidation or reorganization, should any Borrower become insolvent or make an assignment for the benefit of any creditor or creditors or should a receiver or trustee be appointed for all or any significant part of any Borrower’s assets, and shall continue to be effective or to be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment and performance of the Obligations, or any part thereof, is, pursuant to applicable law, rescinded or reduced in amount, or must otherwise be restored or returned by any obligee of the Obligations, whether as a “voidable preference,” “fraudulent conveyance,” or otherwise, all as though such payment or performance had not been made. In the event that any payment, or any part thereof, is rescinded, reduced, restored or returned, the

 

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Obligations shall be reinstated and deemed reduced only by such amount paid and not so rescinded, reduced, restored or returned.

 

11.16 Advice of Counsel . Each of the parties represents to each other party hereto that it has discussed this Agreement and, specifically, the provisions of Sections 11.9 and 11.13 , with its counsel.

 

11.17 No Strict Construction . The parties hereto have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. In the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties hereto and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any provisions of this Agreement.

 

12. CROSS-GUARANTY

 

12.1 Cross-Guaranty . Each Borrower hereby agrees that such Borrower is jointly and severally liable for, and hereby absolutely and unconditionally guarantees to Agent and Lenders and their respective successors and assigns, the full and prompt payment (whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) and performance of, all Obligations owed or hereafter owing to Agent and Lenders by each other Borrower. Each Borrower agrees that its guaranty obligation hereunder is a continuing guaranty of payment and performance and not of collection, that its obligations under this Section 12 shall not be discharged until payment and performance, in full, of the Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations not yet due and payable) has occurred, and that its obligations under this Section 12 shall be absolute and unconditional, irrespective of, and unaffected by,

 

(a) the genuineness, validity, regularity, enforceability or any future amendment of, or change in, this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other agreement, document or instrument to which any Borrower is or may become a party;

 

(b) the absence of any action to enforce this Agreement (including this Section 12 ) or any other Loan Document or the waiver or consent by Agent and Lenders with respect to any of the provisions thereof;

 

(c) the existence, value or condition of, or failure to perfect its Lien against, any security for the Obligations or any action, or the absence of any action, by Agent and Lenders in respect thereof (including the release of any such security);

 

(d) the insolvency of any Borrower; or

 

(e) any other action or circumstances (other than payment in full in cash of the Obligations and termination of the commitments hereunder) that might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a surety or guarantor.

 

Each Borrower shall be regarded, and shall be in the same position, as principal debtor with respect to the Obligations guaranteed hereunder.

 

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12.2 Waivers by Borrowers . Each Borrower expressly waives all rights it may have now or in the future under any statute, or at common law, or at law or in equity, or otherwise, to compel Agent or Lenders to marshal assets or to proceed in respect of the Obligations guaranteed hereunder against any other Borrower, any other party or against any security for the payment and performance of the Obligations before proceeding against, or as a condition to proceeding against, such Borrower. It is agreed among each Borrower, Agent and Lenders that the foregoing waivers are of the essence of the transaction contemplated by this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and that, but for the provisions of this Section 12 and such waivers, Agent and Lenders would decline to enter into this Agreement.

 

12.3 Benefit of Guaranty . Each Borrower agrees that the provisions of this Section 12 are for the benefit of Agent and Lenders and their respective successors, transferees, endorsees and assigns, and nothing herein contained shall impair, as between any other Borrower and Agent or Lenders, the obligations of such other Borrower under the Loan Documents.

 

12.4 Waiver of Subrogation, Etc . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document, and except as set forth in Section 12.7 , until final payment in full in cash of the Obligations (other than contingent obligations not yet due and payable), each Borrower hereby expressly waives any and all rights at law or in equity to subrogation, reimbursement, exoneration, contribution, indemnification or set off and any and all defenses available to a surety, guarantor or accommodation co-obligor. Each Borrower acknowledges and agrees that this waiver is intended to benefit Agent and Lenders and shall not limit or otherwise affect such Borrower’s liability hereunder or the enforceability of this Section 12 , and that Agent, Lenders and their respective successors and assigns are intended third party beneficiaries of the waivers and agreements set forth in this Section 12.4 .

 

12.5 Election of Remedies . If Agent or any Lender may, under applicable law, proceed to realize its benefits under any of the Loan Documents giving Agent or such Lender a Lien upon any Collateral, whether owned by any Borrower or by any other Person, either by judicial foreclosure or by non-judicial sale or enforcement, Agent or any Lender may, at its sole option, determine which of its remedies or rights it may pursue without affecting any of its rights and remedies under this Section 12 . If, in the exercise of any of its rights and remedies, Agent or any Lender shall forfeit any of its rights or remedies, including its right to enter a deficiency judgment against any Borrower or any other Person, whether because of any applicable laws pertaining to “election of remedies” or the like, each Borrower hereby consents to such action by Agent or such Lender and waives any claim based upon such action, even if such action by Agent or such Lender shall result in a full or partial loss of any rights of subrogation that each Borrower might otherwise have had but for such action by Agent or such Lender. Any election of remedies that results in the denial or impairment of the right of Agent or any Lender to seek a deficiency judgment against any Borrower shall not impair any other Borrower’s obligation to pay the full amount of the Obligations. In the event Agent or any Lender shall bid at any foreclosure or trustee’s sale or at any private sale permitted by law or the Loan Documents, Agent or such Lender may bid all or less than the amount of the Obligations and the amount of such bid need not be paid by Agent or such Lender but shall be credited against the Obligations. The amount of the successful bid at any such sale, whether Agent, Lender or any other party is the successful bidder, shall be conclusively deemed to be the fair market value of the Collateral and the difference between such bid amount and the remaining

 

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balance of the Obligations shall be conclusively deemed to be the amount of the Obligations guaranteed under this Section 12 , notwithstanding that any present or future law or court decision or ruling may have the effect of reducing the amount of any deficiency claim to which Agent or any Lender might otherwise be entitled but for such bidding at any such sale.

 

12.6 Limitation . Notwithstanding any provision herein contained to the contrary, each Borrower’s liability under this Section 12 (which liability is in any event in addition to amounts for which such Borrower is primarily liable under Section 1 ) shall be limited to an amount not to exceed as of any date of determination the greater of:

 

(a) the net amount of all Loans advanced to any other Borrower under this Agreement and then re-loaned or otherwise transferred to, or for the benefit of, such Borrower; and

 

(b) the amount that could be claimed by Agent and Lenders from such Borrower under this Section 12 without rendering such claim voidable or avoidable under Section 548 of Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code or under any applicable state Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act, Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act or similar statute or common law after taking into account, among other things, such Borrower’s right of contribution and indemnification from each other Borrower under Section 12.7 .

 

12.7 Contribution with Respect to Guaranty Obligations .

 

(a) To the extent that any Borrower shall make a payment under this Section 12 of all or any of the Obligations (other than Loans made to that Borrower for which it is primarily liable) (a “ Guarantor Payment ”) that, taking into account all other Guarantor Payments then previously or concurrently made by any other Borrower, exceeds the amount that such Borrower would otherwise have paid if each Borrower had paid the aggregate Obligations satisfied by such Guarantor Payment in the same proportion that such Borrower’s “Allocable Amount” (as defined below) (as determined immediately prior to such Guarantor Payment) bore to the aggregate Allocable Amounts of each of the Borrowers as determined immediately prior to the making of such Guarantor Payment, then, following indefeasible payment in full in cash of the Obligations and termination of the Commitments, such Borrower shall be entitled to receive contribution and indemnification payments from, and be reimbursed by, each other Borrower for the amount of such excess, pro rata based upon their respective Allocable Amounts in effect immediately prior to such Guarantor Payment.

 

(b) As of any date of determination, the “ Allocable Amount ” of any Borrower shall be equal to the maximum amount of the claim that could then be recovered from such Borrower under this Section 12 without rendering such claim voidable or avoidable under Section 548 of Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code or under any applicable state Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act, Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act or similar statute or common law.

 

(c) This Section 12.7 is intended only to define the relative rights of Borrowers and nothing set forth in this Section 12.7 is intended to or shall impair the obligations of Borrowers, jointly and severally, to pay any amounts as and when the same shall become due and payable in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, including Section 12.1 . Nothing

 

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contained in this Section 12.7 shall limit the liability of any Borrower to pay the Loans made directly or indirectly to that Borrower and accrued interest, Fees and expenses with respect thereto for which such Borrower shall be primarily liable.

 

(d) The parties hereto acknowledge that the rights of contribution and indemnification hereunder shall constitute assets of the Borrower to which such contribution and indemnification is owing.

 

(e) The rights of the indemnifying Borrowers against other Borrowers under this Section 12.7 shall be exercisable upon the full and indefeasible payment of the Obligations and the termination of the Commitments.

 

12.8 Liability Cumulative . The liability of Borrowers under this Section 12 is in addition to and shall be cumulative with all liabilities of each Borrower to Agent and Lenders under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which such Borrower is a party or in respect of any Obligations or obligation of the other Borrower, without any limitation as to amount, unless the instrument or agreement evidencing or creating such other liability specifically provides to the contrary.

 

12.9 Subordination .

 

(a) Each Borrower covenants and agrees that the payment of any indebtedness and all obligations and liabilities owing by any Borrower in favor of any other Borrower, whether now existing or hereafter incurred (collectively, the “ Intercompany Obligations ”) is subordinated, to the extent and in the manner provided in this Section 12.9 , to the prior payment in full in cash of all Obligations (other than contingent obligations not yet due and payable) owed or hereafter owing to Agent and Lenders by the Borrowers and that such subordination is for the benefit of Agent for itself and Lenders.

 

(b) Each Borrower hereby (i) authorizes Agent on behalf of Lenders to demand specific performance of the terms of this Section 12.9 at any time when any Borrower shall have failed to comply with any provisions of this Section 12.9 which are applicable to it and (ii) irrevocably waives any defense based on the adequacy of a remedy at law, which might be asserted as a bar to such remedy of specific performance.

 

(c) Upon any distribution of assets of any Borrower in any dissolution, winding up, liquidation or reorganization (whether in bankruptcy, insolvency or receivership proceedings or upon an assignment for the benefit of creditors or otherwise):

 

(i) Agent and Lenders shall first be entitled to receive payment in full in cash of the Obligations (other than contingent obligations not yet due and payable) before any Borrower is entitled to receive any payment on account of the Intercompany Obligations.

 

(ii) Any payment or distribution of assets of any Borrower of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, to which any other Borrower would be entitled except for the provisions of this Section 12.9(c) , shall be paid by the liquidating trustee or agent or other Person making such payment or distribution directly to Agent for the benefit of the Lenders in the manner set forth herein, to the extent necessary to make payment in full in

 

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cash of all Obligations (other than contingent obligations not yet due and payable) remaining unpaid after giving effect to any concurrent payment or distribution or provisions therefor to Agent for itself and Lenders.

 

(iii) In the event that notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 12.9(c) , any payment or distribution of assets of any Borrower of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, shall be received by any other Borrower on account of any Intercompany Obligations before all Obligations (other than contingent obligations not yet due and payable) are paid in full in cash, such payment or distribution shall be received and held in trust for and shall be paid over to Agent for itself and Lenders for application to the payment of the Obligations until all of the Obligations (other than contingent obligations not yet due and payable) shall have been paid in full in cash, after giving effect to any concurrent payment or distribution or provision therefor to Agent for itself and Lenders.

 

(d) No right of Agent, any Lender or any other present or future holders of the Obligations to enforce subordination as provided herein shall at any time in any way be prejudiced or impaired by any act or failure to act on the part of any Borrower or by any act or failure to act, in good faith, by any Borrower, or by any noncompliance by any Borrower with the terms of the Intercompany Obligations, regardless of any knowledge thereof which any Borrower may have or be otherwise charged with.

 

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank.]

 

79


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed as of the date first written above.

 

BORROWERS :
CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC.

By:

   

Name:

   

Title:

   
CORE-MARK HOLDINGS I, INC.

By:

   

Name:

   

Title:

   
CORE-MARK HOLDINGS II, INC.

By:

   

Name:

   

Title:

   
CORE-MARK HOLDINGS III, INC.

By:

   

Name:

   

Title:

   
CORE-MARK INTERNATIONAL, INC.

By:

   

Name:

   

Title:

   
CORE-MARK MIDCONTINENT, INC.

By:

   

Name:

   

Title:

   

 

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CORE-MARK INTERRELATED COMPANIES, INC.

By:

   

Name:

   

Title:

   
HEAD DISTRIBUTING COMPANY

By:

   

Name:

   

Title:

   
MINTER-WEISMAN CO.

By:

   

Name:

   

Title:

   

 

81


LENDERS :
GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, as Agent and Lender

By:

   
    Duly Authorized Signatory
GE CANADA FINANCE HOLDING COMPANY, as Canadian Lender

By:

   
    Duly Authorized Signatory

 

82


CONGRESS FINANCIAL CORPORATION

(WESTERN), as Co-Syndication Agent and Lender

By:

   

Name:

   

Title:

   

 

83


JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, as Co-Syndication

Agent and Lender

By:

   

Name:

   

Title:

   

 

84


BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Co-

Documentation Agent and Lender

By:

   

Name:

   

Title:

   

 

85


WELLS FARGO FOOTHILL, LLC, as Co-

Documentation Agent and Lender

By:

   

Name:

   

Title:

   

 

86


THE CIT GROUP/BUSINESS CREDIT INC., as

Lender

By:

   

Name:

   

Title:

   

 

87


SANKATY HIGH YIELD PARTNERS II, L.P.,

as Lender

By:

   

Name:

   

Title:

   

 

88


PROSPECT FUNDING I, LLC, as Lender

By:

   

Name:

   

Title:

   

 

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ANNEX A

to

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

DEFINITIONS

 

Capitalized terms used in the Loan Documents shall have (unless otherwise provided elsewhere in the Loan Documents) the following respective meanings, and all references to Sections, Exhibits, Schedules or Annexes in the following definitions shall refer to Sections, Exhibits, Schedules or Annexes of or to the Agreement:

 

Account Debtor ” means any Person who may become obligated to any Borrower under, with respect to, or on account of, an Account, Chattel Paper or General Intangibles (including a payment intangible).

 

Accounting Changes ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Annex G .

 

Accounts ” means all “accounts,” as such term is defined in the Code, now owned or hereafter acquired by any Borrower, including (a) all accounts receivable, other receivables, book debts and other forms of obligations (other than forms of obligations evidenced by Chattel Paper, or Instruments) (including any such obligations that may be characterized as an account or contract right under the Code), (b) all of each Borrower’s rights in, to and under all purchase orders or receipts for goods or services, (c) all of each Borrower’s rights to any goods represented by any of the foregoing (including unpaid sellers’ rights of rescission, replevin, reclamation and stoppage in transit and rights to returned, reclaimed or repossessed goods), (d) all rights to payment due to any Borrower for property sold, leased, licensed, assigned or otherwise disposed of, for a policy of insurance issued or to be issued, for a secondary obligation incurred or to be incurred, for energy provided or to be provided, for the use or hire of a vessel under a charter or other contract, arising out of the use of a credit card or charge card, or for services rendered or to be rendered by such Borrower or in connection with any other transaction (whether or not yet earned by performance on the part of such Borrower), (e) all health care insurance receivables and (f) all collateral security of any kind, given by any Account Debtor or any other Person with respect to any of the foregoing.

 

Acquisition Pro Forma ” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 6.1 of the Agreement.

 

Acquisition Projections ” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 6.1 of the Agreement.

 

Advance ” means any Revolving Credit Advance, First Funded Revolving Credit Advance, Canadian Advance or Swing Line Advance, as the context may require.

 

Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, (a) each Person that, directly or indirectly, owns or controls, whether beneficially, or as a trustee, guardian or other fiduciary, 10% or more of the Stock having ordinary voting power in the election of directors of such Person, (b) each Person that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such Person, (c) each of such Person’s officers, directors, joint venturers and partners and (d) in the

 

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case of Borrowers, the immediate family members, spouses and lineal descendants of individuals who are Affiliates of any Borrower. For the purposes of this definition, “ control ” of a Person shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of its management or policies, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; provided , however , that the term “ Affiliate ” shall specifically exclude (i) Agent and each Lender and (ii) a purchaser under the Tranche B Facility.

 

Agent ” means GE Capital in its capacity as administrative agent for Lenders or its successor appointed pursuant to Section 9.7 .

 

Aggregate Borrowing Availability ” means the sum of Revolver Borrowing Availability and First Funded Revolver Borrowing Availability.

 

Agreement ” means the Credit Agreement by and among Borrowers, GE Capital, as Agent and Lender, and the other Lenders from time to time party thereto, as the same may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

Appendices ” has the meaning ascribed to it in the recitals to the Agreement.

 

Applicable First Funded Revolver BA Margin ” means the per annum interest rate from time to time in effect and payable in addition to the BA Rate applicable to the Canadian Advances constituting the First Funded Revolving Loan, as determined by reference to Section 1.5(a) .

 

Applicable First Funded Revolver Index Margin ” means the per annum interest rate from time to time in effect and payable in addition to the Index Rate applicable to the First Funded Revolving Loan or Canadian Advances made thereunder (as applicable), as determined by reference to Section 1.5(a) .

 

Applicable First Funded Revolver LIBOR Margin ” means the per annum interest rate from time to time in effect and payable in addition to the LIBOR Rate applicable to the First Funded Revolving Loan, as determined by reference to Section 1.5(a) .

 

Applicable L/C Margin ” means the per annum fee, from time to time in effect, payable with respect to outstanding Letter of Credit Obligations as determined by reference to Section 1.5(a) .

 

Applicable Margins ” means collectively the Applicable L/C Margin, the Applicable Unused Line Fee Margin, the Applicable Revolver Index Margin, the Applicable First Funded Revolver Index Margin, the Applicable Revolver LIBOR Margin, the Applicable Revolver BA Margin and the Applicable First Funded Revolver LIBOR Margin.

 

Applicable Revolver BA Margin ” means the per annum interest rate from time to time in effect and payable in addition to the BA Rate applicable to the Canadian Advances constituting the Revolving Loan, as determined by reference to Section 1.5(a) .

 

Applicable Revolver Index Margin ” means the per annum interest rate margin from time to time in effect and payable in addition to the Index Rate applicable to the Revolving Loan or Canadian Advances made thereunder (as applicable), as determined by reference to Section 1.5(a) .

 

A-2


Applicable Revolver LIBOR Margin ” means the per annum interest rate from time to time in effect and payable in addition to the LIBOR Rate applicable to the Revolving Loan, as determined by reference to Section 1.5(a) .

 

Applicable Unused Line Fee Margin ” means the per annum fee, from time to time in effect, payable in respect of Borrowers’ non-use of committed funds pursuant to Section 1.9(b) , which fee is determined by reference to Section 1.5(a) .

 

Assignment Agreement ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 9.1(a) .

 

BA Period ” means with respect to any BA Rate Loan bearing interest at a rate based on the BA Rate, a period of one, two or three months commencing on a Business Day selected by Borrower Representative in its irrevocable notice to Agent as set forth in Section 1.5(e)(ii) , provided that the foregoing provision relating to BA Periods is subject to the following:

 

(a) any BA Period that would otherwise extend beyond the Commitment Termination Date shall end on the Business Day immediately preceding such Commitment Termination Date;

 

(b) Borrowers shall select BA Periods so as not to require a payment or prepayment of any Loan during a BA Period for such Loan; and

 

(c) Borrowers shall select BA Periods so there shall be no more than seven (7) separate BA Rate Loans in existence at any one time.

 

BA Rate ” means, in respect of any BA Period applicable to a BA Rate Loan, the rate per annum determined by Agent by reference to the average rate quoted on the Reuters Monitor Screen (Page CDOR, or such other Page as may replace such Page on such Screen on the purpose of displaying Canadian interbank bid rates for Canadian Dollar bankers’ acceptances) applicable (the “ CDOR Page ”) to Canadian Dollars bankers’ acceptances with a term comparable to such BA Period as of 10:00 a.m. (New York time) two (2) Business Days before the first day of such BA Period. If for any reason the Reuters Monitor Screen rates are unavailable, BA Rate means the rate of interest determined by Administrative Agent that is equal to the arithmetic mean (rounded upwards to the nearest basis point) of the rates (as listed on the CDOR Page) quoted by The Bank of Nova Scotia, Royal Bank of Canada and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce as of 10:00 a.m. (New York time) two (2) Business Days before the first day of such BA Period in respect of Canadian Dollar bankers’ acceptances with a term comparable to such BA Period. No adjustment shall be made to account for the difference between the number of days in a year on which the rates referred to in this definition are based and the number of days in a year on the basis of which interest is calculated in the Agreement.

 

BA Rate Loan ” means a Canadian Advance which bears interest at a rate based on the BA Rate.

 

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Bankruptcy Code ” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the recitals to the Agreement.

 

Bankruptcy Court ” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the recitals to the Agreement.

 

Bankruptcy Rules ” shall mean the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, as the same may from time to time be in effect.

 

Benefit Plan Settlement ” shall mean any settlement agreement that pertains to any Plan and (i) is executed by or on behalf of any Borrower or ERISA Affiliate or (ii) under which any Borrower or ERISA Affiliate has, or has had, any obligations.

 

Blocked Accounts ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Annex C .

 

Borrower Representative ” means Core-Mark International, Inc., in its capacity as borrower representative pursuant to the provisions of Section 1.1(e) .

 

Borrowers ” and “ Borrower ” have the respective meanings ascribed thereto in the preamble to the Agreement.

 

Borrowing Base Certificate ” means a certificate to be executed and delivered from time to time by Borrower Representative in the form attached to the Agreement as Exhibit 4.1(b) .

 

Business Day ” means any day that is not a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banks are required or permitted to be closed in the State of New York or Canada (as the case may be) and, in reference to LIBOR Loans, shall mean any such day that is also a LIBOR Business Day.

 

Canadian Advances ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.1(d) .

 

Canadian Collection Account ” means that certain account of Canadian Lender, account number 120-932-9 in the name of Canadian Lender at The Royal Bank of Canada in Toronto, Canada, swift code ROYCCAT2, bank number 00003, or such other account as may be specified in writing by Canadian Lender as the “Canadian Collection Account.”

 

Canadian Concentration Accounts ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Annex C .

 

Canadian Court ” means the Supreme Court of British Columbia.

 

Canadian Disbursement Accounts ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Annex C .

 

Canadian FX Conversion Account ” means that certain account of Borrowers (a) account number 1225226 in the name of “Core-Mark International, Inc.” at Royal Bank of Canada in Vancouver, British Columbia, swift code ROYCCAT2, bank number 003, (b) account number 07604601086 in the name of “Core-Mark International, Inc.” at Bank of Montreal in Vancouver, British Columbia, swift code BOFMCAM2, bank number 001, or (c) such other

 

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account as may be specified in writing by Borrower Representative as the “Canadian FX Conversion Account” in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

Canadian Intellectual Property Security Agreement ” means the Intellectual Property Security Agreement made in favor of Agent, on behalf of itself and Lenders, by Borrowers, as amended, restated, supplemented and modified from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof.

 

Canadian Lender ” means GE Canada Finance Holding Company.

 

Canadian Note ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.1(d) .

 

Canadian Relationship Banks ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Annex C .

 

Canadian Security Agreement ” means the Security Agreement of even date herewith entered into by and among Agent, on behalf of itself and Lenders, Canadian Lender and Borrowers, as amended, restated, supplemented and modified from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof.

 

Canadian Sublimit ” means C$110,000,000 (Canadian dollars).

 

Capital Expenditures ” means, with respect to any Person, all expenditures (by the expenditure of cash or the incurrence of Indebtedness) by such Person during any measuring period for any fixed assets or improvements or for replacements, substitutions or additions thereto that have a useful life of more than one year and that are required to be capitalized under GAAP.

 

Capital Lease ” means, with respect to any Person, any lease of any property (whether real, personal or mixed) by such Person as lessee that, in accordance with GAAP, would be required to be classified and accounted for as a capital lease on a balance sheet of such Person.

 

Capital Lease Obligation ” means, with respect to any Capital Lease of any Person, the amount of the obligation of the lessee thereunder that, in accordance with GAAP, would appear on a balance sheet of such lessee in respect of such Capital Lease.

 

Cash Collateral Account ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Annex B .

 

Cash Equivalents ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Annex B .

 

Cash Management Systems ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.8 .

 

Change of Control ” means any of the following: (a) any person or group of persons (within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) shall have acquired beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) of 50% or more of the issued and outstanding shares of capital Stock of Holdings having the right to vote for the election of directors of Holdings under ordinary circumstances; (b) during any period of twelve consecutive calendar months,

 

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individuals who at the beginning of such period constituted the board of directors of Holdings (together with any new directors whose election by the board of directors of Holdings or whose nomination for election by the Stockholders of Holdings was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of such period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved) cease for any reason other than death or disability to constitute a majority of the directors then in office; and (c) Holdings ceases to own and control all of the economic and voting rights associated with all of the outstanding capital Stock of any of its Subsidiaries (except in connection with any transaction expressly permitted by this Agreement).

 

Chapter 11 Case ” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the recitals to the Agreement.

 

Charges ” means all federal, provincial, state, county, city, municipal, local, foreign or other governmental taxes (including taxes owed to the PBGC at the time due and payable), levies, assessments, charges, liens, claims or encumbrances upon or relating to (a) the Collateral, (b) the Obligations, (c) the employees, payroll, income or gross receipts of any Borrower, (d) any Borrower’s ownership or use of any properties or other assets, or (e) any other aspect of any Borrower’s business.

 

Chattel Paper ” means any “chattel paper,” as such term is defined in the Code, including electronic chattel paper, now owned or hereafter acquired by any Borrower.

 

Closing Date ” means August 20, 2004.

 

Closing Checklist ” means the schedule, including all appendices, exhibits or schedules thereto, listing certain documents and information to be delivered in connection with the Agreement, the other Loan Documents and the transactions contemplated thereunder, substantially in the form attached hereto as Annex D .

 

Code ” means the Uniform Commercial Code as the same may, from time to time, be enacted and in effect in the State of New York; provided , that to the extent that the Code is used to define any term herein or in any Loan Document and such term is defined differently in different Articles or Divisions of the Code, the definition of such term contained in Article or Division 9 shall govern; provided , further , that in the event that, by reason of mandatory provisions of law, any or all of the attachment, perfection or priority of, or remedies with respect to, Agent’s or any Lender’s Lien on any Collateral is governed by the Uniform Commercial Code as enacted and in effect in a jurisdiction other than the State of New York, the term “ Code ” shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code or comparable law of such jurisdiction as enacted and in effect in such other jurisdiction solely for purposes of the provisions thereof relating to such attachment, perfection, priority or remedies and for purposes of definitions related to such provisions.

 

Collateral ” means the property covered by the Security Agreement, the Mortgage(s) and the other Collateral Documents and any other property, real or personal, tangible or intangible, now existing or hereafter acquired, that may at any time be or become subject to a security interest or Lien in favor of Agent, on behalf of itself and Lenders, to secure

 

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the Obligations; provided , however , Collateral shall not include (i) the Professional Fee Escrow Account, (ii) Restricted Leasehold Interests or (iii) property transferred to the Trusts as required pursuant to the Plan of Reorganization.

 

Collateral Documents ” means the Security Agreement, the Mortgage(s), the Pledge Agreements, the Intellectual Property Security Agreement, the Canadian Security Agreement, the Canadian Intellectual Property Security Agreement and all similar agreements entered into guaranteeing payment of, or granting a Lien upon property as security for payment of, the Obligations.

 

Collateral Reports ” means the reports with respect to the Collateral referred to in Annex F .

 

Commercial Tort Claim ” means a claim arising in tort with respect to which: (a) the claimant is an organization; or (b) the claimant is an individual and the claim: (i) arose in the course of the claimant’s business or profession; and (ii) does not include damages arising out of personal injury to or the death of an individual.

 

Commitment Letter ” means that certain letter, dated as of May 11, 2004, between GE Capital and Fleming, on its behalf and each of the Borrowers, with respect to the credit facility contemplated by the Agreement.

 

Commitment Termination Date ” means the earliest of (a) August 23, 2007, (b) the date of termination of Lenders’ obligations to make Advances and to incur Letter of Credit Obligations or permit existing Loans to remain outstanding pursuant to Section 8.2(b) , and (c) the date of prepayment in full by Borrowers of the Loans and the cancellation and return (or stand-by guarantee) of all Letters of Credit or the cash collateralization of all Letter of Credit Obligations pursuant to Annex B , and the permanent reduction of all Commitments to zero dollars ($0).

 

Commitments ” means (a) as to any Lender, the aggregate of such Lender’s Revolving Loan Commitment (including without duplication the Swing Line Lender’s Swing Line Commitment as a subset of its Revolving Loan Commitment) and First Funded Revolving Loan Commitment as set forth on Annex J to the Agreement or in the most recent Assignment Agreement executed by such Lender, and (b) as to all Lenders, the aggregate of all Lenders’ Revolving Loan Commitments (including without duplication the Swing Line Lender’s Swing Line Commitment as a subset of its Revolving Loan Commitment) and First Funded Revolving Loan Commitments, which aggregate commitment shall be TWO HUNDRED FIFTY MILLION ($250,000,000) on the Closing Date, as to each of clauses (a) and (b) , as such Commitments may be reduced, amortized or adjusted from time to time in accordance with the Agreement.

 

Compliance Certificate ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Annex E .

 

Concentration Accounts ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Annex C .

 

Confirmation Order ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1 .

 

Confirmation Recognition Order ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1 .

 

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Contracts ” means all “contracts,” as such term is defined in the Code, now owned or hereafter acquired by any Borrower, in any event, including all contracts, undertakings, or agreements (other than rights evidenced by Chattel Paper, Documents or Instruments) in or under which any Borrower may now or hereafter have any right, title or interest, including any agreement relating to the terms of payment or the terms of performance of any Account.

 

Control Letter ” means a letter agreement between Agent and (i) the issuer of uncertificated securities with respect to uncertificated securities in the name of any Borrower, (ii) a securities intermediary with respect to securities, whether certificated or uncertificated, securities entitlements and other financial assets held in a securities account in the name of any Borrower, (iii) a futures commission merchant or clearing house, as applicable, with respect to commodity accounts and commodity contracts held by any Borrower, whereby, among other things, the issuer, securities intermediary or futures commission merchant limits any security interest in the applicable financial assets in a manner reasonably satisfactory to Agent, acknowledges the Lien of Agent, on behalf of itself and Lenders, on such financial assets, and agrees to follow the instructions or entitlement orders of Agent without further consent by the affected Borrower.

 

Copyright License ” means any and all rights now owned or hereafter acquired by any Borrower under any written agreement granting any right to use any Copyright or Copyright registration.

 

Copyrights ” means all of the following now owned or hereafter adopted or acquired by any Borrower: (a) all copyrights and General Intangibles of like nature (whether registered or unregistered), all registrations and recordings thereof, and all applications in connection therewith, including all registrations, recordings and applications in the United States Copyright Office or in any similar office or agency of the United States, any state or territory thereof, or any other country or any political subdivision thereof, and (b) all reissues, extensions or renewals thereof.

 

Debtors ” has the meaning ascribed to it in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

Default ” means any event that, with the passage of time or notice or both, would, unless cured or waived, become an Event of Default.

 

Default Rate ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.5(d) .

 

Deposit Accounts ” means all “deposit accounts” as such term is defined in the Code, now or hereafter held in the name of any Borrower.

 

DIP Agreement ” means that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of May 6, 2003 (as amended), among the Debtors as debtors in possession, the DIP Lenders, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as administrative agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank, as collateral agent and syndication agent, and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, as joint lead arrangers and joint book runners.

 

DIP Lenders ” shall mean the lenders under the DIP Agreement.

 

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Disbursement Accounts ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Annex C .

 

Disclosure Schedules ” means the Schedules prepared by Borrowers and denominated as Disclosure Schedules (1.4)  through ( 6.7)  in the Index to the Agreement.

 

Disclosure Statement ” means the written disclosure statement that relates to the Plan of Reorganization, as approved by the Bankruptcy Court pursuant to Section 1125 of the Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptcy Rule 3017.

 

Documents ” means all “documents,” as such term is defined in the Code, now owned or hereafter acquired by any Borrower, wherever located.

 

Dollar Equivalent ” means, as of any particular date, the equivalent amount in Dollars of such amount expressed in Canadian dollars (as presumptively ascertained by the Agent absent manifest error) which could be purchased by the Agent (in accordance with its normal banking practices) on such date.

 

Dollars ” or “ $ ” means lawful currency of the United States of America.

 

EBITDA ” means, with respect to the Borrowers for any fiscal period, without duplication, an amount equal to (a) consolidated net income of the Borrowers for such period determined in accordance with GAAP, minus (b) the sum of (i) income tax credits, (ii) interest income, (iii) gain from extraordinary items for such period, (iv) any aggregate net gain (but not any aggregate net loss) during such period arising from the sale, exchange or other disposition of capital assets by any Borrower outside the ordinary course of business, (v) income attributable to cigarette price increases for such period, and (vi) any other non-cash gains or losses outside the ordinary course of business that have been added in determining consolidated net income, in each case to the extent included in the calculation of consolidated net income of the Borrowers for such period in accordance with GAAP, but without duplication, plus (c) the sum of (i) any provision for income taxes, (ii) Interest Expense, (iii) loss from extraordinary items for such period, (iv) depreciation and amortization for such period, (v) amortized debt discount for such period, (vi) the amount of any deduction to consolidated net income as the result of any grant to any members of the management of any Borrower of any Stock, and (vii) restructuring and bankruptcy fees and charges incurred by any Borrower during such period, in each case to the extent included in the calculation of consolidated net income of such Person for such period in accordance with GAAP, but without duplication. For purposes of this definition, the following items shall be excluded in determining consolidated net income of the Borrowers: (1) the income (or deficit) of any other Person accrued prior to the date it became a member of, or was merged or consolidated into, any Borrower; (2) the income (or deficit) of any other Person (other than a Subsidiary) in which any Borrower has an ownership interest, except to the extent any such income has actually been received by such Person in the form of cash dividends or distributions; (3) the undistributed earnings of any Subsidiary of any Borrower to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by such Subsidiary is not at the time permitted by the terms of any contractual obligation or requirement of law applicable to such Subsidiary; (4) any restoration to income of any contingency reserve, except to the extent that provision for such reserve was made out of income accrued during such period or in the ordinary course of business; (5) any write-up of any asset; (6) any net gain from the collection of the

 

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proceeds of life insurance policies; (7) any net gain arising from the acquisition of any securities, or the extinguishment, under GAAP, of any Indebtedness, of any Borrower; (8) in the case of a successor to any Borrower by consolidation or merger or as a transferee of its assets, any earnings of such successor prior to such consolidation, merger or transfer of assets; and (9) any deferred credit representing the excess of equity in any Subsidiary of any Borrower at the date of acquisition of such Subsidiary over the cost to such Person of the investment in such Subsidiary.

 

Effective Date ” has the meaning ascribed to it in the Plan of Reorganization.

 

Eligible Accounts ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.6 .

 

Eligible Inventory ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.7 .

 

Environmental Laws ” means all applicable federal, provincial, state, local and foreign laws, statutes, ordinances, codes, rules, standards and regulations, now or hereafter in effect, and any applicable judicial or administrative interpretation thereof, including any applicable judicial or administrative order, consent decree, order or judgment, imposing liability or standards of conduct for or relating to the regulation and protection of human health, safety, the environment and natural resources (including ambient air, surface water, groundwater, wetlands, land surface or subsurface strata, wildlife, aquatic species and vegetation). Environmental Laws include the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. §§ 9601 et seq. ) (“ CERCLA ”); the Hazardous Materials Transportation Authorization Act of 1994 (49 U.S.C. §§ 5101 et seq. ); the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. §§ 136 et seq. ); the Solid Waste Disposal Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 6901 et seq. ); the Toxic Substance Control Act (15 U.S.C. §§ 2601 et seq. ); the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 7401 et seq. ); the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. §§ 1251 et seq. ); the Occupational Safety and Health Act (29 U.S.C. §§ 651 et seq. ); and the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 300(f) et seq. ), and any and all regulations promulgated thereunder, and all analogous state, provincial, local and foreign counterparts or equivalents and any transfer of ownership notification or approval statutes.

 

Environmental Liabilities ” means, with respect to any Person, all liabilities, obligations, responsibilities, response, remedial and removal costs, investigation and feasibility study costs, capital costs, operation and maintenance costs, losses, damages, punitive damages, property damages, natural resource damages, consequential damages, treble damages, costs and expenses (including all reasonable fees, disbursements and expenses of counsel, experts and consultants), fines, penalties, sanctions and interest incurred as a result of or related to any claim, suit, action, investigation, proceeding or demand by any Person, whether based in contract, tort, implied or express warranty, strict liability, criminal or civil statute or common law, including any arising under or related to any Environmental Laws, Environmental Permits, or in connection with any Release or threatened Release or presence of a Hazardous Material whether on, at, in, under, from, about or in the vicinity of any real or personal property.

 

Environmental Permits ” means all permits, licenses, authorizations, certificates, approvals or registrations required by any Governmental Authority under any Environmental Laws.

 

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Equipment ” means all “equipment,” as such term is defined in the Code, now owned or hereafter acquired by any Borrower, wherever located and, in any event, including all such Borrower’s machinery and equipment, including processing equipment, conveyors, machine tools, data processing and computer equipment, including embedded software and peripheral equipment and all engineering, processing and manufacturing equipment, office machinery, furniture, materials handling equipment, tools, attachments, accessories, automotive equipment, trailers, trucks, forklifts, molds, dies, stamps, motor vehicles, rolling stock and other equipment of every kind and nature, trade fixtures and fixtures not forming a part of real property, together with all additions and accessions thereto, replacements therefor, all parts therefor, all substitutes for any of the foregoing, fuel therefor, and all manuals, drawings, instructions, warranties and rights with respect thereto, and all products and proceeds thereof and condemnation awards and insurance proceeds with respect thereto.

 

ERISA ” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time, and any regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

ERISA Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Borrower, any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that, together with such Borrower, are treated as a single employer within the meaning of Sections 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the IRC.

 

ERISA Event ” means, with respect to any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate, (a) with respect to a Title IV Plan, any event described in Section 4043(c) of ERISA for which notice to the PBGC has not been waived; (b) the withdrawal of any Borrower or ERISA Affiliate from a Title IV Plan subject to Section 4063 of ERISA during a plan year in which it was a substantial employer, as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA; (c) the complete or partial withdrawal of any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from any Multiemployer Plan; (d) the filing of a notice of intent to terminate a Title IV Plan in a distress termination described in Section 4041(c) of ERISA or the treatment of a plan amendment as a termination under Section 4041 of ERISA; (e) the institution of proceedings to terminate a Title IV Plan or Multiemployer Plan by the PBGC; (f) with respect to a Title IV Plan, the existence of an “accumulated funding deficiency” (as defined in Section 412 of the IRC or Section 302 of ERISA) whether or not waived, or the failure to make by its due date a required installment under Section 412(m) of the Code or the failure to make any required contribution to a Multiemployer Plan; (g) the filing pursuant to Section 412(d) of the Code or Section 303(d) of ERISA of an application for a waiver of the minimum funding standard with respect to a Title IV Plan; (h) the making of any amendment to any Title IV Plan which would result in the imposition of a lien or the posting of a bond or other security; (i) with respect to a Title IV Plan an event described in Section 4062(e) of ERISA; (j) any other event or condition that would reasonably be expected to constitute grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Title IV Plan or Multiemployer Plan or for the imposition of liability under Section 4069 or 4212(c) of ERISA; (k) the termination of a Multiemployer Plan under Section 4041A of ERISA or the reorganization or insolvency of a Multiemployer Plan under Section 4241 or 4245 of ERISA; (l) the loss of a Qualified Plan’s qualification or tax exempt status; or (m) the termination of a Plan described in Section 4064 of ERISA.

 

Event of Default ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 8.1 .

 

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Excluded Subsidiaries ” means, collectively, (i) General Acceptance Corporation, a California corporation, (ii) E.A. Morris Distributors Limited, a company organized under the laws of Canada, (iii) C/M Products, Inc., a California corporation, (iv) Marquise Ventures Company, Inc., a California corporation, and (v) ASI Office Automation, Inc., a California corporation.

 

Fair Labor Standards Act ” means the Fair Labor Standards Act, 29 U.S.C. §201 et seq .

 

Federal Funds Rate ” means, for any day, a floating rate equal to the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions among members of the Federal Reserve System, as determined by Agent in its sole discretion, which determination shall be final, binding and conclusive (absent manifest error).

 

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

 

Fees ” means any and all fees payable to Agent or any Lender pursuant to the Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents.

 

Financial Covenants ” means the financial covenants set forth in Annex G .

 

Financial Statements ” means the financial statements of Borrowers delivered in accordance with Section 3.4 and Annex E .

 

First Funded Revolver Borrowing Availability ” means, as of any date of determination, the lesser of (i) the First Funded Revolver Maximum Amount and (ii) the First Funded Revolver Borrowing Base, in each case, less the aggregate First Funded Revolving Loan then outstanding.

 

First Funded Revolver Borrowing Base ” means, as of any date of determination by Agent, from time to time, an amount over and above the Revolver Borrowing Base at such time equal to the lesser of:

 

(a) up to 10% of Eligible Inventory (including Inventory located in Canada) valued at the low of cost (FIFO) or market; or

 

(b) 7.5% of the net orderly liquidation value of Eligible Inventory;

 

in each case, less any Reserves established by Agent at such time in its Permitted Discretion.

 

First Funded Revolver Maximum Amount ” means, as of any date of determination, an amount equal to the First Funded Revolving Loan Commitment of all Lenders as of that date.

 

First Funded Revolving Credit Advance ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.1(b)(i) .

 

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First Funded Revolving Loan ” means, at any time, the aggregate amount of First Funded Revolving Credit Advances outstanding to Borrowers.

 

First Funded Revolving Loan Commitment ” means (a) as to any Lender, the aggregate commitment of such Lender to make First Funded Revolving Credit Advances and (b) as to all Lenders, the aggregate commitment of all Lenders to make First Funded Revolving Credit Advances, which aggregate commitment shall be TEN MILLION DOLLARS ($10,000,000) on the Closing Date, as such amount may be adjusted, if at all, from time to time in accordance with the Agreement.

 

First Funded Revolving Note ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.1(b)(ii) .

 

Fiscal Month ” means any of the monthly accounting periods of Borrowers.

 

Fiscal Quarter ” means any of the quarterly accounting periods of Borrowers, ending on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year.

 

Fiscal Year ” means any of the annual accounting periods of Borrowers ending on December 31 of each year, or such other date as may be consented to by Agent.

 

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio ” means, with respect to any Person for any fiscal period, the ratio of EBITDA plus income attributable to cigarette price increases for such period plus Lease Expenses to Fixed Charges.

 

Fixed Charges ” means, with respect to any Person for any fiscal period, (a) the aggregate of all Interest Expense paid or accrued during such period, plus (b) scheduled payments of principal with respect to Indebtedness during such period, plus (c) Capital Expenditures during such period, plus (d) Lease Expenses paid or accrued during such period.

 

Fixtures ” means all “fixtures” as such term is defined in the Code, now owned or hereafter acquired by any Borrower.

 

Fleming ” has the meaning ascribed to it in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

Funded Debt ” means, with respect to any Person, without duplication, all Indebtedness for borrowed money evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures, or similar evidences of Indebtedness that by its terms matures more than one year from, or is directly or indirectly renewable or extendible at such Person’s option under a revolving credit or similar agreement obligating the lender or lenders to extend credit over a period of more than one year from the date of creation thereof, and specifically including Capital Lease Obligations, current maturities of long-term debt, revolving credit and short-term debt extendible beyond one year at the option of the debtor, and also including, in the case of Borrowers, the Obligations and, without duplication, Guaranteed Indebtedness consisting of guaranties of Funded Debt of other Persons.

 

GAAP ” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America consistently applied, as such term is further defined in Annex G to the Agreement.

 

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GE Capital ” means General Electric Capital Corporation, a Delaware corporation.

 

General Intangibles ” means all “general intangibles,” as such term is defined in the Code, now owned or hereafter acquired by any Borrower, including all right, title and interest that such Borrower may now or hereafter have in or under any Contract, all payment intangibles, customer lists, Licenses, Copyrights, Trademarks, Patents, and all applications therefor and reissues, extensions or renewals thereof, rights in Intellectual Property, interests in partnerships, joint ventures and other business associations, licenses, permits, copyrights, trade secrets, proprietary or confidential information, inventions (whether or not patented or patentable), technical information, procedures, designs, knowledge, know-how, software, data bases, data, skill, expertise, experience, processes, models, drawings, materials and records, goodwill (including the goodwill associated with any Trademark or Trademark License), all rights and claims in or under insurance policies (including insurance for fire, damage, loss and casualty, whether covering personal property, real property, tangible rights or intangible rights, all liability, life, key man and business interruption insurance, and all unearned premiums), uncertificated securities, choses in action, deposit, checking and other bank accounts, rights to receive tax refunds and other payments, rights to receive dividends, distributions, cash, Instruments and other property in respect of or in exchange for pledged Stock and Investment Property, rights of indemnification, all books and records, correspondence, credit files, invoices and other papers, including without limitation all tapes, cards, computer runs and other papers and documents in the possession or under the control of such Borrower or any computer bureau or service company from time to time acting for such Borrower.

 

Goods ” means all “goods” as defined in the Code, now owned or hereafter acquired by any Borrower, wherever located, including embedded software to the extent included in “goods” as defined in the Code, manufactured homes, standing timber that is cut and removed for sale and unborn young of animals.

 

Governmental Authority ” means any nation or government, any state, provincial or other political subdivision thereof, and any agency, department or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government.

 

Guaranteed Indebtedness ” means as to any Person, without duplication, any obligation of such Person guaranteeing, providing comfort or otherwise supporting any Indebtedness, lease, dividend, or other obligation (“ primary obligation ”) of any other Person (the “ primary obligor ”) in any manner, including any obligation or arrangement of such Person to (a) purchase or repurchase any such primary obligation, (b) advance or supply funds (i) for the purchase or payment of any such primary obligation or (ii) to maintain working capital or equity capital of the primary obligor or otherwise to maintain the net worth or solvency or any balance sheet condition of the primary obligor, (c) purchase property, securities or services primarily for the purpose of assuring the owner of any such primary obligation of the ability of the primary obligor to make payment of such primary obligation, (d) protect the beneficiary of such arrangement from loss (other than product warranties given in the ordinary course of business) or (e) indemnify the owner of such primary obligation against loss in respect thereof. The amount of any Guaranteed Indebtedness at any time shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the lesser

 

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at such time of (x) the stated or determinable amount of the primary obligation in respect of which such Guaranteed Indebtedness is incurred and (y) the maximum amount for which such Person may be liable pursuant to the terms of the instrument embodying such Guaranteed Indebtedness, or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability (assuming full performance) in respect thereof.

 

Hazardous Material ” means any substance, material or waste that is regulated by, or forms the basis of liability now or hereafter under, any Environmental Laws, including any material or substance that is (a) defined as a “solid waste,” “hazardous waste,” “hazardous material,” “hazardous substance,” “extremely hazardous waste,” “restricted hazardous waste,” “pollutant,” “contaminant,” “hazardous constituent,” “special waste,” “toxic substance” or other similar term or phrase under any Environmental Laws, or (b) petroleum or any fraction or by-product thereof, asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), or any radioactive substance.

 

Holdings ” has the meaning ascribed to it in the preamble to this Agreement.

 

Holdings Guaranties ” means, collectively, (a) the Administrative Claims Guaranty, (b) the TLV Guaranty and (c) the Non-TLV Guaranty, in each case as defined in the Plan of Reorganization and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent and Requisite Lenders.

 

Holdings Guaranty Restricted Payment ” means any payment or prepayment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest, fees or other charges on or with respect to, and any redemption, purchase, retirement, defenses, sinking fund or similar payment and any claims for rescission with respect to, the Holdings Guaranties.

 

Indebtedness ” means, with respect to any Person, without duplication, (a) all indebtedness of such Person for borrowed money or for the deferred purchase price of property payment for which is deferred 6 months or more, but excluding obligations to trade creditors incurred in the ordinary course of business that are unsecured and not overdue by more than 6 months unless being contested in good faith, (b) all reimbursement and other obligations with respect to letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances and surety bonds, whether or not matured, (c) all obligations evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or similar instruments, (d) all indebtedness created or arising under any conditional sale or other title retention agreement with respect to property acquired by such Person (even though the rights and remedies of the seller or lender under such agreement in the event of default are limited to repossession or sale of such property), (e) all Capital Lease Obligations and the present value (discounted at the Index Rate as in effect on the Closing Date) of future rental payments under all synthetic leases, (f) all obligations of such Person under commodity purchase or option agreements or other commodity price hedging arrangements, in each case whether contingent or matured, (g) all obligations of such Person under any foreign exchange contract, currency swap agreement, interest rate swap, cap or collar agreement or other similar agreement or arrangement designed to alter the risks of that Person arising from fluctuations in currency values or interest rates, in each case whether contingent or matured, (h) all Indebtedness referred to above secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien upon or in property or other assets (including accounts and contract rights) owned by such Person, even

 

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though such Person has not assumed or become liable for the payment of such Indebtedness, and (i) the Obligations.

 

Indemnified Liabilities ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.13 .

 

Indemnified Person ” has the meaning ascribed to in Section 1.13 .

 

Index Rate ” means, for any day, (a) with respect to Advances other than Canadian Advances, a floating rate equal to the higher of (i) the rate publicly quoted from time to time by The Wall Street Journal as the “prime rate” (or, if The Wall Street Journal ceases quoting a prime rate, the highest per annum rate of interest published by the Federal Reserve Board in Federal Reserve statistical release H.15 (519) entitled “Selected Interest Rates” as the Bank prime loan rate or its equivalent), and (ii) the Federal Funds Rate plus 50 basis points per annum, and (b) with respect to Canadian Advances, a floating rate equal to the higher of (a) the annual rate of interest publicly quoted from time to time by The Wall Street Journal as being “Canadian prime”, “chartered bank prime rate” or words of similar description, and (b) the BA Rate existing on such day in respect of a BA Period of 30 days plus 1.75% per annum. Each change in any interest rate provided for in the Agreement based upon the Index Rate shall take effect at the time of such change in the Index Rate.

 

Index Rate Loan ” means a Loan or portion thereof bearing interest by reference to the Index Rate.

 

Instruments ” means all “instruments,” as such term is defined in the Code, now owned or hereafter acquired by any Borrower, wherever located, and, in any event, including all certificated securities, all certificates of deposit, and all promissory notes and other evidences of indebtedness, other than instruments that constitute, or are a part of a group of writings that constitute, Chattel Paper.

 

Intellectual Property ” means any and all Licenses, Patents, Copyrights, Trademarks, and the goodwill associated with such Trademarks.

 

Intellectual Property Security Agreement ” means the Intellectual Property Security Agreement made in favor of Agent, on behalf of itself and Lenders, by each applicable Borrower, as amended, restated, supplemented and modified from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof.

 

Intercompany Notes ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 6.3 .

 

Intercreditor Agreement ” means that certain Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and between Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as agent for the parties to the Tranche B Loan Facility, and the Agent, as amended from time to time with the prior written consent of Agent, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent.

 

Interest Expense ” means, with respect to any Person for any fiscal period, interest expense (whether cash or non-cash) of such Person determined in accordance with GAAP for the relevant period ended on such date, including, interest expense with respect to any

 

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Funded Debt of such Person and interest expense for the relevant period that has been capitalized on the balance sheet of such Person.

 

Interest Payment Date ” means (a) as to any Index Rate Loan, the first Business Day of each month to occur while such Loan is outstanding, (b) as to any LIBOR Loan, the last day of the applicable LIBOR Period, and (c) as to any BA Rate Loan, the last day of the applicable BA Period; provided that, in addition to the foregoing, each of (x) the date upon which all of the Commitments have been terminated and the Loans have been paid in full and (y) the Commitment Termination Date shall be deemed to be an “Interest Payment Date” with respect to any interest that has then accrued under the Agreement.

 

Inventory ” means all “inventory,” as such term is defined in the Code, now owned or hereafter acquired by any Borrower, wherever located, and in any event including inventory, cigarette stamps, merchandise, goods and other personal property that are held by or on behalf of any Borrower for sale or lease or are furnished or are to be furnished under a contract of service, or that constitute raw materials, work in process, finished goods, returned goods, or materials or supplies of any kind, nature or description used or consumed or to be used or consumed in such Borrower’s business or in the processing, production, packaging, promotion, delivery or shipping of the same, including all supplies and embedded software.

 

Investment Property ” means all “investment property” as such term is defined in the Code now owned or hereafter acquired by any Borrower, wherever located, including (i) all securities, whether certificated or uncertificated, including stocks, bonds, interests in limited liability companies, partnership interests, treasuries, certificates of deposit, and mutual fund shares; (ii) all securities entitlements of any Borrower, including the rights of any Borrower to any securities account and the financial assets held by a securities intermediary in such securities account and any free credit balance or other money owing by any securities intermediary with respect to that account; (iii) all securities accounts of any Borrower; (iv) all commodity contracts of any Borrower; and (v) all commodity accounts held by any Borrower.

 

IRC ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and all regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

IRS ” means the Internal Revenue Service.

 

Judgment Conversion Date ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.19(a) .

 

Judgment Currency ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.19(a) .

 

Junior Permitted Acquisition ” means a Permitted Acquisition for which the sum of all amounts payable in connection therewith (including all transaction costs and all Indebtedness, liabilities and contingent obligations incurred or assumed in connection therewith or otherwise reflected in a consolidated balance sheet of Borrowers and Target) do not exceed $2,500,000 in any one Permitted Acquisition and $10,000,000 in the aggregate for all such Junior Permitted Acquisitions.

 

L/C Issuer ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Annex B .

 

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L/C Sublimit ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Annex B .

 

Lease Expenses ” means, with respect to any Person for any fiscal period, the aggregate rental obligations of such Person determined in accordance with GAAP which are payable in respect of such period under leases of real or personal property (net of income from subleases thereof, but including taxes, insurance, maintenance and similar expenses that the lessee is obligated to pay under the terms of such leases), whether or not such obligations are reflected as liabilities or commitments on a consolidated balance sheet of such Person or in the notes thereto, excluding, however, any such obligations under Capital Leases.

 

Lenders ” means GE Capital, Canadian Lender, the other Lenders named on the signature pages of the Agreement, and, if any such Lender shall decide to assign all or any portion of the Obligations in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, any assignee of such Lender.

 

Letter of Credit Fee ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Annex B .

 

Letter of Credit Obligations ” means all outstanding obligations incurred by Agent and Lenders at the request of Borrower Representative, whether direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, due or not due, in connection with the issuance of Letters of Credit by Agent or another L/C Issuer or the purchase of a participation as set forth in Annex B with respect to any Letter of Credit. The amount of such Letter of Credit Obligations shall equal the maximum amount that may be payable at such time or at any time thereafter by Agent or Lenders thereupon or pursuant thereto.

 

Letter-of-Credit Rights ” means “letter-of-credit rights” as such term is defined in the Code, now owned or hereafter acquired by any Borrower, including rights to payment or performance under a letter of credit, whether or not such Borrower, as beneficiary, has demanded or is entitled to demand payment or performance.

 

Letters of Credit ” means standby letters of credit issued for the account of any Borrower by any L/C Issuer, and bankers’ acceptances issued by any Borrower, for which Agent and Lenders have incurred Letter of Credit Obligations. For the avoidance of doubt, the letters of credit identified on Exhibit F shall constitute Letters of Credit under this Agreement.

 

LIBOR Business Day ” means a Business Day on which banks in the City of London are generally open for interbank or foreign exchange transactions.

 

LIBOR Loan ” means a Loan or any portion thereof bearing interest by reference to the LIBOR Rate.

 

LIBOR Period ” means, with respect to any LIBOR Loan, each period commencing on a LIBOR Business Day selected by Borrower Representative pursuant to the Agreement and ending one, two or three months thereafter, as selected by Borrower Representative’s irrevocable notice to Agent as set forth in Section 1.5(e)(i) ; provided that the foregoing provision relating to LIBOR Periods is subject to the following:

 

(a) if any LIBOR Period would otherwise end on a day that is not a LIBOR Business Day, such LIBOR Period shall be extended to the next succeeding LIBOR Business Day unless the result of such extension would be to carry such LIBOR Period into another calendar month in which event such LIBOR Period shall end on the immediately preceding LIBOR Business Day;

 

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(b) any LIBOR Period that would otherwise extend beyond the Commitment Termination Date shall end two (2) LIBOR Business Days prior to such date;

 

(c) any LIBOR Period that begins on the last LIBOR Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such LIBOR Period) shall end on the last LIBOR Business Day of a calendar month;

 

(d) Borrower Representative shall select LIBOR Periods so as not to require a payment or prepayment of any LIBOR Loan during a LIBOR Period for such Loan; and

 

(e) Borrower Representative shall select LIBOR Periods so that there shall be no more than seven (7) separate LIBOR Loans in existence at any one time.

 

LIBOR Rate ” means for each LIBOR Period, a rate of interest determined by Agent equal to:

 

(a) the offered rate for deposits in United States Dollars for the applicable LIBOR Period that appears on Telerate Page 3750 as of 11:00 a.m. (London time), on the second LIBOR Business Day next preceding the first day of such LIBOR Period (unless such date is not a Business Day, in which event the next succeeding Business Day will be used); divided by

 

(b) a number equal to 1.0 minus the aggregate (but without duplication) of the rates (expressed as a decimal fraction) of reserve requirements in effect on the day that is two (2) LIBOR Business Days prior to the beginning of such LIBOR Period (including basic, supplemental, marginal and emergency reserves under any regulations of the Federal Reserve Board or other Governmental Authority having jurisdiction with respect thereto, as now and from time to time in effect) for Eurocurrency funding (currently referred to as “Eurocurrency Liabilities” in Regulation D of the Federal Reserve Board) that are required to be maintained by a member bank of the Federal Reserve System.

 

If such interest rates shall cease to be available from Telerate News Service (or its successor satisfactory to Agent), the LIBOR Rate shall be determined from such financial reporting service or other information as shall be mutually acceptable to Agent and Borrower Representative.

 

License ” means any Copyright License, Patent License, Trademark License or other license of rights or interests now held or hereafter acquired by any Borrower.

 

Lien ” means any mortgage or deed of trust, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, lien, charge, claim, security interest, easement or encumbrance, or

 

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preference, priority or other security agreement or preferential arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever (including any lease or title retention agreement, any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing, and the filing of, or agreement to give, any financing statement perfecting a security interest under the Code or comparable law of any jurisdiction).

 

Litigation ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 3.13 .

 

Loan Account ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.12 .

 

Loan Documents ” means the Agreement, the Notes, the Collateral Documents, the Master Standby Agreement, the Commitment Letter, the Intercreditor Agreement and all other agreements, instruments, documents and certificates identified in the Closing Checklist executed and delivered to, or in favor of, Agent or any Lenders and including all other pledges, powers of attorney, consents, assignments, contracts, notices, letter of credit agreements and all other written matter whether heretofore, now or hereafter executed by or on behalf of any Borrower, or any employee of any Borrower, and delivered to Agent or any Lender in connection with the Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Confirmation Order and the Confirmation Recognition Order. Any reference in the Agreement or any other Loan Document to a Loan Document shall include all appendices, exhibits or schedules thereto, and all amendments, restatements, supplements or other modifications thereto, and shall refer to the Agreement or such Loan Document as the same may be in effect at any and all times such reference becomes operative.

 

Loans ” means the Revolving Loan, the Swing Line Loan and the First Funded Revolving Loan.

 

Lock Boxes ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Annex C .

 

Margin Stock ” has the meaning ascribed to in Section 3.10 .

 

Master Standby Agreement ” means the Master Agreement for Standby Letters of Credit dated as of the Closing Date among Borrowers, as Applicants, and GE Capital.

 

Material Adverse Effect ” means a material adverse effect on (a) the business, assets, operations, or financial or other condition of the Borrowers considered as a whole, (b) Borrowers’ ability to pay any of the Loans or any of the other Obligations in accordance with the terms of the Agreement, (c) the Collateral or Agent’s Liens, on behalf of itself and Lenders, on the Collateral or the priority of such Liens, or (d) Agent’s or any Lender’s rights and remedies under the Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

 

Material Contracts ” means, collectively, each of the agreements set forth on Exhibit C to the Agreement.

 

Maximum Amount ” means, as of any date of determination, an amount equal to the Revolving Loan Commitment and the First Funded Revolving Loan Commitment of all Lenders as of that date.

 

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Maximum Lawful Rate ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.5(f) .

 

Minimum Liquidity ” means the sum of (a) Aggregate Borrowing Availability, less $10,000,000 (or such other amount of Aggregate Borrowing Availability as Borrowers may be required to maintain at any time pursuant to Section 6.10 , Annex G , clause (c)  of this Agreement), and (b) unrestricted cash.

 

Moody’s ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 6.2 .

 

Mortgaged Properties ” has the meaning assigned to it in Annex D .

 

Mortgages ” means each of the mortgages, deeds of trust, leasehold mortgages, leasehold deeds of trust, collateral assignments of leases or other real estate security documents delivered by any Borrower to Agent on behalf of itself and Lenders with respect to the Mortgaged Properties, all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent and as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented and modified from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof.

 

Multiemployer Plan ” means a “multiemployer plan” as defined in Sections 3(37) or 4001(a)(3) of ERISA, and to which any Borrower or ERISA Affiliate is making, is obligated to make or has made or been obligated to make, contributions on behalf of participants who are or were employed by any of them.

 

Non-Funding Lender ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 9.9(a)(ii) .

 

Notes ” means, collectively, the Revolving Notes, the Swing Line Notes, the First Funded Revolving Notes and the Canadian Note.

 

Notice of Canadian Advance ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.1(d) .

 

Notice of Conversion/Continuation-BA Rate ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.5(e)(ii) .

 

Notice of Conversion/Continuation- LIBOR ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.5(e)(i) .

 

Notice of Revolving Credit Advance ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.1(a) .

 

Notice of First Funded Revolving Credit Advance ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.1(b) .

 

Obligation Currency ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.19(a) .

 

Obligations ” means all loans, advances, debts, liabilities and obligations for the performance of covenants, tasks or duties or for payment of monetary amounts (whether or not such performance is then required or contingent, or such amounts are liquidated or determinable) owing by any Borrower to Agent or any Lender, and all covenants and duties regarding such

 

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amounts, of any kind or nature, present or future, whether or not evidenced by any note, agreement, letter of credit agreement or other instrument, arising under the Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents. This term includes all principal, interest (including all interest that accrues after the commencement of any case or proceeding by or against any Borrower in bankruptcy, whether or not allowed in such case or proceeding), Fees, obligations relating to cash management services, hedging obligations under swaps (including foreign exchange currency swaps), caps and collar arrangements provided by any Lender or any Affiliate of a Lender, expenses, attorneys’ fees and any other sum chargeable to any Borrower solely under the Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents.

 

Overadvance ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.1(a)(iii) .

 

PACA ” means, collectively, the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act, as amended, 7 U.S.C. §499a et seq ., the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921, as amended, 7 U.S.C. §§ 181 et seq . or any other statute of similar import.

 

Patent License ” means rights under any written agreement now owned or hereafter acquired by any Borrower granting any right with respect to any invention on which a Patent is in existence.

 

Patents ” means all of the following in which any Borrower now holds or hereafter acquires any interest: (a) all letters patent of the United States or of any other country, all registrations and recordings thereof, and all applications for letters patent of the United States or of any other country, including registrations, recordings and applications in the United States Patent and Trademark Office or in any similar office or agency of the United States, any State, or any other country, and (b) all reissues, continuations, continuations-in-part or extensions thereof.

 

PBGC ” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

 

Pension Plan ” means a Plan described in Section 3(2) of ERISA.

 

Perishable Inventory ” means Inventory consisting of packaged baked goods, baked goods, meat, sliced meat and deli, dairy, produce and vegetables, seafood, floral and restaurant goods (as defined by the Borrowers in good faith), in each case having a shelf-life of forty-five (45) days or less.

 

Permitted Acquisition ” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 6.1 of the Agreement.

 

Permitted Discretion ” means the Agent’s reasonable good faith judgment in consideration of any factor which (a) could adversely affect (i) the value of any Collateral, (ii) the ability to realize upon the Collateral, (iii) the enforceability or priority of the Agent’s Liens thereon or (iv) the amount that the Agent and the Lenders would be likely to receive from the liquidation thereof, or (b) materially increases the likelihood that the Agent and the Lenders would not receive payment for all of the Obligations.

 

Permitted Encumbrances ” means the following encumbrances: (a) Liens for taxes, fees or assessments or other governmental Charges not yet due and payable or which are

 

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being contested in accordance with Section 5.2(b) or to the extent that nonpayment thereof is permitted under the Bankruptcy Code; (b) pledges or deposits of money securing statutory obligations under workmen’s compensation, unemployment insurance, social security or public liability laws or similar legislation (excluding Liens under ERISA); (c) pledges or deposits of money securing bids, tenders, contracts (other than contracts for the payment of money) or leases to which any Borrower is a party as lessee made in the ordinary course of business; (d) inchoate and unperfected workers’, mechanics’ or similar liens arising in the ordinary course of business, so long as such Liens attach only to Equipment, Fixtures and/or Real Estate; (e) carriers’, warehousemen’s, suppliers’ or other similar possessory liens arising in the ordinary course of business and securing liabilities in an outstanding aggregate amount not in excess of $50,000 at any time, so long as such Liens attach only to Inventory; (f) deposits securing, or in lieu of, surety, appeal or customs bonds in proceedings to which any Borrower is a party; (g) any attachment or judgment lien not constituting an Event of Default under Section 8.1(j) ; (h) zoning restrictions, easements, licenses, or other restrictions on the use of any Real Estate or other minor irregularities in title (including leasehold title) thereto, so long as the same do not materially impair the use, value, or marketability of such Real Estate; (i) presently existing or hereafter created or assigned Liens in favor of Agent, on behalf of Lenders; and (j) Liens permitted under Section 6.7(b) and (d) .

 

Person ” means any individual, sole proprietorship, partnership, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization, association, corporation, limited liability company, institution, public benefit corporation, other entity or government (whether federal, state, county, city, municipal, local, foreign, or otherwise, including any instrumentality, division, agency, body or department thereof).

 

Petition Date ” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

Petty Cash Accounts ” means, collectively, the petty cash accounts of the Borrowers listed on Exhibit C hereto, as such Exhibit C may be amended and modified by the Borrowers from time to time with the prior written consent of the Agent.

 

Plan ” means, at any time, an “employee benefit plan”, as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA, that any Borrower or ERISA Affiliate maintains, contributes to or has an obligation to contribute to.

 

Plan of Reorganization ” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

Pledge Agreements ” means, collectively, (a) the Pledge Agreement of even date herewith executed by each Borrower in favor of Agent, on behalf of itself and Lenders, pledging all Stock of its Subsidiaries and all Intercompany Notes owing to or held by it and (b) any pledge agreements entered into after the Closing Date by any Borrower (as required by the Agreement or any other Loan Document), in each case as amended, restated, supplemented and modified from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof.

 

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Post Confirmation Trust ” means that certain trust created pursuant to (a) the Plan of Reorganization and (b) that certain PCT Agreement, dated or to be dated on or about the date hereof, by and among the Debtors, the Unsecured Creditors’ Committee and the PCT Representative (as defined therein), in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent.

 

Prepetition Agreement ” means that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of June 18, 2002 (as amended), among Fleming and certain of its Subsidiaries, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as administrative agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank and Citicorp North America, Inc., as syndication agents, Lehman Commercial Paper, Inc. and Wachovia Bank, National Association, documentation agents, and the Prepetition Lenders and other parties thereto from time to time.

 

Prepetition Lenders ” means the lenders under the Prepetition Agreement.

 

Prepetition Tax Escrow Account ” means that certain account of Borrowers account number 7150179305 in the name of “Core-Mark International, Inc.” at Union Bank of California in Walnut Creek, California.

 

Prior Lender Obligations ” means, collectively, (a) all obligations of any Borrower and any of their Subsidiaries (or any of their respective predecessors-in-interest) to the Prepetition Lenders pursuant to the Prepetition Agreement, and all instruments and documents executed pursuant thereto or in connection therewith, and (b) all obligations of any Borrower and any of their Subsidiaries (or any of their respective predecessors-in-interest) to the DIP Lenders pursuant to the DIP Agreement, and all instruments and documents executed pursuant thereto or in connection therewith, in each case, outstanding from time to time.

 

Prior Lenders ” means, collectively, the Prepetition Lenders and the DIP Lenders.

 

Proceeds ” means “proceeds,” as such term is defined in the Code, including (a) any and all proceeds of any insurance, indemnity, warranty or guaranty payable to any Borrower from time to time with respect to any of the Collateral, (b) any and all payments (in any form whatsoever) made or due and payable to any Borrower from time to time in connection with any requisition, confiscation, condemnation, seizure or forfeiture of all or any part of the Collateral by any Governmental Authority (or any Person acting under color of governmental authority), (c) any claim of any Borrower against third parties (i) for past, present or future infringement of any Patent or Patent License, or (ii) for past, present or future infringement or dilution of any Copyright, Copyright License, Trademark or Trademark License, or for injury to the goodwill associated with any Trademark or Trademark License, (d) any recoveries by any Borrower against third parties with respect to any litigation or dispute concerning any of the Collateral including claims arising out of the loss or nonconformity of, interference with the use of, defects in, or infringement of rights in, or damage to, Collateral, (e) all amounts collected on, or distributed on account of, other Collateral, including dividends, interest, distributions and Instruments with respect to Investment Property and pledged Stock, and (f) any and all other amounts, rights to payment or other property acquired upon the sale, lease, license, exchange or other disposition of Collateral and all rights arising out of Collateral.

 

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Pro Forma ” means the projected consolidated balance sheet of Borrowers as of July 31, 2004 after giving pro forma effect to the Related Transactions.

 

Projections ” means the Borrowers’ financial information and projections attached as Exhibit 3 to the Disclosure Statement.

 

Pro Rata Share ” means with respect to all matters relating to any Lender, (a) with respect to the Revolving Loan, the percentage obtained by dividing (i) the Revolving Loan Commitment of that Lender by (ii) the aggregate Revolving Loan Commitments of all Lenders, (b) with respect to the First Funded Revolving Loan, the percentage obtained by dividing (i) the First Funded Revolving Loan Commitment of that Lender by (ii) the aggregate First Funded Revolving Loan Commitments of all Lenders, as any such percentages may be adjusted by assignments permitted pursuant to Section 9.1 , (c) with respect to all Loans, the percentage obtained by dividing (i) the aggregate Commitments of that Lender by (ii) the aggregate Commitments of all Lenders, and (d) with respect to all Loans on and after the Commitment Termination Date, the percentage obtained by dividing (i) the aggregate outstanding principal balance of the Loans held by that Lender, by (ii) the outstanding principal balance of the Loans held by all Lenders.

 

Protective Overadvances ” means Overadvances which are made or undertaken in Agent’s discretion to (a) protect and preserve the Collateral or (b) protect and preserve the interests of the Lenders, provided that the aggregate outstanding amount of Protective Overadvances shall not exceed $10,000,000 at any time without the prior written consent of Requisite Lenders.

 

Put Date ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.21 .

 

Put Fee ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.9(d) .

 

Put Notice ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.21 .

 

Qualified Plan ” means a Pension Plan that is intended to be tax-qualified under Section 401(a) of the IRC.

 

Qualified Assignee ” means (a) any Lender, any Affiliate of any Lender and, with respect to any Lender that is an investment fund that invests in commercial loans, any other investment fund that invests in commercial loans and that is managed or advised by the same investment advisor as such Lender or by an Affiliate of such investment advisor, and (b) any commercial bank, savings and loan association or savings bank or any other entity which is an “accredited investor” (as defined in Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933) which extends credit or buys loans as one of its businesses, including insurance companies, mutual funds, lease financing companies and commercial finance companies, in each case, which has a rating of BBB or higher from S&P and a rating of Baa2 or higher from Moody’s at the date that it becomes a Lender and which, through its applicable lending office, is capable of lending to Borrowers without the imposition of any withholding or similar taxes; provided that no Person proposed to become a Lender after the Closing Date and determined by Agent to be acting in the capacity of a vulture fund or distressed debt purchaser shall be a Qualified Assignee, and no

 

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Person or Affiliate of such Person proposed to become a Lender after the Closing Date and that holds Subordinated Debt or Stock issued by any Borrower shall be a Qualified Assignee.

 

RCT Report ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Annex F .

 

Real Estate ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 3.6 .

 

Reclamation Creditors’ Committee ” means the official committee of reclamation creditors appointed in the Chapter 11 Case

 

Reclamation Creditors’ Trust ” means that certain trust created pursuant to (a) the Plan of Reorganization and (b) that certain RCT Agreement, dated or to be dated on or about the date hereof, by and among the Debtors, the Reclamation Creditors’ Committee and RCT Representative (as defined therein), in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent.

 

Refinancing ” means the repayment, on the Closing Date, in full by Borrowers of the Prior Lender Obligations outstanding on the Closing Date.

 

Refunded Swing Line Loan ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.1(c)(iii) .

 

Related Transactions ” means the initial borrowing under the Revolving Loan and the First Funded Revolving Loan on the Closing Date, the making of the Tranche B Loans pursuant to the Tranche B Loan Facility on the Closing Date, the Refinancing, the consummation of the Plan of Reorganization, the payment of all fees, costs and expenses associated with all of the foregoing and the execution and delivery of all of the Related Transactions Documents.

 

Related Transactions Documents ” means the Loan Documents, the documents evidencing the Tranche B Loan Facility, the Plan of Reorganization, the Disclosure Statement and all other agreements or instruments executed in connection with the Related Transactions.

 

Release ” means any release, threatened release, spill, emission, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, escape, injection, deposit, disposal, discharge, dispersal, dumping, leaching or migration of Hazardous Material in the indoor or outdoor environment, including the movement of Hazardous Material through or in the air, soil, surface water, ground water or property.

 

Requisite Lenders ” means Lenders having (a) more than 66 2/3% of the Commitments of all Lenders, or (b) if the Commitments have been terminated, more than 66 2/3% of the aggregate outstanding amount of all Loans.

 

Reserves ” means (a) reserves established by Agent from time to time against Eligible Inventory pursuant to Section 5.9 , (b) reserves established in its Permitted Discretion pursuant to Section 5.4(c) , and (c) such other reserves against Eligible Accounts, Eligible Inventory or Borrowing Availability of any Borrower that Agent may, in its Permitted Discretion, establish from time to time upon notice to the Borrower Representative.

 

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Restricted Leasehold Interest ” means any leasehold interest (but excluding the proceeds thereof) of any Borrower where the respective underlying lease prohibits such Borrower from granting a Lien in such leasehold interest.

 

Restricted Payment ” means, with respect to any Borrower, (a) the declaration or payment of any dividend or the incurrence of any liability to make any other payment or distribution of cash or other property or assets in respect of Stock; (b) any payment on account of the purchase, redemption, defeasance, sinking fund or other retirement of such Borrower’s Stock or any other payment or distribution made in respect thereof, either directly or indirectly; (c) any payment or prepayment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest, fees or other charges on or with respect to, and any redemption, purchase, retirement, defeasance, sinking fund or similar payment and any claim for rescission with respect to, any Subordinated Debt (other than a Tranche B Restricted Payment and a Holdings Guaranty Restricted Payment); (d) any payment made to redeem, purchase, repurchase or retire, or to obtain the surrender of, any outstanding warrants, options or other rights to acquire Stock of such Borrower now or hereafter outstanding; (e) any payment of a claim for the rescission of the purchase or sale of, or for material damages arising from the purchase or sale of, any shares of such Borrower’s Stock or of a claim for reimbursement, indemnification or contribution arising out of or related to any such claim for damages or rescission; (f) any payment, loan, contribution, or other transfer of funds or other property to any Stockholder of any Borrower in its capacity as a Stockholder; and (g) any payment of management fees (or other fees of a similar nature) by such Borrower to any Stockholder of such Borrower or its Affiliates.

 

Retiree Welfare Plan ” means, at any time, a welfare plan (within the meaning of Section 3(1) of ERISA) that provides for continuing coverage or benefits for any participant or any beneficiary of a participant after such participant’s termination of employment, other than continuation coverage provided pursuant to Section 4980B of the IRC or other similar state law and at the sole expense of the participant or the beneficiary of the participant.

 

Revolver Borrowing Availability ” means, as of any date of determination, the lesser of (i) the Revolver Maximum Amount and (ii) the Revolver Borrowing Base, in each case, less the sum of the aggregate Revolving Loan and Swing Line Loan then outstanding, and subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 1.1(b)(i) hereof.

 

Revolver Borrowing Base ” means, as of any date of determination by Agent, from time to time, an amount equal to the sum at such time of:

 

(a) up to 85% of the book value of Eligible Accounts;

 

(b) up to the lesser of (i) 65% of the book value of Eligible Inventory valued at the lower of cost (determined on a first-in, first-out basis) or market and (ii) 85% of the net orderly liquidation value of Eligible Inventory, in each case excluding Inventory constituting unaffixed tax stamps; and

 

(c) up to 90% of the cost of the Borrowers’ unaffixed tax stamps on hand which constitute Eligible Inventory, in each case, less any Reserves established by Agent at such time in its Permitted Discretion.

 

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Revolver Maximum Amount ” means, as of any date of determination, an amount equal to the Revolving Loan Commitment of all Lenders as of that date.

 

Revolving Credit Advance ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.1(a)(i) .

 

Revolving Loan ” means, at any time, the sum of (i) the aggregate amount of Revolving Credit Advances (including Canadian Advances) outstanding to Borrower plus (ii) the aggregate Letter of Credit Obligations incurred on behalf of Borrower. Unless the context otherwise requires, references to the outstanding principal balance of the Revolving Loan shall include the outstanding balance of Letter of Credit Obligations.

 

Revolving Loan Commitment ” means (a) as to any Lender, the aggregate commitment of such Lender to make Revolving Credit Advances or incur Letter of Credit Obligations as set forth on Annex J to the Agreement or in the most recent Assignment Agreement executed by such Lender and (b) as to all Lenders, the aggregate commitment of all Lenders to make Revolving Credit Advances or incur Letter of Credit Obligations, which aggregate commitment shall be TWO HUNDRED FORTY MILLION DOLLARS ($240,000,000) on the Closing Date, as such amount may be adjusted, if at all, from time to time in accordance with the Agreement.

 

Revolving Note ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.1(a)(ii) .

 

S&P ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 6.2 .

 

SEC ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 3.4 .

 

SEC Investigation ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 3.4 .

 

Security Agreement ” means the Security Agreement of even date herewith entered into by and among Agent, on behalf of itself and Lenders, and Borrowers, as amended, restated, supplemented and modified from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof.

 

Software ” means all “software” as such term is defined in the Code, now owned or hereafter acquired by any Borrower, other than software embedded in any category of Goods, including all computer programs and all supporting information provided in connection with a transaction related to any program.

 

Solvent ” means, with respect to any Person on a particular date, that on such date (a) the fair value of the property of such Person is greater than the total amount of liabilities, including contingent liabilities, of such Person; (b) the fair value of the assets of such Person is not less than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of such Person on its debts as they become absolute and matured; (c) such Person does not intend to, and does not believe that it will, incur debts or liabilities beyond such Person’s ability to pay as such debts and liabilities mature; and (d) such Person is not engaged in a business or transaction, and is not about to engage in a business or transaction, for which such Person’s property would constitute

 

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an unreasonably small capital. The amount of contingent liabilities (such as litigation, guaranties and pension plan liabilities) at any time shall be computed as the amount that, in light of all the facts and circumstances existing at the time, represents the amount that can be reasonably expected to become an actual or matured liability.

 

Stock ” means all shares, options, warrants, general or limited partnership interests, membership interests or other equivalents (regardless of how designated) of or in a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or equivalent entity whether voting or nonvoting, including common stock, preferred stock or any other “equity security” (as such term is defined in Rule 3a11-1 of the General Rules and Regulations promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).

 

Stockholder ” means, with respect to any Person, each holder of Stock of such Person.

 

Subordinated Debt ” means the Indebtedness of the Borrowers evidenced by the documents described in clauses (a) and (b)  of the definition of “Subordinated Debt Documents” and any other Indebtedness of any Borrower subordinated to the Obligations in a manner and form reasonably satisfactory to Agent and Requisite Lenders in their sole discretion, as to right and time of payment and as to any other rights and remedies thereunder and subject to an intercreditor or subordination agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent and Requisite Lenders.

 

Subordinated Debt Documents ” means, collectively, (a) the documents evidencing the Tranche B Loan Facility, (b) the Holdings Guaranties and (c) any other agreement, instrument, guaranty or other document evidencing or relating to any Subordinated Debt, in each case in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent and Requisite Lenders.

 

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, (a) any corporation of which an aggregate of more than 50% of the outstanding Stock having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors of such corporation (irrespective of whether, at the time, Stock of any other class or classes of such corporation shall have or might have voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency) is at the time, directly or indirectly, owned legally or beneficially by such Person or one or more Subsidiaries of such Person, or with respect to which any such Person has the right to vote or designate the vote of 50% or more of such Stock whether by proxy, agreement, operation of law or otherwise, and (b) any partnership or limited liability company in which such Person and/or one or more Subsidiaries of such Person shall have an interest (whether in the form of voting or participation in profits or capital contribution) of more than 50% or of which any such Person is a general partner or may exercise the powers of a general partner. Unless the context otherwise requires, each reference to a Subsidiary shall be a reference to a Subsidiary of a Borrower.

 

Supermajority Lenders ” means Lenders having (a) more than 80% of the Commitments of all Lenders, or (b) if the Commitments have been terminated, more than 80% of the aggregate outstanding amount of all Loans.

 

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Supporting Obligations ” means all “supporting obligations” as such term is defined in the Code, including letters of credit and guaranties issued in support of Accounts, Chattel Paper, Documents, General Intangibles, Instruments, or Investment Property.

 

Swing Line Advance ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.1(c)(i) .

 

Swing Line Availability ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.1(c)(i) .

 

Swing Line Commitment ” means, as to the Swing Line Lender, the commitment of the Swing Line Lender to make Swing Line Advances as set forth on Annex J to the Agreement, which commitment constitutes a subfacility of the Revolving Loan Commitment of the Swing Line Lender.

 

Swing Line Lender ” means GE Capital.

 

Swing Line Loan ” means, as the context may require, at any time, the aggregate amount of Swing Line Advances outstanding to any Borrower or to all Borrowers.

 

Swing Line Note ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.1(c)(ii) .

 

Target ” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 6.1 of the Agreement.

 

Tax Trust Accounts ” means, collectively, those accounts identified on Disclosure Schedule (3.19)  as such and established for the sole purpose of securing the payment of taxes imposed on the Borrowers by any Governmental Authority of the United States or Canada in the ordinary course of business.

 

Taxes ” means taxes, levies, imposts, deductions, Charges or withholdings, and all liabilities with respect thereto (including, without limitation, cigarette taxes imposed by any Governmental Authority in the United States or Canada), excluding taxes imposed on or measured by the net income of Agent or a Lender by the United States or other jurisdictions under the laws of which Agent and Lenders are organized or conduct business or any political subdivision thereof.

 

Termination Date ” means the date on which (a) the Loans have been repaid in full, (b) all other Obligations under the Agreement and the other Loan Documents have been completely discharged (other than contingent indemnification obligations not yet due and payable), (c) all Letter of Credit Obligations have been cash collateralized, canceled or backed by standby letters of credit in accordance with Annex B , and (d) none of Borrowers has any further right to borrow any monies under the Agreement.

 

Title IV Plan ” means a Pension Plan (other than a Multiemployer Plan), that is subject to Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the IRC, and that any Borrower or ERISA Affiliate maintains, contributes to or has an obligation to contribute to on behalf of participants who are or were employed by any of them.

 

Trademark License ” means rights under any written agreement now owned or hereafter acquired by any Borrower granting any right to use any Trademark.

 

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Trademarks ” means all of the following now owned or hereafter existing or adopted or acquired by any Borrower: (a) all trademarks, trade names, corporate names, business names, trade styles, service marks, logos, other source or business identifiers, prints and labels on which any of the foregoing have appeared or appear, designs and general intangibles of like nature (whether registered or unregistered), all registrations and recordings thereof, and all applications in connection therewith, including registrations, recordings and applications in the United States Patent and Trademark Office or in any similar office or agency of the United States, any state or territory thereof, or any other country or any political subdivision thereof; (b) all reissues, extensions or renewals thereof; and (c) all goodwill associated with or symbolized by any of the foregoing.

 

Tranche B Loan Facility ” has the meaning ascribed to it in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

Tranche B Loans ” means the Note Obligations under the Tranche B Loan Facility, including “Specified LC” reimbursement obligations, amounts payable with respect to the “Notes”, each as defined therein, and interest, fees and other amounts payable under the Tranche B Loan Facility.

 

Tranche B Restricted Payment ” means, with respect to any Borrower, any payment or prepayment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest, fees or other charges on or with respect to, and any redemption, purchase, retirement, defeasance, sinking fund or similar payment and any claim for rescission with respect to, the Tranche B Loans. For the avoidance of doubt, the parties hereto acknowledge and agree that any cancellation, termination or expiration of any letter of credit issued under the Tranche B Loan Facility shall not constitute a Tranche B Restricted Payment hereunder.

 

Trusts ” means, collectively, the Post Confirmation Trust and the Reclamation Creditors’ Trust. The assets to be transferred to the Trusts pursuant to the Plan of Reorganization (and which will be excluded from the Collateral) are set forth on Exhibits D and E , respectively, to this Agreement.

 

Unfunded Pension Liability ” means the amount by which the present value of all accrued benefits under each Title IV Plan exceeds the fair market value of all assets of such Title IV Plan allocable to such benefits in accordance with Title IV of ERISA, all determined as of the most recent valuation date for each such Title IV Plan using the actuarial assumptions for funding purposes in effect under such Title IV Plan.

 

Unsecured Creditors’ Committee ” means the official committee of unsecured creditors appointed in the Chapter 11 Case.

 

US Collection Account ” means that certain account of Agent, account number 502-328-54 in the name of Agent at DeutscheBank Trust Company Americas in New York, New York, ABA No. 021 001 033, or such other account as may be specified in writing by Agent as the “US Collection Account”.

 

Rules of construction with respect to accounting terms used in the Agreement or the other Loan Documents shall be as set forth in Annex G . All other undefined terms contained

 

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in any of the Loan Documents shall, unless the context indicates otherwise, have the meanings provided for by the Code to the extent the same are used or defined therein; in the event that any term is defined differently in different Articles or Divisions of the Code, the definition in Article or Division 9 shall control. Unless otherwise specified, references in the Agreement or any of the Appendices to a Section, subsection or clause refer to such Section, subsection or clause as contained in the Agreement. The words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to the Agreement as a whole, including all Annexes, Exhibits and Schedules, as the same may from time to time be amended, restated, modified or supplemented, and not to any particular section, subsection or clause contained in the Agreement or any such Annex, Exhibit or Schedule.

 

Wherever from the context it appears appropriate, each term stated in either the singular or plural shall include the singular and the plural, and pronouns stated in the masculine, feminine or neuter gender shall include the masculine, feminine and neuter genders. The words “including”, “includes” and “include” shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”; the word “or” is not exclusive; references to Persons include their respective successors and assigns (to the extent and only to the extent permitted by the Loan Documents) or, in the case of governmental Persons, Persons succeeding to the relevant functions of such Persons; and all references to statutes and related regulations shall include any amendments of the same and any successor statutes and regulations. Whenever any provision in any Loan Document refers to the knowledge (or an analogous phrase) of any Borrower, such words are intended to signify that such Borrower has actual knowledge or awareness of a particular fact or circumstance or that such Borrower, if it had exercised reasonable diligence, would have known or been aware of such fact or circumstance.

 

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ANNEX B ( Section 1.2 )

to

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

LETTERS OF CREDIT

 

(a) Issuance . Subject to the terms and conditions of the Agreement, Agent and Lenders agree to incur, from time to time prior to the Commitment Termination Date, upon the request of Borrower Representative on behalf of Borrower and for Borrowers’ account, Letter of Credit Obligations by causing Letters of Credit to be issued by GE Capital or a Subsidiary thereof or a bank or other legally authorized Person selected by or acceptable to Agent and reasonably satisfactory to Borrower Representative (each, an “ L/C Issuer ”) for Borrowers’ account and guaranteed by Agent; provided , that if the L/C Issuer is a Lender, then such Letters of Credit shall not be guaranteed by Agent but rather each Lender shall, subject to the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, purchase (or be deemed to have purchased) risk participations in all such Letters of Credit issued with the written consent of Agent, as more fully described in paragraph (b)(ii) below. The aggregate amount of all such Letter of Credit Obligations shall not at any time exceed the least of (i) ONE HUNDRED SIXTY MILLION DOLLARS ($160,000,000) (the “ L/C Sublimit ”) and (ii) the Revolver Maximum Amount less the aggregate outstanding principal balance of the Revolving Credit Advances and the Swing Line Loan, and (iii) the Revolver Borrowing Base less the aggregate outstanding principal balance of the Revolving Credit Advances and the Swing Line Loan. No such Letter of Credit shall have an expiry date that is more than one year following the date of issuance thereof, unless otherwise determined by the Agent, in its sole discretion (other than with respect to customary evergreen provisions to the extent consented to by Agent in its sole discretion), and neither Agent nor Lenders shall be under any obligation to incur Letter of Credit Obligations in respect of, or purchase risk participations in, any Letter of Credit having an expiry date that is later than the Commitment Termination Date.

 

(b) (i)  Advances Automatic; Participations . In the event that Agent or any Lender shall make any payment on or pursuant to any Letter of Credit Obligation, such payment shall then be deemed automatically to constitute a Revolving Credit Advance to the Borrowers under Section 1.1(a) of the Agreement regardless of whether a Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and notwithstanding any Borrower’s failure to satisfy the conditions precedent set forth in Section 2 , and each Lender shall be obligated to pay its Pro Rata Share thereof in accordance with the Agreement. The failure of any Lender to make available to Agent for Agent’s own account its Pro Rata Share of any such Revolving Credit Advance or payment by Agent under or in respect of a Letter of Credit shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligation hereunder to make available to Agent its Pro Rata Share thereof, but no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to make available such other Lender’s Pro Rata Share of any such payment.

 

(ii) If it shall be illegal or unlawful for any Borrower to incur Revolving Credit Advances as contemplated by paragraph (b)(i) above because of an Event of Default described in Sections 8.1(h) or (i)  or otherwise or if it shall be illegal or unlawful for any Lender to be deemed to have assumed a ratable share of the reimbursement obligations owed to an L/C Issuer, or if the L/C Issuer is a Lender, then (A) immediately and without further action

 

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whatsoever, each Lender shall be deemed to have irrevocably and unconditionally purchased from Agent (or such L/C Issuer, as the case may be) an undivided interest and participation equal to such Lender’s Pro Rata Share (based on the Revolving Loan Commitments) of the Letter of Credit Obligations in respect of all Letters of Credit then outstanding and (B) thereafter, immediately upon issuance of any Letter of Credit, each Lender shall be deemed to have irrevocably and unconditionally purchased from Agent (or such L/C Issuer, as the case may be) an undivided interest and participation in such Lender’s Pro Rata Share (based on the Revolving Loan Commitments) of the Letter of Credit Obligations with respect to such Letter of Credit on the date of such issuance. Each Lender shall fund its participation in all payments or disbursements made under the Letters of Credit in the same manner as provided in the Agreement with respect to Revolving Credit Advances.

 

(c) Cash Collateral .

 

(i) If Borrowers are required to provide cash collateral for any Letter of Credit Obligations pursuant to the Agreement, including Section 8.2 of the Agreement, prior to the Commitment Termination Date, Borrowers will pay to Agent, for the ratable benefit of itself and Lenders, cash or cash equivalents acceptable to Agent (“ Cash Equivalents ”) in an amount equal to 105% of the maximum amount then available to be drawn under each applicable Letter of Credit outstanding for the benefit of Borrowers. Such funds or Cash Equivalents shall be held by Agent in a cash collateral account (the “ Cash Collateral Account ”) maintained at a bank or financial institution reasonably acceptable to Agent. The Cash Collateral Account shall be in the name of the Borrowers and shall be pledged to, and subject to the control of, Agent, for the benefit of Agent and Lenders, in a manner satisfactory to Agent. Borrowers hereby pledge and grant to Agent, on behalf of itself and Lenders, a security interest in all such funds and Cash Equivalents held in the Cash Collateral Account from time to time and all proceeds thereof, as security for the payment of all amounts due in respect of the Letter of Credit Obligations and other Obligations, whether or not then due. The Agreement, including this Annex B , shall constitute a security agreement under applicable law.

 

(ii) If any Letter of Credit Obligations, whether or not then due and payable, shall for any reason be outstanding on the Commitment Termination Date, Borrowers shall either (A) provide cash collateral therefor in the manner described above, or (B) cause all such Letters of Credit and guaranties thereof, if any, to be canceled and returned, or (C) deliver a stand-by letter (or letters) of credit in guaranty of such Letter of Credit Obligations, which stand-by letter (or letters) of credit shall be of like tenor and duration (plus thirty (30) additional days) as, and in an amount equal to 105% of, the aggregate maximum amount then available to be drawn under, the Letters of Credit to which such outstanding Letter of Credit Obligations relate and shall be issued by a Person, and shall be subject to such terms and conditions, as are be satisfactory to Agent in its sole discretion.

 

(iii) From time to time after funds are deposited in the Cash Collateral Account by Borrowers, whether before or after the Commitment Termination Date, Agent may apply such funds or Cash Equivalents then held in the Cash Collateral Account to the payment of any amounts, and in such order as Agent may elect, as shall be or shall become due and payable by Borrowers to Agent and Lenders with respect to such Letter of Credit Obligations of

 

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Borrowers and, upon the satisfaction in full of all Letter of Credit Obligations of Borrowers, to any other Obligations of Borrowers then due and payable.

 

(iv) No Borrower nor any Person claiming on behalf of or through any Borrower shall have any right to withdraw any of the funds or Cash Equivalents held in the Cash Collateral Account, except that upon the termination of all Letter of Credit Obligations and the payment of all amounts payable by Borrowers to Agent and Lenders in respect thereof, any funds remaining in the Cash Collateral Account shall be applied to other Obligations then due and owing and upon payment in full of such Obligations, any remaining amount shall be paid to Borrowers or as otherwise required by law. Interest earned on deposits in the Cash Collateral Account shall be held as additional collateral.

 

(d) Fees and Expenses . Borrowers agree to pay to Agent for the benefit of Lenders, as compensation to such Lenders for Letter of Credit Obligations incurred hereunder, (i) all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by Agent or any Lender on account of such Letter of Credit Obligations, and (ii) for each month during which any Letter of Credit Obligation shall remain outstanding, a fee (the “ Letter of Credit Fee ”) in an amount equal to the Applicable L/C Margin from time to time in effect multiplied by the maximum amount available from time to time to be drawn under the applicable Letter of Credit. Such fee shall be paid to Agent for the benefit of the Lenders in arrears, on the first day of each month and on the Commitment Termination Date. In addition, Borrowers shall pay to any L/C Issuer, on demand, such reasonable fees (including all per annum fees), charges and expenses of such L/C Issuer in respect of the issuance, negotiation, acceptance, amendment, transfer and payment of such Letter of Credit or otherwise payable pursuant to the application and related documentation under which such Letter of Credit is issued.

 

(e) Request for Incurrence of Letter of Credit Obligations . Borrower Representative shall give Agent at least two (2) Business Days’ prior written notice requesting the incurrence of any Letter of Credit Obligation. The notice shall be accompanied by the form of the Letter of Credit (which shall be acceptable to the L/C Issuer) and a completed Application for Standby Letter of Credit in the form of Exhibit B attached hereto. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, Letter of Credit applications by Borrower Representative and approvals by Agent and the L/C Issuer may be made and transmitted pursuant to electronic codes and security measures mutually agreed upon and established by and among Borrower Representative, Agent and the L/C Issuer.

 

(f) Obligation Absolute . The obligation of Borrowers to reimburse Agent and Lenders for payments made with respect to any Letter of Credit Obligation shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, without necessity of presentment, demand, protest or other formalities, and the obligations of each Lender to make payments to Agent with respect to Letters of Credit shall be unconditional and irrevocable. Such obligations of Borrowers and Lenders shall be paid strictly in accordance with the terms hereof under all circumstances including the following:

 

(i) any lack of validity or enforceability of any Letter of Credit or the Agreement or the other Loan Documents or any other agreement;

 

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(ii) the existence of any claim, setoff, defense or other right that any Borrower or any of their respective Affiliates or any Lender may at any time have against a beneficiary or any transferee of any Letter of Credit (or any Persons or entities for whom any such transferee may be acting), Agent, any Lender, or any other Person, whether in connection with the Agreement, the Letter of Credit, the transactions contemplated herein or therein or any unrelated transaction (including any underlying transaction between any Borrower or any of their respective Affiliates and the beneficiary for which the Letter of Credit was procured);

 

(iii) any draft, demand, certificate or any other document presented under any Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid or insufficient in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect;

 

(iv) payment by Agent (except as otherwise expressly provided in paragraph (g)(ii)(C) below) or any L/C Issuer under any Letter of Credit or guaranty thereof against presentation of a demand, draft or certificate or other document that does not comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit or such guaranty;

 

(v) any other circumstance or event whatsoever, that is similar to any of the foregoing; or

 

(vi) the fact that a Default or an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

 

(g) Indemnification; Nature of Lenders’ Duties .

 

(i) In addition to amounts payable as elsewhere provided in the Agreement, Borrowers hereby agree to pay and to protect, indemnify, and save harmless Agent and each Lender from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, charges and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and allocated costs of internal counsel) that Agent or any Lender may incur or be subject to as a consequence, direct or indirect, of (A) the issuance of any Letter of Credit or guaranty thereof, or (B) the failure of Agent or any Lender seeking indemnification or of any L/C Issuer to honor a demand for payment under any Letter of Credit or guaranty thereof as a result of any act or omission, whether rightful or wrongful, of any present or future de jure or de facto government or Governmental Authority, in each case other than to the extent as a result of the gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct of Agent or such Lender.

 

(ii) As between Agent and any Lender and Borrowers, Borrowers assume all risks of the acts and omissions of, or misuse of any Letter of Credit by beneficiaries, of any Letter of Credit. In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, to the fullest extent permitted by law, neither Agent nor any Lender shall be responsible for: (A) the form, validity, sufficiency, accuracy, genuineness or legal effect of any document issued by any party in connection with the application for and issuance of any Letter of Credit, even if it should in fact prove to be in any or all respects invalid, insufficient, inaccurate, fraudulent or forged; (B) the

 

B-4


validity or sufficiency of any instrument transferring or assigning or purporting to transfer or assign any Letter of Credit or the rights or benefits thereunder or proceeds thereof, in whole or in part, that may prove to be invalid or ineffective for any reason; (C) failure of the beneficiary of any Letter of Credit to comply fully with conditions required in order to demand payment under such Letter of Credit; provided , that in the case of any payment by Agent under any Letter of Credit or guaranty thereof, Agent shall be liable to the extent such payment was made as a result of its gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct (as finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction) in determining that the demand for payment under such Letter of Credit or guaranty thereof complies on its face with any applicable requirements for a demand for payment under such Letter of Credit or guaranty thereof; (D) errors, omissions, interruptions or delays in transmission or delivery of any messages, by mail, cable, telegraph, telex or otherwise, whether or not they may be in cipher; (E) errors in interpretation of technical terms; (F) any loss or delay in the transmission or otherwise of any document required in order to make a payment under any Letter of Credit or guaranty thereof or of the proceeds thereof; (G) the credit of the proceeds of any drawing under any Letter of Credit or guaranty thereof; and (H) any consequences arising from causes beyond the control of Agent or any Lender except as a result of the Agent’s or any Lender’s gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct. None of the above shall affect, impair, or prevent the vesting of any of Agent’s or any Lender’s rights or powers hereunder or under the Agreement.

 

(iii) Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to limit or to expand any waivers, covenants or indemnities made by Borrowers in favor of any L/C Issuer in any letter of credit application, reimbursement agreement or similar document, instrument or agreement between or among Borrowers and such L/C Issuer and a Master Standby Agreement entered into with Agent.

 

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ANNEX C ( Section 1.8 )

to

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

CASH MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

 

I. US Cash Management . Each Borrower shall establish and maintain the Cash Management Systems described below:

 

(a) On or before the Closing Date and until the Termination Date, each Borrower shall, unless otherwise consented to by Agent in its sole discretion, (i) establish lock boxes (“ Lock Boxes ”) or blocked accounts (“ Blocked Accounts ”) at one or more of the banks set forth in Disclosure Schedule (3.19) , and shall request in writing and otherwise take such reasonable steps to ensure that all Account Debtors forward payment directly to such Lock Boxes or Blocked Accounts, and (ii) deposit promptly, and in any event no later than the first Business Day after the date of receipt thereof, all cash, checks, drafts or other similar items of payment relating to or constituting payments made in respect of any and all Collateral (whether or not otherwise delivered to a Lock Box) into one or more Blocked Accounts in such Borrower’s name and at a bank identified in Disclosure Schedule (3.19)  (each, a “ Relationship Bank ”). On or before the Closing Date, each Borrower shall have established a concentration account in its name (each a “ Concentration Account ” and collectively, the “ Concentration Accounts ”) at the bank or banks that shall be designated as the Concentration Account bank for each such Borrower in Disclosure Schedule (3.19)  (each a “ Concentration Account Bank ” and collectively, the “ Concentration Account Banks ”), which banks shall be reasonably satisfactory to Agent.

 

(b) Each Borrower may maintain, in its name, an account (each a “ Disbursement Account ” and collectively, the “ Disbursement Accounts ”) at a bank reasonably acceptable to Agent into which Agent shall, from time to time, deposit proceeds of Revolving Credit Advances and Swing Line Advances made to such Borrower pursuant to Section 1.1 for use by such Borrower solely in accordance with the provisions of Section 1.4 .

 

(c) On or before the Closing Date, each Concentration Account Bank, each bank where a Disbursement Account is maintained and all other Relationship Banks (other than Petty Cash Accounts, Tax Trust Accounts, the Prepetition Tax Escrow Account, payroll accounts, Borrowers’ depository account no. 7516436 (the “ W&M Account ”) maintained at Wilson & Muir in Leitchfield, Kentucky (“ W&M ”), Borrowers’ disbursement account no. 3299781296 (the “ BofA Account ”) maintained at Bank of America, N.A., in Dallas, Texas, and the Borrowers’ account no. 3500594164 (the “ Union Planters Account ”) maintained at Union Planters Bank in Henderson, Tennessee), shall have entered into tri-party blocked account agreements with Agent, for the benefit of itself and Lenders, and the applicable Borrower, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Agent, which shall become operative on or prior to the Closing Date. Each such blocked account agreement shall provide, among other things, that (i) all items of payment deposited in such account and proceeds thereof deposited in the applicable Concentration Account are held by such bank as agent or bailee-in-possession for Agent, on behalf of itself and Lenders, (ii) except as otherwise consented to by Agent in its sole discretion, the bank executing such agreement has no rights of setoff or recoupment or any other

 

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claim against such account, as the case may be, other than for payment of its service fees and other charges directly related to the administration of such account and for returned checks or other items of payment, and (iii) except as otherwise consented to by Agent in its sole discretion, from and after the Closing Date (A) with respect to banks at which a Blocked Account is maintained, such bank agrees, to forward immediately all available funds in each Blocked Account to such Borrower’s Concentration Account Bank and to commence the process of daily sweeps from such Blocked Account into the applicable Concentration Account and (B) with respect to each Concentration Account Bank, such bank agrees, to immediately forward all available funds in the applicable Concentration Account to the US Collection Account through daily sweeps from such Concentration Account into the US Collection Account.

 

(d) Unless a Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, Agent shall remit any proceeds remaining in the US Collection Account following payment in full of all outstanding Obligations which are due and payable directly to the Disbursement Accounts as directed by Borrower Representative.

 

(e) No Borrower shall, or shall cause or permit any Subsidiary thereof to, accumulate or maintain cash in (i) except to the extent permitted in clause (d)  above, Disbursement Accounts (excluding Petty Cash Accounts, the Tax Trust Accounts and the Prepetition Tax Trust Account) or payroll accounts as of any date of determination in excess of checks outstanding against such accounts as of that date, amounts necessary to fund scheduled wire transfers and electronic funds transfers, and amounts necessary to meet minimum balance requirements, (ii) Tax Trust Accounts in an amount greater than required by the applicable Governmental Authority for whose benefit such account was created, (iii) the Prepetition Tax Trust Account in excess of amounts required to cover standard bank fees pertaining to such account or (iv) any Petty Cash Account in an amount in excess of the amount set forth opposite such Petty Cash Account on Exhibit C hereto. On or prior to the Closing Date, Borrowers shall have provided evidence reasonably satisfactory to Agent that Borrowers have in effect standing non-retractable instructions with W&M pursuant to which Borrowers have instructed W&M to, on a daily basis, forward all available funds in the W&M Account to the applicable Concentration Account. On or prior to the date which is ninety (90) days following the Closing Date, Borrowers shall have permanently closed the BofA Account, the Union Planters Account and the Prepetition Tax Escrow Account and shall have transferred all funds in such accounts on such date to accounts subject to a tri-party blocked account agreement (in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent) in favor of Agent, for the benefit of itself and Lenders, and shall have provided Agent with evidence reasonably satisfactory of the same.

 

(f) So long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Borrowers may amend Disclosure Schedule (3.19)  to add or replace a Relationship Bank, Lock Box, Blocked Account, Concentration Account, Disbursement Account or other account; provided , that (i) Agent shall have consented in writing in advance to the opening of such account or Lock Box with the relevant bank and (ii) prior to the time of the opening of such account or Lock Box (other than payroll accounts, Tax Trust Accounts, Petty Cash Accounts or other unblocked accounts acceptable to Agent), the applicable Borrower, and such bank shall have executed and delivered to Agent a tri-party blocked account agreement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent. Borrowers shall close any of their accounts (and in any event within forty-five (45) days following notice from Agent that the creditworthiness of

 

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any bank holding an account is no longer acceptable in Agent’s reasonable judgment, or as promptly as practicable and in any event within sixty (60) days following notice from Agent that the operating performance, funds transfer or availability procedures or performance with respect to accounts or Lock Boxes of the bank holding such accounts or Agent’s liability under any tri-party blocked account agreement with such bank is no longer acceptable in Agent’s reasonable judgment.

 

(g) The Lock Boxes, Blocked Accounts, Disbursement Accounts and the Concentration Accounts (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, payroll accounts, Tax Trust Accounts, the Prepetition Tax Escrow Account, Petty Cash Accounts and other unblocked accounts acceptable to Agent) shall be cash collateral accounts, with all cash, checks and other similar items of payment in such accounts securing payment of the Loans and all other Obligations, and in which each Borrower shall have granted a Lien to Agent, on behalf of itself and Lenders, pursuant to the Security Agreement.

 

(h) All amounts deposited in the US Collection Account shall be deemed received by Agent in accordance with Section 1.10 and shall be applied (and allocated) by Agent in accordance with Section 1.11 . In no event shall any amount be so applied unless and until such amount shall have been credited in immediately available funds to the US Collection Account.

 

(i) Each Borrower shall and shall cause its Affiliates, officers, employees, agents, directors or other Persons acting for or in concert with such Borrower (each a “ Related Person ”) to (x) hold in trust for Agent, for the benefit of itself and Lenders, all checks, cash and other items of payment of the Borrowers received by such Borrower or any such Related Person, and (y) within one (1) Business Day after receipt by such Borrower or any such Related Person of any checks, cash or other items of payment of the Borrowers, deposit the same into a Blocked Account of such Borrower. Each Borrower on behalf of itself and each Related Person thereof acknowledges and agrees that all cash, checks or other items of payment constituting proceeds of Collateral are part of the Collateral. All proceeds of the sale or other disposition of any Collateral, shall be deposited directly into the applicable Blocked Accounts.

 

II. Canadian Cash Management . To the extent not covered by Section I above, each Borrower shall establish and maintain the Cash Management Systems described below:

 

(a) On or before the Closing Date and until the Termination Date, each Borrower shall, unless otherwise consented to by Agent in its sole discretion, (i) establish blocked accounts (“ Canadian Blocked Accounts ”) at one or more of the banks set forth in Disclosure Schedule (3.19) , and shall request in writing and otherwise take such reasonable steps to ensure that all Account Debtors forward payment directly to such Canadian Blocked Accounts, and (ii) deposit or cause to be deposited promptly, and in any event no later than the first Business Day after the date of receipt thereof, all cash, checks, drafts or other similar items of payment relating to or constituting payments made in respect of any and all Collateral into one or more Canadian Blocked Accounts in such Person’s name and at a bank identified in Disclosure Schedule (3.19)  (each, a “ Canadian Relationship Bank ”). On or before the Closing Date, each Borrower shall have established a concentration account in its name (each a

 

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Canadian Concentration Account ” and collectively, the “ Canadian Concentration Accounts ”) at the bank or banks that shall be designated as the Canadian Concentration Account bank for each such Person in Disclosure Schedule (3.19)  (each a “ Canadian Concentration Account Bank ” and collectively, the “ Canadian Concentration Account Banks ”), which banks shall be reasonably satisfactory to Agent.

 

(b) Each Borrower may maintain, in its name, an account (each a “ Canadian Disbursement Account ” and collectively, the “ Canadian Disbursement Accounts ”) at a bank reasonably acceptable to Agent into which Canadian Lender shall, from time to time and subject to clause (d)  below, deposit proceeds of Canadian Advances and made to such Person pursuant to Section 1.1 for use by such Person solely in accordance with the provisions of Section 1.4 .

 

(c) On or before the Closing Date, each Canadian Concentration Account Bank, each bank where a Canadian Disbursement Account (other than Petty Cash Accounts, payroll accounts and the Tax Trust Accounts) is maintained and all other Canadian Relationship Banks (including such bank where the Canadian FX Conversion Account is maintained), shall have entered into blocked account agreements with Agent, for the benefit of itself and Lenders, Canadian Lender and the applicable Borrower, as applicable, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Agent and Canadian Lender, which shall become operative on or prior to the Closing Date. Each such blocked account agreement shall provide, among other things, that (i) all items of payment deposited in such account and proceeds thereof deposited in the applicable Canadian Concentration Account are held by such bank as agent or bailee-in-possession for Agent, on behalf of itself and Lenders, (ii) except as otherwise consented to by Agent in its sole discretion, the bank executing such agreement has no rights of setoff or recoupment or any other claim against such account, as the case may be, other than for payment of its service fees and other charges directly related to the administration of such account and for returned checks or other items of payment, and (iii) except as otherwise consented to by Agent in its sole discretion, from and after the Closing Date, (A) with respect to banks at which a Canadian Blocked Account is maintained, such bank agrees, upon receipt of notice from Borrowers, to forward all available funds in each Canadian Blocked Account into the applicable Canadian Concentration Account and (B) with respect to each Canadian Concentration Account Bank, such bank agrees, upon receipt of notice from Borrowers, to forward all available funds in the applicable Canadian Concentration Account to the Canadian Collection Account.

 

(d) So long as (i) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing and (ii) Borrowers have Aggregate Borrowing Availability equal to or greater than $10,000,000 (net of the Aggregate Borrowing Availability equal to at least $10,000,000 or such other amount of Aggregate Borrowing Availability as Borrowers may be required to maintain at any time pursuant to Section 6.10 , Annex G , clause (c) ), Canadian Lender shall remit any proceeds remaining in the Canadian Collection Account following payment in full of all outstanding Canadian Advances directly to the Canadian Disbursement Accounts as directed by Borrower Representative. If (i) an Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or (ii) Borrowers have Aggregate Borrowing Availability less than $10,000,000 (net of the Aggregate Borrowing Availability equal to at least $10,000,000 or such other amount of Aggregate Borrowing Availability as Borrowers may be required to maintain at any time pursuant to Section 6.10 , Annex G , clause (c) ), Borrowers acknowledge that Agent shall provide written notice to each bank where a Canadian Disbursement Account (other than Petty Cash

 

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Accounts, payroll accounts and the Tax Trust Accounts) is maintained instructing such bank to remit all available funds (other than amounts sufficient to cover checks outstanding against such accounts as of that date, amounts necessary to fund scheduled wire transfers and electronic funds transfers as of such date, and amounts necessary to meet minimum balance requirements) in such accounts immediately to the Canadian Concentration Account without the further consent of, or notice to, the Borrowers.

 

(e) The Borrowers agree to provide notice to all Canadian Relationship Banks authorizing and instructing such banks to forward all available funds in each Canadian Blocked Account into the applicable Canadian Concentration Account on each Business Day by not later than 1 p.m. (New York time), provided that, with respect to Borrowers’ account nos. 11239-00107-15, 71480-00009-14 and 40527-00104-13 maintained at Scotia Bank, Borrowers agree to provide such notice weekly by not later than 1 p.m. (New York time) on each Friday unless the aggregate amount in such accounts exceeds $1,000,000 at any time, in which case Borrowers agree to provide such notice on each Business Day by not later than 1 p.m. (New York time). The Borrowers further agree to provide notice to all Canadian Concentration Account Banks authorizing and instructing such banks to forward all available funds in each Canadian Concentration Account into the Canadian Collection Account on each Business Day by not later than 1 p.m. (New York time).

 

(f) No Borrower shall, or shall cause or permit any Subsidiary thereof to, accumulate or maintain cash in (i) payroll accounts or, except to the extent permitted in clause (d)  above, Canadian Disbursement Accounts (excluding Petty Cash Accounts, the Tax Trust Accounts and the Prepetition Tax Trust Account) as of any date of determination in excess of checks outstanding against such accounts as of that date, amounts necessary to fund scheduled wire transfers and electronic funds transfers, and amounts necessary to meet minimum balance requirements, (ii) Tax Trust Accounts in an amount greater than required by the applicable Governmental Authority for whose benefit such account was created, or (iii) any Petty Cash Account in an amount in excess of the amount set forth opposite such Petty Cash Account on Exhibit C hereto.

 

(g) At any time (i) a Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or (ii) Borrowers have Aggregate Borrowing Availability less than $10,000,000 (net of the Aggregate Borrowing Availability equal to at least $10,000,000 or such other amount of Aggregate Borrowing Availability as Borrowers may be required to maintain at any time pursuant to Section 6.10 , Annex G , clause (c) ), Canadian Lender shall, following payment in full of all outstanding Canadian Advances, remit any proceeds remaining in the Canadian Collection Account directly to the Canadian FX Conversion Account to be converted into Dollars by the bank where such account is maintained for subsequent remittance to the US Collection Account to be applied to the outstanding Loans and other Obligations.

 

(h) So long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Borrowers may amend Disclosure Schedule (3.19)  to add or replace a Canadian Relationship Bank or Canadian Blocked Account or to replace any Canadian Concentration Account or any Canadian Disbursement Account; provided , that (i) Agent shall have consented in writing in advance to the opening of such account with the relevant bank and (ii) prior to the time of the opening of such account, the applicable Borrower, as applicable, and such bank shall have

 

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executed and delivered to Agent and Canadian Lender a blocked account agreement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent. Each Borrower shall close any of their accounts (and establish replacement accounts in accordance with the foregoing sentence) promptly and in any event within forty-five (45) days following notice from Agent that the creditworthiness of any bank holding an account is no longer acceptable in Agent’s reasonable judgment, or as promptly as practicable and in any event within sixty (60) days following notice from Agent that the operating performance, funds transfer or availability procedures or performance with respect to accounts of the bank holding such accounts or Agent’s liability under any blocked account agreement with such bank is no longer acceptable in Agent’s reasonable judgment.

 

(i) The Canadian Blocked Accounts, Canadian Disbursement Accounts and the Canadian Concentration Accounts (including the Canadian FX Conversion Account but excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, payroll accounts, Tax Trust Accounts and Petty Cash Accounts) shall be cash collateral accounts, with all cash, checks and other similar items of payment in such accounts securing payment of the Loans and all other Obligations, and in which each Borrower shall have granted a Lien to Agent, on behalf of itself and Lenders, pursuant to the Security Agreement.

 

(j) All amounts deposited in the Canadian Collection Account shall be deemed received by Canadian Lender in accordance with Section 1.10 and shall be applied (and allocated) by Canadian Lender in accordance with Section 1.11 and the Canadian Lender shall pay the Put Fee pursuant to Section 1.9(d) . In no event shall any amount be so applied unless and until such amount shall have been credited in immediately available funds to the Canadian Collection Account.

 

(k) Each Borrower shall and shall cause its Affiliates, officers, employees, agents, directors or other Persons acting for or in concert with such Person (each a “ Related Person ”) to (i) hold in trust for Agent, for the benefit of itself and Lenders, all checks, cash and other items of payment of the Borrowers received by such Borrower or any such Related Person, and (ii) within one (1) Business Day after receipt by such Borrower or any such Related Person of any checks, cash or other items of payment of the Borrowers, deposit the same into a Canadian Blocked Account of such Borrower. Each Borrower on behalf of itself and each Related Person thereof acknowledges and agrees that all cash, checks or other items of payment constituting proceeds of Collateral are part of the Collateral. All proceeds of the sale or other disposition of any Collateral, shall be deposited directly into the applicable Canadian Blocked Accounts.

 

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ANNEX D ( Section 2.1(a) )

to

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

CLOSING CHECKLIST

 

In addition to, and not in limitation of, the conditions described in Section 2.1 of the Agreement, pursuant to Section 2.1(a) , the following items must be received by Agent in form and substance satisfactory to Agent on or prior to the Closing Date (each capitalized term used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Annex A to the Agreement):

 

A. Appendices . All Appendices to the Agreement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent.

 

B. Revolving Notes, Swing Line Notes, First Funded Revolving Notes and Canadian Note . Duly executed originals of the Revolving Notes, Swing Line Notes, First Funded Revolving Notes and Canadian Note for each applicable Lender, dated the Closing Date.

 

C. Security Agreement . Duly executed originals of the Security Agreement, dated the Closing Date, and all instruments, documents and agreements executed pursuant thereto.

 

D. Insurance . Reasonably satisfactory evidence that the insurance policies required by Section 5.4 are in full force and effect, together with appropriate evidence showing loss payable and/or additional insured clauses or endorsements, as reasonably requested by Agent, in favor of Agent, on behalf of Lenders.

 

E. Security Interests and Code Filings .

 

(a) Evidence satisfactory to Agent that Agent (for the benefit of itself and Lenders) has a valid and perfected first priority security interest in the Collateral, including (i) such documents duly executed by each Borrower (including financing statements under the Code and Canadian equivalent and other applicable documents under the laws of any jurisdiction with respect to the perfection of Liens) as Agent may reasonably request in order to perfect its security interests in the Collateral and (ii) copies of Code and Canadian equivalent search reports listing all effective financing statements that name any Borrower as debtor, together with copies of such financing statements, none of which shall cover the Collateral, except for those relating to Permitted Encumbrances.

 

(b) Evidence reasonably satisfactory to Agent, including copies, of all UCC-1 and other (including Canadian equivalent) financing statements filed in favor of any Borrower with respect to each location, if any, at which Inventory may be consigned.

 

(c) Control Letters from (i) all issuers of uncertificated securities and financial assets held by each Borrower, (ii) all securities intermediaries with respect to all securities accounts and securities entitlements of each Borrower, and (iii) all futures commission agents and clearing houses with respect to all commodities contracts and commodities accounts held by any Borrower.

 

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F. Payoff Letter; Termination Statements . Copies of a duly executed payoff letter, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent, by and between all parties to the Prior Lender loan documents evidencing repayment in full of all Prior Lender Obligations, together with (a) UCC or other appropriate domestic and foreign financing statements, in form and substance satisfactory to Agent, terminating all Liens of Prior Lender upon any of the personal property of each Borrower, and (b) termination of all blocked account agreements, bank agency agreements or other similar agreements or arrangements or arrangements in favor of Prior Lender or relating to the Prior Lender Obligations.

 

G. Intellectual Property Security Agreement . Duly executed originals of the Intellectual Property Security Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date and signed by each Borrower which owns Trademarks, Copyrights and/or Patents, as applicable, all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent, together with all instruments, documents and agreements executed pursuant thereto.

 

H. Intercreditor Agreement . Originals of the Intercreditor Agreement, duly executed and delivered by each of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as agent for the purchasers party to the Tranche B Loan Facility, Borrowers and Agent.

 

I. Initial Borrowing Base Certificate . Duly executed originals of an initial Borrowing Base Certificate from the Borrower Representative, dated the Closing Date, reflecting information concerning Eligible Accounts and Eligible Inventory of such Borrower as of a date not more than seven (7) days prior to the Closing Date.

 

J. Initial Notice of Advances . Duly executed originals of a Notice of First Funded Revolving Credit Advance, Notice of Revolving Credit Advance and/or Notice of Canadian Advance, dated the Closing Date, with respect to the initial Advances to be requested by Borrower Representative on the Closing Date.

 

K. Letter of Direction . Duly executed originals of a letter of direction from Borrower Representative addressed to Agent, on behalf of itself and Lenders, and Canadian Lender with respect to the disbursement on the Closing Date of the proceeds of the initial Advances.

 

L. Cash Management System; Blocked Account Agreements . Evidence reasonably satisfactory to Agent that, as of the Closing Date, Cash Management Systems complying with Annex C to the Agreement have been established and are currently being maintained in the manner set forth in such Annex C , together with copies of duly executed tri-party blocked account and lock box agreements, reasonably satisfactory to Agent, with the banks as required by Annex C .

 

M. Charter and Good Standing . For each Borrower, such Person’s (a) charter and all amendments thereto and (b) good standing certificates (including verification of payment of all franchise taxes, if available in such jurisdiction) in its state of incorporation, each dated a recent date prior to the Closing Date and certified by the applicable Secretary of State or other authorized Governmental Authority.

 

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N. Bylaws and Resolutions . For each Borrower, (a) such Person’s bylaws, together with all amendments thereto and (b) resolutions of such Person’s board of directors or equivalent governing body, approving and authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of the Loan Documents to which such Person is a party and the transactions to be consummated in connection therewith, each certified as of the Closing Date by such Person’s corporate secretary or an assistant secretary as being in full force and effect without any modification or amendment.

 

O. Incumbency Certificates . For each Borrower, signature and incumbency certificates of the officers of each such Person executing any of the Loan Documents, certified as of the Closing Date by such Person’s corporate secretary or an assistant secretary as being true, accurate, correct and complete.

 

P. Opinions of Counsel . Duly executed originals of opinions of (a) Kirkland & Ellis LLP, counsel for the Borrowers, and (b) Goodmans LLP, Canadian counsel to the Borrowers, together with any other local counsel opinions (including opinion(s) of counsel delivered by or on behalf of Borrowers in respect of the Tranche B Facility closing) reasonably requested by Agent, each in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent and its counsel, dated the Closing Date, and, in the case of the opinion(s) of counsel delivered by or on behalf of Borrowers in respect of the Tranche B Facility closing, reliance language or a reliance letter allowing the Agent and Lenders to rely on such opinion(s).

 

Q. Pledge Agreement . Duly executed originals of the Pledge Agreement accompanied by (as applicable) (a) share certificates representing all of the outstanding Stock being pledged pursuant to the Pledge Agreement and stock powers for such share certificates executed in blank and (b) the original Intercompany Notes and other instruments evidencing Indebtedness being pledged pursuant to the Pledge Agreement, duly endorsed in blank.

 

R. Officer’s Certificate . Agent shall have received duly executed originals of a certificate of the Chief Financial Officer (or other similar officer) of Borrower Representative, dated the Closing Date, stating that since November 1, 2003, (a) no event or condition has occurred or is existing which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; (b) there has been no material adverse change in the industry in which any Borrower operates; (c) no Litigation has been commenced which, if successful, would have a Material Adverse Effect or could reasonably be expected to challenge any of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement and the other Loan Documents; (d) there have been no Restricted Payments made by any Borrower other than as provided for in the Plan of Reorganization and the Disclosure Statement; and (e) there has been no material increase in liabilities, liquidated or contingent, and no material decrease in assets of any Borrower other than (i) as a result of asset sales and dispositions consummated in the Chapter 11 Case accordance with orders of the Bankruptcy Court and (ii) as provided for in the Plan of Reorganization and the Disclosure Statement.

 

S. Waivers . Agent, on behalf of Lenders, shall have received landlord waivers and consents, bailee letters and mortgagee agreements providing for collateral access, each in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent, in each case as required pursuant to Section 5.9 .

 

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T. Appraisals . Agent shall have received appraisals as to all Inventory, each of which shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent.

 

U. Financials; Financial Condition . Agent shall have received the Financial Statements, Projections and other materials set forth in Section 3.4 , certified by Borrower Representative’s Chief Financial Officer (or other similar officer), in each case in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent, and Agent shall be satisfied, in its sole discretion, with all of the foregoing. Agent shall have further received a certificate of the Chief Financial Officer (or other similar officer) of each Borrower, based on such Pro Forma and Projections, to the effect that (a) such Borrower (other than Subsidiaries of Core-Mark International, Inc.) will be Solvent upon the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein; (b) the Pro Forma fairly presents the financial condition of the Borrowers as of the date thereof after giving effect to the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents; and (c) the Projections are based upon estimates and assumptions stated therein, all of which such Borrower believes to be reasonable and fair in light of current conditions and current facts known to such Borrower and, as of the Closing Date, reflect such Borrower’s good faith and reasonable estimates of its future financial performance and of the other information projected therein for the period set forth therein.

 

V. Master Standby Agreement . A Master Agreement for Standby Letters of Credit among Borrowers and GE Capital.

 

W. Certification of Certain Documents . Agent shall have received copies of the executed documents evidencing (a) the Subordinated Debt (including, without limitation, the Holdings Guaranties and the documents evidencing the Tranche B Loan Facility), (b) the Trusts, (c) the Plan of Reorganization and the Disclosure Statement, (d) the Confirmation Order and (e) the Confirmation Recognition Order, in each case certified by Borrower Representative’s Chief Financial Officer (or other similar officer) as correct and complete and in full force and effect as of the Closing Date.

 

X. Mortgages . Mortgages covering all of the owned Real Estate (the “ Mortgaged Properties ”) together with: (a) ALTA title insurance policies (with endorsements) from a title insurance company reasonably acceptable to Agent, for the full amount of the Mortgages (the premiums for which shall have been paid in full), current as-built surveys, zoning letters (and, if required, a zoning endorsement to the applicable title insurance policy or a zoning opinion from counsel reasonably acceptable to Agent) and certificates of occupancy, in each case reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to Agent, in its sole discretion; (b) evidence that counterparts of the Mortgages have been recorded in all places to the extent necessary or desirable, in the judgment of Agent, to create a valid and enforceable first priority lien (subject to Permitted Encumbrances) on each Mortgaged Property in favor of Agent for the benefit of itself and Lenders (or in favor of such other trustee as may be required or desired under local law); and (c) an opinion of counsel in each state in which any Mortgaged Property is located in form and substance and from counsel reasonably satisfactory to Agent.

 

Y. Other Documents . Such other certificates, documents and agreements respecting any Borrower as Agent may reasonably request.

 

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ANNEX E (Section 4.1(a))

to

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND PROJECTIONS — REPORTING

 

Borrowers shall deliver or cause to be delivered to Agent or to Agent and Lenders, as indicated, the following:

 

(a) Monthly Financials . To Agent and Lenders, within forty-five (45) days after the end of each Fiscal Month, financial information regarding Borrowers and their Subsidiaries, certified by the Chief Financial Officer (or other similar officer) of Borrower Representative consisting of, on a consolidated basis, (i) unaudited balance sheets as of the close of such Fiscal Month; and (ii) unaudited statements of income and cash flows for such Fiscal Month, setting forth in comparative form the figures for the corresponding period in the prior year, all prepared in accordance with GAAP (subject to normal year-end adjustments). Such financial information shall be accompanied by the certification of the Chief Financial Officer (or other similar officer) of Borrower Representative that (A) such financial information in clauses (i) and (ii)  above presents fairly in accordance with GAAP (subject to normal year-end adjustments) the financial position and results of operations of the applicable Borrowers and their Subsidiaries as at the end of such Fiscal Month and (B) any other information presented is true, correct and complete in all material respects and that there was no Default or Event of Default in existence as of such time or, if a Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, describing the nature thereof and all efforts undertaken to cure such Default or Event of Default.

 

(b) Quarterly Financials . To Agent and Lenders, within forty-five (45) days after the end of each Fiscal Quarter, consolidated financial information regarding Borrowers and their Subsidiaries, certified by the Chief Financial Officer (or other similar officer) of Borrower Representative, including (i) unaudited balance sheets as of the close of such Fiscal Quarter and the related statements of income and cash flow for that portion of the Fiscal Year ending as of the close of such Fiscal Quarter and (ii) unaudited statements of income and cash flows for such Fiscal Quarter, in each case setting forth in comparative form the figures for the corresponding period in the prior year and the figures contained in the budget for such Fiscal Year, all prepared in accordance with GAAP (subject to normal year-end adjustments). Such financial information shall be accompanied by (A) a statement in reasonable detail (each, a “ Compliance Certificate ” showing the calculations used in determining compliance with each of the Financial Covenants that is tested on a quarterly basis and (B) the certification of the Chief Financial Officer (or other similar officer) of Borrower Representative that (i) such financial information presents fairly in accordance with GAAP (subject to normal year-end adjustments) the financial position, results of operations and statements of cash flows of Borrowers and their Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, as at the end of such Fiscal Quarter and for that portion of the Fiscal Year then ended, (ii) any other information presented is true, correct and complete in all material respects and that there was no Default or Event of Default in existence as of such time or, if a Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, describing the nature thereof and all efforts undertaken to cure such Default or Event of Default. In addition, Borrowers shall deliver to Agent and Lenders, within forty-five (45) days after the end of each Fiscal Quarter commencing with the

 

E-1


Fiscal Quarter ending December 31, 2004, a management discussion and analysis that includes a comparison of performance for such Fiscal Quarter to the corresponding period in the prior year consistent with the requirements of public disclosure.

 

(c) Operating Plan . To Agent and Lenders, as soon as available, but not later than thirty (30) days after the end of each Fiscal Year, an annual operating plan for Borrowers, on a consolidated basis, approved by the Board of Directors of Borrowers, for the following Fiscal Year, which (i) includes a statement of all of the material assumptions on which such plan is based, (ii) includes monthly balance sheets, income statements and statements of cash flows for the following year and (iii) integrates sales, gross profits, operating expenses, operating profit, cash flow projections and Aggregate Borrowing Availability projections, all prepared on the same basis and in similar detail as that on which operating results are reported (and in the case of cash flow projections, representing management’s good faith estimates of future financial performance based on historical performance), and including plans for personnel, Capital Expenditures and facilities.

 

(d) Annual Audited Financials . To Agent and Lenders, within the earlier to occur of (i) the date which is one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of each Fiscal Year or (ii) the date required for filing by the SEC or other applicable securities exchange, as applicable, audited Financial Statements for Borrowers and their Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, consisting of balance sheets and statements of income and retained earnings and cash flows, setting forth in comparative form in each case the figures for the previous Fiscal Year, which Financial Statements shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP and certified without qualification, by Burr, Pilger & Mayer LLP or another independent certified public accounting firm of national standing or otherwise acceptable to Agent. Such Financial Statements shall be accompanied by (i) a statement prepared in reasonable detail showing the calculations used in determining compliance with each of the Financial Covenants, (ii) a report from such accounting firm to the effect that, in connection with their audit examination, nothing has come to their attention to cause them to believe that a Default or Event of Default has occurred during such period (or specifying those Defaults and Events of Default that they became aware of), (iii) a letter addressed to Agent, on behalf of itself and Lenders, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent and subject to standard qualifications required by nationally recognized accounting firms, signed by such accounting firm acknowledging that Agent and Lenders are entitled to rely upon such accounting firm’s certification of such audited Financial Statements, (iv) the annual letters to such accountants in connection with their audit examination detailing contingent liabilities and material litigation matters, and (v) the certification of the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer (or other similar officer) of Borrowers that all such Financial Statements present fairly in accordance with GAAP the financial position, results of operations and statements of cash flows of Borrowers and their Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, as at the end of such Fiscal Year and for the period then ended, and that there was no Default or Event of Default in existence as of such time or, if a Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, describing the nature thereof and all efforts undertaken to cure such Default or Event of Default.

 

(e) Management Letters . To Agent and Lenders, within five (5) Business Days after receipt thereof by any Borrower, copies of all management letters, exception reports

 

E-2


or similar letters or reports, if any, received by such Borrower from its independent certified public accountants.

 

(f) Default Notices . To Agent and Lenders, as soon as practicable, and in any event within five (5) Business Days after an executive officer of any Borrower has actual knowledge of the existence of any Default, Event of Default or other event that has had a Material Adverse Effect, telephonic or telecopied notice specifying the nature of such Default or Event of Default or other event, including the anticipated effect thereof, which notice, if given telephonically, shall be promptly confirmed in writing on the next Business Day.

 

(g) SEC Filings and Press Releases . To Agent and Lenders, promptly upon their becoming available, copies of: (i) all Financial Statements, reports, notices and proxy statements made publicly available by Holdings to its security holders; (ii) all regular and periodic reports and all registration statements and prospectuses, if any, filed by Holdings with any securities exchange or with the SEC or any governmental or private regulatory authority; and (iii) all press releases and other statements made available by any Borrower to the public concerning material changes or developments in the business of any such Person.

 

(h) Subordinated Debt and Equity Notices . To Agent, (i) as soon as practicable, copies of all material agreements relating to any Subordinated Debt entered into after the Closing Date as permitted hereunder, (ii) (i) as soon as practicable, copies of all material written notices given or received by any Borrower with respect to any such Subordinated Debt or Stock of such Borrower, and (iii) within two (2) Business Days after any Borrower obtains knowledge of any matured or unmatured event of default with respect to any such Subordinated Debt, notice of such event of default.

 

(i) Supplemental Schedules . To Agent, supplemental disclosures, if any, required by Section 5.6 .

 

(j) Litigation . To Agent in writing, promptly upon learning thereof, notice of any Litigation commenced or threatened against any Borrower that (A) seeks damages in excess of $500,000, (B) seeks injunctive relief, (C) is asserted or instituted against any Plan, its fiduciaries or its assets or against any Borrower or ERISA Affiliate in connection with any Plan, (D) alleges criminal misconduct by any Borrower, (E) alleges the violation of any law regarding, or seeks remedies in connection with, any Environmental Liabilities or (F) involves any product recall affecting Inventory having an aggregate fair market value greater than $500,000.

 

(k) Insurance Notices . To Agent, disclosure of losses or casualties required by Section 5.4 .

 

(l) Lease Default Notices . To Agent, (i) within two (2) Business Days after receipt thereof, copies of any and all default notices received under or with respect to any leased location or public warehouse where Collateral is located, (ii) monthly, within three (3) Business Days after payment thereof, evidence of payment of lease or rental payments as to each leased or rented location for which a landlord or bailee waiver has not been obtained and (iii) such other notices or documents as Agent may reasonably request.

 

E-3


(m) Lease Amendments . To Agent, within two (2) Business Days after receipt thereof, copies of all material amendments to real estate leases.

 

(n) Hedging Agreements . To Agent within two (2) Business Days after entering into such agreement or amendment, copies of all interest rate, commodity or currency hedging agreements or amendments thereto.

 

(o) Other Documents . To Agent and Lenders, such other financial and other information respecting any Borrower’s business or financial condition as Agent or any Lender shall from time to time reasonably request.

 

(p) Bankruptcy Matters . To Agent, copies of all monthly reports, projections, or other information respecting Borrowers’ or any Subsidiary of Borrowers’ business or financial condition or prospects as well as all pleadings, motions, applications and judicial information, if any, filed by or on behalf of Borrowers with the Bankruptcy Court or provided by or to the U.S. Trustee, at the time such document is filed with the Bankruptcy Court, or provided by or, to the U.S. Trustee.

 

E-4


 

ANNEX F ( Section 4.1(b) )

to

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

COLLATERAL REPORTS

 

The Borrowers shall deliver or cause to be delivered the following:

 

(a) To Agent, upon its reasonable request, and in any event no less frequently than by 3:00 p.m. (New York time) on Wednesday of each week (together with a copy of all or any part of the following reports requested by any Lender in writing after the Closing Date), each of the following reports, each of which shall be prepared by the Borrower Representative as of the last day of the immediately preceding week:

 

(i) a summary of Inventory and type and a summary of Inventory by location, in each case with a supporting perpetual Inventory report and accompanied by such supporting detail and documentation as shall be requested by Agent in its reasonable discretion;

 

(ii) a weekly summary of Accounts outstanding aged from invoice or due date as follows: 1 to 30 days, 31 to 60 days, 61 to 90 days and 91 days or more, accompanied by such supporting detail and documentation as shall be requested by Agent in its reasonable discretion; and

 

(iii) a Borrowing Base Certificate, accompanied by such supporting detail and documentation as shall be requested by Agent in its reasonable discretion;

 

(b) To Agent, promptly upon receipt thereof, a copy of the reports and other materials delivered to Borrower by the Reclamation Creditors’ Trust pursuant to Section 4.8 of each of the TLV Guaranty and the Non-TLV Guaranty (collectively, the “ RCT Report ”), in each case accompanied by such supporting detail and documentation as shall be requested by Agent in its reasonable discretion;

 

(c) To Agent, (i) on a weekly basis or at such more frequent intervals as Agent may request from time to time (together with a copy of all or any part of such delivery requested by any Lender in writing after the Closing Date) and (ii) as a condition to Advances made hereunder, collateral reports with respect to Borrowers, including all additions and reductions (cash and non-cash) with respect to Accounts of Borrowers, in each case accompanied by such supporting detail and documentation as shall be requested by Agent in its reasonable discretion each of which shall be prepared by the Borrower Representative as of the last day of the immediately preceding applicable period referenced in clauses (i)  and (ii)  above;

 

(d) To Agent, at the time of delivery of each of the monthly Financial Statements delivered pursuant to Annex E :

 

(i) a Borrowing Base Certificate, accompanied by such supporting detail and documentation as shall be requested by Agent in its reasonable discretion (including, without limitation, (A) a cigarette tax liability reserve spreadsheet in the form

 

F-1


previously distributed to Agent and (B) at Agent’s request, detail regarding the current payment status on the Borrowers’ leased locations), prepared by the Borrower Representative as of the last day of such month for which such Financial Statements are delivered;

 

(ii) a reconciliation of the Accounts trial balance of the Borrowers to the most recent monthly Borrowing Base Certificate, general ledger and monthly Financial Statements delivered pursuant to Annex E , in each case accompanied by such supporting detail and documentation as shall be requested by Agent in its reasonable discretion;

 

(iii) a summary reconciliation of the perpetual inventory by location of the Borrowers to the most recent monthly Borrowing Base Certificate and monthly Financial Statements delivered pursuant to Annex E , in each case accompanied by such supporting detail and documentation as shall be requested by Agent in its reasonable discretion;

 

(iv) a reconciliation of accounts payable to the Borrowers’ monthly Financial Statements delivered pursuant to Annex E , in each case accompanied by such supporting detail and documentation as shall be requested by Agent in its reasonable discretion;

 

(v) to the extent Borrowers are able to produce such summary using reasonable best efforts, a monthly summary of accounts payable outstanding aged from invoice or due date, accompanied by such supporting detail and documentation as shall be requested by Agent in its reasonable discretion;

 

(vi) a reconciliation of the outstanding Loans as set forth in the monthly Loan Account statement provided by Agent to the Borrowers’ monthly Financial Statements delivered pursuant to Annex E , in each case accompanied by such supporting detail and documentation as shall be requested by Agent in its reasonable discretion; and

 

(vii) an electronic monthly detailed trial balance showing Accounts outstanding aged from due date by customer as follows: 1 to 30 days, 31 to 60 days, 61 to 90 days and 91 days or more, accompanied by such supporting detail and documentation as shall be requested by Agent in its reasonable discretion.

 

(e) To Agent, at the time of delivery of each of the monthly Financial Statements delivered pursuant to Annex E , a list of any applications for the registration of any Patent, Trademark or Copyright filed by any Borrower with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the United States Copyright Office or any similar office or agency in the prior Fiscal Month;

 

(f) Each Borrower, at its own expense, shall deliver to Agent the results of each physical verification, if any, that such Borrower may in their discretion have made, or caused any other Person to have made on their behalf, of all or any portion of their Inventory (and, if a Default or an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, each Borrower shall,

 

F-2


upon the request of Agent, conduct, and deliver the results of, such physical verifications as Agent may require);

 

(g) Each Borrower, at its own expense, shall deliver to Agent appraisals of its assets as Agent may request (i) no more frequently than once per year for the Fiscal Years ending December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2006, and (ii) at any time upon such request after the occurrence and during the continuance of a Default or an Event of Default, such appraisals to be (A) conducted by an appraiser reasonably satisfactory to Agent and Borrower Representative (Borrower Representative’s consent not to be unreasonably withheld) and (B) in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent; and

 

(h) Such other reports, statements and reconciliations with respect to the Borrowing Base, Collateral or Obligations of any or all Borrowers as Agent shall from time to time request in its reasonable discretion.

 

F-3


 

ANNEX G ( Section 6.10 )

to

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

FINANCIAL COVENANTS

 

Borrowers shall not breach or fail to comply with any of the following financial covenants, each of which shall be calculated in accordance with GAAP consistently applied:

 

(a) Maximum Capital Expenditures . The Borrowers on a consolidated basis shall not make Capital Expenditures (excluding Capital Expenditures financed with the proceeds of insurance, condemnation awards, and asset sales to the extent permitted hereunder) that exceed cumulatively during each Fiscal Year set forth below the amounts set forth opposite such Fiscal Quarter during such Fiscal Year:

 

Fiscal Quarter Ending


   Maximum Year-To-Date Capital Expenditures

September 30, 2004

   $ 14,300,000

December 31, 2004

   $ 17,500,000

March 31, 2005

   $ 4,000,000

June 30, 2005

   $ 8,100,000

September 30, 2005

   $ 10,400,000

December 31, 2005

   $ 11,500,000

March 31, 2006

   $ 11,500,000

June 30, 2006

   $ 11,500,000

September 30, 2006

   $ 11,500,000

December 31, 2006

   $ 11,500,000

March 31, 2007

   $ 11,500,000

June 30, 2007

   $ 11,500,000

 

G-1


(b) Minimum EBITDA . The Borrowers, on a consolidated basis, shall have, at the end of each period set forth in the respective tables below, EBITDA for the trailing period then ended of not less than the following:

 

Period Ending:


   Year-To-Date EBITDA

August 31, 2004

   $ 15,900,000

September 30, 2004

   $ 18,100,000

October 31, 2004

   $ 20,100,000

November 30, 2004

   $ 22,500,000

December 31, 2004

   $ 23,900,000

Twelve-Month Period Ending:


   EBITDA

March 31, 2005

   $ 26,400,000

June 30, 2005

   $ 29,500,000

September 30, 2005

   $ 31,700,000

December 31, 2005

   $ 35,400,000

March 31, 2006

   $ 37,300,000

June 30, 2006

   $ 40,300,000

September 30, 2006

   $ 44,100,000

December 31, 2006

   $ 47,100,000

March 31, 2007

   $ 49,000,000

June 30, 2007

   $ 52,100,000

 

(c) Minimum Aggregate Borrowing Availability . Borrowers shall maintain Aggregate Borrowing Availability of not less than $10,000,000 at all times; provided that, if (i) Borrowers do not deliver copies of Debtors’ audited financial statements for each of the Fiscal Years ended December 31, 2002 and December 31, 2003, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent (the “ 2002/2003 Audited Financials ”), on or prior to September 30, 2004, the minimum Aggregate Borrowing Availability shall then be immediately increased without notice to $15,000,000 at all times, and (ii) if Borrowers do not deliver copies of the 2002/2003 Audited Financials to Agent on or prior to December 1, 2004, the minimum Aggregate Borrowing Availability shall then be immediately increased without notice to $20,000,000 at all times; and provided , further , that upon Borrowers’ delivery of the 2002/2003 Audited Financials to Agent, the minimum Aggregate Borrowing Availability shall then be immediately reduced without notice to $10,000,000 at all times.

 

Unless otherwise specifically provided herein, any accounting term used in the Agreement shall have the meaning customarily given such term in accordance with GAAP, and

 

G-2


all financial computations hereunder shall be computed in accordance with GAAP consistently applied. That certain items or computations are explicitly modified by the phrase “in accordance with GAAP” shall in no way be construed to limit the foregoing. If any “Accounting Changes” (as defined below) occur and such changes result in a change in the calculation of the financial covenants, standards or terms used in the Agreement or any other Loan Document, then Borrowers, Agent and Lenders agree to enter into negotiations in order to amend such provisions of the Agreement so as to equitably reflect such Accounting Changes with the desired result that the criteria for evaluating Borrowers’ financial condition shall be the same after such Accounting Changes as if such Accounting Changes had not been made; provided , however , that the agreement of Requisite Lenders to any required amendments of such provisions shall be sufficient to bind all Lenders. “ Accounting Changes ” means (i) changes in accounting principles required by the promulgation of any rule, regulation, pronouncement or opinion by the Financial Accounting Standards Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (or successor thereto or any agency with similar functions), (ii) changes in accounting principles concurred in by any Borrower’s certified public accountants; (iii) purchase accounting adjustments under A.P.B. 16 or 17 and EITF 88-16, and the application of the accounting principles set forth in FASB 109, including the establishment of reserves pursuant thereto and any subsequent reversal (in whole or in part) of such reserves; and (iv) the reversal of any reserves established as a result of purchase accounting adjustments. All such adjustments resulting from expenditures made subsequent to the Closing Date (including capitalization of costs and expenses or payment of pre-Closing Date liabilities) shall be treated as expenses in the period the expenditures are made and deducted as part of the calculation of EBITDA in such period. If Agent, Borrowers and Requisite Lenders agree upon the required amendments, then after appropriate amendments have been executed and the underlying Accounting Change with respect thereto has been implemented, any reference to GAAP contained in the Agreement or in any other Loan Document shall, only to the extent of such Accounting Change, refer to GAAP, consistently applied after giving effect to the implementation of such Accounting Change. If Agent, Borrowers and Requisite Lenders cannot agree upon the required amendments within thirty (30) days following the date of implementation of any Accounting Change, then all Financial Statements delivered and all calculations of financial covenants and other standards and terms in accordance with the Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be prepared, delivered and made without regard to the underlying Accounting Change. For purposes of Section 8.1 , a breach of a Financial Covenant contained in this Annex G shall be deemed to have occurred as of any date of determination by Agent or as of the last day of any specified measurement period, regardless of when the Financial Statements reflecting such breach are delivered to Agent.

 

G-3


 

ANNEX H ( Section 9.9(a) )

to

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

WIRE TRANSFER INFORMATION

 

Name:

  

GeneralElectric Capital Corporation

Bank:

  

DeutscheBank Trust Company Americas

New York, New York

ABA #:

  

021001033

Account #:

  

50232854

Account Name:

   GECC/CAF Depository

Reference:

   CFN 5716

 

H-1


 

ANNEX I ( Section 11.10 )

to

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

NOTICE ADDRESSES

 

(A) If to Agent or GE Capital, at
  General Electric Capital Corporation
  201 Merritt 7 – 3rd Floor
  P.O. Box 5201
  Norwalk, Connecticut 06856
  Attention: Account Manager
  Telecopier No.: (203) 956-4239
  Telephone No.: (203) 956-4103

 

  with copies to:

 

  Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP
  1055 Washington Boulevard
  Stamford, Connecticut 06901
  Attention: Leslie A. Plaskon, Esq.
  Telecopier No.: (203) 359-3031
  Telephone No.: (203) 961-7400

 

  and

 

  General Electric Capital Corporation
  201 Merritt 7 – 3rd Floor
  P.O. Box 5201
  Norwalk, Connecticut 06856
  Attention: Corporate Counsel - Commercial Finance
  Telecopier No.: 203-956-4001
  Telephone No.: 203-956-4383

 

(A) If to Canadian Lender, at
  GE Canada Finance Holding Company
  c/o General Electric Capital Canada Inc.
  11 King Street West
  Suite 1500
  Toronto, Ontario M5H 4C7
  Attention: Core-Mark Account Manager
  Telecopier No.: (416) 202-6226
  Telephone No.: (416) 202-6200

 

  with copies to:

 

  General Electric Capital Corporation
  201 Merritt 7 – 3rd Floor

 

I-1


  P.O. Box 5201
  Norwalk, Connecticut 06856
  Attention: Account Manager
  Telecopier No.: (203) 956-4239
  Telephone No.: (203) 956-4103

 

  and

 

  Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP
  1055 Washington Boulevard
  Stamford, Connecticut 06901
  Attention: Leslie A. Plaskon, Esq.
  Telecopier No.: (203) 359-3031
  Telephone No.: (203) 961-7400

 

  and

 

  General Electric Capital Corporation
  201 Merritt 7 – 3rd Floor
  P.O. Box 5201
  Norwalk, Connecticut 06856
  Attention: Corporate Counsel - Commercial Finance
  Telecopier No.: 203-956-4001
  Telephone No.: 203-956-4383

 

(C) If to any Borrower, to Borrower Representative, at

 

  Core-Mark International, Inc.
  395 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 415
  South San Francisco, CA 94080-1932
  Attention: Treasurer
  Telecopier No. (650) 589-4010
  Telephone No.: (650) 589-9445

 

  with copies to:

 

  Kirkland & Ellis LLP
  Aon Center
  200 East Randolph Drive
  Chicago, Illinois 60601
  Attention: Geoffrey A. Richards, Esq.
  Telecopier No.: (312) 861-2200
  Telephone No.: (312) 861-2131

 

  Attention: Maureen Sweeney, Esq.
  Telecopier No.: (312) 861-2200
  Telephone No.: (312) 861-2190

 

I-2


 

ANNEX J (from Annex A - Commitments definition )

to

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

    

Lender(s)


Revolving Loan Commitment

(including a Swing Line Commitment of $20,000,000):

  

GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION

$110,400,000     
First Funded Revolving Loan Commitment:     
$4,600,000     
Revolving Loan Commitment   

CONGRESS FINANCIAL

CORPORATION (WESTERN)

$48,000,000     
First Funded Revolving Loan Commitment:     
$2,000,000     
Revolving Loan Commitment    JPMORGAN CHASE BANK
$19,200,000     
First Funded Revolving Loan Commitment:     
$800,000     
Revolving Loan Commitment    BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.
$19,200,000     
First Funded Revolving Loan Commitment:     
$800,000     
Revolving Loan Commitment    WELLS FARGO FOOTHILL, LLC
$19,200,000     

 

J-1


First Funded Revolving Loan Commitment:     
$800,000     
Revolving Loan Commitment    THE CIT GROUP/BUSINESS CREDIT INC.
$14,400,000     
First Funded Revolving Loan Commitment:     
$600,000     
Revolving Loan Commitment    SANKATY HIGH YIELD PARTNERS II, L.P.
$4,800,000     
First Funded Revolving Loan Commitment:     
$200,000     
Revolving Loan Commitment    PROSPECT FUNDING I, LLC
$4,800,000     
First Funded Revolving Loan Commitment:     
$200,000     

 

J-2


Exhibit G

 

Existing Letters of Credit

 

The following letters of credit issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank:

 

Letter of credit no. P203003 in an amount of $3,845,818.00.

 

Letter of credit no. P269131 in an amount of $55,177.00.

 

Letter of credit no. P226559 in an amount of $600,000.

Exhibit 10.7

FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

FIRST AMENDMENT, dated as of September 24, 2004, to the Credit Agreement referred to below (this “ Amendment ”) among (a) CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC., a Delaware corporation, CORE-MARK HOLDINGS I, INC., a Delaware corporation, CORE-MARK HOLDINGS II, INC., a Delaware corporation, CORE-MARK HOLDINGS III, INC., a Delaware corporation, CORE-MARK INTERNATIONAL, INC., a Delaware corporation, CORE-MARK MIDCONTINENT, INC., an Arkansas corporation, CORE-MARK INTERRELATED COMPANIES, INC., a California corporation, HEAD DISTRIBUTING COMPANY, a Georgia corporation, and MINTER-WEISMAN CO., a Minnesota corporation (collectively, the “ Borrowers ” and each individually, a “ Borrower ”); (b) GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (in its individual capacity, “ GE Capital ”), for itself, as Lender, and as administrative agent for Lenders (the “ Agent ”); (c) CONGRESS FINANCIAL CORPORATION (WESTERN), a California corporation, for itself, as Lender, and as co-syndication agent for Lenders, (d) JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, a New York banking corporation, for itself, as Lender, and as co-syndication agent for Lenders, (e) BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., a national banking association, for itself, as Lender, and as co-documentation agent, (f) WELLS FARGO FOOTHILL, LLC, a California limited liability company, for itself, as Lender, and as co-documentation agent, (g) the other Lenders signatory hereto from time to time (collectively, the “ Lenders ”); and (h) GE CANADA FINANCE HOLDING COMPANY, as Canadian Lender.

 

W I T N E S S E T H :

 

WHEREAS, the Borrowers, Agent, and Lenders are parties to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of August 20, 2004 (including all annexes, exhibits and schedules thereto, and as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”); and

 

WHEREAS, Agent and Requisite Lenders have agreed to amend the Credit Agreement, in the manner, and on the terms and conditions, provided for herein;

 

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt, adequacy and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

 

1. Definitions . Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Credit Agreement or Annex A thereto.

 

2. Amendment to Credit Agreement. Annex C (II), clause (e)  of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended as of the Amendment Effective Date by deleting such clause (e)  in its entirety and substituting in lieu thereof the following new clause (e) :

 

“(e) The Borrowers agree to provide notice to all Canadian Relationship Banks authorizing and instructing such banks to forward all available funds in each Canadian Blocked Account into the applicable Canadian Concentration Account


by not later than 1 p.m. (New York time) on each Business Day on which a Canadian Advance remains outstanding, provided that, with respect to Borrowers’ account nos. 11239-00107-15, 71480-00009-14 and 40527-00104-13 maintained at Scotia Bank, whenever a Canadian Advance remains outstanding, Borrowers agree to provide such notice weekly by not later than 1 p.m. (New York time) on each Friday unless the aggregate amount in such accounts exceeds $1,000,000 at any time, in which case Borrowers agree to provide such notice on each Business Day by not later than 1 p.m. (New York time). The Borrowers further agree to provide notice to all Canadian Concentration Account Banks authorizing and instructing such banks to forward all available funds in each Canadian Concentration Account into the Canadian Collection Account by not later than 1 p.m. (New York time) on each Business Day on which a Canadian Advance remains outstanding.”

 

3. Representations and Warranties . To induce Agent and Requisite Lenders to enter into this Amendment, each of the Borrowers, jointly and severally, makes the following representations and warranties to Agent and Lenders:

 

(a) The execution, delivery and performance of this Amendment and the performance of the Credit Agreement, as amended by this Amendment (the “ Amended Credit Agreement ”), by such Borrower: (a) are within such Person’s corporate, limited liability company or limited partnership power, as applicable; (b) have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate, limited liability company or limited partnership action; (c) do not contravene any provision of such Person’s charter, bylaws or partnership or operating agreement as applicable; (d) do not violate any law or regulation, or any order or decree of any court or Governmental Authority by which such Person or its assets are bound; (e) do not conflict with or result in the breach or termination of, constitute a default under or accelerate or permit the acceleration of any performance required by, any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, material lease, material agreement or other material instrument to which such Person is a party or by which such Person or any of its property is bound; (f) do not result in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon any of the property of such Person other than those in favor of Agent, on behalf of itself and Lenders, pursuant to the Loan Documents; and (g) do not require the consent or approval of any Governmental Authority or any other Person.

 

(b) This Amendment has been duly executed and delivered by or on behalf of such Borrower.

 

(c) Each of this Amendment and the Amended Credit Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Borrower, enforceable against such Borrower in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally.

 

(d) No Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing after giving effect to this Amendment.

 

(e) No Litigation is now pending or, to the knowledge of such Borrower, threatened against any Borrower, (i) which challenges such Borrower’s right or power


to enter into this Amendment or perform any of its respective obligations under this Amendment, the Amended Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, or the validity or enforceability of this Amendment, the Amended Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document or (ii) that has a reasonable risk of being determined adversely to any Borrower and which, if determined adversely, is reasonably likely to have or result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(f) The representations and warranties of such Borrower contained in the Credit Agreement and each other Loan Document shall be true and correct on and as of the Amendment Effective Date, except that any such representation or warranty which is expressly made only as of a specified date need be true only as of such date and except for changes therein expressly permitted by the Credit Agreement.

 

4. No Other Amendments/Waivers . Except as expressly amended herein, the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be unmodified and shall continue to be in full force and effect in accordance with their terms. In addition, this Amendment shall not be deemed a waiver of any term or condition of any Loan Document and shall not be deemed to prejudice any right or rights which Agent, for itself and Lenders, may now have or may have in the future under or in connection with any Loan Document or any of the instruments or agreements referred to therein, as the same may be amended from time to time.

 

5. Waiver of Claims . Each Borrower hereby waives, releases, remises and forever discharges Agent, Lenders and each other Indemnified Person from any and all claims, suits, actions, investigations, proceedings or demands arising out of or in connection with the Credit Agreement (collectively, “ Claims ”), whether based in contract, tort, implied or express warranty, strict liability, criminal or civil statute or common law of any kind or character, known or unknown, which such Borrower ever had, now has or might hereafter have against Agent or Lenders which relates, directly or indirectly, to any acts or omissions of Agent, Lenders or any other Indemnified Person on or prior to the date hereof, provided that, no Borrower waives any Claim solely to the extent such Claim relates to the Agent’s or any Lender’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.

 

6. Expenses . Each Borrower hereby reconfirms its respective obligations pursuant to Section 11.3 of the Credit Agreement to pay and reimburse Agent, for all reasonable costs and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable fees of counsel) incurred in connection with the negotiation, preparation, execution and delivery of this Amendment and all other documents and instruments delivered in connection herewith.

 

7. Effectiveness . This Amendment shall be deemed effective as of the date hereof (the “ Amendment Effective Date ”) only upon satisfaction in full in the reasonable judgment of Agent of each of the following conditions:

 

(a) Amendment . Agent shall have received ten (10) original copies of this Amendment duly executed and delivered by Agent, the Requisite Lenders and the Borrowers.

 

3


(b) Payment of Expenses . Borrowers shall have paid to Agent all reasonable costs, fees and expenses owing in connection with this Amendment and the other Loan Documents and due to Agent (including, without limitation, reasonable legal fees and expenses).

 

(c) Representations and Warranties . The representations and warranties of the Borrowers in this Amendment shall be true and correct on and as of the Amendment Effective Date and the date hereof, except that any such representation or warranty which is expressly made only as of a specified date need be true only as of such date.

 

8. GOVERNING LAW . THIS AMENDMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

9. Counterparts . This Amendment may be executed by the parties hereto on any number of separate counterparts and all of said counterparts taken together shall be deemed to constitute one and the same instrument.

 

[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]

 

4


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

 

BORROWERS :
CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC.

By:

   

Name:

   

Title:

   
CORE-MARK HOLDINGS I, INC.

By:

   

Name:

   

Title:

   
CORE-MARK HOLDINGS II, INC.

By:

   

Name:

   

Title:

   
CORE-MARK HOLDINGS III, INC.

By:

   

Name:

   

Title:

   
CORE-MARK INTERNATIONAL, INC.

By:

   

Name:

   

Title:

   
CORE-MARK MIDCONTINENT, INC.

By:

   

Name:

   

Title:

   


CORE-MARK INTERRELATED COMPANIES, INC.

By:

   

Name:

   

Title:

   
HEAD DISTRIBUTING COMPANY

By:

   

Name:

   

Title:

   
MINTER-WEISMAN CO.

By:

   

Name:

   

Title:

   


LENDERS :
GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, as Agent and Lender
By:    
    Duly Authorized Signatory
GE CANADA FINANCE HOLDING COMPANY, as Canadian Lender
By:    
    Duly Authorized Signatory


CONGRESS FINANCIAL CORPORATION (WESTERN), as Co-Syndication Agent and Lender
By:    
Name:    
Title:    


JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, as Co-Syndication Agent and Lender
By:    
Name:    
Title:    


BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Co-Documentation Agent and Lender
By:    
Name:    
Title:    


WELLS FARGO FOOTHILL, LLC, as Co-Documentation Agent and Lender
By:    
Name:    
Title:    


THE CIT GROUP/BUSINESS CREDIT INC., as Lender
By:    
Name:    
Title:    


SANKATY HIGH YIELD PARTNERS II, L.P., as Lender
By:    
Name:    
Title:    


PROSPECT FUNDING I, LLC, as Lender
By:    
Name:    
Title:    

Exhibit 10.8

SECOND AMENDMENT AND CONSENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

SECOND AMENDMENT AND CONSENT, dated as of June 30, 2005, to the Credit Agreement referred to below (this “ Amendment ”) among (a) CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC., a Delaware corporation, CORE-MARK HOLDINGS I, INC., a Delaware corporation, CORE-MARK HOLDINGS II, INC., a Delaware corporation, CORE-MARK HOLDINGS III, INC., a Delaware corporation, CORE-MARK INTERNATIONAL, INC., a Delaware corporation, CORE-MARK MIDCONTINENT, INC., an Arkansas corporation, CORE-MARK INTERRELATED COMPANIES, INC., a California corporation, HEAD DISTRIBUTING COMPANY, a Georgia corporation, and MINTER-WEISMAN CO., a Minnesota corporation (collectively, the “ Borrowers ” and each individually, a “ Borrower ”), (b) GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (in its individual capacity, “ GE Capital ”), for itself, as Lender, and as administrative agent for Lenders (the “ Agent ”), (c) CONGRESS FINANCIAL CORPORATION (WESTERN), a California corporation, for itself, as Lender, and as co-syndication agent for Lenders, (d) JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, a New York banking corporation, for itself, as Lender, and as co-syndication agent for Lenders, (e) BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., a national banking association, for itself, as Lender, and as co-documentation agent, (f) WELLS FARGO FOOTHILL, LLC, a California limited liability company, for itself, as Lender, and as co-documentation agent, (g) the other Lenders signatory hereto from time to time (collectively, the “ Lenders ”), and (h) GE CANADA FINANCE HOLDING COMPANY, as Canadian Lender.

 

W I T N E S S E T H :

 

WHEREAS, the Borrowers, Agent, and Lenders are parties to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of August 20, 2004 (including all annexes, exhibits and schedules thereto, and as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”); and

 

WHEREAS, Agent and Requisite Lenders have agreed to amend certain provisions of the Credit Agreement, and consent to certain transactions, in the manner, and on the terms and conditions, provided for herein;

 

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt, adequacy and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

 

1. Definitions . Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Credit Agreement or Annex A thereto.

 

2. Amendment to Credit Agreement . The Credit Agreement is hereby amended as of the Effective Date (as defined below) by deleting Section 11.10 of the Credit Agreement in its entirety and substituting in lieu thereof the following new Section 11.10 :

 

“11.10 Notices . Except as otherwise provided herein, whenever it is provided herein that any notice, demand, request, consent, approval, declaration or other communication shall or may be given to or served upon any of the parties by any


other parties, or whenever any of the parties desires to give or serve upon any other parties any communication with respect to this Agreement, each such notice, demand, request, consent, approval, declaration or other communication shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been validly served, given or delivered: (a) upon the earlier of actual receipt and three (3) Business Days after deposit in the United States Mail, registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, with proper postage prepaid; (b) upon transmission, when sent by telecopy or other similar facsimile transmission (with such telecopy or facsimile promptly confirmed by delivery of a copy by personal delivery or United States Mail as otherwise provided in this Section 11.10); (c) one (1) Business Day after deposit with a reputable overnight courier with all charges prepaid; or (d) when delivered, if hand delivered by messenger, all of which shall be addressed to the party to be notified and sent to the address or facsimile number indicated in Annex I or to such other address (or facsimile number) as may be substituted by notice given as herein provided. The parties also acknowledge and agree that such notice, demand, request, consent, approval, declaration or other communication may also be posted to (i) Intralinks ® (to the extent such system is available and set up by or at the direction of the Agent prior to posting) in an appropriate location by uploading such notice, demand, request, consent, approval, declaration or other communication to www.intralinks.com, faxing it to (866) 545-6600 with an appropriate bar-coded fax cover sheet or using such other means of posting to Intralinks ® as may be available and reasonably acceptable to the Agent or (ii) any other E-System set up by or at the direction of the Agent in a reasonably appropriate location, in each case such notices, demands, requests, consents, approvals, declarations and other communications to be deemed to have been validly served, given or delivered on the later of the date of such posting in the appropriate location and the date access to such posting is given to the recipient thereof in accordance with the standard procedures applicable to such E-System.

 

The giving of any notice required hereunder may be waived in writing by the party entitled to receive such notice. Failure or delay in delivering copies of any notice, demand, request, consent, approval, declaration or other communication to any Person (other than Borrower Representative or Agent) designated in Annex I to receive copies shall in no way adversely affect the effectiveness of such notice, demand, request, consent, approval, declaration or other communication. Transmission by electronic mail shall not be sufficient or effective to transmit any such notice hereunder unless such transmission has an available means to post to any E-System.

 

For purposes of this Section 11.10, ‘ E-System ’ means any electronic system, including Intralinks ® and any other Internet or extranet-based site, whether such electronic system is owned, operated or hosted by the Agent, any of its Affiliates or any other Person, providing for access to data protected by passcodes or other security system.”

 

3


3. Limited Consent .

 

(a) The Borrowers have informed Agent that the Borrowers will not deliver their audited Financial Statements for the 2004 Fiscal Year and related deliveries within the time frame required by Section 4.l(a) and Annex E, clause (d) , as such time frame was extended pursuant to that certain Consent, dated as of April 22, 2005, to the Credit Agreement, and have requested that Agent and Requisite Lenders extend the date for such delivery to August 31, 2005. As of the Effective Date, Agent and Requisite Lenders hereby consent to extend the date by which the Borrowers’ audited Financial Statements for the 2004 Fiscal Year and related deliveries shall be delivered to Agent and Lenders until August 31, 2005.

 

4. Representations and Warranties . To induce Agent and Requisite Lenders to enter into this Amendment, each of the Borrowers, jointly and severally, makes the following representations and warranties to Agent and Lenders:

 

(a) The execution, delivery and performance of this Amendment and the performance of the Credit Agreement, as amended hereby, by such Borrower: (a) are within such Person’s corporate, limited liability company or limited partnership power, as applicable; (b) have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate, limited liability company or limited partnership action; (c) do not contravene any provision of such Person’s charter, bylaws or partnership or operating agreement as applicable; (d) do not violate any law or regulation, or any order or decree of any court or Governmental Authority by which such Person or its assets are bound; (e) do not conflict with or result in the breach or termination of, constitute a default under or accelerate or permit the acceleration of any performance required by, any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, material lease, material agreement or other material instrument to which such Person is a party or by which such Person or any of its property is bound; (f) do not result in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon any of the property of such Person other than those in favor of Agent, on behalf of itself and Lenders, pursuant to the Loan Documents; and (g) do not require the consent or approval of any Governmental Authority or any other Person.

 

(b) This Amendment has been duly executed and delivered by or on behalf of such Borrower.

 

(c) Each of this Amendment and the Credit Agreement, as amended hereby, constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Borrower, enforceable against such Borrower in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally.

 

(d) No Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing after giving effect to this Amendment.

 

(e) No Litigation is now pending or, to the knowledge of such Borrower, threatened against any Borrower, (i) which challenges such Borrower’s right or power to enter into this Amendment or perform any of its respective obligations under this Amendment,

 

4


the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, or the validity or enforceability of this Amendment, the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document or (ii) that has a reasonable risk of being determined adversely to any Borrower and which, if determined adversely, is reasonably likely to have or result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(f) The representations and warranties of such Borrower contained in the Credit Agreement and each other Loan Document shall be true and correct on and as of the Effective Date, except that any such representation or warranty which is expressly made only as of a specified date need be true only as of such date and except for changes therein expressly permitted by the Credit Agreement.

 

5. No Other Amendments/Waivers . Except as expressly amended herein, the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be unmodified and shall continue to be in full force and effect in accordance with their terms. In addition, this Amendment shall not be deemed a waiver of any term or condition of any Loan Document and shall not be deemed to prejudice any right or rights which Agent, for itself and Lenders, may now have or may have in the future under or in connection with any Loan Document or any of the instruments or agreements referred to therein, as the same may be amended from time to time.

 

6. Waiver of Claims . Each Borrower hereby waives, releases, remises and forever discharges Agent, Lenders and each other Indemnified Person from any and all claims, suits, actions, investigations, proceedings or demands arising out of or in connection with the Credit Agreement (collectively, “ Claims ”), whether based in contract, tort, implied or express warranty, strict liability, criminal or civil statute or common law of any kind or character, known or unknown, which such Borrower ever had, now has or might hereafter have against Agent or Lenders which relates, directly or indirectly, to any acts or omissions of Agent, Lenders or any other Indemnified Person on or prior to the date hereof, provided that, no Borrower waives any Claim solely to the extent such Claim relates to Agent’s or any Lender’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.

 

7. Expenses . Each Borrower hereby reconfirms its respective obligations pursuant to Section 11.3 of the Credit Agreement to pay and reimburse Agent, for all reasonable costs and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable fees of counsel) incurred in connection with the negotiation, preparation, execution and delivery of this Amendment and all other documents and instruments delivered in connection herewith.

 

8. Effectiveness . This Amendment shall be deemed effective as of the date hereof (the “ Effective Date ”) only upon satisfaction in full in the reasonable judgment of Agent of each of the following conditions:

 

(a) Amendment . Agent shall have received ten (10) original copies of this Amendment duly executed and delivered by Agent, Requisite Lenders and the Borrowers.

 

(b) Payment of Expenses . Borrowers shall have paid to Agent all reasonable costs, fees and expenses owing in connection with this Amendment and the other Loan Documents and due to Agent (including, without limitation, reasonable legal fees and expenses).

 

5


(c) Representations and Warranties . The representations and warranties of the Borrowers in this Amendment shall be true and correct on and as of the Effective Date and the date hereof, except that any such representation or warranty which is expressly made only as of a specified date need be true only as of such date.

 

9. GOVERNING LAW . THIS AMENDMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

10. Counterparts . This Amendment may be executed by the parties hereto on any number of separate counterparts and all of said counterparts taken together shall be deemed to constitute one and the same instrument.

 

[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]

 

6


LENDERS :
GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, as Agent and Lender

By:

  /s/    Illegible        
    Duly Authorized Signatory
GE CANADA FINANCE HOLDING COMPANY, as Canadian Lender

By:

  /s/    Illegible        
    Duly Authorized Signatory


JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, as Co-Syndication

Agent and Lender

By:   /s/    Illegible        

Name:

  Illegible

Title:

  Vice President


SANKATY HIGH YIELD PARTNERS II, L.P.,

as Lender

By:   /s/    D IANE J. E XTER        

Name:

  Diane J. Exter

Title:

 

Managing Director

Portfolio Manager


PROSPECT FUNDING I, LLC, as Lender

By:   /s/    D IANE J. E XTER        

Name:

  Diane J. Exter

Title:

 

Managing Director

Portfolio Manager


WELLS FARGO FOOTHILL, LLC, as

Co-Documentation Agent and Lender

By:   /s/    J UAN B ARRERA        

Name:

  Juan Barrera

Title:

  Vice President


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

 

BORROWERS :
CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC.
By:   /s/    S TACY L ORETZ -C ONGDON        

Name:

  Stacy Loretz-Congdon

Title:

  VP Finance / Treasurer
CORE-MARK HOLDINGS I, INC.
By:   /s/    S TACY L ORETZ -C ONGDON        

Name:

  Stacy Loretz-Congdon

Title:

  VP Finance / Treasurer
CORE-MARK HOLDINGS II, INC.
By:   /s/    S TACY L ORETZ -C ONGDON        

Name:

  Stacy Loretz-Congdon

Title:

  VP Finance / Treasurer
CORE-MARK HOLDINGS III, INC.
By:   /s/    S TACY L ORETZ -C ONGDON        

Name:

  Stacy Loretz-Congdon

Title:

  VP Finance / Treasurer
CORE-MARK INTERNATIONAL, INC.
By:   /s/    S TACY L ORETZ -C ONGDON        

Name:

  Stacy Loretz-Congdon

Title:

  VP Finance / Treasurer


CORE-MARK MIDCONTINENT, INC.
By:   /s/    S TACY L ORETZ -C ONGDON        

Name:

  Stacy Loretz-Congdon

Title:

  VP Finance / Treasurer
CORE-MARK INTERRELATED COMPANIES, INC.
By:   /s/    S TACY L ORETZ -C ONGDON        

Name:

  Stacy Loretz-Congdon

Title:

  VP Finance / Treasurer
HEAD DISTRIBUTING COMPANY
By:   /s/    S TACY L ORETZ -C ONGDON        

Name:

  Stacy Loretz-Congdon

Title:

  VP Finance / Treasurer
MINTER-WEISMAN CO.
By:   /s/    S TACY L ORETZ -C ONGDON        

Name:

  Stacy Loretz-Congdon

Title:

  VP Finance / Treasurer

Exhibit 10.9

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

NOTE AND WARRANT PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

Dated as of August 20, 2004

 

Among

 

Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc. and the other Issuers identified on the signature pages hereto,

as co-Issuers,

 

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent,

 

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as the LC Issuer,

 

and

 

The Purchasers Listed Herein

 


 

UP TO $60,000,000 IN AGGREGATE ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT

OF THE ISSUERS’ SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE 2009

 

WARRANTS TO PURCHASE 247,654 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OF CORE-MARK

HOLDING COMPANY, INC.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ARTICLE 1

   DEFINITIONS    2

1.1.

  

Certain Defined Terms; Construction

   2

1.2.

  

Calculations in Accordance with GAAP

   2

ARTICLE 2

   PURCHASE AND SALE OF THE SECURITIES AT THE EFFECTIVE DATE    3

2.1.

  

Purchase and Sale of the Securities at the Effective Date

   3

2.2.

  

Payment of Purchase Price

   4

2.3.

  

Closing

   4

2.4.

  

Use of Proceeds

   4

ARTICLE 3

   ISSUANCE OF SPECIFIED LCS; PURCHASE AND SALE OF ADDITIONAL NOTES FOLLOWING THE EFFECTIVE DATE    5

3.1.

  

Issuance of Specified LCs; Grant of Put Right/Call Right for Additional Notes

   5

3.2.

  

Issuance of Additional Notes Upon Draw on Specified LC

   6

3.3.

  

Put Consideration

   6

3.4.

  

Reductions or Eliminations of Availability

   6

3.5.

  

Procedures for Issuance of Additional Notes in connection with Draw

   8

3.6.

  

Issuance of Additional Notes Upon Reduction in Aggregate Availability

   9

3.7.

  

Failure to Issue Additional Notes

   9

3.8.

  

Penalty for Late Payment

   10

3.9.

  

Updated Schedules

   10

3.10.

  

LC Issuer’s Fee

   10

3.11.

  

Specified LC Renewal, etc.

   11

ARTICLE 4

   TERMS OF THE NOTES    12

4.1.

  

Interest on the Notes

   12

4.2.

  

Payment of Notes

   13

4.3.

  

Payment Procedures

   14

4.4.

  

Taxes

   15

4.5.

  

Manner and Time of Payment

   17

4.6.

  

LIBOR Breakage

   17

4.7.

  

Application of Certain Payments

   17

ARTICLE 5

   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASERS    17

5.1.

  

Legal Capacity; Due Authorization

   18

5.2.

  

Restrictions on Transfer

   18

5.3.

  

Accredited Investor, etc.

   18

5.4.

  

Brokerage Fees, etc.

   18

 

-i-


5.5.

  

No Advertisement

   19

ARTICLE 6

   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE ISSUERS    19

6.1.

  

Corporate Existence; Compliance with Law

   19

6.2.

  

Executive Offices, Collateral Locations, FEIN

   19

6.3.

  

Corporate Power, Authorization, Enforceable Obligations

   19

6.4.

  

Financial Statements and Projections

   20

6.5.

  

Material Adverse Effect

   21

6.6.

  

Ownership of Property; Liens

   21

6.7.

  

Labor Matters

   21

6.8.

  

Ventures, Subsidiaries and Affiliates; Outstanding Stock and Indebtedness

   22

6.9.

  

Government Regulation

   22

6.10.

  

Margin Regulations

   22

6.11.

  

Taxes

   23

6.12.

  

ERISA

   23

6.13.

  

No Litigation

   24

6.14.

  

Brokers

   24

6.15.

  

Intellectual Property

   25

6.16.

  

Full Disclosure

   25

6.17.

  

Environmental Matters

   25

6.18.

  

Insurance

   26

6.19.

  

Deposit and Disbursement Accounts

   26

6.20.

  

Solvency

   26

6.21.

  

Bonding; Licenses

   26

6.22.

  

First Lien Debt and Subordinated Debt

   26

6.23.

  

Status of Holdings

   27

6.24.

  

Transfer of Assets of Debtors to Issuers under the Plan of Reorganization

   27

6.25.

  

Capitalization

   27

6.26.

  

Private Placement

   27

ARTICLE 7

   CONDITIONS TO THE INITIAL CLOSING    27

7.1.

  

Representations and Warranties; No Default

   27

7.2.

  

Documents Satisfactory; Transactions Consummated

   28

7.3.

  

Delivery of Documents

   29

7.4.

  

No Material Adverse Change, etc.

   30

7.5.

  

Corporate/Capital Structure

   30

7.6.

  

Authorizations, Consents and Approvals

   30

7.7.

  

Litigation

   30

7.8.

  

Other Fees and Expenses; Initial Put Consideration

   31

7.9.

  

No Violation of Regulations T, U or X

   31

ARTICLE 8

   CONDITIONS TO SUBSEQUENT CLOSINGS    31

8.1.

  

Conditions to Purchase of Additional Notes pursuant to Section 3.6

   31

 

-ii-


ARTICLE 9

   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND INFORMATION    32

9.1.

  

Reports and Notices

   32

9.2.

  

Communication with Accountants

   32

ARTICLE 10

   AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS    32

10.1.

  

Maintenance of Existence and Conduct of Business

   32

10.2.

  

Payment of Charges

   33

10.3.

  

Books and Records; Access

   33

10.4.

  

Insurance; Damage to or Destruction of Collateral

   34

10.5.

  

Compliance with Benefit Plan Settlements and Laws

   35

10.6.

  

Supplemental Disclosure

   35

10.7.

  

Intellectual Property

   35

10.8.

  

Environmental Matters

   35

10.9.

  

Landlords’ Agreements, Mortgagee Agreements, Bailee Letters and Real Estate Purchases

   36

10.10.

  

Auditor

   37

10.11.

  

Foreign Assets Control Regulations

   37

10.12.

  

Environmental Reports

   37

10.13.

  

Further Assurances

   37

10.14.

  

Cash Management Systems

   37

ARTICLE 11

   NEGATIVE COVENANTS    37

11.1.

  

Mergers, Subsidiaries, Etc.

   37

11.2.

  

Investments; Loans and Advances

   40

11.3.

  

Indebtedness

   41

11.4.

  

Employee Loans and Affiliate Transactions

   43

11.5.

  

Capital Structure and Business

   43

11.6.

  

Guaranteed Indebtedness

   43

11.7.

  

Liens

   43

11.8.

  

Sale of Stock and Assets

   44

11.9.

  

ERISA

   44

11.10.

  

Financial Covenants

   45

11.11.

  

Hazardous Materials

   45

11.12.

  

Sale-Leasebacks

   45

11.13.

  

Cancellation of Indebtedness

   45

11.14.

  

Restricted Payments; Holdings Guaranty Restricted Payments

   45

11.15.

  

Change of Corporate Name, State of Incorporation or Location; Change of Fiscal Year

   45

11.16.

  

No Impairment of Intercompany Transfers

   46

11.17.

  

No Speculative Transactions

   46

11.18.

  

Changes Relating to First Lien Debt; Subordinated Debt; Material Contracts

   46

11.19.

  

Excluded Subsidiaries

   47

11.20.

  

Business Activities

   47

 

-iii-


ARTICLE 12

   EVENTS OF DEFAULT    47

12.1.

  

Payment Default

   47

12.2.

  

Financial Reporting

   47

12.3.

  

Default Under Other Indebtedness

   48

12.4.

  

Certain Covenants

   48

12.5.

  

Other Defaults

   48

12.6.

  

Breach of Representations or Warranties

   48

12.7.

  

Involuntary Bankruptcy, Appointment of Receiver, etc.

   48

12.8.

  

Voluntary Bankruptcy, Appointment of Receiver, etc.

   48

12.9.

  

Judgments

   49

12.10.

  

Attachments

   49

12.11.

  

Second Lien Credit Documents; Lien

   49

12.12.

  

Change of Control

   49

12.13.

  

Cessation or Curtailing of Revenue Producing Activities

   49

12.14.

  

Material Contract Default

   49

12.15.

  

Mortgage Event of Default

   49

12.16.

  

Other Debt Event of Default

   49

ARTICLE 13

   RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER; LEGENDS    51

13.1.

  

Assignments

   51

13.2.

  

Restrictive Securities Legend

   52

13.3.

  

Termination of Restrictions

   52

ARTICLE 14

   ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT    53

14.1.

  

Agent’s Authority to Act, etc.

   53

14.3.

  

Issuers to Pay Agent, etc.

   53

14.4.

  

Purchaser Obligations

   54

14.5.

  

Agent’s Resignation

   55

14.6.

  

Concerning the Agent

   56

14.7.

  

Rights as a Purchaser

   58

14.8.

  

Independent Investment Decision

   58

14.9.

  

Reimbursement and Indemnification

   59

14.10.

  

Assumption of Agent’s Rights

   59

14.11.

  

Agent’s Fee

   59

14.12.

  

Merger, Conversion or Consolidation

   59

ARTICLE 15

   CROSS-GUARANTY    60

15.1.

  

Cross-Guaranty

   60

15.2.

  

Waivers by Issuers

   60

15.3.

  

Benefit of Guaranty

   61

15.4.

  

Waiver of Subrogation, Etc.

   61

15.5.

  

Election of Remedies

   61

15.6.

  

Limitation

   62

15.7.

  

Contribution with Respect to Guaranty Obligations

   62

 

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15.8.

  

Liability Cumulative

   63

15.9.

  

Subordination

   63

ARTICLE 16

   MISCELLANEOUS    64

16.1.

  

Expenses

   64

16.2.

  

Indemnity

   65

16.3.

  

Amendments and Waivers

   66

16.4.

  

Independence of Covenants

   67

16.5.

  

Notices

   67

16.6.

  

Survival of Warranties and Certain Agreements

   69

16.7.

  

Failure or Indulgence Not Waiver; Remedies Cumulative

   70

16.8.

  

Severability

   70

16.9.

  

Heading

   70

16.10.

  

Applicable Law

   70

16.11.

  

Successors and Assigns; Subsequent Holders

   70

16.12.

  

Consent to Jurisdiction and Service of Process

   71

16.13.

  

Waiver of Jury Trial

   71

16.14.

  

Counterparts; Effectiveness

   71

16.15.

  

Confidentiality

   71

16.16.

  

Entirety

   72

 

-v-


SCHEDULES, ANNEXES AND EXHIBITS

 

SCHEDULE I

   LIST OF PURCHASERS

SCHEDULE II

   NOTES AND WARRANTS

SCHEDULE III

   WIRE INSTRUCTIONS

SCHEDULE IV

   SPECIFIED LCS AND ADDITIONAL NOTE AMOUNTS

SCHEDULE 6.1

   CORPORATE EXISTENCE

SCHEDULE 6.2

   EXECUTIVE OFFICES, COLLATERAL LOCATIONS, FEIN

SCHEDULE 6.4.1

   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SCHEDULE 6.4.2

   PRO FORMA

SCHEDULE 6.4.3

   PROJECTIONS

SCHEDULE 6.6

   REAL PROPERTY

SCHEDULE 6.7

   LABOR MATTERS

SCHEDULE 6.8

   JOINT VENTURES, SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATES; OUTSTANDING STOCK AND INDEBTEDNESS

SCHEDULE 6.11

   TAXES

SCHEDULE 6.12

   ERISA

SCHEDULE 6.13

   LITIGATION

SCHEDULE 6.14

   BROKERS

SCHEDULE 6.15

   INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

SCHEDULE 6.17

   ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

SCHEDULE 6.18

   INSURANCE

SCHEDULE 6.19

   DEPOSIT AND DISBURSEMENT ACCOUNTS

SCHEDULE 6.21

   BONDING; LICENSES

SCHEDULE 6.25

   CAPITALIZATION

SCHEDULE 10.1

   TRADE NAMES

SCHEDULE 11.2

   INVESTMENTS

SCHEDULE 11.3

   EXISTING INDEBTEDNESS

SCHEDULE 11.4.1

   AFFILIATED TRANSACTIONS

SCHEDULE 11.7

   EXISTING LIENS

SCHEDULE H

   MATERIAL CONTRACTS

SCHEDULE I

   PETTY CASH ACCOUNTS
      

EXHIBIT A

   FORM OF NOTE

EXHIBIT B

   FORM OF WARRANT

EXHIBIT C

   FORMS OF SPECIFIED LCS

EXHIBIT D

   FORM OF INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT

EXHIBIT E-1

   FORM OF ADMINISTRATIVE CLAIMS GUARANTY

EXHIBIT E-2

   FORM OF TLV GUARANTY

EXHIBIT E-3

   FORM OF NON-TLV GUARANTY

EXHIBIT F

   FORM OF PAYMENT-IN-KIND NOTICE

EXHIBIT G

   FORM OF ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE

ANNEX A

   DEFINITIONS

ANNEX B

   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND PROJECTIONS – REPORTING

 

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ANNEX C

   COLLATERAL REPORTS

ANNEX D

   FINANCIAL COVENANTS

ANNEX E

   SECOND LIEN CREDIT DOCUMENTS

ANNEX F

   CASH MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

 

-vii-


NOTE AND WARRANT PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

This NOTE AND WARRANT PURCHASE AGREEMENT (as amended, restated, supplemented and otherwise modified from time to time, this “ Agreement ”) is dated as of August 20, 2004 by and among Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ Holdings ” and, together with the other Issuers identified on the signature pages hereto, the “ Issuers ”), Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (with its successors and permitted assigns in such capacity, the “ Agent ”) and as the LC Issuer (defined below) and the purchasers listed on Schedule I attached hereto (together with their successors and assigns, the “ Purchasers ”).

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, on April 1, 2003, Fleming Companies, Inc. (“ Fleming ”) and certain of its Subsidiaries (collectively, the “ Debtors ”) commenced Case No. 03-10945 (MFW) (as administratively consolidated the “ Chapter 11 Case ”), under Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Code, 11 U.S.C. 101 et seq. (the “ Bankruptcy Code ”), with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “ Bankruptcy Court ”);

 

WHEREAS, by order docketed July 27, 2004, the Bankruptcy Court confirmed that certain Debtors’ and Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors’ Third Amended and Revised Joint Plan of Reorganization of Fleming Companies, Inc. and its Filing Subsidiaries Under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code dated July 16, 2004 (as amended, the “ Plan of Reorganization ”), in accordance with §1129 of the Bankruptcy Code;

 

WHEREAS, as part of the financing required for the consummation of the Plan of Reorganization and for continuing the business of the reorganized Debtors as Holdings and its subsidiaries, the Issuers have requested, and the LC Issuer and the Purchasers have agreed, that subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, (a) the Purchasers will purchase (i) on and after the effective date of the Plan of Reorganization, which shall also be the initial closing date hereunder (the “ Effective Date ” or the “ Closing Date ”), up to $60,000,000 in original principal amount of their Senior Secured Notes due August 23, 2009 (the “ Notes ”) in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A , which Notes are to be secured by a lien on substantially all of the assets of the Issuers, junior only to liens securing the First Lien Facility (defined below) and to specified other permitted liens and (ii) on the Effective Date, warrants to purchase 247,654 shares of Holdings’ common stock, par value $.01 (the “ Warrants ” and, together with the Notes, the “ Securities ”), in the form of Exhibit B , subject to adjustment pursuant to the terms of the Warrants and (b) Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (in such capacity, the “ LC Issuer ”), will issue two letters of credit (as amended, restated, renewed, extended or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Specified LCs ” and each, a “ Specified LC ”) for the benefit of Old Republic Insurance Company (together with any assignee of such Specified LC, the “ LC Beneficiary ”) in the form attached as Exhibit C ;

 

WHEREAS, contemporaneously with the execution of this Agreement, the Issuers will enter into a Credit Agreement with General Electric Capital Corporation as lender and as


administrative agent for the lenders (in its capacity as agent, the “ First Lien Agent ”), Congress Financial Corporation (Western) as lender and co-syndication agent for the lenders, JPMorgan Chase Bank, as lender and co-syndication agent for the lenders, Bank of America, N.A., as lender and co-documentation agent, Wells Fargo Foothill, LLC, as lender and co-documentation agent and the other lenders thereto (as amended and in effect from time to time in accordance with the Intercreditor Agreement and not prohibited by this Agreement, the “ First Lien Credit Agreement ”, and the loan facility provided thereunder, the “ First Lien Facility ” and the indebtedness and other “Obligations” (as defined therein) of Holdings and its subsidiaries thereunder, the “ First Lien Debt ”);

 

WHEREAS, on the date hereof, the Agent and the First Lien Agent will enter into an intercreditor agreement (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “ Intercreditor Agreement ”), in substantially the form of Exhibit D , in order to provide for the priorities of the respective liens securing the Note Obligations and the First Lien Debt and for the holding of certain common collateral with respect to which liens are perfected by possession or control, and for certain agreements concerning enforcement with respect to common collateral; and

 

WHEREAS, on the date hereof, Holdings will execute subordinated guarantees in substantially the forms of Exhibits E-1, E-2 and E-3 , which guarantees will provide for the subordination of the amounts payable thereunder to the First Lien Debt and to the indebtedness represented by the Notes and the other Note Obligations (as defined herein); and

 

WHEREAS, after the Closing Date, the Issuers agree to issue, and the Purchasers agree to purchase, Additional Notes (as defined herein) on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants hereinafter contained, and for other good and valuable consideration, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE 1

DEFINITIONS

 

1.1. Certain Defined Terms; Construction .

 

Capitalized terms used in this Agreement shall have the meanings set forth in Annex A and, for purposes of this Agreement and the other Second Lien Credit Documents, the rules of construction set forth in Annex A shall govern. All Annexes, Schedules, Exhibits and other attachments hereto, or expressly identified in this Agreement, are incorporated herein by reference, and taken together with this Agreement, shall constitute but a single agreement. Unless otherwise specified, all references to “$”, “cash”, “dollars” or similar references shall mean U.S. dollars, paid in cash or other immediately available funds.

 

1.2. Calculations in Accordance with GAAP .

 

Unless otherwise specifically provided herein, any accounting term used in this Agreement shall have the meaning customarily given such term in accordance with GAAP, and

 

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all financial computations hereunder shall be computed in accordance with GAAP consistently applied. That certain items or computations are explicitly modified by the phrase “in accordance with GAAP” shall in no way be construed to limit the foregoing. If any “ Accounting Changes ” (defined below) occur and such changes result in a change in the calculation of the financial covenants, standards or terms used in the Agreement or any other Second Lien Credit Document, then the Issuers and the Purchasers agree to enter into negotiations in order to amend such provisions of the Agreement so as to equitably reflect such Accounting Changes with the desired result that the criteria for evaluating the Issuers’ financial condition shall be the same after such Accounting Changes as if such Accounting Changes had not been made; provided , however , that the agreement of the Required Purchasers to any such amendments of such provisions shall be sufficient to bind all Purchasers. “ Accounting Changes ” means (i) changes in accounting principles required by the promulgation of any rule, regulation, pronouncement or opinion by the Financial Accounting Standards Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (or successor thereto or any agency with similar functions), (ii) changes in accounting principles concurred in by any Issuer’s certified public accountants; (iii) purchase accounting adjustments under A.P.B. 16 or 17 and EITF 88-16, and the application of the accounting principles set forth in FASB 109, including the establishment of reserves pursuant thereto and any subsequent reversal (in whole or in part) of such reserves; and (iv) the reversal of any reserves established as a result of purchase accounting adjustments. All such adjustments resulting from expenditures made subsequent to the Closing Date (including capitalization of costs and expenses or payment of pre-Closing Date liabilities) shall be treated as expenses in the period the expenditures are made and deducted as part of the calculation of EBITDA in such period. If the Issuers and the Required Purchasers agree upon the required amendments, then after appropriate amendments have been executed and the underlying Accounting Change with respect thereto has been implemented, any reference to GAAP contained in the Agreement or in any other Second Lien Credit Document shall, only to the extent of such Accounting Change, refer to GAAP, consistently applied after giving effect to the implementation of such Accounting Change. If the Issuers and the Required Purchasers cannot agree upon the required amendments within 30 days following the date of implementation of any Accounting Change, then all Financial Statements delivered and all calculations of financial covenants and other standards and terms in accordance with the Agreement and the other Second Lien Credit Document shall be prepared, delivered and made without regard to the underlying Accounting Change. For purposes of Article 12 and the calculation of default interest pursuant to Section 4.1, a breach of a Financial Covenant contained in Annex D shall be deemed to have occurred as of any date of determination by the Required Purchasers or as of the last day of any specified measurement period, regardless of when the Financial Statements reflecting such breach are delivered to the Agent and the Purchasers.

 

ARTICLE 2

PURCHASE AND SALE OF THE SECURITIES AT THE EFFECTIVE DATE

 

2.1. Purchase and Sale of the Securities at the Effective Date . Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and on the basis of the representations and warranties set forth herein, the Issuers hereby agree to sell to each Purchaser at the Closing, and by its acceptance hereof, each such Purchaser agrees to purchase from the Issuers for investment, a Note in the original principal amount, and a Warrant for the number of shares of Holdings’ common stock (subject to adjustment pursuant to the Warrant), set forth opposite the name of such Purchaser on Schedule II hereto.

 

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2.2. Payment of Purchase Price .

 

2.2.1. The purchase price to each Purchaser for the Note and Warrant to be issued to it at the Closing shall be the amount specified in an allocation agreement to be executed by such Purchaser and the Issuers on or before the Effective Date (each such agreement, an “ Allocation Agreement ”); provided that (x) the Allocation Agreements shall specify an original purchase price for the Warrants which shall be consistent for each Purchaser and (y) the aggregate cash proceeds to the Issuers of the issuance of the Notes and Warrants on the Effective Date (without considering the effect of any discounted purchase price or amounts paid in cash in respect of the Initial Put Consideration, and without considering any amounts paid in reimbursement of expenses provided for hereunder) shall be equal to the aggregate original principal amount of the Notes issued on the Effective Date. The purchase price shall be payable against delivery to each Purchaser of an original Note and Warrant issued in the name of such Purchaser in the denomination set forth on Schedule II . The purchase price shall be paid to the Issuers in accordance with the wire instructions set forth on Schedule III or as otherwise directed by the Issuers.

 

2.2.2. The Issuers and each Purchaser agree that, for purposes of Sections 305 and 1271 through 1275 of the Code or any similar law, the original purchase price of the Note issued at Closing to such Purchaser and of the Warrant issued to such Purchaser shall be allocated as set forth on the respective Allocation Agreement, and that such allocation shall be appropriately used by the Issuers and each Purchaser for financial and income tax reporting purposes.

 

2.3. Closing . The purchase and sale of the Securities on the Closing Date shall be contemporaneous with the Effective Date and the initial funding under the First Lien Credit Agreement. The Closing shall occur at a closing (the “ Closing ”) to be held on August 23, 2004 at the New York City offices of Kirkland & Ellis, LLP or at such other date, time and/or location as may be agreed upon by the parties hereto.

 

2.4. Use of Proceeds .

 

2.4.1. The proceeds of the sale by the Issuers of the Securities at the Closing shall be used by Holdings and its Subsidiaries to provide a portion of the financing to consummate the Plan of Reorganization and for general corporate purposes, including refinancing indebtedness, funding distributions under the Plan of Reorganization, providing cash collateral for outstanding letters of credit and paying administrative expenses and fees and expenses associated with the First Lien Facility and the issuance of the Securities. The proceeds of the sale by the Issuers of any Additional Notes issued pursuant to Section 3.2 shall be used to reimburse the LC Issuer for amounts funded by it in respect of draws on the Specified LCs. The proceeds of the sale by the Issuers of any Additional Notes pursuant to Section 3.6 shall be used for general corporate purposes.

 

2.4.2. No portion of the proceeds of the sale of the Securities shall be used, directly or indirectly, for the purpose, whether immediate, incidental or ultimate, of buying or carrying any “margin stock” within the meaning of any regulation,

 

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interpretation or ruling of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, all as from time to time in effect, refunding of any indebtedness incurred for such purpose, or making any investment prohibited by foreign trade regulations. Without limiting the foregoing, the Issuers agree that in no event shall any proceeds of the sale of the Securities hereunder be used in any manner which might cause a violation of Regulations T, U or X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or any other regulation of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, or to violate the Exchange Act, each as in effect as of the closing of the purchase and sale of such Securities, and as of such use of proceeds from such purchase and sale.

 

ARTICLE 3

ISSUANCE OF SPECIFIED LCS; PURCHASE AND SALE OF ADDITIONAL NOTES

FOLLOWING THE EFFECTIVE DATE

 

3.1. Issuance of Specified LCs; Grant of Put Right/Call Right for Additional Notes .

 

3.1.1. On the Effective Date, the LC Issuer will issue the Specified LCs. The Issuers agree, jointly and severally, to reimburse the LC Issuer the amount of any drawing on any Specified LC, and such reimbursement obligation (as adjusted from time to time by the addition of Capitalized Interest, the “ LC Reimbursement Liability ”) shall constitute a “Note Obligation” for all purposes of this Agreement. From and after any LC Backstop Funding Date, any portion of the related LC Reimbursement Liability that remains outstanding shall bear interest at the same rate as the Notes, and such interest shall be payable in the same manner as the interest on the Notes, and all such interest and all principal on the LC Reimbursement Liability not paid through the issuance of Additional Notes, shall be payable on the same pro rata basis, as the interest on, and principal of, the Notes. In the event that the LC Issuer funds any draw under any Specified LC prior to the related LC Backstop Funding Date, the Issuers shall pay interest on any LC Reimbursement Liability from the date of such draw to, but not including, the applicable LC Backstop Funding Date, at a rate per annum equal to LIBOR, calculated based on a 360 day year and the actual number of days elapsed. Any outstanding LC Reimbursement Liability will be payable in full, together with any interest thereon, by the Issuers on the Maturity Date. In the event that any Specified LC remains outstanding on the Maturity Date, the Issuers shall either replace such Specified LC or cash collateralize such Specified LC through the deposit with the LC Issuer of cash collateral in an amount equal to 105% of the undrawn exposure thereunder.

 

3.1.2. Each Purchaser hereby grants a right to the Issuers (the “ Put Right ”) to put to such Purchaser its Allocable Percentage of up to an aggregate of $24,522,500 in original principal amount of additional Notes (the “ Additional Notes ”) following the Effective Date and prior to the Maturity Date, solely under the circumstances specified in Section 3.2 or, if applicable, Section 3.6. The Issuers hereby grant to each Purchaser a right (the “ Call Right ”) to call from the Issuers its Allocable Percentage of Additional Notes under the circumstances specified in Section 3.5.3. Any Additional Notes issued to the Purchasers pursuant to this Article 3 shall be issued in exchange for a cash purchase price equal to the original principal amount of such Additional Notes. No repayment of Notes shall result in, cause or effect, an increase in the Aggregate Availability.

 

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3.2. Issuance of Additional Notes Upon Draw on Specified LC . Subject to Section 3.6, the Additional Notes shall be issuable solely in the event that there is a draw on a Specified LC (a “ Draw ”) and a notice and demand (a “ Draw Notice ”) is provided by the LC Issuer to the Purchasers in connection with such Draw. The maximum aggregate original principal amount of Additional Notes which may be issued in respect of Draws on a given Specified LC, is set forth for each Specified LC on Schedule IV (each such limit, the “ Additional Note Amount ” for such Specified LC and, the aggregate of all such limits the “ Aggregate Availability ”). For purposes of calculating the Put Consideration payable to the Purchasers, the Aggregate Availability shall be reduced by an amount equal to any Draw, effective as of the applicable LC Backstop Funding Date. The Issuers irrevocably assign their right to put Additional Notes to the Purchasers pursuant to this Section 3.2 to the LC Issuer, and further irrevocably assign to the LC Issuer all of their right, title and interest to any proceeds of the issuance of the Additional Notes pursuant to this Section 3.2, in each case, in order to secure the Issuers’ obligation to reimburse the LC Issuer for the amount of any Draw. Each Purchaser acknowledges and agrees to the aforedescribed assignment.

 

3.3. Put Consideration . In consideration of the continuing grant of the Put Right hereunder, the Issuers shall pay to the Agent for the account of the Purchasers, pro rata in accordance with such Purchasers’ respective Allocable Percentages, an amount (the “ Put Consideration ”) equal to 12%  per annum of the Aggregate Availability outstanding from time to time, calculated on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed over a 360 day year. For any period during which the Notes are accruing default interest, the Put Consideration shall be increased to 14%  per annum . The Put Consideration shall accrue commencing on the Closing Date, and shall be payable, in arrears, on each Payment Date. By providing a written notice in the form of Exhibit F to the Agent on any Payment Date, the Issuers may pay a portion of the Put Consideration to be paid on such Payment Date not to exceed an amount equal to 3%  per annum of the Aggregate Availability for the applicable accrual period (e.g., up to 1/4 of the Put Consideration to be paid on such Payment Date where the Put Consideration is calculated at a non-default rate), in kind by adding any such portion of the Put Consideration which is permitted to be, and is, paid in kind to the principal amount of the Notes held by the Purchasers, pro rata in accordance with such Purchasers’ respective Allocable Percentages. The notice provided to the Agent pursuant to the prior sentence shall indicate the Issuers’ election to pay a portion of Put Consideration in kind on such Payment Date and shall specify the portion of Put Consideration that will be paid in kind. Any payment in kind of Put Consideration shall be deemed to have been added to principal of the Notes as of the applicable Payment Date on which such Put Consideration was due. All payments of Put Consideration, including as to the form thereof, shall be made pro rata among the Purchasers in proportion to their respective Allocable Percentages.

 

3.4. Reductions or Eliminations of Availability.

 

3.4.1. The Issuers may, from time to time, reduce or eliminate the Additional Note Amount with respect to any Specified LC (any such reduction or elimination pursuant to this Section 3.4.1, a “ Reduction ”) solely upon and to the extent of a Reduction Event, by providing the Agent, the Purchasers and the LC Issuer with a written notice of such proposed reduction (a “ Reduction Notice ”), accompanied by (I)(x) in the case of an elimination of the Additional Note Amount with respect to such Specified LC

 

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other than in connection with the expiration of the Specified LC in accordance with its terms, a full, complete and unconditional release executed by the LC Beneficiary and the Issuers of any liability of the LC Issuer with respect to such Specified LC or (y) in the case of a reduction in the Additional Note Amount, evidence reasonably acceptable to the LC Issuer of the reduction of its exposure under the applicable Specified LC to the reduced Additional Note Amount and (II) the Reduction Evidence. A “ Reduction Event ” shall mean a proposed Reduction either (w) upon the expiration of a Specified LC where the underlying liability to the LC Beneficiary (the “ Subject Liability ”) is not required to be, and is not, secured by a replacement surety bond, letter of credit or other collateral (other than the Specified LC) with respect to the Subject Liability, (x) upon a written certification provided to the Agent on behalf of the Purchasers and the LC Issuer by the Issuers that the applicable Subject Liability has been reduced or eliminated other than through payment of the Subject Liability or through the provision of a replacement surety bond, letter of credit or other collateral with respect to the Subject Liability, (y) in connection with the payment in full of all Note Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations as to which no claim is pending) or (z) with the prior written consent of the Required Purchasers. Reductions must be effected in amounts not less than $1,000,000 (or, in a case where the Subject Liability has been eliminated entirely, in such amount); provided , however , that Reductions with respect to more than one Specified LC that are effected simultaneously may be aggregated. The written evidence of the expiration of a Specified LC or LC Beneficiary certification or Required Purchaser consent referenced above shall be referred to as the “ Reduction Evidence ”. Any release or reduction agreement referenced in clause (I) above shall be in the form prescribed by the applicable Specified LC (if any) or in such other form as is reasonably satisfactory to the LC Issuer. Any Reduction effected pursuant to this Section 3.4.1 shall be effective on the second Business Day following delivery to the LC Issuer and the Agent on behalf of the Purchasers of the Reduction Notice, except that Reductions effected in connection with the payment of all Note Obligations shall be effective upon such payment. Once reduced or eliminated, no portion of an Additional Note Amount can be reinstated. The Aggregate Availability may not be reduced or eliminated except in connection with a Draw and related issuance of Additional Notes or pursuant to this Section 3.4.1.

 

3.4.2. Any reduction in, or elimination of, the Aggregate Availability effected pursuant to this Section 3.4 on or before the first anniversary of the Closing Date shall be accompanied by a cash payment in an amount equal to 12% of the amount of such reduction in Aggregate Availability (less the principal amount of any Additional Notes issued pursuant to Section 3.6 in connection with such reduction). Any reduction in the Aggregate Availability effected pursuant to this Section 3.4 following the first anniversary of the Closing Date and on or before the second anniversary of the Closing Date shall be accompanied by a cash payment in an amount equal to 6% of the amount of such reduction in Aggregate Availability (less the principal amount of any Additional Notes issued pursuant to Section 3.6 in connection with such reduction). Any payment pursuant to this Section 3.4.2 shall be made to the Agent for the ratable benefit of the Purchasers in accordance with their respective Allocable Percentages. The payments provided for in this Section 3.4.2 shall be in addition to any other amounts due hereunder, and shall not reduce interest, principal or any other amount owing on any Note.

 

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3.4.3. Notwithstanding Section 3.4.2, the Issuers may effect Reductions (subject to compliance with the balance of this Section 3.4) without the 12% or 6% payments described in Section 3.4.2 above (A) on or before the first anniversary of the Closing Date, up to an aggregate amount equal to the positive difference, if any, between (i) $15,000,000 minus (ii) the original principal amount of any Notes prepaid at par pursuant to Section 4.2.2(b)(1) and (B) on or before the second anniversary of the Closing Date, up to an aggregate amount equal to the positive difference, if any, between (i) $30,000,000 minus (ii) the sum of (x) the original principal amount of any Notes prepaid at par pursuant to Section 4.2.2(b) plus (y) the amount of any prior Reduction effected without the payment of a premium pursuant to this sentence.

 

3.5. Procedures for Issuance of Additional Notes in connection with Draw .

 

3.5.1. The LC Issuer shall provide a Draw Notice to the Agent and the Purchasers as soon as practicable, but in no event later than 11:00 a.m. (San Francisco time) on the Business Day following the receipt by the LC Issuer of a draw request under a Specified LC. The Draw Notice shall specify (i) the amount (the “ LC Backstop Amount ”) of such draw under the Specified LC and (ii) the date and time, which shall be on or after the Business Day following delivery of the Draw Notice, on which the Purchasers are required to pay the LC Backstop Amount to the LC Issuer (an “ LC Backstop Funding Date ”). The Purchasers shall fund their respective pro rata shares of the LC Backstop Amount to the LC Issuer by 11:00 a.m. (San Francisco time) on the LC Backstop Funding Date. The delivery of the Draw Notice shall constitute and effect the LC Issuer’s exercise of the Put Right for an amount of Additional Notes equal to the LC Backstop Amount.

 

3.5.2. No later than 2:00 p.m. (San Francisco time) on the Business Day on which the Agent receives a Draw Notice, the Agent shall provide each Purchaser and the Issuers with an allocation of the Additional Notes to be issued to each such Purchaser and the amount of the LC Backstop Amount to be funded by such Purchaser. Each Purchaser shall fund its Allocable Percentage of the LC Backstop Amount to the LC Issuer on the LC Backstop Funding Date, using the wire instructions set forth on Schedule III , against delivery to such Purchaser of a fully executed Additional Note issued in the name of such Purchaser in the denomination of such funding. The Additional Notes shall be in the same form as the Notes issued at Closing, except that they shall be dated the applicable LC Backstop Funding Date (or, if issued later on account of a Purchaser’s failure to timely fund its Allocable Share of an LC Backstop Amount, as of the date of the funding by such Purchaser).

 

3.5.3. In the event that the LC Issuer funds under a Specified LC, but fails to timely deliver the Draw Notice pursuant to Section 3.5.1, each Purchaser shall have the right to call from the Issuers Additional Notes in an principal amount equal to such Purchaser’s Allocable Percentage of such funded amount. Each Purchaser’s Call Right shall be exercisable through delivery of a notice (a “ Call Notice ”) by such Purchaser to the other Purchasers, the LC Issuer, the Issuers and the Agent. The Call Notice shall specify the amount to be funded and the proposed date of funding, which may be as early as that Business Day, but not later than the 20th Business Day following delivery of the

 

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Call Notice. The funding date specified in any Call Notice shall be treated as an LC Backstop Funding Date.

 

3.5.4. Any Purchaser delivering a Call Notice shall fund its Allocable Percentage of the LC Backstop Amount to the LC Issuer on the LC Backstop Funding Date, using the wire instructions set forth on Schedule III , against delivery to such Purchaser of a fully executed Additional Note issued in the name of such Purchaser in the denomination of such funding. The Additional Notes shall be in the same form as the Notes issued at Closing, except that they shall be dated the applicable LC Backstop Funding Date.

 

3.6. Issuance of Additional Notes Upon Reduction in Aggregate Availability . In the event that the Issuers reduce the Aggregate Availability upon the occurrence of a Reduction Event pursuant to Section 3.4.1, the Issuers shall have the option to put to the Purchasers, pro rata in accordance with the original principal amount of the Notes held by each Purchaser, Additional Notes in an aggregate amount up to such Reduction in Aggregate Availability. The Issuers’ right to so put Additional Notes to the Purchasers shall be exercised by delivery of a written notice to the Agent and the Purchasers, which must be delivered prior to, or together with, the Reduction Notice, providing notice that the Issuers propose to put Additional Notes to the Purchasers not later than the date that is ten days following the delivery of such notice (or if such day is not a Business Day, the Business Day immediately following such day), and which notice shall state the original principal amount, which shall be not less than $1,000,000, of the Additional Notes to be put to the Purchasers. The Issuers’ right to put Additional Notes pursuant to this Section 3.6 shall be subject to the conditions set forth in Article 8. For purposes of Section 3.3, the Aggregate Availability represented by such Additional Notes shall remain outstanding pending issuance of any such Additional Notes. The Issuers’ right to put Additional Notes pursuant to this Section 3.6 may only be exercised on or before the second anniversary of the Closing.

 

3.7. Failure to Issue Additional Notes .

 

3.7.1. In the event that the Issuers fail to timely deliver fully executed Additional Notes with respect to any Draw Notice or Call Notice, as specified in Section 3.5.2 or 3.5.4, as applicable, or the exercise of the Put Right and/or Call Right provided herein shall be deemed unenforceable for any reason, including, without limitation, on account of Section 365(c)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code, or the LC Issuer’s right to exercise its rights to put Additional Notes to the Purchasers is delayed, the Purchasers shall nonetheless fund their respective shares of the LC Backstop Amount to the LC Issuer on the LC Backstop Funding Date. In such event, pending the issuance of Additional Notes, each Purchaser shall be deemed to have taken an assignment of a portion of the LC Reimbursement Liability, such that the proportionate interest of the Purchasers with respect to such LC Reimbursement Liability shall be the same as the Purchasers’ shares were to have been of Additional Notes issued with respect to the applicable Draw Notice or Call Notice.

 

3.7.2. Each Purchaser hereby agrees that its obligations under Section 3.2, 3.5 and 3.7 are irrevocable and shall not be subject to any qualification or exception

 

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whatsoever and shall be made in accordance with this Agreement under all circumstances, including, without limitation, any of the following circumstances:

 

(a) any lack of validity or enforceability hereof or of any of the other Second Lien Credit Documents;

 

(b) the existence of any claim, setoff, defense or other right which any Issuer may have at any time against the Agent, the LC Issuer, any Purchaser, or any other Person, whether in connection herewith, the transactions contemplated herein or any unrelated transactions;

 

(c) any adverse change in the condition (financial or otherwise) of any Issuer;

 

(d) any breach of this Agreement by any Issuer, Agent, LC Issuer or Purchaser;

 

(e) the surrender or impairment of any security for the performance or observance of any of the terms of any of the Second Lien Credit Documents;

 

(f) the occurrence of any Event of Default or Default; or

 

(g) any other circumstance, happening, or event whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing.

 

If and to the extent any Purchaser shall not have made available to the LC Issuer on an LC Backstop Funding Date any amount payable by such Purchaser pursuant to this Section 3.7, without duplication of Section 14.4.3, such Purchaser agrees to pay to the Agent, for the benefit of the LC Issuer, forthwith on demand such amount together with interest thereon, for each day from the LC Backstop Funding Date until the date such amount is paid to the Agent at the interest rate applicable to the Notes. The failure of any such Purchaser to make the required payment hereunder shall neither relieve any other Purchaser of its obligation hereunder nor increase the obligation of any other Purchaser hereunder.

 

3.8. Penalty for Late Payment . All payments due to the Purchasers under this Article 3 that are not timely made shall bear interest from the date due to the date of payment at the rate applicable to the Notes during the pendency of an Event of Default.

 

3.9. Updated Schedules . Promptly, not more than five Business Days following any issuance of Additional Notes or any reduction in the Aggregate Availability, the Agent shall provide to the Issuer Representative and the Purchasers a revised Schedule II , reflecting the issuance of the Additional Notes, and a revised Schedule IV , reflecting the elimination or reduction of any Additional Note Amount.

 

3.10. LC Issuer’s Fee . On the Closing Date the Issuers shall pay the commission fee with respect to the Specified LCs set forth in the fee letter between the Issuers and Wells Fargo

 

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Bank, N.A. dated as of the date hereof (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Fee Letter ”). In addition, the Issuers shall pay to the LC Issuer the maintenance fee in the amounts, and at the times, set forth in the Fee Letter. The foregoing commission fee and maintenance fee shall be payable in cash. In addition, the Issuers shall pay or reimburse the LC Issuer for such normal and customary costs and expenses as are incurred or charged by the LC Issuer in issuing, effecting payment under, renewing, extending, amending or otherwise administering any Specified LC and for any taxes and any reasonable costs or expenses incurred by the LC Issuer in connection with each drawing of any Specified LC to the extent set forth in this Agreement and the other Second Lien Credit Documents.

 

3.11. Specified LC Renewal, etc .

 

3.11.1. The Specified LCs will be issued for an initial period or 364 days and, subject to clause (c) of Section 3.11.2, will be renewed thereafter in 364 day increments. The Issuers may from time to time request that the LC Issuer renew or extend a Specified LC by delivering to the LC Issuer at its address for notices specified herein a written request therefor and such other certificates, documents and other papers and information as the LC Issuer may request. Upon receipt of any such written request, the LC Issuer will process such request and the certificates, documents and other papers and information delivered to it in connection therewith in accordance with its customary procedures and may, in its sole discretion, and shall, as and to the extent required under Section 3.11.2, issue an extension or renewal of such Specified LC to the LC Beneficiary. The LC Issuer shall furnish a copy of such renewal or extension of such Specified LC to the Issuers promptly following the issuance thereof.

 

3.11.2. The LC Issuer shall renew the Specified LCs from time to time when they would otherwise expire except that the LC Issuer shall not be required to renew any Specified LC (a) if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, unless directed in writing by the Required Purchasers to do so, (b) following the acceleration of the Note Obligations under Article 12, (c) such that the expiry date of any such Specified LC is a date beyond the fifth Business Day prior to the Maturity Date, or (d) if LC Issuer shall have determined, in its sole discretion, that the creditworthiness of any Purchaser (other than Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.) has materially declined from that in existence at Closing (or as of the date such Purchaser became a Purchaser), such that the LC Issuer has determined, its sole discretion, that there is a material risk that the applicable Purchaser will lack the ability to fund its Allocable Percentage of any LC Backstop Amount. The LC Issuer will provide not less than 30 days prior written notice to the Issuers of any determination not to renew a Specified LC on the basis of the foregoing clause (d).

 

3.11.3. In the event that the LC Issuer does not renew one or more Specified LC on the basis of the foregoing Section 3.11.2(d), the Purchasers agree to replace the Specified LC that is not renewed (or such portion thereof which is not renewed by the LC Issuer) with a replacement letter of credit which replaces the non-renewed Specified LC (or portion thereof) (a “ Replacement Specified LC ”), provided , that an individual Purchaser may entirely satisfy its obligations pursuant to this Section 3.11.3 by agreeing to post cash collateral for a Replacement Specified LC equal to 105% of such Purchaser’s Allocable Percentage of the exposure under such Replacement Specified LC. Any

 

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Replacement Specified LC shall be issued pursuant to an agreement in customary and reasonable form. The Issuers agree to pay the reasonable fees (including all per annum fees), charges and expenses of the issuer of the Replacement Specified LCs in respect of the issuance, negotiation, acceptance, amendment, transfer and payment of such Replacement Specified LCs or otherwise payable pursuant to the application and related documentation under which such Replacement Specified LCs are issued. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the LC Issuer shall not at any time be obligated to extend or renew any Specified LC hereunder if such issuance would conflict with, or cause the LC Issuer or any Lender to exceed any limits imposed by, any applicable Requirement of Law. The issuer of a Replacement Specified LC shall be an “LC Issuer” hereunder.

 

3.11.4. The responsibility of the LC Issuer to the Issuers in connection with any draft presented for payment under any Specified LC shall, in addition to any payment obligation expressly provided for in such Specified LC, be limited to determining that the documents (including each draft) delivered under such Specified LC in connection with such presentment are in conformity with such Specified LC. The Issuers agree with the LC Issuer and Purchasers that the LC Issuer and the Purchasers shall not be responsible for, and the Issuer’s reimbursement obligations hereunder shall not be affected by, among other things, (i) the validity or genuineness of documents or of any endorsements thereon, even though such documents shall in fact prove to be invalid, fraudulent or forged, or (ii) any dispute between or among the Issuers and the LC Beneficiary or (iii) any claims whatsoever of any Issuer against the LC Beneficiary. The LC Issuer and the Purchasers shall not be liable for any error, omission, interruption or delay in transmission, dispatch or delivery of any message or advice, however transmitted, in connection with any Specified LC, except for errors or omissions caused by the LC Issuer’s or such Purchaser’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. The Issuers agree that any action taken or omitted by the LC Issuer under or in connection with any Specified LC or the related drafts or documents, if done in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct and in accordance with the standards of care specified in the UCC of the State of New York, shall be binding on the Issuers and shall not result in any liability of the LC Issuer to any Issuer.

 

ARTICLE 4

TERMS OF THE NOTES

 

4.1. Interest on the Notes .

 

4.1.1. The Notes shall bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR + 12%  per annum on the Adjusted Principal Amount thereof from time to time outstanding, calculated based on the actual number of days elapsed over a 360 day year. So long as (a) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing under any of Sections 12.1, 12.7 or 12.8, or (b)(i) any other Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and at the election of the Agent (or upon the written request of the Required Purchasers) confirmed by written notice from the Agent to the Issuer Representative or (ii) the “Default Rate” of interest is being paid under the First Lien Credit Agreement and an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing hereunder and the Required Purchasers have not waived the provisions of this clause (ii), the Notes shall bear default interest at a rate of 2%  per annum in excess

 

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of the otherwise applicable rate (the “ Default Rate ”), including on any applicable premium due in the event of a defaulted prepayment or in the event of any acceleration, and including on any overdue installment of interest to the extent permitted by applicable law. Interest at the Default Rate shall accrue as of the first to occur of (x) the occurrence of any Event of Default under any of Sections 12.1, 12.7 or 12.8, (y) at the election of the Agent (or written request of the Required Purchasers) or (z) subject to the existence of an Event of Default, on the date on which interest begins to accrue at the “Default Rate” under the First Lien Credit Agreement.

 

4.1.2. Interest on the Notes shall be payable, in arrears, in immediately available funds on the first Business Day of each month (each such date, a “ Payment Date ”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Issuers may pay a portion of the interest not to exceed 3%  per annum by capitalizing on the applicable Payment Date such portion of such interest (all such accrued interest capitalized from time to time is referred to herein as “ Capitalized Interest ”) and by adding such Capitalized Interest to the principal amount of the applicable Note as of the applicable Payment Date. If the Issuers elect to pay a portion of the interest as Capitalized Interest, the Issuer Representative shall provide written notice in the form of Exhibit F of such election to the Agent on or before the applicable Payment Date, which notice shall specify the portion of interest being paid as Capitalized Interest.

 

4.1.3. Capitalized Interest on any Note shall be deemed for all purposes to be principal of such Note (including with respect to the calculation of any prepayment premium and with respect to the accrual of interest on any Capitalized Interest amounts), whether or not such Note is marked to indicate the addition of such Capitalized Interest, and interest shall begin to accrue on Capitalized Interest beginning on and including the Payment Date on which such Capitalized Interest is added to the principal amount of the related Note (including Capitalized Interest), and such interest shall accrue and be paid, together with the interest on the entire remaining principal amount of such Note, in accordance with this Section 4.1.

 

4.1.4. Interest on the Notes shall accrue on the Adjusted Principal Amount of the Notes from time to time, from and including the Closing Date (or, with respect to Notes issued following the Closing, from and after the issue date of such Notes).

 

4.1.5. All payments of interest hereunder shall be made to the Agent for the account of each Purchaser pro rata in accordance with the amount of interest accrued on the Notes then held by such Purchaser, including as to the portion of such interest to be paid in cash and the portion to be paid in Capitalized Interest.

 

4.2. Payment of Notes .

 

4.2.1. Payment at Maturity . All outstanding principal and all accrued interest (including Capitalized Interest) then outstanding, and all other amounts then owing hereunder with respect to the Notes shall be paid in full in cash on the Maturity Date.

 

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4.2.2. Voluntary Prepayments .

 

(a) The Notes may be prepaid at the Issuers’ option, at any time, and from time to time, in whole or in part (in increments of $1,000,000 or such lesser amount as is then outstanding) on three Business Days’ prior written notice to the Agent and the Purchasers; provided , that subject to Section 4.2.2(b) any such voluntary prepayment of the Notes effected on or before the second anniversary of the Effective Date shall include the Applicable Premium on the Adjusted Principal Amount of the Notes so prepaid. Voluntary prepayments effected following the second anniversary of the Effective Date shall be at a purchase price equal to the Adjusted Principal Amount of the Notes to be prepaid.

 

(b) Notwithstanding Section 4.2.2(a), the Issuers may make the following prepayments of Notes without premium:

 

(1) On or before the first anniversary of the Effective Date, the Issuers may prepay at a purchase price equal to the Adjusted Principal Amount of the Notes to be prepaid a principal amount of Notes equal to the positive difference, if any, between, (i) $15,000,000 (plus Capitalized Interest, if any with respect to such principal amount of Notes referred to in this clause (i)) minus (ii) the amount of any Reductions effected without the 12% payment referenced in Section 3.4.2 on the basis of the exemption from such payment provided under Section 3.4.3.

 

(2) On or before the second anniversary of the Effective Date, the Issuers may prepay at a purchase price equal to the Adjusted Principal Amount of the Notes to be prepaid a principal amount of Notes equal to the positive difference, if any, between (i) $30,000,000 (plus Capitalized Interest, if any with respect to such principal amount of Notes referred to in this clause (i)) minus (ii) the sum of (x) the principal amount of any Notes prepaid at par pursuant to clause (1)  plus (y) the amount of any Reductions effected without the 12% or 6% payment referenced in Section 3.4.2 on the basis of the exemption from such payment provided under Section 3.4.3.

 

4.3. Payment Procedures .

 

4.3.1. Upon surrender of a Note that is prepaid in part, the Issuers shall promptly execute and deliver to the holder (at the Issuers’ expense) a new Note equal in principal amount to the Adjusted Principal Amount of the Note surrendered, less any reduction in the Adjusted Principal Amount effected by such prepayment.

 

4.3.2. Each Purchaser agrees that before disposing of the Note held by it, or any part thereof (other than by granting participations therein), such Purchaser will make a notation thereon of all principal payments previously made thereon and of the date to which interest thereon has been paid and will notify the Issuers of the name and address of the transferee; provided , that the failure to make (or any error in the making of) a notation of the payments made under such Note or to notify the Issuers of the name and

 

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address of a transferee shall not limit or otherwise affect the obligation of the Issuers hereunder or under such Note.

 

4.3.3. All payments or prepayments shall include the payment of any accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the date of such prepayment on the Adjusted Principal Amount of the Notes so prepaid.

 

4.3.4. All payments of principal on the Notes shall be made to the Agent for the account of the Purchasers, and by the Agent to the Purchasers, pro rata , in accordance with the then outstanding Adjusted Principal Amount of all Notes (including Additional Notes) held by each Purchaser.

 

4.4. Taxes .

 

4.4.1. Subject to this Section 4.4, any and all payments by the Issuers hereunder or with respect to any Note shall be made free and clear of and without deduction for any and all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, deductions, charges or withholdings in any such case imposed by the United States or any political subdivision thereof, excluding taxes imposed or based on the recipient Purchaser, Agent or LC Issuer’s overall net income, and franchise or capital taxes imposed on it in lieu of net income taxes (all such non-excluded taxes, levies, imposts, deductions, charges, withholdings and liabilities in respect of payments hereunder or under the Notes being hereinafter referred to as “ Taxes ”). If the Issuers shall be required by law to deduct any Taxes from or in respect of any sum payable hereunder or under any Note to any Purchaser, Agent or LC Issuer, (a) the sum payable shall be increased as may be reasonably necessary so that after making all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 4.4) such Purchaser, Agent or LC Issuer receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions been made, (b) the Issuers shall make such deductions and (c) the Issuers shall remit the full amount deducted to the relevant taxation authority or other authority in accordance with applicable law. Within 30 days after the date of any payment of Taxes, the Issuers shall furnish to such Purchaser, Agent or LC Issuer the original or certified copy of a receipt evidencing payment thereof.

 

4.4.2. In addition, the Issuers agree to pay any present or future stamp or documentary taxes or any other excise or property taxes, charges or similar levies which arise from any payment made hereunder or from the execution, delivery or registration of, performance under, or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement or the Notes (hereinafter referred to as “ Other Taxes ”).

 

4.4.3. Each Purchaser of Notes organized under the laws of a jurisdiction outside the United States, prior to its receipt of any payment on the Notes, shall provide the Issuers with (a) Internal Revenue Service Form W-8ECI, W-8BEN, W-8EXP or W-8IMY, as appropriate, or any successor form prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service, certifying that such Purchaser is entitled to benefits under an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party, which exempts the recipient from United States withholding tax on payments of interest or certifying that the income receivable pursuant to this

 

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Agreement is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States, (b) Internal Revenue Service Form W-8 or W-9, as appropriate, or any successor form prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service, and (c) any other form or certificate required by any taxing authority (including any certificate required by Sections 871(h) and 881(c) of the Code), certifying that such Purchaser is entitled to an exemption from United States withholding tax on interest payments made pursuant to this Agreement.

 

4.4.4. For any period with respect to which a Purchaser has failed to provide the Issuers with the appropriate form pursuant to Section 4.4.3, such Purchaser shall not be entitled to any additional amounts or indemnification under this Section 4.4 with respect to Taxes imposed by the United States; provided , however , that should a Purchaser which is otherwise exempt from Taxes become subject to Taxes because of its failure to deliver a form required hereunder, the Issuers shall take such steps as such Purchaser shall reasonably request to assist such Purchaser to recover such Taxes.

 

4.4.5. The Issuers will indemnify each Purchaser, Agent and LC Issuer for the full amount of Taxes or Other Taxes as provided in Sections 4.4.1 and 4.4.2 (to the extent not previously paid under Section 4.4.1 or 4.4.2 above) imposed on such party and any liability (including penalties, interest and expenses) arising therefrom or with respect thereto. Payment in respect of any such indemnification shall be made within 30 days from the date such Purchaser, Agent and LC Issuer makes written demand therefor. Upon the request of the Issuer Representative, the Person requesting indemnity shall provide reasonable evidence of the Taxes, Other Taxes and/or liability for which indemnification is being sought.

 

4.4.6. In the event that the Issuers make an additional payment under Section 4.4.1, 4.4.2 or 4.4.5 for the account of any Purchaser and such Purchaser, in its sole opinion and absolute discretion, determines that it has finally and irrevocably received or been granted a credit against, or relief or remission from, or repayment of, any tax paid or payable by it in respect of or calculated with reference to the deduction or withholding giving rise to such additional payment, such Purchaser shall, to the extent that it determines that it can do so without prejudice to the retention of the amount of such credit, relief, remission or repayment, pay to the Issuers such amount as such Purchaser shall, in its sole opinion, have determined is attributable to such deduction or withholding and will leave such Purchaser (after such payment) in no worse position than it would have been had the Issuers not been required to make such deduction or withholding. Nothing contained herein shall (a) interfere with the right of a Purchaser to arrange its tax affairs in whatever manner it thinks fit or (b) oblige any Purchaser to claim any tax credit or to disclose any information relating to its tax affairs or any computations in respect thereof or (c) require any Purchaser to take or refrain from taking any action that would prejudice its ability to benefit from any other credits, reliefs, remissions or repayments to which it may be entitled.

 

4.4.7. Without prejudice to the survival of any other agreement hereunder, the agreements and obligations contained in this Section 4.4 shall survive the payment in full of the Note Obligations.

 

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4.5. Manner and Time of Payment . All payments to the Agent for the account of the Purchasers hereunder, whether of principal, interest, premiums, or payments provided in respect of any Put Consideration or reduction in Aggregate Availability, shall be made without defense, set off or counterclaim, in same day funds (or, if permitted, in the form of Capitalized Interest, additions to principal of the Notes) and delivered to the Agent in accordance with the wire instructions provided on Schedule III . All payments shall be made by 11:00 a.m. (San Francisco time) on the date such payment is due; payments made after that time shall be deemed to have been paid on the next succeeding Business Day.

 

4.6. LIBOR Breakage . If (i) any portion of the Note Obligations constituting interest, Put Consideration, principal or any Applicable Premium thereon are paid in whole or in part on a date other than a Payment Date (whether that repayment is made pursuant to any provision of this Agreement or any other Second Lien Credit Document or occurs as a result of acceleration, by operation of law or otherwise); (ii) the Issuers shall default in payment when due of any Note Obligation of the nature specified in clause (i); or (iii) the Issuers shall fail to make any voluntary prepayment of a Note Obligation when due after the Issuer Representative has given a notice thereof in accordance herewith, then the Issuers shall jointly and severally indemnify and hold harmless each Purchaser from and against all losses, costs and expenses resulting from or arising from any of the foregoing. Such indemnification shall include any loss (including loss of margin) or expense arising from the redeployment of funds obtained by it or from fees payable to terminate deposits from which such funds were obtained. As promptly as practicable under the circumstances, the Agent shall provide the Issuer Representative and the Purchasers with its written calculation of all amounts payable pursuant to this Section 4.6, and such calculation shall be binding on the parties hereto unless the Issuer Representative shall object in writing within ten Business Days of receipt thereof, specifying the basis for such objection in reasonable detail.

 

4.7. Application of Certain Payments . As to all payments made during the pendency of an Event of Default or following the Maturity Date or any acceleration of the Note Obligations, payments shall be applied by the Agent to amounts then due and payable in the following order: (a) first, to the payment of fees of the Agent to the extent then outstanding and payable, (b) second, to the payment of fees of the LC Issuer to the extent then outstanding and payable, (c) third, to the payment of any other expenses payable under Section 15.1, pro rata based on the amounts then due and owing, (d) fourth, to the payment of interest and Put Consideration to the Purchasers, pro rata based on the amounts then due and owing, (e) fifth, to the payment of principal to the Purchasers and any Applicable Premium, pro rata based on then amounts then due and owing and (f) sixth, to cash collateralize Specified LCs in an amount equal to 105% of the undrawn exposure thereunder, except that , following the Maturity Date or any acceleration of the Note Obligations, the obligation to cash collateralize the Specified LCs will be pro rata with the obligation to pay principal and any Applicable Premium on the Notes, and (g) seventh, to the payment of any other Note Obligations then outstanding, pro rata based on the amounts of any such other Note Obligations.

 

ARTICLE 5

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASERS

 

In order to induce the Issuers to enter into this Agreement, each Purchaser individually (but not on behalf of any other Purchaser) represents, warrants and agrees for the benefit of the

 

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Issuers and for the benefit of Sankaty Advisors, LLC, the Sankaty Purchasers and the LC Issuer (it being acknowledged that Sankaty Advisors, LLC is an intended third party beneficiary of, and entitled to rely on, the representations, warranties and agreements in this Article 5), that:

 

5.1. Legal Capacity; Due Authorization . Such Purchaser has full legal capacity, power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder and that this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by such Purchaser and is the legal, valid and binding obligation of such Purchaser enforceable against it in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

5.2. Restrictions on Transfer . Such Purchaser has been advised that the Notes and the Warrants have not been (and will not be) registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws and, therefore, cannot be resold unless they are registered under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or unless an exemption from such registration requirements is available, and that the Notes and Warrants may have to be held by such Purchaser for an indefinite period of time. Such Purchaser is aware that the Issuers are not under any obligation to effect any such registration with respect to the Notes or Warrants or to file for or comply with any exemption from registration except pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement. Such Purchaser is purchasing the Securities to be acquired by such Purchaser hereunder for its own account and not with a view to, or for resale in connection with, the distribution thereof in violation of the Securities Act; provided , however that the disposition of such Purchaser’s property shall at all times be and remain in its control and sole discretion.

 

5.3. Accredited Investor, etc . Such Purchaser has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters so as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of such investment, is able to incur a complete loss of such investment and to bear the economic risk of such investment for an indefinite period of time. Such Purchaser (a) is an “accredited investor” as that term is defined in Regulation D under the Securities Act and (b) has been represented by counsel in the purchase of the Securities to be purchased by it and is aware of the limitations of state and federal securities laws with respect to the disposition of the Securities. Such Purchaser acknowledges that such Purchaser has had an opportunity to examine the financial and business affairs of the Issuers and an opportunity to ask questions of and receive answers from the Issuers’ management. Such Purchaser acknowledges that it has conducted its own investigation of the Issuers and of the Securities, and that it has not relied, and is not relying, and will not rely in future on information or work product received from Sankaty in makings its investment decisions with respect to the Securities, including with respect to the acquisition or any disposition or retention of the same.

 

5.4. Brokerage Fees, etc . Each Purchaser represents and warrants to each other party to this Agreement that other than the Initial Put Consideration, which will be paid by the Issuers at Closing, no broker’s, finder’s or placement fee or commission will be payable to any Person alleged to have been retained by such representing and warranting party with respect to any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Each Purchaser hereby indemnifies each such other party against and agrees that it will hold each such party harmless from any claim, demand or liability, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, for any broker’s, finder’s or placement fee or commission alleged to have been incurred by such indemnifying party.

 

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5.5. No Advertisement . There has been no advertisement by such Purchaser of the Securities in printed public media, radio, television or telecommunications, including electronic display.

 

ARTICLE 6

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE ISSUERS

 

To induce the Purchasers to purchase the Notes and the Warrants and the LC Issuer to issue the Specified LCs, the Issuers, jointly and severally, make the following representations and warranties, as of the Closing Date and after giving effect to the actions taken on or before the Effective Date (except as otherwise specified), to the Second Lien Parties with respect to all Issuers, each and all of which shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement.

 

6.1. Corporate Existence; Compliance with Law . Each Issuer (a) is a corporation, limited liability company or limited partnership duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its respective jurisdiction of incorporation or organization set forth in Schedule 6.1 ; (b) is duly qualified to conduct business and is in good standing in each other jurisdiction where its ownership or lease of property or the conduct of its business requires such qualification, except where the failure to be so qualified or be in good standing would not result in exposure to losses or liabilities which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; (c) has the requisite power and authority and the legal right to own, pledge, mortgage or otherwise encumber and operate its properties, to lease the property it operates under lease and to conduct its business as now conducted or proposed to be conducted; (d) subject to specific representations regarding Environmental Laws, has all material licenses, permits, consents or approvals from or by, and has made all material filings with, and has given all material notices to, all Governmental Authorities having jurisdiction, to the extent required for such ownership, operation and conduct; (e) is in compliance with its charter and bylaws or partnership or operating agreement, as applicable; and (f) subject to specific representations set forth herein regarding ERISA, Environmental Laws, tax and other laws, is in compliance with all applicable provisions of law, except where the failure to comply, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

6.2. Executive Offices, Collateral Locations, FEIN . As of the Closing Date, each Issuer’s name as it appears in official filings in its state of incorporation or organization, state of incorporation or organization, organization type, organization number, if any, issued by its state incorporation or organization, and the current location of each Issuer’s chief executive office and the warehouses and premises at which any Collateral is located are set forth in Schedule 6.2 . Other than as set forth in Schedule 6.2 , none of such locations has changed within the four (4) months preceding the Closing Date and each Issuer has only one state of incorporation or organization. In addition, Schedule 6.2 lists the federal employer identification number of each Issuer.

 

6.3. Corporate Power, Authorization, Enforceable Obligations . The execution, delivery and performance by each Issuer of the Second Lien Credit Documents to which it is a party and the creation of all Liens provided for therein: (a) are within such Person’s corporate, limited liability company or limited partnership power, as applicable; (b) have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate, limited liability company or limited partnership action;

 

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(c) do not contravene any provision of such Person’s charter, bylaws or partnership or operating agreement as applicable; (d) do not violate any law or regulation, or any order or decree of any court or Governmental Authority by which such Person or its assets are bound; (e) do not conflict with or result in the breach or termination of, constitute a default under or accelerate or permit the acceleration of any performance required by, any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, material lease, material agreement or other material instrument to which such Person is a party or by which such Person or any of its property is bound; (f) do not result in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon any of the property of such Person other than those in favor of the Agent, on behalf of itself , the Purchasers and the LC Issuer, pursuant to the Second Lien Credit Documents; and (g) do not require the consent or approval of any Governmental Authority or any other Person, except those referred to in Section 7.6, all of which will have been duly obtained, made or complied with on or prior to the Closing Date. Each of the Second Lien Credit Documents shall be duly executed and delivered by each Issuer and each such Second Lien Credit Documents shall constitute a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Issuer enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency and similar laws affecting the enforceability of creditors’ rights generally.

 

6.4. Financial Statements and Projections . Except for the Projections, all Financial Statements of the Issuers that are referred to below and provided to the Agent have been prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the periods covered (except as disclosed therein and except, with respect to unaudited Financial Statements, for the absence of footnotes and normal year-end audit adjustments) and present fairly in all material respects the financial position of the Persons covered thereby as at the dates thereof and the results of their operations and cash flows for the periods then ended (subject to adjustments made as required by (i) the Securities and Exchange Commission (“ SEC ”) in connection with the formal investigation by the SEC into the business practices of Fleming and its Subsidiaries commencing on or about March 11, 2003 (the “ SEC Investigation ”), and (ii) any restatement of any of the Issuers’ Financial Statements for any period ended prior to the Closing Date in connection with the SEC Investigation or the audit committee’s internal investigation).

 

6.4.1. Financial Statements . Copies of the Issuers’ unaudited consolidated balance sheets at June 30, 2004, and the related statements of income and cash flows, for the portion of the Fiscal Year ended as of such Fiscal Month have been delivered on the date hereof and are attached hereto as Schedule 6.4.1 .

 

6.4.2. Pro Forma . The Pro Forma delivered on the date hereof and attached hereto as Schedule 6.4.2 was prepared by the Issuers giving pro forma effect to the Related Transactions and was based on the projected consolidated balance sheet of the Issuers as of July 31, 2004.

 

6.4.3. Projections . The Projections delivered on the date hereof and attached hereto as Schedule 6.4.3 have been prepared by the Issuers in light of the past operations of their businesses, but including future payments of known contingent liabilities (it being understood that Holdings’ prospective contingent liabilities to the Reclamation Creditors’ Trust and the Post Confirmation Trust under the applicable Holdings Guaranty are unknown as of the Closing Date and therefore are not reflected in the Projections), and reflect consolidated projections for the Fiscal Year(s) ending December 31, 2004

 

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through December 31, 2008 on an annual basis. The Projections reflect estimates and assumptions, all of which the Issuers believe to be reasonable and fair in light of current conditions and current facts known to the Issuers and, as of the Closing Date, reflect the Issuers’ good faith and reasonable estimates of the future financial performance of the Issuers for the period set forth therein. The Projections are not a guaranty of future performance, and actual results may differ from the Projections.

 

6.5. Material Adverse Effect . Between November 1, 2003 and the Closing Date: (a) no Issuer has incurred any obligations, contingent or noncontingent liabilities, liabilities for Charges, long-term leases or unusual forward or long-term commitments that are not reflected in the Pro Forma and that, alone or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (b) no contract, lease or other agreement or instrument has been entered into by any Issuer or has become binding upon any Issuer’s assets and no law or regulation applicable to any Issuer has been adopted that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and (c) no Issuer is in default and, to the best of Issuers’ knowledge, no third party is in default under any material contract, lease or other agreement or instrument to which such Issuer is a party, that alone or in the aggregate could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Since November 1, 2003, no event has occurred, that alone or together with other events, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

6.6. Ownership of Property; Liens . As of the Closing Date, the real estate (“ Real Estate ”) listed in Schedule 6.6 constitutes all of the real property owned, leased, subleased, or used by any Issuer. As of the Closing Date, except as set forth in Schedule 6.6 , each Issuer owns good fee simple title to all of its owned Real Estate. Each Issuer owns valid leasehold interests in all of its leased Real Estate, all as described on Schedule 6.6 , and copies of all such leases or a summary of terms thereof reasonably satisfactory to the Required Purchasers have been made available to the Required Purchasers for their review. Schedule 6.6 further describes any Real Estate with respect to which any Issuer is a lessor, sublessor or assignor as of the Closing Date. Except as set forth in Schedule 6.6 , each Issuer also has good title to, or valid leasehold interests in or other rights to use, all of its personal property and assets. As of the Closing Date, none of the properties and assets of any Issuer are subject to any Liens other than Permitted Encumbrances, and there are no facts, circumstances or conditions known to any Issuer that could reasonably be expected to result in any Liens (including Liens arising under Environmental Laws) other than Permitted Encumbrances. Schedule 6.6 also describes any purchase obligations of any Issuer pertaining to any Real Estate. As of the Closing Date, no portion of any Issuer’s Real Estate has suffered any material damage by fire or other casualty loss that has not heretofore been repaired and restored in all material respects to its original condition or otherwise remedied. As of the Closing Date, all material permits required to have been issued or appropriate to enable the Real Estate to be lawfully occupied and used for all of the purposes for which it is currently occupied and used have been lawfully issued and are in full force and effect. The Liens granted to the Agent, on behalf of itself, the Purchasers and the LC Issuer, pursuant to the Collateral Documents will at all times be fully perfected second priority Liens in and to the Collateral described therein (or first priority, following payment in full of the First Lien Debt), subject to Permitted Encumbrances.

 

6.7. Labor Matters . Except as set forth on Schedule 6.7 , as of the Closing Date (a) no strikes or other material labor disputes against any Issuer are pending or, to any Issuer’s

 

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knowledge, threatened; (b) hours worked by and payment made to employees of each Issuer comply in all material respects with the Fair Labor Standards Act and each other federal, state, provincial, local or foreign law applicable to such matters; (c) all payments due from any Issuer for employee health and welfare insurance have been paid or accrued as a liability on the books of such Issuer as required by GAAP, and such Issuer has withheld all employee withholdings and has made all employee contributions to be withheld and made by it pursuant to applicable law; (d) no Issuer is a party to or bound by any collective bargaining agreement, management agreement, consulting agreement, employment agreement, bonus, restricted stock, stock option, or stock appreciation plan or agreement or any similar plan, agreement or arrangement (and true and complete copies of any agreements described on Schedule 6.7 have been delivered to the Purchasers); (e) there is no organizing activity involving any Issuer pending or, to any Issuer’s knowledge, threatened by any labor union or group of employees; (f) there are no representation proceedings pending or, to any Issuer’s knowledge, threatened with the National Labor Relations Board, and no labor organization or group of employees of any Issuer has made a pending demand for recognition; and (g) there are no material complaints or charges against any Issuer pending or, to the knowledge of any Issuer, threatened to be filed with any Governmental Authority or arbitrator based on, arising out of, in connection with, or otherwise relating to the employment or termination of employment by any Issuer of any individual.

 

6.8. Ventures, Subsidiaries and Affiliates; Outstanding Stock and Indebtedness . Except as set forth in Schedule 6.8 , as of the Closing Date, no Issuer has any Subsidiaries, is engaged in any joint venture or partnership with any other Person, or is an Affiliate of any other Person. All of the issued and outstanding Stock of each Issuer (other than Holdings) is owned by each of the Stockholders and in the amounts set forth in Schedule 6.8 . Except as set forth in Schedule 6.8 , there are no outstanding rights to purchase, options, warrants or similar rights or agreements pursuant to which any Issuer may be required to issue, sell, repurchase or redeem any of its Stock or other equity securities or any Stock or other equity securities of its Subsidiaries. All outstanding Indebtedness of each Issuer and Guaranteed Indebtedness of the Issuer as of the Closing Date (except for the Note Obligations) is described in Section 11.3 (including Schedule 11.3 ).

 

6.9. Government Regulation . No Issuer is subject to regulation as an “investment company” or an “affiliated person” of, or “promoter” or “principal underwriter” for, an “investment company,” as such terms are defined in, and pursuant to, the Investment Company Act of 1940. No Issuer is subject to regulation under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, the Federal Power Act, or, except to the extent such Issuer has obtained the requisite consents and approvals thereunder, if any, authorizing such Issuer’s incurrence of the Note Obligations, with any other federal, foreign, state or provincial statute that restricts or limits its ability to incur Indebtedness or to perform its obligations hereunder. The purchase of the Notes by Purchasers from the Issuers, the application of the proceeds thereof and repayment thereof and the consummation of the Related Transactions will not violate any provision of any such statute or any rule, regulation or order issued by the SEC.

 

6.10. Margin Regulations . No Issuer is engaged, nor will it engage, principally or as one of its important activities, in the business of extending credit for the purpose of “purchasing” or “carrying” any “margin stock” as such terms are defined in Regulation U of the Federal Reserve Board as now and from time to time hereafter in effect (such securities being referred to

 

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herein as “ Margin Stock ”). No Issuer owns any Margin Stock, and none of the proceeds from the issuance of the Notes will be used, directly or indirectly, for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any Margin Stock, for the purpose of reducing or retiring any Indebtedness that was originally incurred to purchase or carry any Margin Stock or for any other purpose that might cause any of the Notes to be considered a “purpose credit” within the meaning of Regulations T, U or X of the Federal Reserve Board. No Issuer will take or permit to be taken any action that might cause any Second Lien Credit Document to violate any regulation of the Federal Reserve Board.

 

6.11. Taxes . All federal income, foreign income, provincial income and other material tax returns, reports and statements, including information returns, required by any Governmental Authority to be filed by any Issuer have been filed with the appropriate Governmental Authority, and all Charges payable by any Issuer have been paid prior to the date on which any fine, penalty, interest or late charge may be added thereto for nonpayment thereof excluding Charges or other amounts being contested in accordance with Section 10.2.2 and unless the failure to so file or pay would not reasonably be expected to result in fines, penalties or interest in excess of $1,000,000 in the aggregate. Proper and accurate amounts have been withheld by each Issuer from its respective employees for all periods in full and complete compliance in all material respects with all applicable federal, state, provincial, local and foreign laws and such withholdings payable by any Issuer have been timely paid to the respective Governmental Authorities. Schedule 6.11 sets forth as of the Closing Date those taxable years for which any Issuer’s income tax returns and other material tax returns (which for purposes of this sentence means an audit where the potential liability of such Issuer could reasonably be expected to exceed $100,000) are currently being audited by the IRS or any other applicable Governmental Authority, and any assessments or threatened assessments in connection with such audit, or otherwise currently outstanding. Except as described in Schedule 6.11 , as of the Closing Date, no Issuer has executed or filed with the IRS or any other Governmental Authority any agreement or other document extending, or having the effect of extending, the period for assessment or collection of any Charges. None of the Issuers and their respective predecessors are liable for any material Charges of any other Person: (a) under any agreement (including any tax sharing agreements) or (b) to each Issuer’s knowledge, as a transferee. As of the Closing Date, no Issuer has agreed or been requested to make any adjustment under Code Section 481(a), by reason of a change in accounting method or otherwise, which would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

6.12. ERISA .

 

6.12.1. Schedule 6.12 lists, as of the Closing Date, (i) all ERISA Affiliates and (ii) all Plans and separately identifies all Pension Plans, including Title IV Plans, Multiemployer Plans, and all Retiree Welfare Plans. Copies of all such listed Plans, together with a copy of the latest form IRS/DOL 5500-series, as applicable, for each such Plan, have been delivered to the Agent. To the Issuers’ knowledge, only with respect to Multiemployer Plans, each Qualified Plan has either been determined by the IRS to qualify under Section 401 of the Code, or the Issuers may rely to establish such qualification on an opinion letter issued to the prototype plan sponsor, and nothing has occurred that would cause the loss of such protection, qualification, reliance or tax-exempt status. To the Issuers’ knowledge only with respect to Multiemployer Plans,

 

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except as set forth in Schedule 6.12 , each Plan is in compliance in all material respects with the applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code and its terms, including the timely filing of all reports required under the Code or ERISA. To the Issuer’ knowledge only with respect to (A) Multiemployer Plans and (B) the actions or omissions of independent third parties, except as set forth in Schedule 6.12 , neither any Issuer nor ERISA Affiliate has failed to make any material contribution or pay any material amount due as required by either Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA or the terms of any such Plan. To the Issuers’ knowledge only with respect to Multiemployer Plans, no “prohibited transaction,” as defined in Section 406 of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code, has occurred with respect to any Plan, that would subject any Issuer to a material tax on prohibited transactions imposed by Section 502(i) of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code.

 

6.12.2. Except as set forth in Schedule 6.12 as of the Closing Date: (i) no Title IV Plan has any material Unfunded Pension Liability, and no Issuer or ERISA Affiliate has any liability or contingent liability with respect to any Title IV Plan; (ii) to the Issuers’ knowledge only with respect to Multiemployer Plans, except for events taking place on or before the Closing Date solely as part of the Plan of Reorganization, no ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur; (iii) to the Issuers’ knowledge only with respect to Multiemployer Plans, there are no pending, or to the knowledge of any Issuer, threatened unfunded liabilities, material claims (other than claims for benefits in the normal course and claims in the Chapter 11 Case), sanctions, actions or lawsuits, asserted or instituted against any Plan or any Person as fiduciary or sponsor of any Plan; and (iv) no Issuer or ERISA Affiliate reasonably expects to incur any material liability as a result of a complete or partial withdrawal from a Multiemployer Plan.

 

6.12.3. Schedule 6.12 lists, as of the Closing Date, all Benefit Settlement Plans. Neither any Issuer nor any ERISA Affiliate has failed to comply in any material respect with the terms of any Benefit Plan Settlement applicable to it, and there are no pending, or to the knowledge of any Issuer, threatened material claims, sanctions, actions or lawsuits asserted against any Issuer or any ERISA Affiliate for alleged failure to comply with the terms of any Benefit Plan Settlement.

 

6.13. No Litigation . No action, claim, lawsuit, demand, investigation or proceeding is now pending or, to the knowledge of any Issuer, threatened against any Issuer, before any Governmental Authority or before any arbitrator or panel of arbitrators (collectively, “ Litigation ”), (a) that challenges any Issuer’s right or power to enter into or perform any of its obligations under the Second Lien Credit Documents to which it is a party, or the validity or enforceability of any Second Lien Credit Document, or (b) that has a reasonable risk of being determined adversely to any Issuer and that, if so determined, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as set forth on Schedule 6.13 , as of the Closing Date there is no Litigation pending or, to any Issuer’s knowledge, threatened, that seeks damages in excess of $500,000 or injunctive relief against, or alleges criminal misconduct of, any Issuer.

 

6.14. Brokers . Except as set forth on Schedule 6.14 , no broker or finder brought about the issuance and purchase of the Notes or the Related Transactions, and no Issuer or Affiliate thereof has any obligation to any Person in respect of any finder’s or brokerage fees in connection therewith.

 

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6.15. Intellectual Property . As of the Closing Date, each Issuer owns or has rights to use all material Intellectual Property necessary to continue to conduct its business as now conducted by it or presently proposed to be conducted by it, and each material Patent, Trademark, Copyright and License (other than readily available, mass-marketed, “off the shelf” Intellectual Property) is listed, together with application or registration numbers, as applicable, in Schedule 6.15 . Each Issuer conducts its business and affairs without infringement of or interference with any Intellectual Property of any other Person in any material respect. Except as set forth in Schedule 6.15 , no Issuer is aware of any material infringement claim by any other Person with respect to any Intellectual Property.

 

6.16. Full Disclosure . No information contained in this Agreement, any of the other Second Lien Credit Documents, Financial Statements or other written reports (other than the Projections) from time to time prepared by any Issuer and delivered hereunder or any written statement prepared by any Issuer and furnished by or on behalf of any Issuer to the Agent or any Purchaser pursuant to the terms of this Agreement contains or will contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omits or will omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements contained herein or therein not misleading in any material respect in light of the circumstances under which they were made.

 

6.17. Environmental Matters .

 

6.17.1. Except as set forth in Schedule 6.17 and except as could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, as of the Closing Date: (i) the Real Estate is free of contamination from any Hazardous Material except for such contamination that would not adversely impact the value or marketability of such Real Estate and that would not result in Environmental Liabilities; (ii) no Issuer has caused or suffered to occur any Release of Hazardous Materials on, at, in, under, above, to, from or about any of its Real Estate; (iii) the Issuers are and have been in compliance with all Environmental Laws, except for such noncompliance that would not result in Environmental Liabilities; (iv) the Issuers have obtained, and are in compliance with, all Environmental Permits required by Environmental Laws for the operations of their respective businesses as presently conducted or as proposed to be conducted, except where the failure to so obtain or comply with such Environmental Permits would not result in Environmental Liabilities, and all such Environmental Permits are valid, uncontested and in good standing; (v) no Issuer is involved in operations or knows of any facts, circumstances or conditions, including any Releases of Hazardous Materials, that are likely to result in any Environmental Liabilities of such Issuer; (vi) there is no Litigation arising under or related to any Environmental Laws, Environmental Permits or Hazardous Material that seeks damages, penalties, fines, costs or expenses or injunctive relief against, or that alleges criminal misconduct by, any Issuer; (vii) no notice has been received by any Issuer identifying it as a “potentially responsible party” or requesting information under CERCLA or analogous state statutes, and to the knowledge of the Issuers, there are no facts, circumstances or conditions that may result in any Issuer being identified as a “potentially responsible party” under CERCLA or analogous state statutes; and (viii) the Issuers have provided to the Agent copies of all existing environmental reports, reviews and audits and all written information pertaining to actual or potential Environmental Liabilities, in each case relating to any Issuer.

 

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6.17.2. Each Issuer hereby acknowledges and agrees that the Agent (i) is not now, and has not ever been, in control of any of the Real Estate or any Issuer’s affairs, and (ii) does not have the capacity through the provisions of the Second Lien Credit Documents or otherwise to influence any Issuer’s conduct with respect to the ownership, operation or management of any of its Real Estate or compliance with Environmental Laws or Environmental Permits.

 

6.18. Insurance . Schedule 6.18 lists all insurance policies of any nature maintained, as of the Closing Date, for current occurrences by each Issuer, as well as a summary of the terms of each such policy.

 

6.19. Deposit and Disbursement Accounts . Schedule 6.19 lists all banks and other financial institutions at which any Issuer maintains deposit or other accounts as of the Closing Date, including any Disbursement Accounts, Canadian Disbursement Accounts, payroll accounts, petty cash accounts and the Tax Trust Accounts, and such Schedule correctly identifies the name, address and telephone number of each depository, the name in which the account is held, a description of the purpose of the account, and the complete account number therefor.

 

6.20. Solvency . After giving effect to (a) issuance and purchase of the Notes on the Closing Date or any Additional Notes subsequently issued, (b) the disbursement of the proceeds of such issuance and purchase pursuant to the instructions of the Issuer Representative; (c) the Refinancing and the consummation of the other Related Transactions; and (d) the payment and accrual of all transaction costs in connection with the foregoing, (i) each Issuer (other than Subsidiaries of Core-Mark International, Inc.) will be Solvent, (ii) each Issuer (after excluding consideration of certain intercompany liabilities owed by Subsidiaries of Core-Mark International, Inc. that are subordinated to the Note Obligations) will be Solvent, and (iii) the Issuers, on a consolidated basis, will be Solvent.

 

6.21. Bonding; Licenses . Except as set forth on Schedule 6.21 , as of the Closing Date, no Issuer is a party to or bound by any surety bond agreement or binding requirement with respect to products or services sold by it or any trademark or patent license agreement with respect to products sold by it.

 

6.22. First Lien Debt and Subordinated Debt . As of the Closing Date, the Issuers have delivered to each of the Purchasers and Agent a complete and correct copy of the First Lien Credit Documents and the Subordinated Debt Documents (including all schedules, exhibits, amendments, supplements, modifications, assignments and all other documents delivered pursuant thereto or in connection therewith). Each of the Issuers has the corporate power and authority to incur the Indebtedness evidenced by the First Lien Credit Documents and the Subordinated Debt Documents. All Note Obligations constitute senior Indebtedness entitled to the benefits of the subordination provisions contained in the Holdings Guarantees and the other Subordinated Debt Documents. The Issuers acknowledge that Agent and each Purchaser is entering into this Agreement and purchasing the Notes in reliance upon the subordination provisions of the Subordinated Debt Documents and this Section 6.22.

 

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6.23. Status of Holdings . Prior to the Closing Date, Holdings will not have engaged in any business or incurred any Indebtedness or any other liabilities (except in connection with its corporate formation, the Holdings Guaranties, the Documents and this Agreement).

 

6.24. Transfer of Assets of Debtors to Issuers under the Plan of Reorganization . As of the Closing Date, no non-Issuer Debtor, other than Fleming Companies, Inc., has transferred any assets or other property to the Issuers under or pursuant to the Plan of Reorganization, and any assets and property transferred from Fleming Companies, Inc. to the Issuers are free and clear of all Liens, except for Permitted Encumbrances.

 

6.25. Capitalization . After giving effect to the Effective Date and the Closing hereunder, the authorized capital stock of Holdings will consist of 50,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $.01 (“ Common Stock ”), of which 10,000,000 shares will be issued and outstanding following the issuance of the shares of Common Stock contemplated to be effected on, or as soon as practicable after, the Effective Date. Except as set forth on Schedule 6.25 , immediately following the Closing, there will be no other outstanding options, warrants, rights (including conversion or preemptive rights) to acquire any capital stock or other equity securities of Holdings (whether from Holdings or from any holder of equity securities) or voting agreements with respect to equity of Holdings, nor has Holdings authorized any such right, nor is Holdings obligated in any other manner to issue shares of its capital stock or other equity securities. On a fully diluted basis, the Warrants represent not less than 2.0% of the fully diluted Common Stock of Holdings, considering the shares of Common Stock contemplated to be issued pursuant to the Plan of Reorganization and assuming full exercise of all options, warrants and other rights outstanding or contemplated as of the Closing.

 

6.26. Private Placement . Assuming the truth and accuracy of the Purchasers’ representations set forth in ARTICLE 5 of this Agreement, the offer, sale and issuance of the Securities as contemplated by this Agreement is exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. Neither Holdings nor any authorized agent acting on behalf of it will take any action hereafter that would cause the loss of such exemption.

 

ARTICLE 7

CONDITIONS TO THE INITIAL CLOSING

 

The obligation of each Purchaser to purchase and pay for the Securities to be issued on the Closing Date, the LC Issuer to issue the Specified LCs and the Agent to serve as Agent hereunder and under the Second Lien Credit Documents are subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the following conditions, each as of the Closing Date:

 

7.1. Representations and Warranties; No Default . All representations and warranties of the Issuers contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all respects, and there shall exist no Default or Event of Default as of the Closing Date, including after giving effect to the issuance of the Securities, the execution of the First Lien Credit Documents, the execution of the Subordinated Debt Documents and the other transactions contemplated herein and therein.

 

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7.2. Documents Satisfactory; Transactions Consummated .

 

7.2.1. The First Lien Credit Agreement, which shall include a revolving facility of at least $250,000,000, shall have been executed in accordance with its terms and the terms of the First Lien Credit Documents and all applicable laws, and each of the conditions precedent to the consummation thereof (including, without limitation, the accuracy in all material respects of the representations and warranties contained in the First Lien Credit Agreement and in the First Lien Credit Documents) shall have been satisfied or waived. The Issuers shall have a minimum of $10,000,000 of availability under such revolving facility immediately after giving effect to the Closing and the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

7.2.2. The Bankruptcy Court shall have entered a final order in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Purchasers which confirms the Plan of Reorganization with only such changes from the proposed Plan of Reorganization as filed with the Bankruptcy Court on May 11, 2004 as are reasonably satisfactory to the Purchasers (the “ Confirmation Order ”). The Confirmation Order shall not have been supplemented, modified or stayed by the Bankruptcy Court or any other court having jurisdiction to issue any such stay, and shall have been entered upon proper notice to all parties to be bound by the Reorganization Plan, as may be required by the Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Rules (including any applicable local bankruptcy rules), and any order of the Bankruptcy Court. All transactions contemplated or required under the Plan of Reorganization to occur on or before the Effective Date shall have been effected. Moreover, the time to appeal the Confirmation Order or to seek review, rehearing, or certiorari with respect to the Confirmation Order shall have expired, no appeal or petition for review, rehearing, or certiorari with respect to the Confirmation Order shall be pending, and the Confirmation Order shall otherwise be a final, non-appealable order in full force and effect.

 

7.2.3. The Confirmation Recognition Order shall have been entered by the Canadian Court, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Agent (the “Confirmation Recognition Order”). The Confirmation Recognition Order shall not have been supplemented, modified or stayed by the Canadian Court or any other court having jurisdiction to issue any such stay.

 

7.2.4. The Agent shall have received a fully executed copy (with originals thereof to follow to the Agent via overnight courier) of a pay-off letter reasonably satisfactory to the Agent confirming that all of the Prior Lender Obligations will be repaid in full from the proceeds of the initial advances under the First Lien Facility and the proceeds of the Notes to be issued at Closing and all Liens upon any of the property of the Issuers or any of their Subsidiaries in favor of Prior Lenders shall be terminated, immediately upon such payment from the proceeds of the initial advances under the First Lien Facility and the proceeds of the Notes issued at Closing.

 

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7.3. Delivery of Documents . The Purchasers shall have received the following items, each of which shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Purchasers, the Agent and the LC Issuer and, unless otherwise noted, dated the Closing Date:

 

7.3.1. True and correct executed copies of the First Lien Credit Documents, the Second Lien Credit Documents (including the originally executed Notes and Warrants), the Subordinated Debt Documents and the other Documents, all containing terms reasonably satisfactory to the Purchasers. Without limiting the foregoing, the obligors with respect to the First Lien Debt shall be Issuers hereunder, the subordination or intercreditor arrangements benefiting the First Lien Debt (other than the Intercreditor Agreement) shall be substantially identical to those benefiting the Note Obligations and, subject to the Intercreditor Agreement, the collateral documentation securing the First Lien Debt shall be substantially the same as the collateral documentation securing the Note Obligations.

 

7.3.2. Resolutions of the board of directors of each Issuer approving, to the extent applicable, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and approving and authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of each Document to which it is a party and approving and authorizing the issuance and sale of the Securities and the execution, delivery and payment of the Securities, in each case, certified as of the Closing Date by its secretary or an assistant secretary as being in full force and effect without modification or amendment.

 

7.3.3. A copy of a certificate of the Secretary of State of the state of organization of each Issuer dated as of a recent date prior to the Closing Date, listing all Charter Documents of such Issuer on file with such secretary of state, including any amendments thereto, and certified copies of all such Charter Documents and certifying that (a) such copies are true and correct copies of the Charter Documents, (b) the amendments listed in such certificate are the only amendments to such Charter Documents on file with such secretary of state, (c) such Issuer has paid all franchise taxes due as of the date of such certificate, if available, and (d) if applicable, such Issuer is duly incorporated and in good standing under the laws of the applicable state.

 

7.3.4. A certificate of each Issuer signed on each of their behalf by its secretary or an assistant secretary, dated the Closing Date (the statements made in which certificate shall be true on and as of such date) certifying as to (a) the absence of any amendment to the Charter Documents of such Issuer since the date of the secretary of state’s certificate referred to in Section 7.3.3 above, (b) if applicable, each of its bylaws or operating agreement as in effect on the Closing Date (which shall be satisfactory to the Purchasers in all respects), and (c) the absence of any change in the due incorporation and good standing of such Issuer under the laws of the applicable state or such other jurisdiction since the date of the secretary of state’s certificate referred to in Section 7.3.3 above and the absence of any proceeding for the dissolution or liquidation of such Issuer.

 

7.3.5. A certificate of the secretary or an assistant secretary of each Issuer certifying as to the names and true signatures of the officers of such entity executing the Second Lien Credit Documents to which it is a party.

 

7.3.6. Duly executed originals of opinions of (a) Kirkland & Ellis LLP, counsel for the Issuers, and (b) Goodmans LLP, Canadian counsel to the Issuers, together with any other local counsel opinions (including opinion(s) of counsel delivered by or on

 

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behalf of the Issuers in respect of the First Lien Facility closing) reasonably requested by the Agent, each in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agent and its counsel, dated the Closing Date, and, in the case of the opinion(s) of counsel delivered by or on behalf of the Issuers in respect of the First Lien Facility closing, reliance language or a reliance letter allowing the Agent, the LC Issuer and the Purchasers to rely on such opinion.

 

7.3.7. A certificate of a Responsible Officer of each Issuer, dated as of the Closing Date, certifying that the conditions specified in Sections 7.1, 7.6, 7.7 and 7.9 have been fulfilled.

 

7.3.8. Such other certificates and documents as the Purchasers may reasonably request in order to evidence the satisfaction of the foregoing conditions and the completion of legal matters incident to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to them.

 

7.4. No Material Adverse Change, etc . The following conditions are satisfied: (a) there shall have been no material adverse change in the business, assets, financial conditions, income or prospects of Holdings and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, since November 1, 2003, (b) there shall have been no material misstatements in or omissions from the materials that have previously been, or may hereafter be, furnished by the Issuers and their Affiliates to the Purchasers for their review, (c) the Purchasers shall be reasonably satisfied with the financial results of Holdings and its Subsidiaries for the period from December 1, 2003 through the Closing, including that such financial results are consistent in all material respects with the income statement projections for Holdings and its Subsidiaries that were provided to certain Purchasers on March 25, 2004, (d) there shall have been no material adverse change in governmental regulation or policy affecting any Purchaser or the LC Issuer which in the reasonable judgment of each Purchaser and the LC Issuer, makes it impracticable to proceed with the transactions contemplated hereby, and (e) there shall have been no material adverse change in financial, banking or capital markets since the date of the Put Agreement which in the reasonable judgment of the Purchasers makes it impracticable to proceed with the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

7.5. Corporate/Capital Structure . The Purchasers shall be satisfied with the ownership, corporate and legal structure and capitalization of each Issuer, including, without limitation, the terms and conditions of any capital stock, options, warrants or other securities issued by such Issuer and any agreements related thereto, including the First Lien Credit Documents and the Subordinated Debt Documents.

 

7.6. Authorizations, Consents and Approvals . Each Issuer shall have received any and all necessary authorizations, consents and approvals and shall have made any and all filings and shall have satisfied all applicable waiting periods necessary in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

7.7. Litigation . There shall exist no action, suit, investigation, litigation or proceeding affecting any Issuer or any of its respective properties pending or threatened before any court, governmental agency or arbitrator that (a) could have a Material Adverse Effect on the rights or

 

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remedies of the Purchasers hereunder, or on the ability of such Issuer to perform its respective obligations with respect to the Second Lien Credit Documents or (b) challenges the legality, validity or enforceability of the First Lien Credit Documents, the Second Lien Credit Documents, the Subordinated Debt Documents, the Securities, any other Document or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. No order, judgment or decree of any court, arbitrator or governmental authority shall enjoin or restrain the Purchasers from acquiring the Securities.

 

7.8. Other Fees and Expenses; Initial Put Consideration . On the Closing Date, all fees and expenses payable pursuant to the Fee Letter, the Put Letter or Section 16.1, including the Initial Put Consideration, shall have been paid in full.

 

7.9. No Violation of Regulations T, U or X . The issuance of the Securities shall not violate Regulations T, U or X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve Board.

 

ARTICLE 8

CONDITIONS TO SUBSEQUENT CLOSINGS

 

8.1. Conditions to Purchase of Additional Notes pursuant to Section 3.6 . The obligation of each Purchaser to purchase and pay for any Additional Notes to be issued pursuant to Section 3.6 is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the following conditions, each as of the date of issuance of such Additional Notes:

 

8.1.1. Representations and Warranties; No Default . All representations and warranties of the Issuers contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects, and there shall exist no Default or Event of Default, including after giving effect to the issuance of Additional Notes.

 

8.1.2. No First Lien Credit Agreement or Subordinated Debt Agreement Default . Each of the First Lien Credit Agreement and the Subordinated Debt Agreement shall continue to be in full force and effect and no default or event of default shall be continuing thereunder.

 

8.1.3. Delivery of Documents . The Issuers shall have delivered to the Agent and/or the Purchasers, as applicable, (a) the notice required by Section 3.6, (b) executed originals of the Additional Notes to be issued on such date, (c) resolutions authorizing the issuance of the Additional Notes by each Issuer and (d) a certificate of a Responsible Officer of each Issuer certifying that the conditions specified in Sections 8.1.1, 8.1.2 and 8.1.4 have been satisfied.

 

8.1.4. Litigation . There shall exist no action, suit, investigation, litigation or proceeding affecting any Issuer or any of its respective properties pending or threatened before any court, governmental agency or arbitrator that (a) could have a Material Adverse Effect on the rights or remedies of the Purchasers hereunder, or on the ability of such Issuer to perform its respective obligations with respect to the Second Lien Credit Documents or (b) challenges the legality, validity or enforceability of the First Lien Credit Documents, the Second Lien Credit Documents, the Subordinated Debt Documents, the Securities, any other Document or the consummation of the transactions

 

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contemplated hereby and thereby. No order, judgment or decree of any court, arbitrator or governmental authority shall enjoin or restrain the Purchasers from acquiring the Additional Notes to be purchased on such date.

 

8.1.5. Fees and Expenses . All expenses of the Agent or the Purchasers payable pursuant to Section 16.1 or the Fee Letter shall have been paid to the extent invoiced as of such date.

 

ARTICLE 9

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND INFORMATION

 

9.1. Reports and Notices .

 

9.1.1. Each Issuer hereby agrees that from and after the Closing Date and until the Termination Date, it shall deliver to the Agent or to the Agent and Purchasers, as required, the Financial Statements, notices, Projections and other information at the times, to the Persons and in the manner set forth in Annex B .

 

9.1.2. Each Issuer hereby agrees that, from and after the Closing Date and until the Termination Date, it shall deliver to the Agent the various Collateral Reports at the times, to the Persons and in the manner set forth in Annex C .

 

9.2. Communication with Accountants . Each Issuer authorizes (a) the Agent (provided that the Agent provides prior notice to the Issuer Representative of any such communications and the Issuer Representative is afforded a reasonable opportunity to be present during any such communications (it being understood that the Issuer Representative’s failure to be present shall not affect the Agent’s rights hereunder)) and (b) so long as an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, each Purchaser, to communicate directly with its independent certified public accountants, if any, and authorizes and shall instruct those accountants and advisors to communicate to the Agent and each Purchaser information relating to any Issuer with respect to the business, results of operations and financial condition of any Issuer.

 

ARTICLE 10

AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

 

Each Issuer jointly and severally agrees as to all Issuers that from and after the date hereof and until the Termination Date:

 

10.1. Maintenance of Existence and Conduct of Business . Each Issuer shall (a) do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its corporate existence and its material rights and franchises; (b) continue to conduct its business substantially as now conducted or as otherwise permitted hereunder; (c) at all times maintain, preserve and protect all of its assets and properties used or useful in the conduct of its business, and keep the same in working order and condition in all material respects (taking into consideration ordinary wear and tear) and from time to time make, or cause to be made, all necessary or appropriate repairs, replacements and improvements thereto consistent with industry practices; and (d) transact business only in such corporate and trade names as are set forth in Schedule 6.1 or Schedule 10.1 .

 

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10.2. Payment of Charges .

 

10.2.1. Subject to Section 10.2.2 and except as provided in the Plan of Reorganization, each Issuer shall pay and discharge or cause to be paid and discharged promptly all material Charges payable by it, including, to the extent material, (i) Charges imposed upon it, its income and profits, or any of its property (real, personal or mixed) and all Charges with respect to tax, social security and unemployment withholding with respect to its employees, (ii) lawful claims for labor, materials, supplies and services or otherwise, and (iii) all storage or rental charges payable to warehousemen or bailees, in each case, before any thereof shall become past due.

 

10.2.2. Each Issuer may in good faith contest, by appropriate proceedings, the validity or amount of any Charges, Taxes or claims described in Section 10.2.1; provided , that (i) adequate reserves with respect to such contest are maintained on the books of such Issuer, in accordance with GAAP; (ii) no Lien shall be imposed to secure payment of such Charges (other than payments to warehousemen and/or bailees pursuant to Liens that are permitted under clause (e) of the definition of Permitted Encumbrances) that is superior to any of the Liens securing the Note Obligations and such contest is maintained and prosecuted continuously and with diligence and operates to suspend collection or enforcement of such Charges; (iii) none of the Collateral becomes subject to forfeiture or loss as a result of such contest and (iv) such Issuer shall promptly pay or discharge such contested Charges, Taxes or claims and all additional charges, interest, penalties and expenses, if any, and shall deliver to the Agent evidence reasonably acceptable to the Agent of such compliance, payment or discharge, if such contest is terminated or discontinued adversely to such Issuer or the conditions set forth in this Section 10.2.2 are no longer met.

 

10.3. Books and Records; Access .

 

10.3.1. Each Issuer shall keep adequate books and records with respect to its business activities in which proper entries, reflecting all financial transactions, are made in accordance with GAAP and on a basis consistent with the Financial Statements attached as Schedule 6.4.1 .

 

10.3.2. Each Issuer shall, during normal business hours, from time to time upon three Business Days’ prior notice as frequently as the Agent reasonably determines to be appropriate: (a) provide the Agent and any of its officers, employees and agents reasonable access to its properties, facilities, advisors, officers and employees of each Issuer and to the Collateral, (b) permit the Agent, and any of its officers, employees and agents, to inspect, audit and make extracts from any Issuer’s books and records, and (c) permit the Agent, and its officers, employees and agents, to inspect, review, evaluate and make test verifications and counts of the Accounts, Inventory and other Collateral of any Issuer. If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, each such Issuer shall provide such access to the Agent and to the LC Issuer and each Purchaser at all times and without advance notice. Furthermore, so long as any Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Issuers shall provide the Agent, the LC Issuer and each Purchaser with reasonable access to their suppliers and customers. Each Issuer shall make available to

 

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the Agent and its counsel reasonably promptly originals or copies of all books and records that the Agent may reasonably request. Each Issuer shall deliver any document or instrument necessary for the Agent, as it may from time to time reasonably request, to obtain records from any service bureau or other Person that maintains records for such Issuer, and shall maintain duplicate records or supporting documentation on media, including computer tapes and discs owned by such Issuer. The Agent will give the LC Issuer and the Purchasers at least five Business Days’ prior written notice of regularly scheduled audits. Representatives of the LC Issuer and/or any Purchaser may accompany the Agent’s representatives on regularly scheduled audits at no charge to the Issuers.

 

10.4. Insurance; Damage to or Destruction of Collateral .

 

10.4.1. The Issuers shall, at their sole cost and expense, maintain the policies of insurance described on Schedule 6.18  (or substantially similar replacement policies) as in effect on the date hereof or otherwise in form and amounts and with insurers reasonably acceptable to the Agent. Such policies of insurance (or the loss payable and additional insured endorsements delivered to the Agent) shall contain provisions pursuant to which the insurer agrees to provide 30 days’ prior written notice to the Agent in the event of any non-renewal, cancellation or material amendment of any such insurance policy. If any Issuer at any time or times hereafter shall fail to obtain or maintain any of the policies of insurance required above, or to pay all premiums relating thereto, upon notice to the Issuer Representative, the Agent may at any time or times thereafter obtain and maintain such policies of insurance and pay such premiums and take any other action with respect thereto that the Agent deems advisable. The Agent shall have no obligation to obtain insurance for any Issuer or pay any premiums therefor. By doing so, the Agent shall not be deemed to have waived any Default or Event of Default arising from any Issuer’s failure to maintain such insurance or pay any premiums therefor. All sums so disbursed, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, court costs and other charges related thereto, shall be payable on demand by Issuers to the Agent and shall be additional Note Obligations hereunder secured by the Collateral.

 

10.4.2. The Agent reserves the right at any time upon any material change in any Issuer’s risk profile (including any change in the product mix maintained by any Issuer or any laws affecting the potential liability of such Issuer) to require additional forms and limits of insurance to, in the Agent’s Permitted Discretion, adequately protect both the Agent’s and Purchaser’s interests in all or any portion of the Collateral and to ensure that each Issuer is protected by insurance in amounts and with such coverage as is customary for its industry. If reasonably requested by the Agent, each Issuer shall deliver to the Agent from time to time a report of a reputable insurance broker, reasonably satisfactory to the Agent, with respect to its insurance policies.

 

10.4.3. Each Issuer shall deliver to the Agent, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agent, endorsements to (i) all “All Risk” and business interruption insurance naming the Agent, on behalf of itself, the LC Issuer and the Purchasers, as loss payee with respect to the insured subject-matter, and (ii) all general liability and other liability policies naming the Agent, on behalf of itself, the LC Issuer (to the extent permitted under applicable law and insurance regulations) and the Purchasers, as

 

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additional insured with respect to the insured subject-matter. The Issuer Representative shall promptly notify the Agent of any loss, damage, or destruction to the Collateral in the aggregate amount of $1,000,000 or more, whether or not covered by insurance (it being understood that the Issuers shall have no obligation to aggregate the amount of any single loss, damage or destruction to the Collateral in an amount less than $50,000).

 

10.5. Compliance with Benefit Plan Settlements and Laws . Each Issuer shall comply with all Benefit Plan Settlements and all federal, state, provincial local and foreign laws and regulations applicable to it, including those relating to PACA, ERISA, labor laws, and Environmental Laws and Environmental Permits, except to the extent that the failure to comply, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

10.6. Supplemental Disclosure . From time to time as may be reasonably requested by the Agent (which request will not be made more frequently than once each year absent the occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default) or at Issuers’ election, the Issuer shall supplement each Disclosure Schedule hereto, or any representation herein or in any other Second Lien Credit Document, with respect to any matter hereafter arising that, if existing or occurring at the date of this Agreement, would have been required to be set forth or described in such Disclosure Schedule or as an exception to such representation or that is necessary to correct any information in such Disclosure Schedule or representation which has been rendered inaccurate thereby (and, in the case of any supplements to any Disclosure Schedule, such Disclosure Schedule shall be appropriately marked to show the changes made therein); provided that (a) no such supplement to any such Disclosure Schedule or representation shall amend, supplement or otherwise modify any Disclosure Schedule or representation, except as consented to by the Agent in writing; provided that any such supplement to any Disclosure Schedule or representation which constitutes (or, in the Agent’s reasonable discretion, may be deemed) a waiver of any Default or Event of Default resulting from the matters disclosed therein shall require the prior written consent of the Agent and the Required Purchasers, and (b) no supplement shall be required or permitted as to representations and warranties that relate solely to the Closing Date.

 

10.7. Intellectual Property . Each Issuer will conduct its business and affairs without infringement of or interference with any Intellectual Property of any other Person in any material respect and shall comply in all material respects with the terms of its Licenses.

 

10.8. Environmental Matters . Except as could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, each Issuer shall and shall cause each Person within its control to: (a) conduct its operations and keep and maintain its Real Estate in compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws and Environmental Permits; (b) implement any and all investigation, remediation, removal and response actions that are appropriate or necessary to maintain the value of the Real Estate or to otherwise comply with Environmental Laws and Environmental Permits pertaining to the presence, generation, treatment, storage, use, disposal, transportation or Release of any Hazardous Material on, at, in, under, above, to, from or about any of its Real Estate; (c) notify the Agent promptly after such Issuer becomes aware of any violation of Environmental Laws or Environmental Permits or any Release on, at, in, under, above, to, from or about any Real Estate; and (d) promptly forward to the Agent a copy of any order, notice, request for

 

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information or any communication or report received by such Issuer in connection with any such violation or Release or any other matter relating to any Environmental Laws or Environmental Permits, in each case whether or not the Environmental Protection Agency or any Governmental Authority has taken or threatened any action in connection with any such violation, Release or other matter. If the Agent at any time has a reasonable basis to believe that there may be a violation of any Environmental Laws or Environmental Permits by any Issuer or any Environmental Liability arising thereunder, or a Release of Hazardous Materials on, at, in, under, above, to, from or about any of its Real Estate, that, in each case, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, then each Issuer shall, upon the Agent’s written request (i) cause the performance of such environmental audits including subsurface sampling of soil and groundwater, and preparation of such environmental reports, at Issuers’ expense, as the Agent may from time to time reasonably request, which shall be conducted by reputable environmental consulting firms reasonably acceptable to the Agent and shall be in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Agent, or (ii) permit the Agent or its representatives to have access to all Real Estate for the purpose of conducting such environmental audits and testing as the Agent reasonably deems appropriate, including subsurface sampling of soil and groundwater. The Issuers shall reimburse the Agent for the reasonable costs of such audits and tests and the same will constitute a part of the Note Obligations secured hereunder.

 

10.9. Landlords’ Agreements, Mortgagee Agreements, Bailee Letters and Real Estate Purchases . As reasonably requested by the Agent and to the extent not otherwise addressed to the Agent’s reasonable satisfaction in the Confirmation Order or the Confirmation Recognition Order, as applicable, each Issuer shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain a landlord’s agreement, mortgagee agreement or bailee letter, as applicable, from the lessor of each leased property, mortgagee of owned property or bailee with respect to any warehouse, processor or converter facility or other location where Collateral having an aggregate fair market value of at least $100,000 is stored or located, which agreement or letter shall contain a waiver or subordination of all Liens or claims that the landlord, mortgagee or bailee may assert against the Collateral at that location, and shall otherwise be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Agent; provided , that to the extent that any such agreement or letter is provided for the benefit of the First Lien Agent it shall be required to be provided to the Agent in substantially similar form. After the Closing Date, no real property or warehouse space shall be leased by any Issuer and no Inventory having an aggregate fair market value of more than $100,000 shall be shipped to a processor or converter under arrangements established after the Closing Date without the prior written consent of the Agent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld) or, unless and until a reasonably satisfactory landlord agreement or bailee letter, as appropriate, shall first have been obtained with respect to such location. Each Issuer shall timely and fully pay and perform its material obligations under all leases and other agreements with respect to each leased location or public warehouse where any Collateral having an aggregate fair market value of at least $100,000 is or may be located. To the extent otherwise permitted hereunder, if any Issuer proposes to acquire a fee ownership interest in Real Estate after the Closing Date, it shall first provide to the Agent a mortgage or deed of trust granting the Agent a Lien on such Real Estate (subject in priority only to the Liens securing the First Lien Facility) together with environmental audits, mortgage title insurance commitment, real property survey, local counsel opinion(s), and, if required by the Agent, supplemental casualty insurance and flood insurance, and such other documents, instruments or agreements reasonably requested by the Agent, in each case, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agent.

 

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10.10. Auditor . Issuers shall continue to engage Burr, Pilger & Mayer LLP, a “big four” accounting firm, or another auditor, reasonably satisfactory to the Required Purchasers.

 

10.11. Foreign Assets Control Regulations . Each Issuer is and will remain in full compliance with all foreign asset control and bank secrecy laws and regulations applicable to it (i) ensuring that no person who owns a controlling interest in or otherwise controls such Issuer is or shall be (A) listed on the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Person List maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (“ OFAC ”), Department of the Treasury, and/or any other similar lists maintained by OFAC pursuant to any authorizing statute, Executive Order or regulation or (B) a person designated under Section 1(b), (c) or (d) of Executive Order No. 13224 (September 23, 2001), any related enabling legislation or any other similar Executive Orders, and (ii) ensuring compliance with all applicable Bank Secrecy Act (“ BSA ”) laws, regulations and government guidance on BSA compliance and on the prevention and detection of money laundering violations.

 

10.12. Environmental Reports . Upon the request of the Agent in its Permitted Discretion, at any time following the Closing Date, the Issuers shall deliver to the Agent Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Reports, consistent with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard E 1527-94 and applicable state requirements, on all of the Mortgaged Properties, prepared by environmental engineers reasonably satisfactory to the Agent, all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agent; and upon such further request of the Agent in its Permitted Discretion, the Issuers shall deliver such environmental review and audit reports, including Phase II reports, with respect to the Mortgaged Properties as the Agent shall have requested, and the Agent shall be satisfied, in its sole discretion, with the contents of all such environmental reports. The Agent shall have received letters executed by the environmental firms preparing such environmental reports, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agent, authorizing the Agent, the LC Issuer and the Purchasers to rely on such reports.

 

10.13. Further Assurances . Each Issuer agrees that it shall and shall cause each other Issuer to, at such Issuer’s expense and upon the reasonable request of the Agent, duly execute and deliver, or cause to be duly executed and delivered, to the Agent such further instruments and do and cause to be done such further acts as may be reasonably necessary or proper in the reasonable opinion of the Agent to carry out more effectively the provisions and purposes of this Agreement and each Second Lien Credit Document.

 

10.14. Cash Management Systems . The Issuers will establish and maintain the Cash Management Systems.

 

ARTICLE 11

NEGATIVE COVENANTS

 

Each Issuer jointly and severally agrees as to all Issuers that from and after the date hereof until the Termination Date:

 

11.1. Mergers, Subsidiaries, Etc . No Issuer shall directly or indirectly, by operation of law or otherwise, (a) form or acquire any Subsidiary, or (b) merge with, consolidate with,

 

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acquire all or substantially all of the assets or Stock of, or otherwise combine with or acquire, any Person, except that any Issuer may merge with another Issuer, provided that the Issuer Representative shall be the survivor of any such merger to which it is a party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Issuer (other than Holdings) or Holdings (so long as contemporaneously therewith, all assets so acquired are transferred to one or more other Issuers) may acquire all or substantially all of the assets or Stock of any Person (the “ Target ”) (in each case, a “ Permitted Acquisition ”) subject to the satisfaction of each of the following conditions:

 

(a) the Agent and the Purchasers shall receive at least 30 Business Days’ prior written notice of such proposed Permitted Acquisition, which notice shall include a reasonably detailed description of such proposed Permitted Acquisition; provided that the Agent and the Purchasers shall have received at least 15 Business Days’ prior written notice (or such other period as may be consented to by the Required Purchasers) of any proposed Junior Permitted Acquisition only;

 

(b) such Permitted Acquisition shall only involve assets located in the United States or Canada and comprising a business, or those assets of a business, of the type engaged in by the Issuers as of the Closing Date, and which business would not subject any Second Lien Party to regulatory or third party approvals in connection with the exercise of its rights and remedies under this Agreement or any other Second Lien Credit Documents other than approvals applicable to the exercise of such rights and remedies with respect to the Issuers prior to such Permitted Acquisition;

 

(c) such Permitted Acquisition shall be consensual and shall have been approved by the Target’s board of directors, where applicable;

 

(d) no additional Indebtedness, Guaranteed Indebtedness, contingent obligations or other liabilities shall be incurred, assumed or otherwise be reflected on a consolidated balance sheet of the Issuers and, if applicable, Target after giving effect to such Permitted Acquisition, except (A) loans under the First Lien Facility in connection therewith and (B) ordinary course trade payables, accrued expenses and unsecured Indebtedness of the Target to the extent no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result after giving effect to such Permitted Acquisition;

 

(e) the sum of all amounts payable in connection with Permitted Acquisitions (including all transaction costs and all Indebtedness, liabilities and contingent obligations incurred or assumed in connection therewith or otherwise reflected in a consolidated balance sheet of the Issuers and Target) shall not exceed $10,000,000 in any one Permitted Acquisition and $30,000,000 in the aggregate for all such Permitted Acquisitions;

 

(f) for Permitted Acquisitions involving the acquisition of the Target’s Stock only, the Target shall not have incurred an operating loss for the trailing twelve-month period preceding the date of the Permitted Acquisition, as determined based upon the Target’s financial statements for its most recently

 

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completed fiscal year and its most recent interim financial period completed within 60 days prior to the date of consummation of such Permitted Acquisition;

 

(g) the business and assets acquired in such Permitted Acquisition shall be free and clear of all Liens (other than Permitted Encumbrances);

 

(h) at or prior to the closing of any Permitted Acquisition, the Agent will be granted a second priority (or first priority following payment in full of the First Lien Debt) perfected Lien (subject only to Permitted Encumbrances) in all assets acquired pursuant thereto or in the assets and Stock of the Target, and Holdings and the Issuers and the Target shall have executed such documents and taken such actions as may be required by the Agent in connection therewith;

 

(i) Concurrently with delivery of the notice referred to in clause (a) above, the Issuers shall have delivered to the Agent and the Purchasers, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agent:

 

(1) a pro forma consolidated balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement of the Issuers (the “ Acquisition Pro Forma ”), based on recent financial statements, which shall be complete and shall fairly present in all material respects the assets, liabilities, financial condition and results of operations of the Issuers in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, but taking into account such Permitted Acquisition and the funding of all loans under the First Lien Facility in connection therewith, and such Acquisition Pro Forma shall reflect that (x) on a pro forma basis, the Issuers would have had a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio not less than 1.00:1 for the four-quarter period reflected in the Compliance Certificate most recently delivered to Agent pursuant to Annex B prior to the consummation of such Permitted Acquisition (after giving effect to such Permitted Acquisition and all Loans funded in connection therewith as if made on the first day of such period), (y) average daily Aggregate Borrowing Availability (less $10,000,000 or such other amount as the Issuers may be required to maintain pursuant to Section 11.10, Annex D, clause (c) of this Agreement) of all Issuers for the 30-day period preceding the consummation of such Permitted Acquisition would have exceeded $25,000,000 on a pro forma basis (after giving effect to such Permitted Acquisition (other than any impact on the Revolver Borrowing Base and First Funded Revolver Borrowing Base) and all loans under the First Lien Facility funded in connection therewith as if made on the first day of such period) and (z) on a pro forma basis, no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result after giving effect to such Permitted Acquisition and the Issuers would have been in compliance with the financial covenants set forth in Annex D for the four quarter period reflected in the Compliance Certificate most recently delivered to the Agent pursuant to Annex B prior to the consummation of such Permitted Acquisition (after giving effect to such

 

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Permitted Acquisition and all loans under the First Lien Facility funded in connection therewith as if made on the first day of such period);

 

(2) updated versions of the most recently delivered Projections covering the 1-year period commencing on the date of such Permitted Acquisition and otherwise prepared in accordance with the Projections (the “ Acquisition Projections ”) and based upon historical financial data of a recent date reasonably satisfactory to the Agent, taking into account such Permitted Acquisition; and

 

(3) a certificate of the chief financial officer of the Issuer Representative to the effect that: (w) each Issuer (other than Subsidiaries of Core-Mark International, Inc.) (after taking into consideration all rights of contribution and indemnity such Issuer has against each other Issuer) will be Solvent upon the consummation of the Permitted Acquisition; (x) the Acquisition Pro Forma fairly presents the financial condition of the Issuers (on a consolidated basis) as of the date thereof after giving effect to the Permitted Acquisition; (y) the Acquisition Projections are reasonable estimates of the future financial performance of the Issuers subsequent to the date thereof based upon the historical performance of the Issuers and the Target and show that the Issuers shall continue to be in compliance with the financial covenants set forth in Annex D for the period until the Termination Date; and (z) the Issuers have completed their due diligence investigation with respect to the Target and such Permitted Acquisition, which investigation was conducted in a manner similar to that which would have been conducted by a prudent purchaser of a comparable business and the results of which investigation were delivered to the Agent and the Purchasers;

 

(j) on or prior to the date of such Permitted Acquisition, the Agent shall have received, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agent, copies of the acquisition agreement and related agreements and instruments, and all opinions, certificates, lien search results and other documents reasonably requested by the Agent including those specified in the last sentence of Section 10.9, if applicable; and

 

(k) at the time of such Permitted Acquisition and after giving effect thereto, no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, for Junior Permitted Acquisitions only, the Issuers shall not be required to comply with clauses (e), (f), (i)(1)(x), (i)(2) or (i)(3) above prior to consummating such Junior Permitted Acquisition (but shall, for the avoidance of doubt, be required to comply with all other conditions for a Permitted Acquisition set forth above).

 

11.2. Investments; Loans and Advances . Except as otherwise expressly permitted by this Section 11.2 and Section 11.4, no Issuer shall make or permit to exist any investment in, or make, accrue or permit to exist loans or advances of money to, any Person, through the direct or

 

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indirect lending of money, holding of securities or otherwise, except that: (a) Issuers may hold investments comprised of notes payable, or stock or other securities issued by Account Debtors to any Issuer pursuant to negotiated agreements with respect to settlement in the ordinary course of business of such Account Debtor’s Accounts (other than Accounts which were classified as Eligible Accounts within 30 days of such settlement on the most recently delivered Borrowing Base Certificate hereunder), so long as the aggregate amount of such Accounts so settled by Issuers does not exceed $300,000 per Account and $2,000,000 in the aggregate as to all Accounts (or such higher amounts as may be consented to by the Required Purchasers in their reasonable discretion), it being understood that the Issuers shall have no obligation to aggregate the amount of any settled Accounts which individually are less than $25,000, (b) each Issuer may make capital contributions to, and maintain its existing investments in its Subsidiaries (other than Excluded Subsidiaries), all of which are Issuers hereunder, and other investments described in reasonable detail on Schedule 11.2 as of the Closing Date, (c) any Issuer may make investments in the ordinary course of its business consistent with past practices consisting of advances, allowances and rebates to such Issuer’s customers, (d) Issuers may make investments in or loans to their customers, the terms of which shall not exceed sixty (60) months, in an amount not to exceed $2,000,000 at any time outstanding to any one customer or $5,000,000 at any time outstanding in the aggregate (or such higher amounts as may be consented to by the Required Purchasers in their reasonable discretion), (e) any Issuer may make investments in connection with transactions permitted under Section 11.17, (f) so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Issuers may make investments, subject to Control Letters in favor of the Agent for the benefit of the LC Issuer and the Purchasers or otherwise subject to a perfected security interest in favor of the Agent for the benefit of the LC Issuer and the Purchasers, in (i) marketable direct obligations issued or unconditionally guaranteed by the United States of America or any agency thereof maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof, (ii) commercial paper maturing no more than one year from the date of creation thereof and currently having the highest rating obtainable from either Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group (“ S&P ”) or Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“ Moody’s ”), (iii) certificates of deposit maturing no more than one year from the date of creation thereof issued by commercial banks incorporated under the laws of the United States of America or Canada, each having combined capital, surplus and undivided profits of not less than $300,000,000 and having a senior unsecured rating of “A” or better by a nationally recognized rating agency (or an equivalent rating from an equivalent Canadian rating agency, as the case may be, as determined by the Agent in its reasonable discretion) (an “ A Rated Bank ”), (iv) time deposits maturing no more than 30 days from the date of creation thereof with A Rated Banks, (v) mutual funds that invest solely in one or more investments described in clauses (i) through (iv) above, and (vi) money market funds that (x) comply with the criteria set forth in Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, (y) are rated AAA by S&P and Aaa by Moody’s and (z) have portfolio assets of at least $5,000,000,000, (g) the Issuers may make investments permitted under Section 11.3.1(vii) and (h) the Issuers may make investments not otherwise permitted hereunder in an aggregate amount not to exceed $2,000,000 at any time outstanding.

 

11.3. Indebtedness .

 

11.3.1. No Issuer shall create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Indebtedness, except (without duplication) (i) Indebtedness secured by purchase money security interests and Capital Leases permitted in Section 11.7(e), (ii) the Notes and the other

 

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Note Obligations, (iii) unfunded pension fund and other employee benefit plan obligations and liabilities to the extent they are permitted to remain unfunded under applicable law, (iv) existing Indebtedness described in Schedule 11.3 and refinancings thereof or amendments or modifications thereto that do not have the effect of increasing the principal amount thereof or changing the amortization thereof (other than to extend the same) and that are otherwise on terms and conditions no less favorable to any Issuer, the Agent or any Purchaser, as reasonably determined by the Agent, than the terms of the Indebtedness being refinanced, amended or modified, (v) First Lien Debt evidenced by the First Lien Credit Documents and refinancings thereof or amendments thereto to the extent permitted hereunder and by the Intercreditor Agreement; provided, that any incurrence of First Lien Debt shall not exceed the Maximum First Lien Amount as of such incurrence, (vi) Subordinated Debt evidenced by the Holdings Guarantees and refinancings thereof or amendments thereto to the extent permitted hereunder or by the Holdings Guarantees, (vii) Indebtedness consisting of intercompany loans and advances made by any Issuer to any other Issuer; provided that: (A) each Issuer shall have executed and delivered to each other Issuer, on the Closing Date, a demand note (collectively, the “ Intercompany Notes ”) to evidence any such intercompany Indebtedness owing at any time by such Issuer to such other Issuer which Intercompany Notes shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agent and shall be pledged and delivered to the Agent pursuant to the applicable Pledge Agreement or Security Agreement as additional collateral security for the Note Obligations; (B) each Issuer shall record all intercompany transactions on its books and records in a manner consistent with past practices and reasonably satisfactory to the Agent; (C) the obligations of each Issuer under any such Intercompany Notes shall be subordinated to the Note Obligations of such Issuer hereunder in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Required Purchasers and (D) no Default or Event of Default would occur and be continuing after giving effect to any such proposed intercompany loan, (viii) Indebtedness incurred in connection with the Cash Management Systems, (ix) Indebtedness incurred in connection with the financing of such Issuer’s insurance premiums and on terms reasonably satisfactory to the Agent, (x) Indebtedness incurred in connection with transactions permitted under Section 11.17, (xi) Indebtedness incurred in the ordinary course of business in connection with surety and appeal bonds, (xii) Indebtedness consisting of the deferred purchase price of any Permitted Acquisition, subject to Section 11.1(e) and the last paragraph of Section 11.1, and (xii) other Indebtedness in an aggregate outstanding amount not to exceed $1,000,000 at any time.

 

11.3.2. No Issuer shall, directly or indirectly, voluntarily purchase, redeem, defease or prepay any principal of, premium, if any, interest or other amount payable in respect of any Indebtedness prior to its scheduled maturity, other than (i) the Note Obligations; (ii) Indebtedness secured by a Permitted Encumbrance if the asset securing such Indebtedness has been sold or otherwise disposed of in accordance with Sections 11.8(b) or 11.8(c); (iii) Indebtedness permitted by Section 11.3.1(iv) upon any refinancing thereof in accordance with Section 11.3.1(iv); and (iv) as otherwise permitted in Section 11.14.

 

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11.4. Employee Loans and Affiliate Transactions .

 

11.4.1. Except as otherwise expressly permitted in this Article 11 with respect to Affiliates, no Issuer shall enter into or be a party to any transaction with any Affiliate of any Issuer thereof except (i) in the ordinary course of and pursuant to the reasonable requirements of such Issuer’s business and upon fair and reasonable terms that are no less favorable to such Issuer than would be obtained in a comparable arm’s length transaction with a Person not an Affiliate of such Issuer and (ii) agreements with its directors and officers for reasonable compensation, fees and expenses of such Persons in their capacity as such. In addition, if any such transaction or series of related transactions identified in clause (i) above involves payments in excess of $100,000 in the aggregate, or if any such transaction or series of related transactions identified in clause (ii) above (other than with respect to officers) involves payments in excess of $250,000 in the aggregate the terms of these transactions must be disclosed in advance to the Agent and the Purchasers. All such transactions existing as of the date hereof are described in Schedule 11.4.1 . For the avoidance of doubt, transactions solely among the Issuers shall not be subject to Section 11.4.1(i).

 

11.4.2. No Issuer shall enter into any lending or borrowing transaction with any employees of any Issuer, except loans to its respective employees in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices for travel and entertainment expenses, relocation costs and similar purposes up to a maximum of $100,000 to any employee and up to a maximum of $250,000 in the aggregate at any one time outstanding.

 

11.5. Capital Structure and Business . If all or part of a Issuer’s Stock is pledged to the Agent, that Issuer shall not issue additional Stock except Stock that is pledged to the Agent pursuant to the applicable Pledge Agreement. No Issuer shall amend its charter or bylaws in a manner that could reasonably be expected to adversely affect the Agent, the LC Issuer or the Purchasers or such Issuer’s duty or ability to repay the Note Obligations. No Issuer shall engage in any business other than the businesses currently engaged in by it or businesses reasonably related thereto.

 

11.6. Guaranteed Indebtedness . No Issuer shall create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Guaranteed Indebtedness except (a) by endorsement of instruments or items of payment for deposit to the general account of any Issuer, (b) for Guaranteed Indebtedness incurred for the benefit of any other Issuer if the primary obligation is expressly permitted by this Agreement, (c) Guaranteed Indebtedness outstanding on the Closing Date and (d) Guaranteed Indebtedness evidenced by the Holdings Guaranties.

 

11.7. Liens . No Issuer shall create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Lien on or with respect to its Accounts or any of its other properties or assets (whether now owned or hereafter acquired) except for (a) Permitted Encumbrances; (b) Liens in existence on the date hereof and described on Schedule 11.7 (including Liens securing the Indebtedness described on Schedule 11.3 and permitted refinancings, extensions and renewals thereof), including extensions or renewals of any such Liens; provided that the principal amount of the Indebtedness so secured is not increased and the Lien does not attach to any other property; (c) Liens securing Indebtedness permitted under Section 11.3.1(ii), (v), (vii) and (viii); (d) Liens created after the date hereof by conditional sale or other title retention agreements (including Capital Leases) or in connection with purchase money Indebtedness with respect to Equipment and Fixtures acquired by any

 

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Issuer in the ordinary course of business, involving the incurrence of an aggregate amount of purchase money Indebtedness and Capital Lease Obligations of not more than $2,500,000 outstanding at any one time for all such Liens (provided that such Liens attach only to the assets subject to such purchase money debt and such Indebtedness is incurred within 20 days following such purchase and does not exceed 100% of the purchase price of the subject assets); (e) precautionary UCC or PPSA financing statements filed with respect to operating leases permitted hereunder; and (f) any interest or title of a licensor, lessor or sublessor under any license or lease (as the case may be) permitted hereunder. In addition, no Issuer shall become a party to any agreement, note, indenture or instrument, or take any other action, that would prohibit the creation of a Lien on any of its properties or other assets in favor of the Agent, on behalf of itself, the LC Issuer and the Purchasers, as additional collateral for the Note Obligations, except operating leases, Capital Leases or Licenses which prohibit Liens upon the assets that are subject thereto.

 

11.8. Sale of Stock and Assets . No Issuer shall sell, transfer, convey, assign or otherwise dispose of any of its properties or other assets, including the Stock of any of its Subsidiaries (whether in a public or a private offering or otherwise) or any of its Accounts, other than (a) the transfer by an Issuer of assets or Stock of a Subsidiary of such Issuer to another Issuer hereunder (subject to Section 11.20), (b) the sale of Inventory in the ordinary course of business, (c) the sale or other disposition of surplus, obsolete, negligible or uneconomical assets, (d) sales or other dispositions of assets (other than Stock) provided that, (i) after giving pro forma effect to such sale or other disposition of assets as if effective on the last day of the immediately preceding Fiscal Quarter, no Default or Event of Default would then exist; (ii) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a result thereof; (iii) any such sale or disposition is consummated at arm’s length for fair and reasonable consideration, (iv) the cash consideration paid in connection with any such sale or disposition shall equal at least 75% of the total consideration paid to such Issuer and the Issuers shall have taken all actions reasonably required to provide the Agent with a valid and perfected Lien (subject in priority only to First Lien Debt) in any non-cash consideration; and (v) except to the extent consented to by the Required Purchasers in connection with a transaction permitted under Section 11.12, the value of such assets sold or disposed of does not exceed (A) $5,000,000 in any one transaction or series of related transactions, (B) $10,000,000 during any period of twelve consecutive Fiscal Months and (C) $25,000,000 in the aggregate, (e) the sale and discount of Accounts that do not constitute Eligible Accounts, and (f) the sale or liquidation in the ordinary course of business of investments permitted under Section 11.2(a) or 11.2(f).

 

11.9. ERISA . No Issuer shall, or shall cause or permit any ERISA Affiliate to, cause or permit to occur (i) an event that could reasonably be expected to result in the imposition of a Lien under Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 or 4068 of ERISA or (ii) an ERISA Event to the extent such ERISA Event would reasonably be expected to result in taxes, penalties and other liabilities in an aggregate amount in excess of $250,000 in the aggregate. No Issuer shall, or shall cause or permit any ERISA Affiliate to (i) fail to comply with the terms of any Benefit Plan Settlement, to the extent such failure could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect or (ii) modify, amend, supplement, waive or terminate any provision of any Benefit Plan Settlement.

 

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11.10. Financial Covenants . Issuers shall not breach or fail to comply with any of the Financial Covenants.

 

11.11. Hazardous Materials . No Issuer shall cause or permit a Release of any Hazardous Material on, at, in, under, above, to, from or about any of the Real Estate where such Release would (a) violate in any respect, or form the basis for any Environmental Liabilities under, any Environmental Laws or Environmental Permits or (b) otherwise adversely impact the value or marketability of any of the Real Estate or any of the Collateral, other than such violations or Environmental Liabilities that could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

11.12. Sale-Leasebacks . No Issuer shall enter into any sale-leaseback, synthetic lease or similar transaction involving any of its assets having a fair market value of $500,000 or more during any Fiscal Year, except with the prior written consent of the Required Purchasers.

 

11.13. Cancellation of Indebtedness . No Issuer shall cancel any claim or debt owing to it, except for reasonable consideration negotiated on an arm’s length basis and in the ordinary course of its business consistent with past practices.

 

11.14. Restricted Payments; Holdings Guaranty Restricted Payments .

 

11.14.1. No Issuer shall make any Restricted Payment, except (a) intercompany loans and advances between Issuers to the extent permitted by Section 11.3, (b) dividends and distributions by Subsidiaries of any Issuer paid to such Issuer (other than Holdings), (c) employee loans permitted under Section 11.4.2, (d) payments of principal and interest of Intercompany Notes issued in accordance with Section 11.3, (e) dividends and distributions by any Issuer to holders of its Stock payable in additional shares of such Stock and (f) cash distributions by Subsidiaries of Holdings to Holdings to enable Holdings to pay taxes attributable to the operations of Holdings and other expenses incidental to the activities permitted by Section 11.20.

 

11.14.2. No Issuer shall make any Holdings Guaranty Restricted Payment; provided that regularly scheduled payments of principal and interest with respect to the Holdings Guaranties, as and when required under the Holdings Guaranties as in effect on the Closing Date, without acceleration, may be made if (a) the payment is permitted under the applicable Holdings Guaranty as in existence on the Closing Date, (b) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result after giving effect to such Holdings Guaranty Restricted Payment, and (c) after giving pro forma effect to any such Holdings Guaranty Restricted Payment, as if made on the last day of the immediately preceding Fiscal Month, the Issuers shall be in compliance with the covenants set forth in Annex D as of the end of such Fiscal Month.

 

11.15. Change of Corporate Name, State of Incorporation or Location; Change of Fiscal Year . No Issuer shall (a) change its name as it appears in official filings in the state of its incorporation or other organization (b) change its chief executive office, principal place of business, corporate offices or warehouses or locations at which Collateral having an aggregate fair market value in excess of $100,000 is held or stored, or the location of its records concerning

 

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the Collateral, (c) change the type of entity that it is, (d) change its organization identification number, if any, issued by its state of incorporation or other organization, or (e) change its state of incorporation or organization or incorporate or organize in any additional jurisdictions, in each case without at least 30 days’ prior written notice to the Agent and after the Agent’s written acknowledgment that any reasonable action requested by the Agent in connection therewith, including to continue the perfection of any Liens in favor of the Agent, on behalf of the LC Issuer and the Purchasers, in any Collateral, has been (or will be) completed or taken prior to any such change, and provided that any such new location shall be in the continental United States, or in the case of warehouses or locations at which Collateral is held or stored, in the continental United States or Canada. No Issuer shall change its Fiscal Year without the prior written consent of the Agent.

 

11.16. No Impairment of Intercompany Transfers . No Issuer shall directly or indirectly enter into or become bound by any agreement, instrument, indenture or other obligation (other than this Agreement, the other Second Lien Credit Documents and the Documents) that could directly or indirectly restrict, prohibit or require the consent of any Person with respect to the payment of dividends or distributions or the making or repayment of intercompany loans by a Subsidiary of any Issuer to any Issuer or between Issuers.

 

11.17. No Speculative Transactions . No Issuer shall engage in any transaction involving commodity options, futures contracts or similar transactions, except solely to hedge against fluctuations in the prices of commodities, interest rates or foreign currency exchange rates owned or purchased by it in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices.

 

11.18. Changes Relating to First Lien Debt; Subordinated Debt; Material Contracts .

 

11.18.1. Without the consent of the Required Purchasers, the Issuers shall not amend the First Lien Credit Documents to (a) increase the principal amount thereof above the maximum principal amount described in the definition of First Lien Debt, (b) increase the margins or calculations of the interest rates (including default rates specified thereunder on the date hereof) or commitment fees on, or relating to the First Lien Debt in an amount greater then 2% over such rates or fees in effect on the date hereof, (c) add any additional borrowers that do not also become issuers or guarantors of the Notes and Note Obligations, (d) grant to the First Lien Lenders a Lien on any Collateral for the First Lien Debt which is not contemporaneously pledged to secure the Note Obligations or (e) modify or add any covenant or event of default with respect to the First Lien Debt (1) in a manner more restrictive to the Issuers, or (2) which would restrict or preclude the Issuers from making payments with respect to the Note Obligations permitted to be made under the First Lien Documents as in effect on the date hereof, provided, however, with respect to clause (e)(1), the Issuers may modify or add any covenant or event of default with respect to the First Lien Debt in a manner more restrictive to the Issuers without the consent of the Required Purchasers so long as the Second Lien Parties are permitted to modify or add a covenant or event of default to the Second Lien Credit Documents which conforms to the corresponding change to the First Lien Credit Documents.

 

11.18.2. No Issuer shall change or amend the terms of any Subordinated Debt (or any indenture or agreement in connection therewith), other than ministerial

 

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amendments and other modifications which could not adversely affect the interests of Agent or any Purchaser. Without limiting the generality of the prior sentence, no Issuer will consent to any amendment, modification or supplement to or waiver of any provision of the Subordinated Debt Documents, as applicable, if the effect of such amendment, supplement, modification or waiver would be to (i) increase the principal amount of any Subordinated Debt (including to reborrow or reincur any previously paid amount) or release or forgive any unpaid principal amount, (ii) increase the interest rate thereon, or (iii) shorten the maturity thereof or accelerate the date for any payment, or (iv) alter any covenant (other than to make such covenant less restrictive or to waive the same).

 

11.18.3. No Issuer shall change or amend the terms of any Material Contract, other than ministerial amendments and other modifications which could not adversely affect the interests of the Agent or any Purchaser.

 

11.19. Excluded Subsidiaries . No Issuer shall permit any Excluded Subsidiary to engage in any business or other activities, to hold any material assets, or to incur any Indebtedness or other liabilities.

 

11.20. Business Activities . From and after the consummation of the Related Transactions on the Closing Date, Holdings shall not engage in any business or have any assets or incur any Indebtedness or Guaranteed Indebtedness (other than the Note Obligations and the Holdings Guaranties) other than (i) owning the Stock of its Subsidiaries owned by it as of the Closing Date or acquired following the Closing Date in accordance with Section 11.1, (ii) the entering into, and the performance of obligations under, this Agreement, the other Second Lien Credit Documents to which it is a party and the Documents to which it is a party, (iii) activities associated with amounts paid by or with any distributions paid to Holdings which are permitted under Section 11.14, and (iv) Subordinated Debt as evidenced by the Subordinated Debt Documents; provided, however, Holdings may engage in activities incidental to (A) the maintenance of its corporate existence in compliance with applicable law and (B) legal, tax and accounting matters in connection with any of the foregoing activities.

 

ARTICLE 12

EVENTS OF DEFAULT

 

If one or more of the following events (herein referred to as “ Events of Default ”) shall occur and be continuing:

 

12.1. Payment Default . The Issuers shall (i) fail to make any payment of principal or interest or Applicable Premium on any Notes, or any principal or interest owing on any LC Reimbursement Liability, or to pay any Put Consideration or any fee owing pursuant to Section 3.4.2, as and when due hereunder; or (iii) pay any other amount owing hereunder within ten days after demand therefor; or

 

12.2. Financial Reporting . Any Issuer fails or neglects to perform, keep or observe any of the provisions of Section 9.1 of this Agreement or any provisions set forth in Annexes B and C, respectively, and the same shall remain unremedied for three (3) Business Days or more (it being understood that Issuer’s noncompliance with Annex C, clause (b) shall not constitute a

 

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Default or an Event of Default solely to the extent such failure to comply is due to the Reclamation Creditors’ Trust’s failure to deliver the RCT Report to the Issuers in a timely manner); or

 

12.3. Default Under Other Indebtedness . A default or breach occurs under any other agreement, document or instrument to which any Issuer is a party that is not cured within any applicable grace period therefor, and such default or breach (a) involves the failure to make any payment when due in respect of any Indebtedness or Guaranteed Indebtedness (other than the Note Obligations) of any Issuer in excess of $1,000,000 in the aggregate (including (i) undrawn committed or available amounts and (ii) amounts owing to all creditors under any combined or syndicated credit arrangements), or (b) causes, or permits any holder of such Indebtedness or Guaranteed Indebtedness or a trustee to cause, Indebtedness or Guaranteed Indebtedness or a portion thereof in excess of $1,000,000 in the aggregate to become due prior to its stated maturity or prior to its regularly scheduled dates of payment, or cash collateral in respect thereof to be demanded, in each case, regardless of whether such default is waived, or such right is exercised, by such holder or trustee; or

 

12.4. Certain Covenants . Any Issuer fails or neglects to perform, keep or observe any of the provisions of Sections 2.4 or 10.4.1, or Article 11 of this Agreement or any provisions set forth in Annexes D or F to this Agreement; or

 

12.5. Other Defaults . Any Issuer shall default in the performance or observance of any covenant, agreement or condition of this Agreement or any other Second Lien Credit Document (other than those described or referred to in any other paragraph of this ARTICLE 12) and such default shall continue for more than 30 days after the first to occur of (a) the president, chief executive officer, chief financial officer, corporate controller or other executive officer of such Issuer shall obtain actual knowledge of such default or (b) receipt by such Issuer of written notice of such default from the Agent or the Required Purchasers; or

 

12.6. Breach of Representations or Warranties . Any representation or warranty made by any Issuer in this Agreement or in any statement or certificate (other than budgets and projections) at any time given by it in writing pursuant hereto or in connection herewith or therewith shall (taken as a whole) be false or inaccurate in any material respect on the date as of when made; or

 

12.7. Involuntary Bankruptcy, Appointment of Receiver, etc . A case or proceeding is commenced against any Issuer seeking a decree or order in respect of such Issuer (a) under the Bankruptcy Code, or any other applicable federal, state or foreign bankruptcy or other similar law, (b) appointing a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee or sequestrator (or similar official) for such Issuer or for any substantial part of any such Issuer’s assets, or (c) ordering the winding-up or liquidation of the affairs of such Issuer, and such case or proceeding shall remain undismissed or unstayed for 60 days or more or a decree or order granting the relief sought in such case or proceeding shall be entered by a court of competent jurisdiction; or

 

12.8. Voluntary Bankruptcy, Appointment of Receiver, etc . Any Issuer (a) files a petition seeking relief under the Bankruptcy Code, or any other applicable federal, state or foreign bankruptcy or other similar law, (b) consents to or fails to contest in a timely and

 

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appropriate manner to the institution of proceedings thereunder or the filing of any such petition or the appointment of or taking possession by a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee or sequestrator (or similar official) for such Issuer or for any substantial part of any such Issuer’s assets, (c) makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, (d) takes any action authorizing any of the foregoing, or (e) admits in writing its inability to, or is generally unable to, pay its debt as such debts become due; or

 

12.9. Judgments . A final judgment or judgments for the payment of money in excess of $1,000,000 in the aggregate at any time are outstanding against one or more of the Issuers (which judgments are not covered by insurance policies as to which liability has been accepted by the insurance carrier), and the same are not, within forty-five (45) days after the entry thereof, discharged or execution thereof stayed or bonded pending appeal or such judgments are not discharged prior to the expiration of any such stay; or

 

12.10. Attachments . Assets of any Issuer with a fair market value of $1,000,000 or more are attached, seized, levied upon or subjected to a writ or distress warrant, or come within the possession of any receiver, trustee, custodian or assignee for the benefit of creditors of any Issuer and such condition continues for 30 days or more, unless contested by such Issuer in good faith; or

 

12.11. Second Lien Credit Documents; Lien . Any material provision of any Second Lien Credit Document for any reason ceases to be valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with its terms (or any Issuer shall challenge the enforceability of any Second Lien Credit Document or shall assert in writing, or engage in any action or inaction based on any such assertion, that any provision of any of the Second Lien Credit Documents has ceased to be or otherwise is not valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with its terms), or any Lien created under any Second Lien Credit Document ceases to be a valid and perfected second priority Lien (except as otherwise permitted herein or therein) in any of the Collateral purported to be covered thereby; or

 

12.12. Change of Control . Any Change of Control occurs; or

 

12.13. Cessation or Curtailing of Revenue Producing Activities . Any event occurs, whether or not insured or insurable, as a result of which revenue-producing activities cease or are substantially curtailed at facilities of the Issuers generating more than 20% of the Issuers’ consolidated revenues for the Fiscal Year preceding such event and such cessation or curtailment continues for more than 45 days; or

 

12.14. Material Contract Default . Any default or breach by any Issuer occurs and is continuing under any Material Contract or any Material Contract shall be terminated for any reason; or

 

12.15. Mortgage Event of Default . Any “Event of Default” under and as defined in any Mortgage shall have occurred; or

 

12.16. Other Debt Event of Default . Any “Event of Default” under and as defined in the First Lien Credit Agreement or in any Subordinated Debt Document shall have occurred.

 

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THEN, (A)(a) upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default described in the foregoing Section 12.7 or 12.8 with respect to any Issuer, the unpaid principal amount of all Notes, together with accrued interest thereon, and, as liquidated damages and not as a penalty, an amount equal to the Applicable Premium, any amount owed under Section 3.4.2 and any accrued Put Consideration and any other Note Obligation, shall automatically become immediately due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or other requirements of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Issuers, (b) upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any other Event of Default, the Agent, if so directed by the Required Purchasers shall, upon written notice to the Issuer Representative, declare the Notes to be due and payable, whereupon the principal amount of all Notes, together with accrued interest thereon, and as liquidated damages and not as a penalty, an amount equal to the Applicable Premium then in effect, any amount owed under Section 3.4.2, any accrued Put Consideration and any other Note Obligation, shall automatically become immediately due and payable, such without any other notice of any kind, and without presentment, demand, protest or other requirements of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Issuers and (c) if so directed by the Required Purchasers, the Agent shall terminate the obligations of the Purchasers to purchase Additional Notes pursuant to Section 3.6 provided that such obligations shall automatically terminate following an Event of Default described in Section 12.7 or 12.8; provided , however , that if the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes due otherwise than by such declaration plus any expenses due and payable hereunder as well as any amount owed under Section 3.4.2 and any accrued Put Consideration have been paid in full, and any and all Defaults (other than the nonpayment of principal and interest on the Notes that shall have become due by such declaration; provided, for the avoidance of doubt, that the nonpayment of principal and interest due on account of an Event of Default described in Section 12.1(b) may be waived by the Agent at the direction of the Supermajority Purchasers) shall have been remedied or waived, the Agent, at the direction of the Required Purchasers, may waive all Defaults and rescind and annul any such declaration and consequences.

 

(B) Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default and upon written request of Required Purchasers, Agent shall proceed to protect and enforce Purchasers’, Agent’s and LC Issuer’s rights by suit in equity, action at law and/or other appropriate proceeding, either for specific performance of any covenant or condition contained in this Agreement or any other Second Lien Credit Document or in any instrument or assignment delivered to Purchasers, Agent or LC Issuer pursuant to this Agreement or any other Second Lien Credit Document, or in aid of the exercise of any power granted in this Agreement or any other Second Lien Credit Document or any such instrument or assignment.

 

(C) Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default and upon written request of the Required Purchasers, Agent shall proceed to enforce payment of the Note Obligations in such manner as it may elect and to realize upon any and all rights of Agent, Purchasers and LC Issuer under the Second Lien Credit Documents. Agent, Purchasers and LC Issuer may offset and apply toward the payment of the Note Obligations (and/or toward the curing of any Event of Default) any Indebtedness from Agent, Purchasers or LC Issuer Investors to the respective Issuers, regardless of the adequacy of any security for the Note Obligations. Purchasers, Agent, and LC Issuer shall have no duty to determine the adequacy of any such security in connection with any such offset.

 

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To the extent not prohibited by applicable law which cannot be waived, all of Agent’s, LC Issuer’s and Purchasers’ rights hereunder and under each other Second Lien Credit Document shall be cumulative.

 

At any time after acceleration of the Note Obligations, the LC Issuer shall have the right to require that the remaining undrawn liability under the Specified LCs be cash collateralized through the deposit with the LC Issuer of cash in an amount not less than 105% of the undrawn amount.

 

ARTICLE 13

RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER; LEGENDS

 

13.1. Assignments .

 

13.1.1. The Purchasers may sell, assign, transfer or negotiate all or any part of their Notes or Warrants subject to compliance with applicable United States federal and state securities laws, and the Purchasers may further assign their obligations pursuant to Article 3 hereof; provided , that any transfer, assignment, transfer or negotiation of Notes to a Person which is not (i) an Affiliate of any Purchaser or (ii) a fund managed by the same advisor as manages any Purchaser or by an Affiliate of any such investment adviser shall (x) be in a minimum aggregate amount of principal plus put obligations under Article 3 of $3,000,000, (y) except during the pendency of an Event of Default, require the consent of the Issuer Representative, not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed and (z) with respect to any assignment of put obligations under Article 3, require the consent of the LC Issuer, not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed. In the case of any sale, assignment, transfer or negotiation of all or part of the Notes, Warrants or put obligations authorized under this Section 13.1, the assignee, transferee or recipient shall have, to the extent of such sale, assignment, transfer or negotiation, the same rights, benefits and obligations as it would if it were a Purchaser with respect to such Securities or the loans evidenced thereby and, effective upon such assignment, the rights and obligations of the assigning Purchaser hereunder shall cease with respect to the assigned Notes, Warrants or put obligations (and any related Call Rights).

 

13.1.2. Any assignment of the Notes and put obligations shall be effected pursuant to an Assignment and Acceptance Agreement in the form of Exhibit G and must include the same allocable portion of the Notes and put obligations then held by the assigning Purchaser. A copy of the executed Assignment and Acceptance Agreement shall be delivered to the Agent, and the Agent shall be paid an assignment and recordation fee of $3,500 by the transferor except where the assignee is a Purchaser prior to such assignment. Any assignment of Warrants shall be effected by delivery of an instrument of transfer in the form attached to the Warrant. The Agent shall keep at its principal office a register of the Notes, where any transfer of the same shall be reflected. Holdings (or if a Warrant Agent shall have been appointed in accordance with the Warrants, the Warrant Agent) shall maintain at its principal office a register of the Warrants, where any transfer of the same shall be reflected. For the avoidance of doubt, Notes and put obligations, on the one hand, and Warrants, on the other, may be assigned separately and need not be assigned by a Purchaser pro rata.

 

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13.1.3. Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Securities in accordance with Section 13.1 at the principal office of any Issuer, the Issuers shall, at their expense, promptly execute and deliver one or more new Securities, as applicable, of like tenor and of a like principal amount, registered in the name of such transferee or transferees and, in the case of a transfer in part, a new Security in the appropriate amount registered in the names of such transferor. While the Securities are “restricted securities” within the meaning of Rule 144(a)(3) under the Securities Act, the Issuers shall provide the Purchasers with the information specified in, and meeting the requirements of Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act in connection with any proposed transfer. In the event of any assignment of Securities or put obligations, the Issuers shall provide the Agent, the Purchasers and the LC Issuer with amended Schedules to reflect such assignment.

 

13.2. Restrictive Securities Legend .

 

13.2.1. The Notes . Each Note shall bear a legend in substantially the following form:

 

“THIS NOTE WAS ISSUED IN A PRIVATE PLACEMENT, WITHOUT REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “ ACT ”), AND MAY NOT BE SOLD, ASSIGNED, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED (I) IN THE ABSENCE OF AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE ACT COVERING THE TRANSFER OR IN A TRANSFER EXEMPT FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE ACT AND (II) EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 13.1 OF THAT CERTAIN NOTE AND WARRANT PURCHASE AGREEMENT DATED AS OF AUGUST 20, 2004, AMONG THE ISSUERS, THE AGENT AND THE PURCHASERS (AS DEFINED THEREIN).”

 

13.2.2. Warrants . All Warrants issued hereunder shall bear a legend in substantially the following form:

 

“THE WARRANT REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE WAS ISSUED IN A PRIVATE PLACEMENT, WITHOUT REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “ ACT ”), AND MAY NOT BE SOLD, ASSIGNED, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE ACT COVERING THE TRANSFER OR IN A TRANSFER EXEMPT FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE ACT.”

 

13.3. Termination of Restrictions . The restrictions imposed by Section 13.2 hereof upon the transferability of the Notes and Warrants shall cease and terminate as to any particular Securities (i) upon delivery to the Issuers of an opinion reasonably acceptable to it from Ropes & Gray LLP, or other counsel reasonably acceptable to the Issuers, that such restrictions are no longer required in order to assure compliance with the Securities Act and any other applicable securities laws or (ii) when such Securities shall have been registered under the Securities Act or transferred pursuant to Rule 144 thereunder. Whenever such restrictions shall cease and

 

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terminate as to any Securities or such Securities shall be transferable under paragraph (k) of Rule 144, the holder thereof shall be entitled to receive from the Issuers, without expense, replacement Notes or Warrants, as applicable, not bearing the legend set forth in Section 13.2 hereof. Upon exercise of the Warrants, Holdings shall deliver registered shares of its Common Stock that are freely tradeable by the Purchasers without the need for registration under the Securities Act or other applicable securities law.

 

ARTICLE 14

ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

 

14.1. Agent’s Authority to Act, etc . Each of the Purchasers and LC Issuer appoints and authorizes the Agent to act as contractual representative and sole administrative agent on behalf of the Purchasers and LC Issuer in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Second Lien Credit Documents on the terms set forth herein. All action in connection with the enforcement of, or the exercise of any remedies in respect of the Second Lien Credit Documents shall be taken by the Agent. Each Purchaser and the LC Issuer hereby irrevocably authorizes the Agent to execute such documents (including, without limitation, the Second Lien Credit Documents to which the Agent is a party, including executing the Intercreditor Agreement in the form of Exhibit D) and to take such other action on such Person’s behalf under the provisions hereof and of the other Second Lien Credit Documents and to exercise such powers as are set forth herein or therein together with such other powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. Each Purchaser and LC Issuer hereby authorizes and directs Administrative Agent to enter into the Collateral Documents for the benefit of Purchasers and LC Issuer. Each Purchaser agrees that any action taken by Agent (or Required Purchasers (or, where required by the express terms hereof, a different proportion of Purchasers)) in accordance with the provisions hereof or of the other Second Lien Credit Documents, and the exercise by Agent (or Required Purchasers (or, where required by the express terms hereof, a different proportion of Purchasers)) of the powers set forth herein or therein, together with such other powers as are reasonably incidental thereto, shall be authorized and binding upon all Purchasers. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Agent shall have the sole and exclusive right and authority to (a) act as the disbursing and collecting agent for Purchasers and LC Issuer with respect to all payments and collections arising in connection herewith and with the Second Lien Credit Documents; (b) execute and deliver each Second Lien Credit Document (other than this Agreement) and accept delivery of each such agreement delivered by any Issuer; (c) act as collateral agent for Purchasers and LC Issuer for purposes of the perfection of all security interests and Liens created by such agreements and all other purposes stated therein; (d) manage, supervise and otherwise deal with the Collateral; and (e) take such action as is necessary or desirable to maintain the perfection and priority of the security interests and Liens created or purported to be created by the Collateral Documents.

 

14.2. The provisions of this Section 14 are solely for the benefit of Agent, LC Issuer and Purchasers and no Issuer nor any Affiliate of any Issuer shall have any rights to rely on or enforce any of the provisions hereof (other than as expressly set forth in Section 14.5 ).

 

14.3. Issuers to Pay Agent, etc . The Issuers shall be fully protected in making all payments in respect of the Notes, any amount owed under Section 3.4.2 and the Put Consideration to the Agent, in relying upon consents, modifications and amendments executed

 

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by the Agent purportedly on the Purchasers’ and LC Issuer’s behalf, and in dealing with the Agent as herein provided.

 

14.4. Purchaser Obligations .

 

14.4.1. Advances . On the Closing Date, each LC Backstop Funding Date and each date on which Additional Notes are to be issued pursuant to Section 3.6, each Purchaser shall advance funds as described in the applicable section of this Agreement. If such funds are not received in time, but all applicable conditions set forth in Article 7 or Article 8, if applicable, have been satisfied, the Agent or any other Purchaser may, in its sole discretion, advance for the Purchaser’s account, pursuant to the terms hereof, the amount to be advanced on such date, and such Purchaser agrees to reimburse the Agent or such other Purchaser in immediately available funds for the amount thereof by paying such funds to the Agent prior to 12:00 p.m. (San Francisco time) on the day such funds are to be advanced; provided , however , that the Agent and Purchasers are not authorized to make any such advance for the account of any Purchaser who has previously notified the Agent in writing that such Purchaser will not be performing its obligations to make further advances hereunder; and provided, further, that the Agent and no Purchaser shall be under no obligation to make any such advance.

 

14.4.2. Agent to Allocate Payments, etc . Payments received by the Agent by 11:00 a.m. (San Francisco time) shall be credited to the Purchasers or LC Issuer by the Agent in immediately available funds by 2:00 p.m. (San Francisco time) on the Business Day received. Payments received later than 11:00 a.m. (San Francisco time) may be transmitted to the Purchasers or the LC Issuer on the next Business Day. Under no circumstances shall any Purchaser be required to produce or present its Notes as evidence of its interests in the Note Obligations in any action or proceeding relating to the Note Obligations.

 

14.4.3. Nonperforming Purchasers . In the event that any Purchaser fails to reimburse the LC Issuer pursuant to Section 3.7 for the amount owed by such Purchaser (a ” Nonperforming Purchaser ”), overdue amounts (the “ Delinquent Payment ”) due from the Nonperforming Purchaser to the LC Issuer shall bear interest, payable by the Purchaser on demand in cash, at a per annum rate equal to the then effective rate of interest on the Notes determined in accordance with Section 4.1.1. Such interest shall be payable to the LC Issuer for its own account for the period commencing on the date of the Delinquent Payment and ending on the date the Nonperforming Purchaser reimburses the LC Issuer on account of the Delinquent Payment (to the extent not paid by an Issuer or any guarantor as provided below) and the accrued interest thereon (the “ Delinquency Period ”), whether pursuant to the assignments referred to below or otherwise. During the Delinquency Period, in order to make reimbursements for the Delinquent Payment and accrued interest thereon, the Nonperforming Purchaser shall be deemed to have assigned to the LC Issuer all interest, commitment fees and other payments made by the Issuers hereunder that would have thereafter otherwise been payable under the Second Lien Credit Documents to the Nonperforming Purchaser.

 

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14.4.4. During any period in which any Purchaser is not performing its obligations to purchase Additional Notes (“ Delinquent Purchaser ”), the Delinquent Purchaser shall be deemed to have assigned to the LC Issuer all principal and other payments made by the Issuers hereunder that would have thereafter otherwise been payable under the Second Lien Credit Documents to the Delinquent Purchaser until such time as the LC Issuer has received amounts under this sentence equal to the obligation to purchase Additional Notes that such Delinquent Purchaser is not performing. Thereafter, all principal and other payments made by the Issuers hereunder that would have thereafter otherwise been payable under the Second Lien Credit Documents to the Delinquent Purchaser shall be deemed to have been assigned to each Purchaser that is not a Delinquent Purchaser (a “ Performing Purchaser ”). The Agent shall credit a portion of such payments to each Performing Purchaser in proportion to the outstanding principal balance of the Performing Purchasers until the proportion of the total outstanding principal amounts of the Notes held by each Purchaser are the same as proportion of the total outstanding principal amounts of the Notes held by the Purchasers immediately prior to the failure of the Delinquent Purchaser purchase Additional Notes. The provisions of this Section 14.4.4 shall not relieve a Delinquent Purchaser of its obligations to subsequently purchase Additional Notes.

 

14.4.5. The foregoing provisions of this Section 14.4 shall be in addition to any other remedies the Agent, the LC Issuer, the Performing Purchasers or the Issuers may have under law or equity against the Nonperforming Purchaser as a result of the Delinquent Payment or as a result of its failure to perform its obligations to purchase Additional Notes. Each Delinquent Purchaser and Nonperforming Purchaser shall indemnify, defend, protect and hold LC Issuer, Agent and the other Purchasers (other than Delinquent Purchasers or Nonperforming Purchasers) harmless from and against any and all losses, damages, liabilities and expense (including attorneys’ fees) which they may sustain or incur by reason of or in consequence of the Delinquent Purchaser or Nonperforming Purchaser’s failure or refusal to abide by the terms of this Agreement.

 

14.5. Agent’s Resignation . The Agent may resign at any time by giving at least 30 days’ prior written notice of its intention to do so to each of the Noteholders and the Issuer Representative. Such resignation will be effective upon the appointment by the Required Purchasers of a successor Agent reasonably satisfactory to the Issuer Representative, provided, that if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Issuer Representative shall have no consent rights with respect to the appointment of a successor Agent. If no successor Agent shall have been so appointed and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days after the retiring Agent’s giving of such notice of resignation, then the retiring Agent may appoint a successor Agent which shall be a bank or a trust company organized under the laws of the United States of America or any state thereof and having a combined capital, surplus and undivided profit of at least $500,000,000 (so long as no Default or Event of Default exists) with the consent of the Issuer Representative, which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed; provided , however , that any successor Agent appointed under this sentence may be removed upon the written request of the Required Purchasers, which request shall also appoint a successor Agent (so long as no Default or Event of Default exists) reasonably satisfactory to the Issuer Representative. Upon the appointment of a new Agent hereunder, the term “ Agent ” shall for all purposes of this Agreement thereafter mean such successor. After any retiring Agent’s

 

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resignation hereunder as Agent, or the removal hereunder of any successor Agent, the provisions of this Agreement shall continue to inure to the benefit of such retiring or removed Agent as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was Agent under this Agreement and such retiring or removed Agent shall thereupon be discharged from the duties and obligations of Agent which thereafter arise under the Agreement and Second Lien Credit Documents.

 

14.6. Concerning the Agent .

 

14.6.1. Standard of Conduct, etc . The Agent and its officers, directors, employees and agents shall be under no liability to the LC Issuer, any of the Purchasers or to any future holder of any interest in the Note Obligations for any action or failure to act taken or suffered in the absence of gross negligence and willful misconduct, and any action or failure to act in accordance with an opinion of its counsel shall conclusively be deemed to be in the absence of gross negligence and willful misconduct; moreover, in this regard the Agent may consult with independent legal counsel, accountants and other professionals or experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it or them in good faith in accordance with the advise of such legal counsel, accountants and other professionals or experts. The Agent shall in all cases be entitled to rely, and shall be fully protected in relying, on instructions given to the Agent by the Required Purchasers or, if applicable, the LC Issuer.

 

14.6.2. No Implied Duties, etc . The Agent shall have and may exercise such powers as are specifically delegated to the Agent under this Agreement or any other Second Lien Credit Document together with all other powers incidental thereto. The Agent shall have no implied duties to any Person or any obligation to take any action under this Agreement or any other Second Lien Credit Document except for action specifically provided for in this Agreement or any other Second Lien Credit Document to be taken by the Agent. The Agent shall not by any reason of this Agreement or the Second Lien Credit Documents have a fiduciary relationship in respect of any Noteholder or LC Issuer.

 

14.6.3. Validity, etc . The Agent shall not be responsible to the LC Issuer, any Purchaser or any future holder of any Note (a) for the due execution, legality, validity, enforceability or effectiveness of this Agreement or any other Second Lien Credit Document, (b) for any recitals, reports, representations, warranties or statements contained in or made in connection with this Agreement or any other Second Lien Credit Document, (c) for the existence or value of any assets included in any security for the Note Obligations, (d) for the effectiveness of any Lien purported to be included in the Collateral, (e) for the specification or failure to specify any particular assets to be included in the Collateral or (f) unless the Agent shall have failed to comply with Section 14.6.1, for the perfection of the security interests in the Collateral.

 

14.6.4. Compliance . The Agent shall not be obligated to ascertain or inquire as to the performance or observance of any of the terms of this Agreement or any other Second Lien Credit Document or the satisfaction of any conditions precedent set forth in this Agreement; and in connection with the purchase of any Notes under this Agreement or any other Second Lien Credit Document, the Agent shall be fully protected in relying on

 

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a certificate of any Issuer as to the fulfillment by such Issuer of any conditions to such purchase of Notes. The Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of a Default or Event of Default unless the Agent has received notice from a Purchaser or Issuer referring to this Agreement, describing with reasonable specificity such Default or Event of Default and stating that such notice is a “notice of default”. Further, if Agent receives such a “notice of default”, Agent shall give prompt notices thereof to the Noteholders.

 

14.6.5. Employment of Agents and Counsel . The Agent may execute any of its duties as Agent under this Agreement or any other Second Lien Credit Document by or through employees, agents and attorneys-in-fact and shall not be responsible to any of the LC Issuer, Purchasers or an Issuer for the default or misconduct of any such agents or attorneys-in-fact selected by the Agent acting in the absence of gross negligence and willful misconduct. The Agent shall be entitled to advice of counsel concerning all matters pertaining to the agency hereby created and its duties hereunder or under any other Second Lien Credit Document.

 

14.6.6. Reliance on Documents and Counsel . The Agent shall be entitled to rely, and shall be fully protected in relying, upon any affidavit, certificate, cablegram, consent, instrument, letter, notice, order, document, statement, telecopy, telegram, telex or teletype message or writing reasonably believed in good faith by the Agent to be genuine and correct and to have been signed, sent or made by the Person in question, including any telephonic or oral statement made by such Person, and, with respect to legal matters, upon an opinion or the advice of counsel selected by the Agent.

 

14.6.7. Agent’s Reimbursement . Each of the Purchasers severally agrees to reimburse the Agent, pro rata in accordance with the outstanding principal amount of Notes held by each Purchaser at the time in question, for any reasonable expenses not reimbursed by the Issuers (without limiting the obligation of the Issuers to make such reimbursement): (a) for which the Agent is entitled to reimbursement by the Issuers under this Agreement or any other Second Lien Credit Document and (b) after the occurrence and during the continuance of a Default or Event of Default, for any other reasonable expenses incurred by the Agent on the Purchasers’ behalf in connection with the enforcement of the Purchasers’ rights under this Agreement or any other Second Lien Credit Document; provided , however , that the Agent shall not be reimbursed for any such expenses arising as a result of its gross negligence or willful misconduct.

 

14.6.8. Action Not Required. As to any matters not expressly provided for in the Second Lien Credit Documents, the Agent shall not be required to exercise any discretion or take any action, but shall be required to act or refrain from acting (and shall be fully protected in so acting or refraining from acting) upon the instructions of the Required Purchasers (or if all Purchasers or any other Persons are explicitly required under any other provision of this Agreement, such Persons), and such instructions shall be binding upon all Noteholders; provided , however , that notwithstanding anything in this Agreement or the Second Lien Documents to the contrary, the Agent shall not be required to take any action which the Agent reasonably believes exposes the Agent to personal liability or which the Agent reasonably believes is contrary to this Agreement,

 

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any Second Lien Credit Document or law. Not in limitation of the foregoing, the Agent shall exercise any right or remedy it or the Purchasers or LC Issuer has under any Second Lien Credit Document upon the occurrence of a Default or Event of Default unless directed otherwise by the Required Purchasers. The Agent may at any time request instructions from the applicable Purchasers with respect to any actions or approvals which, by the terms of any of the Second Lien Credit Documents, the Agent is permitted or required to take or to grant, and the Agent shall be absolutely entitled to refrain from taking any action or to withhold any approval and shall not be under any liability whatsoever to any Person for refraining from any action or withholding any approval under any of the Second Lien Credit Documents until it shall have received such instructions. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, no Holder shall have any right of action whatsoever against the Agent as a result of the Agent acting or refraining from acting under the Second Lien Credit Documents in accordance with the instructions of the Required Purchasers, or, where required by the express terms hereof, a greater proportion of the Purchasers.

 

14.7. Rights as a Purchaser . With respect to any Notes purchased by it hereunder, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. shall have the same rights, obligations and powers hereunder as any other Purchaser and may exercise such rights and powers as though it were not the Agent, and unless the context otherwise specifies, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. shall be treated in its individual capacity as though it were not the Agent hereunder. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, act as trustee for and generally engage in any kind of banking or trust business with Holdings, any of its Subsidiaries or any Affiliate of any of them and any Person who may do business with or own an equity interest in Holdings, any of its Subsidiaries or any Affiliate of any of them, all as if Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. were not the Agent and without any duty to account therefor to the other Purchasers.

 

14.8. Independent Investment Decision . Each of the Purchasers acknowledges that it has independently and without reliance upon any of the Agent, any other Purchaser or Sankaty Advisors, LLC, based on the financial statements and other documents referred to in Article 7, on the other representations and warranties contained herein and on such other information with respect to Holdings and its Subsidiaries as such Purchaser deemed appropriate, made such Purchaser’s own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement and to make the extensions of credit provided for hereunder. Each Purchaser represents to the Agent, each other Purchaser and Sankaty Advisors, LLC (which shall be a third party beneficiary of, and entitled to rely on, this provision) that such Purchaser will continue to make its own independent investment and other decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement or any other Second Lien Credit Document. Each Purchaser expressly acknowledges that neither the Agent nor any Sankaty Purchaser nor Sankaty Advisors, LLC, nor any of the respective officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact or Affiliates of the same has made any representations or warranties to such Purchaser, and no act by the Agent, any Sankaty Purchaser or Sankaty Advisors, LLC taken under this Agreement or any other Second Lien Credit Document, including any review of the affairs of Holdings and its Subsidiaries, shall be deemed to constitute any representation or warranty by such Person. Except for notices, reports and other documents expressly required to be furnished to each Purchaser by the Agent under this Agreement or any other Second Lien Credit Document, the Agent shall not have any duty or responsibility to provide any Purchaser with any credit or other information concerning the

 

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business, operations, property, condition, financial or otherwise, or creditworthiness of Holdings or any Subsidiary which may come into the possession of the Agent or any of its officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact or Affiliates. The Purchasers acknowledge that, pursuant to any activities described in Section 14.6, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., its affiliates or their employees, officers, directors, agents, or attorneys-in fact may receive information regarding Holdings, its Subsidiaries or any of their Affiliates (including information that may be subject to confidentiality provisions in favor of such Person) and acknowledge that Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. shall be under no obligation to provide such information to them.

 

14.9. Reimbursement and Indemnification . Each of the Purchasers severally agrees to reimburse the Agent for any expenses not reimbursed by the Issuers within 30 days (without limiting their obligations to make such reimbursement: (a) for which the Agent is entitled to reimbursement by any Issuer under this Agreement and (b) after the occurrence of an Event of Default, for any other expenses incurred by the Agent on behalf of the Purchasers in connection with the enforcement of their rights under this Agreement or any Second Lien Credit Document. The Purchasers shall severally indemnify the Agent and its officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys, accountants, consultants and controlling Persons (to the extent not reimbursed by the Issuers and without limiting the obligation of any Issuer to do so), pro rata in accordance with the then outstanding principal balance of the Notes held by each Purchaser, from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, losses (including accrued and unpaid Agent’s fees), costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind whatsoever which may at any time be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against the Agent or such Persons relating to or arising out of this Agreement, any other Second Lien Credit Document, the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, or any action taken or omitted by the Agent in connection with any of the foregoing; provided , however , that the foregoing shall not extend to actions or omissions which are determined in a final, nonappealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction to have taken by the Agent with gross negligence or willful misconduct.

 

14.10. Assumption of Agent’s Rights . Notwithstanding anything herein or in any other Second Lien Credit Document to the contrary, if at any time no Person constitutes the Agent hereunder or the Agent fails to act upon written directions from the Required Purchasers, where direction by the Required Purchasers is sufficient to direct the Agent hereunder, the Required Purchasers shall be entitled to exercise any power, right or privilege granted to the Agent under any Second Lien Credit Document and in so acting the Purchasers shall have the same rights, privileges, indemnities and protections provided to the Agent under the Second Lien Credit Documents.

 

14.11. Agent’s Fee . The Issuers shall pay to the Agent for its own account the Agent’s fee when and as set forth in the Fee Letter.

 

14.12. Merger, Conversion or Consolidation . Any Person into which Agent may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any Person resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which Agent shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to all or substantially all of the agency business of Agent, shall be the successor of Agent hereunder; provided, that such Person shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Agreement, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto.

 

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ARTICLE 15

CROSS-GUARANTY

 

15.1. Cross-Guaranty . Each Issuer hereby agrees that such Issuer is jointly and severally liable for, and hereby absolutely and unconditionally guarantees to the Agent, the LC Issuer and the Purchasers and their respective successors and assigns, the full and prompt payment (whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) and performance of, all Note Obligations owed or hereafter owing to the Agent, the LC Issuer and the Purchasers by each other Issuer. Each Issuer agrees that its guaranty obligation hereunder is a continuing guaranty of payment and performance and not of collection, that its obligations under this Article 15 shall not be discharged until payment and performance, in full, of the Note Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations not yet due and payable) has occurred, and that its obligations under this Article 15 shall be absolute and unconditional, irrespective of, and unaffected by,

 

(a) the genuineness, validity, regularity, enforceability or any future amendment of, or change in, this Agreement, any other Second Lien Credit Document or any other agreement, document or instrument to which any Issuer is or may become a party;

 

(b) the absence of any action to enforce this Agreement (including this Article 15) or any other Second Lien Credit Document or the waiver or consent by the Agent, the LC Issuer and the Purchasers with respect to any of the provisions thereof;

 

(c) the existence, value or condition of, or failure to perfect its Lien against, any security for the Note Obligations or any action, or the absence of any action, by the Agent, the LC Issuer and the Purchasers in respect thereof (including the release of any such security);

 

(d) the insolvency of any Issuer; or

 

(e) any other action or circumstances (other than payment in full in cash of the Note Obligations and termination of the commitments hereunder) that might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a surety or guarantor.

 

Each Issuer shall be regarded, and shall be in the same position, as principal debtor with respect to the Note Obligations guaranteed hereunder.

 

15.2. Waivers by Issuers . Each Issuer expressly waives all rights it may have now or in the future under any statute, or at common law, or at law or in equity, or otherwise, to compel the Agent, the LC Issuer or the Purchasers to marshal assets or to proceed in respect of the Note Obligations guaranteed hereunder against any other Issuer, any other party or against any security for the payment and performance of the Note Obligations before proceeding against, or as a condition to proceeding against, such Issuer. It is agreed among each Issuer, the Agent, the LC Issuer and the Purchasers that the foregoing waivers are of the essence of the transaction contemplated by this Agreement and the other Second Lien Documents and that, but for the

 

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provisions of this Article 15 and such waivers, the Agent, the LC Issuer and the Purchasers would decline to enter into this Agreement.

 

15.3. Benefit of Guaranty . Each Issuer agrees that the provisions of this Article 15 are for the benefit of the Agent, the LC Issuer and the Purchasers and their respective successors, transferees, endorsees and assigns permitted hereunder, and nothing herein contained shall impair, as between any other Issuer and the Agent, the LC Issuer or the Purchasers, the obligations of such other Issuer under the Second Lien Credit Documents.

 

15.4. Waiver of Subrogation, Etc . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or in any other Second Lien Credit Document, and except as set forth in Section 15.7, until final payment in full in cash of the Note Obligations (other than contingent obligations not yet due and payable), each Issuer hereby expressly waives any and all rights at law or in equity to subrogation, reimbursement, exoneration, contribution, indemnification or set off and any and all defenses available to a surety, guarantor or accommodation co-obligor. Each Issuer acknowledges and agrees that this waiver is intended to benefit the Agent, the LC Issuer and the Purchasers and shall not limit or otherwise affect such Issuer’s liability hereunder or the enforceability of this Article 15, and that the Agent, the LC Issuer, the Purchasers and their respective successors and assigns are intended third party beneficiaries of the waivers and agreements set forth in this Section 15.4.

 

15.5. Election of Remedies . If the Agent, the LC Issuer or any Purchaser may, under applicable law, proceed to realize its benefits under any of the Second Lien Credit Documents giving the Agent, the LC Issuer or such Purchaser a Lien upon any Collateral, whether owned by any Issuer or by any other Person, either by judicial foreclosure or by non-judicial sale or enforcement, the Agent, the LC Issuer or any Purchaser may, at its sole option, determine which of its remedies or rights it may pursue without affecting any of its rights and remedies under this Article 15. If, in the exercise of any of its rights and remedies, the Agent, the LC Issuer or any Purchaser shall forfeit any of its rights or remedies, including its right to enter a deficiency judgment against any Issuer or any other Person, whether because of any applicable laws pertaining to “election of remedies” or the like, each Issuer hereby consents to such action by the Agent, the LC Issuer or such Purchaser and waives any claim based upon such action, even if such action by the Agent, the LC Issuer or such Purchaser shall result in a full or partial loss of any rights of subrogation that each Issuer might otherwise have had but for such action by the Agent, the LC Issuer or such Purchaser. Any election of remedies that results in the denial or impairment of the right of the Agent, the LC Issuer or any Purchaser to seek a deficiency judgment against any Issuer shall not impair any other Issuer’s obligation to pay the full amount of the Note Obligations. In the event the Agent, the LC Issuer or any Purchaser shall bid at any foreclosure or trustee’s sale or at any private sale permitted by law or the Second Lien Credit Documents, the Agent, the LC Issuer or such Purchaser may bid all or less than the amount of the Note Obligations and the amount of such bid need not be paid by the Agent, the LC Issuer or such Purchaser but shall be credited against the Note Obligations. The amount of the successful bid at any such sale, whether the Agent, the LC Issuer, Purchaser or any other party is the successful bidder, shall be conclusively deemed to be the fair market value of the Collateral and the difference between such bid amount and the remaining balance of the Note Obligations shall be conclusively deemed to be the amount of the Note Obligations guaranteed under this Article 15 notwithstanding that any present or future law or court decision or ruling may have the effect

 

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of reducing the amount of any deficiency claim to which the Agent, the LC Issuer or any Purchaser might otherwise be entitled but for such bidding at any such sale.

 

15.6. Limitation . Notwithstanding any provision herein contained to the contrary, each Issuer’s liability under this Article 15 (which liability is in any event in addition to amounts for which such Issuer is primarily liable as an issuer of Notes) shall be limited to an amount not to exceed as of any date of determination the greater of:

 

(a) the net amount of all proceeds from the issuance and purchase of Notes paid to any other Issuer under this Agreement and then transferred to, or for the benefit of, such Issuer; and

 

(b) the amount that could be claimed by the Agent, the LC Issuer and the Purchasers from such Issuer under this Article 15 without rendering such claim voidable or avoidable under Section 548 of Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code or under any applicable state Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act, Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act or similar statute or common law after taking into account, among other things, such Issuer’s right of contribution and indemnification from each other Issuer under Section 15.7.

 

15.7. Contribution with Respect to Guaranty Obligations .

 

15.7.1. To the extent that any Issuer shall make a payment under this Article 15 of all or any of the Note Obligations (a “ Guarantor Payment ”) that, taking into account all other Guarantor Payments then previously or concurrently made by any other Issuer, exceeds the amount that such Issuer would otherwise have paid if each Issuer had paid the aggregate Note Obligations satisfied by such Guarantor Payment in the same proportion that such Issuer’s “Allocable Amount” (as defined below) (as determined immediately prior to such Guarantor Payment) bore to the aggregate Allocable Amounts of each of the Issuers as determined immediately prior to the making of such Guarantor Payment, then, following indefeasible payment in full in cash of the Note Obligations and termination of the obligation to purchase Additional Notes, such Issuer shall be entitled to receive contribution and indemnification payments from, and be reimbursed by, each other Issuer for the amount of such excess, pro rata based upon their respective Allocable Amounts in effect immediately prior to such Guarantor Payment.

 

15.7.2. As of any date of determination, the “ Allocable Amount ” of any Issuer shall be equal to the maximum amount of the claim that could then be recovered from such Issuer under this Article 15 without rendering such claim voidable or avoidable under Section 548 of Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code or under any applicable state Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act, Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act or similar statute or common law.

 

15.7.3. This Section 15.7 is intended only to define the relative rights of Issuers and nothing set forth in this Section 15.7 is intended to or shall impair the obligations of Issuers, jointly and severally, to pay any amounts as and when the same shall become due and payable in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, including Section 15.1.

 

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Nothing contained in this Section 15.7 shall limit the liability of any Issuer to pay the Notes made directly or indirectly to that Issuer and accrued interest, fees and expenses with respect thereto for which such Issuer shall be primarily liable.

 

15.7.4. The parties hereto acknowledge that the rights of contribution and indemnification hereunder shall constitute assets of the Issuer to which such contribution and indemnification is owing.

 

15.7.5. The rights of the indemnifying Issuers against other Issuers under this Section 15.7 shall be exercisable upon the full and indefeasible payment of the Note Obligations and the termination of the obligation to purchase Additional Notes.

 

15.8. Liability Cumulative . The liability of Issuers under this Article 15 is in addition to and shall be cumulative with all liabilities of each Issuer to the Agent, the LC Issuer and the Purchasers under this Agreement and the other Second Lien Credit Documents to which such Issuer is a party or in respect of any Note Obligations or obligation of the other Issuer, without any limitation as to amount, unless the instrument or agreement evidencing or creating such other liability specifically provides to the contrary.

 

15.9. Subordination .

 

15.9.1. Each Issuer covenants and agrees that the payment of any indebtedness and all obligations and liabilities owing by any Issuer in favor of any other Issuer, whether now existing or hereafter incurred (collectively, the “ Intercompany Obligations ”) is subordinated, to the extent and in the manner provided in this Section 15.9, to the prior payment in full in cash of all Note Obligations (other than contingent obligations not yet due and payable which, for the avoidance of doubt and for all purposes of this Section 15.9, shall not include the obligation to cash collateralize Specified LCs) owed or hereafter owing to the Agent, the LC Issuer and Purchasers by the Issuers and that such subordination is for the benefit of the Agent for itself, the LC Issuer and the Purchasers.

 

15.9.2. Each Issuer hereby (i) authorizes the Agent on behalf of the LC Issuer and the Purchasers to demand specific performance of the terms of this Section 15.9 at any time when any Issuer shall have failed to comply with any provisions of this Section 15.9 which are applicable to it and (ii) irrevocably waives any defense based on the adequacy of a remedy at law, which might be asserted as a bar to such remedy of specific performance.

 

15.9.3. Upon any distribution of assets of any Issuer in any dissolution, winding up, liquidation or reorganization (whether in bankruptcy, insolvency or receivership proceedings or upon an assignment for the benefit of creditors or otherwise):

 

(a) The Agent, the LC Issuer and the Purchasers shall first be entitled to receive payment in full in cash of the Note Obligations (other than contingent obligations not yet due and payable) before any Issuer is entitled to receive any payment on account of the Intercompany Obligations.

 

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(b) Any payment or distribution of assets of any Issuer of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, to which any other Issuer would be entitled except for the provisions of this Section 15.9.3, shall be paid by the liquidating trustee or agent or other Person making such payment or distribution directly to the Agent for the benefit of the LC Issuer and the Purchasers in the manner set forth herein, to the extent necessary to make payment in full in cash of all Note Obligations (other than contingent obligations not yet due and payable) remaining unpaid after giving effect to any concurrent payment or distribution or provisions therefor to the Agent for itself, the LC Issuer and the Purchasers.

 

(c) In the event that notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 15.9.3, any payment or distribution of assets of any Issuer of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, shall be received by any other Issuer on account of any Intercompany Obligations before all Note Obligations (other than contingent obligations not yet due and payable) are paid in full in cash, such payment or distribution shall be received and held in trust for and shall be paid over to the Agent for itself, the LC Issuer and the Purchasers for application to the payment of the Note Obligations until all of the Note Obligations (other than contingent obligations not yet due and payable) shall have been paid in full in cash, after giving effect to any concurrent payment or distribution or provision therefor to the Agent for itself, the LC Issuer and the Purchasers.

 

15.9.4. No right of the Agent, the LC Issuer, any Purchaser or any other present or future holders of the Note Obligations to enforce subordination as provided herein shall at any time in any way be prejudiced or impaired by any act or failure to act on the part of any Issuer or by any act or failure to act, in good faith, by any Issuer, or by any noncompliance by any Issuer with the terms of the Intercompany Obligations, regardless of any knowledge thereof which any Issuer may have or be otherwise charged with.

 

ARTICLE 16

MISCELLANEOUS

 

16.1. Expenses . Whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby shall be consummated, the Issuers agree to promptly pay all the actual and reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by the Agent and Sankaty in connection with the due diligence review conducted by the Agent and Sankaty relating to the transactions contemplated hereby, the negotiation, review and execution of the Documents and other documents related to the transactions contemplated hereby and the Closing (including the reasonable costs and expenses of such entities’ agents and representatives performing aspects of each of the foregoing, including, without limitation, Ropes & Gray LLP and Sidley Austin Brown & Wood LLP). In addition, the Issuers agree to promptly pay in full: (a) all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel) incurred by the Agent, the LC Issuer and the Purchasers in connection with any proposed reduction of the Aggregate Availability, issuance of Additional Notes or waiver or amendment of any Document, whether or not effected, (b) following the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including, without limitation,

 

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reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel) incurred by the Agent, the LC Issuer and the Purchasers in enforcing any obligations of or in collecting any payments due hereunder or under the Notes by reason of such Event of Default and (c) all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel) incurred by the Agent, the LC Issuer and the Purchasers in connection with any refinancing or restructuring of the credit arrangements provided under this Agreement in the nature of a workout, or any insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings; provided that, in the case of each such event, each of the Agent, the LC Issuer and the Purchasers (collectively) shall only be entitled to payment of the fees, expenses and disbursements of a single outside counsel, in addition to any local counsel and other professionals, with the Purchasers’ counsel to be designated by the Required Purchasers.

 

16.2. Indemnity . In addition to the payment of expenses pursuant to Section 16.1, whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby shall be consummated, the Issuers (as “ Indemnitor ”) agrees to indemnify, pay and hold the Agent, the LC Issuer and the Purchasers, and the officers, directors, partners, managers, members, employees, agents, and Affiliates of the Agent, the LC Issuer and the Purchasers (collectively called the “ Indemnitees ”) harmless from and against any and all other liabilities, costs, expenses, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, claims and disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever (including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and disbursements of one counsel for such Indemnitees) in connection with any investigative, administrative or judicial proceeding commenced or threatened (excluding claims among Indemnitees and, with the exception of claims arising out of otherwise indemnifiable matters ( e.g. , actions to enforce the indemnification rights provided hereunder), excluding claims between the Issuers and an Indemnitee), whether or not such Indemnitee shall be designated a party thereto, which may be imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against that Indemnitee, in any manner relating to or arising out of this Agreement, the Securities, the Documents or the other documents related to the transactions contemplated hereby, the Purchasers’ agreement to purchase the Securities or the use or intended use of the proceeds of any of the proceeds thereof to the Issuers (the “ Indemnified Liabilities ”); provided , that the Indemnitor shall not have any obligation to an Indemnitee hereunder with respect to an Indemnified Liability to the extent that such Indemnified Liability arises from the gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct of that Indemnitee. Each Indemnitee shall give the Indemnitor prompt written notice of any claim that might give rise to Indemnified Liabilities setting forth a description of those elements of such claim of which such Indemnitee has knowledge; provided , that any failure to give such notice shall not affect the obligations of the Indemnitor unless (and then solely to the extent) such Indemnitor is materially prejudiced thereby. The Indemnitor shall have the right at any time during which such claim is pending to select counsel to defend and control the defense thereof and settle any claims for which it is responsible for indemnification hereunder (provided that the Indemnitor will not settle any such claim without (i) the appropriate Indemnitee’s prior written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or (ii) obtaining an unconditional release of the appropriate Indemnitee from all claims arising out of or in any way relating to the circumstances involving such claim and without any admission as to culpability or fault of such Indemnitee) so long as in any such event, the Indemnitor shall have stated in a writing delivered to the Indemnitee that, as between the Indemnitor and the Indemnitee, the Indemnitor is responsible to the Indemnitee with respect to such claim to the extent and subject to the limitations set forth herein; provided , that the Indemnitor shall not be entitled to control the defense of any claim in the event that in the

 

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reasonable opinion of counsel for the Indemnitee, there are one or more material defenses available to the Indemnitee which are not available to the Indemnitor; provided further , that with respect to any claim as to which the Indemnitee is controlling the defense, the Indemnitor will not be liable to any Indemnitee for any settlement of any claim pursuant to this Section 16.2 that is effected without its prior written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. To the extent that the undertaking to indemnify, pay and hold harmless set forth in this Section 16.2 may be unenforceable because it is violative of any law or public policy, each Issuer shall contribute the maximum portion which it is permitted to pay and satisfy under applicable law, to the payment and satisfaction of all Indemnified Liabilities incurred by the Indemnitees or any of them.

 

16.3. Amendments and Waivers . No amendment, modification, termination or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any other Second Lien Credit Document, shall in any event be effective without the written consent of the Required Purchasers and the Issuers; provided , that no amendment, modification, termination or waiver of any of the following shall be effected without the written consent of the Supermajority Purchasers: (i) release of any Collateral not provided for under the Agreement or the other Note Documents, or amend any provision providing for such release of Collateral; (ii) amendment of any covenant provided in Annex B, C or D or any related definition; or (iii) amendment of the requirement specified in Section 13.1.2 that Notes and put obligations be assigned pro rata; and provided further that no amendment, modification, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by each Purchaser affected thereby and the LC Issuer, do any of the following: (a) release any Issuer or reduce, alter or affect, extend the maturity or time of, or right to receive, payment of principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on, any Note or the obligation of any Issuer with respect to the Notes (other than as a result of waiving a Default or Event of Default giving rise to a right of acceleration, which shall be by written consent of the Required Purchasers or, with respect to a Default or Event of Default arising from the breach of a covenant that may be amended, modified or waived only by the Supermajority Purchasers, by the Supermajority Purchasers); or (b) modify in any way the right to any payment under Article 3, including the timing, amount or portion of such payment required to be paid in cash; or (c) reduce the rate of interest or the principal amount of any of the Notes or increase the relative amount of interest which the Issuers may pay through capitalizing the same; or (d) impair or affect the right of any Purchaser to institute suit for enforcement of any such payment to which such Purchaser is entitled pursuant to this Agreement; or (e) alter the percentage of Purchasers necessary to modify or take action under this Agreement including changing the definition of Required Purchasers or Supermajority Purchasers; or (f) modify in any way the rights of any Purchaser under Sections 3.5.3 or (g) alter in any way any provision governing the assignability or transferability of the Notes and/or the Warrants and/or put obligations, or (h) amend Section 16.1 or 16.3; or (i) modify the terms of any Warrant other than in accordance with the terms thereof or (j) modify any of the provisions of Section 7 or Section 8, or waive any of the conditions set forth therein in connection with a particular issuance of Notes or (k) release all or a material portion of the Collateral other than pursuant to the Second Lien Credit Documents; and provided , further , that any amendment or modification of the Second Lien Credit Documents that would affect the rights or duties of the Agent under the Second Lien Credit Documents shall require the consent of the Agent, including any provision of Article 14, and any amendment or modification of this Agreement or any other Second Lien Credit Documents that would affect the rights or duties of the LC Issuer, including any provision of Article 3, shall require the consent of the LC Issuer. Any waiver or consent

 

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shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which it was given. No notice to or demand on the Issuers in any case shall entitle the Issuers to any further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances. Any amendment, modification, termination, waiver or consent effected in accordance with this Section 16.3 shall be binding upon each holder of the Securities at the time outstanding and each future holder thereof.

 

16.4. Independence of Covenants . All covenants hereunder shall be given independent effect so that if a particular action or condition is not permitted by any of such covenants, the fact that it would be permitted by an exception to, or be otherwise within the limitation of, another covenant shall not avoid the occurrence of an Event of Default or Default if such action is taken or condition exists.

 

16.5. Notices . All notices, demands or other communications to be given or delivered under or by reason of the provisions of this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered personally or sent via a nationally recognized overnight courier. Such notices, demands and other communications will be delivered or sent to the address indicated below:

 

If to any Issuer:

 

Core-Mark International, Inc.

395 Oyster Point Boulevard, #415

South San Francisco, CA 94080

Phone: (650) 589-9445

Fax: (650) 589-4010

Attention: Treasurer

 

with a copy to:

 

Kirkland & Ellis LLP

200 East Randolph Drive

Chicago, IL 60601

Phone: (312) 861-2000

Fax: (312) 861-2200

Attention: Maureen Sweeney

 

If to Purchasers, to the address

set forth on Schedule I

 

With a copy to:

 

Ropes & Gray LLP

One International Place

Boston, Massachusetts 02110

Phone: (617) 951-7000

Fax: (617) 951-7050

Attention: Alyson Allen

 

-67-


If to the Agent:

 

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

Wholesale Loan Services – Agency Syndication Department

201 Third Street, 8 th Floor

San Francisco, California 94103

 

With a copy to:

 

Sidley Austin Brown & Wood LLP

555 W. 5 th Street

Los Angeles, California 90013

Phone: (213) 896-6000

Fax: (213) 896-6600

Attention: Samantha Good

 

and

 

Wells Fargo Capital Markets

550 California Street, 14 th Floor, MAC A0112-144

San Francisco, California 94104

Telephone: (415) 222-6388

Fax: (415) 975-7235

Attention: Peta Swidler

 

and

 

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

201 Third Street, 8 th Flr.

San Francisco, CA 94103

Telephone: (415) 477-5404

Fax: (415) 512-9408

Attention: Jeffrey Gee

Email: Jeffrey.gee@wellsfargo.com

Team email: Agentsf@wellsfargo.com

Mac: AO187-81

 

If to the LC Issuer:

 

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

Trade Services Division, Northern California

One Front Street, 21 st Floor

San Francisco, California 94111

Phone: 800-798-2815

E-mail: sftrade@wellsfargo.com

 

-68-


With a copy to:

 

Sidley Austin Brown & Wood LLP

555 W. 5 th Street

Los Angeles, California 90013

Phone: (213) 896-6000

Fax: (213) 896-6600

Attention: Samantha Good

 

and

 

Wells Fargo Capital Markets

550 California Street, 14 th Floor, MAC A0112-144

San Francisco, California 94104

Telephone: (415) 222-6388

Fax: (415) 975-7235

Attention: Peta Swidler

 

and

 

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

201 Third Street, 8 th Flr.

San Francisco, CA 94103

Telephone: (415) 477-5404

Fax: (415) 512-9408

Attention: Jeffrey Gee

Email: Jeffrey.gee@wellsfargo.com

Team email: Agentsf@wellsfargo.com

Mac: AO187-81

 

or such other address or to the attention of such other Person as the recipient party shall have specified by prior written notice to the sending party in accordance with this Section 16.5. Any such communication shall be deemed to have been received when actually delivered or refused.

 

16.6. Survival of Warranties and Certain Agreements .

 

16.6.1. Any liability of any Issuer for any breach of, or inaccuracy in, the representations and warranties made by it herein shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the sale and delivery of the Securities hereunder, including the execution and delivery of the Notes, and shall continue until no Securities remain outstanding; provided , that if all or any part of any payment for the Securities is set aside, such Issuer shall remain liable for any breach of, or inaccuracy in, the representations and warranties made by it herein as if no such payment had been made.

 

16.6.2. Any liability of any Issuer for any breach of or default in the performance of the agreements made by it herein shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the sale and delivery of the Securities hereunder, including the execution and delivery of the Notes, and shall continue until no Securities remain outstanding; provided, that if all or part of any payment for the Securities is set aside, such Issuer shall remain liable for any breach of or default in the performance of such agreements.

 

-69-


16.6.3. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement or implied by law to the contrary, the agreements of the Issuers set forth in Sections 16.1 and 16.2 shall survive the payment of the Notes, the redemption, cancellation or exchange of the Securities and the termination of this Agreement.

 

16.7. Failure or Indulgence Not Waiver; Remedies Cumulative . No failure or delay on the part of the Agent or any Purchaser in the exercise of any power, right or privilege hereunder or under the Securities shall impair such power, right or privilege or be construed to be a waiver of any default or acquiescence therein, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such power, right or privilege preclude other or further exercise thereof or of any other right, power or privilege. All rights and remedies existing under this Agreement or the Securities are cumulative to and not exclusive of, any rights or remedies otherwise available.

 

16.8. Severability . If and to the extent that any provision in this Agreement or the Notes shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement, the Notes or of the other obligations of Holdings under any of such provisions, or of such provision or obligation in any other jurisdiction, or of such provision to the extent not invalid, illegal or unenforceable shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. Without limiting the foregoing, if and to the extent that Arkansas law is determined by an order of a court of competent jurisdiction to apply to the obligations of Core-Mark Midcontinent, Inc and to limit the amount of interest, fees or other charges which such Issuer may be charged hereunder, the amounts owing hereunder by Core-Mark Midcontinent, Inc. with respect to any Put Consideration, interest or other amounts owing from time to time shall be limited to those amounts which would not be a violation of such applicable Arkansas law.

 

16.9. Heading . Section and subsection headings in this Agreement are included herein for convenience of reference only and shall not constitute a part of this Agreement for any other purpose or be given any substantive effect.

 

16.10. Applicable Law . This Agreement shall be governed by, and shall be construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, without regard to the principles of conflicts of laws except to the extent required to give effect to this choice of law provision.

 

16.11. Successors and Assigns; Subsequent Holders . This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and the successors and assigns of the Purchasers, Agent or LC Issuer. The terms and provisions of this Agreement and all certificates delivered pursuant hereto shall inure to the benefit of any assignee or transferee of the Securities or the rights and obligations of the Purchasers, Agent or LC Issuer under Article 3, to the extent the assignment is permitted hereunder, and in the event of such transfer or assignment, the rights and privileges herein conferred upon the Purchasers, Agent or LC Issuer, as applicable, shall automatically extend to and be vested in such transferee or assignee, all subject to the terms and conditions hereof. Each Issuer’s respective rights or any interest therein or hereunder may not be assigned other than as contemplated in this Agreement without the written consent of each Purchaser.

 

-70-


16.12. Consent to Jurisdiction and Service of Process . All judicial proceedings brought against any Issuer, with respect to this Agreement or any Notes may be brought in any state or federal court of competent jurisdiction in the State of New York and by execution and delivery of this Agreement, each Issuer accepts for itself and in connection with its properties, generally and unconditionally, the jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts, and irrevocably agrees to be bound by any judgment rendered thereby in connection with this Agreement subject, however, to rights of appeal. Each Issuer hereby agrees that service upon it in the manner provided for the giving of notices in Section 16.5 shall constitute sufficient notice. Nothing herein shall affect the right to serve process in any other manner permitted by law or shall limit the right of any Purchaser to bring proceedings against any Issuer in the courts of any other jurisdiction.

 

16.13. Waiver of Jury Trial . Each Issuer hereby waives, to the full extent permitted by applicable law, trial by jury in any litigation in any court with respect to, in connection with, or arising out of this Agreement or any other Second Lien Credit Document or the validity, protection, interpretation, collection or enforcement thereof. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, no claim may be made by any Issuer against the Agent, LC Issuer or any Purchaser for any lost profits or any special, indirect or consequential damages in respect of any breach or wrongful conduct (other than willful misconduct constituting actual fraud) in connection with, arising out of or in any way related to the transactions contemplated hereunder or under the other Second Lien Credit Documents, or any act, omission or event occurring in connection therewith. Each Issuer hereby waives, releases and agrees not to sue upon any such claim for any such damages. Each Issuer agrees that this Section 16.13 is a specific and material aspect of this Agreement and acknowledges that the Purchasers would not extend to the Issuers any monies hereunder and the LC Issuer would not issue the Specified LCs if this Section 16.13 were not part of this Agreement.

 

16.14. Counterparts; Effectiveness . This Agreement and any amendments, waivers, consents or supplements may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts together shall constitute but one and the same instrument. This Agreement shall become effective upon the execution of a counterpart hereof by each of the parties hereto.

 

16.15. Confidentiality . The Agent and each Purchaser agrees to keep confidential (and to cause its respective officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives to keep confidential) all information, materials and documents concerning the business of Holdings and its Subsidiaries furnished to such person by Holdings or its Subsidiaries or on its behalf pursuant to this Agreement (the “ Information ”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Agent and any Purchaser shall be permitted to disclose Information (i) to its officers, managers, members, partners, directors, employees, agents and representatives provided that such Information shall remain confidential; (ii) to the extent required by applicable laws and regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process, or to the extent requested by any governmental agency or authority in which event such Purchaser agrees to provide notice thereof to the Issuer Representative; (iii) to the extent such Information (A) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Agreement, (B) becomes available to the Agent or such Purchaser on a non-confidential basis from a source other than Holdings or its Subsidiaries other than from a third party which the Agent or the Purchaser is aware is breaching its confidentiality obligations

 

-71-


to Holdings or (C) was available to the Agent or the Purchaser on a non-confidential basis prior to its disclosure to the Agent or the Purchaser by Holdings or its Subsidiaries; (iv) to the extent Holdings or its Subsidiaries shall have consented to such disclosure in writing; (v) in connection with the assignment of any Securities provided that the recipient of Information agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information; (vi) to its respective investors or lenders in connection with any reporting performed by such Purchaser to any such Persons provided that the recipient of Information agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information; or (vii) in connection with the exercise of its rights and remedies under the Second Lien Credit Documents. Notwithstanding anything else in this Agreement, or in any other written or oral understanding or agreement to which the parties hereto are parties or by which they are bound, each party (and its representatives, agents and employees) may consult any tax advisor regarding the tax treatment and tax structure of the transaction and may disclose to any Person, without limitation, the tax treatment and tax structure of the transaction and all materials (including opinions or other tax analyses) that are provided relating to such treatment or structure.

 

16.16. Entirety . This Agreement and the other Second Lien Credit Documents embody the entire agreement among the parties, and supersede all prior agreements and understandings, if any, relating to the subject matter hereof and thereof.

 

-72-


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by the respective duly authorized officers of the undersigned and by the undersigned as of the date first written above.

 

ISSUERS

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC.

CORE-MARK HOLDINGS I, INC.

CORE-MARK HOLDINGS II, INC.

CORE-MARK HOLDINGS III, INC.

CORE-MARK INTERNATIONAL, INC.

CORE-MARK MIDCONTINENT, INC.

CORE-MARK

INTERRELATED COMPANIES, INC.

HEAD DISTRIBUTING COMPANY

MINTER-WEISMAN CO.

 

Name:

   

Title:

   

 

AGENT

WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.

 

Name:

  Peta Swidler

Title:

  Senior Vice-President

 

LC ISSUER

WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.

 

Name:

  Peta Swidler

Title:

  Senior Vice-President

 

F-1


PURCHASERS

PROSPECT HARBOR CREDIT PARTNERS, L.P.

 

Name:

   

Title:

   

 

SANKATY CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES, L.P.

 

Name:

   

Title:

   

 

SANKATY HIGH YIELD ASSET PARTNERS, L.P.
 

Name:

   

Title:

   

 

SANKATY HIGH YIELD PARTNERS II, L.P.
 

Name:

   

Title:

   

 

SANKATY HIGH YIELD PARTNERS III, L.P.
 

Name:

   

Title:

   

 

F-2


RGIP, LLC
 

Name:

   

Title:

   

 

F-3


WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.
 

Name:

  Peta Swidler

Title:

  Senior Vice-President

 

F-4


CANPARTNERS INVESTMENTS IV, LLC
 

Name:

   

Title:

   

 

F-5


GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
 

Name:

  Richard Katz

Title:

  Managing Director

 

F-6

Exhibit 10.10

AMENDMENT AND CONSENT TO

NOTE AND WARRANT PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

AMENDMENT AND CONSENT, dated as of June 30, 2005, to the Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement referred to below (this “ Amendment ”) among (a) CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC., a Delaware corporation, CORE-MARK HOLDINGS I, INC., a Delaware corporation, CORE-MARK HOLDINGS II, INC., a Delaware corporation, CORE-MARK HOLDINGS III, INC., a Delaware corporation, CORE-MARK INTERNATIONAL, INC., a Delaware corporation, CORE-MARK MIDCONTINENT, INC., an Arkansas corporation, CORE-MARK INTERRELATED COMPANIES, INC., a California corporation, HEAD DISTRIBUTING COMPANY, a Georgia corporation, and MINTER-WEISMAN CO., a Minnesota corporation (collectively, the “ Issuers ” and each individually, an “ Issuer ”), (b) WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. (in its individual capacity, “ Wells Fargo ”), for itself, as a Purchaser, as the LC Issuer and as administrative agent for Purchasers (the “ Agent ”), and (c) EACH OF THE OTHER PERSONS SIGNATORY HERETO (together with Wells Fargo, the “ Consenting Purchasers ”).

 

W I T N E S S E T H :

 

WHEREAS, the Issuers, Agent, LC Issuer and Purchasers are parties to that certain Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 20, 2004 (including all annexes, exhibits and schedules thereto, and as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Purchase Agreement ”); and

 

WHEREAS, Agent, LC Issuer and Supermajority Purchasers have agreed to amend certain provisions of the Purchase Agreement, and consent to certain transactions, in the manner, and on the terms and conditions, provided for herein;

 

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt, adequacy and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

 

1. Definitions . Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Purchase Agreement.

 

2. Amendment to Purchase Agreement. Section 16.5 of the Purchase Agreement is hereby amended as of the Effective Date (as defined below) by inserting at the end thereof (after the “.”):

 

The parties also acknowledge and agree that such notice, demand, request, consent, approval, declaration or other communication may also be posted to (i) Intralinks ® (to the extent such system is available and set up by or at the direction of the Agent prior to posting) in an appropriate location by uploading such notice, demand, request, consent, approval, declaration or other communication to www.intralinks.com, faxing it to (866) 545-

 

1


6600 with an appropriate bar-coded fax cover sheet or using such other means of posting to Intralinks ® as may be available and reasonably acceptable to the Agent or (ii) any other E-System setup by or at the direction of the Agent in a reasonably appropriate location, in each case such notices, demands, requests, consents, approvals, declarations and other communications to be deemed to have been validly served, given or delivered on the date received by the Agent from the Issuers for posting to such E-System.

 

For purposes of this Section 16.5, ‘ E-System ’ means any electronic system, including Intralinks ® and any other Internet or extranet-based site, whether such electronic system is owned, operated or hosted by the Agent, any of its Affiliates or any other Person, providing for access to data protected by passcodes or other security system.

 

3. Limited Consent . The Issuers have informed Agent that the Issuers will not deliver their audited Financial Statements for the 2004 Fiscal Year and related deliveries within the time frame required by Section 9.1.1 and Annex B, clause (d)  of the Purchase Agreement, as such time frame was extended pursuant to that certain Consent, dated as of April 19, 2005, to the Purchase Agreement, and have requested that Agent, LC Issuer and Supermajority Purchasers extend the date for such delivery to August 31, 2005. As of the Effective Date, Agent, LC Issuer and Supermajority Purchasers hereby consent to extend the date by which the Issuers’ audited Financial Statements for the 2004 Fiscal Year and related deliveries shall be delivered to Agent, LC Issuer and Purchasers until August 31, 2005.

 

4. Representations and Warranties . To induce Agent, LC Issuer and Supermajority Purchasers to enter into this Amendment, each of the Issuers, jointly and severally, makes the following representations and warranties to Agent, LC Issuer and Purchasers:

 

(a) The execution, delivery and performance of this Amendment and the performance of the Purchase Agreement, as amended hereby, by such Issuer: (a) are within such Person’s corporate, limited liability company or limited partnership power, as applicable; (b) have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate, limited liability company or limited partnership action; (c) do not contravene any provision of such Person’s charter, bylaws or partnership or operating agreement as applicable; (d) do not violate any law or regulation, or any order or decree of any court or Governmental Authority by which such Person or its assets are bound; (e) do not conflict with or result in the breach or termination of, constitute a default under or accelerate or permit the acceleration of any performance required by, any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, material lease, material agreement or other material instrument to which such Person is a party or by which such Person or any of its property is bound; (f) do not result in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon any of the property of such Person other than those in favor of Agent, on behalf of itself, LC Issuer and Purchasers, pursuant to the Second Lien Credit

 

2


Documents; and (g) do not require the consent or approval of any Governmental Authority or any other Person.

 

(b) This Amendment has been duly executed and delivered by or on behalf of such Issuer.

 

(c) Each of this Amendment and the Purchase Agreement, as amended hereby, constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Issuer, enforceable against such Issuer in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally.

 

(d) No Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing after giving effect to this Amendment.

 

(e) No Litigation is now pending or, to the knowledge of such Issuer, threatened against any Issuer, (i) which challenges such Issuer’s right or power to enter into this Amendment or perform any of its respective obligations under this Amendment, the Purchase Agreement or any other Second Lien Credit Document, or the validity or enforceability of this Amendment, the Purchase Agreement or any other Second Lien Credit Document or (ii) that has a reasonable risk of being determined adversely to any Issuer and which, if determined adversely, is reasonably likely to have or result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(f) The representations and warranties of such Issuer contained in the Purchase Agreement and each other Second Lien Credit Document shall be true and correct on and as of the Effective Date, except that any such representation or warranty which is expressly made only as of a specified date need be true only as of such date and except for changes therein expressly permitted by the Purchase Agreement.

 

5. No Other Amendments/Waivers . Except as expressly amended herein, the Purchase Agreement and the other Second Lien Credit Documents shall be unmodified and shall continue to be in full force and effect in accordance with their terms. In addition, this Amendment shall not be deemed a waiver of any term or condition of any Second Lien Credit Document and shall not be deemed to prejudice any right or rights which Agent, for itself, LC Issuer and Purchasers, may now have or may have in the future under or in connection with any Second Lien Credit Document or any of the instruments or agreements referred to therein, as the same may be amended from time to time.

 

6. Waiver of Claims . Each Issuer hereby waives, releases, remises and forever discharges Agent, LC Issuer, Purchasers and each other Indemnitee from any and all claims, suits, actions, investigations, proceedings or demands arising out of or in connection with the Purchase Agreement (collectively, “ Claims ”), whether based in contract, tort, implied or express warranty, strict liability, criminal or civil statute or common law of any kind or character, known or unknown, which such Issuer ever had, now has or might hereafter have against Agent, LC Issuer or Purchasers which relates, directly or indirectly, to any acts or omissions of Agent, LC Issuer, Purchasers or any other Indemnitee on or prior to the date hereof,

 

3


provided that, no Issuer waives any Claim solely to the extent such Claim relates to Agent’s, LC Issuer’s or any Purchaser’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.

 

7. Expenses . Each Issuer hereby reconfirms its respective obligations pursuant to Section 16.1 of the Purchase Agreement to pay and reimburse Agent, for all reasonable costs and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable fees of counsel) incurred in connection with the negotiation, preparation, execution and delivery of this Amendment and all other documents and instruments delivered in connection herewith.

 

8. Effectiveness . This Amendment shall be deemed effective as of the date hereof (the “ Effective Date ”) only upon satisfaction in full in the reasonable judgment of Agent of each of the following conditions:

 

(a) Amendment . Agent shall have received ten (10) original copies of this Amendment duly executed and delivered by Agent, Supermajority Purchasers, LC Issuer and the Issuers.

 

(b) Payment of Expenses . Issuers shall have paid to Agent all reasonable costs, fees and expenses owing in connection with this Amendment and the other Second Lien Credit Documents and due to Agent (including, without limitation, reasonable legal fees and expenses).

 

(c) Representations and Warranties . The representations and warranties of the Issuers in this Amendment shall be true and correct on and as of the Effective Date and the date hereof, except that any such representation or warranty which is expressly made only as of a specified date need be true only as of such date.

 

9. GOVERNING LAW . THIS AMENDMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND SHALL BE CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO THE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT REQUIRED TO GIVE EFFECT TO THIS CHOICE OF LAW PROVISION.

 

10. Counterparts . This Amendment may be executed by the parties hereto on any number of separate counterparts and all of said counterparts taken together shall be deemed to constitute one and the same instrument.

 

[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]

 

4


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

 

ISSUERS :
CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC.
By:   /s/    S TACY L ORETZ -C ONGDON        

Name:

  Stacy Loretz-Congdon

Title:

  VP Finance / Treasurer
CORE-MARK HOLDINGS I, INC.
By:   /s/    S TACY L ORETZ -C ONGDON        

Name:

  Stacy Loretz-Congdon

Title:

  VP Finance / Treasurer
CORE-MARK HOLDINGS II, INC.
By:   /s/    S TACY L ORETZ -C ONGDON        

Name:

  Stacy Loretz-Congdon

Title:

  VP Finance / Treasurer
CORE-MARK HOLDINGS III, INC.
By:   /s/    S TACY L ORETZ -C ONGDON        

Name:

  Stacy Loretz-Congdon

Title:

  VP Finance / Treasurer
CORE-MARK INTERNATIONAL, INC.
By:   /s/    S TACY L ORETZ -C ONGDON        

Name:

  Stacy Loretz-Congdon

Title:

  VP Finance / Treasurer

 

S IGNATURE P AGE TO A MENDMENT


CORE-MARK MIDCONTINENT, INC.
By:   /s/    S TACY L ORETZ -C ONGDON        

Name:

  Stacy Loretz-Congdon

Title:

  VP Finance / Treasurer
CORE-MARK INTERRELATED COMPANIES, INC.
By:   /s/    S TACY L ORETZ -C ONGDON        

Name:

  Stacy Loretz-Congdon

Title:

  VP Finance / Treasurer
HEAD DISTRIBUTING COMPANY
By:   /s/    S TACY L ORETZ -C ONGDON        

Name:

  Stacy Loretz-Congdon

Title:

  VP Finance / Treasurer
MINTER-WEISMAN CO.
By:   /s/    S TACY L ORETZ -C ONGDON        

Name:

  Stacy Loretz-Congdon

Title:

  VP Finance / Treasurer

 

S IGNATURE P AGE TO A MENDMENT


AGENT :
WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.
By:   /s/    G EOFF P. N OLAN        
    Geoff P. Nolan
    Vice President
LC ISSUER :
WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.
By:   /s/    G EOFF P. N OLAN        
    Geoff P. Nolan
    Vice President
PURCHASERS :
WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.
By:   /s/    G EOFF P. N OLAN        
    Geoff P. Nolan
    Vice President

 

S IGNATURE P AGE TO A MENDMENT


CANPARTNERS INVESTMENTS IV, LLC
By:   /s/    Illegible        

Name:

  Illegible
    Authorized Member

 

S IGNATURE P AGE TO A MENDMENT


GOLDMAN SACHS & CO.
By:   /s/    Illegible        

Name:

  Illegible

Title:

  Managing Director

 

S IGNATURE P AGE TO A MENDMENT


RGIP, LLC
By:   /s/    Illegible        

Name:

  Illegible

Title:

  Managing Member

 

S IGNATURE P AGE TO A MENDMENT

Exhibit 10.13

 


 

LOGO

 

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

dated as of

 

October 12, 2005

 

among

 

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC.

CORE-MARK INTERNATIONAL, INC.

CORE-MARK HOLDINGS I, INC.

CORE-MARK HOLDINGS II, INC.

CORE-MARK HOLDINGS III, INC.

CORE-MARK MIDCONTINENT, INC.

CORE-MARK INTERRELATED COMPANIES, INC.

HEAD DISTRIBUTING COMPANY

MINTER-WEISMAN CO.

 

The Lenders Party Hereto,

 

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,

as Administrative Agent,

 

GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION,

as Co-Syndication Agent,

 

WACHOVIA CAPITAL FINANCE CORPORATION (WESTERN),

as Co-Syndication Agent,

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

as Co-Documentation Agent,

 

and

 

WELLS FARGO FOOTHILL, LLC,

as Co-Documentation Agent,

 


 

J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES INC.,

as Sole Bookrunner and Sole Lead Arranger

 


 

CHASE BUSINESS CREDIT


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page

ARTICLE I     DEFINITIONS

   2

SECTION 1.01.

  Defined Terms    2

SECTION 1.02.

  Classification of Loans and Borrowings    30

SECTION 1.03.

  Terms Generally    31

SECTION 1.04.

  Accounting Terms; GAAP    31

ARTICLE II     THE CREDITS

   31

SECTION 2.01.

  Commitments    31

SECTION 2.02.

  Loans and Borrowings    31

SECTION 2.03.

  Requests for Revolving Borrowings    32

SECTION 2.04.

  Protective Advances    33

SECTION 2.05.

  Swingline Loans, Canadian Swingline Loans and Overadvances    34

SECTION 2.06.

  Letters of Credit    37

SECTION 2.07.

  Funding of Borrowings    41

SECTION 2.08.

  Interest Elections    41

SECTION 2.09.

  Termination of Commitments    43

SECTION 2.10.

  Repayment and Amortization of Loans; Evidence of Debt    43

SECTION 2.11.

  Repayment of Loans    44

SECTION 2.12.

  Fees    44

SECTION 2.13.

  Interest    45

SECTION 2.14.

  Alternate Rates of Interest    46

SECTION 2.15.

  Increased Costs    47

SECTION 2.16.

  Break Funding Payments    48

SECTION 2.17.

  Taxes    48

SECTION 2.18.

  Payments Generally; Allocation of Proceeds; Sharing of Set-offs    49

SECTION 2.19.

  Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders    52

SECTION 2.20.

  Returned Payments    52

SECTION 2.21.

  Increase In Commitments    53

SECTION 2.22.

  Adjustments of Advance Rates and Reserves; Permitted Acquisition Eligibility and Reporting    53

ARTICLE III     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

   54

SECTION 3.01.

  Organization; Powers    54

SECTION 3.02.

  Authorization; Enforceability    54

SECTION 3.03.

  Governmental Approvals; No Conflicts    54

 

-i-


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

         Page

SECTION 3.04.

  Financial Condition; No Material Adverse Change    54

SECTION 3.05.

  Properties    55

SECTION 3.06.

  Litigation and Environmental Matters    55

SECTION 3.07.

  Compliance with Laws and Agreements    55

SECTION 3.08.

  Investment and Holding Company Status    55

SECTION 3.09.

  Taxes    56

SECTION 3.10.

  ERISA    56

SECTION 3.11.

  Disclosure    56

SECTION 3.12.

  Material Agreements    56

SECTION 3.13.

  Solvency    56

SECTION 3.14.

  Insurance    57

SECTION 3.15.

  Capitalization and Subsidiaries    57

SECTION 3.16.

  Security Interest in Collateral    57

SECTION 3.17.

  Labor Disputes    57

SECTION 3.18.

  Affiliate Transactions    57

SECTION 3.19.

  Common Enterprise    58

ARTICLE IV     CONDITIONS

   58

SECTION 4.01.

  Effective Date    58

SECTION 4.02.

  Each Credit Event    60

ARTICLE V     AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

   61

SECTION 5.01.

  Financial Statements; Borrowing Base and Other Information    61

SECTION 5.02.

  Notices of Material Events    64

SECTION 5.03.

  Existence; Conduct of Business    65

SECTION 5.04.

  Payment of Obligations    65

SECTION 5.05.

  Maintenance of Properties    65

SECTION 5.06.

  Books and Records; Inspection Rights    65

SECTION 5.07.

  Compliance with Laws    65

SECTION 5.08.

  Use of Proceeds    66

SECTION 5.09.

  Insurance    66

SECTION 5.10.

  Casualty and Condemnation    66

SECTION 5.11.

  Appraisals and Field Examinations    66

SECTION 5.12.

  Depository Banks    66

 

-ii-


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

         Page

SECTION 5.13.

  Additional Collateral; Further Assurances    66

ARTICLE VI     NEGATIVE COVENANTS

   68

SECTION 6.01.

  Indebtedness    68

SECTION 6.02.

  Liens    69

SECTION 6.03.

  Fundamental Changes    70

SECTION 6.04.

  Investments, Loans, Advances, Guarantees and Acquisitions    70

SECTION 6.05.

  Asset Sales    72

SECTION 6.06.

  Sale and Leaseback Transactions    73

SECTION 6.07.

  Swap Agreements    73

SECTION 6.08.

  Restricted Payments; Certain Payments of Indebtedness    73

SECTION 6.09.

  Transactions with Affiliates    74

SECTION 6.10.

  Restrictive Agreements    75

SECTION 6.11.

  Amendment of Material Documents    75

SECTION 6.12.

  Interest Deduction    75

SECTION 6.13.

  Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio    75

ARTICLE VII     EVENTS OF DEFAULT

   76

ARTICLE VIII     THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

   78

ARTICLE IX     MISCELLANEOUS

   82

SECTION 9.01.

  Notices    82

SECTION 9.02.

  Waivers; Amendments    83

SECTION 9.03.

  Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver    85

SECTION 9.04.

  Successors and Assigns    86

SECTION 9.05.

  Survival    90

SECTION 9.06.

  Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness    90

SECTION 9.07.

  Severability    91

SECTION 9.08.

  Right of Setoff    91

SECTION 9.09.

  Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process; Judicial Reference    91

SECTION 9.10.

  WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL    92

SECTION 9.11.

  Headings    92

SECTION 9.12.

  Confidentiality    92

SECTION 9.13.

  Several Obligations; Nonreliance; Violation of Law    93

SECTION 9.14.

  USA PATRIOT Act    93

 

-iii-


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

         Page

SECTION 9.15.

  Disclosure    93

SECTION 9.16.

  Appointment for Perfection    93

SECTION 9.17.

  Interest Rate Limitation    93

SECTION 9.18.

  Judgment Currency    93

ARTICLE X     LOAN GUARANTY

   94

SECTION 10.01.

  Guaranty    94

SECTION 10.02.

  Guaranty of Payment    94

SECTION 10.03.

  No Discharge or Diminishment of Loan Guaranty    94

SECTION 10.04.

  Defenses Waived    95

SECTION 10.05.

  Rights of Subrogation    95

SECTION 10.06.

  Reinstatement; Stay of Acceleration    95

SECTION 10.07.

  Information    96

SECTION 10.08.

  Termination    96

SECTION 10.09.

  [Intentionally omitted.]    96

SECTION 10.10.

  Maximum Liability    96

SECTION 10.11.

  Contribution    96

SECTION 10.12.

  Liability Joint and Several    97

ARTICLE XI     MULTIPLE BORROWER PROVISIONS

   97

SECTION 11.01.

  Independent Obligations; Subrogation    97

SECTION 11.02.

  Authority to Modify Obligations and Security    97

SECTION 11.03.

  Waiver of Defenses    98

SECTION 11.04.

  Right to Dispose of Security; Impairment of Rights    98

SECTION 11.05.

  Additional Waivers    99

SECTION 11.06.

  No Right To Information    99

SECTION 11.07.

  Notices, Demands, Etc.    99

SECTION 11.08.

  Subordination    99

SECTION 11.09.

  Revival    100

SECTION 11.10.

  Understanding of Waivers    100

SECTION 11.11.

  Unlimited Liability    100

SECTION 11.12.

  Holdings as Agent for Borrowers    100

 

-iv-


SCHEDULES :

 

Commitment Schedule

Schedule 2.06 – Existing Letters of Credit

Schedule 3.05 – Properties

Schedule 3.06 – Disclosed Matters

Schedule 3.10 – ERISA Matters

Schedule 3.12 – Material Agreements

Schedule 3.14 – Insurance

Schedule 3.15 – Capitalization and Subsidiaries

Schedule 3.18 – Affiliate Transactions

Schedule 6.01 – Existing Indebtedness

Schedule 6.02 – Existing Liens

Schedule 6.04 – Existing Investments

Schedule 6.10 – Existing Restrictions

 

EXHIBITS :

 

Exhibit A – Form of Assignment and Assumption

Exhibit B – Form of Opinion of Borrowers’ Counsel

Exhibit C – Form of Borrowing Base Certificate

Exhibit D – Form of Compliance Certificate

Exhibit E-1 – Loan Party Joinder Agreement

Exhibit E-2 – Borrower Joinder Agreement

Exhibit F – Form of Borrowing Request

Exhibit G – Form of Revolving Note

Exhibit H – Form of Interest Election Request

 

v


CREDIT AGREEMENT dated as of October 12, 2005 (as it may be amended or modified from time to time, this “ Agreement ”), among Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc. (“ Holdings ”), Core-Mark International, Inc. (“ International ”), Core-Mark Holdings I, Inc. (“ Holdings I ”), Core-Mark Holdings II, Inc. (“ Holdings II ”), Core-Mark Holdings III, Inc. (“ Holdings III ”), Core-Mark Midcontinent, Inc. (“ Midcontinent ”), Core-Mark Interrelated Companies, Inc. (“ Interrelated ”), Head Distributing Company (“ Head ”), Minter-Weisman Co. (“ Minter-Weisman ”; each of Holdings, International, Holdings I, Holdings II, Holdings III, Midcontinent, Interrelated, Head and Minter-Weisman shall be a “ Borrower ”, International shall be the “ Canadian Borrower ” and collectively such entities shall be the “ Borrowers ”), the Lenders party hereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, General Electric Capital Corporation and Wachovia Capital Finance Corporation (Western), as Co-Syndication Agents, and Bank of America, N.A. and Wells Fargo Foothill, LLC, as Co-Documentation Agents.

 

The parties hereto agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

 

Definitions

 

SECTION 1.01. Defined Terms . As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified below:

 

ABR ”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the Alternate Base Rate.

 

Account ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Security Agreement.

 

Account Debtor ” means any Person obligated on an Account.

 

Acquisition ” means any transaction, or any series of related transactions, consummated on or after the Closing Date, by which any Loan Party (a) acquires any going business or all or substantially all of the assets of any Person, whether through purchase of assets, merger or otherwise or (b) directly or indirectly acquires (in one transaction or as the most recent transaction in a series of transactions) at least a majority (in number of votes) of the Equity Interests of a Person which has ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other similar management personnel of a Person (other than Equity Interests having such power only by reason of the happening of a contingency) or a majority of the outstanding Equity Interests of a Person.

 

Adjusted LIBO Rate ” means, with respect to any Eurodollar Borrowing for any Interest Period, an interest rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of 1%) equal to (a) the LIBO Rate for such Interest Period multiplied by (b) the Statutory Reserve Rate.

 

Administrative Agent ” means JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., in its capacity as administrative agent for the Lenders hereunder.

 

Administrative Borrower ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 11.12.

 

Administrative Questionnaire ” means an Administrative Questionnaire in a form supplied by the Administrative Agent.

 

2


Affiliate ” means, with respect to a specified Person, another Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person specified.

 

Aggregate Canadian Credit Exposure ” means, at any time, the aggregate Canadian Credit Exposure of all Canadian Lenders.

 

Aggregate Credit Exposure ” means, at any time, the aggregate Credit Exposure of all the Lenders.

 

Alternate Base Rate ” means, for any day, a rate per annum equal to the greater of (a) the Prime Rate in effect on such day and (b) the Federal Funds Effective Rate in effect on such day plus   1 / 2 of 1%. Any change in the Alternate Base Rate due to a change in the Prime Rate or the Federal Funds Effective Rate shall be effective from and including the effective date of such change in the Prime Rate or the Federal Funds Effective Rate, respectively.

 

Applicable Percentage ” means, with respect to any Lender (that is not a Canadian Lender), (a) with respect to Revolving Loans (that are not Canadian Revolving Loans), LC Exposure, Swingline Loans or Overadvances, a percentage equal to a fraction the numerator of which is such Lender’s Revolving Commitment and the denominator of which is the aggregate Revolving Commitment of all Revolving Lenders (if the Revolving Commitments have terminated or expired, the Applicable Percentages shall be determined based upon such Lender’s share of the aggregate Revolving Exposures at that time), and (b) with respect to Protective Advances or with respect to the Aggregate Credit Exposure, a percentage based upon its share of the Aggregate Credit Exposure and the unused Commitments.

 

Applicable Rate ” means, for any day, with respect to any Eurodollar Revolving Loan or CDOR Revolving Loan, or with respect to the unused commitment fees payable under Section 2.12(a) hereof or the participation fees payable under Section 2.12(b) hereof, as the case may be, the applicable rate per annum set forth below under the caption “Eurodollar Spread”, “CDOR Spread” or “Unused Commitment Fee Rate”, as the case may be, based upon Holdings’ consolidated EBITDA for the trailing 12 month period as of the most recent determination date:

 

EBITDA


   Eurodollar Spread
and CDOR Spread


    Unused Commitment Fee
Rate


 

Category 1

>$60,000,000

   1.00 %   0.25 %

Category 2

£ $60,000,000

>$53,000,000

   1.25 %   0.25 %

Category 3

£ $53,000,000

>$48,000,000

   1.50 %   0.25 %

Category 4

£ $48,000,000

   1.75 %   0.30 %

 

For purposes of the foregoing, (a) the initial Applicable Rate shall be the applicable rate per annum set forth above in Category 3, (b) thereafter, the Applicable Rate shall be determined as of the end of each fiscal quarter of Holdings based upon Holdings’ annual or quarterly consolidated financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 5.01, commencing with the later of (i) delivery of the quarterly consolidated financial statements for the fiscal quarter ending September 30, 2005, or (ii) 90 days after the Effective

 

3


Date, and (c) each change in the Applicable Rate resulting from a change in EBITDA shall be effective during the period commencing on and including the date of delivery to the Administrative Agent of such consolidated financial statements indicating such change and ending on the date immediately preceding the effective date of the next such change, provided that if the Borrowers fail to deliver the annual or quarterly consolidated financial statements required to be delivered by them pursuant to Section 5.01 (and if no waiver or consent with respect thereto has been delivered) EBITDA shall be deemed to be in the Category that is one Category higher than the Category corresponding to EBITDA reported by Holdings in its most recently delivered required financial statements at the option of the Administrative Agent or at the request of the Required Lenders, during the period from the expiration of the time for delivery thereof until such consolidated financial statements are delivered.

 

Approved Fund ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04.

 

Assignment and Assumption ” means an assignment and assumption entered into by a Lender and an assignee (with the consent of any party whose consent is required by Section 9.04), and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in the form of Exhibit A or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.

 

Availability ” means, at any time, an amount equal to (a) the lesser of the Revolving Commitment and the Borrowing Base minus (b) the Revolving Exposure of all Revolving Lenders minus (c) fees and expenses payable hereunder that have not been paid when due minus (d) all Exposure Reserves that have been established in compliance with Section 2.22(a) and that have not been deducted or taken into account in the calculation of the Borrowing Base or any element or component thereof.

 

Available Revolving Commitment ” means, at any time, the Revolving Commitment then in effect minus the Revolving Exposure of all Revolving Lenders at such time.

 

Availability Period ” means the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the earlier of the Maturity Date and the date of termination of the Commitments.

 

Backstop Letter of Credit ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.06(j).

 

Banking Services ” means each and any of the following bank services provided to any Loan Party by any Lender or any of its Affiliates: (a) commercial credit cards, stored value cards, and treasury management services (including, without limitation, controlled disbursement, automated clearinghouse transactions, return items, overdrafts and interstate depository network services), and (b) interest rate, commodities or foreign exchange derivative and hedging products, including Swap Agreements; provided that in order for any of the foregoing provided by any Lender or its Affiliates to be included within the Banking Services by the Administrative Agent: (i) such Lender shall provide to the Administrative Agent written notice of (A) the existence of such Banking Services, (B) such Lender’s (or its Affiliate’s) and the Administrative Borrower’s agreement as to the maximum dollar amount of the applicable Borrower’s obligations arising under such Banking Services that will be included in an Exposure Reserve under Availability (the “ Banking Services Amount ”) and (C) the methodology agreed upon by such Lender (or its Affiliate) and the Administrative Borrower to determine the Banking Services Amount, and (ii) the applicable Borrower must be permitted to enter into such arrangement under this Agreement or must not be restricted from entering into such arrangement under this Agreement. The Administrative Agent shall send notice to the Lenders of the establishment of any Banking Services. After any of the foregoing have been established as Banking Services hereunder and as long as no Event of Default exists, the Banking Services Amount may thereafter be changed by written notice to the Administrative Agent pursuant to an agreement between the applicable Lender (or its Affiliate) and the

 

4


Administrative Borrower, provided that no change in a Banking Services Amount may cause Availability to be less than zero.

 

Banking Services Obligations ” of the Loan Parties means any and all obligations of the Loan Parties, whether absolute or contingent and howsoever and whensoever created, arising, evidenced or acquired (including all renewals, extensions and modifications thereof and substitutions therefor) in connection with Banking Services.

 

Banking Services Reserves ” means all Exposure Reserves which the Administrative Agent from time to time establishes in its Permitted Discretion for Banking Services then provided or outstanding.

 

BIA ” means the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada).

 

Board ” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States of America.

 

Borrower ” and “ Borrowers ” have the meanings set forth in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.

 

Borrowing ” means (a) Revolving Loans of the same Type, made, converted or continued on the same date and, in the case of Eurodollar Loans or CDOR Loans, as to which a single Interest Period is in effect, (b) a Swingline Loan, (c) a Canadian Swingline Loan, (d) a Protective Advance and (e) an Overadvance.

 

Borrowing Base ” means, at any time, the sum of (a) the product of (i) 85% multiplied by (ii) the Borrower’s Eligible Accounts at such time minus the Dilution Reserve, plus (b) the lesser of (i) the product of (x) 65% multiplied by (y) the Borrower’s Eligible Inventory (excluding Eligible Inventory consisting of unaffixed tax stamps), valued at the lower of cost or market value, determined on a first-in-first-out basis, at such time, and (ii) the product of (x) 85% multiplied by (y) the Net Orderly Liquidation Value of the Borrower’s Inventory identified as “eligible” in the most recent inventory appraisal ordered by the Administrative Agent (excluding Eligible Inventory consisting of unaffixed tax stamps), plus (c) 90% of Eligible Unaffixed Tax Stamps on hand, plus (d) 100% of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents held at, and subject to a first-priority lien in favor of, the Administrative Agent, plus (e) the PP&E Component, minus (f) Collateral Reserves; provided that up to two times per calendar year (but never more than once in any six-month period or more than a total of 60 days during any calendar year), the Borrowers may include in the Borrowing Base an Inventory overadvance in an amount not to exceed either (i) $5,000,000 more than the Inventory component of the Borrowing Base from time to time under clause (b) above or (ii) an additional 5% of the Net Orderly Liquidation Value of the Borrowers’ Inventory identified as “eligible” in the most recent inventory appraisal ordered by the Administrative Agent above the Inventory component of the Borrowing Base from time to time under clause (b) above. The Borrowing Base at any time shall be determined by reference to the most recent Borrowing Base Certificate delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 5.01(g) of this Agreement.

 

Borrowing Base Certificate ” means a certificate, signed and certified as accurate and complete by a Financial Officer of the Administrative Borrower, in substantially the form of Exhibit C or another form which is acceptable to the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion.

 

Borrowing Request ” means a request by the Administrative Borrower for a Revolving Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.02.

 

5


British Columbia Tax Lien ” means the Lien evidenced by PPSA registration number 975855A filed on April 4, 2003 in the Province of British Columbia and naming International, as debtor, and Her Majesty the Queen in the Right of the Province of British Columbia, as secured party.

 

Business Day ” means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York City are authorized or required by law to remain closed and, if such day relates to any Loan (including CDOR Loans) made or Letter of Credit issued as part of the Canadian Subfacility, means any such day other than a day on which commercial banks are authorized to close under the Laws of, or are in fact closed in, New York City or Toronto, Ontario; provided that, when used in connection with a Eurodollar Loan, the term “ Business Day ” shall also exclude any day on which banks are not open for dealings in dollar deposits in the London interbank market.

 

Canadian Applicable Percentage ” shall mean as to any Canadian Lender, the percentage of the aggregate Canadian Revolving Commitments constituted by its Canadian Revolving Commitment (or, if the Canadian Revolving Commitments have terminated or expired, the percentage which such Canadian Lender’s Canadian Credit Exposure at such time constitutes of the Aggregate Canadian Credit Exposure at such time).

 

Canadian Borrower ” has the meaning set forth in the introduction paragraph of this Agreement.

 

Canadian Credit Exposure ” shall mean, at any time and as to each Canadian Lender, the Dollar Equivalent of the aggregate principal amount of the Canadian Revolving Loans made by such Canadian Lender outstanding as of such date.

 

Canadian Dollar ” and “ Cdn.$ ” mean the lawful money of Canada.

 

Canadian Funding Bank ” shall mean Chase Canada, and any successor to Chase Canada, acting in such capacity.

 

Canadian Lenders ” means a Lender with a Canadian Revolving Commitment or is the holder of a Canadian Revolving Loan.

 

Canadian Loans ” means the Canadian Revolving Loans and the Canadian Swingline Loans.

 

Canadian Prime Rate ” shall mean on any day, the annual rate of interest (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the nearest 1/100 of 1%) equal to the greater of: (a) the annual rate of interest announced from time to time by JPMorgan Canada as its prime rate in effect at its principal office in Toronto, Ontario Canada on such day being the reference rate used by JPMorgan Canada for determining interest rates on Cdn.$ denominated commercial loans to its customers in Canada; and (b) the annual rate of interest equal to the sum of (i) the one-month CDOR Rate in effect on such day, and (ii) 1%.

 

Canadian Prime Rate Loans ” shall mean Canadian Revolving Loans which, for greater certainty, will be Cdn.$ denominated and will bear interest at a rate based upon the Canadian Prime Rate.

 

Canadian Priority Payables Reserve ” shall mean Reserves established in the Permitted Discretion of the Administrative Agent for amounts secured by any Liens, choate or inchoate, which rank or are capable of ranking in priority to the Administrative Agent’s and/or Lenders’ Liens, including, without limitation, in the Permitted Discretion of the Administrative Agent, (i) Exposure Reserves for any such amounts due and not paid for vacation pay, amounts due and not paid under any legislation relating

 

6


to workers’ compensation or to employment insurance, all amounts deducted or withheld and not paid and remitted when due under the Income Tax Act (Canada) and all amounts currently or past due and not contributed, remitted or paid to any Plan or under the Canada Pension Plan, the Pension Benefits Act (Ontario) or any similar legislation, and (ii) a Collateral Reserve for amounts currently or past due and not paid for realty, municipal or similar taxes (to the extent impacting personal or moveable property).

 

Canadian Revolving Commitment ” shall have the meaning assigned to the definition of Revolving Commitment .

 

Canadian Revolving Loan ” means a Canadian Revolving Loan made pursuant to Section 2.01.

 

Canadian Subfacility ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01 of this Agreement.

 

Canadian Swingline Lender ” means the Canadian Funding Bank, in its capacity as lender of Canadian Swingline Loans hereunder.

 

Canadian Swingline Loan ” means a Loan made pursuant to Section 2.05.

 

Canadian Tobacco Tax Reserve ” means a Reserve for Canadian tobacco tax liabilities net of or less restricted cash specifically reserved for such purpose, which Reserve will constitute a Collateral Reserve on the Effective Date, provided that in the event that either (a) a Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or (b) Availability is less than $60,000,000, such Reserve shall constitute an Exposure Reserve.

 

Capital Expenditures ” means, without duplication, any expenditure for any purchase or other acquisition of any asset which would be classified as a fixed or capital asset on a consolidated balance sheet of Holdings and its Subsidiaries prepared in accordance with GAAP.

 

Capital Lease Obligations ” of any Person means the obligations of such Person to pay rent or other amounts under any lease of (or other arrangement conveying the right to use) real or personal property, or a combination thereof, which obligations are required to be classified and accounted for as capital leases on a balance sheet of such Person under GAAP, and the amount of such obligations shall be the capitalized amount thereof determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

CDOR ” when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the CDOR Rate.

 

CDOR Rate ” means, with respect to a CDOR Loan for the relevant Interest Period, the Canadian deposit offered rate which, in turn means on any day the annual rate of interest which is the rate determined as being the arithmetic average of the quotations of all institutions listed in respect of the relevant Interest Period for Canadian dollar denominated bankers’ acceptances displayed and identified as such on the “Reuters Screen CDOR Page” as defined in the International Swap Dealer Association, Inc. definitions, as modified and amended from time to time, as of 10:00 a.m. Toronto, Ontario local time on such day and, if such day is not a Business Day, then on the immediately preceding Business Day (as adjusted by the Canadian Funding Bank after 10:00 a.m. Toronto, Ontario local time to reflect any error in the posted rate of interest or in the posted average annual rate of interest) plus 10bps; provided that if such rates are not available on the Reuters Screen CDOR Page on any particular day, then the CDOR rate calculated on that day shall be calculated as the cost of funds quoted by the Canadian Funding Bank to raise Canadian dollars for the applicable Interest Period as of 10:00 a.m. Toronto, Ontario local time on

 

7


such day for commercial loans or other extensions of credit to businesses of comparable credit risk; or if such day is not a Business Day, then as quoted by the Canadian Funding Bank on the immediately preceding Business Day.

 

Change in Control ” means (a) the acquisition of ownership, directly or indirectly, beneficially or of record, by any Person or group (within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder as in effect on the date hereof), of Equity Interests representing more than 50% of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of Holdings; (b) occupation of a majority of the seats (other than vacant seats) on the board of directors of Holdings by Persons who were neither (i) nominated by the board of directors of Holdings nor (ii) appointed by directors so nominated; or (c) the acquisition of direct or indirect Control of Holdings by any Person or group; or (d) Holdings shall cease to own and control all of the economic and voting rights associated with all of the outstanding Equity Interests of any of its Subsidiaries (except in connection with any transaction expressly permitted by this Agreement).

 

Change in Law ” means (a) the adoption of any law, rule or regulation after the date of this Agreement, (b) any change in any law, rule or regulation or in the interpretation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority after the date of this Agreement or (c) compliance by any Lender or the Issuing Bank (or, for purposes of Section 2.15(b), by any lending office of such Lender or by such Lender’s or the Issuing Bank’s holding company, if any) with any request, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) of any Governmental Authority made or issued after the date of this Agreement.

 

Chase ” means JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., a national banking association, in its individual capacity, and its successors.

 

Chase Canada ” means JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. acting through its Canadian branch.

 

Class ”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are Revolving Loans, Canadian Revolving Loans, Swingline Loans or Protective Advances or Overadvances.

 

Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

 

Collateral ” means any and all property owned, leased or operated by a Person covered by the Collateral Documents and any and all other property of any Loan Party, now existing or hereafter acquired, that is subject to a security interest or Lien in favor of Administrative Agent, on behalf of itself and the Lenders, to secure the Secured Obligations.

 

Collateral Access Agreement ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Security Agreement.

 

Collateral Documents ” means, collectively, the Security Agreement and any other documents granting a Lien upon the Collateral as security for payment of the Secured Obligations.

 

Collateral Reserves ” means any and all reserves established in accordance with Section 2.22(a) that are deducted from the Borrowing Base and which the Administrative Agent deems reasonably necessary, in its Permitted Discretion, to maintain (including, without limitation, the Canadian Priority Payables Reserve (only to the extent of amounts currently or past due and not paid for realty, municipal or similar taxes (to the extent impacting personal or moveable property)), the Canadian Tobacco Tax Reserve (to the extent included as a Collateral Reserve under the definition of “Canadian

 

8


Tobacco Tax Reserve”), Dilution Reserves, reserves for contra Accounts, reserves for Inventory shrinkage, reserves for customs charges and shipping charges related to any Inventory in transit) with respect to the Collateral or any Loan Party; provided that the Administrative Agent will not establish any Collateral Reserves under this Agreement to the extent that the basis for such Collateral Reserve has already been addressed in the existing Reserves, determination of eligibility standards or advance rates hereunder.

 

Collection Account ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Security Agreement.

 

Commitment ” means, with respect to each Lender, such Lender’s Revolving Commitment or Canadian Revolving Commitment, as applicable, together with the commitment of such Lender to acquire participations in Protective Advances hereunder. The initial amount of each Lender’s Commitment or Canadian Revolving Commitment, as applicable is set forth on the Commitment Schedule , or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender shall have assumed its Commitment, as applicable.

 

Commitment Schedule ” means the Schedule attached hereto identified as such.

 

Control ” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. “ Controlling ” and “ Controlled ” have meanings correlative thereto.

 

Credit Exposure ” means, as to (i) any Canadian Lender at any time, the Canadian Credit Exposure, and (ii) any Lender at any time, the sum of (a) such Lender’s Revolving Exposure at such time, plus (b) an amount equal to its Applicable Percentage, if any, of the aggregate principal amount of Protective Advances outstanding at such time.

 

Default ” means any event or condition which constitutes an Event of Default or which upon notice, lapse of time or both would, unless cured or waived, become an Event of Default.

 

Dilution Factors ” shall mean, without duplication, with respect to any period, the aggregate amount of all cash discounts, returns and allowances, shortages, credit memos, damages, corrections, bad debt write-offs and other non-cash credits which are recorded to reduce accounts receivable in a manner consistent with current and historical accounting practices of the Borrower.

 

Dilution Ratio ” shall mean, at any date, the excess (if any) of (a) the amount (expressed as a percentage) equal to (i) the aggregate amount of the applicable Dilution Factors for the twelve (12) most recently ended fiscal months divided by (ii) total gross sales for the twelve (12) most recently ended fiscal months, over (b) 5.0%.

 

Dilution Reserve ” shall mean a Collateral Reserve in an amount equal to, at any date, the applicable Dilution Ratio (if greater than zero) multiplied by the Eligible Accounts on such date.

 

Disclosed Matters ” means the actions, suits and proceedings and the environmental matters disclosed in Schedule 3.06 .

 

Document ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Security Agreement.

 

Dollar Equivalents ” means, with respect to any amounts of Canadian Dollars, an equivalent amount of dollars determined at a rate of exchange quoted by Chase Canada on the date of determination for the spot purchase in the foreign exchange market of Canadian Dollars with dollars.

 

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dollars ” or “ $ ” refers to lawful money of the United States of America.

 

EBITDA ” means, for any period, Net Income for such period plus (a) without duplication and to the extent deducted in determining Net Income for such period, the sum of (i) Interest Expense for such period, (ii) income tax expense for such period, (iii) all amounts attributable to depreciation and amortization expense for such period, (iv) any extraordinary non-cash charges for such period and (v) any other non-cash charges for such period (but excluding any non-cash charge in respect of an item that was included in Net Income in a prior period), minus (b) without duplication and to the extent included in Net Income, (i) any cash payments made during such period in respect of non-cash charges described in clause (a)(v) taken in a prior period and (ii) any extraordinary non-cash gains and any non-cash items of income for such period, all calculated for Holdings and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

 

Effective Date ” means the date on which the conditions specified in Section 4.01 are satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 9.02).

 

Eligible Accounts ” means, at any time, the Accounts of the Borrowers which the Administrative Agent determines in accordance with Section 2.22(a) in its Permitted Discretion are eligible as the basis for the extension of Revolving Loans, Swingline Loans, Canadian Swingline Loans and the issuance of Letters of Credit hereunder. Without limiting the Administrative Agent’s discretion provided herein, Eligible Accounts shall not include any Account:

 

(a) which is not subject to a first priority perfected security interest in favor of the Administrative Agent;

 

(b) which is subject to any Lien other than (i) a Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent and (ii) a Permitted Encumbrance or other Lien permitted by this Agreement which does not have priority over the Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent;

 

(c) which is unpaid more than 90 days after the date of the original invoice therefor or more than 60 days after the original due date, or which has been written off the books of any Borrower or otherwise designated as uncollectible;

 

(d) which is owing by an Account Debtor for which more than 50% of the Accounts owing from such Account Debtor and its Affiliates are ineligible under the criteria set forth in clause (c) above;

 

(e) which is owing by an Account Debtor to the extent of the amount by which the aggregate amount of Accounts owing from such Account Debtor and its Affiliates to the Borrowers exceeds (i) in the case of investment grade (defined as rated at least BBB- (or its equivalent) by S&P or Ba2 (or its equivalent) by Moody’s) Account Debtors, 20% of the aggregate Eligible Accounts, and (ii) in the case of all other Account Debtors, 10% of the aggregate Eligible Accounts;

 

(f) with respect to which any covenant, representation, or warranty contained in this Agreement or in the Security Agreement has been breached or is not true;

 

(g) which (i) does not arise from the sale of goods or performance of services in the ordinary course of business, (ii) is not evidenced by an invoice or other documentation reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent which has been sent to the Account Debtor, (iii) represents a progress billing, (iv) is contingent upon any Borrower’s completion of any further performance, or (v)

 

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represents a guaranteed sale, sale-and-return, sale on approval, consignment or any other repurchase or return basis;

 

(h) that constitutes a customer deposit, an unaccounted for customer credit, clean invoice, credit reclass or for which the goods giving rise to such Account have not been shipped to the Account Debtor or for which the services giving rise to such Account have not been performed by the Borrowers or if such Account was invoiced more than once, in each case to the extent of such deposit, credit or other basis for ineligibility under this clause;

 

(i) with respect to which any check or other instrument of payment has been returned uncollected for 30 days or more;

 

(j) which is owed by an Account Debtor which has (i) applied for, suffered, or consented to the appointment of any receiver, monitor, custodian, trustee, or liquidator of its assets, (ii) has had possession of all or a material part of its property taken by any receiver, monitor, custodian, trustee or liquidator, (iii) filed, or had filed against it, any request or petition for liquidation, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment of debts, adjudication as bankrupt, winding-up, or voluntary or involuntary case under any state, provincial or federal bankruptcy laws, (iv) has admitted in writing its inability, or is generally unable to, pay its debts as they become due, (v) become insolvent, or (vi) ceased operations; provided that Accounts owed by any Account Debtor that has successfully exited bankruptcy pursuant to a confirmed reorganization plan shall not be ineligible under this clause if the Administrative Agent has determined in its Permitted Discretion that such Account Debtor has adequate ability to pay amounts owing to the Borrowers;

 

(k) which is owed by any Account Debtor which has sold all or a substantially all of its assets if the Administrative Agent determines in its Permitted Discretion that such Account constitutes a collection risk;

 

(l) which is owed (i) by an Account Debtor that (A) does not maintain its chief executive office in the U.S. or Canada or (B) is not organized under applicable law of the U.S., any state of the U.S., Canada, or any province of Canada unless, in either case, such Account is backed by a Letter of Credit reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent which is in the possession of, has been assigned to and is directly drawable by the Administrative Agent, or (ii) in any currency other than U.S. or Canadian dollars;

 

(m) which is owed by (i) the government (or any department, agency, public corporation, Crown corporation or instrumentality thereof) of any country other than the U.S. or Canada unless such Account is backed by a Letter of Credit acceptable to the Administrative Agent which is in the possession of the Administrative Agent, (ii) the federal government of the U.S., or any department, agency, public corporation, or instrumentality thereof, unless the Federal Assignment of Claims Act of 1940, as amended (31 U.S.C. § 3727 et seq. and 41 U.S.C. § 15 et seq.), and any other steps necessary to perfect the Lien of the Administrative Agent in such Account have been complied with to the Administrative Agent’s satisfaction, (iii) any state government in the United States unless any steps necessary (if any) to perfect the Lien of the Administrative Agent in such Account have been complied with to the Administrative Agent’s satisfaction, or (iv) the Canadian federal government, a Canadian provincial, territorial or municipal government, or any department, agency, public corporation, or instrumentality thereof, unless the Financial Administration Act (Canada) and any other steps necessary to perfect the Lien of the Administrative Agent in such Account have been complied with to the Administrative Agent’s satisfaction;

 

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(n) which is owed by any Affiliate, employee, officer, director, agent or stockholder (holding 10% or more of the stock of any Loan Party) of any Loan Party unless approved in writing by the Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion;

 

(o) which is owed by an Account Debtor or any Affiliate of such Account Debtor to which any Loan Party is indebted, but only to the extent of such indebtedness or is subject to any security, deposit, progress payment, retainage or other similar advance made by or for the benefit of an Account Debtor, in each case to the extent thereof;

 

(p) which (i) is subject to any counterclaim, deduction, defense, setoff or dispute or with respect to which any Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof is liable for any goods sold or services rendered by the applicable Account Debtor to such Borrower or Subsidiary, in each case only to the extent of the potential offset, or (ii) constitutes a manufacturers’ representative Account to the extent subject to offset for any amount payable to the manufacturer in connection therewith;

 

(q) which is evidenced by any promissory note, chattel paper, or instrument;

 

(r) which is owed by an Account Debtor located in any jurisdiction which requires filing of a “Notice of Business Activities Report” or other similar report in order to permit any Borrower to seek judicial enforcement in such jurisdiction of payment of such Account, unless such Borrower has filed such report or qualified to do business in such jurisdiction;

 

(s) with respect to which any Borrower has made any agreement with the Account Debtor for any reduction thereof (only to the extent of such reduction), other than discounts and adjustments given in the ordinary course of business, or any Account which was partially paid and any Borrower created a new receivable for the unpaid portion of such Account;

 

(t) which does not comply in all material respects with the requirements of all applicable laws and regulations, whether federal, state, provincial or local, including without limitation the Federal Consumer Credit Protection Act, the Federal Truth in Lending Act and Regulation Z of the Board;

 

(u) which is for goods that have been sold under a purchase order or pursuant to the terms of a contract or other agreement or understanding (written or oral) that indicates or purports that any Person other than the Borrowers has or has had an ownership interest in such goods, or which indicates any party other than the Borrowers as payee or remittance party;

 

(v) which was created on cash-on-delivery or cash-and-carry terms;

 

(w) in the case of any Account acquired pursuant to a Permitted Acquisition, which has not been the subject of an audit and field examination reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent or as permitted by the Administrative Agent in accordance with Section 2.22(b);

 

(x) to the extent that such Account is pre-billed by any Borrower in excess of one (1) day or otherwise constitutes a sale on bill and hold;

 

(y) any Account of a Borrower that is subject to an unreconciled variance between such Borrower’s general ledger and accounts receivable aging;

 

(z) that constituted unapplied cash;

 

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(aa) to the extent such Account constitutes a “charge back”, re-bill or similar adjustment for unauthorized deductions made by the Account Debtor;

 

(bb) to the extent that such Account is subject to customer rebates in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices, but only to the extent of the amount of such customer rebates; or

 

(cc) which the Administrative Agent determines, in its Permitted Discretion, is unlikely to be paid by reason of the Account Debtor’s inability to pay or which the Administrative Agent otherwise determines, in its Permitted Discretion, is unacceptable for any legal, credit or likelihood of collectability reason.

 

In the event that a material Account which was previously an Eligible Account ceases to be an Eligible Account hereunder (for any reason other than repayment of the Account), the Borrowers shall notify the Administrative Agent thereof on and at the time of submission to the Administrative Agent of the next Borrowing Base Certificate. In determining the amount of an Eligible Account, the face amount of an Account shall be reduced by, without duplication, to the extent not reflected in such face amount, (i) the amount of all accrued and actual discounts, claims, credits or credits pending, promotional program allowances, price adjustments, finance charges or other allowances (including any amount that any Borrower may be obligated to rebate to an Account Debtor pursuant to the terms of any agreement or understanding (written or oral)) and (ii) the aggregate amount of all cash received in respect of such Account but not yet applied by the Borrowers to reduce the amount of such Account.

 

Eligible Equipment ” means the equipment owned by the Borrowers, which equipment is described on Exhibit E to the Security Agreement as of the Effective Date and equipment hereafter approved by the Administrative Agent as part of the PP&E Component, and which equipment meets each of the following requirements:

 

(a) the Borrowers have good title to such equipment;

 

(b) the Borrowers have the right to subject such equipment to a Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent; such equipment is subject to a first priority perfected Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent and is free and clear of all other Liens of any nature whatsoever (except for Permitted Encumbrances or other Liens permitted by this Agreement, in each case which do not have priority over the Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent);

 

(c) the full purchase price for such equipment has been paid by the Borrowers;

 

(d) such equipment is located on premises (i) owned by a Borrower, or (ii) leased by a Borrower where (x) the lessor has delivered to the Administrative Agent a Collateral Access Agreement or (y) a Reserve for rent, charges, and other amounts due or to become due with respect to such facility has been established by the Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion;

 

(e) such equipment is in good working order and condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted) and is used or held for use by the Borrowers in the ordinary course of business of the Borrowers;

 

(f) such equipment is not subject to any agreement which restricts the ability of the Borrowers to use, sell, transport or dispose of such equipment or which restricts the Administrative Agent’s ability to take possession of, sell or otherwise dispose of such equipment; and

 

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(g) such equipment does not constitute “fixtures” under the applicable statutory laws or common law of the jurisdiction in which such equipment is located.

 

Eligible Inventory ” means, at any time, the Inventory of the Borrowers which the Administrative Agent determines in accordance with Section 2.22(a) in its Permitted Discretion is eligible as the basis for the extension of Revolving Loans, Swingline Loans and the issuance of Letters of Credit hereunder. Without limiting the Administrative Agent’s discretion provided herein, Eligible Inventory shall not include:

 

(a) any Inventory which is not subject to a first priority perfected Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent;

 

(b) any Inventory which is subject to any Lien other than (i) a Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent and (ii) a Permitted Encumbrance or other Lien permitted by this Agreement which does not have priority over the Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent;

 

(c) any Inventory with respect to which any covenant, representation, or warranty contained in this Agreement or the Security Agreement as to such Inventory has been breached or is not true and which does not conform to all standards imposed by any applicable Governmental Authority;

 

(d) any Inventory in which any Person other than the Borrowers shall (i) have any direct or indirect ownership, interest or title to such Inventory or (ii) be indicated on any purchase order or invoice with respect to such Inventory as having or purporting to have an interest therein, including, without limitation, goods held on consignment;

 

(e) any Inventory which is not finished goods or which constitutes work-in-process, raw materials, spare or replacement parts, subassemblies, packaging and shipping material, manufacturing supplies, samples, prototypes, equipment displays or display items, bill-and-hold goods, repossessed goods, or goods which are not of a type held for sale in the ordinary course of business;

 

(f) any Inventory which is not located in the U.S. or Canada or is in transit with a common carrier from vendors, suppliers or outside processors, provided that, up to $500,000 of Inventory in transit from vendors and suppliers may be included as eligible pursuant to this clause (f) so long as (i) the Administrative Agent shall have received (1) a true and correct copy of the bill of lading and other shipping documents for such Inventory, (2) evidence of satisfactory casualty insurance naming the Administrative Agent as loss payee and otherwise covering such risks as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request, and (3) if the bill of lading is (A) non-negotiable, a duly executed Collateral Access Agreement from the applicable customs broker (if any) for such Inventory or (B) negotiable, confirmation that the bill is issued in the name of a Borrower and consigned to the order of the Administrative Agent, and an acceptable agreement has been executed with the Borrowers’ customs broker, in which the customs broker agrees that it holds the negotiable bill as agent for the Administrative Agent and has granted the Administrative Agent access to the Inventory and (ii) the common carrier is not an Affiliate of the applicable vendor, supplier or outside processor;

 

(g) any Inventory which (i) is located in any location leased by any Borrower unless (A) the lessor has delivered to the Administrative Agent a Collateral Access Agreement or (B) a Reserve for rent, charges, and other amounts due or to become due with respect to such facility has been established by the Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion, or (ii) is being processed offsite at a third party location or outside processor unless such third party or processor has delivered to the Administrative Agent a Collateral Access Agreement and evidence reasonably satisfactory to the

 

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Administrative Agent that such Inventory is segregated from the Inventory of such third party or outside processor and all other Inventory being processed by such third party or outside processor;

 

(h) any Inventory which is located in any third party warehouse or is in the possession of a bailee (other than a third party processor) and is not evidenced by a Document (other than bills of lading to the extent permitted pursuant to clause (f) above), unless (i) such warehouseman or bailee has delivered to the Administrative Agent a Collateral Access Agreement and such other documentation as the Administrative Agent may require or (ii) an appropriate Reserve has been established by the Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion;

 

(i) any Inventory which is the subject of a consignment by a Borrower as consignor;

 

(j) any Inventory which is perishable (with a shelf life less than 21 days);

 

(k) any Inventory which contains or bears any intellectual property rights licensed to a Borrower unless it may sell or otherwise dispose of such Inventory without (i) infringing the rights of such licensor, (ii) violating any contract with such licensor, or (iii) incurring any liability with respect to payment of royalties other than royalties incurred pursuant to sale of such Inventory under the current licensing agreement;

 

(l) any Inventory which is not reflected in a current perpetual inventory report (or other accounting system acceptable to the Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion) of the Borrowers (unless such Inventory is reflected in a report to the Administrative Agent as “in transit” Inventory), except for “dry room” and “excise tax” Inventory to the extent that such Inventory is otherwise eligible hereunder;

 

(m) in the case of any Inventory acquired pursuant to a Permitted Acquisition, which has not been the subject of an audit and field examination reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent or as permitted by the Administrative Agent in accordance with Section 2.22(b);

 

(n) 35% of Inventory that consists of goods which have been returned by the applicable buyer which constitutes “dry room” inventory;

 

(o) the amount of Inventory equal to the monthly “shrink” which the Borrowers accrue for;

 

(p) (i) 50% of non-cigarette Inventory on hand over 180 days but less than 360 days, (ii) 100% of non-cigarette Inventory on hand over 360 days, and (iii) 25% of cigarette Inventory on hand over 180 days;

 

(q) any Inventory which is, in the Administrative Agent’s reasonable opinion, slow moving, obsolete, unmerchantable, defective, unfit for sale, or not saleable at prices approximating at least the cost of such Inventory in the ordinary course of business;

 

(r) any Inventory the value of which is attributable to intercompany profits among the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries;

 

(s) 25% of the portion of Inventory of any Borrower that represents the difference between the standard cost and discounted purchase price of such Inventory due to discounts, rebates, allowances and manufacturer incentives;

 

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(t) Inventory of any Borrower which constitutes United States cigarette tax stamps of a jurisdiction in which such Borrower has a cigarette tax liability greater than the amount of a surety bond or other similar arrangement backing such liability, provided that such Inventory shall be ineligible under this clause (t) only to the extent of any such shortfall;

 

(u) the amount of Inventory of any Borrower which represents an unreconciled variance between the book accounts and the physical Inventory counts conducted by the Administrative Agent or its representatives in accordance with this Agreement; or

 

(v) any Inventory which the Administrative Agent otherwise determines, in its Permitted Discretion, is unacceptable for any legal reason or for any reason related to saleability, value or merchantability of such Inventory.

 

In the event that a material portion of the Inventory which was previously Eligible Inventory ceases to be Eligible Inventory hereunder, the Borrowers shall notify the Administrative Agent thereof on and at the time of submission to the Administrative Agent of the next Borrowing Base Certificate.

 

Eligible Unaffixed Tax Stamps ” shall mean State unaffixed tax stamps which (a) have been fully paid for by the Borrowers or otherwise reserved by the Administrative Agent, (b) are subject to a first priority Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent, and (c) are (i) freely saleable by the Borrowers (or by the Administrative Agent in the event of foreclosure pursuant to the terms of the Loan Documents) to a third party without restrictions or (ii) returnable to the issuing State for full payment thereon without offset or reduction.

 

Environmental Laws ” means all laws, rules, regulations, codes, ordinances, orders, decrees, judgments, injunctions, notices or binding agreements issued, promulgated or entered into by any Governmental Authority, relating in any way to the environment, preservation or reclamation of natural resources, the management, release or threatened release of any Hazardous Material or to health and safety matters.

 

Environmental Liability ” means any liability, contingent or otherwise (including any liability for damages, costs of environmental remediation, fines, penalties or indemnities), of any Borrower or any Subsidiary directly or indirectly resulting from or based upon (a) violation of any Environmental Law, (b) the generation, use, handling, transportation, storage, treatment or disposal of any Hazardous Materials, (c) exposure to any Hazardous Materials, (d) the release or threatened release of any Hazardous Materials into the environment or (e) any contract, agreement or other consensual arrangement pursuant to which liability is assumed or imposed with respect to any of the foregoing.

 

Equity Interests ” means shares of capital stock, partnership interests, membership interests in a limited liability company, beneficial interests in a trust or other equity ownership interests in a Person, and any warrants, options or other rights entitling the holder thereof to purchase or acquire any such equity interest.

 

ERISA ” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time.

 

ERISA Affiliate ” means any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that, together with any Borrower, is treated as a single employer under Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code or, solely for purposes of Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the Code, is treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Code.

 

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ERISA Event ” means (a) any “reportable event”, as defined in Section 4043 of ERISA or the regulations issued thereunder, or a Termination Event with respect to a Plan (other than an event for which the 30-day notice period is waived); (b) the existence with respect to any Plan of an “accumulated funding deficiency” (as defined in Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA), whether or not waived; (c) the filing, pursuant to Section 412(d) of the Code or Section 303(d) of ERISA or pursuant to any other applicable legislation (including the PBA), of an application for a waiver of the minimum funding standard with respect to any Plan; (d) the incurrence by any Borrower or any of their respective ERISA Affiliates of any liability under Title IV of ERISA, the PBA or other applicable law of any jurisdiction with respect to the termination of any Plan; (e) the receipt by any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from the PBGC or other applicable Governmental Authority or from a plan administrator of any notice relating to an intention to terminate any Plan or Plans or to appoint a trustee to administer any Plan; (f) the incurrence by any Borrower or any of their respective ERISA Affiliates of any liability with respect to the withdrawal or partial withdrawal from any Plan or Multiemployer Plan; or (g) the receipt by any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice, or the receipt by any Multiemployer Plan from any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice, concerning the imposition of Withdrawal Liability or a determination that a Multiemployer Plan is, or is expected to be, insolvent or in reorganization, including, without limitation, within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA.

 

Eurodollar ”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the Adjusted LIBO Rate.

 

Event of Default ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Article VII.

 

Excluded Taxes ” means, with respect to the Administrative Agent, any Lender, the Issuing Bank or any other recipient of any payment to be made by or on account of any obligation of the Borrowers hereunder, (a) income or franchise taxes imposed on (or measured by) its net income by the United States of America, Canada, or by the jurisdiction under the laws of which such recipient is organized or in which its principal office is located or, in the case of any Lender, in which its applicable lending office is located or in which it is doing business, (b) any branch profits taxes imposed by the United States of America, Canada, or by the jurisdiction under the laws of which such recipient is organized or in which its principal office is located or, in the case of any Lender, in which its applicable lending office is located or in which it is doing business, or any similar tax imposed by any other jurisdiction in which any Borrower is located and (c) in the case of a Foreign Lender (other than an assignee pursuant to a request by the Borrowers under Section 2.19(b)), any withholding tax that is imposed on amounts payable to such Foreign Lender at the time such Foreign Lender becomes a party to this Agreement (or designates a new lending office) or is attributable to such Foreign Lender’s failure to comply with Section 2.17(e), except to the extent that such Foreign Lender (or its assignor, if any) was entitled, at the time of designation of a new lending office (or assignment), to receive additional amounts from the Borrowers with respect to such withholding tax pursuant to Section 2.17(a).

 

Existing Letters of Credit ” means the letters of credit or guarantees of letters of credit issued for the account of a Borrower by a Lender (or an Affiliate of a Lender) and listed on Schedule 2.06 attached hereto, which letters of credit will, as of the Effective Date, be deemed outstanding as Letters of Credit issued pursuant to Section 2.06.

 

Exposure Reserves ” means any and all reserves established in accordance with Section 2.22(a) that are deducted from Availability and which the Administrative Agent deems reasonably necessary, in its Permitted Discretion, to maintain (including, without limitation, reserves for interest on the Secured Obligations that has not been paid when due, Banking Services Reserves, Canadian Priority Payables Reserves (to the extent not taken as a Collateral Reserve), the Canadian Tobacco Tax Reserve

 

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(to the extent included as an Exposure Reserve under the definition of “Canadian Tobacco Tax Reserve”), Withholding Reserves, reserves for rent at locations leased by any Loan Party and for consignee’s, warehousemen’s and bailee’s charges unless waived (in each case, to the extent not adequately addressed by an executed Collateral Access Agreement), reserves for Swap Obligations, reserves for unpaid or unsaleable stamp taxes (including, without limitation, United States tobacco stamp liabilities to the extent greater than stamps on hand) and reserves for taxes, fees, assessments, and other governmental charges) with respect to the Collateral or any Loan Party; provided that the Administrative Agent will not establish any Exposure Reserves under this Agreement to the extent that the basis for such Exposure Reserve has already been addressed in the existing Reserves, determination of eligibility standards or advance rates hereunder.

 

Federal Funds Effective Rate ” means, for any day, the weighted average (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of 1%) of the rates on overnight federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by federal funds brokers, as published on the next succeeding Business Day by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or, if such rate is not so published for any day that is a Business Day, the average (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of 1%) of the quotations for such day for such transactions received by the Administrative Agent from three federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by it.

 

Financial Officer ” means the chief financial officer, principal accounting officer, treasurer or controller of any Borrower.

 

Fixed Charges ” means, with reference to any period, without duplication, cash Interest Expense, plus prepayments (other than prepayments in connection with refinancings of Indebtedness permitted by this Agreement) and scheduled principal payments on Indebtedness (other than any such payments on intercompany Indebtedness permitted by this Agreement) made during such period (including payments made under the RCT Guarantee and the PCT Guarantee, but excluding all prepayments of the Tranche B Notes), plus dividends or distributions paid in cash, plus Capital Lease Obligation payments, plus cash contributions to any Plan to the extent not expensed, all calculated for Holdings and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

 

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio ” means, the ratio, determined as of the end of each of fiscal quarter of Holdings for the most-recently ended four fiscal quarters, of (a) EBITDA minus the unfinanced portion of Capital Expenditures minus expense for income taxes paid in cash, to (b) Fixed Charges, all calculated for Holdings and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

 

Foreign Lender ” means any Lender that is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than that in which any Borrower is organized or has a permanent establishment. For purposes of this definition, the United States of America, each State thereof and the District of Columbia shall be deemed to constitute a single jurisdiction.

 

Funding Account ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 4.01(h).

 

GAAP ” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.

 

Governmental Authority ” means the government of the United States of America, Canada, any other nation or any political subdivision thereof, whether state, provincial or local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising

 

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executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government.

 

Guarantee ” of or by any Person (the “ guarantor ”) means any obligation, contingent or otherwise that is required to be recorded on such Person’s books under GAAP, of the guarantor guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other obligation of any other Person (the “ primary obligor ”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of the guarantor, direct or indirect, (a) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other obligation or to purchase (or to advance or supply funds for the purchase of) any security for the payment thereof, (b) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the owner of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment thereof, or (c) as an account party in respect of any letter of credit or letter of guaranty issued to support such Indebtedness or obligation; provided , that the term Guarantee shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business.

 

Guaranteed Obligations ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 10.01.

 

Hazardous Materials ” means all explosive or radioactive substances or wastes and all hazardous or toxic substances, wastes or other pollutants, including petroleum or petroleum distillates, asbestos or asbestos containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls, radon gas, infectious or medical wastes and all other substances or wastes of any nature regulated pursuant to any Environmental Law.

 

Holdings ” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.

 

Indebtedness ” of any Person means, without duplication, (a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money, (b) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments, (c) all obligations of such Person upon which interest charges are customarily paid, (d) all obligations of such Person under conditional sale or other title retention agreements relating to property acquired by such Person, (e) all obligations of such Person in respect of the deferred purchase price of property or services (excluding current accounts payable incurred in the ordinary course of business), (f) all Indebtedness of others secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien on property owned or acquired by such Person, whether or not the Indebtedness secured thereby has been assumed, (g) all Guarantees by such Person of Indebtedness of others, (h) all Capital Lease Obligations of such Person (but excluding obligations under operating leases to the extent charged on the income statement of such Person), (i) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person as an account party in respect of letters of credit and letters of guaranty, (j) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person in respect of bankers’ acceptances, and (k) any other Off-Balance Sheet Liability. The Indebtedness of any Person shall include the Indebtedness of any other entity (including any partnership in which such Person is a general partner) to the extent such Person is liable therefor as a result of such Person’s ownership interest in or other relationship with such entity, except to the extent the terms of such Indebtedness provide that such Person is not liable therefor.

 

Indemnified Taxes ” means Taxes other than Excluded Taxes.

 

Information Memorandum ” means the Confidential Information Memorandum dated August 2005 relating to the Borrowers and the Transactions.

 

Interest Election Request ” means a request by the Borrowers to convert or continue a Revolving Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.07.

 

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Interest Expense ” means, with reference to any period, total interest expense (including that attributable to Capital Lease Obligations) of Holdings and its Subsidiaries for such period with respect to all outstanding Indebtedness of Holdings and its Subsidiaries (including all commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit and bankers’ acceptance financing and net costs under Swap Agreements in respect of interest rates to the extent such net costs are allocable to such period in accordance with GAAP), calculated on a consolidated basis for Holdings and its Subsidiaries for such period in accordance with GAAP.

 

Interest Payment Date ” means (a) with respect to any ABR Loan or Canadian Prime Rate Loan (other than a Swingline Loan or Canadian Swingline Loan), the first day of each calendar month and the Maturity Date, (b) with respect to any Eurodollar Loan or CDOR Loan, the last day of the Interest Period applicable to the Borrowing of which such Loan is a part and, in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing or a CDOR Borrowing with an Interest Period of more than three months’ duration, each day prior to the last day of such Interest Period that occurs at intervals of three months’ duration after the first day of such Interest Period and the Maturity Date, and (c) with respect to any Swingline Loan, the day that such Loan is required to be repaid and the Maturity Date.

 

Interest Period ” means, with respect to any Eurodollar Borrowing or CDOR Borrowing, the period commencing on the date of such Borrowing and ending on the numerically corresponding day in the calendar month that is one, two, three or six months thereafter, as the Borrowers may elect; provided , that (i) if any Interest Period would end on a day other than a Business Day, such Interest Period shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless, in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing or CDOR Borrowing only, such next succeeding Business Day would fall in the next calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day and (ii) any Interest Period pertaining to a Eurodollar Borrowing or CDOR Borrowing that commences on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the last calendar month of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the last calendar month of such Interest Period. For purposes hereof, the date of a Borrowing initially shall be the date on which such Borrowing is made and, in the case of a Revolving Borrowing, thereafter shall be the effective date of the most recent conversion or continuation of such Borrowing.

 

Inventory ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Security Agreement.

 

Issuing Bank ” means (a) Chase, in its capacity as the issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder, (b) with respect to the Existing Letters of Credit, the Lenders set forth in Schedule 2.06, (c) any other Lender approved by the Administrative Borrower and the Administrative Agent, and (d) their successors in such capacity as provided in Section 2.06(i). The Issuing Bank may, in its discretion, arrange for one or more Letters of Credit to be issued by Affiliates of the Issuing Bank, in which case the term “Issuing Bank” shall include any such Affiliate with respect to Letters of Credit issued by such Affiliate.

 

Joinder Agreement ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.13.

 

LC Disbursement ” means a payment made by the Issuing Bank pursuant to a Letter of Credit.

 

LC Exposure ” means, at any time, the sum of (a) the aggregate undrawn amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit at such time plus (b) the aggregate amount of all LC Disbursements that have not yet been reimbursed (from the proceeds of Revolving Loans or otherwise) by or on behalf of the Borrowers at such time. The LC Exposure of any Revolving Lender at any time shall be its Applicable Percentage of the total LC Exposure at such time.

 

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LC Collateral Account ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.06(j).

 

Lenders ” means the Persons (including the Canadian Lenders) listed on the Commitment Schedule and any other Person that shall have become a party hereto pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption, other than any such Person that ceases to be a party hereto pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption. Unless the context otherwise requires, the term “Lenders” includes the Swingline Lenders and the Canadian Swingline Lender.

 

Letter of Credit ” means any letter of credit or guarantee of a letter of credit issued pursuant to this Agreement and shall include the Existing Letters of Credit.

 

LIBO Rate ” means, with respect to any Eurodollar Borrowing for any Interest Period, the rate appearing on Page 3750 of the Dow Jones Market Service (or on any successor or substitute page of such Service, or any successor to or substitute for such Service, providing rate quotations comparable to those currently provided on such page of such Service, as determined by the Administrative Agent from time to time for purposes of providing quotations of interest rates applicable to dollar deposits in the London interbank market) at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period, as the rate for dollar deposits with a maturity comparable to such Interest Period. In the event that such rate is not available at such time for any reason, then the “ LIBO Rate ” with respect to such Eurodollar Borrowing for such Interest Period shall be the rate at which dollar deposits of $5,000,000 and for a maturity comparable to such Interest Period are offered by the principal London office of the Administrative Agent in immediately available funds in the London interbank market at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period.

 

Lien ” means, with respect to any asset, (a) any mortgage, deed of trust, lien, pledge, hypothecation, encumbrance, charge or security interest in, on or of such asset, (b) the interest of a vendor or a lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital lease or title retention agreement (or any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing) relating to such asset (but not including the interest of a lessor under any operating lease), (c) in the case of securities, any purchase option, call or similar right of a third party with respect to such securities, and (d) any other lien, charge, privilege, secured claim, title retention, garnishment right, deemed trust, encumbrance or other right affecting property, choate or inchoate, arising by any statute, act of law of any jurisdiction at common law or in equity or by agreement.

 

Loan Documents ” means (a) this Agreement, any promissory notes issued pursuant to the Agreement, any Letter of Credit applications, the Collateral Documents, the Loan Guaranty and all other agreements, instruments, documents and certificates identified in Section 4.01 executed and delivered to, or in favor of, the Administrative Agent or any Lender and including all other pledges, powers of attorney, consents, assignments, contracts, notices, letter of credit agreements, (b) all certificates and other materials required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent or any Lender under this Agreement or any of the Collateral Documents, and (c) all other material information contained in any other written communication delivered to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with this Agreement or any of the Collateral Documents, but excluding any forecasts or projections. Any reference in the Agreement or any other Loan Document to a Loan Document shall include all appendices, exhibits or schedules thereto, and all amendments, restatements, supplements or other modifications thereto, and shall refer to the Agreement or such Loan Document as the same may be in effect at any and all times such reference becomes operative.

 

Loan Guarantor ” each Loan Party (other than the Borrowers’ foreign Subsidiaries).

 

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Loan Guaranty ” means Article X of this Agreement.

 

Loan Parties ” means the Borrowers, the Borrowers’ material domestic Subsidiaries that are parties to this Agreement and any other Person who becomes a party to this Agreement pursuant to a Joinder Agreement and their successors and assigns.

 

Loans ” means the loans and advances made by the Lenders pursuant to this Agreement, including Swingline Loans, Canadian Swingline Loans, Overadvances and Protective Advances.

 

Material Adverse Effect ” means a material adverse effect on (a) the business, assets, property or condition, financial or otherwise, of the Borrowers and the Subsidiaries taken as a whole, (b) the ability of the Loan Parties taken as a whole to pay any of the Obligations when due or to perform any of their other material obligations under the Loan Documents, (c) the Collateral, or the Administrative Agent’s Liens (on behalf of itself and the Lenders) on the Collateral or the priority of such Liens, or (d) the rights of or benefits available to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or the Lenders thereunder.

 

Material Indebtedness ” means Indebtedness (other than the Loans and Letters of Credit), or obligations in respect of one or more Swap Agreements, of any one or more of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount exceeding $5,000,000. For purposes of determining Material Indebtedness, the “obligations” of any Borrower or any Subsidiary in respect of any Swap Agreement at any time shall be the maximum aggregate amount (giving effect to any netting agreements) that such Borrower or such Subsidiary would be required to pay if such Swap Agreement were terminated at such time.

 

Maturity Date ” means October 12, 2010 or any earlier date on which the Commitments are reduced to zero or otherwise terminated pursuant to the terms hereof.

 

Maximum Liability ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 10.10.

 

Moody’s ” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and its successors and assigns.

 

Multiemployer Plan ” means a multiemployer plan as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA.

 

Net Income ” means, for any period, the consolidated net income (or loss) of Holdings and its Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP; provided that there shall be excluded (a) the income (or deficit) of any Person accrued prior to the date it becomes a Subsidiary of any Borrower or is merged into or consolidated with any Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries, (b) the income (or deficit) of any Person (other than a Subsidiary of any Borrower) in which any Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries has an ownership interest, except to the extent that any such income is actually received by such Borrower or such Subsidiary in the form of dividends or similar distributions and (c) the undistributed earnings of any Subsidiary of any Borrower to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by such Subsidiary is not at the time permitted by the terms of any contractual obligation (other than under any Loan Document) or Requirement of Law applicable to such Subsidiary.

 

Net Orderly Liquidation Value ” means, with respect to Inventory, Equipment or intangibles of any Person, the orderly liquidation value thereof as determined in a manner reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent by an appraiser reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, net of all costs of liquidation thereof.

 

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Non-Consenting Lender ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.02(d).

 

Non-Paying Guarantor ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 10.11.

 

Obligated Party ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 10.02.

 

Obligations ” means all unpaid principal of and accrued and unpaid interest on the Loans, all LC Exposure, all accrued and unpaid fees and all expenses, reimbursements, indemnities and other obligations of the Loan Parties to the Lenders or to any Lender, the Administrative Agent, the Canadian Funding Bank, the Issuing Bank or any indemnified party arising under the Loan Documents.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Liability ” of a Person means in accordance with GAAP (a) any repurchase obligation or liability of such Person with respect to accounts or notes receivable sold by such Person, (b) any indebtedness, liability or obligation under any so-called “synthetic lease” transaction entered into by such Person, or (c) any indebtedness, liability or obligation arising with respect to any other transaction which is the functional equivalent of borrowing but which does not constitute a liability on the balance sheets of such Person. For the avoidance of doubt, operating leases are not Off-Balance Sheet Liabilities.

 

Other Taxes ” means any and all present or future stamp or documentary taxes or any other excise or property taxes, charges or similar levies arising from any payment made hereunder or from the execution, delivery or enforcement of, or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement.

 

Overadvance ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.05(c).

 

Participant ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.04.

 

Paying Guarantor ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 10.11.

 

PBA ” means the Pensions Benefit Act (Ontario) and all regulations thereunder as amended from time to time, and any successor legislation.

 

PBGC ” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation referred to and defined in ERISA and any successor entity performing similar functions.

 

PCT Guarantee ” means that certain Amended and Restated Administrative Claims Guaranty Agreement dated as of August 31, 2004, made by and between Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc. (a Delaware corporation), and the Post-Confirmation Trust (a trust established under a Post-Confirmation Trust Agreement dated as of August 19, 2004), as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time.

 

Permitted Acquisition ” means any Acquisition by any Loan Party in a transaction that satisfies each of the following requirements:

 

(a) such Acquisition is not a hostile acquisition or contested by the company to be acquired;

 

(b) the business acquired in connection with such Acquisition is (i) located in the U.S. or Canada, (ii) organized under U.S., Canadian or applicable state or provincial laws, and (iii) not primarily engaged, directly or indirectly, in any line of business other than the businesses in which the

 

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Loan Parties are engaged on the Closing Date and any business activities that are substantially similar, related, or incidental thereto;

 

(c) both before and after giving effect to such Acquisition and the Loans (if any) requested to be made in connection therewith, each of the representations and warranties in the Loan Documents is true and correct (except (i) any such representation or warranty which relates to a specified prior date and (ii) to the extent the Agent and the Lenders have been notified in writing by the Loan Parties that any representation or warranty is not correct and the Required Lenders have explicitly waived in writing compliance with such representation or warranty) and no Default or Event of Default exists, will exist, or would result therefrom;

 

(d) as soon as available, but not less than fifteen days prior to such Acquisition, the Borrowers have provided the Lenders (i) notice of such Acquisition and (ii) a copy of all available business and financial information reasonably requested by the Agent including pro forma financial statements, statements of cash flow, and Availability projections;

 

(e) the aggregate purchase price (whether in cash, notes or any other form of non-equity consideration) of all Acquisitions made during the term of this Agreement shall not exceed $75,000,000; provided , however , that if at the effective date of any proposed Acquisition that otherwise meets the requirements of this definition of “Permitted Acquisitions”, the Borrowers have pro forma Availability (on both a 60-day look-back and a 60-day look-forward basis and including all non-equity consideration given in connection with such Acquisition as having been paid in cash at the time of making such Acquisition) not less than $125,000,000, such Acquisition shall not be counted against this $75,000,000 total basket;

 

(f) if such Acquisition is an acquisition of the Equity Interests of a Person, the Acquisition is structured so that the acquired Person shall become a wholly-owned Subsidiary of a Borrower and, in accordance with Section 5.13, a Loan Party pursuant to the terms of this Agreement;

 

(g) if such Acquisition is an acquisition of assets, the Acquisition is structured so that a Loan Party (or a newly organized Subsidiary that becomes a Loan Party) shall acquire such assets;

 

(h) if such Acquisition is an acquisition of Equity Interests, such Acquisition will not result in any violation of Regulation U;

 

(i) no Loan Party shall, as a result of or in connection with any such Acquisition, assume or incur any direct or contingent liabilities (whether relating to environmental, tax, litigation, or other matters) that would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

 

(j) in connection with an Acquisition of the Equity Interests of any Person, all Liens (other than Permitted Encumbrances and other Liens permitted by Section 6.02 which were not created in contemplation of such Acquisition) on property of such Person shall be terminated unless the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion consents otherwise, and in connection with an Acquisition of the assets of any Person, all Liens (other than Permitted Encumbrances and other Liens permitted by Section 6.02 which were not created in contemplation of such Acquisition) on such assets shall be terminated; and

 

(k) no Default or Event of Default exists or would result therefrom.

 

Permitted Discretion ” means a determination made in the Administrative Agent’s reasonable good faith judgment in consideration of any factor which (a) would reasonably be expected to

 

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adversely affect (i) the value of any Collateral, (ii) the ability to realize upon any Collateral, (iii) the enforceability or priority of the Administrative Agent’s Liens on the Collateral or (iv) the amount that the Administrative Agent and the Lenders would be likely to receive from the liquidation of the Collateral, or (b) materially increases the likelihood that the Administrative Agent and the Lenders would not receive payment for all of the Obligations.

 

Permitted Encumbrances ” means:

 

(a) Liens imposed by law for taxes that are not yet due or are being contested in compliance with Section 5.04;

 

(b) carriers’, warehousemen’s, mechanics’, materialmen’s, repairmen’s and other like Liens imposed by law, arising in the ordinary course of business and securing obligations that are not overdue by more than 30 days or are being contested in compliance with Section 5.04;

 

(c) pledges and deposits made in the ordinary course of business in compliance with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security or public liability laws or regulations;

 

(d) deposits to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts, leases, statutory obligations, surety, customs and appeal bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature, in each case in the ordinary course of business;

 

(e) judgment liens in respect of judgments that do not constitute an Event of Default under clause (k) of Article VII;

 

(f) non-consensual statutory Liens (other than Liens securing the payment of taxes) arising in the ordinary course of the Loan Parties’ business to the extent: (i) such liens secure Indebtedness which is not overdue or (ii) such liens secure Indebtedness relating to claims or liabilities which are fully insured and being defended at the sole cost and expense and at the sole risk of the insurer or being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently pursued and available to the Loan Parties, in each case prior to the commencement of foreclosure or other similar proceedings and with respect to which adequate reserves have been set aside on their books; and

 

(g) easements, zoning restrictions, rights-of-way and similar encumbrances on real property imposed by law or arising in the ordinary course of business that do not secure any monetary obligations and do not materially detract from the value of the affected property or interfere with the ordinary conduct of business of any Borrower or any Subsidiary.

 

Permitted Investments ” means:

 

(a) direct obligations of, or obligations the principal of and interest on which are unconditionally guaranteed by, the United States of America or Canada (or by any agency thereof to the extent such obligations are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States of America or Canada, as applicable), in each case maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof;

 

(b) investments in commercial paper maturing within 270 days from the date of acquisition thereof and having, at such date of acquisition, an investment grade credit rating obtainable from S&P or from Moody’s;

 

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(c) investments in certificates of deposit, guaranteed investment certificates, banker’s acceptances and time deposits maturing within 270 days from the date of acquisition thereof issued or guaranteed by or placed with, and money market deposit accounts issued or offered by, any domestic office of any commercial bank organized under the laws of Canada or the United States of America or any State thereof which has a combined capital and surplus and undivided profits of not less than $500,000,000;

 

(d) fully collateralized repurchase agreements with a term of not more than 30 days for securities described in clause (a) above and entered into with a financial institution satisfying the criteria described in clause (c) above; and

 

(e) money market funds that (i) comply with the criteria set forth in Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, (ii) are rated investment grade by S&P or Moody’s and (iii) have portfolio assets of at least $5,000,000,000.

 

Person ” means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity.

 

Petition Date ” means April 1, 2003, the date of the filing of Chapter 11 petitions for Core-Mark International, Inc.; Fleming Companies, Inc.; ABCO Food Group, Inc.; ABCO Markets, Inc.; ABCO Realty Corp.; ASI Office Automation, Inc.; C/M Products, Inc.; Core-Mark Interrelated Companies, Inc.; Core-Mark Mid-Continent, Inc.; Dunigan Fuels, Inc.; Favar Concepts, Ltd.; Fleming Foods Management Co., L.L.C.; Fleming Foods of Texas, L.P.; Fleming International, Ltd.; Fleming Supermarkets of Florida, Inc.; Fleming Transportation Service, Inc.; Food 4 Less Beverage Company, Inc.; Fuelserv, Inc.; General Acceptance Corporation; Head Distributing Company; Marquise Ventures Company, Inc.; Minter-Weisman Co.; Piggly Wiggly Company; Progressive Realty, Inc.; Rainbow Food Group, Inc.; Retail Investments, Inc.; Retail Supermarkets, Inc.; RFS Marketing Services, Inc.; and Richmar Foods, Inc.

 

Plan ” means any employee pension benefit plan, pension plan or plan (other than a Multiemployer Plan) subject to the provisions of Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA or the applicable laws of any other jurisdiction including the PBA, and in respect of which any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate (i) sponsors, maintains, or to which it makes, is making, or is obligated to make contributions, or has made contributions at any time during the immediately preceding five (5) plan years, and/or (ii) is (or, if such plan were terminated, would under Section 4069 of ERISA be deemed to be) an “employer” as defined in Section 3(5) of ERISA.

 

PP&E Component ” shall mean, at the time of any determination, an amount equal to 75% of the Net Orderly Liquidation Value of the Borrowers’ Eligible Equipment less Reserves related to the Eligible Equipment established by the Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion; provided that the PP&E Component shall be subject to straight-line annual amortization from the date of any Loan on the PP&E Component through the date which is the fifth anniversary of the Effective Date. As of the Effective Date, the Net Orderly Liquidation Value of the Borrowers’ Eligible Equipment is $3,629,266. Upon request by the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent may agree in its Permitted Discretion to the addition of new Eligible Equipment to the PP&E Component; provided that (A) the PP&E Component shall never exceed $20,000,000 at any time prior to the first anniversary of the Effective Date, (B) the PP&E Component shall not exceed $0 at any time after the fifth anniversary of the Effective Date, and (C) prior to inclusion in the PP&E Component, all Equipment must be appraised in a manner reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent by an appraiser reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent.

 

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PPSA ” means the Personal Property Security Act (Ontario) (or any successor statute) or similar legislation (including, without limitation, the Civil Code) of any other jurisdiction the laws of which are required by such legislation to be applied in connection with the issue, perfection, enforcement, validity or effect of security interests.

 

Prime Rate ” means the rate of interest per annum publicly announced from time to time by Chase as its prime rate at its offices at 270 Park Avenue in New York City; each change in the Prime Rate shall be effective from and including the date such change is publicly announced as being effective.

 

Projections ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.01(f).

 

Protective Advance ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.04.

 

RCT Guarantee ” means, collectively, (i) that certain Subordinated Secured Guaranty Agreement dated as of August 20, 2004 by and between Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc. and the Reclamation Creditors’ Trust for the benefit of the holders of Allowed Class 3(B) TLV Reclamation Claims as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time, and (ii) that certain Junior Subordinated Secured Guaranty Agreement dated as of August 20, 2004 by and between Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc. and the Reclamation Creditors’ Trust for the benefit of the holders of Allowed Net Non-TLV Reclamation Claims, as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time.

 

Register ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.04.

 

Related Parties ” means, with respect to any specified Person, such Person’s Affiliates and the respective directors, officers, employees, agents and advisors of such Person and such Person’s Affiliates.

 

Report ” means reports prepared by the Administrative Agent or another Person showing the results of appraisals, field examinations or audits pertaining to the Borrowers’ assets from information furnished by or on behalf of any Borrower, after the Administrative Agent has exercised its rights of inspection pursuant to this Agreement, which Reports may be distributed to the Lenders by the Administrative Agent.

 

Required Lenders ” means, at any time, Lenders having Credit Exposure and unused Commitments representing more than 50% of the sum of the total Credit Exposure and unused Commitments at such time.

 

Requirement of Law ” means, as to any Person, the Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws or other organizational or governing documents of such Person, and any law, treaty, rule or regulation or determination of an arbitrator or a court or other Governmental Authority, in each case applicable to or binding upon such Person or any of its property or to which such Person or any of its property is subject.

 

Reserves ” means the Collateral Reserves and the Exposure Reserves, as applicable.

 

Restricted Payment ” means any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property, other than common stock of Holdings) with respect to any Equity Interests in any Borrower or any Subsidiary, or any payment (whether in cash, securities or other property, other than common stock of Holdings), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, cancellation or termination of any such Equity Interests in any Borrower or any option, warrant or other right to acquire any such Equity Interests in any Borrower.

 

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Revolving Commitment ” means, with respect to each Lender, the commitment of such Lender to make Revolving Loans and to acquire participations in Letters of Credit, Overadvances and Swingline Loans hereunder, expressed as an amount representing the maximum possible aggregate amount of such Lender’s Revolving Exposure hereunder, as such commitment may be (a) increased from time to time pursuant to Section 2.21 and (b) reduced or increased from time to time pursuant to assignments by or to such Lender pursuant to Section 9.04; provided that the aggregate Revolving Commitments shall not at any time exceed $325,000,000. The initial amount of each Lender’s Revolving Commitment is set forth on the Commitment Schedule , or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender shall have assumed its Revolving Commitment, as applicable. The initial aggregate amount of the Lenders’ Revolving Commitments is $250,000,000. The Revolving Commitments include the Canadian Revolving Commitments available pursuant to the Canadian Subfacility in an aggregate amount not to exceed Cdn.$110,000,000.

 

Revolving Exposure ” means, with respect to any Lender at any time, the sum of the outstanding principal amount of such Lender’s Revolving Loans and Canadian Revolving Loans, as applicable and its LC Exposure and an amount equal to its Applicable Percentage of the aggregate principal amount of Swingline Loans or Canadian Applicable Percentage of the aggregate principal amount of the Canadian Swingline Loans, as applicable, at such time, plus an amount equal to its Applicable Percentage of the aggregate principal amount of Overadvances outstanding at such time.

 

Revolving Lender ” means, as of any date of determination, a Lender with a Revolving Commitment or, if the Revolving Commitments have terminated or expired, a Lender with Revolving Exposure.

 

Revolving Loan ” means a Loan (including Canadian Revolving Loans) made pursuant to Section 2.01(a).

 

S&P ” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a division of The McGraw Hill Companies, Inc., and its successors and assigns.

 

Secured Obligations ” means all Obligations, together with all (i) Banking Services Obligations and (ii) Swap Obligations owing to one or more Lenders or their respective Affiliates; provided that at or prior to the time that any transaction relating to such Swap Obligation is executed (or, in the case of foreign exchange swaps, promptly thereafter), the Lender party thereto (other than Chase or Chase Canada) shall have delivered written notice to the Administrative Agent that such a transaction has been entered into and that it constitutes a Secured Obligation entitled to the benefits of the Collateral Documents.

 

Security Agreement ” means (i) that certain Pledge and Security Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, between the Loan Parties and the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, and (ii) any other pledge or security agreement entered into, after the date of this Agreement by any other Loan Party (as required by this Agreement or any other Loan Document), or any other Person, as the same may be amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

Statutory Reserve Rate ” means a fraction (expressed as a decimal), the numerator of which is the number one and the denominator of which is the number one minus the aggregate of the maximum reserve percentages (including any marginal, special, emergency or supplemental reserves) expressed as a decimal established by the Board to which the Administrative Agent is subject with respect to the Adjusted LIBO Rate, for eurocurrency funding (currently referred to as “Eurocurrency Liabilities” in Regulation D of the Board). Such reserve percentages shall include those imposed pursuant to such

 

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Regulation D. Eurodollar Loans shall be deemed to constitute eurocurrency funding and to be subject to such reserve requirements without benefit of or credit for proration, exemptions or offsets that may be available from time to time to any Lender under such Regulation D or any comparable regulation. The Statutory Reserve Rate shall be adjusted automatically on and as of the effective date of any change in any reserve percentage.

 

Subordinated Indebtedness ” of a Person means any Indebtedness of such Person the payment of which is subordinated to payment of the Secured Obligations to the written satisfaction of the Administrative Agent.

 

subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person (the “ parent ”) at any date, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other entity the accounts of which would be consolidated with those of the parent in the parent’s consolidated financial statements if such financial statements were prepared in accordance with GAAP as of such date, as well as any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other entity (a) of which securities or other ownership interests representing more than 50% of the equity or more than 50% of the ordinary voting power or, in the case of a partnership, more than 50% of the general partnership interests are, as of such date, owned, controlled or held, or (b) that is, as of such date, otherwise Controlled, by the parent or one or more subsidiaries of the parent or by the parent and one or more subsidiaries of the parent.

 

Subsidiary ” means any subsidiary of Holdings or a Loan Party, as applicable.

 

Supermajority Revolving Lenders ” means, at any time, Lenders having Credit Exposure and unused Commitments representing more than 66 2/3% of the sum of the total Credit Exposure and unused Commitments at such time.

 

Swap Agreement ” means any agreement with respect to any swap, forward, future or derivative transaction or option or similar agreement involving, or settled by reference to, one or more rates, currencies, commodities, equity or debt instruments or securities, or economic, financial or pricing indices or measures of economic, financial or pricing risk or value or any similar transaction or any combination of these transactions; provided that no phantom stock or similar plan providing for payments only on account of services provided by current or former directors, officers, employees or consultants of the Borrowers or the Subsidiaries shall be a Swap Agreement.

 

Swap Obligations ” of a Person means any and all obligations of such Person, whether absolute or contingent and howsoever and whensoever created, arising, evidenced or acquired (including all renewals, extensions and modifications thereof and substitutions therefor), under (a) any and all Swap Agreements, and (b) any and all cancellations, buy backs, reversals, terminations or assignments of any Swap Agreement transaction.

 

Swingline Lender ” means JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., in its capacity as lender of Swingline Loans hereunder.

 

Swingline Loan ” means a Loan made pursuant to Section 2.05.

 

Taxes ” means any and all present or future taxes, excise taxes, goods and services taxes, provincial sales taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, fees, charges or withholdings imposed by any Governmental Authority.

 

Termination Event ” means (a) the whole or partial withdrawal of the Borrower(s) or any Subsidiary from a Plan during a plan year; or (b) the filing of a notice of interest to terminate in whole or

 

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in part a Plan or the treatment of a Plan amendment as a termination of partial termination; or (c) the institution of proceedings by any Governmental Authority to terminate in whole or in part or have a trustee appointed to administer a Plan; or (d) any other event or condition which might constitute grounds for the termination of, winding up or partial termination of winding up or the appointment of trustee to administer, any Plan.

 

Tranche B Facility ” means that certain Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement dated as of August 20, 2004 among Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc. and the other Issuers identified therein, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. as Administrative Agent, Wells Fargo Bank, as the LC Issuer, and the Purchasers listed therein, as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time.

 

Tranche B Notes ” means the notes issued under the Tranche B Facility.

 

Transactions ” means the execution, delivery and performance by the Borrowers of this Agreement, the borrowing of Loans and other credit extensions, the use of the proceeds thereof and the issuance of Letters of Credit hereunder.

 

Type ”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether the rate of interest on such Loan, or on the Loans comprising such Borrowing, is determined by reference to the Adjusted LIBO Rate, the CDOR Rate, the Alternate Base Rate or the Canadian Prime Rate.

 

UCC ” means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect from time to time in the State of New York or any other state the laws of which are required to be applied in connection with the issue of perfection of security interests.

 

Unliquidated Obligations ” means, at any time, any Secured Obligations (or portion thereof) that are contingent in nature or unliquidated at such time, including any Secured Obligation that is: (i) an obligation to reimburse a bank for drawings not yet made under a letter of credit issued by it; (ii) any other obligation (including any guarantee) that is contingent in nature at such time; or (iii) an obligation to provide collateral to secure any of the foregoing types of obligations.

 

Withdrawal Liability ” means liability to a Multiemployer Plan as a result of a complete or partial withdrawal from such Multiemployer Plan, as such terms are defined in Part I of Subtitle E of Title IV of ERISA.

 

Withholding Reserves ” shall mean an Exposure Reserve established by the Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion in the event that either (a) Availability at any time is less than $35,000,000 or (b) an Event of Default has occurred, which reserve shall be in an amount reasonably deemed adequate by the Administrative Agent to cover any potential withholding tax liabilities accruing from the Effective Date in the United States or Canada in connection with the Canadian Borrower’s status as a Canadian taxpayer or “permanent establishment” under Canadian law or in connection with the Canadian Subfacility; provided that the Administrative Agent may in its Permitted Discretion thereafter decrease or eliminate any Withholding Reserves.

 

SECTION 1.02. Classification of Loans and Borrowings . For purposes of this Agreement, Loans may be classified and referred to by Class ( e.g. , a “Revolving Loan”) or by Type ( e.g. , a “Eurodollar Loan”) or by Class and Type ( e.g. , a “Eurodollar Revolving Loan”). Borrowings also may be classified and referred to by Class ( e.g. , a “Revolving Borrowing”) or by Type ( e.g. , a “Eurodollar Borrowing”) or by Class and Type ( e.g. , a “Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing”).

 

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SECTION 1.03. Terms Generally . The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words “include”, “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation”. The word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall”. Unless the context requires otherwise (a) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document herein shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, supplements or modifications set forth herein), (b) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns, (c) the words “herein”, “hereof” and “hereunder”, and words of similar import, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof, (d) all references herein to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, this Agreement and (e) the words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights.

 

SECTION 1.04. Accounting Terms; GAAP . Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature shall be construed in accordance with GAAP, as in effect from time to time; provided that, if the Borrowers notify the Administrative Agent that the Borrowers request an amendment to any provision hereof to eliminate the effect of any change occurring after the date hereof in GAAP or in the application thereof on the operation of such provision (or if the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrowers that the Required Lenders request an amendment to any provision hereof for such purpose), regardless of whether any such notice is given before or after such change in GAAP or in the application thereof, then such provision shall be interpreted on the basis of GAAP as in effect and applied immediately before such change shall have become effective until such notice shall have been withdrawn or such provision amended in accordance herewith.

 

ARTICLE II

 

The Credits

 

SECTION 2.01. Commitments . Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Lender agrees to make Revolving Loans to the Borrowers from time to time in dollars (or, specifically with respect to Canadian Revolving Loans made under the Canadian Subfacility, Canadian Dollars) during the Availability Period in an aggregate principal amount that will not result in either (i) such Lender’s Revolving Exposure exceeding such Lender’s Revolving Commitment or (ii) the total Revolving Exposures exceeding the lesser of (x) the sum of the total Revolving Commitments or (y) the Borrowing Base, subject to the Administrative Agent’s authority, in its sole discretion, to make Protective Advances and Overadvances pursuant to the terms of Sections 2.04 and 2.05; provided that with respect to Canadian Revolving Loans, the sum of the aggregate principal amount of Canadian Revolving Loans and the LC Exposure for Canadian Dollar Letters of Credit issued (under the Letter of Credit facility available pursuant to Section 2.06 hereof) shall not exceed Cdn.$110,000,000 (the “ Canadian Subfacility ”). Within the foregoing limits and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrowers may borrow, repay and reborrow Revolving Loans.

 

SECTION 2.02. Loans and Borrowings . (a) Each Loan (other than a Swingline Loan or Canadian Swingline Loan) shall be made as part of a Borrowing consisting of Loans of the same Class and Type made by the Lenders ratably in accordance with their respective Commitments of the applicable Class. Any Protective Advance, any Overadvance and any Swingline Loan or Canadian Swingline Loan shall be made in accordance with the procedures set forth in Sections 2.04 and 2.05. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, (i) all Canadian Loans shall be made available to the Canadian Borrower

 

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only and shall be made by Canadian Lenders under the Canadian Subfacility, and by the Canadian Funding Bank, by way of Canadian Swingline Loans, and (ii) the only financial accommodations available to the Canadian Borrower (in its capacity as Canadian Borrower) under the Canadian Subfacility shall be Canadian Revolving Loans, Canadian Swingline Loans and Letters of Credit; for greater certainty, no other bank products or accommodations, such as, without limitation, Swaps and Swingline Loans (that are not Canadian Swingline Loans), shall be made available under the Canadian Subfacility.

 

(b) Subject to Section 2.14, each Revolving Borrowing shall be comprised entirely of ABR Loans, Canadian Prime Rate Loans, Eurodollar Loans or CDOR Loans as the Administrative Borrower may request in accordance herewith, provided that all Borrowings (that are not Canadian Prime Rate Borrowings) made on the Effective Date must be made as ABR Borrowings but may be converted into Eurodollar Borrowings in accordance with Section 2.08. Each Swingline Loan shall be an ABR Loan and each Canadian Swingline Loan shall be a Canadian Prime Rate Loan. Each Lender at its option may make any Eurodollar Loan or CDOR Loan by causing any domestic or foreign branch or Affiliate of such Lender to make such Loan; provided that any exercise of such option shall not affect the obligation of the Borrowers to repay such Loan in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and shall not increase the cost of such Loan to the Borrowers.

 

(c) At the commencement of each Interest Period for any Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing or CDOR Revolving Borrowing, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is an integral multiple of (i) $100,000 and not less than $500,000, in respect of Eurodollar Revolving Borrowings, and (ii) Cdn.$100,000 and not less than Cdn.$500,000, in respect of CDOR Revolving Borrowings. At the time that each ABR Revolving Borrowing or Canadian Prime Rate Revolving Borrowing is made, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is not less than $500,000 or Cdn.$500,000, as applicable; provided that an ABR Revolving Borrowing may be in an aggregate amount that is equal to the entire unused balance of the total Revolving Commitments or that is required to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as contemplated by Section 2.06(e). Each Swingline Loan or Canadian Swingline Loan shall be in an amount that is not less than $500,000. Borrowings of more than one Type and Class may be outstanding at the same time and may be made on the same date; provided that there shall not at any time be more than a total of seven (7) Eurodollar Borrowings and CDOR Borrowings outstanding.

 

(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Borrowers shall not be entitled to request, or to elect to convert or continue, any Borrowing as a Eurodollar Loan or CDOR Loan if the Interest Period requested with respect thereto would end after the Maturity Date.

 

SECTION 2.03. Requests for Revolving Borrowings . To request a Revolving Borrowing, the Administrative Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent and (in the case of a Borrowing under the Canadian Subfacility) the Canadian Funding Bank of such request either in writing (delivered by hand or facsimile) substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit F and signed by the Administrative Borrower or by telephone (a) in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing or CDOR Borrowing, not later than 12:00 p.m. (noon), Chicago time, three Business Days before the date of the proposed Borrowing or (b) in the case of an ABR Borrowing or Canadian Prime Rate Borrowing, not later than 12:00 p.m. (noon), Chicago time, on the date of the proposed Borrowing; provided that any such notice of an ABR Revolving Borrowing to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as contemplated by Section 2.06(e) may be given not later than 11:00 a.m., Chicago time, on the date of the proposed Borrowing. Each such telephonic Borrowing Request shall be irrevocable and shall be confirmed promptly by hand delivery or facsimile to the Administrative Agent and (in the case of a Borrowing under the Canadian Subfacility) the Canadian Funding Bank of a written Borrowing Request in a form approved by the Administrative Agent and the (in the case of a Borrowing under the Canadian Subfacility)

 

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Canadian Funding Bank and signed by the Administrative Borrower. Each such telephonic and written Borrowing Request shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.01:

 

(i) the aggregate amount of the requested Borrowing and a breakdown of the separate wires comprising such Borrowing;

 

(ii) the date of such Borrowing, which shall be a Business Day;

 

(iii) whether such Borrowing is to be made in dollars (or, in the case of Borrowings under the Canadian Subfacility, Canadian Dollars);

 

(iv) whether such Borrowing is to be an ABR Borrowing, a Canadian Prime Rate Borrowing, a Eurodollar Borrowing or a CDOR Borrowing; and

 

(v) in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing or a CDOR Borrowing, the initial Interest Period to be applicable thereto, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term “Interest Period.”

 

If no election as to the Type of Revolving Borrowing is specified, then the requested Revolving Borrowing shall be an ABR Borrowing. If no Interest Period is specified with respect to any requested Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing or a CDOR Revolving Borrowing, then the Borrowers shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one month’s duration. Promptly following receipt of a Borrowing Request in accordance with this Section, the Administrative Agent and the Canadian Funding Bank, as applicable shall advise each Lender of the details thereof and of the amount of such Lender’s Loan to be made as part of the requested Borrowing.

 

SECTION 2.04. Protective Advances . (a) Subject to the limitations set forth below, the Administrative Agent is authorized by the Borrowers and the Lenders, from time to time in the Administrative Agent’s sole discretion (but shall have absolutely no obligation to), to make Loans to the Borrowers, on behalf of all Lenders, which the Administrative Agent, in its Permitted Discretion, deems necessary or desirable at any time after the occurrence and during the continuance of any Default (i) to preserve or protect the Collateral, or any portion thereof, (ii) to pay any other amount chargeable to or required to be paid by any Borrower pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, including payments of reimbursable expenses (including costs, fees, and expenses as described in Section 9.03) and other sums payable under the Loan Documents which the Borrowers have not paid out at the times required by this Agreement, or (iii) after the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, to enhance the likelihood of, or maximize the amount of, repayment of the Loans and other Obligations (any of such Loans are herein referred to as “ Protective Advances ”); provided that, the aggregate amount of Protective Advances outstanding at any time shall not exceed $10,000,000; provided further that, the aggregate amount of outstanding Protective Advances plus the aggregate Revolving Exposure shall not exceed the aggregate Commitments. Protective Advances may be made even if the conditions precedent set forth in Section 4.02 have not been satisfied. The Protective Advances shall be secured by the Liens in favor of the Administrative Agent in and to the Collateral and shall constitute Obligations hereunder. All Protective Advances shall be ABR Borrowings or Canadian Prime Rate Borrowings, as applicable, and shall be payable within one (1) Business Day after demand by the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent’s authorization to make Protective Advances may be revoked at any time by the Supermajority Revolving Lenders. Any such revocation must be in writing and shall become effective prospectively upon the Administrative Agent’s receipt thereof. At any time that there is sufficient Availability and the conditions precedent set forth in Section 4.02 have been satisfied, the Administrative Agent may request the Revolving Lenders to make a Revolving Loan to repay a Protective Advance. At

 

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any other time the Administrative Agent may require the Lenders to fund their risk participations described in Section 2.04(b).

 

(b) Upon the making of a Protective Advance by the Administrative Agent (whether before or after the occurrence of a Default), each Lender shall be deemed, without further action by any party hereto, to have unconditionally and irrevocably purchased from the Administrative Agent without recourse or warranty, an undivided interest and participation in such Protective Advance in proportion to its Applicable Percentage or Canadian Applicable Percentage, as applicable. From and after the date, if any, on which any Lender is required to fund its participation in any Protective Advance purchased hereunder, the Administrative Agent shall promptly distribute to such Lender, such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of all payments of principal and interest and all proceeds of Collateral received by the Administrative Agent in respect of such Protective Advance.

 

SECTION 2.05. Swingline Loans, Canadian Swingline Loans and Overadvances . (a) (i) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Swingline Lender agrees to make Swingline Loans to the Borrowers (excluding the Canadian Borrower in its capacity as Canadian Borrower) from time to time during the Availability Period, in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding that will not result in (A) the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Swingline Loans exceeding $20,000,000 or (B) the sum of the total Revolving Exposures exceeding the lesser of the total Revolving Commitments and the Borrowing Base; provided that the Swingline Lender shall not be required to make a Swingline Loan to refinance an outstanding Swingline Loan. Within the foregoing limits and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrowers may borrow, repay and reborrow Swingline Loans. To request a Swingline Loan, the Administrative Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such request by telephone (confirmed by facsimile), not later than 1:00 p.m., Chicago time, on the day of a proposed Swingline Loan. Each such notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the requested date (which shall be a Business Day) and amount of the requested Swingline Loan. The Administrative Agent will promptly advise the Swingline Lender of any such notice received from the Administrative Borrower. The Swingline Lender shall make each Swingline Loan available to the Borrowers by means of a credit to the Funding Account (or, in the case of a Swingline Loan made to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as provided in Section 2.06(e), by remittance to the Issuing Bank, and in the case of repayment of another Loan or fees or expenses as provided by Section 2.18(c), by remittance to the Administrative Agent to be distributed to the Lenders) by 3:00 p.m., Chicago time, on the requested date of such Swingline Loan.

 

(ii) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Canadian Swingline Lender agrees to make Canadian Swingline Loans to the Canadian Borrower from time to time during the Availability Period, in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding that will not result in (A) the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Canadian Swingline Loans (other than Single-Day Canadian Swingline Loans) exceeding $5,000,000 or (B) the sum of the total Canadian Credit Exposure exceeding the lesser of the total Canadian Credit Commitments and the Borrowing Base; provided that the Canadian Swingline Lender shall not be required to make a Canadian Swingline Loan to refinance an outstanding Canadian Swingline Loan. Within the foregoing limits and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Canadian Borrower may borrow, repay and reborrow Canadian Swingline Loans. To request a Canadian Swingline Loan, the Administrative Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent and the Canadian Funding Bank of such request by telephone (confirmed by facsimile), not later than 1:00 p.m., Chicago time, on the day of a proposed Canadian Swingline Loan. Each such notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the requested date (which shall be a Business Day) and amount of the requested Canadian Swingline Loan. The Canadian Funding Bank will promptly advise the Canadian Swingline Lender of any such notice received

 

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from the Administrative Borrower. The Canadian Swingline Lender shall make each Canadian Swingline Loan available to the Canadian Borrower by means of a credit to the Funding Account (or, in the case of a repayment of another Canadian Loan or fees or expenses as provided by Section 2.18(c), by remittance to the Canadian Funding Bank to be distributed to the Canadian Lenders) by 3:00 p.m., Chicago time, on the requested date of such Canadian Swingline Loan. For purposes of this Section 2.05(a)(ii), “Single-Day Canadian Swingline Loans” shall mean Canadian Swingline Loans that are made by the Canadian Swingline Lender as an accommodation to Canadian Lenders that are unable to fund on the same day as a requested Canadian Prime Rate Borrowing, which Single-Day Canadian Swingline Loans shall be funded by the applicable Canadian Lenders on the first Business Day following the date of such Canadian Prime Rate Borrowing. The Canadian Swingline Lender is not required to make any Single-Day Canadian Swingline Loan hereunder and will not make any Single-Day Swingline Loan that would cause its outstanding Canadian Revolving Loans to exceed its Canadian Revolving Commitment.

 

(b) (i) The Swingline Lender may by written notice given to the Administrative Agent not later than 9:00 a.m., Chicago time, on any Business Day require the Revolving Lenders (who are not Canadian Lenders) to acquire participations on such Business Day in all or a portion of the Swingline Loans outstanding. Such notice shall specify the aggregate amount of Swingline Loans in which such Revolving Lenders will participate. Promptly upon receipt of such notice, the Administrative Agent will give notice thereof to each such Revolving Lender, specifying in such notice such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of such Swingline Loan or Loans. Each such Revolving Lender hereby absolutely and unconditionally agrees, upon receipt of notice as provided above, to pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Swingline Lender, such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of such Swingline Loan or Loans. Each such Revolving Lender acknowledges and agrees that its obligation to acquire participations in Swingline Loans pursuant to this paragraph is absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance whatsoever, including the occurrence and continuance of a Default or reduction or termination of the Commitments, and that each such payment shall be made without any offset, abatement, withholding or reduction whatsoever. Each Revolving Lender shall comply with its obligation under this paragraph by wire transfer of immediately available funds, in the same manner as provided in Section 2.07 with respect to Loans made by such Lender (and Section 2.07 shall apply, mutatis mutandis , to the payment obligations of the Lenders), and the Administrative Agent shall promptly pay to the Swingline Lender the amounts so received by it from such Revolving Lenders. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrowers of any participations in any Swingline Loan acquired pursuant to this paragraph, and thereafter payments in respect of such Swingline Loan shall be made to the Administrative Agent and not to the Swingline Lender. Any amounts received by the Swingline Lender from any Borrower (or other party on behalf of any Borrower) in respect of a Swingline Loan after receipt by the Swingline Lender of the proceeds of a sale of participations therein shall be promptly remitted to the Administrative Agent; any such amounts received by the Administrative Agent shall be promptly remitted by the Administrative Agent to such Revolving Lenders that shall have made their payments pursuant to this paragraph and to the Swingline Lender, as their interests may appear; provided that any such payment so remitted shall be repaid to the Swingline Lender or to the Administrative Agent, as applicable, if and to the extent such payment is required to be refunded to any Borrower for any reason. The purchase of participations in a Swingline Loan pursuant to this paragraph shall not relieve the Borrowers of any default in the payment thereof.

 

(ii) The Canadian Swingline Lender may by written notice given to the Administrative Agent and Canadian Funding Bank not later than 9:00 a.m., Chicago time, on any Business Day require the Canadian Lenders to acquire participations on such Business Day in all or a portion of the Canadian Swingline Loans outstanding. Such notice shall specify the aggregate amount of Canadian Swingline Loans in which

 

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Canadian Lenders will participate. Promptly upon receipt of such notice, the Canadian Funding Bank will give notice thereof to each Canadian Lender, specifying in such notice such Lender’s Canadian Applicable Percentage of such Canadian Swingline Loan or Loans. Each Canadian Lender hereby absolutely and unconditionally agrees, upon receipt of notice as provided above, to pay to the Canadian Funding Bank, for the account of the Canadian Swingline Lender, such Lender’s Canadian Applicable Percentage of such Canadian Swingline Loan or Loans. Each Canadian Lender acknowledges and agrees that its obligation to acquire participations in Canadian Swingline Loans pursuant to this paragraph is absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance whatsoever, including the occurrence and continuance of a Default or reduction or termination of the Commitments, and that each such payment shall be made without any offset, abatement, withholding or reduction whatsoever. Each Canadian Lender shall comply with its obligation under this paragraph by wire transfer of immediately available funds, in the same manner as provided in Section 2.07 with respect to Loans made by such Lender (and Section 2.07 shall apply, mutatis mutandis , to the payment obligations of the Lenders), and the Canadian Funding Bank shall promptly pay to the Canadian Swingline Lender the amounts so received by it from the Canadian Lenders. The Canadian Funding Bank shall notify the Canadian Borrower of any participations in any Canadian Swingline Loan acquired pursuant to this paragraph, and thereafter payments in respect of such Canadian Swingline Loan shall be made to the Canadian Funding Bank and not to the Canadian Swingline Lender. Any amounts received by the Canadian Swingline Lender from the Canadian Borrower (or other party on behalf of the Canadian Borrower) in respect of a Canadian Swingline Loan after receipt by the Canadian Swingline Lender of the proceeds of a sale of participations therein shall be promptly remitted to the Canadian Funding Bank; any such amounts received by the Canadian Funding Bank shall be promptly remitted by the Canadian Funding Bank to the Canadian Lenders that shall have made their payments pursuant to this paragraph and to the Canadian Swingline Lender, as their interests may appear; provided that any such payment so remitted shall be repaid to the Canadian Swingline Lender or to the Canadian Funding Bank, as applicable, if and to the extent such payment is required to be refunded to the Canadian Borrower for any reason. The purchase of participations in a Canadian Swingline Loan pursuant to this paragraph shall not relieve the Canadian Borrower of any default in the payment thereof.

 

(c) Any provision of this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, at the request of the Administrative Borrower, the Administrative Agent may in its reasonable discretion (but with absolutely no obligation), make Revolving Loans to the Borrowers, on behalf of the Revolving Lenders, in amounts that exceed Availability (any such excess Revolving Loans are herein referred to collectively as “ Overadvances ”); provided that, no Overadvance shall result in a Default due to Borrowers’ failure to comply with Section 2.01 for so long as such Overadvance remains outstanding in accordance with the terms of this paragraph, but solely with respect to the amount of such Overadvance. In addition, Overadvances may be made even if the condition precedent set forth in Section 4.02(c) has not been satisfied. All Overadvances shall constitute ABR Borrowings or Canadian Prime Rate Borrowings. The authority of the Administrative Agent to make Overadvances is limited to an aggregate amount not to exceed $10,000,000 at any time, no Overadvance may remain outstanding for more than thirty days, all Overadvances shall be payable within one (1) Business Day after demand by the Administrative Agent and no Overadvance shall cause any Revolving Lender’s Revolving Exposure to exceed its Revolving Commitment; provided that, the Supermajority Revolving Lenders may at any time revoke the Administrative Agent’s authorization to make Overadvances. Any such revocation must be in writing and shall become effective prospectively upon the Administrative Agent’s receipt thereof.

 

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(d) Upon the making of an Overadvance by the Administrative Agent, each Revolving Lender shall be deemed, without further action by any party hereto, to have unconditionally and irrevocably purchased from the Administrative Agent without recourse or warranty, an undivided interest and participation in such Overadvance in proportion to its Applicable Percentage or Canadian Applicable Percentage, as applicable, of the Revolving Commitment. The Administrative Agent may, at any time, require the Revolving Lenders to fund their participations. From and after the date, if any, on which any Revolving Lender is required to fund its participation in any Overadvance purchased hereunder, the Administrative Agent shall promptly distribute to such Lender, such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of all payments of principal and interest and all proceeds of Collateral received by the Administrative Agent in respect of such Loan.

 

SECTION 2.06. Letters of Credit . (a)  General . Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Administrative Borrower may request the issuance of Letters of Credit for the account of any Borrower, in a form reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Bank, at any time and from time to time during the Availability Period. In the event of any inconsistency between the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the terms and conditions of any form of letter of credit application or other agreement submitted by the Administrative Borrower to, or entered into by the Administrative Borrower with, the Issuing Bank relating to any Letter of Credit, the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall control. Except as set forth in Section 2.06(k), all Existing Letters of Credit shall be deemed to have been issued pursuant hereto, and from and after the Effective Date shall be subject to and governed by the terms and conditions hereof.

 

(b) Notice of Issuance, Amendment, Renewal, Extension; Certain Conditions . To request the issuance of a Letter of Credit (or the amendment, renewal or extension of an outstanding Letter of Credit), the Administrative Borrower shall hand deliver or facsimile (or transmit by electronic communication, if arrangements for doing so have been approved by the Issuing Bank) to the Issuing Bank and the Administrative Agent (prior to 12:00 noon, Chicago time, at least three Business Days prior to the requested date of issuance, amendment, renewal or extension) a notice requesting the issuance of a Letter of Credit, or identifying the Letter of Credit to be amended, renewed or extended, and specifying the date of issuance, amendment, renewal or extension (which shall be a Business Day), the date on which such Letter of Credit is to expire (which shall comply with paragraph (c) of this Section), the amount of such Letter of Credit, the name of the Borrower for whose account such Letter of Credit is to be issued, the name and address of the beneficiary thereof and such other information as shall be necessary to prepare, amend, renew or extend such Letter of Credit. If requested by the Issuing Bank, the Administrative Borrower also shall submit a letter of credit application on the Issuing Bank’s standard form in connection with any request for a Letter of Credit. A Letter of Credit shall be issued, amended, renewed or extended only if (and upon issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of each Letter of Credit the Borrowers shall be deemed to represent and warrant that), after giving effect to such issuance, amendment, renewal or extension (i) the LC Exposure shall not exceed $160,000,000 and (ii) the total Revolving Exposures shall not exceed the lesser of the total Revolving Commitments and the Borrowing Base.

 

(c) Expiration Date . Each Letter of Credit shall expire at or prior to the close of business on the earlier of (i) the date one year after the date of the issuance of such Letter of Credit (or, in the case of any renewal or extension thereof, one year after such renewal or extension) and (ii) the date that is five Business Days prior to the Maturity Date.

 

(d) Participations . By the issuance of a Letter of Credit (or an amendment to a Letter of Credit increasing the amount thereof) and without any further action on the part of the Issuing Bank or the Revolving Lenders, the Issuing Bank hereby grants to each Revolving Lender, and each Revolving Lender hereby acquires from the Issuing Bank, a participation in such Letter of Credit equal to such

 

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Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the aggregate amount available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit. In consideration and in furtherance of the foregoing, each Revolving Lender hereby absolutely and unconditionally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Issuing Bank, such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of each LC Disbursement made by the Issuing Bank and not reimbursed by the Borrowers on the date due as provided in paragraph (e) of this Section, or of any reimbursement payment required to be refunded to any Borrower for any reason. Each Revolving Lender acknowledges and agrees that its obligation to acquire participations pursuant to this paragraph in respect of Letters of Credit is absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance whatsoever, including any amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or the occurrence and continuance of a Default or reduction or termination of the Commitments, and that each such payment shall be made without any offset, abatement, withholding or reduction whatsoever.

 

(e) Reimbursement . If the Issuing Bank shall make any LC Disbursement in respect of a Letter of Credit, the Borrowers shall reimburse such LC Disbursement by paying to the Administrative Agent an amount equal to such LC Disbursement not later than 1:00 p.m., Chicago time, on the date that such LC Disbursement is made, if the Borrowers shall have received notice of such LC Disbursement prior to 11:00 a.m., Chicago time, on such date, or, if such notice has not been received by the Borrowers prior to such time on such date, then not later than 1:00 p.m., Chicago time, on (i) the Business Day that the Borrowers receive such notice, if such notice is received prior to 11:00 a.m., Chicago time, on the day of receipt, or (ii) the Business Day immediately following the day that the Borrowers receive such notice, if such notice is not received prior to such time on the day of receipt; provided that the Borrowers hereby request in accordance with Section 2.03 or 2.05, unless the Administrative Borrower specifically gives notice to the Administrative Agent to the contrary, that such payment be financed with an ABR Revolving Borrowing or Swingline Loan in an equivalent amount and, to the extent so financed, the Borrowers’ obligation to make such payment shall be discharged and replaced by the resulting ABR Revolving Borrowing or Swingline Loan. If the Borrowers fail to make such payment when due, the Administrative Agent shall notify each Revolving Lender of the applicable LC Disbursement, the payment then due from the Borrowers in respect thereof and such Lender’s Applicable Percentage thereof. Promptly following receipt of such notice, each Revolving Lender shall pay to the Administrative Agent its Applicable Percentage of the payment then due from the Borrowers, in the same manner as provided in Section 2.07 with respect to Loans made by such Lender (and Section 2.07 shall apply, mutatis mutandis , to the payment obligations of the Revolving Lenders), and the Administrative Agent shall promptly pay to the Issuing Bank the amounts so received by it from the Revolving Lenders. Promptly following receipt by the Administrative Agent of any payment from any Borrower pursuant to this paragraph, the Administrative Agent shall distribute such payment to the Issuing Bank or, to the extent that Revolving Lenders have made payments pursuant to this paragraph to reimburse the Issuing Bank, then to such Lenders and the Issuing Bank as their interests may appear. Any payment made by a Revolving Lender pursuant to this paragraph to reimburse the Issuing Bank for any LC Disbursement (other than the funding of ABR Revolving Loans or a Swingline Loan as contemplated above) shall not constitute a Loan and shall not relieve the Borrowers of their obligation to reimburse such LC Disbursement.

 

(f) Obligations Absolute . The Borrowers’ obligation to reimburse LC Disbursements as provided in paragraph (e) of this Section shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be performed strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under any and all circumstances whatsoever and irrespective of (i) any lack of validity or enforceability of any Letter of Credit or this Agreement, or any term or provision therein, (ii) any draft or other document presented under a Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent or invalid in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect, (iii) payment by the Issuing Bank under a Letter of Credit against presentation of a draft or other document that does not comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit, or (iv) any other event or circumstance whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing,

 

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that might, but for the provisions of this Section, constitute a legal or equitable discharge of, or provide a right of setoff against, the Borrowers’ obligations hereunder. Neither the Administrative Agent, the Revolving Lenders nor the Issuing Bank, nor any of their Related Parties, shall have any liability or responsibility by reason of or in connection with the issuance or transfer of any Letter of Credit or any payment or failure to make any payment thereunder (irrespective of any of the circumstances referred to in the preceding sentence), or any error, omission, interruption, loss or delay in transmission or delivery of any draft, notice or other communication under or relating to any Letter of Credit (including any document required to make a drawing thereunder), any error in interpretation of technical terms or any consequence arising from causes beyond the control of the Issuing Bank; provided that the foregoing shall not be construed to excuse the Issuing Bank from liability to the Borrowers to the extent of any direct damages (as opposed to consequential damages, claims in respect of which are hereby waived by the Borrowers to the extent permitted by applicable law) suffered by any Borrower that are caused by the Issuing Bank’s failure to exercise care when determining whether drafts and other documents presented under a Letter of Credit comply with the terms thereof or by its gross negligence or willful misconduct.

 

(g) Disbursement Procedures . The Issuing Bank shall, promptly following its receipt thereof, examine all documents purporting to represent a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit. The Issuing Bank shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent and the Administrative Borrower by telephone (confirmed by facsimile) of such demand for payment and whether the Issuing Bank has made or will make an LC Disbursement thereunder; provided that any failure to give or delay in giving such notice shall not relieve the Borrowers of their obligation to reimburse the Issuing Bank and the Revolving Lenders with respect to any such LC Disbursement.

 

(h) Interim Interest . If the Issuing Bank shall make any LC Disbursement, then, unless the Borrowers shall reimburse such LC Disbursement in full on the date such LC Disbursement is made, the unpaid amount thereof shall bear interest, for each day from and including the date such LC Disbursement is made to but excluding the date that any Borrower reimburses such LC Disbursement, at the rate per annum then applicable to ABR Revolving Loans; provided that, if the Borrowers fail to reimburse such LC Disbursement when due pursuant to paragraph (e) of this Section, then Section 2.13(d) shall apply. Interest accrued pursuant to this paragraph shall be for the account of the Issuing Bank, except that interest accrued on and after the date of payment by any Revolving Lender pursuant to paragraph (e) of this Section to reimburse the Issuing Bank shall be for the account of such Lender to the extent of such payment by such Revolving Lender.

 

(i) Replacement of the Issuing Bank . The Issuing Bank may be replaced at any time by written agreement among the Administrative Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the replaced Issuing Bank and the successor Issuing Bank. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Revolving Lenders of any such replacement of the Issuing Bank. At the time any such replacement shall become effective, the Borrowers shall pay all unpaid fees accrued for the account of the replaced Issuing Bank pursuant to Section 2.12(b). From and after the effective date of any such replacement, (i) the successor Issuing Bank shall have all the rights and obligations of the Issuing Bank under this Agreement with respect to Letters of Credit to be issued thereafter and (ii) references herein to the term “Issuing Bank” shall be deemed to refer to such successor or to any previous Issuing Bank, or to such successor and all previous Issuing Banks, as the context shall require. After the replacement of an Issuing Bank hereunder, the replaced Issuing Bank shall remain a party hereto and shall continue to have all the rights and obligations of an Issuing Bank under this Agreement with respect to Letters of Credit issued by it prior to such replacement, but shall not be required to issue additional Letters of Credit.

 

(j) Cash Collateralization and Backstop Letter of Credit . If any Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, on the Business Day that the Borrowers receive notice from the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders demanding the deposit of cash collateral or the delivery of

 

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a Backstop Letter of Credit pursuant to this paragraph, the Borrowers shall either (a) deposit in an account with the Administrative Agent, in the name of the Administrative Agent and for the benefit of the Revolving Lenders (the “ LC Collateral Account ”), an amount in cash equal to 103% of the LC Exposure as of such date plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon (if any); provided that the obligation to deposit such cash collateral shall become effective immediately, and such deposit shall become immediately due and payable, without demand or other notice of any kind, upon the occurrence of any Event of Default with respect to any Borrower described in clause (g) or (h) of Article VII, or (b) provide to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, a letter of credit in form and substance, on terms and from a lending institution reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, which letter of credit shall be in a face amount equal to 103% of the L/C Exposure as of such date plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon (if any) (the “ Backstop Letter of Credit ”). With respect to any LC Collateral Account: (i) such deposit shall be held by the Administrative Agent as collateral for the payment and performance of the Secured Obligations; (ii) the Administrative Agent shall have exclusive dominion and control, including the exclusive right of withdrawal, over such account and each of the Borrowers hereby grants the Administrative Agent a security interest in the LC Collateral Account; (iii) other than any interest earned on the investment of such deposits, which investments shall be made at the option and reasonable discretion of the Administrative Agent and at the Borrowers’ risk and expense, such deposits shall not bear interest; (iv) interest or profits, if any, on such investments shall accumulate in such account; (v) moneys in such account shall be applied by the Administrative Agent to reimburse the Issuing Bank for LC Disbursements for which it has not been reimbursed and, to the extent not so applied, shall be held for the satisfaction of the reimbursement obligations of the Borrowers for the LC Exposure at such time or, if the maturity of the Loans has been accelerated (but subject to the consent of Revolving Lenders with LC Exposure representing greater than 50% of the total LC Exposure), be applied to satisfy other Secured Obligations in accordance with Section 2.18(b); and (vi) any remaining amount shall be promptly returned to the Borrowers. If the Borrowers are required to provide an amount of cash collateral hereunder as a result of the occurrence of an Event of Default, such amount (to the extent not applied as aforesaid) shall be returned to the Borrowers within three Business Days after all such Events of Default have been cured to the satisfaction of the Administrative Agent or waived in writing. With respect to any Backstop Letter of Credit: (A) the Administrative Agent shall be the named beneficiary of such letter of credit; (B) drawings upon such letter of credit shall be made in the Administrative Agent’s reasonable discretion to reimburse the Issuing Bank for LC Disbursements for which it has not been reimbursed and, to the extent not so applied, shall be held for the satisfaction of the reimbursement obligations of the Borrowers for the LC Exposure at such time or, if the maturity of the Loans has been accelerated (but subject to the consent of Revolving Lenders with LC Exposure representing greater than 50% of the total LC Exposure), be applied to satisfy other Secured Obligations in accordance with Section 2.18(b); and (C) if the Borrowers are required to provide a letter of credit hereunder as a result of the occurrence of an Event of Default, such letter of credit (to the extent not drawn as aforesaid) shall be cancelled and returned to the issuing bank within five Business Days after all such Events of Default have been cured or waived.

 

(k) Existing Letters of Credit . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the terms of payment of the Existing Letters of Credit (and any issuance fees paid in connection therewith) shall be governed by the terms relating thereto set forth in the loan documents under which such Existing Letters of Credit were issued.

 

Any reference to (i) Borrowers in this Section 2.06 shall not include the Canadian Borrower (in its capacity as Canadian Borrower), and (ii) any reference to Revolving Lenders in this Section 2.06 shall not include the Canadian Lenders. For the avoidance of doubt, Letters of Credit issued under this Section 2.06 may be denominated in either United States or Canadian dollars, provided that any Letters of Credit issued in Canadian dollars are subject to both the Letter of Credit sublimit contained in this Section 2.06 and the Canadian Subfacility sublimit contained in Section 2.01.

 

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SECTION 2.07. Funding of Borrowings . (a) Each Lender shall make each Loan to be made by it hereunder on the proposed date thereof by wire transfer of immediately available funds by 1:00 p.m., Chicago time, to the account of the Administrative Agent or the Canadian Funding Bank, as applicable, most recently designated by it for such purpose by notice to the Lenders in an amount equal to such Lender’s Applicable Percentage or Canadian Applicable Percentage, as applicable; provided that, Swingline Loans and Canadian Swingline Loans shall be made as provided in Section 2.05. The Administrative Agent or the Canadian Funding Bank, as applicable, will make such Loans available to the Borrowers by promptly crediting the amounts so received, in like funds, to the respective Funding Account; provided that ABR Revolving Loans and/or Canadian Prime Rate Loans, as applicable, made to finance the reimbursement of (i) an LC Disbursement as provided in Section 2.06(e) shall be remitted by the Administrative Agent to the Issuing Bank and (ii) a Protective Advance or an Overadvance shall be retained by the Administrative Agent.

 

(b) Unless the Administrative Agent or the Canadian Funding Bank, as applicable, shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the proposed date of any Borrowing that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent or the Canadian Funding Bank, as applicable, such Lender’s share of such Borrowing, the Administrative Agent or the Canadian Funding Bank, as applicable, may assume that such Lender has made such share available on such date in accordance with paragraph (a) of this Section and may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrowers or the Canadian Borrower, as applicable, a corresponding amount. In such event, if a Lender has not in fact made its share of the applicable Borrowing available to the Administrative Agent or the Canadian Funding Bank, as applicable, then the applicable Lender agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent or the Canadian Funding Bank, as applicable, forthwith on demand such corresponding amount with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is made available to the Borrowers to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent or the Canadian Funding Bank, as applicable, at the greater of the Federal Funds Effective Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation; provided that nothing herein shall discharge the Borrowers of any obligation to pay interest on the Loans in the manner and amounts set forth in this Agreement. If such Lender pays such amount to the Administrative Agent or the Canadian Funding Bank, as applicable, then such amount shall constitute such Lender’s Loan included in such Borrowing.

 

SECTION 2.08. Interest Elections . (a) Each Revolving Borrowing initially shall be of the Type specified in the applicable Borrowing Request and, in the case of a Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing or CDOR Revolving Borrowing, shall have an initial Interest Period as specified in such Borrowing Request. Thereafter, the Borrowers may elect to convert such Borrowing to a different Type or to continue such Borrowing and, in the case of a Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing or CDOR Revolving Borrowing, may elect Interest Periods therefor, all as provided in this Section. The Borrowers may elect different options with respect to different portions of the affected Borrowing, in which case each such portion shall be allocated ratably among the Lenders holding the Loans comprising such Borrowing, and the Loans comprising each such portion shall be considered a separate Borrowing. This Section shall not apply to Canadian Swingline Borrowings, Swingline Borrowings, Overadvances or Protective Advances, which may not be converted or continued.

 

(b) To make an election pursuant to this Section, the Administrative Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such election by telephone by the time that a Borrowing Request would be required under Section 2.03 if the Administrative Borrower was requesting a Revolving Borrowing of the Type resulting from such election to be made on the effective date of such election. Each such telephonic Interest Election Request shall be irrevocable and shall be confirmed promptly by hand delivery or facsimile to the Administrative Agent and (in the case of a Borrowing under the

 

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Canadian Subfacility) the Canadian Funding Bank of a written Interest Election Request in the form attached hereto as Exhibit H signed by the Administrative Borrower.

 

(c) Each telephonic and written Interest Election Request shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.02:

 

(i) the Borrowing to which such Interest Election Request applies and, if different options are being elected with respect to different portions thereof, the portions thereof to be allocated to each resulting Borrowing (in which case the information to be specified pursuant to clauses (iii) and (iv) below shall be specified for each resulting Borrowing);

 

(ii) the effective date of the election made pursuant to such Interest Election Request, which shall be a Business Day;

 

(iii) whether the resulting Borrowing is to be an ABR Borrowing, a Canadian Prime Rate Borrowing, a Eurodollar Borrowing or a CDOR Borrowing; and

 

(iv) if the resulting Borrowing is a Eurodollar Borrowing or a CDOR Borrowing, the Interest Period to be applicable thereto after giving effect to such election, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term “Interest Period”.

 

If any such Interest Election Request requests a Eurodollar Borrowing or a CDOR Borrowing but does not specify an Interest Period, then the Borrowers shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one month’s duration.

 

(d) Promptly following receipt of an Interest Election Request, the Administrative Agent or the Canadian Funding Bank, as applicable, shall advise each Lender of the details thereof and of such Lender’s portion of each resulting Borrowing.

 

(e) If the Administrative Borrower fails to deliver a timely Interest Election Request with respect to a Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing or a CDOR Revolving Borrowing prior to the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto, then, unless such Borrowing is repaid as provided herein, at the end of such Interest Period such Borrowing shall be converted to an ABR Borrowing or a Canadian Prime Rate Borrowing, as applicable. Notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the Administrative Agent, at the request of the Required Lenders, so notifies the Borrowers, then, so long as an Event of Default is continuing (i) no outstanding Revolving Borrowing may be converted to or continued as a Eurodollar Borrowing or a CDOR Borrowing and (ii) unless repaid, each Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing or CDOR Revolving Borrowing shall be converted to an ABR Borrowing or a Canadian Prime Rate Borrowing, as applicable, at the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto.

 

SECTION 2.09. Termination of Commitments . (a) Unless previously terminated, all Commitments shall terminate on the Maturity Date.

 

(b) The Borrowers may at any time terminate the Commitments upon (i) the payment in full of all outstanding Loans, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon and on any Letters of Credit, (ii) the cancellation and return of all outstanding Letters of Credit (or alternatively, with respect to each such Letter of Credit, the furnishing to the Administrative Agent of a cash deposit or a Backstop Letter of Credit equal to 103% of the LC Exposure as of such date), (iii) the payment in full of the accrued and unpaid fees (including, without limitation all the Issuing Bank’s fees), and (iv) the payment in full of all reimbursable expenses and other Obligations together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon.

 

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(c) The Administrative Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of any election to terminate the Commitments under paragraph (b) of this Section at least three Business Days prior to the effective date of such termination, specifying such election and the effective date thereof. Promptly following receipt of any notice, the Administrative Agent shall advise the Lenders of the contents thereof. Each notice delivered by the Administrative Borrower pursuant to this Section shall be irrevocable; provided that a notice of termination of the Commitments delivered by the Administrative Borrower may state that such notice is conditioned upon the effectiveness of other credit facilities or other transactions, in which case such notice may be revoked by the Administrative Borrower (by notice to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the specified effective date) if such condition is not satisfied. Any termination of the Commitments shall be permanent.

 

(d) Upon termination of this Agreement, the Administrative Agent may, if either (i) a claim is asserted or threatened or a notice of assessment has been received or is threatened for withholding liabilities by any Governmental Authority in either the United States or Canada arising in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby or (ii) all or substantially all of the assets of the Borrowers are (or are contemplated to be) liquidated or otherwise disposed of or the Borrowers have otherwise substantially ceased (or are contemplating ceasing) business operations, the Administrative Agent may require the Borrowers to obtain a letter of credit for the benefit of the Lenders or pledge cash collateral in an amount that the Administrative Agent reasonably determines will be sufficient to protect the Administrative Agent and the Lenders from any liability accrued and unpaid for withholding tax liabilities (actual or contingent) accrued under United States or Canadian laws during the term of this Agreement.

 

SECTION 2.10. Repayment and Amortization of Loans; Evidence of Debt . (a) The Borrowers hereby unconditionally, jointly and severally, promise to pay (i) to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender the then unpaid principal amount of each Revolving Loan on the Maturity Date, (ii) to the Administrative Agent the then unpaid amount of each Protective Advance on the earlier of the Maturity Date and demand by the Administrative Agent, (iii) to the Swingline Lender and the Canadian Swingline Lender the then unpaid principal amount of each Swingline Loan on the earlier of the Maturity Date and the first date after such Swingline Loan and Canadian Swingline Loan is made that is the 15th or last day of a calendar month and is at least two Business Days after such Swingline Loan and Canadian Swingline Loan is made; provided that on each date that a Revolving Loan is made, the Borrowers shall repay all Swingline Loans and Canadian Swingline Loans then outstanding from the proceeds of Revolving Loans or otherwise, and (iv) to the Administrative Agent the then unpaid principal amount of each Overadvance on the earlier of the Maturity Date and the 30 th day after such Overadvance is made.

 

(b) At all times that full cash dominion is in effect pursuant to Section 7.3 of the Security Agreement, on each Business Day, at or before 1:00 p.m., Chicago time, the Administrative Agent shall apply all immediately available funds credited to the Collection Account first to apply to any Protective Advances and Overadvances that may be outstanding, pro rata, and second to apply to the Revolving Loans (including Swingline Loans and Canadian Swingline Loans) and to cash collateralize outstanding LC Exposure (if and to the extent that such cash collateral is required under Section 2.06(j)).

 

(c) Each Lender shall maintain in accordance with its usual practice an account or accounts evidencing the indebtedness of the Borrowers to such Lender resulting from each Loan made by such Lender, including the amounts of principal and interest payable and paid to such Lender from time to time hereunder.

 

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(d) The Administrative Agent shall maintain accounts in which it shall record (i) the amount of each Loan and the date such Loan is made hereunder, the Class and Type thereof and the Interest Period applicable thereto, (ii) the amount of any principal or interest due and payable or to become due and payable from the Borrowers to each Lender hereunder and (iii) the amount of any sum received by the Administrative Agent and the Canadian Funding Bank hereunder for the account of the Lenders and each Lender’s share thereof.

 

(e) The entries made in the accounts maintained pursuant to paragraph (c) or (d) of this Section shall be prima facie evidence of the existence and amounts of the obligations recorded therein (absent manifest error); provided that the failure of any Lender, the Administrative Agent or the Canadian Funding Bank to maintain such accounts or any error therein shall not in any manner affect the obligation of the Borrowers to repay the Loans in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

(f) Any Lender may request that Loans made by it be evidenced by a promissory note. In such event, the Borrowers shall prepare, execute and deliver to such Lender a promissory note payable to the order of such Lender (or, if requested by such Lender, to such Lender and its successors and assigns) and substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit G. Thereafter, the Loans evidenced by such promissory note and interest thereon shall at all times (including after assignment pursuant to Section 9.04) be represented by one or more promissory notes in such form payable to the order of the payee named therein (or, if such promissory note is a registered note, to such payee and its registered assigns).

 

SECTION 2.11. Repayment of Loans . (a) The Borrowers shall have the right at any time and from time to time to repay any Borrowing in whole or in part, subject to prior notice in accordance with paragraph (c) of this Section.

 

(b) Except for Overadvances permitted under Section 2.05, in the event and on such occasion that the total Revolving Exposure exceeds the lesser of (A) the aggregate Revolving Commitments or (B) the Borrowing Base, the Borrowers shall repay the Revolving Loans, LC Exposure and/or Swingline Loans in an aggregate amount equal to such excess.

 

(c) The Borrowers shall notify the Administrative Agent (and, in the case of repayment of a Swingline Loan or Canadian Swingline Loan, the Swingline Lender or the Canadian Funding Bank, as applicable) by telephone (confirmed by facsimile) of any repayment hereunder (i) in the case of repayment of a Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing or a CDOR Revolving Borrowing, not later than 12:00 p.m. (noon), Chicago time, three Business Days before the date of repayment, (ii) in the case of repayment of an ABR Revolving Borrowing or Canadian Prime Rate Revolving Borrowing, not later than 12:00 p.m. (noon), Chicago time, on the date of repayment or (iii) in the case of repayment of a Swingline Loan or Canadian Swingline Loan, not later than 1:00 p.m., Chicago time, on the date of repayment. Each such notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the repayment date and the principal amount of each Borrowing or portion thereof to be prepaid; provided that, if a notice of repayment is given in connection with a conditional notice of termination of the Commitments as contemplated by Section 2.09, then such notice of repayment may be revoked if such notice of termination is revoked in accordance with Section 2.09. Promptly following receipt of any such notice relating to a Revolving Borrowing, the Administrative Agent and the Canadian Funding Bank, if applicable, shall advise the Lenders of the contents thereof. Each repayment of a Revolving Borrowing shall be applied ratably to the Revolving Loans included in the prepaid Borrowing. Repayments shall be accompanied by accrued interest to the extent required by Section 2.13.

 

SECTION 2.12. Fees . (a) The Borrowers agree to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender an unused commitment fee, which shall accrue at the Applicable Rate on the

 

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average daily amount of the Available Revolving Commitment of such Lender during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the date on which the Lenders’ Revolving Commitments terminate. Accrued unused commitment fees shall be payable in arrears on the last day of each March, June, September and December and on the date on which the Revolving Commitments terminate, commencing on the first such date to occur after the date hereof. All unused commitment fees shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days and shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day).

 

(b) The Borrowers agree to pay (i) to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Revolving Lender (who is not a Canadian Lender) a participation fee with respect to its participations in Letters of Credit, which shall accrue (A) with respect to standby Letters of Credit, at the same Applicable Rate used to determine the interest rate applicable to Eurodollar Revolving Loans on the average daily amount of such Lender’s LC Exposure (excluding any portion thereof attributable to unreimbursed LC Disbursements), and (B) with respect to documentary Letters of Credit, at a rate equal to the Applicable Rate used to determine the interest rate applicable to Eurodollar Revolving Loans minus 0.25% on the average daily amount of such Lender’s LC Exposure (excluding any portion thereof attributable to unreimbursed LC Disbursements), in each case during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the later of the date on which such Lender’s Revolving Commitment terminates and the date on which such Revolving Lender ceases to have any LC Exposure, and (ii) to the Issuing Bank a fronting fee, which shall accrue at the rate of 0.125% per annum on the average daily amount of the LC Exposure (excluding any portion thereof attributable to unreimbursed LC Disbursements) during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the later of the date of termination of the Revolving Commitments and the date on which there ceases to be any LC Exposure, as well as the Issuing Bank’s standard fees (including standard fees with respect to the Existing Letters of Credit) with respect to the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or processing of drawings thereunder. Participation fees and fronting fees accrued through and including the last day of each March, June, September and December shall be payable on the third Business Day following such last day, commencing on the first such date to occur after the Effective Date; provided that all such fees shall be payable on the date on which the Revolving Commitments terminate and any such fees accruing after the date on which the Commitments terminate shall be payable on demand. Any other fees payable to the Issuing Bank pursuant to this paragraph shall be payable within 10 days after demand. All participation fees and fronting fees shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days and shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day).

 

(c) The Borrowers agree to pay to the Administrative Agent, for its own account, fees payable in the amounts and at the times separately agreed upon between the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent.

 

(d) All fees payable hereunder shall be paid on the dates due, in immediately available funds, to the Administrative Agent (or to the Issuing Bank, in the case of fees payable to it) for distribution, in the case of unused commitment fees and participation fees, to the Lenders. Fees paid shall not be refundable under any circumstances.

 

SECTION 2.13. Interest . (a) The Loans comprising each ABR Borrowing (including each Swingline Loan) shall bear interest at the Alternate Base Rate and the Loans comprising each Canadian Prime Rate Borrowing (including each Canadian Swingline Loan) shall bear interest at the Canadian Prime Rate.

 

(b) The Loans comprising each Eurodollar Borrowing shall bear interest at the Adjusted LIBO Rate for the Interest Period in effect for such Borrowing plus the Applicable Rate.

 

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(c) The Loans comprising each CDOR Borrowing shall bear interest at the CDOR Rate for the Interest Period in effect for such Borrowing plus the Applicable Rate.

 

(d) Each Protective Advance and each Overadvance shall bear interest at the Alternate Base Rate for Revolving Loans plus 2%.

 

(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing, during the occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders may, at their option, by notice to the Borrowers (which notice may be revoked at the option of the Required Lenders notwithstanding any provision of Section 9.02 requiring the consent of “each Lender affected thereby” for reductions in interest rates), declare that (i) all Loans shall bear interest at 2% plus the rate otherwise applicable to such Loans as provided in the preceding paragraphs of this Section or (ii) in the case of any other amount outstanding hereunder, such amount shall accrue at 2% plus the rate applicable to such fee or other obligation as provided hereunder.

 

(f) Accrued interest on each Loan shall be payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date for such Loan and upon termination of the Commitments; provided that (i) interest accrued pursuant to paragraph (e) of this Section shall be payable on demand, (ii) in the event of any repayment or prepayment of any Loan (other than a prepayment of an ABR Revolving Loan or Canadian Prime Rate Loan prior to the end of the Availability Period), accrued interest on the principal amount repaid or prepaid shall be payable on the date of such repayment or prepayment and (iii) in the event of any conversion of any Eurodollar Loan or CDOR Loan prior to the end of the current Interest Period therefor, accrued interest on such Loan shall be payable on the effective date of such conversion. The Canadian Borrower shall pay to the Canadian Funding Bank, for the ratable benefit of the Canadian Lenders, in accordance with this Subsection 2.13(f), interest accrued on all Canadian Prime Rate Loans and CDOR Loans (which shall be payable by the Canadian Funding Bank to the Canadian Lenders on the next Business Day after payment by the Canadian Borrower).

 

(g) All interest hereunder shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days, except that interest computed by reference to the Canadian Prime Rate and to the Alternate Base Rate, at times when the Alternate Base Rate is based on the Prime Rate, shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365 days (or 366 days in a leap year), and in each case shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day). The applicable Alternate Base Rate, Adjusted LIBO Rate, LIBO Rate, the CDOR Rate or the Canadian Prime Rate shall be determined by the Administrative Agent, and such determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

(h) For the purposes of the Interest Act (Canada), the yearly rate of interest to which any rate calculated on the basis of a period of time different from the actual number of days in the year (360 days, for example) is equivalent to the stated rate multiplied by the actual number of days in the year (365 or 366, as applicable) and divided by the number of days in the shorter period (360 days, in the example).

 

SECTION 2.14. Alternate Rates of Interest . If prior to the commencement of any Interest Period for a Eurodollar Borrowing or CDOR Borrowing:

 

(a) the Administrative Agent or the Canadian Funding Bank, as applicable, determines (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) that adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the Adjusted LIBO Rate, the LIBO Rate or the CDOR Rate, as applicable, for such Interest Period; or

 

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(b) the Administrative Agent is advised by the Required Lenders that the Adjusted LIBO Rate, the LIBO Rate or the CDOR Rate, as applicable, for such Interest Period will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders (or Lender) of making or maintaining their Loans (or its Loan) included in such Borrowing for such Interest Period;

 

then the Administrative Agent shall give notice thereof to the Borrowers and the Lenders by telephone or facsimile as promptly as practicable thereafter and, until the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrowers and the Lenders that the circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist, (i) any Interest Election Request that requests the conversion of any Revolving Borrowing to, or continuation of any Revolving Borrowing as, a Eurodollar Borrowing or CDOR Borrowing, as applicable, shall be ineffective, and (ii) if any Borrowing Request requests (x) a Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing, such Borrowing shall be made as an ABR Borrowing, or (y) a CDOR Revolving Borrowing, such Borrowing shall be made as a Canadian Prime Rate Borrowing.

 

SECTION 2.15. Increased Costs . (a) If any Change in Law shall:

 

(i) impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended by, any Lender (except any such reserve requirement reflected in the Adjusted LIBO Rate) or the Issuing Bank; or

 

(ii) impose on any Lender or the Issuing Bank or the London interbank market any other condition affecting this Agreement or Eurodollar Loans or CDOR Loans made by such Lender or any Letter of Credit or participation therein;

 

and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender of making or maintaining any Eurodollar Loan or CDOR Loan (or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan) or to increase the cost to such Lender or the Issuing Bank of participating in, issuing or maintaining any Letter of Credit or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender or the Issuing Bank hereunder (whether of principal, interest or otherwise), then the Borrowers will pay to such Lender or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Section 2.15(a) shall not apply to any matter governed by Section 2.17.

 

(b) If any Change in Law regarding capital requirements has the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender’s or the Issuing Bank’s capital or on the capital of such Lender’s or the Issuing Bank’s holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement or the Loans made by, or participations in Letters of Credit held by, such Lender, or the Letters of Credit issued by the Issuing Bank, to a level below that which such Lender or the Issuing Bank or such Lender’s or the Issuing Bank’s holding company would have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender’s or the Issuing Bank’s policies and the policies of such Lender’s or the Issuing Bank’s holding company with respect to capital adequacy), then from time to time the Borrowers will pay to such Lender or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or the Issuing Bank or such Lender’s or the Issuing Bank’s holding company for any such reduction suffered.

 

(c) A certificate of a Lender or the Issuing Bank setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or the Issuing Bank or its holding company, as the case may be, as specified in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section shall be delivered to the Borrowers. The Borrowers shall

 

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pay such Lender or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 10 days after receipt thereof.

 

(d) Failure or delay on the part of any Lender or the Issuing Bank to demand compensation pursuant to this Section shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s or the Issuing Bank’s right to demand such compensation; provided that the Borrowers shall not be required to compensate a Lender or the Issuing Bank pursuant to this Section for any increased costs or reductions incurred more than 180 days prior to the date that such Lender or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, notifies the Borrowers of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions and of such Lender’s or the Issuing Bank’s intention to claim compensation therefor; provided further that, if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the 180-day period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof.

 

SECTION 2.16. Break Funding Payments . In the event of (a) the payment of any principal of any Eurodollar Loan or CDOR Loan other than on the last day of an Interest Period applicable thereto (including as a result of an Event of Default), (b) the conversion of any Eurodollar Loan or CDOR Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, (c) the failure to borrow, convert, continue or prepay any Eurodollar Loan or CDOR Loan on the date specified in any notice delivered pursuant hereto (regardless of whether such notice may be revoked under Section 2.09(c) and is revoked in accordance therewith), or (d) the assignment of any Eurodollar Loan or CDOR Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto as a result of a request by the Borrowers pursuant to Section 2.19, then, in any such event, the Borrowers shall compensate each Lender for the loss, cost and expense attributable to such event, to the extent actually incurred by such Lender. In the case of a Eurodollar Loan or CDOR Loan, such loss, cost or expense to any Lender shall include the excess, if any, of (i) the amount of interest which would have accrued on the principal amount of such Loan had such event not occurred, at the Adjusted LIBO Rate or CDOR Rate, as applicable, that would have been applicable to such Loan, for the period from the date of such event to the last day of the then current Interest Period therefor (or, in the case of a failure to borrow, convert or continue, for the period that would have been the Interest Period for such Loan), over (ii) the amount of interest which would accrue on such principal amount for such period at the interest rate which such Lender would bid were it to bid, at the commencement of such period, for dollar deposits of a comparable amount and period from other banks in the eurodollar market. A certificate of any Lender setting forth any amount or amounts that such Lender is entitled to receive pursuant to this Section shall be delivered to the Borrowers and shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrowers shall pay such Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 10 days after receipt thereof.

 

SECTION 2.17. Taxes . (a) Any and all payments by or on account of or in lieu of any obligation of the Loan Parties hereunder shall be made free and clear of and without deduction for any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes; provided that if the Borrowers shall be required to deduct or withhold any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes from such payments, then (i) the sum payable shall be increased as necessary so that after making all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section) the Administrative Agent, Lender or Issuing Bank (as the case may be) receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions been made, (ii) the Borrowers shall make such deductions or withholdings and (iii) the Loan Parties shall pay the full amount deducted or withheld to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law.

 

(b) In addition, the Loan Parties shall pay any Other Taxes to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law.

 

(c) The Loan Parties shall indemnify the Administrative Agent, each Lender and the Issuing Bank, within 10 days after written demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes

 

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or Other Taxes paid by the Administrative Agent, such Lender or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, on or with respect to any payment by or on account of any obligation of the Loan Parties hereunder (including Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section) and any penalties, interest and reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, but only to the extent that such Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to the Loan Parties by a Lender or the Issuing Bank, or by the Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender or the Issuing Bank, shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

(d) As soon as practicable after any payment of Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes by the Loan Parties to a Governmental Authority, the Loan Parties shall deliver to the Administrative Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

(e) Any Foreign Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding tax under the law of the jurisdiction in which any Borrower is located, or any treaty to which such jurisdiction is a party, with respect to payments under this Agreement shall deliver to the Borrowers (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), at the time or times prescribed by applicable law, such properly completed and executed documentation prescribed by applicable law (including, without limitation, as set out in Article VIII) or reasonably requested by the Borrowers as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate.

 

(f) If the Administrative Agent or a Lender receives a refund of any Taxes or Other Taxes as to which it has been indemnified by the Loan Parties or with respect to which the Loan Parties have paid additional amounts pursuant to this Section 2.17, it shall pay over such refund to the Loan Parties (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made, or additional amounts paid, by the Loan Parties under this Section 2.17 with respect to the Taxes or Other Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses of the Administrative Agent or such Lender and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund); provided , that the Loan Parties, upon the request of the Administrative Agent or such Lender, agree to repay the amount paid over to the Loan Parties (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) to the Administrative Agent or such Lender in the event the Administrative Agent or such Lender is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority. This Section shall not be construed to require the Administrative Agent or any Lender to make available its Tax returns (or any other information relating to its taxes which it deems confidential) to the Loan Parties or any other Person.

 

(g) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 2.17, the Loan Parties shall not be liable to any Lender under this Section 2.17 for any payments required to be made as a result of willful acts made by such Lender, including, without limitation, any breach or inaccuracy of such Lender’s representation contained in the last paragraph of Article VIII hereof.

 

SECTION 2.18. Payments Generally; Allocation of Proceeds; Sharing of Set-offs . (a) The Borrowers shall make each payment required to be made by them hereunder (whether of principal, interest, fees or reimbursement of LC Disbursements, or of amounts payable under Section 2.15, 2.16 or 2.17, or otherwise) prior to 1:00 p.m., Chicago time, on the date when due, in immediately available funds, without set-off or counterclaim. Any amounts received after such time on any date may, in the discretion of the Administrative Agent or the Canadian Funding Bank, as applicable, be deemed to have been received on the next succeeding Business Day for purposes of calculating interest thereon. All such payments shall be made to the Administrative Agent at its offices at 120 South LaSalle Street, Chicago,

 

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Illinois, except payments to be made directly to the Issuing Bank (including payments under any Existing Letters of Credit), Swingline Lender, Canadian Swingline Lender or the Canadian Funding Bank as expressly provided herein and except that payments pursuant to Sections 2.15, 2.16, 2.17 and 9.03 shall be made directly to the Persons entitled thereto. The Administrative Agent shall distribute any such payments received by it for the account of any other Person to the appropriate recipient promptly following receipt thereof. If any payment hereunder shall be due on a day that is not a Business Day, the date for payment shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day, and, in the case of any payment accruing interest, interest thereon shall be payable for the period of such extension. All payments hereunder shall be made in dollars (except that payments made under the Canadian Subfacility shall be made in Canadian dollars). At all times that full cash dominion is in effect pursuant to Section 7.3 of the Security Agreement, solely for purposes of determining the amount of Loans available for borrowing purposes, checks and cash or other immediately available funds from collections of items of payment and proceeds of any Collateral shall be applied in whole or in part against the Obligations, on the day of receipt, subject to actual collection.

 

(b) Any proceeds of Collateral received by the Administrative Agent or the Canadian Funding Bank, as applicable, (i) not constituting either (A) a specific payment of principal, interest, fees or other sum payable under the Loan Documents (which shall be applied as specified by the Borrowers) or (B) amounts to be applied from the Collection Account when full cash dominion is in effect (which shall be applied in accordance with Section 2.10(b)) or (ii) after an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the Administrative Agent so elects or the Required Lenders so direct, such funds shall be applied ratably first , to pay any fees, indemnities, or expense reimbursements including amounts then due to the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Bank (including with respect to the Existing Letters of Credit) from the Borrowers (other than in connection with Banking Services), second , to pay any fees or expense reimbursements then due to the Lenders from the Borrowers (other than in connection with Banking Services), third , to pay interest due in respect of the Overadvances and Protective Advances, fourth , to pay the principal of the Overadvances and Protective Advances, fifth , to pay interest then due and payable on the Loans (other than the Overadvances and Protective Advances) ratably, sixth , to repay principal on the Loans (other than the Overadvances and Protective Advances) and unreimbursed LC Disbursements ratably, seventh , to pay an amount to the Administrative Agent equal to one hundred three percent (103%) of the aggregate undrawn face amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit, to be held as cash collateral for such Obligations, eighth , to payment of any amounts owing with respect to Banking Services, ninth , to the payment of any other Secured Obligation due to the Administrative Agent or any Lender by the Borrowers, and tenth , payment to Issuing Bank for issuance of standby L/C in favor of the Administrative Agent in an amount to be determined by the Administrative Agent with respect to Section 212(13.2) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, unless so directed by the Borrowers, or unless a Default is in existence, neither the Administrative Agent nor any Lender shall apply any payment which it receives to any Eurodollar Loan or CDOR Loan of a Class, except (a) on the expiration date of the Interest Period applicable to any such Eurodollar Loan or CDOR Loan or (b) in the event, and only to the extent, that there are no outstanding ABR Loans or Canadian Prime Rate Loans, as applicable, of the same Class and, in any event, the Borrowers shall pay the break funding payment required in accordance with Section 2.16. The Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall have the continuing and exclusive right to apply and reverse and reapply any and all such proceeds and payments to any portion of the Secured Obligations.

 

(c) All payments of principal, interest, LC Disbursements, fees, premiums, reimbursable expenses (including, without limitation, all reimbursement for fees and expenses pursuant to Section 9.03), and other sums payable under the Loan Documents, may be paid from the proceeds of Borrowings made hereunder whether made following a request by the Borrowers pursuant to Section 2.03 or a deemed request as provided in this Section or, if there is not sufficient Availability to make such payment or if all conditions to Borrowing have not been satisfied, may be deducted from any deposit

 

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account of any Borrower maintained with the Administrative Agent or the Canadian Funding Bank, as applicable. The Borrowers hereby irrevocably authorize (i) the Administrative Agent or the Canadian Funding Bank, as applicable, to make a Borrowing for the purpose of paying each payment of principal, interest and fees as it becomes due hereunder or any other amount due under the Loan Documents and agrees that all such amounts charged shall constitute Loans (including Swingline Loans, Canadian Swingline Loans and Overadvances, but such a Borrowing may only constitute a Protective Advance if it is to reimburse costs, fees and expenses as described in Section 9.03) and that all such Borrowings shall be deemed to have been requested pursuant to Sections 2.03, 2.04 or 2.05, as applicable and (ii) if there is not sufficient Availability to make such payment or if all conditions to Borrowing have not been satisfied, the Administrative Agent to charge any deposit account of any Borrower maintained with the Administrative Agent or the Canadian Funding Bank, as applicable, for each payment of principal, interest and fees as it becomes due hereunder or any other amount due under the Loan Documents.

 

(d) If any Lender shall, by exercising any right of set-off or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on any of its Loans or participations in LC Disbursements resulting in such Lender receiving payment of a greater proportion of the aggregate amount of its Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and accrued interest thereon than the proportion received by any other Lender, then the Lender receiving such greater proportion shall purchase (for cash at face value) participations in the Loans and participations in LC Disbursements of other Lenders to the extent necessary so that the benefit of all such payments shall be shared by the Lenders ratably in accordance with the aggregate amount of principal of and accrued interest on their respective Loans and participations in LC Disbursements; provided that (i) if any such participations are purchased and all or any portion of the payment giving rise thereto is recovered, such participations shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, without interest, and (ii) the provisions of this paragraph shall not be construed to apply to any payment made by any Borrower pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement or any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Loans or participations in LC Disbursements to any assignee or participant, other than to any Borrower or any Subsidiary or Affiliate thereof (as to which the provisions of this paragraph shall apply). The Borrowers consent to the foregoing and agree, to the extent they may effectively do so under applicable law, that any Lender acquiring a participation pursuant to the foregoing arrangements may exercise against any Borrower rights of set-off and counterclaim with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor of such Borrower in the amount of such participation.

 

(e) Unless the Administrative Agent and the Canadian Funding Bank shall have received notice from the Borrowers prior to the close of business on the date on which any payment is due to the Administrative Agent or the Canadian Funding Bank for the account of the Lenders or the Issuing Bank hereunder that the Borrowers will not make such payment, the Administrative Agent and the Canadian Funding Bank may assume that the Borrowers have made such payment on such date in accordance herewith and may, in reliance upon such assumption, distribute to the Lenders or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, the amount due. In such event, if the Borrowers have not in fact made such payment, then each of the Lenders or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent and the Canadian Funding Bank, as applicable, forthwith on demand the amount so distributed to such Lender or Issuing Bank with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is distributed to it to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent and the Canadian Funding Bank, at the greater of the Federal Funds Effective Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.

 

(f) If any Lender shall fail to make any payment required to be made by it hereunder, then the Administrative Agent or the Canadian Funding Bank, as applicable, may, in its

 

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discretion (notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof), apply any amounts thereafter received by the Administrative Agent or the Canadian Funding Bank, as applicable, for the account of such Lender to satisfy such Lender’s obligations hereunder until all such unsatisfied obligations are fully paid.

 

SECTION 2.19. Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders . If any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.15 or if any Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant Section 2.17, then:

 

(a) such Lender shall use reasonable efforts to designate a different lending office for funding or booking its Loans hereunder or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or affiliates, if such designation or assignment (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Section 2.15 or 2.17, as the case may be, in the future, and (ii) in the sole good faith judgment of such Lender, would not subject such Lender to any unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be disadvantageous to such Lender (and the Borrowers hereby agree to pay all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment);

 

(b) the Borrowers may, at their sole expense and effort, require such Lender (but, in the case of a Lender requesting compensation under Section 2.15, only if the majority of the other Lenders are not similarly affected) or any Lender that defaults in its obligation to fund Loans hereunder (herein, a “ Departing Lender ”), upon notice to the Departing Lender and the Administrative Agent within thirty (30) days after such default by the Departing Lender, to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in Section 9.04), all its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement to an assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment); provided that (i) the Borrowers shall have received the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent (and if a Revolving Commitment is being assigned, the Issuing Bank), which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld, (ii) the Departing Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans and participations in LC Disbursements, Swingline Loans or Canadian Swingline Loans, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder, from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the Borrowers (in the case of all other amounts) and (iii) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 2.15 or 2.17, such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments. A Departing Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment and delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver by such Lender or otherwise, the circumstances entitling the Borrowers to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply.

 

SECTION 2.20. Returned Payments . If after receipt of any payment which is applied to the payment of all or any part of the Obligations, the Administrative Agent, the Canadian Funding Bank or any Lender is for any reason compelled to surrender such payment or proceeds to any Person because such payment or application of proceeds is invalidated, declared fraudulent, set aside, determined to be void or voidable as a preference, impermissible setoff, or a diversion of trust funds, or for any other reason, then the Obligations or part thereof intended to be satisfied shall be revived and continued and this Agreement shall continue in full force as if such payment or proceeds had not been received by the Administrative Agent, the Canadian Funding Bank or such Lender. The provisions of this Section 2.20 shall be and remain effective notwithstanding any contrary action which may have been taken by the Administrative Agent, the Canadian Funding Bank or any Lender in reliance upon such payment or application of proceeds. The provisions of this Section 2.20 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

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SECTION 2.21. Increase In Commitments . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement:

 

(a) Provided there exists no Default or Event of Default, upon notice to the Administrative Agent (which shall promptly notify the Lenders), the Borrowers may from time to time request an increase in the aggregate Revolving Commitments by an amount not less than $10,000,000 for any such increase and not exceeding $75,000,000 for all such increases; provided that any increase in the aggregate Revolving Commitments pursuant to this Section 2.21 shall not result in an increase in the amount of any of the subfacilities contained in this Agreement. At the time of sending such notice, the Borrowers (in consultation with the Administrative Agent) shall specify the time period within which each Lender is requested to respond (which shall in no event be less than ten (10) Business Days from the date of delivery of such notice to the Lenders). Each Lender shall notify the Administrative Agent within such time period whether or not it agrees to increase its Commitment with respect to Loans and Letters of Credit and, if so, whether by an amount equal to, greater than, or less than its Pro Rata Share of such requested increase. Any Lender not responding within such time period shall be deemed to have declined to increase such Commitment. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrowers and each Lender of the Lenders’ responses to each request made hereunder. To achieve the full amount of a requested increase, the Borrower may, with the prior consent of the Administrative Agent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), invite additional lending institutions to become Lenders pursuant to a joinder agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and its counsel.

 

(b) If the Revolving Commitments are increased in accordance with this Section, the Administrative Agent and the Borrowers shall determine the effective date (the “ Increase Effective Date ”) and the final allocation of such increase. The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Borrowers and the Lenders of the final allocation of such increase and the Increase Effective Date. As a condition precedent to such increase, the Borrowers shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a certificate of each Loan Party dated as of the Increase Effective Date signed by a Financial Officer or otherwise acceptable officer of such Loan Party (i) certifying and attaching the resolutions adopted by such Loan Party approving or consenting to such increase, and (ii) in the case of the Borrowers, certifying that, before and after giving effect to such increase, (A) the representations and warranties contained in Article III and the other Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Increase Effective Date, except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they are true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date, and (B) no Default or Event of Default exists.

 

SECTION 2.22. Adjustments of Advance Rates and Reserves; Permitted Acquisition Eligibility and Reporting . (a) The Administrative Agent may from time to time, in its Permitted Discretion, reduce the advance rates used in the calculation of the Borrowing Base or adjust or establish one or more Collateral Reserves against the Borrowing Base or Exposure Reserves against Availability, with such changes to be effective (A) if no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, three (3) days after delivery of notice thereof to the Borrowers and the Lenders, and (B) after the occurrence and during the continuation of a Default or an Event of Default, immediately. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) the Administrative Agent will not use a single basis for adjustment to both establish new Reserves and to reduce advance rates, (ii) the size of any required Reserves and/or advance rate reductions will be reasonably related to the Administrative Agent’s and the Lenders’ increased risk with respect to the basis for adjustment, and (iii) no single Reserve will count against both the Borrowing Base and Availability. The Administrative Agent may use its Permitted Discretion to determine whether future Reserves should constitute Collateral Reserves or Exposure Reserves and may from time to time in its Permitted Discretion determine that a Reserve should be recategorized from a Collateral Reserve or Exposure Reserve to the other type of Reserve hereunder.

 

(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, Accounts and Inventory acquired in connection with a Permitted Acquisition that is permitted pursuant to the terms of this Agreement may be included as Eligible Accounts and Eligible Inventory without the requirement

 

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of a field audit or other appraisal thereof by the Administrative Agent to the extent that (x) such Accounts and Inventory meet the requirements of the definitions of Eligible Accounts and Eligible Inventory, respectively, and (y) in the case of Accounts, the Accounts are owed by Account Debtors that already have Accounts included in the calculation of Eligible Accounts, and, in the case of Inventory, the type of Inventory acquired is already a type of Inventory sold by the Borrowers and entered as an SKU in the Borrowers’ inventory system. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the definition of “Permitted Acquisition” or in Section 6.04, the Borrowers shall not be required to make any prior reports to the Administrative Agent or the Lenders in connection with “Permitted Acquisitions” made by the Borrowers in an aggregate amount during the term of this Agreement not to exceed $5,000,000.

 

ARTICLE III

 

Representations and Warranties

 

Each Loan Party represents and warrants to the Lenders that:

 

SECTION 3.01. Organization; Powers . Each of the Loan Parties and each of its Subsidiaries is duly organized, validly existing and subsisting and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, has all requisite power and authority to carry on its business as now conducted and, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, is qualified to do business in, and is in good standing in, every jurisdiction where such qualification is required.

 

SECTION 3.02. Authorization; Enforceability . The Transactions are within each Loan Party’s corporate powers and have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate and, if required, stockholder action. The Loan Documents to which each Loan Party is a party have been duly executed and delivered by such Loan Party and constitute a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Loan Party, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.

 

SECTION 3.03. Governmental Approvals; No Conflicts . The Transactions (a) do not require any consent or approval of, registration or filing with, or any other action by, any Governmental Authority, except such as have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect and except for filings necessary to perfect Liens created pursuant to the Loan Documents, (b) will not violate any Requirement of Law applicable to any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries, (c) will not violate or result in a default under any indenture, agreement or other instrument binding upon any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries, or give rise to a right thereunder to require any payment to be made by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries, except for such violations or defaults which would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, and (d) will not result in the creation or imposition of any Lien on any asset of any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries, except Liens created pursuant to the Loan Documents.

 

SECTION 3.04. Financial Condition; No Material Adverse Change . (a) The Borrowers have heretofore furnished to the Lenders Holdings’ consolidated balance sheet and statements of income, stockholders equity and cash flows (i) as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, reported by PricewaterhouseCoopers, independent public accountants, and (ii) as of and for the fiscal quarter and the portion of the fiscal year ended June 30, 2005, certified by its chief financial officer. Such financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position and results of operations and cash flows of Holdings and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of such dates and for such periods in accordance

 

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with GAAP, subject to year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes in the case of the statements referred to in clause (ii) above.

 

(b) No event, change or condition has occurred that has had, or would reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect, since December 31, 2004.

 

SECTION 3.05. Properties . (a) As of the date of this Agreement, Schedule 3.05(a) sets forth the address of each parcel of real property that is owned or leased by each Loan Party. Each of such leases and subleases is valid and enforceable in accordance with its terms and is in full force and effect, and no default by any Loan Party under any such lease or sublease exists. Each of the Loan Parties and its Subsidiaries has good and indefeasible title to, or valid leasehold interests in, all its real and personal property, free of all Liens other than those permitted by Section 6.02.

 

(b) Each Loan Party and its Subsidiaries owns, or is licensed to use, all trademarks, tradenames, copyrights, patents and other intellectual property necessary to its business as currently conducted the absence of which would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, a correct and complete list of which, as of the date of this Agreement, is set forth on Schedule 3.05(b) , and the use thereof by the Loan Parties and its Subsidiaries does not infringe in any material respect upon the rights of any other Person, and except as set forth on Schedule 3.05 , the Loan Parties’ rights thereto are not, as of the date of this Agreement, subject to any licensing agreement or similar arrangement.

 

SECTION 3.06. Litigation and Environmental Matters . (a) There are no actions, suits or proceedings by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority pending against or, to the knowledge of any Loan Party, threatened against or affecting the Loan Parties or any of their Subsidiaries (i) as to which there is a reasonable possibility of an adverse determination and that, if adversely determined, could reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect (other than the Disclosed Matters) or (ii) that involve this Agreement or the Transactions.

 

(b) Except for the Disclosed Matters and except with respect to any other matters that, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, (i) no Loan Party nor any of its Subsidiaries has received notice of any claim with respect to any Environmental Liability or knows of any basis for any Environmental Liability and (ii) no Loan Party nor any of its Subsidiaries (1) has failed to comply with any Environmental Law or to obtain, maintain or comply with any permit, license or other approval required under any Environmental Law or (2) has become subject to any Environmental Liability (including any property now or previously in its charge, management or control).

 

(c) Since the date of this Agreement, there has been no change in the status of the Disclosed Matters that, individually or in the aggregate, has resulted in, or materially increased the likelihood of, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 3.07. Compliance with Laws and Agreements . Except with respect to matters governed by Section 3.09, each Loan Party and its Subsidiaries is in compliance with all Requirements of Law applicable to it or its property and all indentures, agreements and other instruments binding upon it or its property, except in each case where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. No Default has occurred and is continuing.

 

SECTION 3.08. Investment and Holding Company Status . No Loan Party nor any of its Subsidiaries is (a) an “investment company” as defined in, or subject to regulation under, the Investment Company Act of 1940 or (b) a “holding company” as defined in, or subject to regulation under, the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935.

 

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SECTION 3.09. Taxes . Each Loan Party and its Subsidiaries has timely filed or caused to be filed all material federal income tax returns and reports (including the Canadian Borrower’s Canadian Tax returns) required to have been filed after the Petition Date and has paid or caused to be paid all material Taxes required to have been paid by it after the Petition Date, except (a) Taxes that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which such Loan Party or such Subsidiary, as applicable, has set aside on its books adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP or (b) to the extent that the failure to do so could not be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. To the knowledge of the Loan Parties, no tax liens, other than the British Columbia Tax Lien, have been filed after the Petition Date and no material claims have been asserted with respect to any such taxes after the Petition Date. The Borrowers have provided the Administrative Agent with true and complete copies of the Canadian federal income tax returns of the Canadian Borrower for the years 2003 and 2004. The British Columbia Tax Lien relates to tobacco tax liabilities that are accounted for in the monthly computation of the Canadian Tobacco Tax Reserve.

 

SECTION 3.10. ERISA . No ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur that, when taken together with all other such ERISA Events for which liability is reasonably expected to occur, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. No Lien has arisen, choate or inchoate, in respect of any Loan Party or its property in connection with any Plan. Each Plan is in compliance in all material respects with the applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code and its terms, including timely filing of all reports and funding as required under the Code or ERISA. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.10 no Plan has any material unfunded pension liability.

 

SECTION 3.11. Disclosure . The Borrowers have disclosed to the Lenders all agreements, instruments and corporate or other restrictions to which any Borrower or any Subsidiary is subject, and all other matters known to it, that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 3.12. Material Agreements . All material agreements and contracts to which any Loan Party is a party or is bound as of the date of this Agreement are listed on Schedule 3.12 . Except for such defaults which would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, no Loan Party is in default in the performance, observance or fulfillment of any of the obligations, covenants or conditions contained in (i) any material agreement to which it is a party or (ii) any agreement or instrument evidencing or governing Indebtedness.

 

SECTION 3.13. Solvency . (a) Immediately after the consummation of the Transactions to occur on the Effective Date, (i) the fair value of the assets of each Loan Party, at a fair valuation, will exceed its debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise; (ii) the present fair saleable value of the assets of each Loan Party will be greater than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of its debts and other liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and other liabilities become absolute and matured; (iii) each Loan Party will be able to pay its debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and liabilities become absolute and matured; and (iv) each Loan Party will not have unreasonably small capital with which to conduct the business in which it is engaged as such business is now conducted and is proposed to be conducted after the Effective Date. In computing the amount of contingent or unliquidated liabilities at any time, such liabilities shall be computed at the amount that, in the light of all facts and circumstances then existing, represents the amount that can reasonably be expected to become actual or matured liabilities.

 

(b) No Loan Party believes that it or any of its Subsidiaries will, incur debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as they mature, taking into account the timing of and amounts of cash to be received by it or any such Subsidiary and the timing of the amounts of cash to be payable on or in respect of its Indebtedness or the Indebtedness of any such Subsidiary.

 

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SECTION 3.14. Insurance . Schedule 3.14 sets forth a description of all insurance maintained by or on behalf of the Loan Parties and the Subsidiaries as of the Effective Date. As of the Effective Date, all premiums in respect of such insurance have been paid. The Borrowers believe that the insurance maintained by or on behalf of the Borrowers and the Subsidiaries is adequate.

 

SECTION 3.15. Capitalization and Subsidiaries . Schedule 3.15 sets forth, as of the Effective Date, (a) a correct and complete list of the name and relationship to each Borrower of each and all of such Borrower’s active Subsidiaries, (b) a true and complete listing of each class of each Borrower’s authorized Equity Interests, of which all of such issued and outstanding shares are validly issued and outstanding, fully paid and non-assessable, and, in the case of each Borrower other than Holdings, owned beneficially and of record by the Persons identified on Schedule 3.15 , and (c) the type of entity of each Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries. All of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests owned by any Loan Party have been (to the extent such concepts are relevant with respect to such ownership interests) duly authorized and issued and are fully paid and non-assessable.

 

SECTION 3.16. Security Interest in Collateral . The provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents create legal and valid Liens on all the Collateral in favor of the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders. For Liens in Collateral for which perfection is governed by the UCC or filing with the United States Copyright Office, such Liens shall constitute continuing perfected Liens on the Collateral, securing the Secured Obligations, upon (a) filing of a financing statement under the UCC and the completion of the filings and other necessary actions, (b) the delivery to the Administrative Agent of all Collateral consisting of instruments and certificated securities, (c) the execution of control agreements with respect to investment property not in certificated form and deposit accounts and (d) appropriate filings with the United States Copyright Office. Such security interest shall be prior to all other Liens on the Collateral except for (a) Permitted Encumbrances or Liens otherwise permitted under this Agreement, to the extent any such Permitted Encumbrances or other Liens would have priority over the Liens in favor of the Administrative Agent pursuant to any applicable law, and (b) Liens perfected only by possession (including possession of any certificate of title) to the extent the Administrative Agent has not obtained or does not maintain possession of such Collateral.

 

SECTION 3.17. Labor Disputes . Except for matters that, individually or in the aggregate would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (a) as of the Effective Date, there are no strikes, lockouts or slowdowns against any Loan Party or any Subsidiary pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrowers, threatened, (b) the hours worked by and payments made to employees of the Loan Parties and the Subsidiaries have not been in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act or any other applicable federal, state, provincial, local or foreign law dealing with such matters, and (c) all payments due from any Loan Party or any Subsidiary, or for which any claim may be made against any Loan Party or any Subsidiary, on account of wages and employee health and welfare insurance and other benefits, have been paid or accrued as a liability on the books of the Loan Party or such Subsidiary.

 

SECTION 3.18. Affiliate Transactions . Except as set forth on Schedule 3.18 , as of the date of this Agreement, there are no existing or proposed agreements, arrangements, understandings, or transactions involving more than $250,000 individually or $1,000,000 in the aggregate between any Loan Party and any of the officers, members, managers, directors, stockholders (holding 20% or more of equity interests in the case of Holdings), parents, other interest holders (holding 20% or more of equity interests in the case of Holdings), employees, or Affiliates (other than Subsidiaries) of any Loan Party or any members of their respective immediate families, and none of the foregoing Persons are directly or indirectly indebted to or have any direct or indirect ownership, partnership, or voting interest in any Affiliate of any Loan Party or any Person with which any Loan Party has a business relationship or which competes with any Loan Party.

 

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SECTION 3.19. Common Enterprise . The successful operation and condition of each of the Loan Parties is dependent on the continued successful performance of the functions of the group of the Loan Parties as a whole and the successful operation of each of the Loan Parties is dependent on the successful performance and operation of each other Loan Party. Each Loan Party expects to derive benefit (and its board of directors or other governing body has determined that it may reasonably be expected to derive benefit), directly and indirectly, from (i) successful operations of each of the other Loan Parties and (ii) the credit extended by the Lenders to the Borrowers hereunder, both in their separate capacities and as members of the group of companies. Each Loan Party has determined that execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement and any other Loan Documents to be executed by such Loan Party is within its purpose, will be of direct and indirect benefit to such Loan Party, and is in its best interest.

 

ARTICLE IV

 

Conditions

 

SECTION 4.01. Effective Date . The obligations of the Lenders to make Loans and of the Issuing Bank to issue Letters of Credit hereunder shall not become effective until the first date on which each of the following conditions is satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 9.02):

 

(a) Credit Agreement and Loan Documents . The Administrative Agent (or its counsel) shall have received (i) from each party hereto either (A) a counterpart of this Agreement signed on behalf of such party or (B) written evidence satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (which may include facsimile transmission of a signed signature page of this Agreement) that such party has signed a counterpart of this Agreement and (ii) duly executed copies of the other Loan Documents and such other certificates, documents, instruments and agreements as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, including any promissory notes requested by a Lender pursuant to Section 2.10 payable to the order of each such requesting Lender and a written opinion of the Loan Parties’ counsel, addressed to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders in substantially the form of Exhibit B .

 

(b) Financial Statements, Projections and Canadian Tax Returns . The Administrative Agent shall have received (i) audited consolidated financial statements of Holdings for the December 31, 2003 and 2004 fiscal years, (ii) unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of Holdings for each fiscal quarter ended after the date of the latest applicable financial statements delivered pursuant to clause (i) of this paragraph as to which such financial statements are available including the period ended June 30, 2005, (iii) satisfactory projections for the period commencing with the beginning of Borrower’s fiscal year 2006 through the end of the fiscal year ending December 31, 2010, and (iv) copies of the federal and provincial (if applicable) Canadian income Tax returns of the Canadian Borrower for Fiscal Years 2003 and 2004.

 

(c) Closing Certificates; Certified Certificate of Incorporation; Good Standing Certificates; etc. The Administrative Agent shall have received (i) a certificate of each Loan Party, dated the Effective Date and executed by its Secretary, Assistant Secretary or other Officer, which shall (A) certify the resolutions of its Board of Directors, members or other body authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of the Loan Documents to which it is a party, (B) identify by name and title and bear the signatures of the Financial Officers and any other officers of such Loan Party authorized to sign the Loan Documents to which it is a party, and (C) contain appropriate attachments, including the certificate or articles of incorporation or organization of each Loan Party certified by the relevant authority of the jurisdiction of organization of such Loan Party and a true and correct copy of its by-laws

 

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or operating, management or partnership agreement, and (ii) a long form good standing certificate or certificate of status for each Loan Party from its jurisdiction of organization.

 

(d) No Default Certificate . The Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate, signed by a Financial Officer of each Borrower and each other Loan Party, on the initial Borrowing date (i) stating that no Default has occurred and is continuing, (ii) stating that the representations and warranties contained in Article III are true and correct as of such date, and (iii) certifying any other factual matters as may be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent.

 

(e) Fees . The Lenders and the Administrative Agent shall have received (i) all fees required to be paid, and (ii) all expenses for which invoices have been presented (including the reasonable fees and expenses of legal counsel), on or before the Effective Date. All such amounts will be paid with proceeds of Loans made on the Effective Date and will be reflected in the funding instructions given by the Borrowers to the Administrative Agent on or before the Effective Date.

 

(f) Lien Searches . The Administrative Agent shall have received the results of a recent lien search in each of the jurisdictions where assets of the Loan Parties are located, and such search shall reveal no liens on any of the assets of the Loan Parties except for liens permitted by Section 6.02 or discharged on or prior to the Effective Date pursuant to a pay-off letter or other documentation satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

(g) Pay-Off Letter . The Administrative Agent shall have received satisfactory pay-off letters for all existing Indebtedness to be repaid from the proceeds the initial Borrowing, confirming that all Liens upon any of the property of the Loan Parties constituting Collateral will be terminated concurrently with such payment and all letters of credit issued or guaranteed as part of such Indebtedness shall have been cash collateralized, supported by a Letter of Credit or rolled over as an Existing Letter of Credit.

 

(h) Funding Accounts . The Administrative Agent shall have received a notice setting forth the deposit account of the Borrowers and the Canadian deposit account of the Canadian Borrower (domiciled in Canada) (the “ Funding Account ”) to which the Administrative Agent, Canadian Funding Bank or any Lender is authorized by the Borrowers and the Canadian Borrower to transfer the proceeds of any Borrowings requested or authorized pursuant to this Agreement. Any reference to the Funding Accounts in this Agreement, in respect of Canadian Borrowings, shall mean the Canadian Borrower’s deposit account domiciled in Canada.

 

(i) Collateral Access and Control Agreements . The Administrative Agent shall have received each (i) Collateral Access Agreement required to be provided pursuant to Section 4.13 of the Security Agreement and (ii) Deposit Account Control Agreements required to be provided pursuant to Section 4.14 of the Security Agreement.

 

(j) Solvency . The Administrative Agent shall have received a solvency certificate, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, from a Financial Officer.

 

(k) Borrowing Base Certificate . The Administrative Agent shall have received a Borrowing Base Certificate which calculates the Borrowing Base as of a mutually agreed Business Day, which Business Day shall be as recent as practicable and in no event shall be more than 15 days prior to the Effective Date.

 

(l) Pledged Stock; Stock Powers; Pledged Notes . The Administrative Agent shall have received (i) the certificates representing the shares of Capital Stock pledged pursuant to the Security

 

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Agreement, together with an undated stock power for each such certificate executed in blank by a duly authorized officer of the pledgor thereof and (ii) each promissory note (if any) pledged to the Administrative Agent pursuant to the Security Agreement endorsed (without recourse) in blank (or accompanied by an executed transfer form in blank) by the pledgor thereof.

 

(m) Filings, Registrations and Recordings . Each document (including any Uniform Commercial Code or PPSA financing statement) required by the Collateral Documents or under law or reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent to be filed, registered or recorded in order to create in favor of the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, a perfected Lien on the Collateral described therein, prior and superior in right to any other Person (other than with respect to Liens expressly permitted by Section 6.02), shall be in proper form for filing, registration or recordation.

 

(n) Insurance . The Administrative Agent shall have received evidence of insurance coverage in form, scope, and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and otherwise in compliance with the terms of Section 5.09 and Section 4.12 of the Security Agreement.

 

(o) Letter of Credit Application . The Administrative Agent shall have received a properly completed letter of credit application if the issuance of a Letter of Credit will be required on the Effective Date.

 

(p) Consents and Approvals . The Administrative Agent shall have received evidence from the Borrowers that all governmental and third party consents and approvals necessary in connection with the Transactions and the continuing operations of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries shall have been obtained on satisfactory terms and shall be in full force and effect.

 

(q) Other Documents . The Administrative Agent shall have received such other documents as the Administrative Agent or the Issuing Bank may have reasonably requested.

 

The Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrowers and the Lenders of the Effective Date, and such notice shall be conclusive and binding. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations of the Lenders to make Loans and of the Issuing Bank to issue Letters of Credit hereunder shall not become effective unless each of the foregoing conditions is satisfied (or waived pursuant to Section 9.02) at or prior to 3:00 p.m., Chicago time, on October 15, 2005 (and, in the event such conditions are not so satisfied or waived, the Commitments shall terminate at such time).

 

SECTION 4.02. Each Credit Event . The obligation of each Lender to make a Loan on the occasion of any Borrowing, and of the Issuing Bank to issue, amend, renew or extend any Letter of Credit, is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions:

 

(a) The representations and warranties of the Borrowers set forth in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date of such Borrowing or the date of issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of such Letter of Credit, as applicable (except in the case of representations and warranties that relate by their terms to a specified date).

 

(b) At the time of and immediately after giving effect to such Borrowing or the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of such Letter of Credit, as applicable, no Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

 

(c) After giving effect to any Borrowing or the issuance of any Letter of Credit, Availability is not less than zero.

 

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Each Borrowing and each issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of a Letter of Credit shall be deemed to constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrowers on the date thereof as to the matters specified in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of this Section.

 

ARTICLE V

 

Affirmative Covenants

 

Until the Commitments have expired or been terminated and the principal of and interest on each Loan and all fees payable hereunder shall have been paid in full and all Letters of Credit shall have expired or terminated (or been cash collateralized or backstopped in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent) and all LC Disbursements shall have been reimbursed, each Loan Party executing this Agreement covenants and agrees, jointly and severally with all of the Loan Parties, with the Lenders that:

 

SECTION 5.01. Financial Statements; Borrowing Base and Other Information . The Borrowers will furnish to the Administrative Agent and each Lender:

 

(a) within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year of Holdings, its audited consolidated balance sheet and related statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows (all with segment information for Canadian operations consistent with the 10-K filed by Holdings with the SEC for that fiscal year) as of the end of and for such year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year, all reported on by independent public accountants of recognized national standing (without a “going concern” or like qualification or exception and without any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit) to the effect that such consolidated financial statements present fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of Holdings and its consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, followed by any management letter prepared by said accountants;

 

(b) within 45 days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of Holdings, its consolidated balance sheet and related statements of operations and cash flows (all with segment information for Canadian operations, consistent with the 10-Q filed by Holdings with the SEC for that fiscal quarter) as of the end of and for such fiscal quarter and the then elapsed portion of the fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding period or periods of (or, in the case of the balance sheet, as of the end of) the previous fiscal year, all certified by one of its Financial Officers as presenting fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of Holdings and its consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes;

 

(c) within 30 days after the end of each fiscal month of Holdings, its consolidated balance sheet and related statements of operations and cash flows as of the end of and for such fiscal month and the then elapsed portion of the fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding period or periods of (or, in the case of the balance sheet, as of the end of) the previous fiscal year, all certified by one of its Financial Officers as presenting fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of Holdings and its consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP (on a FIFO basis), subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes;

 

(d) concurrently with any delivery of financial statements under clause (a) or (b) or (c) above, a certificate of a Financial Officer of the Administrative Borrower in substantially the form of Exhibit D (i) certifying as to whether a Default has occurred and, if a Default has occurred, specifying the

 

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details thereof and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto, (ii) setting forth reasonably detailed calculations demonstrating compliance with Section 6.13 (if such compliance has been triggered pursuant to the terms of this Agreement) and (iii) stating whether any change in GAAP or in the application thereof has occurred since the date of the audited financial statements referred to in Section 3.04 and, if any such change has occurred, specifying the effect of such change on the financial statements accompanying such certificate;

 

(e) within 45 days of the filing thereof, copies of the Canadian Borrower’s federal and provincial (if applicable) Canadian income Tax returns for the Fiscal Year to which such financial statements in clause (a) apply;

 

(f) as soon as available, but in any event not more than 30 days following the end of each fiscal year of the Borrowers, a copy of the plan and forecast (including a projected consolidated balance sheet, income statement and funds flow statement) of Holdings and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for each month of the upcoming fiscal year (the “ Projections ”) in form reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;

 

(g) as soon as available but in any event within 20 days of the end of each calendar month, and at such other times as may be necessary to re-determine availability of Advances hereunder or as may be requested by the Administrative Agent, as of the period then ended, a Borrowing Base Certificate and supporting information in connection therewith, together with any additional reports with respect to the Borrowing Base as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request; and the PP&E Component of the Borrowing Base shall be updated (i) from time to time upon receipt of periodic valuation updates received from the Administrative Agent’s asset valuation experts, (ii) concurrent with the sale or commitment to sell any material assets constituting part of the PP&E Component, (iii) in the event such assets constituting a material part of the PP&E Component are idled for any reason other than routine maintenance or repairs for a period in excess of ten (10) consecutive days, or (iv) in the event that the value of such assets is otherwise impaired, as determined in the Administrative Agent’s Permitted Discretion; provided that (A) at the option of the Borrowers at any time or (B) at the request of the Administrative Agent in the event that either (x) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or (y) Availability is less than $35,000,000 (subject to Availability increases to more than $40,000,000 as set forth in Section 6.13), the reports required pursuant to this clause will be delivered by Wednesday of each calendar week (for the calendar week most recently ended) or more frequently;

 

(h) as soon as available but in any event within 20 days of the end of each calendar month and at such other times as may be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion, as of the period then ended, to the extent practicable delivered electronically in a text formatted file:

 

(i) a detailed aging of the Borrowers’ Accounts (1) including all invoices aged by due date (with notation of the terms offered) and (2) reconciled to the Borrowing Base Certificate delivered as of such date prepared in a manner reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, together with a summary specifying the name and balance due for each Account Debtor;

 

(ii) a schedule detailing the Borrowers’ Inventory, in form reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, (1) by location (showing Inventory in transit, any Inventory located with a third party under any consignment, bailee arrangement, or warehouse agreement), by class and by product type, which Inventory shall be valued at the lower of cost (determined on a first-in, first-out basis) or market and adjusted for Reserves as the Administrative Agent has previously indicated to the Borrowers are

 

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deemed by the Administrative Agent to be appropriate, (2) including a report of any variances or other results of Inventory counts performed by the Borrowers since the last Inventory schedule (including information regarding sales or other reductions, additions, returns, credits issued by Borrowers and complaints and claims made against the Borrowers), and (3) reconciled to the Borrowing Base Certificate delivered as of such date;

 

(iii) a worksheet of calculations prepared by the Administrative Borrower to determine Eligible Accounts, Eligible Inventory and Eligible Equipment, such worksheets detailing the Accounts, Inventory and Equipment excluded from Eligible Accounts, Eligible Inventory and Eligible Equipment and the reason for such exclusion; and

 

(iv) a reconciliation of the Borrowers’ Accounts and Inventory between the amounts shown in the Borrowers’ general ledger and financial statements and the reports delivered pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) above;

 

provided that (A) at the option of the Borrowers at any time or (B) at the request of the Administrative Agent in the event that either (x) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or (y) Availability is less than $35,000,000 (subject to Availability increases to more than $40,000,000 as set forth in Section 6.13), the reports required pursuant to this clause will be delivered by Wednesday of each calendar week (for the calendar week most recently ended) or more frequently, provided that, with respect to the reports required in clauses (i) and (ii) above, weekly reporting shall include only summary schedules (and shall not include the report of variances required in clause (ii)(2) above) unless the detailed schedules are specifically requested by the Administrative Agent, with the detailed schedules continuing on a monthly basis, and the reconciliation required under clause (iv) above shall been delivered at all times on a monthly basis;

 

(i) as soon as available but in any event within 20 days of the end of each calendar month, as of the month then ended, a schedule and aging of the Borrowers’ accounts payable, to the extent practicable delivered electronically in a text formatted file;

 

(j) promptly upon the Administrative Agent’s reasonable request:

 

(i) copies of invoices in connection with the invoices issued by any Borrower in connection with any Accounts, credit memos, shipping and delivery documents, and other information related thereto;

 

(ii) copies of purchase orders, invoices, and shipping and delivery documents in connection with any Inventory or Equipment purchased by any Loan Party;

 

(iii) a schedule detailing the Borrowers’ Equipment comprising the PP&E Component, in form satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, by location and type; and

 

(iv) a schedule detailing the balance of all intercompany accounts of the Loan Parties;

 

(k) promptly upon the Administrative Agent’s reasonable request, as of the period then ended, copies of the Borrowers’ sales journals, cash receipts journals (identifying trade and non-trade cash receipts) and debit memo/credit memo journals;

 

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(l) promptly upon the Administrative Agent’s reasonable request, copies of certain income Tax returns filed by any Loan Party with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service or the Canada Revenue Agency, to be provided 45 days after filing, if requested;

 

(m) promptly upon the Administrative Agent’s request, a certificate of good standing or certificate of status, as applicable, for each Loan Party from the appropriate governmental officer in its jurisdiction of incorporation, formation, or organization;

 

(n) promptly after the same become publicly available, copies of all periodic and other reports, proxy statements and other materials filed by any Borrower or any Subsidiary with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Securities Commission of any Province of Canada or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any or all of the functions of said Commission(s), or with any national securities exchange, or distributed by any Borrower to its shareholders generally, as the case may be;

 

(o) concurrently with the delivery of monthly Borrowing Base Certificates pursuant to this Section 5.01 (and once monthly in the event that Borrowing Base Certificates are delivered more frequently than monthly hereunder), a copy of the prior month’s account statement provided by the depository bank to the Borrowers for any bank account that contains amounts in trust for the payment of Canadian tobacco tax liabilities; and

 

(p) promptly following any request therefor, such other information regarding the operations, business affairs and financial condition of any Borrower or any Subsidiary, or compliance with the terms of this Agreement, as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request.

 

SECTION 5.02. Notices of Material Events . The Borrowers will furnish to the Administrative Agent prompt written notice of any of the following of which any Borrower acquires knowledge:

 

(a) the occurrence of any Default;

 

(b) receipt of any notice of any governmental investigation or any litigation or proceeding commenced or threatened against any Loan Party that (i) seeks damages in excess of $5,000,000, (ii) seeks injunctive relief, (iii) is asserted or instituted against any Plan, its fiduciaries or its assets, (iv) alleges criminal misconduct by any Loan Party, (v) alleges the violation of any law regarding, or seeks remedies in connection with, any Environmental Laws with damages in excess of $5,000,000, or (vi) contests any tax, fee, assessment, or other governmental charge in excess of $5,000,000;

 

(c) any Lien (other than Permitted Encumbrances) or claim made or asserted against any of the Collateral in an amount in excess of $500,000;

 

(d) any loss, damage, or destruction to the Collateral in the amount of $1,000,000 or more per occurrence, whether or not covered by insurance (for the avoidance of any doubt, this provision excludes workers compensation, auto and general liability claims);

 

(e) any and all default notices received under or with respect to any leased location or public warehouse where Collateral is located;

 

(f) the fact that a Loan Party has entered into a Swap Agreement or an amendment to a Swap Agreement, together with copies of all agreements evidencing such Swap Agreement or amendments thereto (which shall be delivered within two Business Days);

 

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(g) the occurrence of any ERISA Event that, alone or together with any other ERISA Events that have occurred, could reasonably be expected to result in liability of any Borrower and its Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount exceeding $2,500,000; and

 

(h) any other development that results in, or would reasonably be expected to result in, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Each notice delivered under this Section (other than notices under clause (f) unless reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent) shall be accompanied by a statement of a Financial Officer or other executive officer of the Administrative Borrower setting forth the details of the event or development requiring such notice and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto.

 

SECTION 5.03. Existence; Conduct of Business . Each Loan Party will, and will cause each Subsidiary (other than inactive Subsidiaries that have no material assets) to, (a) do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect its legal existence and the rights, qualifications, licenses, permits, franchises, governmental authorizations, intellectual property rights, licenses and permits material to the conduct of its business, and maintain all requisite authority to conduct its business in each jurisdiction in which its business is conducted, provided that the foregoing shall not prohibit any merger, amalgamation, consolidation, liquidation or dissolution permitted under Section 6.03, and (b) carry on and conduct its business in substantially the same fields of enterprise as it is presently conducted and in substantially the same manner as it is presently conducted except where a failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 5.04. Payment of Obligations . Each Loan Party will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, pay or discharge all Material Indebtedness and all other material liabilities and obligations, including Taxes, before the same shall become delinquent or in default, except where (a) the validity or amount thereof is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, (b) such Loan Party or such Subsidiary has set aside on its books adequate reserves with respect thereto in accordance with GAAP and (c) none of the Collateral becomes subject to forfeiture or loss as a result of the contest.

 

SECTION 5.05. Maintenance of Properties . Each Loan Party will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, keep and maintain all property material to the conduct of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, except in each case where a failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 5.06. Books and Records; Inspection Rights . Each Loan Party will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, (i) keep proper books of record and account in which full, true and correct entries are made of all dealings and transactions in relation to its business and activities and (ii) permit any representatives designated by the Administrative Agent (including employees of the Administrative Agent or any consultants, accountants, lawyers and appraisers retained by the Administrative Agent), upon reasonable prior notice, to visit and inspect its properties, to examine and make extracts from its books and records, and to discuss its affairs, finances and condition with its officers and (in the presence of such Loan Party) independent accountants, all at such reasonable times and as often as reasonably requested. Any Lender may participate, at such Lender’s own expense, in any examination conducted by the Administrative Agent. The Loan Parties acknowledge that the Administrative Agent, after exercising its rights of inspection, may prepare and distribute to the Lenders certain Reports pertaining to the Loan Parties’ assets for internal use by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders.

 

SECTION 5.07. Compliance with Laws . Except with respect to matters governed by Section 5.04, each Loan Party will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, comply with all Requirements of Law

 

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applicable to it or its property, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 5.08. Use of Proceeds . The proceeds of the Loans will be used only to finance the working capital needs of the Borrowers in the ordinary course of business, to refinance certain existing Indebtedness and for other general business purposes of the Borrowers. No part of the proceeds of any Loan and no Letter of Credit will be used, whether directly or indirectly, for any purpose that entails a violation of any of the Regulations of the Board, including Regulations T, U and X.

 

SECTION 5.09. Insurance . Each Loan Party will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, maintain with financially sound and reputable carriers having a financial strength rating of at least A+ by A.M. Best Company insurance in such amounts and against such risks (including loss or damage by fire and loss in transit; theft, burglary, pilferage, larceny, embezzlement, and other criminal activities; business interruption; and general liability) and such other hazards, as is customarily maintained by companies of established repute engaged in the same or similar businesses operating in the same or similar locations. The Borrowers will furnish to the Administrative Agent, upon request, information in reasonable detail as to the insurance so maintained.

 

SECTION 5.10. Casualty and Condemnation . The Borrowers (a) will furnish to the Administrative Agent prompt written notice of any casualty or other insured damage to any material portion of the Collateral or the commencement of any action or proceeding for the taking of any material portion of the Collateral or interest therein under power of eminent domain or by condemnation or similar proceeding and (b) will ensure that the Net Proceeds of any such event (whether in the form of insurance proceeds, condemnation awards or otherwise) are collected and applied in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Agreement and the Collateral Documents

 

SECTION 5.11. Appraisals and Field Examinations . At any time that the Administrative Agent reasonably requests, the Borrowers and the Subsidiaries will provide the Administrative Agent with appraisals or updates thereof of their Inventory and Equipment and other Collateral from an appraiser selected and engaged by the Administrative Agent, and prepared on a basis satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, such appraisals and updates to include, without limitation, information required by applicable law and regulations; provided , however , that (a) if no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, (i) only one such appraisal per calendar year of Inventory and one such appraisal per calendar year of Equipment shall be at the sole expense of the Loan Parties and (ii) only two field examinations of the Collateral and business operations of the Borrowers per calendar year shall be at the sole expense of the Loan Parties, and (b) upon the occurrence and during the continuation of a Default or an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent may conduct as many appraisals and field examinations as it deems appropriate in its Permitted Discretion and each such appraisal or field examination shall be at the sole expense of the Loan Parties.

 

SECTION 5.12. Depository Banks . Each Borrower and each Subsidiary (other than inactive Subsidiaries) will maintain one or more of the Lenders or another financial institution reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent as its principal depository bank, including for the maintenance of operating, administrative, cash management, collection activity, and other deposit accounts for the conduct of its business.

 

SECTION 5.13. Additional Collateral; Further Assurances . (a) Subject to applicable law, each Borrower and each Subsidiary that is a Loan Party shall cause each of its domestic and Canadian Subsidiaries formed or acquired after the date of this Agreement in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to become a Loan Party by executing the Joinder Agreement set forth as Exhibit E-1 hereto (the “ Loan Party Joinder Agreement ”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the newly formed or acquired

 

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Subsidiary has assets that are to be included in the Borrowing Base, such Subsidiary shall become a Borrower hereunder by executing the Joinder Agreement set forth as Exhibit E-2 hereto (the “ Borrower Joinder Agreement ” and collectively with the Loan Party Joinder Agreement, the “ Joinder Agreements ”, and each individually a “ Joinder Agreement ”). Upon execution and delivery thereof, each such Person (i) shall automatically become either a Loan Guarantor or a Borrower, as appropriate in the reasonable judgment of the Administrative Agent, hereunder and thereupon shall have all of the rights, benefits, duties, and obligations in such capacity under the Loan Documents and (ii) will grant Liens to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, in any material property of such Person which constitutes Collateral, including any material parcel of real property located in the U.S. or Canada owned by such Person, except for Equity Interests in a foreign subsidiary representing more than 65% of the total combined voting power in such foreign subsidiary.

 

(b) Each Borrower and each Subsidiary that is a Loan Party will cause (i) 100% of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of each of its domestic and Subsidiaries in Canada and (ii) 65% of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests entitled to vote (within the meaning of Treas. Reg. Section 1.956-2(c)(2)) and 100% of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests not entitled to vote (within the meaning of Treas. Reg. Section 1.956-2(c)(2) in each foreign Subsidiary (excluding Subsidiaries in Canada) directly owned by any Loan Party to be subject at all times to a first priority, perfected Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Loan Documents or other security documents as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request.

 

(c) Subject to the foregoing, each Loan Party will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, to the Administrative Agent such documents, agreements and instruments, and will take or cause to be taken such further actions (including the filing and recording of financing statements, fixture filings, mortgages, deeds of trust and other documents and such other actions or deliveries of the type required by Section 4.01, as applicable), which may be required by law or which the Administrative Agent may, from time to time, reasonably request to carry out the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and to ensure perfection and priority of the Liens created or intended to be created by the Collateral Documents, all at the expense of the Loan Parties.

 

(d) If any material assets (including any real property or improvements thereto or any interest therein) are acquired by any Borrower or any Subsidiary that is a Loan Party after the Effective Date (other than assets constituting Collateral under the Security Agreement that become subject to the Lien in favor of the Security Agreement upon acquisition thereof), the Borrowers will notify the Administrative Agent thereof, and, if requested by the Administrative Agent, the Borrowers will cause such assets, except for Equity Interests in a foreign subsidiary representing more than 65% of the total combined voting power in such foreign subsidiary, to be subjected to a Lien securing the Secured Obligations and will take, and cause the Subsidiary Loan Parties to take, such actions as shall be necessary or reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent to grant and perfect such Liens, including actions described in paragraph (c) of this Section, all at the expense of the Loan Parties.

 

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ARTICLE VI

 

Negative Covenants

 

Until the Commitments have expired or terminated and the principal of and interest on each Loan and all fees, expenses and other amounts payable under any Loan Document have been paid in full and all Letters of Credit have expired or terminated (or been cash collateralized or backstopped in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent) and all LC Disbursements shall have been reimbursed, the Loan Parties covenant and agree, jointly and severally, with the Lenders that:

 

SECTION 6.01. Indebtedness . No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, create, incur or suffer to exist any Indebtedness, except:

 

(a) the Secured Obligations;

 

(b) Indebtedness existing on the date hereof (after giving effect to all Borrowings made on the Effective Date) and set forth in Schedule 6.01 ;

 

(c) Indebtedness of any Borrower to any Subsidiary and of any Subsidiary to any Borrower or any other Subsidiary, provided that (i) Indebtedness of any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party to any Borrower or any Subsidiary that is a Loan Party shall be subject to Section 6.04 and (ii) Indebtedness of any Borrower to any Subsidiary and Indebtedness of any Subsidiary that is a Loan Party to any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party shall be subordinated to the Secured Obligations on terms reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;

 

(d) Guarantees by any Borrower of Indebtedness of any Subsidiary and by any Subsidiary of Indebtedness of any Borrower or any other Subsidiary, provided that (i) the Indebtedness so Guaranteed is permitted by this Section 6.01, (ii) Guarantees by any Borrower or any Subsidiary that is a Loan Party of Indebtedness of any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party shall be subject to Section 6.04 and (iii) Guarantees permitted under this clause (d) shall be subordinated to the Secured Obligations of the applicable Subsidiary on the same terms (if any) as the Indebtedness so Guaranteed is subordinated to the Secured Obligations;

 

(e) Indebtedness which represents an extension, refinancing, or renewal of any of the Indebtedness described in clauses (b) , (h) , (j)  and (k)  hereof; provided that, (i) the principal amount of such Indebtedness is not increased, (ii) any Liens securing such Indebtedness are not extended to any additional property of any Loan Party, (iii) no Borrower that is not originally obligated with respect to repayment of such Indebtedness is required to become obligated with respect thereto, (iv) such extension, refinancing or renewal does not result in a shortening of the average weighted maturity of the Indebtedness so extended, refinanced or renewed, (v) the terms of any such extension, refinancing, or renewal are not materially less favorable to the obligor thereunder than the original terms of such Indebtedness, (vi) if the Indebtedness that is refinanced, renewed, or extended was subordinated in right of payment to the Secured Obligations, then the terms and conditions of the refinancing, renewal, or extension Indebtedness must include subordination terms and conditions that are at least as favorable to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders as those that were applicable to the refinanced, renewed, or extended Indebtedness, and (vii) in the case of extensions, refinancings or renewals of Indebtedness described in clause (l) , the pro forma Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio required under that clause has been maintained;

 

(f) Indebtedness owed to any person providing workers’ compensation, health, disability or other employee benefits or property, casualty or liability insurance, pursuant to reimbursement or indemnification obligations to such person, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business;

 

(g) Indebtedness of any Borrower or any Subsidiary in respect of performance bonds, bid bonds, appeal bonds, surety bonds and similar obligations, in each case provided in the ordinary course of business;

 

(h) Indebtedness secured by purchase money security interests, conditional sales or other title retention agreements (including Capital Leases) with respect to equipment, fixtures and/or facilities acquired by any Loan Party in the ordinary course of business, provided that (a) any Liens

 

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securing such Indebtedness attach only to the assets so acquired, (B) such Indebtedness is incurred no later than ninety (90) days following the acquisition of such assets and does not exceed 100% of the purchase price of such assets and (C) the aggregate principal amount of such Indebtedness does not exceed $5,000,000 at any one time outstanding;

 

(i) Indebtedness arising in connection with swaps, hedges and other derivative transaction entered into in the ordinary course of business;

 

(j) Indebtedness under sale and leaseback transactions permitted by Section 6.06; and

 

(k) in the event that Holdings and its consolidated Subsidiaries have a pro forma Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio including the effect of proposed Indebtedness (for the twelve month period ending on the last month-end prior to the date on which proposed Indebtedness is incurred for which financial information is available) of at least 1.1 to 1.0, other unsecured Indebtedness of the Borrowers and the Subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding $75,000,000 at any time outstanding, which Indebtedness may include Indebtedness assumed or acquired in connection with, or consisting of the deferred purchase price of, any Permitted Acquisition.

 

SECTION 6.02. Liens . No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Lien on any property or asset now owned or hereafter acquired by it, or assign or sell any income or revenues (including accounts receivable) or rights in respect of any thereof, except:

 

(a) Liens created pursuant to any Loan Document;

 

(b) Permitted Encumbrances;

 

(c) any Lien on any property or asset of any Borrower or any Subsidiary existing on the date hereof and set forth in Schedule 6.02 and any replacement Lien in connection with the refinancing, replacement, renewal of the Indebtedness underlying such Liens to the extent such Indebtedness is permitted by Section 6.01; provided that (i) such Lien shall not apply to any other property or asset of any Borrower or any Subsidiary and (ii) such Lien shall secure only those obligations which it secures on the date hereof and extensions, renewals and replacements thereof that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof;

 

(d) Liens on fixed or capital assets acquired, constructed or improved by any Borrower or any Subsidiary; provided that (i) such security interests secure Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.01, (ii) such security interests and the Indebtedness secured thereby are incurred prior to or within 90 days after such acquisition or the completion of such construction or improvement, (iii) the Indebtedness secured thereby does not exceed 100% of the cost of acquiring, constructing or improving such fixed or capital assets and (iv) such security interests shall not apply to any other property or assets of any Borrower or any Subsidiary;

 

(e) any Lien existing on any property or asset (other than Accounts and Inventory) prior to the acquisition thereof by any Borrower or any Subsidiary or existing on any property or asset (other than Accounts or Inventory) of any Person that becomes a Loan Party after the date hereof prior to the time such Person becomes a Loan Party; provided that (i) such Lien is not created in contemplation of or in connection with such acquisition or such Person becoming a Loan Party, as the case may be, (ii) such Lien shall not apply to any other property or assets of the Loan Party and (iii) such Lien shall secure only those obligations which it secures on the date of such acquisition or the date such Person

 

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becomes a Loan Party, as the case may be and extensions, renewals and replacements thereof that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof;

 

(f) Liens of a collecting bank arising in the ordinary course of business under Section 4-208 of the Uniform Commercial Code in effect in the relevant jurisdiction covering only the items being collected upon;

 

(g) Liens arising out of sale and leaseback transactions permitted by Section 6.06;

 

(h) Liens granted by a Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party in favor of any Borrower or another Loan Party in respect of Indebtedness owed by such Subsidiary; and

 

(i) Liens arising under operating leases on Equipment that does not constitute a portion of the PP&E Component.

 

SECTION 6.03. Fundamental Changes . (a) No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, merge/amalgamate into or consolidate with any other Person, or permit any other Person to merge/amalgamate into or consolidate with it, or liquidate or dissolve, except that, if at the time thereof and immediately after giving effect thereto no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing (i) any Subsidiary of any Borrower may merge/amalgamate into such Borrower in a transaction in which such Borrower is the surviving corporation, provided that in order for the assets of such Subsidiary to be included in the Borrowing Base, all eligibility requirement hereunder (including all appraisal and examination requirements) must be met, (ii) any Loan Party (other than any Borrower) may merge/amalgamate with any other Person in a transaction in which the surviving entity is or becomes a Loan Party, provided that if such other Person is not a Loan Party, the transaction must be permitted by Section 6.04, (iii) any Borrower other than Holdings may merge/amalgamate into any other Borrower, and (iv) any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party may liquidate or dissolve if the Borrowers determine in good faith that such liquidation or dissolution is in the best interests of the Borrowers and is not materially disadvantageous to the Lenders; provided that any such merger/amalgamation involving a Person that is not a wholly owned Subsidiary immediately prior to such merger/amalgamation shall not be permitted unless also permitted by Section 6.04.

 

(b) No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, engage in any business other than businesses of the type conducted by the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries on the date of execution of this Agreement and businesses reasonably related thereto.

 

(c) Holdings will not engage in any business or activity other than the ownership of all the outstanding shares of capital stock of its Subsidiaries and activities incidental thereto. Holdings will not own or acquire any assets (other than Equity Interests of its Subsidiaries and the cash proceeds of any Restricted Payments permitted by Section 6.08).

 

SECTION 6.04. Investments, Loans, Advances, Guarantees and Acquisitions . No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, purchase, hold or acquire (including pursuant to any merger/amalgamation with any Person that was not a Loan Party and a wholly owned Subsidiary prior to such merger/amalgamation) any capital stock, evidences of indebtedness or other securities (including any option, warrant or other right to acquire any of the foregoing) of, make or permit to exist any loans or advances to, Guarantee any obligations of, or make or permit to exist any investment or any other interest in, any other Person, or purchase or otherwise acquire (in one transaction or a series of transactions) any assets of any other Person constituting a business unit (whether through purchase of assets, merger/amalgamation or otherwise), except:

 

(a) Permitted Investments, subject to control agreements in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Lenders or otherwise subject to a perfected security interest in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Lenders;

 

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(b) investments and guarantees in existence on the date of this Agreement and described in Schedule 6.04 , and replacements thereof on terms not materially less favorable to the Loan Parties;

 

(c) investments by the Borrowers and the Subsidiaries in Equity Interests in their respective Subsidiaries, provided that (A) any such Equity Interests held by a Loan Party shall be pledged pursuant to the Security Agreement (subject to the limitations applicable to common stock of a Foreign Subsidiary referred to in Section 5.12) and (B) the aggregate amount of investments by Loan Parties in Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties (together with outstanding intercompany loans permitted under clause (B) to the proviso to Section 6.04(d) and outstanding Guarantees permitted under the proviso to Section 6.04(e)) shall not exceed $2,500,000 at any time outstanding (in each case determined without regard to any write-downs or write-offs);

 

(d) loans or advances made by any Borrower to any Subsidiary and made by any Subsidiary to any Borrower or any other Subsidiary, provided that (A) any such loans and advances made by a Loan Party shall be evidenced by a promissory note pledged pursuant to the Security Agreement and (B) the amount of such loans and advances made by Loan Parties to Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties (together with outstanding investments permitted under clause (B) to the proviso to Section 6.04(c) and outstanding Guarantees permitted under the proviso to Section 6.04(e)) shall not exceed $2,500,000 at any time outstanding (in each case determined without regard to any write-downs or write-offs);

 

(e) Guarantees constituting Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.01, provided that the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness of Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties that is Guaranteed by any Loan Party shall (together with outstanding investments permitted under clause (B) to the proviso to Section 6.04(c) and outstanding intercompany loans permitted under clause (B) to the proviso to Section 6.04(d)) shall not exceed $2,500,000 at any time outstanding (in each case determined without regard to any write-downs or write-offs);

 

(f) loans or advances made by a Loan Party to its employees on an arms-length basis in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices for travel and entertainment expenses, relocation costs and similar purposes up to a maximum of $100,000 to any employee and up to a maximum of $2,500,000 in the aggregate at any one time outstanding;

 

(g) other equity investments in customers and third party vendors in the ordinary course of business in an aggregate amount not to exceed $2,500,000;

 

(h) subject to Sections 4.2(a) and 4.4 of the Security Agreement, notes payable, or stock or other securities issued by Account Debtors to a Loan Party pursuant to negotiated agreements with respect to settlement of such Account Debtor’s Accounts in the ordinary course of business, consistent with past practices;

 

(i) investments in the form of Swap Agreements permitted by Section 6.07;

 

(j) investments of any Person existing at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary of any Borrower or consolidates or merges with any Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries (including in connection with a Permitted Acquisition) so long as such investments were not made in contemplation of such Person becoming a Subsidiary or of such merger;

 

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(k) investments received in connection with the dispositions of assets permitted by Section 6.05;

 

(l) investments constituting deposits described in clauses (c) and (d) of the definition of the term “Permitted Encumbrances”;

 

(m) in the event that at the date any Acquisition is made (i) Holdings and its consolidated Subsidiaries have a pro forma Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio including the effect of such Acquisition (for the twelve month period ending as of the most recent month-end for which financial data is available) of at least 1.1 to 1.0 and (ii) the Borrowers have pro forma Availability of not less than $40,000,000, Permitted Acquisitions; provided that promptly after making any Permitted Acquisition, the Borrowers shall ensure that any assets acquired in such Acquisition shall be subject to a perfected security interest in favor of the Administrative Agent, subject only to Permitted Encumbrances and other Liens permitted under the terms of this Agreement;

 

(n) any other Permitted Acquisition (determined without regard to clause (e) of the definition of Permitted Acquisition), if at the effective time of such Acquisition the Borrowers have pro forma Availability (on a 60-day look-back and look-forward basis) of not less than $125,000,000; provided that promptly after making any Permitted Acquisition, the Borrowers shall ensure that any assets acquired in such Acquisition shall be subject to a perfected security interest in favor of the Administrative Agent, subject only to Permitted Encumbrances and other Liens permitted under the terms of this Agreement;

 

(o) any other investment made in exchange for, or with the proceeds of the issuance of, any Equity Interests of Holdings; and

 

(p) loans or advances evidenced by notes receivable from Account Debtors entered into in the ordinary course of the Borrowers’ business or other payments made to customers in the ordinary course of the Borrowers’ business.

 

SECTION 6.05. Asset Sales . No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of any asset, including any Equity Interest owned by it, nor will the Borrowers permit any Subsidiary to issue any additional Equity Interest in such Subsidiary (other than to a Borrower or another Subsidiary in compliance with Section 6.04), except:

 

(a) sales, transfers and dispositions of (i) inventory in the ordinary course of business and (ii) used, obsolete, worn out or surplus equipment or property, or equipment or property that is replaced, in the ordinary course of business;

 

(b) sales, transfers and dispositions to any Borrower or any Subsidiary, provided that any such sales, transfers or dispositions involving a Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party shall be made in compliance with Section 6.09;

 

(c) sales, transfers and dispositions of accounts receivable in connection with the compromise, settlement or collection thereof;

 

(d) sales, transfers and dispositions of investments permitted by clauses (g), (i) and (k) of Section 6.04;

 

(e) sale and leaseback transactions permitted by Section 6.06;

 

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(f) dispositions resulting from any casualty or other insured damage to, or any taking under power of eminent domain or by condemnation or similar proceeding of, any property or asset of any Borrower or any Subsidiary; and

 

(g) sales, transfers and other dispositions of assets (other than Equity Interests in a Subsidiary unless all Equity Interests in such Subsidiary are sold) that are not permitted by any other paragraph of this Section, provided that the aggregate fair market value of all assets sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of in reliance upon this paragraph (g) shall not exceed $1,000,000 during any calendar year;

 

provided that all sales, transfers, leases and other dispositions permitted hereby (other than those permitted by paragraphs (a)(ii), (b), (c) and (f) above) shall be made for fair value.

 

SECTION 6.06. Sale and Leaseback Transactions . No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, enter into any arrangement, directly or indirectly, whereby it shall sell or transfer any material property, real or personal, used or useful in its business, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, and thereafter rent or lease such property or other property that it intends to use for substantially the same purpose or purposes as the property sold or transferred, except for any such sale of any fixed or capital assets by any Borrower or any Subsidiary that is made for cash consideration in an amount not less than the fair value of such fixed or capital asset and is consummated within 90 days after such Borrower or such Subsidiary acquires or completes the construction of such fixed or capital asset; provided that the Borrowers may engage in a sale and leaseback of the real property located at 1055 Salt River Road, Leitchfield, Kentucky.

 

SECTION 6.07. Swap Agreements . No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, enter into any Swap Agreement, except (a) Swap Agreements entered into to hedge or mitigate risks to which any Borrower or any Subsidiary has actual exposure (other than those in respect of Equity Interests of any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries), and (b) Swap Agreements entered into in order to effectively cap, collar or exchange interest rates (from fixed to floating rates, from one floating rate to another floating rate or otherwise) with respect to any interest-bearing liability or investment of any Borrower or any Subsidiary; provided that the Borrowers may enter into other types of Swap Agreements in the ordinary course of business if the Borrowers have established appropriate reserves with respect to such Swap Agreements as determined by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion.

 

SECTION 6.08. Restricted Payments; Certain Payments of Indebtedness . (a) No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, declare or make, or agree to pay or make, directly or indirectly, any Restricted Payment, or incur any obligation (contingent or otherwise) to do so, except:

 

(i) each of the Borrowers may declare and pay dividends with respect to its common stock payable solely in additional shares of its common stock, and, with respect to its preferred stock, payable solely in additional shares of such preferred stock or in shares of its common stock,

 

(ii) Subsidiaries may declare and pay dividends ratably with respect to their Equity Interests,

 

(iii) the Borrowers may make Restricted Payments, not exceeding $1,000,000 during any fiscal year, pursuant to and in accordance with stock option plans or restricted stock plans for management or employees of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries,

 

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(iv) in the event that at the time of such Restricted Payment (A) Holdings and its consolidated Subsidiaries have a pro forma Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio including such Restricted Payment (for the twelve month period ending on the most recent month-end for which financial data is available) of at least 1.1 to 1.0, (B) the Borrowers have pro forma Availability of not less than $40,000,000 and (C) no Default or Event of Default has occurred or would result therefrom, Holdings may declare and pay cash dividends with respect to its capital stock in an aggregate amount during the term of this Agreement not to exceed $75,000,000,

 

(v) the Borrowers may make stock repurchases in an aggregate amount during the term of this Agreement not to exceed $10,000,000, and

 

(A) any Subsidiary or Borrower may make a Restricted Payment to any other Borrower.

 

(b) No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, make or agree to pay or make, directly or indirectly, any payment or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) of or in respect of principal of or interest on any Indebtedness, or any payment or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, cancellation or termination of any Indebtedness, except:

 

(i) payment of Indebtedness created under the Loan Documents;

 

(ii) payment of regularly scheduled interest and principal payments as and when due in respect of any Indebtedness, or prepayments of principal in connection with assets sales permitted hereunder, other than payments in respect of the Subordinated Indebtedness prohibited by the subordination provisions thereof;

 

(iii) refinancings of Indebtedness to the extent permitted by Section 6.01;

 

(iv) payment of secured Indebtedness that becomes due as a result of the voluntary sale or transfer of the property or assets securing such Indebtedness;

 

(v) on the Effective Date, the Borrowers may prepay all amounts outstanding under the current Tranche B Notes (including interest and applicable premium) in an amount not to exceed $8,000,000 in the aggregate, replace all letters of credit issued under the Tranche B Facility with Letters of Credit and pay all charges relating to such replacement; and

 

(vi) payments made under the PCT Guarantee and the RCT Guarantee, if any.

 

SECTION 6.09. Transactions with Affiliates . No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, sell, lease or otherwise transfer any property or assets to, or purchase, lease or otherwise acquire any property or assets from, or otherwise engage in any other transactions with, any of its Affiliates that are not Loan Parties, except (a) transactions that (i) are in the ordinary course of business and (ii) are at prices and on terms and conditions not less favorable to such Borrower or such Subsidiary than could be obtained on an arm’s-length basis from unrelated third parties, (b) transactions between or among any Borrower and any Subsidiary that is a Loan Party not involving any other Affiliate, (c) any investment permitted by Sections 6.04(c) or 6.04(d), (d) any Indebtedness permitted under Section

 

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6.01(c), (e) any Restricted Payment permitted by Section 6.08, (f) loans or advances to employees permitted under Section 6.04, (g) the payment of reasonable fees to directors of any Borrower or any Subsidiary who are not employees of any Borrower or any Subsidiary, and compensation and employee benefit arrangements paid to, and indemnities provided for the benefit of, directors, officers or employees of any Borrower or its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business and (h) any issuances of securities or other payments, awards or grants in cash, securities or otherwise pursuant to, or the funding of, employment agreements, stock options and stock ownership plans approved by any Borrower’s board of directors.

 

SECTION 6.10. Restrictive Agreements . No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, enter into, incur or permit to exist any agreement or other arrangement that prohibits, restricts or imposes any condition upon (a) the ability of such Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries to create, incur or permit to exist any Lien upon any of its property or assets, or (b) the ability of any Subsidiary to pay dividends or other distributions with respect to any shares of its capital stock or to make or repay loans or advances to any Borrower or any other Subsidiary or to Guarantee Indebtedness of any Borrower or any other Subsidiary; provided that (i) the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions and conditions imposed by law or by any Loan Document, (ii) the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions and conditions existing on the date hereof identified on Schedule 6.10 (but shall apply to any extension or renewal of, or any amendment or modification expanding the scope of, any such restriction or condition), (iii) the foregoing shall not apply to customary restrictions and conditions contained in agreements relating to the sale of a Subsidiary or any property pending such sale, provided such restrictions and conditions apply only to the Subsidiary or property that is to be sold and such sale is permitted hereunder, (iv) clause (a) of the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions or conditions imposed by any agreement relating to secured Indebtedness permitted by this Agreement if such restrictions or conditions apply only to the property or assets securing such Indebtedness, (v) clause (a) of the foregoing shall not apply to customary provisions in leases restricting the assignment thereof, and (vi) clause (a) of the foregoing shall not apply to agreements that permit the Liens on the Collateral in favor of the Administrative Agent under the Loan Documents, but prohibit other Liens.

 

SECTION 6.11. Amendment of Material Documents . No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, amend, modify or waive any of its rights under (a) any agreement relating to any Subordinated Indebtedness or (b) its certificate of incorporation, by-laws, operating, management or partnership agreement or other organizational documents, in each case to the extent any such amendment, modification or waiver would reasonably be expected to be materially adverse to the Lenders.

 

SECTION 6.12. Interest Deduction . The Canadian Borrower will not in any fiscal year, without delivering to the Administrative Agent prior notice of such proposed deduction and evidence of compliance with all Canadian withholding tax requirements arising in connection with such proposed deduction, deduct any interest or other amounts paid to the Administrative Agent in respect of the Loans (excluding Canadian Revolving Loans and the Canadian Swingline Loans) in computing its taxable income earned in Canada for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada).

 

SECTION 6.13. Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio . In the event that at any time the Borrowers have Availability less than $35,000,000, the Borrowers will not permit the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of Holdings and its consolidated Subsidiaries, determined as of the end of each fiscal quarter of Holdings (for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters ending on such date), beginning with the fiscal quarter of Holdings most recently ended on the date that Availability was first less than $35,000,000, to be less than 1.1 to 1.0; provided , however , that if, at any time after this Section 6.13 has been triggered, the Borrowers maintain (i) average Availability greater than or equal to $40,000,000 for a 90-day period and (ii) Availability not less than $35,000,000 at all times during such 90-day period, the requirements of this Section 6.13 shall no longer be deemed to be triggered.

 

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ARTICLE VII

 

Events of Default

 

If any of the following events (“ Events of Default ”) shall occur:

 

(a) the Borrowers shall fail to pay any principal of any Loan or any reimbursement obligation in respect of any LC Disbursement when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether at the due date thereof or at a date fixed for prepayment thereof or otherwise;

 

(b) the Borrowers (i) shall fail to pay any interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount (other than an amount referred to in clause (a) of this Article) payable under this Agreement, when and as the same shall become due and payable or (ii) shall fail to pay the Administrative Agent or any Lender for any out-of-pocket expenses owed to a third party payable under and arising in connection with the Loan Documents within 5 days of the due date thereof;

 

(c) any representation or warranty made or deemed made by or on behalf of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary in or in connection with this Agreement or any Loan Document or any amendment or modification thereof or waiver thereunder, or in any report, certificate (including, without limitation, any Borrowing Base Certificate), financial statement or other document furnished pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement or any Loan Document or any amendment or modification thereof or waiver thereunder, shall prove to have been materially incorrect when made or deemed made;

 

(d) any Loan Party shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in Section 5.01(g), 5.02(a), 5.03 (with respect to a Loan Party’s existence), 5.08, 6.03, 6.05, 6.06, 6.12 or 6.13 of this Agreement or in Section 4.1(a), 4.1(b), 4.1(c), 4.1(d), 4.11 or 4.12 or Article VII of the Security Agreement;

 

(e) any Loan Party shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in this Agreement, the Security Agreement or any other Loan Document (other than those which constitute a default under another Section of this Article), and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of (i) 10 Business Days after the earlier of the date on which an officer of any Loan Party obtains knowledge of such breach or notice thereof from the Administrative Agent (which notice will be given at the request of the Required Lenders) if such breach relates to terms or provisions of Section 5.01 (other than Section 5.01(g)), 5.02 (other than Section 5.02(a)), 5.03 through 5.07, 5.09, 5.10 or 5.12 of this Agreement or Section 4.1 (other than Section 4.1(a) through 4.1(d)), 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 4.13, 4.14, 4.15 or 4.16 of the Security Agreement or (ii) 15 Business Days after the earlier of the date on which an officer of any Loan Party obtains knowledge of such breach or notice thereof from the Administrative Agent (which notice will be given at the request of the Required Lenders) if such breach relates to terms or provisions of any other Section of this Agreement, the Security Agreement or any other Loan Document;

 

(f) any Loan Party or any Subsidiary shall fail to make any payment (whether of principal or interest and regardless of amount) in respect of any Material Indebtedness, when and as the same shall become due and payable, and as a result, or as a result of any other event or condition occurs, any Material Indebtedness becomes or is declared due prior to its scheduled maturity; provided that this clause (f) shall not apply to secured Indebtedness that becomes due as a result of the voluntary sale or transfer of the property or assets securing such Indebtedness;

 

(g) an involuntary proceeding shall be commenced or an involuntary petition or proposal shall be filed seeking (i) liquidation, reorganization, consolidation or other relief in respect of a

 

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Loan Party or any Subsidiary of any Loan Party or its debts, or of a substantial part of its assets, or which seeks a stay or has the effect of staying any creditor, under any federal, state, provincial or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership , liquidation, winding up, corporate or similar law now or hereafter in effect or (ii) the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, monitor, sequestrator, conservator, administrator or similar official for any Loan Party or any Subsidiary of any Loan Party or for a substantial part of its assets, and, in any such case, such proceeding, petition or proposal shall continue undismissed for 60 days or an order or decree approving or ordering any of the foregoing shall be entered;

 

(h) any Loan Party or any Subsidiary of any Loan Party shall (i) voluntarily commence any proceeding or file any petition, proposal or intent to file a proposal seeking liquidation, reorganization, consolidation or other relief under any federal, state, provincial or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect, (ii) consent to the institution of, or fail to contest in a timely and appropriate manner, any proceeding, petition, proposal or intent to file a proposal described in clause (h) of this Article, (iii) apply for or consent to the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, monitor, sequestrator, conservator, administrator or similar official for such Loan Party or Subsidiary of any Loan Party or for a substantial part of its assets, (iv) file an answer admitting the material allegations of a petition or proposal filed against it in any such proceeding, (v) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors or (vi) take any action for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing;

 

(i) any Loan Party or any Subsidiary of any Loan Party shall become unable, admit in writing its inability or fail generally to pay its debts as they become due;

 

(j) one or more judgments for the payment of money in an aggregate amount in excess of $2,500,000 which is not covered by insurance (or an indemnity for which the obligor thereunder has admitted liability and, in the Administrative Agent’s reasonable estimation, has the ability to pay) shall be rendered against any Loan Party, any Subsidiary of any Loan Party or any combination thereof and the same shall remain undischarged for a period of 30 consecutive days during which execution shall not be effectively stayed, or any action shall be legally taken by a judgment creditor to attach or levy upon any assets of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary of any Loan Party to enforce any such judgment or any Loan Party or any Subsidiary of any Loan Party shall fail within 30 days to discharge one or more non-monetary judgments or orders which, individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and which judgments or orders, in any such case, are not stayed on appeal or otherwise being appropriately contested in good faith by proper proceedings diligently pursued;

 

(k) (x) an ERISA Event shall have occurred that, in the opinion of the Required Lenders, when taken together with all other ERISA Events that have occurred, could reasonably be expected to either (i) result in a Material Adverse Effect or (ii) result in liability of any Borrower and its Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount exceeding $2,500,000 for all periods, or (y) any Lien arises in connection with any Plan;

 

(l) a Change in Control shall occur;

 

(m) the Loan Guaranty shall fail to remain in full force or effect or any action shall be taken by any Loan Party to discontinue or to assert the invalidity or unenforceability of the Loan Guaranty, or any Loan Guarantor shall fail in any material respect to comply with any of the material terms or provisions of the Loan Guaranty to which it is a party, or any Loan Guarantor shall deny that it has any further liability under the Loan Guaranty to which it is a party, or shall give notice to such effect;

 

(n) (i) any Collateral Document shall for any reason fail to create a valid and perfected first priority security interest in any Collateral having an aggregate value in excess of $500,000

 

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purported to be covered thereby, except as permitted by the terms of this Agreement or (ii) any Collateral Document, or any Collateral Document shall fail to remain in full force or effect or any action shall be taken to discontinue or to assert the invalidity or unenforceability of any Collateral Document, or (iii) any Loan Party shall fail to comply in any material respect with any of the material terms or provisions of any Collateral Document and in the case of this clause (iii), such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of 10 Business Days after the earlier of the date on which an officer of any Loan Party obtains knowledge of such breach or notice thereof from the Administrative Agent; or

 

(o) any material provision of this Agreement or any material Loan Document for any reason ceases to be valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with its terms (or any Loan Party shall challenge the enforceability of this Agreement or any material Loan Document or shall assert in writing, or engage in any action or inaction based on any such assertion, that any provision of any of this Agreement or any of the other material Loan Documents has ceased to be or otherwise is not valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with its terms); or

 

(p) any Loan Party is criminally indicted or convicted under any law and such indictment or conviction would, in the Administrative Agent’s reasonably determination, be likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect;

 

then, and in every such event (other than an event with respect to any Borrower described in clause (g) or (h) of this Article), and at any time thereafter during the continuance of such event, the Administrative Agent may, and at the request of the Required Lenders shall, by notice to the Borrowers, take either or both of the following actions, at the same or different times: (i) terminate the Commitments, and thereupon the Commitments shall terminate immediately, and (ii) declare the Loans then outstanding to be due and payable in whole (or in part, in which case any principal not so declared to be due and payable may thereafter be declared to be due and payable), and thereupon the principal of the Loans so declared to be due and payable, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other obligations of the Borrowers accrued hereunder, shall become due and payable immediately, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrowers; and in case of any event with respect to any Borrower described in clause (g) or (h) of this Article, the Commitments shall automatically terminate and the principal of the Loans then outstanding, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other obligations of the Borrowers accrued hereunder, shall automatically become due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrowers. Upon the occurrence and the continuance of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent may, and at the request of the Required Lenders shall, exercise any rights and remedies provided to the Administrative Agent under the Loan Documents or at law or equity, including all remedies provided under the UCC, the PPSA, the BIA or the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (Canada).

 

ARTICLE VIII

 

The Administrative Agent

 

Each of the Lenders and the Issuing Bank hereby irrevocably appoints the Administrative Agent as its agent and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such actions on its behalf, including execution of the other Loan Documents, and to exercise such powers as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms of the Loan Documents, together with such actions and powers as are reasonably incidental thereto.

 

The bank serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder shall have the same rights and powers in its capacity as a Lender as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not the

 

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Administrative Agent, and such bank and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to and generally engage in any kind of business with the Loan Parties or any Subsidiary of a Loan Party or other Affiliate thereof as if it were not the Administrative Agent hereunder.

 

The Administrative Agent shall not have any duties or obligations except those expressly set forth in the Loan Documents. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, (a) the Administrative Agent shall not be subject to any fiduciary or other implied duties, regardless of whether a Default has occurred and is continuing, (b) the Administrative Agent shall not have any duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers, except discretionary rights and powers expressly contemplated by the Loan Documents that the Administrative Agent is required to exercise in writing as directed by the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary under the circumstances as provided in Section 9.02), and (c) except as expressly set forth in the Loan Documents, the Administrative Agent shall not have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries that is communicated to or obtained by the bank serving as Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity. The Administrative Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it with the consent or at the request of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary under the circumstances as provided in Section 9.02) or in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct. The Administrative Agent shall be deemed not to have knowledge of any Default unless and until written notice thereof is given to the Administrative Agent by the Borrowers or a Lender, and the Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into (i) any statement, warranty or representation made in or in connection with any Loan Document, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered hereunder or in connection with any Loan Document, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth in any Loan Document, (iv) the validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of any Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document, (v) the creation, perfection or priority of Liens on the Collateral or the existence of the Collateral, or (vi) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article IV or elsewhere in any Loan Document, other than to confirm receipt of items expressly required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent.

 

The Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely upon, and shall not incur any liability for relying upon, any notice, request, certificate, consent, statement, instrument, document or other writing believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or sent by the proper Person. The Administrative Agent also may rely upon any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to be made by the proper Person, and shall not incur any liability for relying thereon. The Administrative Agent may consult with legal counsel (who may be counsel for the Borrowers), independent accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in accordance with the advice of any such counsel, accountants or experts.

 

The Administrative Agent may perform any and all its duties and exercise its rights and powers by or through any one or more sub-agents appointed by the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any and all its duties and exercise its rights and powers through their respective Related Parties. The exculpatory provisions of the preceding paragraphs shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Related Parties of the Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent, and shall apply to their respective activities in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein as well as activities as Administrative Agent.

 

Subject to the appointment and acceptance of a successor Administrative Agent as provided in this paragraph, the Administrative Agent may resign at any time by notifying the Lenders, the Issuing Bank and the Borrowers. Upon any such resignation, the Required Lenders shall have the right, in consultation with the Borrowers, to appoint a successor. If no successor shall have been so appointed by

 

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the Required Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days after the retiring Administrative Agent gives notice of its resignation, then the retiring Administrative Agent may, on behalf of the Lenders and the Issuing Bank, appoint a successor Administrative Agent which shall be a commercial bank or an Affiliate of any such commercial bank. Upon the acceptance of its appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder by a successor, such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent, and the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder. The fees payable by the Borrowers to a successor Administrative Agent shall be the same as those payable to its predecessor unless otherwise agreed between the Borrowers and such successor. After the Administrative Agent’s resignation hereunder, the provisions of this Article and Section 9.03 shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring Administrative Agent, its sub-agents and their respective Related Parties in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any of them while it was acting as Administrative Agent.

 

Each Lender acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement. Each Lender also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its own decisions in taking or not taking action under or based upon this Agreement, any other Loan Document or related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder.

 

Each Lender hereby agrees that (a) it has requested a copy of each Report prepared by or on behalf of the Administrative Agent; (b) the Administrative Agent (i) makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the completeness or accuracy of any Report or any of the information contained therein or any inaccuracy or omission contained in or relating to a Report and (ii) shall not be liable for any information contained in any Report; (c) the Reports are not comprehensive audits or examinations, and that any Person performing any field examination will inspect only specific information regarding the Loan Parties and will rely significantly upon the Loan Parties’ books and records, as well as on representations of the Loan Parties’ personnel and that the Administrative Agent undertakes no obligation to update, correct or supplement the Reports; (d) it will keep all Reports confidential and strictly for its internal use, not share the Report with any Loan Party or any other Person except as otherwise permitted pursuant to this Agreement; and (e) without limiting the generality of any other indemnification provision contained in this Agreement, it will pay and protect, and indemnify, defend, and hold the Administrative Agent and any such other Person preparing a Report harmless from and against, the claims, actions, proceedings, damages, costs, expenses, and other amounts (including reasonable attorney fees) incurred by as the direct or indirect result of any third parties who might obtain all or part of any Report through the indemnifying Lender.

 

The Syndication Agents and the Documentation Agents shall not have any right, power, obligation, liability, responsibility or duty under this Agreement other than those applicable to all Lenders as such.

 

Each Lender (including, without limitation, any assignee or transferee of all or any part of any of the Obligations owing by any Borrower) that is not a United States Person (as such term is defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code) shall deliver to the Administrative Agent two original copies (one for the Borrowers) of:

 

(i) properly completed IRS Form W-8BEN before the payment of any interest in the first calendar year and before the payment of any interest in each third succeeding calendar year (if it is then permitted to do so under law) during which interest may be paid to such Lender under this Agreement properly claiming such Lender is

 

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eligible for an exemption from or a reduction of withholding tax under a United States of America tax treaty or a provision of the Code or the regulations thereunder;

 

(ii) properly completed IRS Form W-8ECI before the payment of any interest is due in the first taxable year of such Lender and in each succeeding taxable year (if it is then permitted to do so under law) of such Lender during which interest may be paid to such Lender under this Agreement properly claiming such Lender is exempt from United States of America withholding tax or interest paid under this Agreement because it is effectively connected with a United States of America trade or business of such Lender; or

 

(iii) such other form or forms as may be required under the Code or other laws of the United States of America (if it is then permitted to do so under law) as a condition to exemption from, or reduction of, United States of America withholding tax.

 

Such Lender agrees to promptly notify the Administrative Agent of any change in circumstances which would modify or render invalid any claimed exemption or reduction.

 

If any Lender claims exemption from, or reduction of, withholding tax under a United States of America tax treaty by providing IRS Form W-8BEN and such Lender sells, assigns, grants a participation in, or otherwise transfers all or part of the Obligations owing to such Lender, pursuant to Section 9.04 hereof, such Lender agrees to notify the Administrative Agent of the percentage amount in which it is no longer the beneficial owner of the respective Obligations of the Borrowers to such Lender. To the extent of such percentage amount, the Administrative Agent will treat such Lender’s IRS Form W-8BEN as no longer valid.

 

Each Canadian Lender (including, without limitation, any assignee or transferee of all or any part of any of the Obligations owing by the Canadian Borrower) that is not a Canadian resident, or an “authorized foreign bank” (as such term is defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada)), for Canadian tax purposes shall deliver to the Administrative Agent (if it is then permitted to do so under law) two original copies (one for the Borrower) of such other form or forms as may be required under a Canadian tax treaty or any provision of Canadian federal or provincial law as a condition to or exemption from, or reduction of, Canadian withholding tax, if such Lender is so qualified. Such Canadian Lender agrees to promptly notify the Administrative Agent of any change in circumstances which would modify or render invalid any claimed exemption or reduction.

 

If any Lender is entitled to a reduction in the applicable withholding tax, the Administrative Agent (acting through its Canada Branch or otherwise) may withhold from any interest payment to such Lender an amount equivalent to the applicable withholding tax after taking into account such reduction. If the forms or other documentation required by subsection (a) or subsection (c), as applicable, of this Section are not delivered to the Administrative Agent (acting through its Canada Branch or otherwise), then the Administrative Agent (acting through its Canada Branch or otherwise) may withhold from any interest payment to such Lender not providing such forms or other documentation an amount equivalent to the applicable withholding tax.

 

If the IRS or any other Governmental Authority of the United States of America or other jurisdiction asserts a claim that the Administrative Agent did not properly withhold tax from amounts paid to or for the account of any Lender (because the appropriate form was not delivered, was not properly executed, or because such Lender failed to notify the Administrative Agent of a change in circumstances which rendered the exemption from, or reduction of, withholding tax ineffective, or for any other reason) such Lender shall indemnify the Administrative Agent fully for all amounts paid, directly or

 

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indirectly, by the Administrative Agent as Tax or otherwise, including penalties and interest, and including any Taxes imposed by any jurisdiction on the amounts payable to the Administrative Agent under this Section, together with all costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses). The obligation of the Lenders under this subsection shall survive the payment of all Obligations and the resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent.

 

Each Canadian Lender hereby certifies that it is an “authorized foreign bank” as defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada) and it holds its interest in the Canadian Loans in the course of its “Canadian banking business” as defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada).

 

The Canadian Funding Bank, to the extent any of its functions, actions or obligations under this Agreement, including, the administration of any Loans, shall be afforded the same protections, agreements, etc. available to the Administrative Agent under this Article VIII.

 

ARTICLE IX

 

Miscellaneous

 

SECTION 9.01. Notices . (a) Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone (and subject to paragraph (b) below), all notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by facsimile, as follows:

 

  (i) if to any Loan Party, to the Administrative Borrower at:

 

Core-Mark International, Inc.

395 Oyster Point Blvd. #415

South San Francisco, California 94080

Attention:   Treasurer
Facsimile No:   (650) 589-4010

 

  (ii) if to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank, the Swingline Lender or the Canadian Swingline Lender, to Chase at:

 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

2200 Ross Avenue, 3 rd Floor

Dallas, Texas 75201

Attention:   Courtney Jeans
Facsimile No:   (214) 965-4731)

 

  (iii) if to any other Lender, to it at its address or facsimile number set forth in its Administrative Questionnaire.

 

All such notices and other communications (i) sent by hand or overnight courier service, or mailed by certified or registered mail, shall be deemed to have been given when received or (ii) sent by facsimile shall be deemed to have been given when sent, provided that if not given during normal business hours for the recipient, shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next Business Day for the recipient.

 

(b) Notices and other communications to the Lenders hereunder may be delivered or furnished by electronic communications (including e-mail and internet or intranet websites) pursuant to

 

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procedures approved by the Administrative Agent and the Canadian Funding Bank, as applicable; provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices pursuant to Article II or to compliance and no Event of Default certificates delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(d) unless otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent and the applicable Lender. The Administrative Agent or the Borrowers (on behalf of the Loan Parties) may, in their discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder by electronic communications pursuant to procedures approved by it; provided that approval of such procedures may be limited to particular notices or communications. All such notices and other communications (i) sent to an e-mail address shall be deemed received upon the sender’s receipt of an acknowledgement from the intended recipient (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return e-mail or other written acknowledgement), provided that if not given during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next Business Day for the recipient, and (ii) posted to an Internet or intranet website shall be deemed received upon the deemed receipt by the intended recipient at its e-mail address as described in the foregoing clause (b)(i) of notification that such notice or communication is available and identifying the website address therefor.

 

(c) Any party hereto may change its address or facsimile number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto.

 

SECTION 9.02. Waivers; Amendments . (a) No failure or delay by the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender in exercising any right or power hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. The rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders hereunder and under any other Loan Document are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have. No waiver of any provision of any Loan Document or consent to any departure by any Loan Party therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by paragraph (b) of this Section, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the making of a Loan or issuance of a Letter of Credit shall not be construed as a waiver of any Default, regardless of whether the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the Issuing Bank may have had notice or knowledge of such Default at the time.

 

(b) Neither this Agreement nor any other Loan Document nor any provision hereof or thereof may be waived, amended or modified except (i) in the case of this Agreement, pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Borrowers and the Required Lenders or, (ii) in the case of any other Loan Document, pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Administrative Agent and the Loan Party or Loan Parties that are parties thereto, with the consent of the Required Lenders; provided that no such agreement shall (i) increase the Commitment of any Lender without the written consent of such Lender, (ii) reduce or forgive the principal amount of any Loan or LC Disbursement or reduce the rate of interest thereon, or reduce or forgive any interest or fees payable hereunder, without the written consent of each Lender affected thereby, (iii) postpone any scheduled date of payment of the principal amount of any Loan or LC Disbursement, or any date for the payment of any interest, fees or other Obligations payable hereunder, or reduce the amount of, waive or excuse any such payment, or postpone the scheduled date of expiration of any Commitment, without the written consent of each Lender affected thereby, (iv) change Section 2.18(b) or (d) in a manner that would alter the manner in which payments are shared, without the written consent of each Lender, (v) increase the advance rates set forth in the definition of Borrowing Base, add new categories of eligible assets or make less restrictive the non-discretionary criteria for the exclusion of eligible assets, without the written consent of each Revolving Lender, (vi) change any of the provisions of this Section or the definitions of “Required

 

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Lenders” or “Supermajority Revolving Lenders” or any other provision of any Loan Document specifying the number or percentage of Lenders (or Lenders of any Class) required to waive, amend or modify any rights thereunder or make any determination or grant any consent thereunder, without the written consent of each Lender, (vii) release any Loan Guarantor from its obligation under its Loan Guaranty (except as otherwise permitted herein or in the other Loan Documents), without the written consent of each Lender, or (viii) except as provided in clauses (c) and (d) of this Section or in any Collateral Document, release a portion of the Collateral valued in the aggregate in excess of $50,000,000 during any calendar year, without the written consent of each Lender; provided further that no such agreement shall amend, modify or otherwise affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank, the Canadian Funding Bank, the Swingline Lender or the Canadian Swingline Lender hereunder without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank, the Swingline Lender or the Canadian Swingline Lender, as the case may be. The Administrative Agent may also amend the Commitment Schedule to reflect assignments entered into pursuant to Section 9.04.

 

(c) The Lenders hereby irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent, at its option and in its reasonable discretion, to release any Liens granted to the Administrative Agent by the Loan Parties on any Collateral (i) upon the termination of all Commitments, payment and satisfaction in full in cash of all Secured Obligations (other than Unliquidated Obligations), and the cash collateralization of all Unliquidated Obligations in a manner satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, (ii) constituting property being sold or disposed of if the Loan Party disposing of such property certifies to the Administrative Agent that the sale or disposition is made in compliance with the terms of this Agreement (and the Administrative Agent may rely conclusively on any such certificate, without further inquiry), (iii) constituting property leased to a Loan Party under a lease which has expired or been terminated in a transaction permitted under this Agreement, or (iv) as required to effect any sale or other disposition of such Collateral in connection with any exercise of remedies of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders pursuant to Article VII. Except as provided in the preceding sentence, the Administrative Agent will not release any Liens on Collateral without the prior written authorization of the Required Lenders; provided that, the Administrative Agent may in its discretion, release its Liens on Collateral valued in the aggregate not in excess of $2,500,000 during any calendar year without the prior written authorization of the Required Lenders. Any such release shall not in any manner discharge, affect, or impair the Obligations or any Liens (other than those expressly being released) upon (or obligations of the Loan Parties in respect of) all interests retained by the Loan Parties, including the proceeds of any sale, all of which shall continue to constitute part of the Collateral.

 

(d) If, in connection with any proposed amendment, waiver or consent requiring the consent of “each Lender” or “each Lender affected thereby,” the consent of the Required Lenders is obtained, but the consent of other necessary Lenders is not obtained (any such Lender whose consent is necessary but not obtained being referred to herein as a “ Non-Consenting Lender ”), then the Borrowers may elect within thirty (30) days after the failure to obtain such consent, with the written consent of the Administrative Agent which written consent shall not be unreasonably delayed or withheld, to replace a Non-Consenting Lender as a Lender party to this Agreement, provided that, concurrently with such replacement, (i) another bank or other entity which is reasonably satisfactory to the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent shall agree, as of such date, to purchase for cash the Loans and other Obligations due to the Non-Consenting Lender pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption and to become a Lender for all purposes under this Agreement and to assume all obligations of the Non-Consenting Lender to be terminated as of such date and to comply with the requirements of clause (b) of Section 9.04, and (ii) the Borrowers shall pay to such Non-Consenting Lender in same day funds on the day of such replacement all interest, fees and other amounts then accrued but unpaid to such Non-Consenting Lender by the Borrowers hereunder to and including the date of termination, including without limitation payments due to such Non-Consenting Lender under Sections 2.15 and 2.17, provided that the Borrowers shall not be obligated to make any payment to such Lender on the day of such replacement under Section 2.16.

 

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SECTION 9.03. Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver . (a) The Borrowers shall pay (i) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates, including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of counsel for the Administrative Agent, in connection with the syndication and distribution (including, without limitation, via the internet or through a service such as Intralinks) of the credit facilities provided for herein, the preparation and administration of the Loan Documents or any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions of the Loan Documents (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated), (ii) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Issuing Bank in connection with the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or any demand for payment thereunder, (iii) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent or the Issuing Bank (including with respect to the Existing Letters of Credit), including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for the Administrative Agent or the Issuing Bank, in connection with the enforcement, collection or protection of its rights in connection with the Loan Documents, including its rights under this Section, including all such reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Loans or Letters of Credit, (iv) after the occurrence and during the continuance of a Default or an Event of Default, all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by any Lender, including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for such Lender, in connection with the enforcement, collection or protection of its rights in connection with the Loan Documents, including its rights under this Section, including all such reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Loans or Letters of Credit, and (v) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent or the Issuing Bank, including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for the Administrative Agent or the Issuing Bank, in connection with the Loans made or Letters of Credit issued hereunder. Expenses being reimbursed by the Borrowers under this Section include, without limiting the generality of the foregoing and subject to the terms of this Agreement, reasonable costs and expenses incurred in connection with:

 

(i) appraisals;

 

(ii) field examinations and the preparation of Reports based on (A) the fees charged by a third party retained by the Administrative Agent or (B) the internally allocated fees for each Person employed by the Administrative Agent with respect to each field examination, including field examination fees equal to $850 per day per examiner (plus reasonable out-of-pocket-expenses);

 

(iii) lien and title searches and title insurance;

 

(iv) taxes, fees and other charges for filing financing statements and continuations, and other actions necessary or appropriate to perfect, protect, and continue the Administrative Agent’s Liens;

 

(v) sums paid or incurred to take any action required of any Loan Party under the Loan Documents that such Loan Party fails to pay or take as required; and

 

(vi) forwarding loan proceeds, collecting checks and other items of payment, and establishing and maintaining the accounts and lock boxes, and costs and expenses of preserving and protecting the Collateral.

 

All of the foregoing costs and expenses may be charged to the Borrowers as Revolving Loans or to another deposit account, all as described in Section 2.18(c).

 

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(b) The Borrowers shall indemnify the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and each Lender, and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called an “ Indemnitee ”) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all losses, claims, damages, penalties, liabilities and related expenses, including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for any Indemnitee, reasonably incurred by or asserted against any Indemnitee arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of (i) in the case of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and their Related Parties, the execution or delivery of the Loan Documents or any agreement or instrument contemplated thereby, the performance by the parties hereto of their respective obligations thereunder or the consummation of the Transactions or any other transactions contemplated hereby, (ii) the case of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and their Related Parties, any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds therefrom (including any refusal by the Issuing Bank to honor a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit if the documents presented in connection with such demand do not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit), (iii) any actual or alleged presence or release of Hazardous Materials on or from any property owned or operated by any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or any Environmental Liability related in any way to any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or (iv) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto; provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, penalties, liabilities or related expenses are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee.

 

(c) To the extent that the Borrowers fail to pay any amount required to be paid by them to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank, the Canadian Funding Bank, the Swingline Lender or the Canadian Swingline Lender under paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section, each Lender severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank, the Swingline Lender or the Canadian Swingline Lender, as the case may be, such Lender’s Applicable Percentage or Canadian Applicable Percentage, as applicable, (determined as of the time that the applicable unreimbursed expense or indemnity payment is sought) of such unpaid amount; provided that the unreimbursed expense or indemnified loss, claim, damage, penalty, liability or related expense, as the case may be, was incurred by or asserted against the Administrative Agent, the Canadian Funding Bank, the Issuing Bank, the Swingline Lender or the Canadian Swingline Lender in its capacity as such.

 

(d) To the extent permitted by applicable law, no Loan Party shall assert, and each hereby waives, any claim against any Indemnitee, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, this Agreement or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the Transactions, any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds thereof.

 

(e) All amounts due under this Section shall be payable promptly after written demand therefor.

 

SECTION 9.04. Successors and Assigns . (a) The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby (including any Affiliate of the Issuing Bank that issues any Letter of Credit), except that (i) no Borrower may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of each Lender (and any attempted assignment or transfer by any Borrower without such consent shall be null and void) and (ii) no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer its rights or obligations hereunder except in accordance with this Section. Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby (including any Affiliate of the Issuing Bank that issues any Letter of Credit),

 

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Participants (to the extent provided in paragraph (c) of this Section) and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.

 

(b) (i) Subject to the conditions set forth in paragraph (b)(ii) below, any Lender may assign to one or more assignees all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and the Loans at the time owing to it) with the prior written consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) of:

 

(A) the Administrative Borrower, provided that no consent of the Administrative Borrower shall be required for an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender (other than an assignment by a Canadian Lender to a Lender or an Affiliate which is not a resident of Canada, or an “authorized foreign bank” for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada)) or an Approved Fund or, if a Default or an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, any other assignee;

 

(B) the Administrative Agent; and

 

(C) the Issuing Bank.

 

(ii) Assignments shall be subject to the following additional conditions:

 

(A) except in the case of an assignment to a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender or an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Commitment or Loans of any Class, the amount of the Commitment or Loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment (determined as of the date the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent) shall not be less than $5,000,000 unless each of the Administrative Borrower and the Administrative Agent otherwise consent, provided that no such consent of the Administrative Borrower shall be required if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing;

 

(B) each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement;

 

(C) (i) no Lender (who is not a Canadian Lender) shall assign all or any part of its Commitment or US domestic Loans unless such Lender’s related Affiliate assigns the same percentage of its Canadian Revolving Commitment and Canadian Revolving Loans to the same assignee (or related Affiliate of the same assignee), (ii) no Canadian Lender shall assign all or any part of its Canadian Revolving Commitment or Canadian Revolving Loans unless such Lender’s related Affiliate assigns the same percentage of its US Commitment and US domestic Loans to the same assignee (or related Affiliate of the same assignee),

 

(D) the parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Assignment and Assumption, together with a processing and recordation fee of $3,500; and

 

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(E) the assignee, if it shall not be a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire and any tax forms required by Section 2.17(e).

 

For the purposes of this Section 9.04(b), the term “ Approved Fund ” means any Person (other than a natural person) that is engaged in making, purchasing, holding or investing in bank loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its business and that is administered or managed by (a) a Lender, (b) an Affiliate of a Lender or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers or manages a Lender.

 

(iii) Subject to acceptance and recording thereof pursuant to paragraph (b)(iv) of this Section, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption the assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption covering all of the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.15, 2.16, 2.17 and 9.03). Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this Section 9.04 shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with paragraph (c) of this Section.

 

(iv) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Swingline Lender shall not be permitted to make a partial assignment of the Swingline Loans and the Canadian Swingline Lender shall not be permitted to make a partial assignment of the Canadian Swingline Loans. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, (i) no assignee of a Canadian Lender shall be permitted to seek any indemnification for, or the payment of, any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes described in Section 2.17 hereof or any penalties, interest and reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto from the Canadian Borrower, unless amounts payable to the Lender from which the assignee received its assignment (the “assignor”) would have also been subject to, or such assignor would have also been required to pay, such Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes and (ii) no assignee of a Lender (who is not a Canadian Lender) shall be permitted to seek any indemnification for, or the payment of, any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes described in Section 2.17 hereof or any penalties, interest and reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto from the Borrowers, unless amounts payable to the assignor would have also been subject to, or such assignor would have also been required to pay, such Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes; provided, however, that the limitations contained in this Section shall not apply to any assignees who are assigned their interests hereunder after a Default or Event of Default.

 

(v) The Administrative Agent, acting for this purpose as an agent of the Borrowers, shall maintain at one of its offices a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders (and any changes thereto, whether by assignment or otherwise), and the Commitment of, and principal amount of the Loans and LC Disbursements and interest thereon owing to and paid to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “ Register ”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders may treat

 

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each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrowers, the Issuing Bank and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

 

(vi) Upon its receipt of a duly completed Assignment and Assumption executed by an assigning Lender and an assignee, the assignee’s completed Administrative Questionnaire (unless the assignee shall already be a Lender hereunder), the processing and recordation fee referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section and any written consent to such assignment required by paragraph (b) of this Section, the Administrative Agent shall accept such Assignment and Assumption and record the information contained therein in the Register; provided that if either the assigning Lender or the assignee shall have failed to make any payment required to be made by it pursuant to Section 2.05, 2.06(d) or (e), 2.07(b), 2.18(d) or 9.03(c), the Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to accept such Assignment and Assumption and record the information therein in the Register unless and until such payment shall have been made in full, together with all accrued interest thereon. No assignment shall be effective for purposes of this Agreement unless it has been recorded in the Register as provided in this paragraph.

 

(c) (i) Any Lender may, without the consent of the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender, sell participations to one or more banks or other entities (a “ Participant ”) in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and the Loans owing to it); provided that (A) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (B) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations and (C) the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement. Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, modification or waiver described in the first proviso to Section 9.02(b) that affects such Participant. Subject to paragraph (c)(ii) of this Section, each Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.15, 2.16 and 2.17 to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section. To the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 9.08 as though it were a Lender, provided such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.18(c) as though it were a Lender.

 

(ii) A Participant shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Section 2.15, 2.16 or 2.17 than the applicable Lender would have been entitled to receive with respect to the participation sold to such Participant, unless the sale of the participation to such Participant is made with the Borrowers’ prior written consent. A Participant (A) in the case of a participant that would be a Foreign Lender if it were a Lender, shall not be entitled to the benefits of Section 2.17 unless the Borrowers are notified of the participation sold to such Participant, and (B) such Participant agrees, for the benefit of the Borrowers, to comply with Section 2.17(e) as though it were a Lender. For greater certainty, any Canadian Lender that intends to sell a participation to a Person which is not a resident of Canada or an “authorized foreign bank” (for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada)) shall give prior written notice thereof to the Canadian Borrower. No Lender (who is not a Canadian Lender) shall sell any participation in its

 

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US Commitments or US domestic Loans unless such Lender’s related Affiliate sells a participation interest of an equal percentage of its Canadian Revolving Commitment and Canadian Revolving Loans to the same Participant or a related Affiliate of such Participant, and no Canadian Lender shall sell any participation in its Canadian Revolving Commitments or Canadian Revolving Loans unless such Lender (or its related Affiliate) sells an equal percentage of its US Commitment and US domestic Loans to the same Participant or a related Affiliate of such Participant.

 

(iii) Each Lender having sold a participation in any of its Obligations, acting solely for this purpose as agent for the Borrowers, shall maintain a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of such Participants (and each change thereto, whether by assignment or otherwise) and the rights, interests or Obligations of such Participants in any Obligation, in any Commitment and in any right to receive any payments hereunder.

 

(d) Any Lender may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure obligations of such Lender, including without limitation any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank, and this Section shall not apply to any such pledge or assignment of a security interest; provided that no such pledge or assignment of a security interest shall release a Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.

 

SECTION 9.05. Survival . All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by the Loan Parties in the Loan Documents and in the certificates or other instruments delivered in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be considered to have been relied upon by the other parties hereto and shall survive the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents and the making of any Loans and issuance of any Letters of Credit, regardless of any investigation made by any such other party or on its behalf and notwithstanding that the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default or incorrect representation or warranty at the time any credit is extended hereunder, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as the principal of or any accrued interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount payable under this Agreement is outstanding and unpaid or any Letter of Credit is outstanding and has not been cash collateralized or back-stopped and so long as the Commitments have not expired or terminated. The provisions of Sections 2.15, 2.16, 2.17 and 9.03 and Article VIII shall survive and remain in full force and effect regardless of the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, the repayment of the Loans, the expiration or termination of the Letters of Credit and the Commitments or the termination of this Agreement or any provision hereof.

 

SECTION 9.06. Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness . This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Agreement, the other Loan Documents and any separate letter agreements with respect to fees payable to the Administrative Agent constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof. Except as provided in Section 4.01, this Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Administrative Agent and when the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof which, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto, and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by facsimile shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.

 

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SECTION 9.07. Severability . Any provision of any Loan Document held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without affecting the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions thereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

SECTION 9.08. Right of Setoff . If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Lender and each of its Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) at any time held and other obligations at any time owing by such Lender or Affiliate to or for the credit or the account of any Borrower or any Loan Guarantor against any of and all the Secured Obligations held by such Lender, irrespective of whether or not such Lender shall have made any demand under the Loan Documents and although such obligations may be unmatured. The applicable Lender shall notify the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent of such set-off or application, provided that any failure to give or any delay in giving such notice shall not affect the validity of any such set-off or application under this Section. The rights of each Lender under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) which such Lender may have.

 

SECTION 9.09. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process; Judicial Reference . (a) The Loan Documents (other than those containing a contrary express choice of law provision) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, but giving effect to federal laws applicable to national banks.

 

(b) Each Loan Party hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of any U.S. Federal or New York State court sitting in New York, New York in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to any Loan Documents, or for recognition or enforcement of any judgment, and each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding may be heard and determined in such New York State or, to the extent permitted by law, in such federal court. Each of the parties hereto agrees that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law. Nothing in this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall affect any right that the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender may otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document against any Loan Party or its properties in the courts of any jurisdiction.

 

(c) Each Loan Party hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent it may legally and effectively do so, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document in any court (including US and Canadian courts) referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court.

 

(d) Each party to this Agreement irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 9.01. Nothing in this Agreement or any other Loan Document will affect the right of any party to this Agreement to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.

 

(e) If any action or proceeding is filed in a court of the State of California by or against any party hereto in connection with any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any document related hereto, (a) the court shall, and is hereby directed to, make a general reference pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure Section 638 to a referee or referees to hear and determine

 

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all of the issues in such action or proceeding (whether of fact or of law) and to report a statement of decision, provided that at the option of Lender, any such issues pertaining to a “provisional remedy” as defined in California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1281.8 shall be heard and determined by the court, and (b) the Borrowers shall be solely responsible to pay all fees and expenses of any referee appointed in such action or proceeding.

 

SECTION 9.10. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL . EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION.

 

SECTION 9.11. Headings . Article and Section headings and the Table of Contents used herein are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and shall not affect the construction of, or be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.

 

SECTION 9.12. Confidentiality . Each of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its and its Affiliates’ directors, officers, employees and agents, including accountants, legal counsel and other advisors who need to know such information (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential), (b) to the extent requested by any regulatory authority following notice to the Borrowers of such request by the Administrative Agent and an opportunity for the Borrowers to protest to such regulatory authority if practicable, (c) to the extent required by Requirement of Law or by any subpoena or similar legal process following notice to the Borrowers of such requirement by the Administrative Agent and an opportunity for the Borrowers to contest if practicable, (d) to any other party to this Agreement, (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder or any suit, action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder, (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section, to (i) any assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective assignee of or Participant in, any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement or (ii) any actual or prospective counterparty (or its advisors) to any swap or derivative transaction relating to the Loan Parties and their obligations, (g) with the consent of the Borrowers, (h) to the extent such Information (i) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section or (ii) becomes available to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than the Borrowers, and (i) to a Lender’s regulatory authorities in the course of any examination of its books and records. For the purposes of this Section, “ Information ” means all information received from the Borrowers relating to any Borrower or its business, other than any such information that is available to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender on a nonconfidential basis prior to disclosure by any Borrower; provided that, in the case of information received from any Borrower after the date hereof, such information is clearly identified at the time of delivery as confidential. Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Information as provided in this Section shall be considered to have complied with its obligation to do so if such Person has

 

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exercised the same degree of care to maintain the confidentiality of such Information as such Person would accord to its own confidential information.

 

SECTION 9.13. Several Obligations; Nonreliance; Violation of Law . The respective obligations of the Lenders hereunder are several and not joint and the failure of any Lender to make any Loan or perform any of its obligations hereunder shall not relieve any other Lender from any of its obligations hereunder. Each Lender hereby represents that it is not relying on or looking to any margin stock for the repayment of the Borrowings provided for herein. Anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, neither the Issuing Bank nor any Lender shall be obligated to extend credit to the Borrowers in violation of any Requirement of Law.

 

SECTION 9.14. USA PATRIOT Act . Each Lender that is subject to the requirements of the USA Patriot Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)) (the “ Act ”) hereby notifies the Borrowers that pursuant to the requirements of the Act, it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies the Borrowers, which information includes the name and address of the Borrowers and other information that will allow such Lender to identify the Borrowers in accordance with the Act.

 

SECTION 9.15. Disclosure . Each Loan Party and each Lender hereby acknowledges and agrees that the Administrative Agent and/or its Affiliates from time to time may hold investments in, make other loans to or have other relationships with any of the Loan Parties and their respective Affiliates.

 

SECTION 9.16. Appointment for Perfection . Each Lender hereby appoints each other Lender as its agent for the purpose of perfecting Liens, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, in assets which, in accordance with Article 9 of the UCC, the PPSA or any other applicable law can be perfected only by possession. Should any Lender (other than the Administrative Agent) obtain possession of any such Collateral, such Lender shall notify the Administrative Agent thereof, and, promptly upon the Administrative Agent’s request therefor shall deliver such Collateral to the Administrative Agent or otherwise deal with such Collateral in accordance with the Administrative Agent’s instructions.

 

SECTION 9.17. Interest Rate Limitation . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if at any time the interest rate applicable to any Loan, together with all fees, charges and other amounts which are treated as interest on such Loan under applicable law (collectively the “ Charges ”), shall exceed the maximum lawful rate (the “ Maximum Rate ”) which may be contracted for, charged, taken, received or reserved by the Lender holding such Loan in accordance with applicable law, the rate of interest payable in respect of such Loan hereunder, together with all Charges payable in respect thereof, shall be limited to the Maximum Rate and, to the extent lawful, the interest and Charges that would have been payable in respect of such Loan but were not payable as a result of the operation of this Section shall be cumulated and the interest and Charges payable to such Lender in respect of other Loans or periods shall be increased (but not above the Maximum Rate therefor) until such cumulated amount, together with interest thereon at the Federal Funds Effective Rate to the date of repayment, shall have been received by such Lender.

 

SECTION 9.18. Judgment Currency . If for the purpose of obtaining judgment in any court it is necessary to convert an amount due hereunder in the currency in which it is due (the “ Original Currency ”) into another currency (the “ Second Currency ”), the rate of exchange applied shall be that at which, in accordance with normal banking procedures, the Administrative Agent could purchase in the Chicago foreign exchange market, the Original Currency with the Second Currency on the date two (2) Business Days preceding that on which judgment is given. Each Borrower agrees that its obligation in respect of any Original Currency due from it hereunder shall, notwithstanding any judgment or payment in such other currency, be discharged only to the extent that, on the date the Lender receives payment of any sum

 

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so adjudged to be due hereunder in the Second Currency, the Administrative Agent may, in accordance with normal banking procedures, purchase, in the Chicago foreign exchange market, the Original Currency with the amount of the Second Currency so paid; and if the amount of the Original Currency so purchased or could have been so purchased is less than the amount originally due in the Original Currency, each Borrower agrees as a separate obligation and notwithstanding any such payment or judgment to indemnify the Administrative Agent against such loss. The term “rate of exchange” in this Section 9.18 means the spot rate at which the Administrative Agent, in accordance with normal practices, is able on the relevant date to purchase the Original Currency with the Second Currency, and includes any premium and costs of exchange payable in connection with such purchase.

 

ARTICLE X

 

Loan Guaranty

 

SECTION 10.01. Guaranty . Each Loan Guarantor hereby agrees that it is jointly and severally liable for, and, as primary obligor and not merely as surety, absolutely and unconditionally guarantees to the Lenders the prompt payment when due, whether at stated maturity, upon acceleration or otherwise, and at all times thereafter, of the Secured Obligations and all reasonable costs and expenses including, without limitation, all court costs and reasonable attorneys’ and paralegals’ fees and expenses paid or incurred after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default by the Administrative Agent, any Lender and the Issuing Bank in endeavoring to collect all or any part of the Secured Obligations from, or in prosecuting any action against, any Borrower, any Loan Guarantor or any other guarantor of all or any part of the Secured Obligations (such costs and expenses, together with the Secured Obligations, collectively the “ Guaranteed Obligations ”). Each Loan Guarantor further agrees that the Guaranteed Obligations may be extended or renewed in whole or in part without notice to or further assent from it, and that it remains bound upon its guarantee notwithstanding any such extension or renewal. All terms of this Loan Guaranty apply to and may be enforced by or on behalf of any domestic or foreign branch or Affiliate of any Lender that extended any portion of the Guaranteed Obligations.

 

SECTION 10.02. Guaranty of Payment . This Loan Guaranty is a guaranty of payment and not of collection. Each Loan Guarantor waives any right to require the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender to sue any Borrower, any Loan Guarantor, any other guarantor, or any other person obligated for all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations (each, an “ Obligated Party ”), or otherwise to enforce its payment against any collateral securing all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations.

 

SECTION 10.03. No Discharge or Diminishment of Loan Guaranty . (a) Except as otherwise provided for herein, the obligations of each Loan Guarantor hereunder are unconditional and absolute and not subject to any reduction, limitation, impairment or termination for any reason (other than the indefeasible payment in full in cash of the Guaranteed Obligations or a signed waiver or release executed by the Administrative Agent), including: (i) any claim of waiver, release, extension, renewal, settlement, surrender, alteration, or compromise of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, by operation of law or otherwise other than as written; (ii) any change in the corporate existence, structure or ownership of any Borrower or any other guarantor of or other person liable for any of the Guaranteed Obligations; (iii) any insolvency, bankruptcy, reorganization or other similar proceeding affecting any Obligated Party other than such Loan Guarantor, or their assets or any resulting release or discharge of any obligation of any Obligated Party other than such Loan Guarantor; or (iv) the existence of any claim, setoff or other rights which any Loan Guarantor may have at any time against any Obligated Party, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank, any Lender, or any other person, whether in connection herewith or in any unrelated transactions.

 

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(b) The obligations of each Loan Guarantor hereunder are not subject to any defense or setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, or termination whatsoever by reason of the invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability of any of the Guaranteed Obligations or otherwise, or any provision of applicable law or regulation purporting to prohibit payment by any Obligated Party, of the Guaranteed Obligations or any part thereof.

 

(c) Further, the obligations of any Loan Guarantor hereunder are not discharged or impaired or otherwise affected by: (i) the failure of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any remedy with respect to all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations; (ii) any waiver or modification of or supplement to any provision of any agreement relating to the Guaranteed Obligations; (iii) any release, non-perfection, or invalidity of any indirect or direct security for the obligations of the Borrowers for all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations or any obligations of any other guarantor of or other person liable for any of the Guaranteed Obligations; (iv) any action or failure to act by the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender with respect to any collateral securing any part of the Guaranteed Obligations; or (v) any default, failure or delay, willful or otherwise, in the payment or performance of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, or any other circumstance, act, omission or delay that might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of such Loan Guarantor or that would otherwise operate as a discharge of any Loan Guarantor as a matter of law or equity (other than the indefeasible payment in full in cash of the Guaranteed Obligations).

 

SECTION 10.04. Defenses Waived . To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Loan Guarantor hereby waives any defense based on or arising out of any defense of any Borrower or any Loan Guarantor or the unenforceability of all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations from any cause, or the cessation from any cause of the liability of any Borrower or any Loan Guarantor, other than the indefeasible payment in full in cash of the Guaranteed Obligations. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Loan Guarantor irrevocably waives acceptance hereof, presentment, demand, protest and, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any notice not provided for herein, as well as any requirement that at any time any action be taken by any person against any Obligated Party, or any other person. The Administrative Agent may, at its election, foreclose on any Collateral held by it by one or more judicial or nonjudicial sales, accept an assignment of any such Collateral in lieu of foreclosure or otherwise act or fail to act with respect to any collateral securing all or a part of the Guaranteed Obligations, compromise or adjust any part of the Guaranteed Obligations, make any other accommodation with any Obligated Party or exercise any other right or remedy available to it against any Obligated Party, without affecting or impairing in any way the liability of such Loan Guarantor under this Loan Guaranty except to the extent the Guaranteed Obligations have been fully and indefeasibly paid in cash. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Loan Guarantor waives any defense arising out of any such election even though that election may operate, pursuant to applicable law, to impair or extinguish any right of reimbursement or subrogation or other right or remedy of any Loan Guarantor against any Obligated Party or any security.

 

SECTION 10.05. Rights of Subrogation . No Loan Guarantor will assert any right, claim or cause of action, including, without limitation, a claim of subrogation, contribution or indemnification that it has against any Obligated Party, or any collateral, until the Loan Parties and the Loan Guarantors have fully performed all their obligations to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders.

 

SECTION 10.06. Reinstatement; Stay of Acceleration . If at any time any payment of any portion of the Guaranteed Obligations is rescinded or must otherwise be restored or returned upon the insolvency, bankruptcy, or reorganization of any Borrower or otherwise, each Loan Guarantor’s obligations under this Loan Guaranty with respect to that payment shall be reinstated at such time as though the payment had not been made and whether or not the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders are in possession of this Loan Guaranty. If acceleration of the time for payment of any of the Guaranteed

 

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Obligations is stayed upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of any Borrower, all such amounts otherwise subject to acceleration under the terms of any agreement relating to the Guaranteed Obligations shall nonetheless be payable by the Loan Guarantors forthwith on demand by the Lender.

 

SECTION 10.07. Information . Each Loan Guarantor assumes all responsibility for being and keeping itself informed of the Borrowers’ financial condition and assets, and of all other circumstances bearing upon the risk of nonpayment of the Guaranteed Obligations and the nature, scope and extent of the risks that each Loan Guarantor assumes and incurs under this Loan Guaranty, and agrees that neither the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank nor any Lender shall have any duty to advise any Loan Guarantor of information known to it regarding those circumstances or risks.

 

SECTION 10.08. Termination . The Lenders may continue to make loans or extend credit to the Borrowers based on this Loan Guaranty until five days after it receives written notice of termination from any Loan Guarantor. Notwithstanding receipt of any such notice, each Loan Guarantor will continue to be liable to the Lenders for any Guaranteed Obligations created, assumed or committed to prior to the fifth day after receipt of the notice, and all subsequent renewals, extensions, modifications and amendments with respect to, or substitutions for, all or any part of that Guaranteed Obligations.

 

SECTION 10.09. [ Intentionally omitted .]

 

SECTION 10.10. Maximum Liability . The provisions of this Loan Guaranty are severable, and in any action or proceeding involving any state or provincial corporate law, or any state, provincial, federal or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other law affecting the rights of creditors generally, if the obligations of any Loan Guarantor under this Loan Guaranty would otherwise be held or determined to be avoidable, invalid or unenforceable on account of the amount of such Loan Guarantor’s liability under this Loan Guaranty, then, notwithstanding any other provision of this Loan Guaranty to the contrary, the amount of such liability shall, without any further action by the Loan Guarantors or the Lenders, be automatically limited and reduced to the highest amount that is valid and enforceable as determined in such action or proceeding (such highest amount determined hereunder being the relevant Loan Guarantor’s “ Maximum Liability ”. This Section with respect to the Maximum Liability of each Loan Guarantor is intended solely to preserve the rights of the Lenders to the maximum extent not subject to avoidance under applicable law, and no Loan Guarantor nor any other person or entity shall have any right or claim under this Section with respect to such Maximum Liability, except to the extent necessary so that the obligations of any Loan Guarantor hereunder shall not be rendered voidable under applicable law. Each Loan Guarantor agrees that the Guaranteed Obligations may at any time and from time to time exceed the Maximum Liability of each Loan Guarantor without impairing this Loan Guaranty or affecting the rights and remedies of the Lenders hereunder, provided that, nothing in this sentence shall be construed to increase any Loan Guarantor’s obligations hereunder beyond its Maximum Liability.

 

SECTION 10.11. Contribution . In the event any Loan Guarantor (a “ Paying Guarantor ”) shall make any payment or payments under this Loan Guaranty or shall suffer any loss as a result of any realization upon any collateral granted by it to secure its obligations under this Loan Guaranty, each other Loan Guarantor (each a “ Non-Paying Guarantor ”) shall contribute to such Paying Guarantor an amount equal to such Non-Paying Guarantor’s “Applicable Percentage” of such payment or payments made, or losses suffered, by such Paying Guarantor. For purposes of this Article X, each Non-Paying Guarantor’s “ Applicable Percentage ” with respect to any such payment or loss by a Paying Guarantor shall be determined as of the date on which such payment or loss was made by reference to the ratio of (i) such Non-Paying Guarantor’s Maximum Liability as of such date (without giving effect to any right to receive, or obligation to make, any contribution hereunder) or, if such Non-Paying Guarantor’s Maximum Liability has not been determined, the aggregate amount of all monies received by such Non-Paying Guarantor from any Borrower after the date hereof (whether by loan, capital infusion or by other means)

 

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to (ii) the aggregate Maximum Liability of all Loan Guarantors hereunder (including such Paying Guarantor) as of such date (without giving effect to any right to receive, or obligation to make, any contribution hereunder), or to the extent that a Maximum Liability has not been determined for any Loan Guarantor, the aggregate amount of all monies received by such Loan Guarantors from any Borrower after the date hereof (whether by loan, capital infusion or by other means). Nothing in this provision shall affect any Loan Guarantor’s several liability for the entire amount of the Guaranteed Obligations (up to such Loan Guarantor’s Maximum Liability). Each of the Loan Guarantors covenants and agrees that its right to receive any contribution under this Loan Guaranty from a Non-Paying Guarantor shall be subordinate and junior in right of payment to the payment in full in cash of the Guaranteed Obligations. This provision is for the benefit of both the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank, the Lenders and the Loan Guarantors and may be enforced by any one, or more, or all of them in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

SECTION 10.12. Liability Joint and Several . The obligations of each Loan Party as a Loan Guarantor under this Article X is in addition to all obligations of each Loan Party to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which such Loan Party is a party or in respect of any obligations or liabilities of the other Loan Parties, without any limitation as to amount, unless the instrument or agreement evidencing or creating such other liability specifically provides to the contrary. The Loan Parties are jointly and severally liable for the repayment in full of the Obligations.

 

ARTICLE XI

 

Multiple Borrower Provisions

 

SECTION 11.01. Independent Obligations; Subrogation . The obligations of each Borrower, as guarantor of another Borrower’s Obligations hereunder, are joint and several. To the maximum extent permitted by law, each Borrower hereby waives any claim, right or remedy which it may now have or hereafter acquire against another Borrower that arises hereunder including, without limitation, any claim, remedy or right of subrogation, reimbursement, exoneration, contribution, indemnification, or participation in any claim, right or remedy of the Administrative Agent or any Lender against any Borrower or any Collateral which Lender now has or hereafter acquires, whether or not such claim, right or remedy arises in equity, under contract, by statute, under common law or otherwise until the Obligations hereunder are fully paid and finally discharged. In addition, each Borrower hereby waives any right to proceed against another Borrower, now or hereafter, for contribution, indemnity, reimbursement, and any other suretyship rights and claims, whether direct or indirect, liquidated or contingent, whether arising under express or implied contract or by operation of law, which any Borrower may now have or hereafter have as against another Borrower with respect to the Obligations hereunder until such Obligations are fully paid and finally discharged. Each Borrower also hereby waives any rights of recourse to or with respect to any asset of any other Borrower until the Obligations hereunder are fully paid and finally discharged.

 

SECTION 11.02. Authority to Modify Obligations and Security . Each Borrower (a “ Consenting Borrower ”) authorizes the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, without notice or demand (except to the extent otherwise required under this Agreement) and without affecting such Consenting Borrower’s liability hereunder, from time to time, whether before or after any notice of termination hereof or before or after any default in respect of the Obligations hereunder, to:

 

(a) accept, substitute, waive, decrease, increase, release, exchange or otherwise alter any Collateral, in whole or in part, securing any other Borrower’s (an “ Affected Borrower ”) Obligations;

 

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(b) apply any and all such Collateral and direct the order or manner of sale thereof as the Administrative Agent, in its discretion, may determine;

 

(c) deal with any Affected Borrower as the Administrative Agent may elect;

 

(d) in the Administrative Agent’s reasonable discretion, settle, release on terms satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, or by operation of law or otherwise, compound, compromise, collect or otherwise liquidate any Affected Borrower’s obligations and/or any of the Collateral in any manner, and bid and purchase any of the collateral at any sale thereof;

 

(e) apply any and all payments or recoveries from an Affected Borrower as the Administrative Agent, in its discretion, may determine, whether or not such payment relates to the Obligations of the Consenting Borrower hereunder; and whether such Obligations are secured or unsecured or guaranteed or not guaranteed by others; and

 

(f) apply any sums realized from Collateral furnished by an Affected Borrower upon any of its indebtedness or obligations to the Administrative Agent or any Lender as the Administrative Agent, in its discretion, may determine, whether or not such indebtedness relates to the Obligations of the Consenting Borrower hereunder.

 

SECTION 11.03. Waiver of Defenses . Upon an Event of Default by any Borrower in respect of any Obligations hereunder, the Administrative Agent may, at its option and without notice to the other Borrowers, proceed directly against any Borrower to collect and recover the full amount of the liability hereunder, or any portion thereof, and each Borrower waives any right to require the Administrative Agent to:

 

(a) proceed against any other Borrower or any other person whomsoever;

 

(b) proceed against or exhaust any Collateral given to or held by the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with the Obligations hereunder;

 

(c) give notice of the terms, time and place of any public or private sale of any of the Collateral except as otherwise provided herein or required by applicable law; or

 

(d) pursue any other remedy in the Administrative Agent’s power whatsoever.

 

A separate action or actions may be brought and prosecuted against a Borrower whether or not action is brought against any other Borrower and whether any other Borrower be joined in any such action or actions.

 

SECTION 11.04. Right to Dispose of Security; Impairment of Rights . Each Borrower hereby authorizes and empowers the Administrative Agent in its discretion, without any notice or demand to such Borrower whatsoever (except as otherwise required under this Agreement) and without affecting the liability of such Borrower hereunder, to exercise any right or remedy which the Administrative Agent may have available to it against any other Borrower, including, but not limited to, judicial foreclosure, exercise of rights of power of sale without judicial action, or taking a deed or an assignment in lieu of foreclosure as to any Collateral, and such Borrower hereby waives any defense to the recovery by the Administrative Agent against such Borrower of any deficiency after such action notwithstanding any impairment or loss of any right of reimbursement or subrogation or other right or remedy against another Borrower or against any Collateral for the Obligations hereunder.

 

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SECTION 11.05. Additional Waivers . Each Borrower waives any defense arising by reason of any disability or other defense of any other Borrower or by reason of any cessation from any cause whatsoever of the liability of the other Borrower or by reason of any act or omission of the Administrative Agent, any Lender or others which directly or indirectly results in or aids the discharge or release of any other Borrower or any Obligations hereunder or any Collateral by operation of law or otherwise. No exercise by the Administrative Agent of, and no omission of the Administrative Agent to exercise, any power or authority recognized herein and no impairment or suspension of any right or remedy of the Administrative Agent against any Borrower or any Collateral shall in any way suspend, discharge, release, exonerate or otherwise affect any of the Obligations of Borrower hereunder or any Collateral furnished by any Borrower or give to any Borrower any right of recourse against the Administrative Agent. Each Borrower specifically agrees that the failure of the Administrative Agent: (a) to perfect any lien on or security interest in any property heretofore or hereafter given by any Borrower to secure payment of the Obligations hereunder, or to record or file any document relating thereto; or (b) to file or enforce a claim against the estate (either in administration, bankruptcy or other proceeding) of any Borrower shall not in any manner whatsoever terminate, diminish, exonerate or otherwise affect the liability of any Borrower hereunder.

 

SECTION 11.06. No Right To Information . Each Borrower waives the right, if any, to require the Administrative Agent to disclose to such Borrower any information it may now have or hereafter acquire concerning another Borrower’s character, credit, Collateral, financial condition or other matters. Each Borrower has established adequate means to obtain from the other Borrowers on a continuing basis financial and other information pertaining to such other Borrower’s business and affairs, and assumes the responsibility for being and keeping informed of the financial and other conditions of the other Borrowers and of all circumstances bearing upon the risk of nonpayment of the Obligations hereunder which diligent inquiry would reveal. The Administrative Agent need not inquire into the powers of any Borrower or the authority of any of its respective officers, directors, partners or agents acting or purporting to act in its behalf, and any Obligations hereunder created in reliance upon the purported exercise of such power or authority is hereby guaranteed. All Obligations to the Administrative Agent heretofore, now, or hereafter created shall be deemed to have been granted at each Borrower’s special insistence and request and in consideration of and in reliance upon this Agreement.

 

SECTION 11.07. Notices, Demands, Etc . Except as expressly provided by this Agreement, the Administrative Agent shall be under no obligation whatsoever to make or give to any Borrower, and each Borrower hereby waives diligence, all rights of setoff and counterclaim against Lender, all demands, presentments, protests, notices of protests, notices of nonperformance, notices of dishonor, and all other notices of every kind or nature, including notice of the existence, creation or incurring of any new or additional Obligations hereunder.

 

SECTION 11.08. Subordination . Except as otherwise provided in this Section 11.08, any indebtedness of any Borrower now or hereafter owing to another Borrower is hereby subordinated to the Obligations of the Borrowers to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders hereunder, whether heretofore, now or hereafter created, and whether before or after notice of termination hereof, and, following the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, no Borrower shall, without the prior consent of the Administrative Agent, pay in whole or in part any of such indebtedness nor will any Borrower accept any payment of or on account of any such indebtedness at any time while such Borrower remains liable hereunder. At the request of the Administrative Agent, after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, each Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent all or any part of such subordinated indebtedness and any amount so paid to the Administrative Agent at its request shall be applied to payment of the Obligations hereunder. Each payment on the indebtedness of a Borrower to another Borrower received in violation of any of the provisions hereof shall be deemed to have been received by such Borrower as trustee for the Administrative Agent and shall be paid over to the

 

99


Administrative Agent immediately on account of the Obligations hereunder, but without otherwise affecting in any manner such Borrower’s liability under any of the provisions of this Agreement. Each Borrower agrees to file all claims against any other Borrower in any bankruptcy or other proceeding in which the filing of claims is required by law in respect of any indebtedness of any other Borrower to such Borrower, and the Administrative Agent shall be entitled to all of any such Borrower’s rights thereunder. If for any reason any Borrower fails to file such claim at least thirty (30) days prior to the last date on which such claim should be filed, the Administrative Agent, as such Borrower’s attorney-in-fact, is hereby authorized to do so in such Borrower’s name or, in the Administrative Agent’s discretion, to assign such claim to, and cause a proof of claim to be filed in the name of, the Administrative Agent’s nominee. In all such cases, whether in administration, bankruptcy or otherwise, the person or persons authorized to pay such claim shall pay to the Administrative Agent the full amount payable on the claim in the proceeding, and to the full extent necessary for that purpose such Borrower hereby assigns to the Administrative Agent all such Borrower’s rights to any payments or distributions to which such Borrower otherwise would be entitled. If the amount so paid is greater than such Borrower’s liability hereunder, the Administrative Agent will pay the excess amount to the party entitled thereto.

 

SECTION 11.09. Revival . If any payments of money or transfers of property made to the Administrative Agent or any Lender by any Borrower should for any reason subsequently be declared to be fraudulent (within the meaning of any state or federal law relating to fraudulent conveyances), preferential or otherwise voidable or recoverable in whole or in part for any reason (hereinafter collectively called “ voidable transfers ”) under the bankruptcy code or any other federal or state or provincial law, and the Administrative Agent or such Lender is required to repay or restore any such voidable transfer, or the amount or any portion thereof, then as to any such voidable transfer or the amount repaid or restored and all costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) of the Administrative Agent or such Lender related thereto, Borrower’s liability hereunder shall automatically be revived, reinstated and restored and shall exist as though such voidable transfer had never been made to the Administrative Agent or such Lender.

 

SECTION 11.10. Understanding of Waivers . Each Borrower warrants and agrees that the waivers set forth in this Article XI are made with full knowledge of their significance and consequences. If any of such waivers are determined to be contrary to any applicable law or public policy, such waivers shall be effective only to the maximum extent permitted by law.

 

SECTION 11.11. Unlimited Liability . The Obligations of the Borrowers hereunder shall be in addition to any obligations of the Borrowers to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders heretofore given or hereafter to be given to the Administrative Agent or any Lender unless such other obligations are expressly modified or terminated in writing. The Obligations of the Borrowers to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall at all times be deemed to be the aggregate liability of the Borrowers under the terms of this Agreement and of any other obligations heretofore or hereafter incurred by any Borrower to the Administrative Agent or any Lender under this Agreement or the Loan Documents and not expressly terminated or modified in writing.

 

SECTION 11.12. International as Agent for Borrowers . Each Borrower hereby irrevocably appoints International as the borrowing agent and attorney-in-fact for all Borrowers (the “ Administrative Borrower ”) which appointment shall remain in full force and effect unless and until the Administrative Agent shall have received prior written notice signed by each Borrower that such appointment has been revoked and that another Borrower has been appointed Administrative Borrower. Each Borrower hereby irrevocably appoints and authorizes the Administrative Borrower (i) to provide the Administrative Agent with all notices with respect to Loans and Letters of Credit obtained for the benefit of any Borrower and all other notices and instructions under this Agreement and (ii) to take such action as the Administrative Borrower deems appropriate on its behalf to obtain Loans and Letters of Credit and to exercise such other

 

100


powers as are reasonably incidental thereto to carry out the purposes of this Agreement. It is understood that the handling of the Loans and Collateral of Borrowers in a combined fashion, as more fully set forth herein, is done solely as an accommodation to Borrowers in order to utilize the collective borrowing powers of Borrowers in the most efficient and economical manner and at their request, and that neither the Administrative Agent nor any Lender shall incur liability to any Borrower as a result hereof. Each Borrower expects to derive benefit, directly or indirectly, from the handling of the Loans and the Collateral in a combined fashion since the successful operation of each Borrower is dependent on the continued successful performance of the integrated group. To induce the Administrative Agent and the Lenders to do so, and in consideration thereof, each Borrower hereby jointly and severally agrees to indemnify the Administrative Agent and each Lender and hold the Administrative Agent and each Lender harmless against any and all liability, expense, loss or claim of damage or injury, made against the Administrative Agent or any Lender by any Borrower or by any third party whosoever, arising from or incurred by reason of (a) the handling of the Loans and Collateral of Borrowers as herein provided, (b) reliance by the Administrative Agent or any Lender on any instructions of the Administrative Borrower, or (c) any other action taken by the Administrative Agent or any Lender hereunder or under the other Loan Documents, except that Borrowers will have no liability to the Administrative Agent or any Lender under this Section 11.12 with respect to any liability that has been finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted solely from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be.

 

101


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.

 

BORROWERS:

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC.

By    

Name:

   

Title:

   

CORE-MARK INTERNATIONAL, INC.

By    

Name:

   

Title:

   

CORE-MARK HOLDINGS I, INC.

By    

Name:

   

Title:

   

CORE-MARK HOLDINGS II, INC.

By    

Name:

   

Title:

   

CORE-MARK HOLDINGS III, INC.

By    

Name:

   

Title:

   

CORE-MARK MIDCONTINENT, INC.

By    

Name:

   

Title:

   

 

-Credit Agreement Signature Pages -


CORE-MARK INTERRELATED COMPANIES, INC.

By    

Name:

   

Title:

   

HEAD DISTRIBUTING COMPANY

By    

Name:

   

Title:

   

MINTER-WEISMAN CO.

By    

Name:

   

Title:

   

 

-Credit Agreement Signature Pages -


LENDERS:

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Issuing Bank, Swingline Lender and a Revolving Lender
By    

Name:

   

Title:

   
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., TORONTO BRANCH, as Canadian Swingline Lender and a Canadian Lender
By    

Name:

   

Title:

   

 

-Credit Agreement Signature Pages -


GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, as Co-Syndication Agent and a Revolving Lender
By    

Name:

   

Title:

   
GE CANADA FINANCE HOLDING COMPANY, as a Canadian Lender
By    

Name:

   

Title:

   

 

-Credit Agreement Signature Pages -


WACHOVIA CAPITAL FINANCE CORPORATION (WESTERN), as Co-Syndication Agent and a Revolving Lender
By    

Name:

   

Title:

   
CONGRESS FINANCIAL CORPORATION (CANADA), as a Canadian Lender
By    

Name:

   

Title:

   

 

-Credit Agreement Signature Pages -


BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Co-Documentation Agent and a Revolving Lender
By    

Name:

   

Title:

   
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., CANADIAN BRANCH, as a Canadian Lender
By    

Name:

   

Title:

   

 

-Credit Agreement Signature Pages -


WELLS FARGO FOOTHILL, LLC, as Co-Documentation Agent and a Revolving Lender
By    

Name:

   

Title:

   
WELLS FARGO FINANCIAL CORPORATION CANADA, as a Canadian Lender
By    

Name:

   

Title:

   

 

-Credit Agreement Signature Pages -


UNION BANK OF CALIFORNIA, N.A., as a Revolving Lender
By    
    Michele Mojabi
    Vice President
UNION BANK OF CALIFORNIA, CANADA BRANCH, as a Canadian Lender
By    
    James Chepyha
    Vice President

 

-Credit Agreement Signature Pages -


THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA, as a Revolving Lender and a Canadian Lender
By    

Name:

   

Title:

   

 

-Credit Agreement Signature Pages -


HARRIS N.A., as a Revolving Lender

By    

Name:

   

Title:

   

BANK OF MONTREAL, as a Canadian Lender

By    

Name:

   

Title:

   

 

-Credit Agreement Signature Pages -


COMMITMENT SCHEDULE

 

Lender


   Revolving
Commitment


   Canadian
Commitment


JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

   $ 50,000,000    Cdn.$ 22,000,000

General Electric Capital Corporation

   $ 32,500,000      -0-

GE Canada Finance Holding Company

     -0-    Cdn.$ 14,300,000

Wachovia Capital Finance Corporation (Western)

   $ 32,500,000      -0-

Congress Financial Corporation (Canada)

     -0-    Cdn.$ 14,300,000

Bank of America, N.A.

   $ 32,500,000    Cdn.$ 14,300,000

Wells Fargo Foothill, LLC

   $ 32,500,000      -0-

Wells Fargo Financial Corporation Canada

     -0-    Cdn.$ 14,300,000

Union Bank of California, N.A.

   $ 25,000,000    Cdn.$ 11,000,000

The Bank of Nova Scotia

   $ 22,500,000    Cdn.$ 9,900,000

Harris N.A.

   $ 22,500,000      -0-

Bank of Montreal

     -0-    Cdn.$ 9,900,000
    

  

Total

   $ 250,000,000    Cdn.$ 110,000,000
    

  

 

Commitment Schedule


EXHIBIT A

 

ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

 

This Assignment and Assumption (the “ Assignment and Assumption ”) is dated as of the Effective Date set forth below and is entered into by and between [ Insert name of Assignor ] (the “ Assignor ”) and [ Insert name of Assignee ] (the “ Assignee ”). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement identified below (as amended, the “ Credit Agreement ”), receipt of a copy of which is hereby acknowledged by the Assignee. The Standard Terms and Conditions set forth in Annex 1 attached hereto are hereby agreed to and incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this Assignment and Assumption as if set forth herein in full.

 

For an agreed consideration, the Assignor hereby irrevocably sells and assigns to the Assignee, and the Assignee hereby irrevocably purchases and assumes from the Assignor, subject to and in accordance with the Standard Terms and Conditions and the Credit Agreement, as of the Effective Date inserted by the Administrative Agent as contemplated below (i) all of the Assignor’s rights and obligations in its capacity as a Lender under the Credit Agreement and any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto to the extent related to the amount and percentage interest identified below of all of such outstanding rights and obligations of the Assignor under the respective facilities identified below (including any letters of credit, guarantees, and swingline loans included in such facilities) and (ii) to the extent permitted to be assigned under applicable law, all claims, suits, causes of action and any other right of the Assignor (in its capacity as a Lender) against any Person, whether known or unknown, arising under or in connection with the Credit Agreement, any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto or the loan transactions governed thereby or in any way based on or related to any of the foregoing, including contract claims, tort claims, malpractice claims, statutory claims and all other claims at law or in equity related to the rights and obligations sold and assigned pursuant to clause (i) above (the rights and obligations sold and assigned pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) above being referred to herein collectively as the “ Assigned Interest ”). Such sale and assignment is without recourse to the Assignor and, except as expressly provided in this Assignment and Assumption, without representation or warranty by the Assignor.

 

1.      Assignor:

   ____________________________

2.      Assignee:

   ____________________________
     [and is an Affiliate/Approved Fund of [ identify Lender ] 1 ]

3.      Borrower(s):

   ____________________________

4.      Administrative Agent:

   _____________________, as the administrative agent under the Credit Agreement

5.      Credit Agreement:

   [The $250,000,000 Credit Agreement dated as of October [        ], 2005 among Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc., certain of its Affiliates, the Lenders parties thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and the other agents and lenders parties thereto]

1 Select as applicable.

 

Exhibit A


6. Assigned Interest:

 

Facility Assigned


   Aggregate Amount of
Commitment/Loans for
all Lenders


   Amount of
Commitment/Loans
Assigned


   Percentage Assigned of
Commitment/Loans 2


Revolving Commitment    $    $    %
     $    $    %
     $    $    %

 

Effective Date:                           , 20      [TO BE INSERTED BY ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND WHICH SHALL BE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF RECORDATION OF TRANSFER IN THE REGISTER THEREFOR.]

 

The terms set forth in this Assignment and Assumption are hereby agreed to:

 

ASSIGNOR

[NAME OF ASSIGNOR]

By:

   

Title:

   

ASSIGNEE

[NAME OF ASSIGNEE]

By:

   

Title:

   

2 Set forth, to at least 9 decimals, as a percentage of the Commitment/Loans of all Lenders thereunder.

 

Exhibit A


[Consented to and] 3 Accepted:

 

[NAME OF ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT], as Administrative Agent

By

   

Title:

   

[Consented to:] 4

[NAME OF RELEVANT PARTY]

By

   

Title:

   

3 To be added only if the consent of the Administrative Agent is required by the terms of the Credit Agreement.
4 To be added only if the consent of the Administrative Borrower and/or other parties (e.g. Swingline Lender, Issuing Bank) is required by the terms of the Credit Agreement.

 

Exhibit A


ANNEX 1

 

[                                  ] 5

 

STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR

ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

 

1. Representations and Warranties .

 

1.1 Assignor . The Assignor (a) represents and warrants that (i) it is the legal and beneficial owner of the Assigned Interest, (ii) the Assigned Interest is free and clear of any lien, encumbrance or other adverse claim and (iii) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby; and (b) assumes no responsibility with respect to (i) any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Loan Documents or any collateral thereunder, (iii) the financial condition of any Borrower, any of their respective Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person obligated in respect of any Loan Document or (iv) the performance or observance by any Borrower, any of their respective Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person of any of their respective obligations under any Loan Document.

 

1.2. Assignee . The Assignee (a) represents and warrants that (i) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to become a Lender under the Credit Agreement, (ii) it satisfies the requirements, if any, specified in the Credit Agreement that are required to be satisfied by it in order to acquire the Assigned Interest and become a Lender, (iii) from and after the Effective Date, it shall be bound by the provisions of the Credit Agreement as a Lender thereunder and, to the extent of the Assigned Interest, shall have the obligations of a Lender thereunder, (iv) it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement, together with copies of the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 5.01 thereof, as applicable, and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Assumption and to purchase the Assigned Interest on the basis of which it has made such analysis and decision independently and without reliance on the Administrative Agent or any other Lender, and (v) attached to the Assignment and Assumption is any documentation required to be delivered by it pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, duly completed and executed by the Assignee; and (b) agrees that (i) it will, independently and without reliance on the Administrative Agent, the Assignor or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Loan Documents, and (ii) it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of the Loan Documents are required to be performed by it as a Lender. If the Assignee will be a Canadian Lender under the Credit Agreement, the Assignee certifies that it is an “authorized foreign bank” as defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada) and it will hold its interest in the Canadian Loans in the course of its “Canadian banking business” as defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada).

 

2. Payments . From and after the Effective Date, the Administrative Agent shall make all payments in respect of the Assigned Interest (including payments of principal, interest, fees and other amounts) to the Assignor for amounts which have accrued to but excluding the Effective Date and to the Assignee for amounts which have accrued from and after the Effective Date.


5 Describe Credit Agreement at option of Administrative Agent.

 

Exhibit A


3. General Provisions . This Assignment and Assumption shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. This Assignment and Assumption may be executed in any number of counterparts, which together shall constitute one instrument.

 

Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Assignment and Assumption by facsimile shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Assignment and Assumption. This Assignment and Assumption shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.

 

Exhibit A


EXHIBIT B

 

OPINION OF COUNSEL FOR THE BORROWERS

 

October __, 2005

 

To the Lenders and the Administrative

Agent Referred to Below

c/o JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A.,

as Administrative Agent

270 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10017

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

We have acted as counsel to Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc., Core-Mark International, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings I, Inc., Core-Mark Holdings II, Inc., and Core-Mark Holdings III, Inc., each a Delaware corporation (collectively, the “Delaware Corporate Opinion Parties”), Core-Mark Interrelated Companies, Inc., a California corporation (the “California Corporate Opinion Party” and together with the Delaware Corporate Opinion Parties, the “Corporate Opinion Parties”), and Core-Mark Midcontinent, Inc., an Arkansas corporation, Head Distributing Company, a Georgia corporation, and Minter-Weisman Co., a Minnesota corporation (collectively, the “Designated Companies” and together with the Corporate Opinion Parties, the “Credit Parties”) in connection with the preparation, execution and delivery of, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by, the Credit Agreement dated as of September __, 2005 (the “Credit Agreement”). Capitalized terms defined in the Credit Agreement and used (but not otherwise defined) herein are used herein as so defined.

 

In so acting, we have examined originals or copies (certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction) of (a) (i) the Credit Agreement, (ii) the Security Agreement, (iii) the Deposit Account Control Agreements listed on Schedule 1 hereto (collectively, the “Transaction Documents”) and (b) such corporate records, agreements, documents and other instruments, and such certificates or comparable documents of public officials and of officers and representatives of the Credit Parties, and have made such inquiries of such officers and representatives, as we have deemed relevant and necessary as a basis for the opinions hereinafter set forth.

 

In such examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the legal capacity of all natural persons, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as certified, conformed or photostatic copies and the authenticity of the originals of such latter documents. As to all questions of fact material to these opinions that have not been independently established, we have relied upon certificates or comparable documents of officers and representatives of the Credit Parties and upon the representations and warranties of the Credit Parties contained in the Agreement. We have also assumed (i) the valid existence of the Designated Companies, (ii) that the Designated Companies have the requisite corporate power and authority to enter into and perform the Transaction Documents and (iii) the due authorization, execution and delivery of the Transaction Documents by the Designated Companies. As used herein, “to our knowledge” and “of which we are aware” mean the conscious awareness of facts or other information by any lawyer in our firm actively involved in the transactions contemplated by the Credit Agreement.

 

Exhibit B


October      , 2005

Page 2

 

Based on the foregoing, and subject to the qualifications stated herein, we are of the opinion that:

 

1. Each Delaware Corporate Opinion Party is a corporation validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has all requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted. Each Delaware Corporate Opinion Party is duly qualified to transact business and is in good standing as a foreign corporation in each jurisdiction identified in Schedule 2 hereto.

 

2. The California Corporate Opinion Party is a corporation validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of California and has all requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted. The California Corporate Opinion Party is duly qualified to transact business and is in good standing as a foreign corporation in each jurisdiction identified in Schedule 2 hereto.

 

3. Each Corporate Opinion Party has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver each Transaction Document and to perform its respective obligations thereunder. The execution, delivery and performance by each of the Corporate Opinion Parties of each Transaction Document to which it is a party have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of each Corporate Opinion Party. Each of the Transaction Documents has been duly and validly executed and delivered by each such Corporate Opinion Party. Assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery thereof by the other parties thereto, each of the Transaction Documents constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of each Credit Party party thereto, enforceable against each such Credit Party in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws affecting creditors’ rights and remedies generally, and subject, as to enforceability, to general principles of equity, including principles of commercial reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding at law or in equity) and except that (A) rights to indemnification and contribution thereunder may be limited by federal or state securities laws or public policy relating thereto, (B) no opinion is expressed with respect to rights of set-off under the Transaction Documents, (C) certain remedial provisions of the Transaction Documents are or may be unenforceable in whole or in part under the laws of the State of New York, but the inclusion of such provisions does not affect the validity of the Transaction Documents, and the Transaction Documents contain adequate provisions for the practical realization of the rights and benefits afforded thereby, (D) no opinion is expressed with respect to any provision of any Transaction Document providing for liquidated damages and (E) no opinion is expressed with respect to the enforceability of Section 9.09(e) of the Credit Agreement or the enforceability under the laws of the State of California of any provision of any Transaction Document providing for waiver of jury trial or reference to a referee. No opinion is expressed in this paragraph as to the attachment, perfection or priority of any liens granted pursuant to the Transaction Documents.

 

4. The execution and delivery by each Credit Party of the Transaction Documents to which such Credit Party is a party and the performance by such Credit Party of its

 

Exhibit B


October      , 2005

Page 3

 

respective obligations thereunder will not conflict with, constitute a default under or violate (i) with respect to each Credit Party, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of the corporate charter or by-laws of such Credit Party, (ii) any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any material document, agreement or other instrument listed on Schedule 3 hereto, (iii) any New York, California, Delaware corporate or federal law or regulation (other than federal and state securities or blue sky laws, as to which we express no opinion in this paragraph), including without limitation, Regulation T, Regulation U and Regulation X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or (iv) any judgment, writ, injunction, decree, order or ruling of any court or governmental authority binding on any Credit Party of which we are aware.

 

5. No consent, approval, waiver, license or authorization or other action by or filing with any New York, California, Delaware corporate or federal governmental authority is required in connection with the execution and delivery by any Credit Party of the Transaction Documents, the consummation by any Credit Party of the transactions contemplated thereby or the performance by any Credit Party of its respective obligations thereunder, except for (i) filings in connection with perfecting security interests created by the Transaction Documents, (ii) federal and state securities or blue sky laws, as to which we express no opinion in this paragraph, (iii) those already obtained and (iv) immaterial consents, approvals, waivers, license or authorizations or other actions.

 

6. [Except as set forth in __________________], to our knowledge, there is no litigation, proceeding or governmental investigation pending or overtly threatened against any Credit Party that relates to any of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents or which, if adversely determined, would have a material adverse effect on the business, assets or financial condition of such Credit Parties and their respective subsidiaries taken as a whole.

 

7. (a) The execution and delivery of the Security Agreement creates a valid security interest in the Collateral (as defined in the Security Agreement), as security for the Obligations. Assuming the filing of the financing statements on Form UCC 1 attached hereto as Exhibit A with the Secretary of State of the States of Delaware and California, as applicable, such security interest is perfected, to the extent a security interest in the Collateral may be perfected by the filing of a financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code in effect in the State of Delaware (the “DE UCC”) and the Uniform Commercial Code in effect in the State of California (the “CA UCC”).

 

(b) The execution and delivery of the Security Agreement creates a valid lien on and security interest in the Pledged Collateral (as defined in the Security Agreement), as security for the Obligations. Assuming (i) delivery in the State of New York to the Administrative Agent (the “Pledgee”) of all certificates that represent the Pledged Collateral, together with stock powers properly executed in blank with respect thereto, and (ii) that the Pledgee was without notice of any adverse claim (as such phrase is defined in Section 8-105 of the Uniform Commercial Code in effect in the State of New York (the “NY UCC” and, together with the DE UCC and the CA UCC, the “UCC”) with respect to the Pledged Collateral, such security interest is perfected and is free of any adverse claim.

 

Exhibit B


October      , 2005

Page 4

 

The opinions in subparagraph (a) and, with respect to subclause A below, subparagraph (b) are subject to the following exceptions:

 

A. that with respect to rights in the Collateral of any Grantor (as defined in the Security Agreement), we express no opinion, and have assumed that such Grantor has rights in the Collateral;

 

B. that with respect to any Collateral as to which the perfection of a lien or security interest is governed by the laws of any jurisdiction other than the States of New York, Delaware or California, we express no opinion;

 

C. that with respect to security interests in real property leases or insurance policies, we express no opinion;

 

D. that with respect to any Collateral which is or may become fixtures (as defined in Section 9-102(a)(41) of the UCC) or a commercial tort claim (as defined in Section 9-102(a)(13) of the UCC), we express no opinion; and

 

E. that with respect to transactions excluded from Article 9 of the UCC by Section 9-109 thereof, we express no opinion.

 

The opinion set forth in subparagraph (b) is also subject to the following exceptions:

 

F. that with respect to (i) federal tax liens accorded priority under law and (ii) liens created under Title IV of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 which are properly filed after the date hereof, we express no opinion as to the relative priority of such liens and the security interests created by the Security Agreement or as to whether such liens may be adverse claims; and

 

G. that with respect to any claim (including for taxes) in favor of any state or any of its respective agencies, authorities, municipalities or political subdivisions which claim is given lien status and/or priority under any law of such state, we express no opinion as to the relative priority of such liens and the security interests created by the Security Agreement or as to whether such liens may be adverse claims.

 

In addition, the opinions in subparagraphs (a) and (b) are subject to (i) the limitations on perfection of security interests in proceeds resulting from the operation of Section 9-315 of the UCC; (ii) the limitations with respect to buyers in the ordinary course of business imposed by Sections 9-318 and 9-320 of the UCC; (iii) the limitations with respect to documents, instruments and securities imposed by Sections 8-302, 9-312 and 9-331 of the UCC; (iv) the provisions of Section 9-203 of the UCC relating to the time of attachment; and (v) Section 552 of Title 11 of the United States Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”) with respect to any Collateral acquired by a Grantor subsequent to the commencement of a case against or by a Grantor under the Bankruptcy Code.

 

We further assume that all filings will be timely made and duly filed as necessary (i) in the event of a change in the name, identity or corporate structure of a Grantor, (ii) in the event of a change in the location of a Grantor and (iii) to continue to maintain the effectiveness of the original filings.

 

Exhibit B


October      , 2005

Page 5

 

(c) The execution and delivery by the Grantors of the Security Agreement creates in favor of the Administrative Agent a valid security interest in each Deposit Account described therein. Upon the execution and delivery of the Deposit Account Control Agreements listed on Schedule 1 hereto by the Grantors, the Administrative Agent and the bank at which such Deposit Account referenced in Schedule 1 is maintained, the security interest granted to the Administrative Agent in such Deposit Account will be perfected.

 

The opinion set forth in this paragraph (c) is subject to the following exceptions:

 

A. that with respect to rights in or title to the Collateral of the Grantors (as such term is defined in the Security Agreement), we express no opinion, and have assumed that the Grantors have rights in the Collateral; and

 

B. that with respect to any Collateral as to which the perfection of a lien or security interest is governed by the laws of any jurisdiction other than the States of New York, Delaware or California, we express no opinion.

 

In addition, the opinion in paragraph (c) is subject to (i) the limitations on perfection of security interests in proceeds resulting from the operation of Section 9-315 of the UCC; (ii) the limitations with respect to securities imposed by Sections 8-302 and 9-312 of the UCC; (iii) the provisions of Section 9-203 of the UCC relating to the time of attachment; and (iv) Section 552 of Title 11 of the United States Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”) with respect to any Collateral acquired by a Grantor subsequent to the commencement of a case against or by a Grantor under the Bankruptcy Code.

 

8. No Credit Party is an “investment company” and none of the Credit Parties is a company controlled by an investment company within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

 

9. None of the Credit Parties is a “holding company” or “subsidiary company” as defined in, or subject to regulation under, the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935.

 

The opinions expressed herein are limited to the laws of the State of New York, the laws of the State of California, the corporate laws of the State of Delaware, Article 9 of the DE UCC, Article 9 of the CA UCC and the federal laws of the United States, and we express no opinion as to the effect on the matters covered by this letter of the laws of any other jurisdiction. The opinions expressed herein are rendered solely for your benefit in connection with the transactions described herein. Those opinions may not be used or relied upon by any other person, nor may this letter or any copies hereof be furnished to a third party, filed with a governmental agency, quoted, cited or otherwise referred to without our prior written consent.

 

Very truly yours,

 

Exhibit B


Schedule 1 to Form of Legal Opinion

 

Deposit Account Control Agreements

 

Schedule 1-1


Schedule 2 to Form of Legal Opinion

 

Foreign Jurisdictions

 

Schedule 2-1


Schedule 3 to Form of Legal Opinion

 

Material Agreements

 

Schedule 3-1


Exhibit A to Form of Legal Opinion

 

UCC-1 Financing Statements


EXHIBIT C

 

BORROWING BASE CERTIFICATE

 

See attached.

 

Exhibit C


EXHIBIT D

 

COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

 

To: The Lenders parties to the
  Credit Agreement Described Below

 

This Compliance Certificate is furnished pursuant to that certain Credit Agreement dated as of,                  (as amended, modified, renewed or extended from time to time, the “Agreement”) among                                                   (each a “Borrower” and collectively the “Borrowers”), the other Loan Parties, the Lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent for the Lenders and as the Issuing Bank. Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used in this Compliance Certificate have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Agreement.

 

THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY CERTIFIES THAT:

 

1. I am the duly elected                      of each of the Borrowers;

 

2. I have reviewed the terms of the Agreement and I have made, or have caused to be made under my supervision, a detailed review of the transactions and conditions of the Borrowers and their respective Subsidiaries during the accounting period covered by the attached financial statements [ for quarterly or monthly financial statements add: and such financial statements present fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of Holdings and its consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes];

 

3. The examinations described in paragraph 2 did not disclose, except as set forth below, and I have no knowledge of (i) the existence of any condition or event which constitutes a Default during or at the end of the accounting period covered by the attached financial statements or as of the date of this Certificate or (ii) any change in GAAP or in the application thereof that has occurred since the date of the audited financial statements referred to in Section 3.04 of the Agreement;

 

4. I hereby certify that no Loan Party has changed (i) its name, (ii) its chief executive office, (iii) principal place of business, (iv) the type of entity it is or (v) its state of incorporation or organization without having given the Agent the notice required by Section 4.15 of the Security Agreement;

 

5. Schedule I attached hereto sets forth financial data and computations evidencing the Borrowers’ compliance with Section 6.13 of the Agreement (if applicable under the terms of Section 6.13), all of which data and computations are true, complete and correct; and

 

6. Schedule II hereto sets forth the computations necessary to determine the Applicable Rate commencing on the Business Day this certificate is delivered.

 

Described below are the exceptions, if any, to paragraph 3 by listing, in detail, the (i) nature of the condition or event, the period during which it has existed and the action which the Borrowers have taken, is taking, or proposes to take with respect to each such condition or event or (i) the change in GAAP or the application thereof and the effect of such change on the attached financial statements:

 

___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

 

Exhibit D


The foregoing certifications, together with the computations set forth in Schedule I and Schedule II hereto and the financial statements delivered with this Certificate in support hereof, are made and delivered this      day of                  ,          .

 

 
By:    

Name:

   

Title:

   

 

Exhibit D


SCHEDULE I

 

Compliance as of                          ,              with

Provisions of          and              of

the Agreement

 

Exhibit D


SCHEDULE II

 

Borrowers’ Applicable Rate Calculation

 

Exhibit D


EXHIBIT E-1

 

LOAN PARTY JOINDER AGREEMENT

 

THIS JOINDER AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of __________, ____, 200_, is entered into between ________________________________, a _________________ (the “New Subsidiary”) and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., in its capacity as administrative agent (the “Administrative Agent”) under that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of ___________, __, 200_ among _______________ (each a “Borrower” and collectively the “Borrowers”), the Loan Parties party thereto, the Lenders party thereto and the Administrative Agent (as the same may be amended, modified, extended or restated from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”). All capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement.

 

The New Subsidiary and the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, hereby agree as follows:

 

1. The New Subsidiary hereby acknowledges, agrees and confirms that, by its execution of this Agreement, the New Subsidiary will be deemed to be a Loan Party under the Credit Agreement and a “Loan Guarantor” for all purposes of the Credit Agreement and shall have all of the obligations of a Loan Party and a Loan Guarantor thereunder as if it had executed the Credit Agreement. The New Subsidiary hereby ratifies, as of the date hereof, and agrees to be bound by, all of the terms, provisions and conditions contained in the Credit Agreement, including without limitation (a) all of the representations and warranties of the Loan Parties set forth in Article III of the Credit Agreement, *[and]* (b) all of the covenants set forth in Articles V and VI of the Credit Agreement *[and (c) all of the guaranty obligations set forth in Article X of the Credit Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing terms of this paragraph 1, the New Subsidiary, subject to the limitations set forth in Section 10.10 of the Credit Agreement, hereby guarantees, jointly and severally with the other Loan Guarantors, to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, as provided in Article X of the Credit Agreement, the prompt payment and performance of the Guaranteed Obligations in full when due (whether at stated maturity, as a mandatory prepayment, by acceleration or otherwise) strictly in accordance with the terms thereof and agrees that if any of the Guaranteed Obligations are not paid or performed in full when due (whether at stated maturity, as a mandatory prepayment, by acceleration or otherwise), the New Subsidiary will, jointly and severally together with the other Loan Guarantors, promptly pay and perform the same, without any demand or notice whatsoever, and that in the case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, the same will be promptly paid in full when due (whether at extended maturity, as a mandatory prepayment, by acceleration or otherwise) in accordance with the terms of such extension or renewal.]* *[The New Subsidiary has delivered to the Administrative Agent an executed Loan Guaranty.]*

 

2. If required, the New Subsidiary is, simultaneously with the execution of this Agreement, executing and delivering such Collateral Documents (and such other documents and instruments) as requested by the Administrative Agent in accordance with the Credit Agreement.

 

3. The address of the New Subsidiary for purposes of Section 9.01 of the Credit Agreement is as follows:

 

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

 

Exhibit E


4. The New Subsidiary hereby waives acceptance by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders of the guaranty by the New Subsidiary upon the execution of this Agreement by the New Subsidiary.

 

5. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

6. THIS AGREEMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Subsidiary has caused this Agreement to be duly executed by its authorized officer, and the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, has caused the same to be accepted by its authorized officer, as of the day and year first above written.

 

[NEW SUBSIDIARY]

By:    

Name:

   

Title:

   

 

Acknowledged and accepted:

 

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent

By:    

Name:

   

Title:

   

 

Exhibit E


EXHIBIT E-2

 

BORROWER JOINDER AGREEMENT

 

THIS JOINDER AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of __________, ____, 200_, is entered into between ________________________________, a _________________ (the “New Subsidiary”) and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., in its capacity as administrative agent (the “Administrative Agent”) under that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of ___________, __, 200_ among _______________ (each a “Borrower” and collectively the “Borrowers”), the Loan Parties party thereto, the Lenders party thereto and the Administrative Agent (as the same may be amended, modified, extended or restated from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”). All capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement.

 

The New Subsidiary and the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, hereby agree as follows:

 

1. The New Subsidiary hereby acknowledges, agrees and confirms that, by its execution of this Agreement, the New Subsidiary will be deemed to be a “Borrower” for all purposes of the Credit Agreement and shall have all of the obligations of a Borrower thereunder as if it had executed the Credit Agreement. The New Subsidiary hereby ratifies, as of the date hereof, and agrees to be bound by, all of the terms, provisions and conditions contained in the Credit Agreement, including without limitation (a) all of the representations and warranties of the Borrowers set forth in Article III of the Credit Agreement, (b) all of the covenants set forth in Articles V and VI of the Credit Agreement and (c) all of the multiple borrower provisions of Article XI of the Credit Agreement, including, without limitation, the appointment of Holdings as Administrative Borrower. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing terms of this paragraph 1, the New Subsidiary, subject to the limitations set forth in Section 10.10 of the Credit Agreement, hereby agrees, jointly and severally with the other Borrowers, that it is responsible for the prompt payment and performance of the Obligations in full when due (whether at stated maturity, as a mandatory prepayment, by acceleration or otherwise) strictly in accordance with the terms thereof.

 

2. If required, the New Subsidiary is, simultaneously with the execution of this Agreement, executing and delivering such Collateral Documents (and such other documents and instruments) as requested by the Administrative Agent in accordance with the Credit Agreement.

 

3. The address of the New Subsidiary for purposes of Section 9.01 of the Credit Agreement is as follows:

 

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

 

4. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

6. THIS AGREEMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

Exhibit E


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Subsidiary has caused this Agreement to be duly executed by its authorized officer, and the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, has caused the same to be accepted by its authorized officer, as of the day and year first above written.

 

[NEW SUBSIDIARY]

By:

   

Name:

   

Title:

   

Acknowledged and accepted:

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent

By:

   

Name:

   

Title:

   

 

Exhibit E


EXHIBIT F

 

FORM OF BORROWING REQUEST

 

Reference is made to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of October [              ], 2005, by and among Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc. and certain of its Affiliates, as borrowers (collectively, the “Borrowers”); the other Loan Parties signatory thereto; JPMorgan Chase Bank., N.A., as administrative agent for the Lenders (the “Administrative Agent”), and the other Lenders signatory thereto from time to time (including all annexes, exhibits or schedules thereto, as from time to time amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified, the “ Credit Agreement ”). Capitalized terms used herein without definition are so used as defined in the Credit Agreement.

 

The undersigned hereby gives irrevocable notice, pursuant to Section 2.03 of the Credit Agreement, of a request hereby for a Revolving Borrowing as follows:

 

Aggregate Amount of Borrowing :    [$][Cdn.]__________
Date of Borrowing :    ______________

 

Amount of Borrowing


  

Type of Revolving Loan


  

Interest Period


[$][Cdn.$]__________   

[ABR][LIBOR][CDOR]

[Canadian Prime Rate] Loan

   ___ Months

 

The requested Revolving Borrowing is to be wired as follows:

 

[Name of Bank]

[City of Bank]

Beneficiary:                                         

Account No.:                                         

ABA No.:                                         

Attn:                                         

 

The undersigned hereby certifies (as Administrative Borrower on behalf of each of the Borrowers) that on the date hereof and on the Date of Borrowing set forth above, and after giving effect to the Borrowings requested hereby: (i) there exists and there shall exist no Default or Event of Default under the Credit Agreement; (ii) the proceeds of the Revolving Borrowings will be used in accordance with Section 5.08 of the Credit Agreement; (iii) each of the representations and warranties contained in the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents is true and correct in all material respects (except in the case of representations and warranties that relate by their terms to a specified date); and (iv) after giving effect to the requested Revolving Borrowings, Availability is not less than zero.

 

Exhibit F


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Administrative Borrower has caused this Notice of Borrowing Request to be executed and delivered by its duly authorized officer to the Administrative Agent and the Canadian Funding Bank as of the date first set forth above.

 

CORE-MARK INTERNATIONAL, INC.

By:

   

Name:

   

Title:

   

 

Exhibit F


EXHIBIT G

 

FORM OF REVOLVING NOTE

[                              , 20      ]

 

Each of the undersigned (each a “ Borrower ” and, collectively, the “ Borrowers ”), promises to pay to the order of [                                  ] (the “ Lender ”) the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all Revolving Loans made by the Lender to the Borrowers pursuant to Article II of the Agreement (as hereinafter defined), in immediately available funds at the main office of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, located at [                                  ] or at such other location as the Administrative Agent may designate from time to time in writing, together with interest on the unpaid principal amount hereof at the rates and on the dates set forth in the Agreement. The Borrowers shall pay the principal of and accrued and unpaid interest on the Revolving Loans and LC Disbursements in full on the Maturity Date.

 

The Lender shall, and is hereby authorized to, record on the schedule attached hereto, or to otherwise record in accordance with its usual practice, the date and amount of each Loan and the date and amount of each principal payment hereunder.

 

This Revolving Note is one of the promissory notes referred to in, and issued pursuant to, Section 2.10(f) of the Agreement, and is entitled to the benefits of, the Credit Agreement, dated as of October [              ], 2005 (which, as it may be amended, restated or modified and in effect from time to time, is herein called the “ Agreement ”), among the Borrowers, the other Loan Parties, the lenders party thereto, including the Lender, the Issuing Bank and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, to which Agreement reference is hereby made for a statement of the terms and conditions governing this Revolving Note, including the terms and conditions under which this Revolving Note may be prepaid or its maturity date accelerated. This Revolving Note is secured pursuant to the Collateral Documents. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein are used with the meanings attributed to them in the Agreement.

 

Demand, presentment, protest and notice of nonpayment of this Revolving Note are waived by the Borrowers to the extent set forth in the Agreement. Upon and after the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default, this Revolving Note may, to the extent set forth in the Agreement, and without demand or notice of legal process of any kind except as provided for in the Agreement, be declared and immediately shall become due and payable.

 

THIS REVOLVING NOTE AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

Exhibit G


BORROWERS:

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC.

By    

Name:

   

Title:

   

CORE-MARK INTERNATIONAL, INC.

By    

Name:

   

Title:

   

CORE-MARK HOLDINGS I, INC.

By    

Name:

   

Title:

   

CORE-MARK HOLDINGS II, INC.

By    

Name:

   

Title:

   

CORE-MARK HOLDINGS III, INC.

By    

Name:

   

Title:

   

CORE-MARK MIDCONTINENT, INC.

By    

Name:

   

Title:

   
CORE-MARK INTERRELATED COMPANIES, INC.
By    

Name:

   

Title:

   

 

Exhibit G


HEAD DISTRIBUTING COMPANY
By    

Name:

   

Title:

   

MINTER-WEISMAN CO.

By    

Name:

   

Title:

   

 

Exhibit G


EXHIBIT H

 

FORM OF INTEREST ELECTION REQUEST

 

Reference is made to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of October [      ], 2005, by and among Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc. and certain of its Affiliates, as borrowers (collectively, the “Borrowers”); the other Loan Parties signatory thereto; JPMorgan Chase Bank., N.A., as administrative agent for the Lenders (the “ Administrative Agent ”), and the other Lenders signatory thereto from time to time (including all annexes, exhibits or schedules thereto, as from time to time amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified, the “ Credit Agreement ”). Capitalized terms used herein without definition are so used as defined in the Credit Agreement.

 

The undersigned hereby gives irrevocable notice, pursuant to Section 2.08(b) of the Credit Agreement, of a request hereby that the Revolving Borrowing set forth below be converted to the Type set forth below as follows:

 

Aggregate Amount of Borrowing :    [$][Cdn.]__________

Date of Borrowing :

   __________

Date of Conversion

   __________

 

Amount of Borrowing


  

Type of Revolving Loan


  

Interest Period


[$][Cdn.$]__________   

[ABR][LIBOR][CDOR]

[Canadian Prime Rate] Loan

   ___ Months

 

Exhibit H


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Administrative Borrower has caused this Notice of Borrowing Request to be executed and delivered by its duly authorized officer to the Administrative Agent and the Canadian Funding Bank as of the date first set forth above.

 

CORE-MARK INTERNATIONAL, INC.
By:    

Name:

   

Title:

   

 

Exhibit H

Exhibit 10.14

PLEDGE AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

THIS PLEDGE AND SECURITY AGREEMENT (as it may be amended or modified from time to time, the “ Security Agreement ”) is entered into as of October 12, 2005, by and among Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ Holdings ”), Core-Mark International, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ International ”), Core-Mark Holdings I, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ Holdings I ”), Core-Mark Holdings II, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ Holdings II ”), Core-Mark Holdings III, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ Holdings III ”), Core-Mark Midcontinent, Inc., a Arkansas corporation (“ Midcontinent ”), Core-Mark Interrelated Companies, Inc., a California corporation (“ Interrelated ”), Head Distributing Company, a Georgia corporation (“ Head ”), Minter-Weisman Co., a Minnesota corporation (“ Minter-Weisman ”; each of Holdings, International, Holdings I, Holdings II, Holdings III, Midcontinent, Interrelated, Head and Minter-Weisman referred to herein as a “ Grantor ” and collectively such entities are referred to herein as the “ Grantors ”), and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., in its capacity as administrative agent (the “ Administrative Agent ”) for the lenders party to the Credit Agreement referred to below.

 

PRELIMINARY STATEMENT

 

Each of the Grantors, the Administrative Agent, the Loan Parties and the Lenders are entering into a Credit Agreement dated as of October 12, 2005 (as it may be amended or modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”). The Grantors are entering into this Security Agreement in order to induce the Lenders to enter into and extend credit to the Grantors under the Credit Agreement.

 

ACCORDINGLY, the Grantors and the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Lenders, hereby agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

 

1.1. Terms Defined in Credit Agreement . All capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement.

 

1.2. Terms Defined in UCC . Terms defined in the UCC which are not otherwise defined in this Security Agreement are used herein as defined in the UCC.

 

1.3. Definitions of Certain Terms Used Herein . As used in this Security Agreement, in addition to the terms defined in the Preliminary Statement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

Accounts ” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC and as set forth in the PPSA, as applicable.

 

Article ” means a numbered article of this Security Agreement, unless another document is specifically referenced.

 

Assigned Contracts ” means, collectively, all of the Grantors’ rights and remedies under, and all moneys and claims for money due or to become due to any Grantor under those contracts set forth on Exhibit J hereto, and any other material contracts, and any and all amendments, supplements, extensions, and renewals thereof including all rights and claims of any Grantor now or hereafter existing: (a) under any insurance, indemnities, warranties, and guarantees provided for or arising out of or in connection with any of the foregoing agreements; (b) for any damages arising out of or for breach or default under or in connection with any of the foregoing contracts; (c) to all other amounts from time to time paid or payable under or in connection with any of the foregoing agreements; or (d) to exercise or enforce any and all covenants, remedies, powers and privileges thereunder.


Chattel Paper ” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC and as set forth in the PPSA, as applicable.

 

Closing Date ” means the date of the Credit Agreement.

 

Collateral ” shall have the meaning set forth in Article II.

 

Collateral Access Agreement ” means any landlord waiver or other agreement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, between the Administrative Agent and any third party (including any bailee, consignee, customs broker, or other similar Person) in possession of any Collateral or any landlord of any Loan Party for any real property where any Collateral is located, as such landlord waiver or other agreement may be amended, restated, or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

Collateral Deposit Accounts ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(a).

 

Collateral Report ” means any certificate (including any Borrowing Base Certificate), report or other document delivered by any Grantor to the Administrative Agent or any Lender with respect to the Collateral pursuant to any Loan Document.

 

Collection Account ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(b).

 

Commercial Tort Claims ” means the following existing commercial tort claims of the Grantors: None.

 

Control ” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 8 or, if applicable, in Section 9-104, 9-105, 9-106 or 9-107 of Article 9 of the UCC.

 

Copyrights ” means, with respect to any Person, all of such Person’s right, title, and interest in and to the following: (a) all copyrights, rights and interests in copyrights, works protectable by copyright, copyright registrations, and copyright applications; (b) all renewals of any of the foregoing; (c) all income, royalties, damages, and payments now or hereafter due and/or payable under any of the foregoing, including, without limitation, damages or payments for past or future infringements for any of the foregoing; (d) the right to sue for past, present, and future infringements of any of the foregoing; and (e) all rights corresponding to any of the foregoing throughout the world.

 

Default ” means any event or condition which constitutes an Event of Default or which upon notice, lapse of time or both would, unless cured or waived, become an Event of Default.

 

Deposit Account Control Agreements ” means agreements, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, among any Loan Party, a banking institution holding such Loan Party’s funds, and the Administrative Agent with respect to collection and control of all deposits and balances held in a deposit account maintained by any Loan Party with such banking institution.

 

Deposit Accounts ” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC and shall include any bank account (with a deposit function) domiciled in Canada.

 

Documents ” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC and shall include “documents of title” as defined in the PPSA.

 

Equipment ” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC and as set forth in the PPSA, as applicable.

 

Event of Default ” shall have the meaning set forth in the Credit Agreement.

 

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Excluded Equity ” means any Voting Stock in excess of 65% of the total outstanding Voting Stock of any direct Subsidiary of any Grantor that is a Non-U.S. Person. For the purposes of this definition, “ Voting Stock ” means, as to any issuer, the issued and outstanding shares of each class of capital stock or other ownership interests of such issuer entitled to vote (within the meaning of Treasury Regulations § 1.956-2(c)(2)).

 

Excluded Property ” means, collectively, (i) Excluded Equity, (ii) any permit, lease, license, contract, instrument or other agreement held by any Grantor that prohibits or required the consent of any Person other than a Grantor and its Affiliates as a condition to the creation by such Grantor of a Lien thereon, or any permit, lease, license contract or other agreement held by any Grantor to the extent that any Requirement of Law applicable thereto prohibits the creation of a Lien thereon, but only, in each case, to the extent, and for so long as, such prohibition is not terminated or rendered unenforceable or otherwise deemed ineffective by the UCC or any other Requirement of Law (iii) any “intent to use” Trademark applications for which a statement of use has not been filed (but only until such statement is filed) and (iv) Equipment owned by any Grantor that is subject to a purchase money Lien or a Capital Lease if the contract or other agreement in which such Lien is granted (or in the documentation providing for such Capital Lease) prohibits or requires the consent of any Person other than a Grantor and its Affiliates as a condition to the creation of any other Lien on such Equipment; provided , however , “Excluded Property” shall not include any Proceeds, substitutions or replacements of Excluded Property (unless such Proceeds, substitutions or replacements would constitute Excluded Property).

 

Exhibit ” refers to a specific exhibit to this Security Agreement, unless another document is specifically referenced.

 

Fixtures ” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC.

 

General Intangibles ” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC and includes, without limitation, credits for tobacco stamp taxes paid and “intangibles” as defined in the PPSA.

 

Goods ” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC and as set forth in the PPSA, as applicable.

 

Instruments ” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC and as set forth in the PPSA, as applicable.

 

Inventory ” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC and as set forth in the PPSA, as applicable, and includes, without limitation, unaffixed tobacco stamps.

 

Investment Property ” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC.

 

Lenders ” means the lenders party to the Credit Agreement and their successors and assigns.

 

Letter-of-Credit Rights ” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC.

 

Licenses ” means, with respect to any Person, all of such Person’s right, title, and interest in and to (a) any and all licensing agreements or similar arrangements in and to its Patents, Copyrights, or Trademarks, (b) all income, royalties, damages, claims, and payments now or hereafter due or payable under and with respect thereto, including, without limitation, damages and payments for past and future breaches thereof, and (c) all rights to sue for past, present, and future breaches thereof.

 

Lock Boxes ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(a).

 

Lock Box Agreements ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(a).

 

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Patents ” means, with respect to any Person, all of such Person’s right, title, and interest in and to: (a) any and all patents and patent applications; (b) all inventions and improvements described and claimed therein; (c) all reissues, divisions, continuations, renewals, extensions, and continuations-in-part thereof; (d) all income, royalties, damages, claims, and payments now or hereafter due or payable under and with respect thereto, including, without limitation, damages and payments for past and future infringements thereof; (e) all rights to sue for past, present, and future infringements thereof; and (f) all rights corresponding to any of the foregoing throughout the world.

 

Pledged Collateral ” means all Instruments, Securities and other Investment Property of the Grantors, whether or not physically delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Security Agreement; provided that stock and other ownership interests in inactive Subsidiaries of the Loan Parties that do not have material assets shall not constitute “Pledged Collateral”.

 

PPSA ” means the Personal Property Security Act of Ontario (or any successor statute) or similar legislation (including, without limitation, the Civil Code) of any other province or territory of Canada the laws of which are required by such legislation to be applied in connection with the issue, perfection, enforcement, validity or effect of security interests.

 

Receivables ” means the Accounts, Chattel Paper, Documents, Investment Property, Instruments and any other rights or claims to receive money which are General Intangibles or which are otherwise included as Collateral.

 

Required Secured Parties ” means (a) prior to an acceleration of the Obligations under the Credit Agreement, the Required Lenders, and (b) after an acceleration of the Obligations under the Credit Agreement but prior to the date upon which the Credit Agreement has terminated by its terms and all of the obligations thereunder have been paid in full or otherwise satisfied, Lenders holding in the aggregate at least a majority of the sum of the Aggregate Credit Exposure plus the Banking Services Obligations.

 

Section ” means a numbered section of this Security Agreement, unless another document is specifically referenced.

 

Security ” has the meaning set forth in Article 8 of the UCC and as set forth in the PPSA, as applicable.

 

Stock Rights ” means all dividends, instruments or other distributions and any other right or property which any Grantor shall receive or shall become entitled to receive for any reason whatsoever with respect to, in substitution for or in exchange for any Equity Interest constituting Collateral, any right to receive an Equity Interest and any right to receive earnings, in which any Grantor now has or hereafter acquires any right, issued by an issuer of such Equity Interest.

 

Supporting Obligations ” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC.

 

Trademarks ” means, with respect to any Person, all of such Person’s right, title, and interest in and to the following: (a) all trademarks (including service marks), trade names, trade dress, and trade styles and the registrations and applications for registration thereof and the goodwill of the business symbolized by the foregoing; (b) all licenses of the foregoing, whether as licensee or licensor; (c) all renewals of the foregoing; (d) all income, royalties, damages, and payments now or hereafter due or payable with respect thereto, including, without limitation, damages, claims, and payments for past and future infringements thereof; (e) all rights to sue for past, present, and future infringements of the foregoing, including the right to settle suits involving claims and demands for royalties owing; and (f) all rights corresponding to any of the foregoing throughout the world.

 

UCC ” means the Uniform Commercial Code, as in effect from time to time, of the State of New York or of any other state the laws of which are required as a result thereof to be applied in connection with the

 

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attachment, perfection or priority of, or remedies with respect to, Administrative Agent’s or any Lender’s Lien on any Collateral.

 

The foregoing definitions shall be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the defined terms.

 

ARTICLE II

GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST

 

2.1 Each of the Grantors hereby pledges, assigns and grants to the Administrative Agent, on behalf of and for the ratable benefit of the Lenders, a security interest in all of its right, title and interest in, to and under all personal property and other assets, whether now owned by or owing to, or hereafter acquired by or arising in favor of such Grantor (including under any trade name or derivations thereof), and whether owned or consigned by or to, or leased from or to, such Grantor, and regardless of where located (all of which will be collectively referred to as the “ Collateral ”), including, without limitation:

 

  (i) all Accounts;

 

  (ii) all Chattel Paper;

 

  (iii) all Copyrights, Patents and Trademarks;

 

  (iv) all Documents;

 

  (v) all Equipment;

 

  (vi) all Fixtures (excluding business fixtures not owned by the Grantors);

 

  (vii) all General Intangibles;

 

  (viii) all Goods;

 

  (ix) all Instruments;

 

  (x) all Inventory;

 

  (xi) all Investment Property;

 

  (xii) all cash or cash equivalents;

 

  (xiii) all letters of credit, Letter-of-Credit Rights and Supporting Obligations;

 

  (xiv) all Deposit Accounts with any bank or other financial institution;

 

  (xv) all Commercial Tort Claims;

 

  (xvi) all Assigned Contracts;

 

  (xvii) and all accessions to, substitutions for and replacements, proceeds (including Stock Rights), insurance proceeds and products of the foregoing, together with all books and records, customer lists, credit files, computer files, programs, printouts and other computer materials and records related thereto and any General Intangibles at any time evidencing or relating to any of the foregoing;

 

to secure the prompt and complete payment and performance of the Secured Obligations; provided , however , that (notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement) “Collateral” shall not include any Excluded Property; and provided , further , that if and when any property shall cease to be Excluded Property, such property shall be deemed at all times from and after the date hereof to constitute Collateral.

 

2.2 The last day of the term of any lease, oral or written, or any agreement therefor, now held or hereafter acquired by a Grantor, shall be excepted from the security interest hereby granted and shall not form

 

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part of the Collateral, but such Grantor shall stand possessed of such one day remaining, upon trust to assign and dispose of the same as the Administrative Agent or any assignee of such lease or agreement shall direct. If any such lease or agreement therefor contains a provision which provides in effect that such lease or agreement may not be assigned, sub leased, charged or encumbered without the leave, license, consent or approval of the lessor, the application of the security interest created hereby to any such lease or agreement shall be conditional upon such leave, license, consent or approval having been obtained.

 

ARTICLE III

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

Each of the Grantors represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders that:

 

3.1. Title, Perfection and Priority . Each Grantor has good and valid rights in or the power to transfer the Collateral and title to the Collateral with respect to which it has purported to grant a security interest hereunder, free and clear of all Liens except for Liens permitted under Section 4.1(e), and has full power and authority to grant to the Administrative Agent the security interest in such Collateral pursuant hereto. When financing statements have been filed in the appropriate offices against each Grantor in the locations listed on Exhibit H , the Administrative Agent will have a fully perfected first priority security interest in that Collateral in which a security interest may be perfected by filing, subject only to Liens permitted under Section 4.1(e); provided that unless the Administrative Agent shall file fixture filings in the appropriate filing offices for the counties where the Fixtures are located, the Administrative Agent’s perfected security interest in Fixtures may not be a first priority security interest.

 

3.2. Type and Jurisdiction of Organization, Organizational and Identification Numbers . The type of entity of each Grantor, its state or province of organization, the organizational number issued to it by its state of organization and its federal employer identification number are set forth on Exhibit A .

 

3.3. Principal Location . Except as may be notified to the Administrative Agent following the date hereof, each Grantor’s mailing address and the location of its place of business (if it has only one) or its chief executive office (if it has more than one place of business), is disclosed in Exhibit A ; no Grantor has other places of business except those set forth in Exhibit A .

 

3.4. Collateral Locations . As of the date hereof, all of each Grantor’s locations where Collateral is located are listed on Exhibit A . As of the date hereof, all of said locations are owned by each Grantor except for locations (i) which are leased by such Grantor as lessee and designated in Exhibit A and (ii) at which Inventory is held in a public warehouse or is otherwise held by a bailee or on consignment as designated in Exhibit A.

 

3.5. Deposit Accounts . As of the date hereof, all of each Grantor’s Deposit Accounts are listed on Exhibit B .

 

3.6. Exact Names . Each Grantor’s name in which it has executed this Security Agreement is the exact name as it appears in such Grantor’s organizational documents, as amended, as filed with such Grantor’s jurisdiction of organization.

 

3.7. Letter-of-Credit Rights and Chattel Paper . As of the date hereof, Exhibit C lists all Letter-of-Credit Rights and Chattel Paper of each Grantor, in each case having a value in excess of $150,000 individually or $500,000 in the aggregate. Promptly upon request by the Administrative Agent following the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, all action by each Grantor necessary or desirable to protect and perfect the Administrative Agent’s Lien on each item listed on Exhibit C (including the delivery of all originals and the placement of a legend on all Chattel Paper as required hereunder) shall be duly taken and thereafter the Administrative Agent will have a fully perfected first priority security interest in the Collateral listed on Exhibit C , subject only to Liens permitted under Section 4.1(e).

 

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3.8. Accounts and Chattel Paper .

 

(a) The names of the obligors, amounts owing, due dates and other information with respect to the Accounts and Chattel Paper are and will be correctly stated in all material respects in all records of each Grantor relating thereto and in all invoices and Collateral Reports with respect thereto furnished to the Administrative Agent by each Grantor from time to time. As of the time when each Account or each item of Chattel Paper arises, each Grantor shall be deemed to have represented and warranted that such Account or Chattel Paper, as the case may be, and all records relating thereto, are genuine and in all material respects what they purport to be.

 

(b) The Accounts included on the most recent Borrowing Base Certificate are Eligible Accounts. All Accounts represent bona fide sales of Inventory or rendering of services to Account Debtors in the ordinary course of each Grantor’s business.

 

3.9. Inventory . The Inventory included on the most recent Borrowing Base Certificate is Eligible Inventory. Each Grantor has good, indefeasible and merchantable title to its Inventory. The sale or other disposition of the Eligible Inventory by the Administrative Agent following an Event of Default shall not require the consent of any Person and shall not constitute a breach or default under any contract or agreement to which any Grantor is a party or to which such property is subject.

 

3.10. Intellectual Property . As of the date hereof, no Grantor has any interest in, or title to, any material Patent, Trademark or Copyright except as set forth in Exhibit D . This Security Agreement is effective to create a valid and continuing Lien and, upon filing of appropriate financing statements in the offices listed on Exhibit H and this Security Agreement with the United States Copyright Office, the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the Canadian Intellectual Property Office, fully perfected first priority security interests in favor of the Administrative Agent on each Grantor’s Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights, such perfected security interests are enforceable as such as against any and all creditors of and purchasers from such Grantor; and all action necessary or desirable to protect and perfect the Administrative Agent’s Lien on such Grantor’s Patents, Trademarks or Copyrights shall have been duly taken.

 

3.11. Filing Requirements . None of the Equipment that constitutes a portion of the PP&E Component is covered by any certificate of title, except for the vehicles described in Exhibit E . None of the Collateral is of a type for which security interests or liens may be perfected by filing under any federal statute except for (a) vehicles and (b) Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights held by each Grantor and described in Exhibit D .

 

3.12. No Financing Statements, Security Agreements . No financing statement or security agreement describing all or any portion of the Collateral which has not lapsed or been terminated naming any Grantor as debtor has been filed or is of record in any jurisdiction except (a) for financing statements or security agreements naming the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders as the secured party, (b) as permitted by Section 4.1(e), and (c) precautionary financing statements filed by lessors of Equipment or Fixtures.

 

3.13. Pledged Collateral .

 

(a) As of the date hereof, Exhibit G sets forth a complete and accurate list of all material Pledged Collateral, including all stock and other ownership interests in the Loan Parties that constitute Pledged Collateral. As of the date hereof, each Grantor is the direct, sole beneficial owner and sole holder of record of the Pledged Collateral listed on Exhibit G as being owned by it, free and clear of any Liens, except for the security interest granted to the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Lenders hereunder and as permitted by Section 4.1(e). Each Grantor further represents and warrants that (i) all Pledged Collateral constituting an Equity Interest has been (to the extent such concepts are relevant with respect to such Pledged Collateral) duly authorized, validly issued, are fully paid and non-assessable, (ii) with respect to any certificates delivered to the Administrative Agent representing an Equity Interest, either such certificates are Securities as defined in

 

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Article 8 of the UCC (and in the PPSA) as a result of actions by the issuer or otherwise, or, if such certificates are not Securities, the Grantors have so informed the Administrative Agent so that the Administrative Agent may take steps to perfect its security interest therein as a General Intangible, and (iii) all Pledged Collateral (unless subject to a prior Lien permitted by Section 4.1(e)) held by a securities intermediary is covered by a control agreement among such Grantor, the securities intermediary and the Administrative Agent pursuant to which the Administrative Agent has Control. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, prior to the occurrence and continuation of an Event of Default, (A) the Administrative Agent will not perfect upon stock of third parties held by any Grantor or notes receivable held by any Grantor and (B) the Grantors will have the ability to dispose of any such stock and notes receivable without the requirement of consent from the Administrative Agent, provided that in the event that cash dominion is triggered pursuant to Section 7.3(c), all proceeds of any such sale or disposition shall be deposited into the Administrative Agent’s Collection Account.

 

(b) As of the date hereof, except as set forth in Exhibit G , the Grantors own 100% of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests which constitute Pledged Collateral and none of the Pledged Collateral which represents Indebtedness owed to any Grantor is subordinated in right of payment to other Indebtedness or subject to the terms of an indenture.

 

ARTICLE IV

COVENANTS

 

From the date of this Security Agreement, and thereafter until this Security Agreement is terminated, each of the Grantors agrees that:

 

4.1. General .

 

(a) Collateral Records . Each Grantor will maintain, in all material respects, complete and accurate books and records with respect to the Collateral, which books and records shall be consistent with all Collateral reports distributed by the Borrowers to the Administrative Agent or any Lender, and furnish to the Administrative Agent, such reports relating to the Collateral as the Administrative Agent may from time to time request in accordance with the Credit Agreement.

 

(b) Authorization to File Financing Statements; Ratification . Each Grantor hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to file, and if requested will deliver to the Administrative Agent, all financing statements and other documents as may from time to time be requested by the Administrative Agent in order to maintain a first perfected security interest in the Collateral. Any financing statement filed by the Administrative Agent may be filed in any filing office in any UCC or PPSA jurisdiction and may (i) indicate the Collateral (1) as all assets of such Grantor or words of similar effect, regardless of whether any particular asset comprised in the Collateral falls within the scope of the PPSA or Article 9 of the UCC or such jurisdiction, or (2) by any other description which reasonably approximates the description contained in this Security Agreement, and (ii) contain any other information required by the PPSA or part 5 of Article 9 of the UCC for the sufficiency or filing office acceptance of any financing statement or amendment, including (A) whether such Grantor is an organization, the type of organization and any organization identification number issued to such Grantor, and (B) in the case of a financing statement filed as a fixture filing or indicating Collateral as as-extracted collateral or timber to be cut, a sufficient description of real property to which the Collateral relates. Each Grantor also agrees to furnish any such information to the Administrative Agent promptly upon request. Each Grantor also ratifies its authorization for the Administrative Agent to have filed in any UCC or PPSA jurisdiction any initial financing statements or amendments thereto if filed prior to the date hereof.

 

(c) Further Assurances . Each Grantor will, if so reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, furnish to the Administrative Agent, as often as the Administrative Agent reasonably requests, statements and schedules further identifying and describing the Collateral and such other reports and information in connection with the Collateral as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request, all in such detail as the Administrative Agent may specify in accordance with the Credit Agreement. Each Grantor also

 

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agrees to take any and all actions necessary to defend title to the Collateral against all persons and to defend the security interest of the Administrative Agent in the Collateral and the priority thereof against any Lien not expressly permitted hereunder.

 

(d) Disposition of Collateral . No Grantor will sell, lease or otherwise dispose of the Collateral except for dispositions specifically permitted pursuant to Section 6.05 of the Credit Agreement.

 

(e) Liens . No Grantor will create, incur, or suffer to exist any Lien on the Collateral except (i) the security interest created by this Security Agreement, (ii) Permitted Encumbrances, and (iii) any other Liens permitted by the Credit Agreement.

 

(f) Other Financing Statements . No Grantor will authorize the filing of any financing statement naming it as debtor covering all or any portion of the Collateral, except as permitted by Section 4.1(e) and precautionary financing statements filed by lessors of Equipment and Fixtures. Each Grantor acknowledges that it is not authorized to file any financing statement or amendment or termination statement with respect to any financing statement without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent, subject to such Grantor’s rights under Section 9-509(d)(2) of the UCC.

 

(g) Locations . No Grantor will (i) maintain any Collateral having a value in excess of $150,000 at any location other than those locations listed on Exhibit A , (ii) otherwise change, or add to, its locations without providing written notification of such changed or added locations to the Administrative Agent (and such Grantor will concurrently therewith use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain a Collateral Access Agreement for each such location to the extent required by the Credit Agreement), (iii) change its principal place of business or chief executive office from the location identified on Exhibit A without providing 21 days’ prior written notice to the Administrative Agent (and such Grantor will concurrently therewith use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain a Collateral Access Agreement for each such location to the extent required by the Credit Agreement and subject to the terms of Section 4.13), or (iv) maintain any Collateral at any locations outside of the United States or Canada.

 

4.2. Receivables .

 

(a) Certain Agreements on Receivables . No Grantor will (i) make or agree to make any discount, credit, rebate or other reduction in the original amount owing on a Receivable or (ii) accept in satisfaction of a Receivable less than the original amount thereof, in either case except in the ordinary course of such Grantor’s business, except that, prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default, the Grantors may make discounts, credits, rebates and other reductions and accept satisfaction less than the original amount of Accounts arising from the sale of Inventory in accordance with their present policies and in the ordinary course of business.

 

(b) Collection of Receivables . Except as otherwise provided in this Security Agreement, each Grantor will collect and enforce, at the Grantors’ sole expense, all amounts due or hereafter due to such Grantor under the Receivables in accordance with its present policies and in the ordinary course of business.

 

(c) Delivery of Invoice s. Each Grantor will deliver to the Administrative Agent promptly upon its request after the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default duplicate invoices with respect to each Account bearing such language of assignment as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably specify.

 

(d) Electronic Chattel Paper . Promptly upon request by the Administrative Agent following the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, each Grantor shall take all steps necessary to grant the Administrative Agent Control of all electronic chattel paper having a value in excess of $150,000 individually or $500,000 in the aggregate in accordance with the UCC and all “transferable records”

 

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as defined in each of the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act and the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act.

 

4.3. Inventory and Equipment.

 

(a) Maintenance of Goods . Each Grantor will do all things necessary to maintain, preserve, protect and keep the Inventory and, in all material respects, the Equipment in good repair and working and saleable condition, except for damaged or defective goods arising in the ordinary course of such Grantor’s business and except for ordinary wear and tear in respect of the Equipment.

 

(b) Returned Inventory . If an Account Debtor returns any Inventory to any Grantor when no Event of Default exists, then such Grantor shall promptly determine the reason for such return and shall issue a credit memorandum if appropriate to the Account Debtor in the appropriate amount. In the event any Account Debtor returns a material amount of Inventory outside the normal course of business to any Grantor when an Event of Default exists and the Obligations have been accelerated pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, such Grantor, upon the reasonable request of the Administrative Agent, shall: (i) hold the returned Inventory in trust for the Administrative Agent; (ii) segregate all returned Inventory from all of its other property; (iii) dispose of the returned Inventory solely according to the Administrative Agent’s written instructions; and (iv) not issue any credits or allowances with respect thereto without the Administrative Agent’s prior written consent. All returned Inventory shall be subject to the Administrative Agent’s Liens thereon. Whenever any Inventory is returned, the related Account shall be deemed ineligible to the extent of the amount owing by the Account Debtor with respect to such returned Inventory.

 

(c) Inventory Count; Perpetual Inventory System . The Grantors will conduct a physical count of the Inventory at least once per Fiscal Year, and after and during the continuation of an Event of Default, at such other times as the Administrative Agent reasonably requests. The Grantors, at their own expense, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent the results of each physical verification, which any Grantor has made, or has caused any other Person to make on its behalf, of all or any portion of its Inventory. The Grantors will maintain a perpetual inventory reporting system at all times.

 

(d) PP&E Component Equipment . Each Grantor shall promptly inform the Administrative Agent of any additions to or deletions from the Equipment that constitutes a portion of the PP&E Component which individually exceed $250,000. The Grantors shall not permit any Equipment that constitutes a portion of the PP&E Component to become a fixture with respect to real property or to become an accession with respect to other personal property with respect to which real or personal property the Administrative Agent does not have a Lien. The Grantors will not, if applicable, without the Administrative Agent’s prior written consent, alter or remove any identifying symbol or number on any of the Grantors’ Equipment constituting Collateral.

 

(e) Titled Vehicles . Each Grantor will give the Administrative Agent notice of its acquisition of any vehicle covered by a certificate of title that constitutes a portion of the PP&E Component and deliver to the Administrative Agent, upon request, the original of the vehicle title certificate with respect to any such vehicle and provide and/or file all other documents or instruments necessary to have the Lien of the Administrative Agent noted on any such certificate or with the appropriate state office.

 

4.4. Delivery of Instruments, Securities, Chattel Paper and Documents . Each Grantor will (a) promptly upon the request of the Administrative Agent after the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, deliver to the Administrative Agent the originals of all Chattel Paper, Securities and Instruments constituting Collateral (if any then exist), (b) hold in trust for the Administrative Agent upon receipt and promptly upon the request of the Administrative Agent after the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, deliver to the Administrative Agent any Chattel Paper, Securities and Instruments constituting Collateral, (c) hold in trust for the Administrative Agent upon receipt and (i) upon the Administrative Agent’s request, deliver to the Administrative Agent any Document evidencing, constituting or relating to Inventory, in each case having a value in excess of $150,000 individually, and (ii) upon the Administrative Agent’s request after the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, deliver

 

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to the Administrative Agent any Document evidencing, constituting or relating to other Collateral, in each case having a value in excess of $150,000 individually, and (d) upon the Administrative Agent’s request, deliver to the Administrative Agent a duly executed amendment to this Security Agreement, in the form of Exhibit I hereto (the “ Amendment ”), pursuant to which the Grantor will pledge such additional Collateral. Each Grantor hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to attach each Amendment to this Security Agreement and agrees that all additional Collateral set forth in such Amendments shall be considered to be part of the Collateral.

 

4.5. Uncertificated Pledged Collateral . Each Grantor will take any actions necessary to cause (a) the issuers of uncertificated securities which are Pledged Collateral and (b) any securities intermediary which is the holder of any Pledged Collateral, to cause the Administrative Agent to have and retain Control over such Pledged Collateral. Without limiting the foregoing, the Grantors will, with respect to Pledged Collateral held with a securities intermediary having a value in excess of $150,000 individually, cause such securities intermediary to enter into a control agreement with the Administrative Agent, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, giving the Administrative Agent Control.

 

4.6. Pledged Collateral .

 

(a) Changes in Capital Structure of Issuers . No Grantor will (i) permit or suffer any issuer of an Equity Interest constituting Pledged Collateral to dissolve, merge, liquidate, retire any of its Equity Interests or other Instruments or Securities evidencing ownership, reduce its capital, sell or encumber all or substantially all of its assets (except for Permitted Encumbrances and sales of assets permitted pursuant to Section 4.1(d) ) or merge, amalgamate or consolidate with any other entity, or (ii) vote any Pledged Collateral in favor of any of the foregoing, except in each case to the extent permitted by the Credit Agreement.

 

(b) Issuance of Additional Securities . No Grantor will permit or suffer the issuer of an Equity Interest constituting Pledged Collateral, if such issuer is a wholly owned Subsidiary of such Grantor, to issue additional Equity Interests, any right to receive the same or any right to receive earnings, except to such Grantor.

 

(c) Registration of Pledged Collateral . After the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, each Grantor will permit any registerable Pledged Collateral to be registered in the name of the Administrative Agent or its nominee at any time at the option of the Required Secured Parties.

 

(d) Exercise of Rights in Pledged Collateral .

 

(i) Without in any way limiting the foregoing and subject to clause (ii) below, the Grantors shall have the right to exercise all voting rights or other rights relating to the Pledged Collateral for all purposes not inconsistent with this Security Agreement, the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document; provided however , that no vote or other right shall be exercised or action taken which would have the effect of impairing the rights of the Administrative Agent in respect of the Pledged Collateral.

 

(ii) The Grantors will permit the Administrative Agent or its nominee at any time after the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, without notice, to exercise all voting rights or other rights relating to Pledged Collateral, including, without limitation, exchange, subscription or any other rights, privileges, or options pertaining to any Equity Interest or Investment Property constituting Pledged Collateral as if it were the absolute owner thereof.

 

(iii) Each Grantor shall be entitled to collect and receive for its own use all cash dividends and interest paid in respect of the Pledged Collateral to the extent not in violation of the Credit Agreement other than any of the following distributions and payments (collectively referred to as the “ Excluded Payments ”): (A) dividends and interest paid or payable other than in cash in respect of any Pledged Collateral, and instruments and other property received, receivable or otherwise distributed

 

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in respect of, or in exchange for, any Pledged Collateral; (B) dividends and other distributions paid or payable in cash in respect of any Pledged Collateral in connection with a partial or total liquidation or dissolution or in connection with a reduction of capital, capital surplus or paid-in capital of an issuer; and (C) cash paid, payable or otherwise distributed, in respect of principal of, or in redemption of, or in exchange for, any Pledged Collateral; provided however, that until actually paid, all rights to such distributions shall remain subject to the Lien created by this Security Agreement; and

 

(iv) All Excluded Payments and all other distributions in respect of any of the Pledged Collateral, whenever paid or made, shall be delivered to the Administrative Agent to hold as Pledged Collateral and shall, if received by any Grantor, be received in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, be segregated from the other property or funds of such Grantor, and be forthwith delivered to the Administrative Agent as Pledged Collateral in the same form as so received (with any necessary endorsement).

 

4.7. Intellectual Property .

 

(a) Each Grantor shall notify the Administrative Agent promptly if it knows or has reason to know that any application or registration relating to any material Patent, Trademark or Copyright (now or hereafter existing) may become abandoned or dedicated, or of any adverse determination or development (including the institution of, or any such determination or development in, any proceeding in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the United States Copyright Office, the Canadian Intellectual Property Office or any court) regarding any Grantor’s ownership of any Patent, Trademark or Copyright, its right to register the same, or to keep and maintain the same.

 

(b) If any Grantor, either directly or through any agent, employee, licensee or designee, files an application for the registration of any material Patent, Trademark or Copyright with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the United States Copyright Office, the Canadian Intellectual Property Office or any similar office or agency such Grantor shall give the Administrative Agent written notice thereof on a quarterly basis, and, upon request of the Administrative Agent, such Grantor shall execute and deliver any and all security agreements as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request to evidence the Administrative Agent’s first priority security interest on such Patent, Trademark or Copyright, and the General Intangibles of such Grantor relating thereto or represented thereby.

 

(c) Each Grantor shall take all actions necessary or requested by the Administrative Agent to maintain and pursue each application, to obtain the relevant registration and to maintain the registration of each of the material Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights (now or hereafter existing), including the filing of applications for renewal, affidavits of use, affidavits of noncontestability and opposition and interference and cancellation proceedings, unless such Grantor shall reasonably determine that such Patent, Trademark or Copyright is not material to the conduct of such Grantor’s business.

 

(d) Each Grantor shall, unless it shall reasonably determine that such Patent, Trademark or Copyright is in no way material to the conduct of its business or operations, promptly sue for infringement, misappropriation or dilution and to recover any and all damages for such infringement, misappropriation or dilution, and shall take such other actions as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request under the circumstances to protect such Patent, Trademark or Copyright. In the event that any Grantor institutes suit because any of the Patents, Trademarks or Copyrights constituting Collateral is infringed upon, or misappropriated or diluted by a third party, such Grantor shall comply with Section 4.8.

 

4.8 Commercial Tort Claims . Each Grantor shall promptly, and in any event within two Business Days after the same is acquired by it having a value in excess of $150,000 individually, notify the Administrative Agent of any commercial tort claim (as defined in the UCC) acquired by it after the Closing Date and, unless the Administrative Agent otherwise consents, the Grantor shall enter into an amendment to this

 

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Security Agreement, in the form of Exhibit I hereto, granting to Administrative Agent a first priority security interest in such commercial tort claim.

 

4.9. Letter-of-Credit Rights . If, following the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, any Grantor is or becomes the beneficiary of a letter of credit, such Grantor shall promptly, and in any event within two Business Days after becoming a beneficiary, notify the Administrative Agent thereof and if requested by the Administrative Agent promptly request the issuer and/or confirmation bank to (i) consent to the assignment of any Letter-of-Credit Rights to the Administrative Agent and (ii) if the Administrative Agent has the right to exercise cash dominion pursuant to the terms of Section 7.3 of this Agreement, agree to direct all payments thereunder to a Deposit Account at the Administrative Agent or subject to a Deposit Account Control Agreement for application to the Secured Obligations, in accordance with Section 2.18 of the Credit Agreement, all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

4.10. [Intentionally omitted.]

 

4.11. No Interference . Each Grantor agrees that it will not interfere with any right, power and remedy of the Administrative Agent provided for in this Security Agreement or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or by statute or otherwise, or the exercise or beginning of the exercise by the Administrative Agent of any one or more of such rights, powers or remedies, provided that the foregoing are exercised by the Administrative Agent in accordance with the terms hereof and all Requirements of Law.

 

4.12. Insurance . (a) In the event any Collateral is located in any area that has been designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency or by any other Governmental Authority as a “Special Flood Hazard Area” or “flood zone or area”, the Grantors shall purchase and maintain flood insurance on such Collateral (including any personal property which is located on any real property leased by such Loan Party within a “Special Flood Hazard Area” or “flood zone or area”). The amount of all insurance required by this Section shall at a minimum comply with applicable law, including, without limitation, the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, as amended. All premiums on such insurance shall be paid when due by the Grantors, and copies of the policies delivered to the Administrative Agent. If the Grantors fail to obtain any insurance as required by this Section, the Administrative Agent at the direction of the Required Lenders may obtain such insurance at the Grantors’ expense. By purchasing such insurance, the Administrative Agent shall not be deemed to have waived any Default arising from the Grantors’ failure to maintain such insurance or pay any premiums therefor.

 

(b) All insurance policies required under Section 5.09 of the Credit Agreement shall name the Administrative Agent (for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders) as an additional insured or as loss payee, as applicable, and shall contain loss payable clauses or mortgagee clauses, through endorsements in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, which provide that: (i) all proceeds thereunder with respect to any Collateral shall be payable to the Administrative Agent; (ii) no such insurance shall be affected by any act or neglect of the insured or owner of the property described in such policy; and (iii) such policy and loss payable or mortgagee clauses may be canceled, amended, or terminated only upon at least thirty days prior written notice given to the Administrative Agent.

 

4.13. Collateral Access Agreements . The Grantors shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain a Collateral Access Agreement, from the lessor of each leased property, mortgagee of owned property or bailee or consignee with respect to any warehouse, processor or converter facility or other location where Collateral is stored or located, which agreement or letter shall provide access rights, contain a waiver or subordination of all Liens or claims that the landlord, mortgagee, bailee or consignee may assert against the Collateral at that location, and shall otherwise be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Administrative Agent. With respect to such locations or warehouse space leased as of the Closing Date and thereafter, if the Administrative Agent has not received a Collateral Access Agreement within 45 days after the Closing Date (or, if later, as of the date such location is acquired or leased), Borrower’s Eligible Inventory at that location shall be subject to such Reserves as may be established by the Administrative Agent in accordance with the Credit Agreement. After the Closing Date, no real property or warehouse space shall be leased by any

 

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Grantor and no Inventory shall be shipped to a processor or converter under arrangements established after the Closing Date, unless and until a satisfactory Collateral Access Agreement shall first have been obtained with respect to such location and if it has not been obtained, Borrower’s Eligible Inventory at that location shall be subject to the establishment of Reserves in accordance with the Credit Agreement. Each Grantor shall timely and fully pay and perform its material obligations under all leases and other agreements with respect to each leased location or third party warehouse where any Collateral is or may be located except in the case of a bona fide dispute.

 

4.14. Deposit Account Control Agreements . Each Grantor will provide to the Administrative Agent upon the Administrative Agent’s request, a Deposit Account Control Agreement duly executed on behalf of each financial institution holding a deposit account of such Grantor as set forth in the Security Agreement other than (i) payroll, tax, escrow and other fiduciary accounts ( provided that such accounts will be funded only from an account that is subject to a Deposit Account Control Agreement and if at any time any payments from account debtors or other proceeds of Collateral are sent directly to any of such accounts, a Deposit Account Control Agreement will be required with respect to such account) and (ii) the deposit account maintained at Wilson & Muir Bank & Trust Co., wherein Grantor will not retain collected funds for more than one business day (all other funds being transferred to an account governed by a Deposit Account Control Agreement).

 

4.15. Change of Name or Location; Change of Fiscal Year . No Grantor shall (a) change its name as it appears in official filings in the state or province of its incorporation or organization, (b) change its chief executive office, principal place of business, mailing address, corporate offices or warehouses or locations at which Collateral is held or stored, or the location of its records concerning the Collateral as set forth in the Security Agreement, (c) change the type of entity that it is, (d) change its organization identification number, if any, issued by its state or province of incorporation or other organization, or (e) change its state or province of incorporation or organization, in each case, unless the Administrative Agent shall have received at least thirty days prior written notice of such change and the Administrative Agent shall have acknowledged in writing that either (1) such change will not adversely affect the validity, perfection or priority of the Administrative Agent’s security interest in the Collateral, or (2) any reasonable action requested by the Administrative Agent in connection therewith has been completed or taken (including any action to continue the perfection of any Liens in favor of the Administrative Agent, on behalf of Lenders, in any Collateral), provided that , any new location shall be in the continental U.S.

 

4.16 Assigned Contracts . Upon request by the Administrative Agent after the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, each Grantor will use its best efforts to secure all consents and approvals necessary or appropriate for the assignment to or for the benefit of the Administrative Agent of any Assigned Contract held by such Grantor and to enforce the security interests granted hereunder. Each Grantor shall fully perform all of its material obligations under each of the Assigned Contracts, and shall enforce all of its material rights and remedies thereunder, in each case, as it deems appropriate in its business judgment; provided however , that no Grantor shall take any action or fail to take any action with respect to its Assigned Contracts which would cause the termination of an Assigned Contract. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Grantor shall take all action necessary or appropriate to permit, and shall not take any action which would have any materially adverse effect upon, the full enforcement of all indemnification rights under its Assigned Contracts. The Grantors shall notify the Administrative Agent and the Lenders in writing, promptly after any Grantor becomes aware thereof, of any event or fact which could give rise to a material claim by it for indemnification under any of its Assigned Contracts, and shall diligently pursue such right and report to the Administrative Agent on all further developments with respect thereto. If the Administrative Agent has the right to exercise cash dominion pursuant to the terms of Section 7.3 of this Agreement, the Grantors shall deposit into a Deposit Account at the Administrative Agent or subject to a Deposit Account Control Agreement for application to the Secured Obligations, in accordance with Section 2.18 of the Credit Agreement, all amounts received by any Grantor as indemnification or otherwise pursuant to its Assigned Contracts. If any Grantor shall fail after the Administrative Agent’s demand to pursue diligently any right under its Assigned Contracts, or if an Event of Default then exists, the Administrative Agent may, and at the direction of the Required Secured Parties shall, directly enforce such right in its own or such Grantor’s name and may enter into such settlements or other

 

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agreements with respect thereto as the Administrative Agent or the Required Secured Parties, as applicable, shall determine. In any suit, proceeding or action brought by the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Lenders under any Assigned Contract for any sum owing thereunder or to enforce any provision thereof, the Grantors shall indemnify and hold the Administrative Agent and Lenders harmless from and against all expense, loss or damage suffered by reason of any defense, setoff, counterclaims, recoupment, or reduction of liability whatsoever of the obligor thereunder arising out of a breach by any Grantor of any obligation thereunder or arising out of any other agreement, indebtedness or liability at any time owing from any Grantor to or in favor of such obligor or its successors. All such obligations of the Grantors shall be and remain enforceable only against the Grantors and shall not be enforceable against the Administrative Agent or the Lenders. Notwithstanding any provision hereof to the contrary, each Grantor shall at all times remain liable to observe and perform all of its duties and obligations under its Assigned Contracts, and the Administrative Agent’s or any Lender’s exercise of any of their respective rights with respect to the Collateral shall not release any Grantor from any of such duties and obligations. Neither the Administrative Agent nor any Lender shall be obligated to perform or fulfill any of any Grantor’s duties or obligations under its Assigned Contracts or to make any payment thereunder, or to make any inquiry as to the nature or sufficiency of any payment or property received by it thereunder or the sufficiency of performance by any party thereunder, or to present or file any claim, or to take any action to collect or enforce any performance, any payment of any amounts, or any delivery of any property.

 

ARTICLE V

REMEDIES

 

5.1. [Intentionally omitted.]

 

5.2. Remedies .

 

(a) Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent may exercise any or all of the following rights and remedies:

 

(i) those rights and remedies provided in this Security Agreement, the Credit Agreement, or any other Loan Document; provided that, this Section 5.2(a) shall not be understood to limit any rights or remedies available to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders prior to an Event of Default;

 

(ii) those rights and remedies available to a secured party under the UCC (whether or not the UCC applies to the affected Collateral), the PPSA or under any other applicable domestic or foreign law (including, without limitation, any law governing the exercise of a bank’s right of setoff or bankers’ lien) when a debtor is in default under a security agreement;

 

(iii) give notice of sole control or any other instruction under any Deposit Account Control Agreement or other control agreement with any securities intermediary and take any action therein with respect to such Collateral;

 

(iv) concurrently with written notice to the Grantors (except as specifically provided in Section 8.1 or elsewhere herein), enter the premises of any Grantor where any Collateral is located (through self-help and without judicial process) to collect, receive, assemble, process, appropriate, sell, lease, assign, grant an option or options to purchase or otherwise dispose of, deliver, or realize upon, the Collateral or any part thereof in one or more parcels at public or private sale or sales (which sales may be adjourned or continued from time to time with or without notice and may take place at such Grantor’s premises or elsewhere), for cash, on credit or for future delivery without assumption of any credit risk, and upon such other terms as the Administrative Agent may deem commercially reasonable; and

 

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(v) concurrently with written notice to the Grantors, transfer and register in its name or in the name of its nominee the whole or any part of the Pledged Collateral, to exchange certificates or instruments representing or evidencing Pledged Collateral for certificates or instruments of smaller or larger denominations, to exercise the voting and all other rights as a holder with respect thereto, to collect and receive all cash dividends, interest, principal and other distributions made thereon and to otherwise act with respect to the Pledged Collateral as though the Administrative Agent was the outright owner thereof.

 

(b) The Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Lenders, shall comply with any applicable state, provincial or federal law requirements in connection with a disposition of the Collateral and compliance will not be considered to adversely affect the commercial reasonableness of any sale of the Collateral.

 

(c) The Administrative Agent shall have the right upon any such public sale or sales and, to the extent permitted by law, upon any such private sale or sales, to purchase for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, the whole or any part of the Collateral so sold, free of any right of equity redemption, which equity redemption each Grantor hereby expressly releases.

 

(d) Until the Administrative Agent is able to effect a sale, lease, or other disposition of Collateral, the Administrative Agent shall have the right to hold or use Collateral, or any part thereof, to the extent that it deems appropriate for the purpose of preserving Collateral or its value or for any other purpose deemed appropriate by the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent may, if it so elects, seek the appointment of a receiver or keeper to take possession of Collateral and to enforce any of the Administrative Agent’s remedies (for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and Lenders), with respect to such appointment without prior notice or hearing as to such appointment.

 

(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the Administrative Agent nor the Lenders shall be required to (i) make any demand upon, or pursue or exhaust any of their rights or remedies against, any Grantor, any other obligor, guarantor, pledgor or any other Person with respect to the payment of the Secured Obligations or to pursue or exhaust any of their rights or remedies with respect to any Collateral therefor or any direct or indirect guarantee thereof, (ii) marshal the Collateral or any guarantee of the Secured Obligations or to resort to the Collateral or any such guarantee in any particular order, or (iii) effect a public sale of any Collateral.

 

(f) Each Grantor recognizes that the Administrative Agent may be unable to effect a public sale of any or all the Pledged Collateral and may be compelled to resort to one or more private sales thereof in accordance with clause (a)  above. Each Grantor also acknowledges that any private sale may result in prices and other terms less favorable to the seller than if such sale were a public sale and, notwithstanding such circumstances, agrees that any such private sale shall not be deemed to have been made in a commercially unreasonable manner solely by virtue of such sale being private. The Administrative Agent shall be under no obligation to delay a sale of any of the Pledged Collateral for the period of time necessary to permit any Grantor or the issuer of the Pledged Collateral to register such securities for public sale under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or under applicable state securities laws, even if such Grantor and the issuer would agree to do so.

 

(g) The Administrative Agent may, in addition to any other rights it may have, appoint by instrument in writing a receiver or receiver and manager (both of which are herein called a “Receiver”) of all or any part of the Collateral or may institute proceedings in any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of such a Receiver. Any such Receiver is hereby given and shall have the same powers and rights and exclusions and limitations of liability as the Administrative Agent has under this Security Agreement or the Credit Agreement, at law or in equity. In exercising any such powers, any such Receiver shall, to the extent permitted by law, act as and for all purposes shall be deemed to be the agent of the Grantors and the Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall not be responsible for any act or default of any such Receiver. The Administrative Agent may appoint one or more Receivers hereunder or under the Credit Agreement and may remove any such Receiver or Receivers and appoint another or others in his or their stead from time to time.

 

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Any Receiver so appointed may be an officer or employee of the Administrative Agent. A court need not appoint, ratify the appointment by the Administrative Agent of or otherwise supervise in any manner the actions of any Receiver. Upon a Grantor receiving notice from the Administrative Agent of the taking of possession of the Collateral or the appointment of a Receiver, all powers, functions, rights and privileges of each of the directors and officers of such Grantor with respect to the Collateral shall cease, unless specifically continued by the written consent of the Administrative Agent.

 

(h) The Administrative Agent may charge on its own behalf and pay to others, sums for costs and expenses incurred including, without limitation, legal fees and expenses on a solicitor and his own client scale and Receivers’ and accounting fees, in or in connection with seizing, collecting, realizing, disposing, enforcing or otherwise dealing with the Collateral and in connection with the protection and enforcement of the rights of the Administrative Agent hereunder including, without limitation, in connection with advice with respect to any of the foregoing. The amount of such sums shall be deemed advanced to the Grantors by the Administrative Agent, shall become part of the Secured Obligations and shall be secured by this Security Agreement.

 

5.3. Grantors’ Obligations Upon Events of Default . Upon the request of the Administrative Agent after the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, the Grantors will:

 

(a) assemble and make available to the Administrative Agent the Collateral and all books and records relating thereto at any place or places reasonably specified by the Administrative Agent in accordance with applicable law, whether at the Grantors’ premises or elsewhere;

 

(b) permit the Administrative Agent, by the Administrative Agent’s representatives and agents, to enter, occupy and use any premises where all or any part of the Collateral, or the books and records relating thereto, or both, are located, to take possession of all or any part of the Collateral or the books and records relating thereto, or both, to remove all or any part of the Collateral or the books and records relating thereto, or both, and to conduct sales of the Collateral, without any obligation to pay the Grantors for such use and occupancy;

 

(c) take, or cause an issuer of Pledged Collateral to take, any and all reasonable actions necessary to enable the Administrative Agent to consummate a public sale or other disposition of the Pledged Collateral; and

 

(d) at its own expense, cause the independent certified public accountants then engaged by the Grantors or such other auditors selected by the Grantors and reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent to prepare and deliver to the Administrative Agent and each Lender, at any time, and from time to time, promptly upon the Administrative Agent’s request, the following reports with respect to the Grantors: (i) a reconciliation of all Accounts; (ii) an aging of all Accounts; (iii) trial balances; and (iv) a test verification of such Accounts.

 

5.4. Grant of Intellectual Property License . For the purpose of enabling the Administrative Agent to exercise the rights and remedies under this Article V at such time as the Administrative Agent shall be lawfully entitled to exercise such rights and remedies following the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, each Grantor hereby (a) grants to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, an irrevocable, nonexclusive license (exercisable without payment of royalty or other compensation to any Grantor) to use, license or sublicense any Intellectual property Rights now owned or hereafter acquired by any Grantor, and wherever the same may be located, and including in such license access to all media in which any of the licensed items may be recorded or stored and to all computer software and programs used for the compilation or printout thereof and (b) irrevocably agrees that the Administrative Agent may sell any of the Grantors’ Inventory directly to any person, including without limitation persons who have previously purchased the Grantors’ Inventory from any Grantor and in connection with any such sale or other enforcement of the Administrative Agent’s rights under this Security Agreement, may sell Inventory which bears

 

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any Trademark owned by or licensed to any Grantor and any Inventory that is covered by any Copyright owned by or licensed to any Grantor and the Administrative Agent may finish any work in process and affix any Trademark owned by or licensed to any Grantor and sell such Inventory as provided herein.

 

ARTICLE VI

ACCOUNT VERIFICATION; ATTORNEY IN FACT; PROXY

 

6.1. Account Verification . The Administrative Agent may at any time, in the Administrative Agent’s own name, in the name of a nominee of the Administrative Agent, or in the name of any Grantor communicate (by mail, telephone, facsimile or otherwise) with the Account Debtors of such Grantor, parties to contracts with such Grantor and obligors in respect of Instruments of such Grantor to verify with such Persons, to the Administrative Agent’s satisfaction, the existence, amount, terms of, and any other matter relating to, Accounts, Instruments, Chattel Paper, payment intangibles and/or other Receivables.

 

6.2. Authorization for Secured Party to Take Certain Action .

 

(a) Each Grantor irrevocably authorizes the Administrative Agent at any time and from time to time in the reasonable discretion of the Administrative Agent and appoints the Administrative Agent as its attorney in fact (i) to execute on behalf of such Grantor as debtor and to file financing statements necessary or desirable in the Administrative Agent’s reasonable discretion to perfect and to maintain the perfection and priority of the Administrative Agent’s security interest in the Collateral, (ii) either if the Administrative Agent has the right to exercise cash dominion pursuant to the terms of Section 7.3 of this Agreement or upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, to endorse, apply and, after the occurrence and during the continuation of any Event of Default, collect any cash proceeds of the Collateral, (iii) to file a carbon, photographic or other reproduction of this Security Agreement or any financing statement with respect to the Collateral as a financing statement and to file any other financing statement or amendment of a financing statement (which does not add new collateral or add a debtor) in such offices as the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion deems necessary or desirable to perfect and to maintain the perfection and priority of the Administrative Agent’s security interest in the Collateral, (iv) upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, to contact and enter into one or more agreements with the issuers of uncertificated securities which are Pledged Collateral or with securities intermediaries holding Pledged Collateral as may be necessary or advisable to give the Administrative Agent Control over such Pledged Collateral, (v) either if the Administrative Agent has the right to exercise cash dominion pursuant to the terms of Section 7.3 of this Agreement or upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, to apply the proceeds of any Collateral received by the Administrative Agent to the Secured Obligations as provided in Section 7.3, (vi) upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, to discharge past due taxes, assessments, charges, fees or Liens on the Collateral (except for such Liens as are specifically permitted hereunder), (vii) to contact Account Debtors in accordance with the Administrative Agent’s customary practices in order to verify information regarding the Accounts, (viii) upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, to demand payment or enforce payment of the Receivables in the name of the Administrative Agent or such Grantor and to endorse any and all checks, drafts, and other instruments for the payment of money relating to the Receivables, (ix) upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, to sign such Grantor’s name on any invoice or bill of lading relating to the Receivables, drafts against any Account Debtor of such Grantor, assignments and verifications of Receivables, (x) upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, to exercise all of such Grantor’s rights and remedies with respect to the collection of the Receivables and any other Collateral, (xi) upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, to settle, adjust, compromise, extend or renew the Receivables, (xii) upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, to settle, adjust or compromise any legal proceedings brought to collect Receivables, (xiii) upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, to prepare, file and sign such Grantor’s name on a proof of claim in bankruptcy or similar document against any Account Debtor of such Grantor, (xiv) upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, to prepare, file and sign such Grantor’s name on any notice of Lien, assignment or satisfaction of Lien or similar document in connection with the Receivables, (xv) upon the occurrence and

 

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during the continuation of an Event of Default, to change the address for delivery of mail addressed to such Grantor to such address as the Administrative Agent may designate and to receive, open and dispose of all mail addressed to such Grantor, and (xvi) upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, to do all other acts and things necessary to carry out this Security Agreement; and each Grantor agrees to reimburse the Administrative Agent on demand for any payment made or any expense incurred by the Administrative Agent in connection with any of the foregoing; provided that, this authorization shall not relieve any Grantor of any of its obligations under this Security Agreement or under the Credit Agreement.

 

(b) All acts of said attorney or designee in accordance with the terms hereof are hereby ratified and approved. The powers conferred on the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and Lenders, under this Section 6.2 are solely to protect the Administrative Agent’s interests in the Collateral and shall not impose any duty upon the Administrative Agent or any Lender to exercise any such powers.

 

6.3. Proxy . EACH GRANTOR HEREBY IRREVOCABLY CONSTITUTES AND APPOINTS THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AS THE PROXY AND ATTORNEY-IN-FACT (AS SET FORTH IN SECTION 6.2 ABOVE) OF SUCH GRANTOR WITH RESPECT TO THE PLEDGED COLLATERAL, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO VOTE SUCH PLEDGED COLLATERAL, WITH FULL POWER OF SUBSTITUTION TO DO SO. IN ADDITION TO THE RIGHT TO VOTE ANY SUCH PLEDGED COLLATERAL, THE APPOINTMENT OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AS PROXY AND ATTORNEY-IN-FACT SHALL INCLUDE THE RIGHT TO EXERCISE ALL OTHER RIGHTS, POWERS, PRIVILEGES AND REMEDIES TO WHICH A HOLDER OF SUCH PLEDGED COLLATERAL WOULD BE ENTITLED (INCLUDING GIVING OR WITHHOLDING WRITTEN CONSENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS, CALLING SPECIAL MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS AND VOTING AT SUCH MEETINGS). SUCH PROXY SHALL BE EFFECTIVE, AUTOMATICALLY AND WITHOUT THE NECESSITY OF ANY ACTION (INCLUDING ANY TRANSFER OF ANY SUCH PLEDGED COLLATERAL ON THE RECORD BOOKS OF THE ISSUER THEREOF) BY ANY PERSON (INCLUDING THE ISSUER OF SUCH PLEDGED COLLATERAL OR ANY OFFICER OR AGENT THEREOF), UPON THE OCCURRENCE OF A DEFAULT.

 

6.4. Nature of Appointment; Limitation of Duty . THE APPOINTMENT OF THE AGENT AS PROXY AND ATTORNEY-IN-FACT IN THIS ARTICLE VI IS COUPLED WITH AN INTEREST AND SHALL BE IRREVOCABLE UNTIL THE DATE ON WHICH THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT IS TERMINATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8.14. NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING CONTAINED HEREIN, NEITHER THE AGENT, NOR ANY LENDER, NOR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS OR REPRESENTATIVES SHALL HAVE ANY DUTY TO EXERCISE ANY RIGHT OR POWER GRANTED HEREUNDER OR OTHERWISE OR TO PRESERVE THE SAME AND SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY FAILURE TO DO SO OR FOR ANY DELAY IN DOING SO, EXCEPT IN RESPECT OF DAMAGES ATTRIBUTABLE SOLELY TO THEIR OWN GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT AS FINALLY DETERMINED BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION; PROVIDED THAT, IN NO EVENT SHALL THEY BE LIABLE FOR ANY PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.

 

ARTICLE VII

COLLECTION AND APPLICATION OF COLLATERAL PROCEEDS; DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS

 

7.1. Collection of Receivables .

 

(a) On or before the Closing Date, each Grantor shall (a) execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent Deposit Account Control Agreements for each Deposit Account maintained by such Grantor into which all cash, checks or other similar payments relating to or constituting payments made in respect of Receivables will be deposited, to the extent a Deposit Account Control Agreement over such Deposit

 

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Account is required by the terms of Section 4.14 (each, a “ Collateral Deposit Account ”), which Collateral Deposit Accounts are identified as such on Exhibit B , and (b) enter into to irrevocable lockbox agreements in the form provided by or otherwise acceptable to the Administrative Agent for all existing lock boxes of the Grantors into which all cash, checks or other similar payments relating to or constituting payments made in respect of Receivables will be deposited (the “ Lock Boxes ”), which Lock Boxes are identified as such on Exhibit B , which agreements shall be accompanied by an acknowledgment by the bank where the Lock Box is located of the Lien of the Administrative Agent granted hereunder and of irrevocable instructions to wire all amounts collected therein to the Collection Account (a “ Lock Box Agreement ”) upon receipt by the depository banks of a control notice from the Administrative Agent pursuant to the terms of such agreements. After the Closing Date, each Grantor will comply with the terms of Section 7.2.

 

(b) At all times that the Administrative Agent has the right to exercise cash dominion pursuant to the terms of Section 7.3(c) of this Agreement and upon receipt by the depository banks of a control notice from the Administrative Agent, each depository bank will restrict Grantor’s access to funds within the Collateral Deposit Account. Each Grantor shall insure that future deposits constituting payments made in respect of Receivables continue to be made into Collateral Deposit Accounts. At all times that the Administrative Agent has the right to exercise cash dominion pursuant to the terms of Section 7.3(c) of this Agreement, (i) the Administrative Agent shall have sole access to the Lock Boxes and the Collateral Deposit Accounts and each Grantor shall take all actions necessary to grant the Administrative Agent such sole access, (ii) no Grantor shall remove any item from the Lock Boxes or the Collateral Deposit Accounts without the Administrative Agent’s prior written consent, (iii) if any Grantor should refuse or neglect to notify any Account Debtor to forward payments directly to a Lock Box subject to a Lock Box Agreement or a Collateral Deposit Account subject to a Deposit Account Control Agreement after notice from the Administrative Agent, the Administrative Agent shall be entitled to make such notification directly to Account Debtor, (iv) if notwithstanding the foregoing instructions, any Grantor receives any proceeds of any Receivables, such Grantor shall receive such payments in trust for the Administrative Agent, and shall immediately deposit all cash, checks or other similar payments related to or constituting payments made in respect of Receivables received by it to a Collateral Deposit Account, (v) all funds deposited into any Lock Box subject to a Lock Box Agreement or any Collateral Deposit Account will be swept on a daily basis into a collection account maintained by the Grantor with the Administrative Agent (the “ Collection Account ”), and (vi) the Administrative Agent shall hold and apply funds received into the Collection Account as provided by the terms of Section 2.18(b) of the Credit Agreement.

 

7.2. Covenant Regarding New Deposit Accounts; Lock Boxes . Before opening or replacing any Collateral Deposit Account, other Deposit Account, or establishing a new Lock Box, the Grantors shall (a) obtain the Administrative Agent’s consent in writing to the opening of such Deposit Account or Lock Box, and (b) cause each bank or financial institution in which it seeks to open (i) a Deposit Account, to enter into a Deposit Account Control Agreement with the Administrative Agent in order to give the Administrative Agent Control of such Deposit Account in the event rights of cash dominion are exercised, or (ii) a Lock Box, to enter into a Lock Box Agreement with the Administrative Agent in order to give the Administrative Agent Control of the Lock Box in the event rights of cash dominion are exercised. In the case of Deposit Accounts or Lock Boxes maintained with Lenders, the terms of such letter shall be subject to the provisions of the Credit Agreement regarding setoffs. The main disbursement accounts of the Borrowers shall at all times be located at a bank that is a Lender under the Credit Agreement or with banks otherwise acceptable to the Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion.

 

7.3. Application of Proceeds; Deficiency . (a) At all times that Administrative Agent does not have the right to exercise cash dominion or has chosen not to exercise such right, all amounts deposited into Grantor’s accounts shall remain at the disposal of the Grantor and may be disbursed or otherwise used in the Grantor’s sole discretion.

 

(b) If, at any time, cash dominion under Section 7.3(c) has been triggered, and the Grantor thereafter maintains (i) average Availability greater than or equal to $40,000,000 for a 90-day period and (ii)

 

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Availability not less than $35,000,000 at all times during such 90-day period, the cash dominion in Section 7.3(c) shall no longer be deemed to be triggered and discretionary rights to the use of funds in a depository account shall return to the Grantor and funds deposited in Collateral Deposit Accounts shall no longer be swept into the Collection Account.

 

(c) If at any time, (i) Availability is less than $35,000,000, or (ii) a Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Administrative Agent may exercise its cash dominion rights by delivering instructions to each depository bank having a Deposit Account Control Agreement that requires all other cash proceeds in the account to be directed to the Administrative Agent’s Collection Account as described in Section 7.1(b). If this Section 7.3(c) has been triggered, the Administrative Agent shall (or, in the case of Canadian Collateral Deposit Accounts, may) have exclusive control over said Collateral Deposit Account and any such proceeds shall be applied in the order set forth in Section 2.18(b) of the Credit Agreement. If proceeds are being applied according to Section 2.18(b) of the Credit Agreement, the balance, if any, after all of the Secured Obligations have been satisfied shall be deposited by the Administrative Agent into the Grantors’ general operating account with the Administrative Agent or such other account with a Lender and subject to a Deposit Account Control Agreement designated by the Grantors in writing to the Administrative Agent. The Grantors shall remain liable for any deficiency if the proceeds of any sale or disposition of the Collateral are insufficient to pay all Secured Obligations, including any reasonable attorneys’ fees and other reasonable expenses incurred by Administrative Agent or any Lender to collect such deficiency.

 

ARTICLE VIII

GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

8.1. Waivers . Each Grantor hereby waives, to the extent permitted under applicable law, notice of the time and place of any public sale or the time after which any private sale or other disposition of all or any part of the Collateral may be made. To the extent such notice may not be waived under applicable law, any notice made shall be deemed reasonable if sent to the Grantors, addressed as set forth in Article IX, at least ten days prior to (i) the date of any such public sale or (ii) the time after which any such private sale or other disposition may be made. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, each Grantor waives all claims, damages, and demands against the Administrative Agent or any Lender arising out of the repossession, retention or sale of the Collateral, except such as arise solely out of the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Administrative Agent or such Lender as finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction. To the extent it may lawfully do so, each Grantor absolutely and irrevocably waives and relinquishes the benefit and advantage of, and covenants not to assert against the Administrative Agent or any Lender, any valuation, stay, appraisal, extension, moratorium, redemption or similar laws and any and all rights or defenses it may have as a surety now or hereafter existing which, but for this provision, might be applicable to the sale of any Collateral made under the judgment, order or decree of any court, or privately under the power of sale conferred by this Security Agreement, or otherwise. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, each Grantor hereby waives presentment, demand, protest or any notice (to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law) of any kind in connection with this Security Agreement or any Collateral.

 

8.2. Limitation on Administrative Agent’s and Lenders’ Duty with Respect to the Collateral . The Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to clean-up or otherwise prepare the Collateral for sale. The Administrative Agent and each Lender shall use reasonable care with respect to the Collateral in its possession or under its control. Neither the Administrative Agent nor any Lender shall have any other duty as to any Collateral in its possession or control or in the possession or control of any agent or nominee of the Administrative Agent or such Lender, or any income thereon or as to the preservation of rights against prior parties or any other rights pertaining thereto. To the extent that applicable law imposes duties on the Administrative Agent to exercise remedies in a commercially reasonable manner, the Grantors acknowledge and agree that it is commercially reasonable for the Administrative Agent (i) to fail to incur expenses deemed significant by the Administrative Agent to prepare Collateral for disposition or otherwise to transform raw material or work in process into finished goods or other finished products for disposition, (ii) to fail to obtain third party consents for access to Collateral to be disposed of, or to obtain or, if not required by other law, to fail

 

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to obtain governmental or third party consents for the collection or disposition of Collateral to be collected or disposed of, (iii) to fail to exercise collection remedies against Account Debtors or other Persons obligated on Collateral or to remove Liens on or any adverse claims against Collateral, (iv) to exercise collection remedies against Account Debtors and other Persons obligated on Collateral directly or through the use of collection agencies and other collection specialists, (v) to advertise dispositions of Collateral through publications or media of general circulation, whether or not the Collateral is of a specialized nature, (vi) to contact other Persons, whether or not in the same business as the Grantors, for expressions of interest in acquiring all or any portion of such Collateral, (vii) to hire one or more professional auctioneers to assist in the disposition of Collateral, whether or not the Collateral is of a specialized nature, (viii) to dispose of Collateral by utilizing internet sites that provide for the auction of assets of the types included in the Collateral or that have the reasonable capacity of doing so, or that match buyers and sellers of assets, (ix) to dispose of assets in wholesale rather than retail markets, (x) to disclaim disposition warranties, such as title, possession or quiet enjoyment, (xi) to purchase insurance or credit enhancements to insure the Administrative Agent against risks of loss, collection or disposition of Collateral or to provide to the Administrative Agent a guaranteed return from the collection or disposition of Collateral, or (xii) to the extent deemed appropriate by the Administrative Agent, to obtain the services of other brokers, investment bankers, consultants and other professionals to assist the Administrative Agent in the collection or disposition of any of the Collateral. Each Grantor acknowledges that the purpose of this Section 8.2 is to provide non-exhaustive indications of what actions or omissions by the Administrative Agent would be commercially reasonable in the Administrative Agent’s exercise of remedies against the Collateral and that other actions or omissions by the Administrative Agent shall not be deemed commercially unreasonable solely on account of not being indicated in this Section 8.2. Without limitation upon the foregoing, nothing contained in this Section 8.2 shall be construed to grant any rights to any Grantor or to impose any duties on the Administrative Agent that would not have been granted or imposed by this Security Agreement or by applicable law in the absence of this Section 8.2.

 

8.3. Compromises and Collection of Collateral . The Grantors and the Administrative Agent recognize that setoffs, counterclaims, defenses and other claims may be asserted by obligors with respect to certain of the Receivables, that certain of the Receivables may be or become uncollectible in whole or in part and that the expense and probability of success in litigating a disputed Receivable may exceed the amount that reasonably may be expected to be recovered with respect to a Receivable. In view of the foregoing, each Grantor agrees that the Administrative Agent may at any time and from time to time, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, compromise with the obligor on any Receivable, accept in full payment of any Receivable such amount as the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion shall determine or abandon any Receivable, and any such action by the Administrative Agent shall be commercially reasonable so long as the Administrative Agent acts in good faith based on information known to it at the time it takes any such action.

 

8.4. Secured Party Performance of Debtor Obligations . Without having any obligation to do so, the Administrative Agent may perform or pay any obligation which any Grantor has agreed to perform or pay in this Security Agreement and the Grantors shall reimburse the Administrative Agent for any amounts paid by the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section 8.4. The Grantors’ obligation to reimburse the Administrative Agent pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be a Secured Obligation payable on demand.

 

8.5. Specific Performance of Certain Covenants . Each Grantor acknowledges and agrees that a breach of any of the covenants contained in Sections 4.1(d), 4.1(e), 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 4.10, 4.12, 4.13, 4.14, 4.15, 4.16, 5.3, or 8.7 or in Article VII will cause irreparable injury to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, that the Administrative Agent and Lenders have no adequate remedy at law in respect of such breaches and therefore agrees, without limiting the right of the Administrative Agent or the Lenders to seek and obtain specific performance of other obligations of the Grantors contained in this Security Agreement, that the covenants of the Grantors contained in the Sections referred to in this Section 8.5 shall be specifically enforceable against each Grantor.

 

8.6. Dispositions Not Authorized . No Grantor is authorized to sell or otherwise dispose of the Collateral except as set forth in Section 4.1(d) and notwithstanding any course of dealing between the Grantors

 

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and the Administrative Agent or other conduct of the Administrative Agent, no authorization to sell or otherwise dispose of the Collateral (except as set forth in Section 4.1(d)) shall be binding upon the Administrative Agent or the Lenders unless such authorization is in writing signed by the Administrative Agent with the consent or at the direction of the Required Secured Parties.

 

8.7. No Waiver; Amendments; Cumulative Remedies . No delay or omission of the Administrative Agent or any Lender to exercise any right or remedy granted under this Security Agreement shall impair such right or remedy or be construed to be a waiver of any Default or an acquiescence therein, and any single or partial exercise of any such right or remedy shall not preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or remedy. No waiver, amendment or other variation of the terms, conditions or provisions of this Security Agreement whatsoever shall be valid unless in writing signed by the Administrative Agent with the concurrence or at the direction of the Lenders required under Section 9.02 of the Credit Agreement and then only to the extent in such writing specifically set forth. All rights and remedies contained in this Security Agreement or by law afforded shall be cumulative and all shall be available to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders until the Secured Obligations have been paid in full.

 

8.8. Limitation by Law; Severability of Provisions . All rights, remedies and powers provided in this Security Agreement may be exercised only to the extent that the exercise thereof does not violate any applicable provision of law, and all the provisions of this Security Agreement are intended to be subject to all applicable mandatory provisions of law that may be controlling and to be limited to the extent necessary so that they shall not render this Security Agreement invalid, unenforceable or not entitled to be recorded or registered, in whole or in part. Any provision in this Security Agreement that is held to be inoperative, unenforceable, or invalid in any jurisdiction shall, as to that jurisdiction, be inoperative, unenforceable, or invalid without affecting the remaining provisions in that jurisdiction or the operation, enforceability, or validity of that provision in any other jurisdiction, and to this end the provisions of this Security Agreement are declared to be severable.

 

8.9. Reinstatement . This Security Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and continue to be effective should any petition or proposal be filed by or against any Grantor for liquidation or reorganization, should any Grantor become insolvent or make an assignment for the benefit of any creditor or creditors or should a receiver or trustee be appointed for all or any significant part of any Grantor’s assets, and shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment and performance of the Secured Obligations, or any part thereof, is, pursuant to applicable law, rescinded or reduced in amount, or must otherwise be restored or returned by any obligee of the Secured Obligations, whether as a “voidable preference,” “fraudulent conveyance,” or otherwise, all as though such payment or performance had not been made. In the event that any payment, or any part thereof, is rescinded, reduced, restored or returned, the Secured Obligations shall be reinstated and deemed reduced only by such amount paid and not so rescinded, reduced, restored or returned.

 

8.10. Benefit of Agreement . The terms and provisions of this Security Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Grantors, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders and their respective successors and assigns (including all persons who become bound as a debtor to this Security Agreement), except that no Grantor shall have the right to assign its rights or delegate its obligations under this Security Agreement or any interest herein, without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent. No sales of participations, assignments, transfers, or other dispositions of any agreement governing the Secured Obligations or any portion thereof or interest therein shall in any manner impair the Lien granted to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, hereunder.

 

8.11. Survival of Representations . All representations and warranties of the Grantors contained in this Security Agreement shall survive the execution and delivery of this Security Agreement.

 

8.12. Taxes and Expenses . Any taxes (including income taxes) payable or ruled payable by Federal, Provincial or State authority in respect of this Security Agreement shall be paid by the Grantors, together with interest and penalties, if any. The Grantors shall reimburse the Administrative Agent for any and all

 

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out-of-pocket expenses and internal charges (including reasonable attorneys’, auditors’ and accountants’ fees and reasonable time charges of attorneys, paralegals, auditors and accountants who may be employees of the Administrative Agent) paid or incurred by the Administrative Agent in connection with the preparation, execution, delivery, administration, collection and enforcement of this Security Agreement and in the audit, analysis, administration, collection, preservation or sale of the Collateral (including the expenses and charges associated with any periodic or special audit of the Collateral). Any and all costs and expenses incurred by any Grantor in the performance of actions required pursuant to the terms hereof shall be borne solely by the Grantors.

 

8.13. Headings . The title of and section headings in this Security Agreement are for convenience of reference only, and shall not govern the interpretation of any of the terms and provisions of this Security Agreement.

 

8.14. Termination . This Security Agreement shall continue in effect (notwithstanding the fact that from time to time there may be no Secured Obligations outstanding) until (i) the Credit Agreement has terminated pursuant to its express terms and (ii) all of the Secured Obligations have been indefeasibly paid and performed in full (or with respect to any outstanding Letters of Credit, a cash deposit or Supporting Letter of Credit has been delivered to the Administrative Agent as required by the Credit Agreement) and no commitments of the Administrative Agent or the Lenders which would give rise to any Secured Obligations are outstanding.

 

8.15. Entire Agreement . This Security Agreement embodies the entire agreement and understanding between the Grantors and the Administrative Agent relating to the Collateral and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the Grantors and the Administrative Agent relating to the Collateral.

 

8.16. CHOICE OF LAW . THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE INTERNAL LAWS (AND NOT THE LAW OF CONFLICTS) OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, BUT GIVING EFFECT TO FEDERAL LAWS APPLICABLE TO NATIONAL BANKS. PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT IF ANY LAWS OF ANY JURISDICTION, OTHER THAN NEW YORK, SHALL GOVERN IN REGARD TO THE VALIDITY, PERFECTION OR EFFECT OF PERFECTION OF ANY LIEN IN THE COLLATERAL, OR IN REGARD TO PROCEDURAL MATTERS AFFECTING ENFORCEMENT OF ANY LIENS IN THE COLLATERAL, SUCH LAWS OF SUCH OTHER JURISDICTION SHALL CONTINUE TO APPLY TO THAT EXTENT.

 

8.17. CONSENT TO JURISDICTION . EACH GRANTOR HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE NON-EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF ANY U.S. FEDERAL OR NEW YORK STATE COURT SITTING IN NEW YORK, NEW YORK IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT AND EACH GRANTOR HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN ANY SUCH COURT AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE AS TO THE VENUE OF ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN SUCH A COURT OR THAT SUCH COURT IS AN INCONVENIENT FORUM. NOTHING HEREIN SHALL LIMIT THE RIGHT OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT OR ANY LENDER TO BRING PROCEEDINGS AGAINST ANY GRANTOR IN THE COURTS OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION. ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING BY ANY GRANTOR AGAINST THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT OR ANY LENDER OR ANY AFFILIATE OF THE AGENT OR ANY LENDER INVOLVING, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ANY MATTER IN ANY WAY ARISING OUT OF, RELATED TO, OR CONNECTED WITH THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT SHALL BE BROUGHT ONLY IN A COURT IN NEW YORK, NEW YORK. If any action or proceeding is filed in a court of the State of California by or against any party hereto in connection with any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any document related hereto, (a) the court shall, and is hereby

 

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directed to, make a general reference pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure Section 638 to a referee or referees to hear and determine all of the issues in such action or proceeding (whether of fact or of law) and to report a statement of decision, provided that at the option of Lender, any such issues pertaining to a “provisional remedy” as defined in California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1281.8 shall be heard and determined by the court, and (b) the Borrowers shall be solely responsible to pay all fees and expenses of any referee appointed in such action or proceeding.

 

8.18. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL . EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION.

 

8.19. Indemnity . Each Grantor hereby agrees to indemnify the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, and their respective successors, assigns, agents and employees, from and against any and all liabilities, damages, penalties, suits, costs, and expenses of any kind and nature (including, without limitation, all expenses of litigation or preparation therefor whether or not the Administrative Agent or any Lender is a party thereto) imposed on, incurred by or asserted against the Administrative Agent or the Lenders, or their respective successors, assigns, agents and employees, in any way relating to or arising out of this Security Agreement, or the manufacture, purchase, acceptance, rejection, ownership, delivery, lease, possession, use, operation, condition, sale, return or other disposition of any Collateral (including, without limitation, latent and other defects, whether or not discoverable by the Administrative Agent or the Lenders or the Grantors, and any claim for Patent, Trademark or Copyright infringement).

 

8.20. Counterparts . This Security Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, all of which taken together shall constitute one agreement, and any of the parties hereto may execute this Security Agreement by signing any such counterpart.

 

8.21. Judgment Currency . If for the purpose of obtaining judgment in any court it is necessary to convert an amount due hereunder in the currency in which it is due (the “Original Currency”) into another currency (the “Second Currency”), the rate of exchange applied shall be that at which, in accordance with normal banking procedures, the Lender(s) or the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders could purchase in the Chicago foreign exchange market, the Original Currency with the Second Currency on the date two (2) Business Days preceding that on which judgment is given. Each Grantor agrees that its obligation in respect of any Original Currency due from it hereunder shall, notwithstanding any judgment or payment in such other currency, be discharged only to the extent that, on the Business Day following the date the Lender(s) or the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders receives payment of any sum so adjudged to be due hereunder in the Second Currency, the Lender(s) or the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders may, in accordance with normal banking procedures, purchase, in the Chicago foreign exchange market, the Original Currency with the amount of the Second Currency so paid; and if the amount of the Original Currency so purchased or could have been so purchased is less than the amount originally due in the Original Currency, each Grantor agrees as a separate obligation and notwithstanding any such payment or judgment to indemnify the Lender(s) or the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders against such loss. The term “rate of exchange” in this Section 8.21 means the spot rate at which the Administrative Agent, in accordance with normal practices, is able on the relevant date to purchase the Original Currency with the Second Currency, and includes any premium and costs of exchange payable in connection with such purchase.

 

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It is the express wish of the parties that this agreement and any related documents be drawn up and executed in English. Il est la volonte expresse des Parties que cette convention et tous les documents s’y rattachant soient rediges et signes en anglais.

 

ARTICLE IX

NOTICES

 

9.1. Sending Notices . (a) Any notice required or permitted to be given under this Security Agreement shall be sent by United States mail, telecopier, personal delivery or nationally established overnight courier service, and shall be deemed received (i) when received, if sent by hand or overnight courier service, or mailed by certified or registered mail notices or (ii) when sent, if sent by telecopier (except that, if not given during normal business hours for the recipient, shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next Business Day for the recipient), in each case addressed to the Grantors at the address(es) set forth on Exhibit A as their principal place of business, and to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders at the addresses set forth in accordance with Section 9.01 of the Credit Agreement.

 

(b) Any reporting notice required to be given under this Security Agreement by the Grantors to the Administrative Agent may be given on a quarterly basis unless otherwise specified herein.

 

9.2. Change in Address for Notices . Each of the Grantors, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders may change the address for service of notice upon it by a notice in writing to the other parties.

 

ARTICLE X

THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. has been appointed Administrative Agent for the Lenders hereunder pursuant to Article VIII of the Credit Agreement. It is expressly understood and agreed by the parties to this Security Agreement that any authority conferred upon the Administrative Agent hereunder is subject to the terms of the delegation of authority made by the Lenders to the Administrative Agent pursuant to the Credit Agreement, and that the Administrative Agent has agreed to act (and any successor Administrative Agent shall act) as such hereunder only on the express conditions contained in such Article VIII. Any successor Administrative Agent appointed pursuant to Article VIII of the Credit Agreement shall be entitled to all the rights, interests and benefits of the Administrative Agent hereunder.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

26


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Grantors and the Administrative Agent have executed this Security Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

GRANTORS:

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC.

By

   

Name:

   

Title:

   

CORE-MARK INTERNATIONAL, INC.

By

   

Name:

   

Title:

   

CORE-MARK HOLDINGS I, INC.

By

   

Name:

   

Title:

   

CORE-MARK HOLDINGS II, INC.

By

   

Name:

   

Title:

   

CORE-MARK HOLDINGS III, INC.

By

   

Name:

   

Title:

   

CORE-MARK MIDCONTINENT, INC.

By

   

Name:

   

Title:

   


CORE-MARK INTERRELATED COMPANIES, INC.

By

   

Name:

   

Title:

   

HEAD DISTRIBUTING COMPANY

By

   

Name:

   

Title:

   

MINTER-WEISMAN CO.

By

   

Name:

   

Title:

   


JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,

  as Administrative Agent

By:

   

Name:

   

Title:

   


My Commission Expires:

 

STATE OF                                           

  )    
    )   SS

COUNTY OF                                       

  )    

 

The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this      day of                      , 20      , by                      , a              of                      , on behalf of said

 

Notary Public

 

My commission expires:


 

EXHIBIT I

(See Section 4.4 and 4.8 of Security Agreement)

 

AMENDMENT

 

This Amendment, dated ________________, ___ is delivered pursuant to Section 4.4 of the Security Agreement referred to below. All defined terms herein shall have the meanings ascribed thereto or incorporated by reference in the Security Agreement. The undersigned hereby certifies that the representations and warranties in Article III of the Security Agreement are and continue to be true and correct. The undersigned further agrees that this Amendment may be attached to that certain Pledge and Security Agreement, dated October [__], 2005, between the undersigned, as the Grantors, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as the Administrative Agent, (the “ Security Agreement ”) and that the Collateral listed on Schedule I to this Amendment shall be and become a part of the Collateral referred to in said Security Agreement and shall secure all Secured Obligations referred to in said Security Agreement.

 

 

By:

   

Name:

   

Title:

   


SCHEDULE I TO AMENDMENT

 

STOCKS

 

Issuer


   Certificate
Number(s)


   Number of Shares

   Class of Stock

   Percentage of
Outstanding Shares


BONDS

Issuer


   Number

   Face Amount

   Coupon Rate

   Maturity

 

GOVERNMENT SECURITIES

 

Issuer


   Number

   Type

   Face Amount

   Coupon Rate

   Maturity

 

OTHER SECURITIES OR OTHER INVESTMENT PROPERTY

 

(CERTIFICATED AND UNCERTIFICATED)

 

Issuer


   Description of Collateral

   Percentage Ownership Interest

 

[Add description of custody accounts or arrangements with securities intermediary, if applicable]

 

COMMERCIAL TORT CLAIMS

 

Description of Claim


   Parties

   Case Number; Name of
Court where Case was Filed


Exhibit 10.15

AMENDED AND RESTATED

ADMINISTRATIVE CLAIMS GUARANTY AGREEMENT

 

This AMENDED AND RESTATED ADMINISTRATIVE CLAIMS GUARANTY AGREEMENT (this “Guaranty”) is entered into as of August 31, 2004 by and between Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Guarantor”) , and the Post Confirmation Trust (the “PCT” or the “Guarantied Party” ).

 

RECITALS.

 

A. On April 1, 2003 (the “Petition Date” ), Fleming Companies, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Debtors”) commenced Case No. 03-10945 (MFW), as administratively consolidated, under Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Code, 11 U.S.C. 101 et seq. (the “Bankruptcy Code” ), with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “Bankruptcy Court” ).

 

B. By order, docketed July 27, 2004, the Bankruptcy Court confirmed the Debtors’ and Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors’ Third Amended and Revised Joint Plan of Reorganization of Fleming Companies, Inc. and its Filing Subsidiaries Under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code dated July 16, 2004 (as amended from time to time, the “Plan of Reorganization” ), in accordance with §1129 of the Bankruptcy Code.

 

C. As a condition to the occurrence of the “Effective Date” under and as defined in the Plan of Reorganization, the Guarantor and the PCT were required to, and did, enter into that certain Administrative Claims Guaranty Agreement (the “Initial PCT Guaranty” ) dated as of August 20, 2004 by and between the Guarantor and the Guarantied Party.

 

D. The Reclamation Creditors’ Trust (the “RCT” ) has requested certain rights with respect to the Initial PCT Guaranty, and, in order to comply with such requests, the parties have agreed to amend and restate the Initial PCT Guaranty by entering into this Guaranty.

 

NOW, THEREFORE , based upon the foregoing and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Guarantor and the PCT hereby agree as follows:

 

SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS

 

1.1 Certain Defined Terms . As used in this Guaranty, all capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein have the meanings given to them in the Plan of Reorganization, and the following terms shall have the following meanings unless the context otherwise requires:

 

“Guarantied Obligations” shall mean any amounts in excess of $56,000,000 paid or payable by the PCT on account of “relevant administrative claims,” as

 

1


described in Section VI.H.8.f. of the Disclosure Statement filed in conjunction with the Plan of Reorganization (the “Relevant Administrative Claims” ).

 

“Guaranty” shall mean this Amended and Restated Administrative Claims Guaranty Agreement dated as of the date hereof, as it may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time to the extent permitted hereunder.

 

“PCT Report” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 4.8.

 

1.2 Interpretation . References to “Sections” and “subsections” shall be to Sections and subsections, respectively, of this Guaranty unless otherwise specifically provided.

 

SECTION 2. THE GUARANTY

 

2.1 Guaranty of the Guarantied Obligations . Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, within 60 (sixty) days of demand by the PCT, the Guarantor hereby agrees to pay to the PCT the amount of the Guarantied Obligations less any amount(s) that the PCT has previously received from the Guarantor under this Guaranty.

 

2.2 Payment by Guarantor . All payments made by the Guarantor hereunder will be made to the PCT in United States Dollars, without set-off, counterclaim or other defense.

 

2.3 Liability of Guarantor Absolute .

 

(a) Guarantor agrees that its obligations hereunder are irrevocable, absolute, independent and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance which constitutes a legal or equitable discharge of a guarantor or surety other than payment in full of the Relevant Administrative Claims.

 

(b) This Guaranty and the obligations of Guarantor hereunder shall be valid and enforceable and shall not be subject to any reduction, limitation (except as set forth in subsection 2.1), impairment, discharge or termination for any reason (other than payment in full of the Guarantied Obligations or termination of this Guaranty pursuant to subsection 2.5), including without limitation the occurrence of any of the following, whether or not Guarantor shall have had notice or knowledge of any of them: (i) any failure or omission to assert or enforce or agreement or election not to assert or enforce, or the stay or enjoining, by order of court, by operation of law or otherwise, of the exercise or enforcement of, any claim or demand or any right, power or remedy (whether arising under the Plan of Reorganization, at law, in equity or otherwise) with respect to the Guarantied Obligations or any agreement relating thereto, or with respect to any other guaranty of or security for the payment of the Guarantied Obligations; (ii) the change, reorganization or termination of the corporate structure or existence of the PCT and any corresponding restructuring of the Guarantied Obligations; and (iii) any other act or thing or omission, or delay to do any other act or thing, which may or might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of Guarantor as an obligor in respect of the Guarantied Obligations.

 

2


2.4 Waivers by Guarantor . Guarantor hereby waives, for the benefit of the Guarantied Party, promptness, diligence and any requirement that the Guarantied Party protect, secure, perfect or insure any security interest or Lien or any property subject thereto.

 

2.5 Continuing Guaranty; Termination of Guaranty . This Guaranty is a continuing guaranty and shall remain in effect until all of the Relevant Administrative Claims shall have been paid in full.

 

2.6 Rights Cumulative . The rights, powers and remedies given to the Guarantied Party by this Guaranty are cumulative and shall be in addition to and independent of all rights, powers and remedies given to the Guarantied Party by virtue of any statute or rule of law or in any agreement between Guarantor and the Guarantied Party. Any forbearance or failure to exercise, and any delay by the Guarantied Party in exercising, any right, power or remedy hereunder shall not impair any such right, power or remedy or be construed to be a waiver thereof, nor shall it preclude the further exercise of any such right, power or remedy.

 

2.7 Bankruptcy . The obligations of Guarantor under this Guaranty shall not be reduced, limited, impaired, discharged, deferred, suspended or terminated by any proceeding, voluntary or involuntary, involving the bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership, reorganization, liquidation or arrangement of the PCT or by any defense which the PCT may have by reason of the order, decree or decision of any court or administrative body resulting from any such proceeding.

 

SECTION 3. MISCELLANEOUS

 

3.1 Survival of Warranties . All agreements, representations and warranties made herein shall survive the execution and delivery of this Guaranty.

 

3.2 Notices . Any communications between the parties and any notices or requests provided herein to be given may be given by mailing the same, postage prepaid, or by telex, facsimile transmission or cable to each such party at its address set forth below or at such other address as each such party may in writing hereafter indicate, in each case with a copy to the RCT. Any notice, request or demand shall not be effective until received.

 

To the Guarantor:

 

Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc.

395 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 415

South San Francisco, CA 94080-1932

Attention: Treasurer

 

3


To the PCT:

 

The Post Confirmation Trust

c/o Castellammare Advisors, LLC

232 Quadro Vecchio Drive

Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

Attention: Robert Kors

 

To the RCT:

 

The Reclamation Creditors’ Trust

Piper Rudnick LLP

6225 Smith Avenue

Baltimore, MD 21209

Attention: Mark J. Friedman, Esquire

 

The Reclamation Creditors’ Trust

Piper Rudnick LLP

203 N. LaSalle Street

Suite 1800

Chicago, IL 60601-1293

Attention: Janice Duban, Esquire

 

3.3 Severability . In case any provision in or obligation under this Guaranty shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions or obligations, or of such provision or obligation in any other jurisdiction, shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

3.4 Amendments and Waivers . No amendment, modification, termination or waiver of any provision of this Guaranty, and no consent to any departure by Guarantor or the PCT therefrom, shall in any event be effective without the prior written concurrence of the Guarantor, the PCT and the RCT. Any such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which it was given.

 

3.5 Headings . Section and subsection headings in this Guaranty are included herein for convenience of reference only and shall not constitute a part of this Guaranty for any other purpose or be given any substantive effect.

 

3.6 Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction . (a) THIS GUARANTY HAS BEEN EXECUTED, DELIVERED AND ACCEPTED AT, AND SHALL BE DEEMED TO HAVE BEEN MADE IN, NEW YORK AND SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICTS OF LAW PROVISIONS THEREOF. THE GUARANTIED PARTY, THE RCT AND THE GUARANTOR HEREBY CONSENT TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE BANKRUPTCY COURT FOR ANY PROCEEDING INSTITUTED HEREUNDER, OR ARISING OUT OF OR IN

 

4


CONNECTION WITH THIS GUARANTY, OR ANY PROCEEDING TO WHICH THE GUARANTIED PARTY, THE RCT OR THE GUARANTOR IS A PARTY RELATED HERETO, INCLUDING ANY ACTIONS BASED UPON, ARISING OUT OF, OR IN CONNECTION WITH ANY COURSE OF CONDUCT, COURSE OF DEALING, STATEMENT (WHETHER ORAL OR WRITTEN) OR ACTIONS OF THE GUARANTIED PARTY, THE RCT OR THE GUARANTOR.

 

(b) NOTHING IN THIS SECTION SHALL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF GUARANTIED PARTY TO BRING ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING AGAINST THE GUARANTOR IN THE COURTS OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION.

 

3.7 Successors and Assigns . This Guaranty is a continuing guaranty and shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

 

3.8 PCT Reporting Requirements . The PCT shall deliver to the Guarantor (with a copy to the RCT), promptly upon request, such financial and other information, including, without limitation, information regarding the status of Relevant Administrative Claims, as the Guarantor shall reasonably request.

 

3.9 Waiver of Trial by Jury . TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, GUARANTOR, THE RCT AND THE GUARANTIED PARTY EACH HEREBY AGREES TO WAIVE ITS RESPECTIVE RIGHTS TO A JURY TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION BASED UPON OR ARISING OUT OF THIS GUARANTY. The scope of this waiver is intended to be all-encompassing of any and all disputes that may be filed in any court and that relate to the subject matter of this transaction, including without limitation contract claims, tort claims, breach of duty claims and all other common law and statutory claims. Guarantor, the RCT and, by its acceptance of the benefits hereof, the Guarantied Party each (i) acknowledges that each party will continue to rely on this waiver in their related future dealings and (ii) further warrants and represents that each has reviewed this waiver with its legal counsel, and that each knowingly and voluntarily waives its jury trial rights following consultation with legal counsel. THIS WAIVER IS IRREVOCABLE, MEANING THAT IT MAY NOT BE MODIFIED EITHER ORALLY OR IN WRITING, AND THIS WAIVER SHALL APPLY TO ANY SUBSEQUENT AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS, SUPPLEMENTS, RESTATEMENTS OR MODIFICATIONS TO THIS GUARANTY. IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, THIS GUARANTY MAY BE FILED AS A WRITTEN CONSENT TO A TRIAL BY THE COURT.

 

3.10 No Other Writing . This writing is intended by the Guarantor, the RCT and the Guarantied Party as the final expression of this Guaranty and is also intended as a complete and exclusive statement of the terms of their agreement with respect to the matters covered hereby. No course of dealing, course of performance or trade usage, and no parol evidence of any nature, shall be used to supplement or modify any terms of this Guaranty. There are no conditions to the full effectiveness of this Guaranty (other than execution and delivery hereof by each of the parties hereto).

 

5


3.11 Further Assurances . At any time or from time to time, upon the request of the Guarantied Party or the Guarantor, as applicable, the PCT or the Guarantor, as applicable, shall execute and deliver such further documents and do such other acts and things as the Guarantied Party or the Guarantor, as applicable, may reasonably request in order to effect fully the purposes of this Guaranty.

 

3.12 RCT Enforcement Rights . If the RCT in good faith believes that the PCT is not enforcing its rights to receive payment of Guarantied Obligations pursuant to Section 2.1, then the RCT may provide written notice to the PCT and the Guarantor that the RCT believes that the PCT is not enforcing its rights and directing the PCT to take specific actions to enforce its rights to receive payment pursuant to Section 2.1 or to otherwise explain its unwillingness to do so or clarify why such action is not required (a “Cure Notice”) . If, within thirty (30) days of receipt of a Cure Notice, the PCT has not taken the specific actions requested by the RCT in the Cure Notice, the RCT may provide written notice to the PCT and the Guarantor that the RCT proposes to take specific actions on behalf of the PCT to enforce the rights of the PCT (an “Enforcement Notice” ). If, within thirty (30) days of receipt of an Enforcement Notice, the PCT has not taken the specific actions that it was directed to take by the RCT in the Enforcement Notice, the RCT may take such actions on behalf of the PCT; provided , that , if, within thirty (30) days of receipt of an Enforcement Notice, the PCT provides a written response to the RCT setting forth its reasons for not pursuing the specific actions and files a motion with the Bankruptcy Court requesting an adjudication of the dispute as to the specific actions, the RCT shall not be entitled to take the specific actions until the earlier of (a) the Bankruptcy Court’s resolution of such dispute and (b) thirty (30) days after the filing of such motion by the PCT with the Bankruptcy Court.

 

3.13 Amendment and Restatement . Upon the effectiveness of this Guaranty, the Initial PCT Guaranty shall be deemed to be superseded and amended and restated in its entirety.

 

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

 

6


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Guarantor and the PCT has caused this Guaranty to be duly executed and delivered as of the date first written above.

 

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC.

By:

  /s/    Illegible        

Name:

   

Title

   
POST CONFIRMATION TRUST

By:

   

Name:

   

Title

   


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Guarantor and the PCT has caused this Guaranty to be duly executed and delivered as of the date first written above.

 

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC.

By:

   

Name:

   

Title

   

POST CONFIRMATION TRUST

CASTELLAMMARE ADVISORS, LLC, PCT REPRESENTATIVE

By:

  /s/    R OBERT K ORS        

Name:

  Robert Kors

Title

  Managing Member

Exhibit 10.16

SUBORDINATED SECURED GUARANTY AGREEMENT

 

This SUBORDINATED SECURED GUARANTY AGREEMENT (this “Guaranty”) is entered into as of August 20, 2004 by and between Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Guarantor” ), and the Reclamation Creditors’ Trust (the “RCT” ) for the benefit of the holders of Allowed Class 3(B) TLV Reclamation Claims (the “Reclamation Claimants” and, collectively with the RCT, the “Guarantied Party” ).

 

RECITALS.

 

A. On April 1, 2003 (the “Petition Date” ), Fleming Companies, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Debtors” ) commenced Case No. 03-10945 (MFW), as administratively consolidated, under Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Code, 11 U.S.C. 101 et seq. (the “Bankruptcy Code” ) , with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “Bankruptcy Court” ).

 

B. By order, docketed July 27, 2004, the Bankruptcy Court confirmed the Debtors’ and Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors’ Third Amended and Revised Joint Plan of Reorganization of Fleming Companies, Inc. and its Filing Subsidiaries Under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code dated July 16, 2004 (as amended from time to time, the “Plan of Reorganization” ), in accordance with §1129 of the Bankruptcy Code.

 

C. As a condition to the occurrence of the “Effective Date” under and as defined in the Plan of Reorganization, the Guarantor arid the RCT are required to enter into this Guaranty for the benefit of the Guarantied Party.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, based upon the foregoing and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Guarantor and the RCT hereby agree as follows:

 

SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS

 

1.1 Certain Defined Terms . As used in this Guaranty, all capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein have the meanings given to them in the Plan of Reorganization, and the following terms shall have the following meanings unless the context otherwise requires:

 

“Agent” shall mean General Electric Capital Corporation, a Delaware corporation, acting in its capacity as agent for the First Lien Lenders under the respective First Lien Debt Documents and its successors and assigns in such capacity (including any other agent(s) or similar contractual representative(s) for any one or more lender(s) or group(s) of lenders that at any time succeeds to or refinances, replaces or substitutes for all or any portion of the First Lien Debt at any time and from time to time) that becomes a party to this Guaranty.

 

1


“Change of Control” shall mean any person or group of persons (within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), other than a Permitted Holder, acquiring beneficial ownership of 80% or more of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Guarantor having the right to vote for the election of directors of the Guarantor under ordinary circumstances, provided such person paid cash for such shares to the other shareholders of the Guarantor.

 

“Collateral” shall mean “Collateral” as defined in the First Lien Security Agreements.

 

“Distribution” shall mean, with respect to any indebtedness or obligation, (a) any payment or distribution by the Guarantor of cash, securities or other Property, by set-off or otherwise, on account of such indebtedness or obligation, (b) any redemption, purchase or other acquisition of such indebtedness or obligation by any Person or (c) the granting of any Lien to or for the benefit of the holders of such indebtedness or obligation in or upon any Property of the Guarantor.

 

“Enforcement Action” shall mean (a) to demand, sue for, take or receive from or for the account of the Guarantor, by set off or in any other manner, the whole or any part of any moneys which may now or hereafter be owing by the Guarantor to such Lender, (b) to notify account debtors or directly collect accounts receivable or other payment rights of the Guarantor, or (c) to take any action under the provisions of any state or federal law, including, without limitation, the UCC, or under any contract or agreement, to enforce the obligations under this Guaranty, including any actions to foreclose upon, take possession of or sell any Property of the Guarantor, including, without limitation, any Collateral.

 

“Excess Cash” shall mean cash of the RCT in excess of reasonable expenses projected to be incurred in the administration of the RCT as mutually agreed by the Guarantor and the RCT.

 

“First Lien Debt” shall mean any and all obligations, liabilities and indebtedness of every kind, nature and description owing by the Guarantor to any of the First Lien Lender Parties evidenced by or arising under the First Lien Debt Documents, whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, joint or several, due or not due, primary or secondary, liquidated or unliquidated, including principal, interest, charges, fees, costs, indemnities and expenses, however evidenced, whether as principal, surety, endorser, guarantor or otherwise, whether now existing or hereafter arising, whether arising during or after the initial or any renewal term of the First Lien Loan Agreement or after the commencement of any Proceeding with respect to the Guarantor. First Lien Debt shall be considered to be outstanding whenever any loan commitment under the First Lien Debt Documents is outstanding.

 

“First Lien Debt Documents” shall mean the First Lien Loan Agreement, all notes issued thereunder, the First Lien Security Agreements, and all security agreements, guaranties, pledge agreements, mortgages, leasehold mortgages, deeds of trust, leasehold deeds of trust and other agreements, documents and instruments now

 

2


or at any time hereafter entered into or delivered by the Guarantor or other Person pursuant thereto, or evidencing any replacement, substitution, refunding, renewal or refinancing of or for all or any part of, the First Lien Debt, in each case as the same may be amended, modified, supplemented, extended, renewed or restated and otherwise in effect from time to time.

 

“First Lien Default” shall mean any “Default” or “Event of Default” under the First Lien Debt Documents and any other event or occurrence permitting the First Lien Lender Parties to accelerate the maturity of the First Lien Debt.

 

“First Lien Lender Parties” shall mean, collectively, the Agent and First Lien Lenders.

 

“First Lien Lenders” shall mean, collectively, General Electric Capital Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and all other lenders from time to time parties to the First Lien Debt Documents and their respective successors and assigns (including any other lender or group of lenders that at any time succeeds to or replaces, substitutes, refunds, renews or refinances all or any part of the First Lien Debt at any time and from time to time).

 

“First Lien Loan Agreement” shall mean the Credit Agreement of even date herewith, among the Guarantor, the other borrowers party thereto, the Agent and certain other parties signatory thereto, and any loan or credit agreement evidencing any replacement or any increase therein, substitution, refunding, renewal or refinancing of or for all or any part of the First Lien Debt with the same or other lenders, in each case as the same may be amended, modified, supplemented, extended, renewed or restated and otherwise in effect from time to time.

 

“First Lien Revolving Commitments” shall mean, at any time of determination thereof, the aggregate commitments of the First Lien Lenders at such time to make loans and letter of credit accommodations to the Guarantor under the First Lien Loan Agreement.

 

“First Lien Security Agreements” shall mean, collectively, that certain security agreement of even date herewith executed by the Guarantor and the Agent and any security agreement or similar agreement executed and delivered in connection with any replacement, substitution, refunding, renewal or refinancing of or for all or any part of the First Lien Debt, in each case as the same may be amended, modified, supplemented, extended, renewed or restated and otherwise in effect from time to time.

 

“Guarantied Obligations” shall mean Allowed but unpaid Class 3(B) TLV Reclamation Claims.

 

“Guaranty” shall mean this Subordinated Secured Guaranty Agreement dated as of August 20, 2004, as it may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time to the extent permitted hereunder.

 

3


“Lenders” shall mean, collectively, the First Lien Lenders, the Second Lien Lenders and the Guarantied Party.

 

“Lien” shall mean any mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, security interest, encumbrance (including, but not limited to, easements, rights of way and the like), lien (statutory or other), security agreement or transfer intended as security, including without limitation, any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, the interest of a lessor under a capital lease or any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing.

 

“payment in full”, “paid in full” or any similar term shall mean payment in full in cash of the applicable obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations), termination of any lending commitments under the applicable debt documents and satisfactory cash collateralization of any letters of credit issued thereunder.

 

“Permitted Holder” shall mean any shareholder of the Guarantor as of the Effective Date or that is issued stock pursuant to the Plan of Reorganization.

 

“Proceeding” shall mean any voluntary or involuntary insolvency, bankruptcy, receivership, custodianship, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization, assignment for the benefit of creditors, appointment of a custodian, receiver, trustee or other officer with similar powers or any other proceeding for the liquidation, dissolution or other winding up of a Person.

 

“Property” shall mean, with respect to any Person, all assets and properties of any kind whatsoever, real or personal, tangible or intangible, or mixed, in each case of such Person, whether now owned or existing or hereafter acquired or arising and wheresoever located.

 

“RCT Report” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 4.8.

 

“Second Lien Agent” shall mean Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., acting in its capacity as agent for the Second Lien Lenders under the respective Second Lien Debt Documents and its successors and assigns in such capacity (including any similar collateral agent or any representative for any lender or group of lenders that at any time succeeds to or refinances, replaces or substitutes for all or any portion of the Second Lien Debt at any time and from time to time).

 

“Second Lien Debt” shall mean any and all obligations, liabilities and indebtedness of every kind, nature and description owing by the Guarantor to any of the Second Lien Lender Parties evidenced by or arising under the Second Lien Debt Documents, whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, joint or several, due or not due, primary or secondary, liquidated or unliquidated, including principal, interest, charges, fees, costs, indemnities and expenses, however evidenced, whether as principal, surety, endorser, guarantor or otherwise, whether now existing or

 

4


hereafter arising, whether arising during or after the initial or any renewal term of the Second Lien Purchase Agreement or after the commencement of any Proceeding with respect to the Guarantor.

 

“Second Lien Debt Documents” shall mean the Second Lien Purchase Agreement entered into on the date hereof, all notes issued thereunder and all security agreements, guaranties, pledge agreements, mortgages, deeds of trust and other agreements, documents and instruments now or at any time hereafter entered into or delivered by the Guarantor or other Person pursuant thereto, or evidencing any replacement, substitution, refunding, renewal or refinancing of or for all or any part of, the Second Lien Debt, in each case as the same may be amended, modified, supplemented, extended, renewed or restated and otherwise in effect from time to time.

 

“Second Lien Default” shall mean any “Default” or “Event of Default” under the Second Lien Debt Documents and any other event or occurrence permitting the Second Lien Lender Parties to accelerate the payment of all or any portion of the Second Lien Debt.

 

“Second Lien LC Issuer” shall mean Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., acting in its capacity as “LC Issuer” as defined in the Second Lien Loan Agreement.

 

“Second Lien Lender Parties” shall mean, collectively, the Second Lien Agent, the Second Lien LC Issuer and the Second Lien Lenders.

 

“Second Lien Lenders” shall mean, collectively, all lenders from time to time parties to the Second Lien Debt Documents and their respective successors and assigns (including any other lender or group of lenders that at any time succeeds to or replaces, substitutes, refunds, renews or refinances all or any part of the Second Lien Debt at any time and from time to time).

 

“Second Lien Purchase Agreement” shall mean the Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement of even date herewith among the Second Lien Lenders, the Guarantor and the other issuers that are parties thereto, and any agreement, document or instrument evidencing any replacement, substitution, refunding, renewal or refinancing of or for all or any part of the Second Lien Debt, in each case as the same may be amended, modified, supplemented, extended, renewed or restated and otherwise in effect from time to time.

 

“Senior Debt” shall mean the First Lien Debt and the Second Lien Debt.

 

“Senior Debt Documents” shall mean the First Lien Debt Documents and the Second Lien Debt Documents.

 

“Senior Default” shall mean any First Lien Default or Second Lien Default.

 

“Senior Lender Parties” shall mean, collectively, the First Lien Lender Parties and the Second Lien Lender Parties.

 

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“UCC” shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code, as in effect from time to time in any applicable jurisdiction.

 

1.2 Interpretation . References to “Sections” and “subsections” shall be to Sections and subsections, respectively, of this Guaranty unless otherwise specifically provided.

 

SECTION 2. THE GUARANTY

 

2.1 Guaranty of the Guarantied Obligations . Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Guarantor hereby agrees to pay to the holders of Allowed but unpaid TLV Reclamation Claims:

 

(a) by January 30, 2006 (1) if the Second Lien Debt is paid in full by December 31, 2005, the amount of Guarantied Obligations and unpaid interest thereon (as provided for in the Plan of Reorganization) as of December 31, 2005 less Excess Cash or (2) if the Second Lien Debt is not paid in full by December 31, 2005, the amount of Guarantied Obligations and unpaid interest thereon (as provided for in the Plan of Reorganization) as of December 31, 2005 less the outstanding amount of the Note Obligations (as defined in the Second Lien Purchase Agreement) (including the Aggregate Availability (as defined in the Second Lien Purchase Agreement)) and less Excess Cash;

 

(b) if the Second Lien Debt is not paid in full by December 31, 2005, by the earlier of (1) 30 days after the date that the Second Lien Debt is paid in full and (2) January 30, 2007, the amount of Guarantied Obligations and unpaid interest thereon (as provided for in the Plan of Reorganization) as of such date less Excess Cash; and

 

(c) immediately upon a Change of Control, the amount of Guarantied Obligations and unpaid interest thereon (as provided for in the Plan of Reorganization) as of such date less Excess Cash.

 

2.2 Payment by Guarantor . All payments made by the Guarantor hereunder will be made in United States Dollars to the RCT for the ratable benefit of holders of Allowed but unpaid Class 3(B) TLV Reclamation Claims, without set-off, counterclaim or other defense.

 

2.3 Liability of Guarantor Absolute .

 

(a) Guarantor agrees that its obligations hereunder are irrevocable, absolute, independent and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance which constitutes a legal or equitable discharge of a guarantor or surety other than payment in full of the Guarantied Obligations.

 

(b) This Guaranty and the obligations of Guarantor hereunder shall be valid and enforceable and shall not be subject to any reduction, limitation (except as set forth in subsection 2.1 ), impairment, discharge or termination for any reason (other

 

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than payment in full of the Guarantied Obligations or termination of this Guaranty pursuant to subsection 2.6), including without limitation the occurrence of any of the following, whether or not Guarantor shall have had notice or knowledge of any of them: (i) any failure or omission to assert or enforce or agreement or election not to assert or enforce, or the stay or enjoining, by order of court, by operation of law or otherwise, of the exercise or enforcement of, any claim or demand or any right, power or remedy (whether arising under the Plan of Reorganization, at law, in equity or otherwise) with respect to the Guarantied Obligations or any agreement relating thereto, or with respect to any other guaranty of or security for the payment of the Guarantied Obligations; (ii) the Guarantied Party’s consent to the change, reorganization or termination of the corporate structure or existence of the RCT and to any corresponding restructuring of the Guarantied Obligations; and (iii) any other act or thing or omission, or delay to do any other act or thing, which may or might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of Guarantor as an obligor in respect of the Guarantied Obligations.

 

2.4 Waivers by Guarantor . Guarantor hereby waives, for the benefit of the Guarantied Party, promptness, diligence and any requirement that the Guarantied Party protect, secure, perfect or insure any security interest or Lien or any property subject thereto.

 

2.5 Guarantor’s Rights of Subrogation . Upon any payment made by Guarantor hereunder, the Guarantor shall be automatically subrogated to the rights of the Guarantied Party in the RCT and its assets to the extent of any such payment.

 

2.6 Continuing Guaranty; Termination of Guaranty . This Guaranty is a continuing guaranty and shall remain in effect until all of the Guarantied Obligations shall have been paid in full, and, subject to the provisions of subsection 2.8(c) of this Guaranty, upon the payment in full of all of the Guarantied Obligations, this Guaranty shall automatically terminate.

 

2.7 Rights Cumulative . The rights, powers and remedies given to the Guarantied Party by this Guaranty are cumulative and shall be in addition to and independent of all rights, powers and remedies given to the Guarantied Party by virtue of any statute or rule of law or in any agreement between Guarantor and the Guarantied Party or between the RCT and the Guarantied Party. Any forbearance or failure to exercise, and any delay by the Guarantied Party in exercising, any right, power or remedy hereunder shall not impair any such right, power or remedy or be construed to be a waiver thereof, nor shall it preclude the further exercise of any such right, power or remedy.

 

2.8 Bankruptcy; Post-Petition Interest; Reinstatement of Guaranty . (a) The obligations of Guarantor under this Guaranty shall not be reduced, limited, impaired, discharged, deferred, suspended or terminated by any proceeding, voluntary or involuntary, involving the insolvency, receivership or liquidation of the RCT or by any defense which the RCT may have by reason of the order, decree or decision of any court or administrative body resulting from any such proceeding.

 

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(b) Guarantor acknowledges and agrees that any interest (as provided for in the Plan of Reorganization) on any portion of the Guarantied Obligations which accrues after the commencement of any proceeding referred to in clause (a) above (or, if interest on any portion of the Guarantied Obligations ceases to accrue by operation of law by reason of the commencement of said proceeding, such interest as would have accrued on such portion of the Guarantied Obligations if said proceedings had not been commenced) shall be included in the Guarantied Obligations because it is the intention of Guarantor and the Guarantied Party that the Guarantied Obligations which are guarantied by Guarantor pursuant to this Guaranty should be determined without regard to any rule of law or order which may relieve the RCT of any portion of such Guarantied Obligations. Guarantor will permit any trustee, receiver or similar person to pay the Reclamation Claimants, or allow the claim of the Guarantied Party in respect of, any such interest accruing after the date on which such proceeding referred to in clause (a) above is commenced.

 

(c) In the event that all or any portion of the Guarantied Obligations are paid by the RCT, the obligations of Guarantor hereunder shall continue and remain in full force and effect or be reinstated, as the case may be, in the event that all or any part of such payment(s) are rescinded or recovered directly or indirectly from the Guarantied Party as a preference, fraudulent transfer or otherwise, and any such payments which are so rescinded or recovered shall constitute Guarantied Obligations for all purposes under this Guaranty.

 

SECTION 3. GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST

 

Subject to Section 5 hereof, to secure the prompt and complete payment, performance and observance of all of the Guarantied Obligations, the Guarantor hereby grants, conveys, mortgages, pledges, hypothecates and transfers to the Guarantied Party, a Lien upon all of its right, title and interest in, to and under the Collateral, whether now owned by or owing to, or hereafter acquired by or arising in favor of the Guarantor, and regardless of where located.

 

SECTION 4. MISCELLANEOUS

 

4.1 Survival of Warranties . All agreements, representations and warranties made herein shall survive the execution and delivery of this Guaranty.

 

4.2 Notices . Any communications between the parties and any notices or requests provided herein to be given may be given by mailing the same, postage prepaid, or by telex, facsimile transmission or cable to each such party at its address set forth on the signature pages hereof or to such other addresses as each such party may in writing hereafter indicate. Any notice, request or demand shall not be effective until received.

 

4.3 Severability . In case any provision in or obligation under this Guaranty shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions or obligations, or of such provision or obligation in any other jurisdiction, shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

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4.4 Amendments and Waivers . No amendment, modification, termination or waiver of any provision of this Guaranty, and no consent to any departure by Guarantor or the RCT therefrom, shall in any event be effective without the prior written concurrence of the Guarantor and the RCT and, if such amendment, modification, termination or waiver relates to Sections 2.1, 4.4, 4.8 or 5 (or any defined term used therein) or is not permitted by the terms of the Senior Debt Documents, the Agent and the Second Lien Agent. Any such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which it was given.

 

4.5 Headings . Section and subsection headings in this Guaranty are included herein for convenience of reference only and shall not constitute a part of this Guaranty for any other purpose or be given any substantive effect.

 

4.6 Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction . (a) THIS GUARANTY HAS BEEN EXECUTED, DELIVERED AND ACCEPTED AT, AND SHALL BE DEEMED TO HAVE BEEN MADE IN, NEW YORK AND SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICTS OF LAW PROVISIONS THEREOF. THE GUARANTIED PARTY AND THE GUARANTOR HEREBY CONSENT TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE BANKRUPTCY COURT FOR ANY PROCEEDING INSTITUTED HEREUNDER, OR ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS GUARANTY, OR ANY PROCEEDING TO WHICH THE GUARANTIED PARTY OR THE GUARANTOR IS A PARTY RELATED HERETO, INCLUDING ANY ACTIONS BASED UPON, ARISING OUT OF, OR IN CONNECTION WITH ANY COURSE OF CONDUCT, COURSE OF DEALING, STATEMENT (WHETHER ORAL OR WRITTEN) OR ACTIONS OF THE GUARANTIED PARTY OR THE GUARANTOR.

 

(b) NOTHING IN THIS SECTION SHALL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF GUARANTIED PARTY TO BRING ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING AGAINST THE GUARANTOR IN THE COURTS OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION.

 

4.7 Successors and Assigns . This Guaranty is a continuing guaranty and shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

 

4.8 RCT Reporting Requirements . The RCT shall deliver to the Guarantor, within 25 days after the end of each Fiscal Month (commencing with the Fiscal Month ending November 30, 2004), a balance sheet for such Fiscal Month, in a form substantially in the form of the balance sheet contained as part of Exhibit 3D to the Disclosure Statement filed in conjunction with the Plan of Reorganization (the “RCT Report” ). The RCT agrees to respond promptly to reasonable additional information requests from the Guarantor regarding supporting details and documentation.

 

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4.9 Waiver of Trial by Jury . TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, GUARANTOR AND THE GUARANTIED PARTY EACH HEREBY AGREES TO WAIVE ITS RESPECTIVE RIGHTS TO A JURY TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION BASED UPON OR ARISING OUT OF THIS GUARANTY. The scope of this waiver is intended to be all-encompassing of any and all disputes that may be filed in any court and that relate to the subject matter of this transaction, including without limitation contract claims, tort claims, breach of duty claims and all other common law and statutory claims. Guarantor, the RCT and, by its acceptance of the benefits hereof, the Guarantied Party each (i) acknowledges that each party will continue to rely on this waiver in their related future dealings and (ii) further warrants and represents that each has reviewed this waiver with its legal counsel, and that each knowingly and voluntarily waives its jury trial rights following consultation with legal counsel. THIS WAIVER IS IRREVOCABLE, MEANING THAT IT MAY NOT BE MODIFIED EITHER ORALLY OR IN WRITING, AND THIS WAIVER SHALL APPLY TO ANY SUBSEQUENT AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS, SUPPLEMENTS, RESTATEMENTS OR MODIFICATIONS TO THIS GUARANTY. IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, THIS GUARANTY MAY BE FILED AS A WRITTEN CONSENT TO A TRIAL BY THE COURT.

 

4.10 No Other Writing . This writing is intended by the Guarantor and the Guarantied Party as the final expression of this Guaranty and is also intended as a complete and exclusive statement of the terms of their agreement with respect to the matters covered hereby. No course of dealing, course of performance or trade usage, and no parol evidence of any nature, shall be used to supplement or modify any terms of this Guaranty. There are no conditions to the full effectiveness of this Guaranty (other than execution and delivery hereof by each of the parties hereto).

 

4.11 Further Assurances . At any time or from time to time, upon the request of the Guarantied Party or the Guarantor, as applicable, the RCT or the Guarantor, as applicable, shall execute and deliver such further documents and do such other acts and things as the Guarantied Party or the Guarantor, as applicable, may reasonably request in order to effect fully the purposes of this Guaranty.

 

4.12 Board Representation . In the event that (x) the Guarantor’s aggregate payments under this Guaranty exceed $5,000,000, the Guarantor shall be entitled to appoint a number of board members to the RCT Board constituting at least 20% of the RCT Board, and (y) the Guarantor’s aggregate payments under this Guaranty equal or exceed $10,000,000, the Guarantor shall be entitled to appoint a number of board members to the RCT Board constituting at least 40% of the RCT Board.

 

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SECTION 5. INTERCREDITOR PROVISIONS

 

5.1 Priorities; Remedies .

 

(a) Liquidation, Dissolution, Bankruptcy . In the event of any Proceeding involving the Guarantor:

 

(i) This Section 5 shall be applicable both before and after the institution of any Proceeding involving the Guarantor, including, without limitation, the filing of any petition by or against the Guarantor under the Bankruptcy Code and all converted or succeeding cases in respect thereof, and all references herein to Guarantor shall be deemed to apply to the trustee for the Guarantor and the Guarantor as debtor-in-possession. The relative rights of the Senior Lender Parties and the Guarantied Party in or to any distributions from or in respect of any Collateral or proceeds of Collateral, shall continue after the institution of any Proceeding involving the Guarantor, including, without limitation, the filing of any petition by or against the Guarantor under the Bankruptcy Code and all converted or succeeding cases in respect thereof, on the same basis as prior to the date of such institution, subject to any court order approving the financing of, or use of cash collateral by, the Guarantor as debtor-in-possession.

 

(ii) The Guarantied Party agrees not to seek to challenge, to avoid, to subordinate or to contest or directly or indirectly to support any other Person in challenging, avoiding or contesting in any judicial or other proceeding, including, without limitation, any Proceeding, the priority, validity, extent, perfection or enforceability of any Lien held by any Senior Lender Party in all or any part of the Collateral.

 

(iii) The Guarantied Party agrees that any of the Senior Lender Parties may consent to the use of cash collateral under Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code or provide financing to the Guarantor under Section 364 of the Bankruptcy Code on such terms and conditions and in such amounts as such Senior Lender Parties may decide, and that the Guarantied Party shall not raise any objections to such financing or use of cash collateral on the grounds of a failure to provide “adequate protection” for the Liens of the Guarantied Party so long as the (x) the Guarantied Party retains a Lien on the Collateral (including proceeds thereof arising after the commencement of such proceeding) with the same priority as existed prior to the commencement of the case under the Bankruptcy Code and (y) the Guarantied Party receives a replacement Lien on post-petition assets to the same extent granted to the Senior Lender Parties, with the same priority as existed prior to the commencement of the case under the Bankruptcy Code. Guarantied Party agrees that all such financing shall constitute Senior Debt hereunder, and, in connection therewith, the Guarantor may grant to such Senior Lender Parties Liens upon all of the Property of the Guarantor, which Liens (A) shall secure payment of all or any portion of the Senior Debt (whether such Senior Debt arose prior to the commencement of any Proceeding or at any time thereafter) and all other financing provided by such Senior Lender Parties during the Proceeding and (B) shall be superior in priority to the Liens, if any, in favor of the Guarantied Party on the Property of the Guarantor. The Guarantied Party agrees that it will not object to or oppose a sale or other disposition of any Property securing all of any part of the Senior Debt free and clear of Liens or other claims of the Guarantied Party under Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code or any other provision of the Bankruptcy Code if the Senior Lender Parties have consented to such sale or disposition provided, that, subject to the other terms and provisions of

 

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this Section 5, the Lien of the Guarantied Party on the proceeds thereof shall continue to attach to such proceeds pursuant to this Guaranty.

 

(iv) The Senior Debt shall continue to be treated as Senior Debt and the provisions of this Section 5 shall continue to govern the relative rights and priorities of the Senior Debt and the Guarantied Obligations relative to the Collateral even if all or part of the Senior Debt or the Liens securing the Senior Debt are subordinated, set aside, avoided, invalidated or disallowed in connection with any such Proceeding, and this Section 5 shall be reinstated if at any time any payment of any of the Senior Debt is rescinded or must otherwise be returned by any holder of Senior Debt or any representative of such holder.

 

(b) Standstill Provisions . Notwithstanding any rights or remedies available to the Guarantied Party under this Guaranty, applicable law or otherwise, but subject to the last sentence of this subsection 5.1(b), prior to the time when the Senior Lender Parties shall have received payment in full of all Senior Debt, neither the Guarantied Party nor the RCT shall, directly or indirectly take any Enforcement Action; provided, however, that, so long as no Senior Default has occurred and is continuing, the Guarantied Party may receive the payments required to be made pursuant to Section 2.1 as and when due. This Section 5.1(b) shall not be construed to in any way limit or impair the right of (A) the Guarantied Party to join (but not control in any way) any foreclosure or other judicial lien enforcement proceeding with respect to the Collateral initiated by Senior Lender Parties, so long as it does not delay or interfere with the exercise by Senior Lender Parties of their respective rights as provided in this Section 5, (B) the Guarantied Party’s right to receive any remaining proceeds of Collateral after payment in full of all Senior Debt, or (C) the Guarantied Party to demand payment of the Guarantied Obligations, or sue for payment of the Guarantied Obligations, so long as no such action constitutes an Enforcement Action. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that any of the Guarantied Obligations are not paid by the Guarantor when due under Section 2.1, the RCT reserves the right, on or after the later of the applicable due date and one hundred and twenty (120) days after the RCT has provided notice that such payment will be due (including the calculation of the amount due by the Guarantor) to the Guarantor, the Agent and the Second Lien Agent, to commence and complete litigation to collect such payment; provided, however, that, so long as the Guarantor has taken all actions permitted pursuant to the terms of the Senior Debt Documents to make such payment (including, without limitation, incurring additional revolving borrowings to the extent available under the Senior Debt Documents), the Guarantied Party shall not take any other Enforcement Action or proceed or seek to proceed against the Collateral in any manner.

 

(c) Turnover . If any payments pursuant to this Guaranty or proceeds of sales or other dispositions of Collateral are received by the Guarantied Party that would properly be payable to the Senior Lender Parties under Section 5.1(d) of this Guaranty and that are not permitted to be paid to the Guarantied Party pursuant hereto or pursuant to the Senior Debt Documents, such Distribution shall not be commingled

 

12


with any of the assets of the Guarantied Party shall be held in trust by the Guarantied Party for the benefit of the Senior Lender Parties and shall be promptly paid over to the Senior Lender Parties. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Guaranty, no payments to the Guarantied Party shall be required to be paid over to the Senior Lender Parties pursuant to this Section 5.1(c) if the Senior Lender Parties have either consented in writing to such payment or have failed to request turnover of such payment within 45 days of receipt of actual notice of the making of such payment.

 

(d) Subordination of Liens and Security Interests; Agreement to Release Liens . Until the Senior Debt has been paid in full, notwithstanding the date, manner or order of grant, attachment or perfection of the Liens on all or any part of the Collateral granted to the Senior Lender Parties and the Guarantied Party, and notwithstanding the provisions of the UCC or any other applicable law or decision, or the terms or provisions of the Senior Debt Documents or this Guaranty, respectively, or any other circumstance whatsoever, regardless of when or how acquired, whether by grant, statute, operation of law, subrogation or otherwise, all Liens of the Guarantied Party in the Collateral shall be and hereby are subordinated for all purposes and in all respects to the Liens of the Senior Lender Parties in the Collateral. In the event the Senior Lender Parties release or agrees to release any of its Liens on all or any part of the Collateral, the Guarantied Party shall promptly release or otherwise terminate its Liens on such Collateral. The Guarantied Party shall, at the Guarantor’s expense, deliver such release documents as the Senior Lender Parties may reasonably require in connection therewith.

 

(e) Application of Proceeds from Sale or other Disposition of the Collateral . In the event of any sale, transfer or other disposition (including a casualty loss or taking through eminent domain) of the Collateral, the proceeds resulting therefrom (including insurance proceeds) shall be applied, first, in accordance with the terms of the Senior Debt Documents until such time as the Senior Debt is paid in full and, thereafter, shall be applied in accordance with the terms of this Guaranty. Until the Senior Debt has been paid in full, the Guarantied Party agrees that the Senior Lender Parties, acting in a commercially reasonable manner, shall have the sole and exclusive right to adjust settlement with respect to any insurance coverage for any Collateral.

 

5.2 Modifications to Senior Debt Documents . Senior Lender Parties may at any time and from time to time without the consent of or notice to the Guarantied Party, without incurring liability to the Guarantied Party and without impairing or releasing the obligations of the Guarantied Party under this Section 5, change the manner or place of payment or extend the time of payment of or renew or alter any of the terms of the Senior Debt, or amend in any manner any agreement, note, guaranty or other instrument evidencing or securing or otherwise relating to the Senior Debt.

 

5.3 Waiver of Marshaling Rights by the Guarantied Party . The Guarantied Party hereby waives any rights it may have under applicable law to assert the doctrine of

 

13


marshaling or to otherwise require any Senior Lender Party to marshal any Property of the Guarantor for the benefit of the Guarantied Party.

 

5.4 Rights Relating to the Senior Lender Parties’ Actions with respect to the Collateral . The Guarantied Party hereby waives, to the extent permitted by applicable law, any rights which it may have to enjoin or otherwise obtain a judicial or administrative order preventing any Senior Lender Party from taking, or refraining from taking, any action with respect to all or any part of the Collateral. Without limitation of the foregoing, the Guarantied Party hereby agrees (a) that it has no right to direct or object to the manner in which Senior Lender Parties apply the proceeds of the Collateral resulting from the exercise by Senior Lender Parties of rights and remedies under the Senior Debt Documents to the Senior Debt and (b) that the Senior Lender Parties have not assumed any obligation to act as the agent for the Guarantied Party with respect to the Collateral. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Section 5 is intended or shall be deemed to restrict the rights of the Guarantied Party to seek judicial relief if a foreclosure of the Collateral by the Senior Lender Parties does not comply with the commercially reasonable requirements of Section 9-610 of the UCC.

 

5.5 Further Assurances . At any time or from time to time, upon the request of the Senior Lender Parties, the RCT shall execute and deliver such further documents and do such other acts and things as the Senior Lender Parties may reasonably request in order to effect fully the purposes of this Section 5.

 

5.6 Continuation of Lien Subordination; Termination of Agreement . This Section 5 shall remain in full force and effect until the payment in full after which this Section 5 shall terminate without further action on the part of the parties hereto.

 

5.7 Obligations Unconditional .

 

(a) All rights and interests of the Senior Lender Parties hereunder, and all agreements and obligations of the Guarantied Party and the Guarantor hereunder, shall remain in full force and effect irrespective of: (i) any lack of validity or enforceability of any Senior Debt Document or any other agreement, document or instrument relating thereto, (ii) any change in the time, manner, order or place of payment of, or in any other term in respect of, all or any of the Senior Debt permitted by the terms hereof, or any other amendment or waiver of or any consent to departure from any Senior Debt Document in accordance with the terms hereof, (iii) any release or amendment or waiver of or consent to departure from any guaranty, for all or any of the Senior Debt, or (iv) any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, the Guarantor in respect of the Senior Debt or the Guarantied Party or the Guarantor in respect of this Section 5 other than actual payment of the Senior Debt.

 

(b) This Section 5 shall continue to be effective or shall be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time any payment of any of the Senior Debt is rescinded or must otherwise be returned by the Senior Lender Parties upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of the Guarantor or otherwise, all as though such payment had not been made.

 

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5.8 Waiver . Each of the Guarantied Party and the Guarantor hereby waives (a) promptness and diligence, (b) notice of acceptance and notice of the incurrence of any Senior Debt by the Guarantor, (c) notice of any actions taken by the any Senior Lender Party or the Guarantor or any other Person under any Senior Debt Document or any other agreement, document or instrument relating thereto, (d) except to the extent expressly provided herein, all other notices, demands and protests, and all other formalities of every kind in connection with the enforcement of all or any part of the Senior Debt or of the obligations of the Guarantied Party and the Guarantor hereunder and (e) any requirement that the Senior Lender Parties protect, secure, perfect or insure any security interest or other Lien on any property subject thereto or exhaust any right to take any action against the Guarantor or any other Person or any Collateral.

 

5.9 Specific Performance . The Senior Lender Parties are hereby authorized to demand specific performance of this Section 5 at any time when the Guarantied Party shall have failed to comply with any of the provisions of this Section 5, and the Guarantied Party hereby irrevocably waives any defense based on the adequacy of a remedy at law which might be asserted as a bar to such remedy of specific performance.

 

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

 

15


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Guarantor and the RCT has caused this Guaranty to be duly executed and delivered as of the date first written above.

 

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC.

By:

  /s/    Illegible        

Name:

   

Title

   
RECLAMATION CREDITORS’ TRUST

By:

  /s/    Illegible        

Name:

  Illegible

Title

  Illegible

 

ACKNOWLEDGED
GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, as Agent

By:

  /s/    P HILIP F. C ARFORA        

Name:

  Philip F. Carfora

Title

  Duly Authorized Signatory
WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., as Second Lien Agent

By:

  /s/    D AVE W EBER        

Name:

  Dave Weber

Title

  Executive Vice President

Exhibit 10.17

JUNIOR SUBORDINATED SECURED GUARANTY AGREEMENT

 

This JUNIOR SUBORDINATED SECURED GUARANTY AGREEMENT (this “Guaranty”) is entered into as of August 20, 2004 by and between Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Guarantor”), and the Reclamation Creditors’ Trust (the “RCT” ) for the benefit of the holders of Allowed Net Non-TLV Reclamation Claims (the “Reclamation Claimants” and, collectively with the RCT, the “Guarantied Party”).

 

RECITALS.

 

A. On April 1, 2003 (the “Petition Date”), Fleming Companies, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Debtors”) commenced Case No. 03-10945 (MFW), as administratively consolidated, under Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Code, 1 1 U.S.C. 101 et seq. (the “Bankruptcy Code”), with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “Bankruptcy Court”).

 

B. By order, docketed July 27, 2004, the Bankruptcy Court confirmed the Debtors’ and Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors’ Third Amended and Revised Joint Plan of Reorganization of Fleming Companies, Inc. and its Filing Subsidiaries Under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code dated July 16, 2004 (as amended from time to time, the “Plan of Reorganization”), in accordance with §1129 of the Bankruptcy Code.

 

C. As a condition to the occurrence of the “Effective Date” under and as defined in the Plan of Reorganization, the Guarantor and the RCT are required to enter into this Guaranty for the benefit of the Guarantied Party.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, based upon the foregoing and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Guarantor and the RCT hereby agree as follows:

 

SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS

 

1.1 Certain Defined Terms . As used in this Guaranty, all capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein have the meanings given to them in the Plan of Reorganization, and the following terms shall have the following meanings unless the context otherwise requires:

 

“Agent” shall mean General Electric Capital Corporation, a Delaware corporation, acting in its capacity as agent for the First Lien Lenders under the respective First Lien Debt Documents and its successors and assigns in such capacity (including any other agent(s) or similar contractual representative(s) for any one or more lender(s) or group(s) of lenders that at any time succeeds to or refinances, replaces or substitutes for all or any portion of the First Lien Debt at any time and from time to time) that becomes a party to this Guaranty.

 

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“Cap” shall mean $15,000,000 less 50% of aggregate distributions from the PCT to the RCT in excess of $10,000,000, as described in Section VI.H.8.f. of the Disclosure Statement filed in conjunction with, the Plan of Reorganization.

 

“Change of Control” shall mean any person or group of persons (within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), other than a Permitted Holder, acquiring beneficial ownership of 80% or more of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Guarantor having the right to vote for the election of directors of the Guarantor under ordinary circumstances, provided such person paid cash for such shares to the other shareholders of the Guarantor.

 

“Collateral” shall mean “Collateral” as defined in the First Lien Security Agreements.

 

“Distribution” shall mean, with respect to any indebtedness or obligation, (a) any payment or distribution by the Guarantor of cash, securities or other Property, by set-off or otherwise, on account of such indebtedness or obligation, (b) any redemption, purchase or other acquisition of such indebtedness or obligation by any Person or (c) the granting of any Lien to or for the benefit of the holders of such indebtedness or obligation in or upon any Property of the Guarantor.

 

“Enforcement Action” shall mean (a) to demand, sue for, take or receive from or for the account of the Guarantor, by set off or in any other manner, the whole or any part of any moneys which may now or hereafter be owing by the Guarantor to such Lender, (b) to notify account debtors or directly collect accounts receivable or other payment rights of the Guarantor, or (c) to take any action under the provisions of any state or federal law, including, without limitation, the UCC, or under any contract or agreement, to enforce the obligations under this Guaranty, including any actions to foreclose upon, take possession of or sell any Property of the Guarantor, including, without limitation, any Collateral.

 

“Excess Cash” shall mean cash of the RCT in excess of reasonable expenses projected to be incurred in the administration of the RCT as mutually agreed by the Guarantor and the RCT.

 

“First Lien Debt” shall mean any and all obligations, liabilities and indebtedness of every kind, nature and description owing by the Guarantor to any of the First Lien Lender Parties evidenced by or arising under the First Lien Debt Documents, whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, joint or several, due or not due, primary or secondary, liquidated or unliquidated, including principal, interest, charges, fees, costs, indemnities and expenses, however evidenced, whether as principal, surety, endorser, guarantor or otherwise, whether now existing or hereafter arising, whether arising during or after the initial or any renewal term of the First Lien Loan Agreement or after the commencement of any Proceeding with respect to the Guarantor. First Lien Debt shall be considered to be outstanding whenever any loan commitment under the First Lien Debt Documents is outstanding.

 

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“First Lien Debt Documents” shall mean the First Lien Loan Agreement, all notes issued thereunder, the First Lien Security Agreements, and all security agreements, guaranties, pledge agreements, mortgages, leasehold mortgages, deeds of trust, leasehold deeds of trust and other agreements, documents and instruments now or at any time hereafter entered into or delivered by the Guarantor or other Person pursuant thereto, or evidencing any replacement, substitution, refunding, renewal or refinancing of or for all or any part of, the First Lien Debt, in each case as the same may be amended, modified, supplemented, extended, renewed or restated and otherwise in effect from time to time.

 

“First Lien Default” shall mean any “Default” or “Event of Default” under the First Lien Debt Documents and any other event or occurrence permitting the First Lien Lender Parties to accelerate the maturity of the First Lien Debt.

 

“First Lien Lender Parties” shall mean, collectively, the Agent and First Lien Lenders.

 

“First Lien Lenders” shall mean, collectively, General Electric Capital Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and all other lenders from time to time parties to the First Lien Debt Documents and their respective successors and assigns (including any other lender or group of lenders that at any time succeeds to or replaces, substitutes, refunds, renews or refinances all or any part of the First Lien Debt at any time and from time to time).

 

“First Lien Loan Agreement” shall mean the Credit Agreement of even date herewith, among the Guarantor, the other borrowers party thereto, the Agent and certain other parties signatory thereto, and any loan or credit agreement evidencing any replacement or any increase therein, substitution, refunding, renewal or refinancing of or for all or any part of the First Lien Debt with the same or other lenders, in each case as the same may be amended, modified, supplemented, extended, renewed or restated and otherwise in effect from time to time.

 

“First Lien Revolving Commitments” shall mean, at any time of determination thereof, the aggregate commitments of the First Lien Lenders at such time to make loans and letter of credit accommodations to the Guarantor under the First Lien Loan Agreement.

 

“First Lien Security Agreements” shall mean, collectively, that certain security agreement of even date herewith executed by the Guarantor and the Agent and any security agreement or similar agreement executed and delivered in connection with any replacement, substitution, refunding, renewal or refinancing of or for all or any part of the First Lien Debt, in each case as the same may be amended, modified, supplemented, extended, renewed or restated and otherwise in effect from time to time.

 

“Guarantied Obligations” shall mean Allowed but unpaid Net Non-TLV Reclamation Claims.

 

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“Guaranty” shall mean this Junior Subordinated Secured Guaranty Agreement dated as of August 20, 2004, as it may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time to the extent permitted hereunder.

 

“Lenders” shall mean, collectively, the First Lien Lenders, the Second Lien Lenders and the Guarantied Party.

 

“Lien” shall mean any mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, security interest, encumbrance (including, but not limited to, easements, rights of way and the like), lien (statutory or other), security agreement or transfer intended as security, including without limitation, any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, the interest of a lessor under a capital lease or any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing.

 

“payment in full”, “paid in full” or any similar term shall mean payment in full in cash of the applicable obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations), termination of any lending commitments under the applicable debt documents and satisfactory cash collateralization of any letters of credit issued thereunder.

 

“Permitted Holder” shall mean any shareholder of the Guarantor as of the Effective Date or that is issued stock pursuant to the Plan of Reorganization.

 

“Proceeding” shall mean any voluntary or involuntary insolvency, bankruptcy, receivership, custodianship, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization, assignment for the benefit of creditors, appointment of a custodian, receiver, trustee or other officer with similar powers or any other proceeding for the liquidation, dissolution or other winding up of a Person.

 

“Property” shall mean, with respect to any Person, all assets and properties of any kind whatsoever, real or personal, tangible or intangible, or mixed, in each case of such Person, whether now owned or existing or hereafter acquired or arising and wheresoever located.

 

“RCT Report” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 4.8.

 

“Second Lien Agent” shall mean Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., acting in its capacity as agent for the Second Lien Lenders under the respective Second Lien Debt Documents and its successors and assigns in such capacity (including any similar collateral agent or any representative for any lender or group of lenders that at any time succeeds to or refinances, replaces or substitutes for all or any portion of the Second Lien Debt at any time and from time to time).

 

“Second Lien Debt” shall mean any and all obligations, liabilities and indebtedness of every kind, nature and description owing by the Guarantor to any of the Second Lien Lender Parties evidenced by or arising under the Second Lien Debt Documents, whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, joint or several, due or

 

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not due, primary or secondary, liquidated or unliquidated, including principal, interest, charges, fees, costs, indemnities and expenses, however evidenced, whether as principal, surety, endorser, guarantor or otherwise, whether now existing or hereafter arising, whether arising during or after the initial or any renewal term of the Second Lien Purchase Agreement or after the commencement of any Proceeding with respect to the Guarantor.

 

“Second Lien Debt Documents” shall mean the Second Lien Purchase Agreement entered into on the date hereof, all notes issued thereunder and all security agreements, guaranties, pledge agreements, mortgages, deeds of trust and other agreements, documents and instruments now or at any time hereafter entered into or delivered by the Guarantor or other Person pursuant thereto, or evidencing any replacement, substitution, refunding, renewal or refinancing of or for all or any part of, the Second Lien Debt, in each case as the same may be amended, modified, supplemented, extended, renewed or restated and otherwise in effect from time to time.

 

“Second Lien Default” shall mean any “Default” or “Event of Default” under the Second Lien Debt Documents and any other event or occurrence permitting the Second Lien Lender Parties to accelerate the payment of all or any portion of the Second Lien Debt.

 

“Second Lien LC Issuer” shall mean Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., acting in its capacity as “LC Issuer” as defined in the Second Lien Loan Agreement.

 

“Second Lien Lender Parties” shall mean, collectively, the Second Lien Agent, the Second Lien LC Issuer and the Second Lien Lenders.

 

“Second Lien Lenders” shall mean, collectively, all lenders from time to time parties to the Second Lien Debt Documents and their respective successors and assigns (including any other lender or group of lenders that at any time succeeds to or replaces, substitutes, refunds, renews or refinances all or any part of the Second Lien Debt at any time and from time to time).

 

“Second Lien Purchase Agreement” shall mean the Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement of even date herewith among the Second Lien Lenders, the Guarantor and the other issuers that are parties thereto, and any agreement, document or instrument evidencing any replacement, substitution, refunding, renewal or refinancing of or for all or any part of the Second Lien Debt, in each case as the same may be amended, modified, supplemented, extended, renewed or restated and otherwise in effect from time to time.

 

“Senior Debt” shall mean the First Lien Debt and the Second Lien Debt.

 

“Senior Debt Documents” shall mean the First Lien Debt Documents and the Second Lien Debt Documents.

 

“Senior Default” shall mean any First Lien Default or Second Lien Default.

 

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“Senior Lender Parties” shall mean, collectively, the First Lien Lender Parties and the Second Lien Lender Parties.

 

“TLV Guaranty” shall mean the Subordinated Secured Guaranty Agreement of even date herewith among the Guarantor and the RCT for the benefit of holders of Allowed but unpaid Class 3(B) TLV Reclamation Claims, as it may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time to the extent permitted hereunder.

 

“UCC” shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code, as in effect from time to time in any applicable jurisdiction.

 

1.2 Interpretation . References to “Sections” and “subsections” shall be to Sections and subsections, respectively, of this Guaranty unless otherwise specifically provided.

 

SECTION 2. THE GUARANTY

 

2.1 Guaranty of the Guarantied Obligations . Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Guarantor hereby agrees to pay to the holders of Allowed but unpaid Net Non-TLV Reclamation Claims:

 

(a) by January 30, 2007 (1) if the Second Lien Debt is paid in full by December 31, 2006, the amount of Guarantied Obligations as of December 31, 2006 less Excess Cash or (2) if the Second Lien Debt is not paid in full by December 31, 2006, the amount of Guarantied Obligations as of December 31, 2006 less the outstanding amount of the Note Obligations (as defined in the Second Lien Purchase Agreement) (including the Aggregate Availability (as defined in the Second Lien Purchase Agreement)) and less Excess Cash and less amounts paid by the Guarantor under the TLV Guaranty and not yet reimbursed by the PCT or the RCT to the Guarantor;

 

(b) if the Second Lien Debt is not paid in full by December 31, 2006, by the earlier of (1) 30 days after the date that the Second Lien Debt is paid in full and (2) January 1, 2008, the amount of Guarantied Obligations as of such date less Excess Cash; and

 

(c) immediately upon a Change of Control, the amount of Guarantied Obligations as of such date less Excess Cash.

 

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the liability of the Guarantor hereunder shall not exceed the Cap.

 

2.2 Payment by Guarantor . All payments made by the Guarantor hereunder will be made in United States Dollars to the RCT for the ratable benefit of holders of Allowed but unpaid Net Non-TLV Reclamation Claims, without set-off, counterclaim or other defense.

 

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2.3 Liability of Guarantor Absolute .

 

(a) Guarantor agrees that its obligations hereunder are irrevocable, absolute, independent and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance which constitutes a legal or equitable discharge of a guarantor or surety other than payment in full of the Guarantied Obligations.

 

(b) This Guaranty and the obligations of Guarantor hereunder shall be valid and enforceable and shall not be subject to any reduction, limitation (except as set forth in subsection 2.1), impairment, discharge or termination for any reason (other than payment in full of the Guarantied Obligations or termination of this Guaranty pursuant to subsection 2.6), including without limitation the occurrence of any of the following, whether or not Guarantor shall have had notice or knowledge of any of them: (i) any failure or omission to assert or enforce or agreement or election not to assert or enforce, or the stay or enjoining, by order of court, by operation of law or otherwise, of the exercise or enforcement of, any claim or demand or any right, power or remedy (whether arising under the Plan of Reorganization, at law, in equity or otherwise) with respect to the Guarantied Obligations or any agreement relating thereto, or with respect to any other guaranty of or security for the payment of the Guarantied Obligations; (ii) the Guarantied Party’s consent to the change, reorganization or termination of the corporate structure or existence of the RCT and to any corresponding restructuring of the Guarantied Obligations; and (iii) any other act or thing or omission, or delay to do any other act or thing, which may or might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of Guarantor as an obligor in respect of the Guarantied Obligations.

 

2.4 Waivers by Guarantor . Guarantor hereby waives, for the benefit of the Guarantied Party, promptness, diligence and any requirement that the Guarantied Party protect, secure, perfect or insure any security interest or Lien or any property subject thereto.

 

2.5 Guarantor’s Rights of Subrogation . Upon any payment made by Guarantor hereunder, the Guarantor shall be automatically subrogated to the rights of the Guarantied Party in the RCT and its assets to the extent of any such payment.

 

2.6 Continuing Guaranty; Termination of Guaranty . This Guaranty is a continuing guaranty and shall remain in effect until all of the Guarantied Obligations shall have been paid in full, and, subject to the provisions of subsection 2.8(b) of this Guaranty, upon the payment in full of all of the Guarantied Obligations, this Guaranty shall automatically terminate.

 

2.7 Rights Cumulative . The rights, powers and remedies given to the Guarantied Party by this Guaranty are cumulative and shall be in addition to and independent of all rights, powers and remedies given to the Guarantied Party by virtue of any statute or rule of law or in any agreement between Guarantor and the Guarantied Party or between the RCT and the Guarantied Party. Any forbearance or failure to exercise, and any delay by the Guarantied Party in exercising, any right, power or remedy hereunder shall not impair any

 

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such right, power or remedy or be construed to be a waiver thereof, nor shall it preclude the further exercise of any such right, power or remedy.

 

2.8 Bankruptcy; Reinstatement of Guaranty . (a) The obligations of Guarantor under this Guaranty shall not be reduced, limited, impaired, discharged, deferred, suspended or terminated by any proceeding, voluntary or involuntary, involving the insolvency, receivership or liquidation of the RCT or by any defense which the RCT may have by reason of the order, decree or decision of any court or administrative body resulting from any such proceeding.

 

(b) In the event that all or any portion of the Guarantied Obligations are paid by the RCT, subject to the Cap, the obligations of Guarantor hereunder shall continue and remain in full force and effect or be reinstated, as the case maybe, in the event that all or any part of such payment(s) are rescinded or recovered directly or indirectly from the Guarantied Party as a preference, fraudulent transfer or otherwise, and any such payments which are so rescinded or recovered shall constitute Guarantied Obligations for all purposes under this Guaranty.

 

SECTION 3. GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST

 

Subject to Section 5 hereof, to secure the prompt and complete payment, performance and observance of all of the Guarantied Obligations, the Guarantor hereby grants, conveys, mortgages, pledges, hypothecates and transfers to the Guarantied Party, a Lien upon all of its right, title and interest in, to and under the Collateral, whether now owned by or owing to, or hereafter acquired by or arising in favor of the Guarantor, and regardless of where located.

 

SECTION 4. MISCELLANEOUS

 

4.1 Survival of Warranties . All agreements, representations and warranties made herein shall survive the execution and delivery of this Guaranty.

 

4.2 Notices . Any communications between the parties and any notices or requests provided herein to be given may be given by mailing the same, postage prepaid, or by telex, facsimile transmission or cable to each such party at its address set forth on the signature pages hereof or to such other addresses as each such party may in writing hereafter indicate. Any notice, request or demand shall not be effective until received.

 

4.3 Severability . In case any provision in or obligation under this Guaranty shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions or obligations, or of such provision or obligation in any other jurisdiction, shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

4.4 Amendments and Waivers . No amendment, modification, termination or waiver of any provision of this Guaranty, and no consent to any departure by Guarantor or the RCT therefrom, shall in any event be effective without the prior written concurrence of the

 

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Guarantor and the RCT and, if such amendment, modification, termination or waiver relates to Sections 2.1, 4.4, 4.8 or 5 (or any defined term used therein) or is not permitted by the terms of the Senior Debt Documents, the Agent and the Second Lien Agent. Any such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which it was given.

 

4.5 Headings . Section and subsection headings in this Guaranty are included herein for convenience of reference only and shall not constitute a part of this Guaranty for any other purpose or be given any substantive effect.

 

4.6 Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction . (a)  THIS GUARANTY HAS BEEN EXECUTED, DELIVERED AND ACCEPTED AT, AND SHALL BE DEEMED TO HAVE BEEN MADE IN, NEW YORK AND SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICTS OF LAW PROVISIONS THEREOF. THE GUARANTIED PARTY AND THE GUARANTOR HEREBY CONSENT TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE BANKRUPTCY COURT FOR ANY PROCEEDING INSTITUTED HEREUNDER, OR ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS GUARANTY, OR ANY PROCEEDING TO WHICH THE GUARANTIED PARTY OR THE GUARANTOR IS A PARTY RELATED HERETO, INCLUDING ANY ACTIONS BASED UPON, ARISING OUT OF, OR IN CONNECTION WITH ANY COURSE OF CONDUCT, COURSE OF DEALING, STATEMENT (WHETHER ORAL OR WRITTEN) OR ACTIONS OF THE GUARANTIED PARTY OR THE GUARANTOR.

 

(b) NOTHING IN THIS SECTION SHALL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF GUARANTIED PARTY TO BRING ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING AGAINST THE GUARANTOR IN THE COURTS OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION.

 

4.7 Successors and Assigns . This Guaranty is a continuing guaranty and shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

 

4.8 RCT Reporting Requirements . The RCT shall deliver to the Guarantor, within 25 days after the end of each Fiscal Month (commencing with the Fiscal Month ending November 30, 2004), a balance sheet for such Fiscal Month, in a form substantially in the form of the balance sheet contained as part of Exhibit 3D to the Disclosure Statement filed in conjunction with the Plan of Reorganization (the “RCT Report” ). The RCT agrees to respond promptly to reasonable additional information requests from the Guarantor regarding supporting details and documentation.

 

4.9 Waiver of Trial by Jury . TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, GUARANTOR AND THE GUARANTIED PARTY EACH HEREBY AGREES TO WAIVE ITS RESPECTIVE RIGHTS TO A JURY TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION BASED UPON OR ARISING OUT OF THIS GUARANTY. The scope of this waiver is intended to be all-encompassing of any and all disputes that may be

 

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filed in any court and that relate to the subject matter of this transaction, including without limitation contract claims, tort claims, breach of duty claims and all other common law and statutory claims. Guarantor, the RCT and, by its acceptance of the benefits hereof, the Guarantied Party each (i) acknowledges that each party will continue to rely on this waiver in their related future dealings and (ii) further warrants and represents that each has reviewed this waiver with its legal counsel, and that each knowingly and voluntarily waives its jury trial rights following consultation with legal counsel. THIS WAIVER IS IRREVOCABLE, MEANING THAT IT MAY NOT BE MODIFIED EITHER ORALLY OR IN WRITING, AND THIS WAIVER SHALL APPLY TO ANY SUBSEQUENT AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS, SUPPLEMENTS, RESTATEMENTS OR MODIFICATIONS TO THIS GUARANTY. IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, THIS GUARANTY MAY BE FILED AS A WRITTEN CONSENT TO A TRIAL BY THE COURT.

 

4.10 No Other Writing . This writing is intended by the Guarantor and the Guarantied Party as the final expression of this Guaranty and is also intended as a complete and exclusive statement of the terms of their agreement with respect to the matters covered hereby. No course of dealing, course of performance or trade usage, and no parol evidence of any nature, shall be used to supplement or modify any terms of this Guaranty. There are no conditions to the full effectiveness of this Guaranty (other than execution and delivery hereof by each of the parties hereto).

 

4.11 Further Assurances . At any time or from time to time, upon the request of the Guarantied Party or the Guarantor, as applicable, the RCT or the Guarantor, as applicable, shall execute and deliver such further documents and do such other acts and things as the Guarantied Party or the Guarantor, as applicable, may reasonably request in order to effect fully the purposes of this Guaranty.

 

4.12 Board Representation . In the event that (x) the Guarantor’s aggregate payments under this Guaranty exceed $5,000,000, the Guarantor shall be entitled to appoint a number of board members to the RCT Board constituting at least 20% of the RCT Board, and (y) the Guarantor’s aggregate payments under this Guaranty equal or exceed $10,000,000, the Guarantor shall be entitled to appoint a number of board members to the RCT Board constituting at least 40% of the RCT Board.

 

SECTION 5. INTERCREDITOR PROVISIONS

 

5.1 Priorities; Remedies .

 

(a) Liquidation, Dissolution, Bankruptcy . In the event of any Proceeding involving the Guarantor:

 

(i) This Section 5 shall be applicable both before and after the institution of any Proceeding involving the Guarantor, including, without limitation, the filing of any petition by or against the Guarantor under the Bankruptcy Code and all converted or succeeding cases in respect thereof, and all references herein to

 

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Guarantor shall be deemed to apply to the trustee for the Guarantor and the Guarantor as debtor-in-possession. The relative rights of the Senior Lender Parties and the Guarantied Party in or to any distributions from or in respect of any Collateral or proceeds of Collateral, shall continue after the institution of any Proceeding involving the Guarantor, including, without limitation, the filing of any petition by or against the Guarantor under the Bankruptcy Code and all converted or succeeding cases in respect thereof, on the same basis as prior to the date of such institution, subject to any court order approving the financing of, or use of cash collateral by, the Guarantor as debtor-in-possession.

 

(ii) The Guarantied Party agrees not to seek to challenge, to avoid, to subordinate or to contest or directly or indirectly to support any other Person in challenging, avoiding or contesting in any judicial or other proceeding, including, without limitation, any Proceeding, the priority, validity, extent, perfection or enforceability of any Lien held by any Senior Lender Party in all or any part of the Collateral.

 

(iii) The Guarantied Party agrees that any of the Senior Lender Parties may consent to the use of cash collateral under Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code or provide financing to the Guarantor under Section 364 of the Bankruptcy Code on such terms and conditions and in such amounts as such Senior Lender Parties may decide, and that the Guarantied Party shall not raise any objections to such financing or use of cash collateral on the grounds of a failure to provide “adequate protection” for the Liens of the Guarantied Party so long as the (x) the Guarantied Party retains a Lien on the Collateral (including proceeds thereof arising after the commencement of such proceeding) with the same priority as existed prior to the commencement of the case under the Bankruptcy Code and (y) the Guarantied Party receives a replacement Lien on post-petition assets to the same extent granted to the Senior Lender Parties, with the same priority as existed prior to the commencement of the case under the Bankruptcy Code. Guarantied Party agrees that all such financing shall constitute Senior Debt hereunder, and, in connection therewith, the Guarantor may grant to such Senior Lender Parties Liens upon all of the Property of the Guarantor, which Liens (A) shall secure payment of all or any portion of the Senior Debt (whether such Senior Debt arose prior to the commencement of any Proceeding or at any time thereafter) and all other financing provided by such Senior Lender Parties during the Proceeding and (B) shall be superior in priority to the Liens, if any, in favor of the Guarantied Party on the Property of the Guarantor. The Guarantied Party agrees that it will not object to or oppose a sale or other disposition of any Property securing all of any part of the Senior Debt free and clear of Liens or other claims of the Guarantied Party under Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code or any other provision of the Bankruptcy Code if the Senior Lender Parties have consented to such sale or disposition provided, that, subject to the other terms and provisions of this Section 5, the Lien of the Guarantied Party on the proceeds thereof shall continue to attach to such proceeds pursuant to this Guaranty.

 

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(iv) The Senior Debt shall continue to be treated as Senior Debt and the provisions of this Section 5 shall continue to govern the relative rights and priorities of the Senior Debt and the Guarantied Obligations relative to the Collateral even if all or part of the Senior Debt or the Liens securing the Senior Debt are subordinated, set aside, avoided, invalidated or disallowed in connection with any such Proceeding, and this Section 5 shall be reinstated if at any time any payment of any of the Senior Debt is rescinded or must otherwise be returned by any holder of Senior Debt or any representative of such holder.

 

(b) Standstill Provisions . Notwithstanding any rights or remedies available to the Guarantied Party under this Guaranty, applicable law or otherwise, but subject to the last sentence of this subsection 5.1(b), prior to the time when the Senior Lender Parties shall have received payment in full of all Senior Debt, neither the Guarantied Party nor the RCT shall, directly or indirectly take any Enforcement Action; provided, however, that, so long as no Senior Default has occurred and is continuing, the Guarantied Party may receive the payments required to be made pursuant to Section 2.1 as and when due. This Section 5.1(b) shall not be construed to in any way limit or impair the right of (A) the Guarantied Party to join (but not control in any way) any foreclosure or other judicial lien enforcement proceeding with respect to the Collateral initiated by Senior Lender Parties, so long as it does not delay or interfere with the exercise by Senior Lender Parties of their respective rights as provided in this Section 5, (B) the Guarantied Party’s right to receive any remaining proceeds of Collateral after payment in full of all Senior Debt, or (C) the Guarantied Party to demand payment of the Guarantied Obligations, or sue for payment of the Guarantied Obligations, so long as no such action constitutes an Enforcement Action. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that any of the Guarantied Obligations are not paid by the Guarantor when due under Section 2.1, the RCT reserves the right, on or after the later of the applicable due date and one hundred and twenty (120) days after the RCT has provided notice that such payment will be due (including the calculation of the amount due by the Guarantor) to the Guarantor, the Agent and the Second Lien Agent, to commence and complete litigation to collect such payment; provided, however, that, so long as the Guarantor has taken all actions permitted pursuant to the terms of the Senior Debt Documents to make such payment (including, without limitation, incurring additional revolving borrowings to the extent available under the Senior Debt Documents), the Guarantied Party shall not take any other Enforcement Action or proceed or seek to proceed against the Collateral in any manner.

 

(c) Turnover . If any payments pursuant to this Guaranty or proceeds of sales or other dispositions of Collateral are received by the Guarantied Party that would properly be payable to the Senior Lender Parties under Section 5.1(d) of this Guaranty and that are not permitted to be paid to the Guarantied Party pursuant hereto or pursuant to the Senior Debt Documents, such Distribution shall not be commingled with any of the assets of the Guarantied Party shall be held in trust by the Guarantied Party for the benefit of the Senior Lender Parties and shall be promptly paid over to the Senior Lender Parties. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Guaranty, no

 

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payments to the Guarantied Party shall be required to be paid over to the Senior Lender Parties pursuant to this Section 5.1(c) if the Senior Lender Parties have either consented in writing to such payment or have failed-to-request turnover of such payment within 45 days of receipt of actual notice of the making of such payment.

 

(d) Subordination of Liens and Security Interests; Agreement to Release Liens . Until the Senior Debt has been paid in full, notwithstanding the date, manner or order of grant, attachment or perfection of the Liens on all or any part of the Collateral granted to the Senior Lender Parties and the Guarantied Party, and notwithstanding the provisions of the UCC or any other applicable law or decision, or the terms or provisions of the Senior Debt Documents or this Guaranty, respectively, or any other circumstance whatsoever, regardless of when or how acquired, whether by grant, statute, operation of law, subrogation or otherwise, all Liens of the Guarantied Party in the Collateral shall be and hereby are subordinated for all purposes and in all respects to the Liens of the Senior Lender Parties in the Collateral. In the event the Senior Lender Parties release or agrees to release any of its Liens on all or any part of the Collateral, the Guarantied Party shall promptly release or otherwise terminate its Liens on such Collateral. The Guarantied Party shall, at the Guarantor’s expense, deliver such release documents as the Senior Lender Parties may reasonably require in connection therewith.

 

(e) Application of Proceeds from Sale or other Disposition of the Collateral . In the event of any sale, transfer or other disposition (including a casualty loss or taking through eminent domain) of the Collateral, the proceeds resulting therefrom (including insurance proceeds) shall be applied, first, in accordance with the terms of the Senior Debt Documents until such time as the Senior Debt is paid in full and, thereafter, shall be applied in accordance with the terms of this Guaranty. Until the Senior Debt has been paid in full, the Guarantied Party agrees that the Senior Lender Parties, acting in a commercially reasonable manner, shall have the sole and exclusive right to adjust settlement with respect to any insurance coverage for any Collateral.

 

5.2 Modifications to Senior Debt Documents . Senior Lender Parties may at any time and from time to time without the consent of or notice to the Guarantied Party, without incurring liability to the Guarantied Party and without impairing or releasing the obligations of the Guarantied Party under this Section 5, change the manner or place of payment or extend the time of payment of or renew or alter any of the terms of the Senior Debt, or amend in any manner any agreement, note, guaranty or other instrument evidencing or securing or otherwise relating to the Senior Debt.

 

5.3 Waiver of Marshaling Rights by the Guarantied Party . The Guarantied Party hereby waives any rights it may have under applicable law to assert the doctrine of marshaling or to otherwise require any Senior Lender Party to marshal any Property of the Guarantor for the benefit of the Guarantied Party.

 

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5.4 Rights Relating to the Senior Lender Parties’ Actions with respect to the Collateral . The Guarantied Party hereby waives, to the extent permitted by applicable law, any rights which it may have to enjoin or otherwise obtain a judicial or administrative order preventing any Senior Lender Party from taking, or refraining from taking, any action with respect to all or any part of the Collateral. Without limitation of the foregoing, the Guarantied Party hereby agrees (a) that it has no right to direct or object to the manner in which Senior Lender Parties apply the proceeds of the Collateral resulting from the exercise by Senior Lender Parties of rights and remedies under the Senior Debt Documents to the Senior Debt and (b) that the Senior Lender Parties have not assumed any obligation to act as the agent for the Guarantied Party with respect to the Collateral. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Section 5 is intended or shall be deemed to restrict the rights of the Guarantied Party to seek judicial relief if a foreclosure of the Collateral by the Senior Lender Parties does not comply with the commercially reasonable requirements of Section 9-610 of the UCC.

 

5.5 Further Assurances . At any time or from time to time, upon the request of the Senior Lender Parties, the RCT shall execute and deliver such further documents and do such other acts and things as the Senior Lender Parties may reasonably request in order to effect fully the purposes of this Section 5.

 

5.6 Continuation of Lien Subordination; Termination of Agreement . This Section 5 shall remain in full force and effect until the payment in full after which this Section 5 shall terminate without further action on the part of the parties hereto.

 

5.7 Obligations Unconditional .

 

(a) All rights and interests of the Senior Lender Parties hereunder, and all agreements and obligations of the Guarantied Party and the Guarantor hereunder, shall remain in full force and effect irrespective of: (i) any lack of validity or enforceability of any Senior Debt Document or any other agreement, document or instrument relating thereto, (ii) any change in the time, manner, order or place of payment of, or in any other term in respect of, all or any of the Senior Debt permitted by the terms hereof, or any other amendment or waiver of or any consent to departure from any Senior Debt Document in accordance with the terms hereof, (iii) any release or amendment or waiver of or consent to departure from any guaranty, for all or any of the Senior Debt, or (iv) any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, the Guarantor in respect of the Senior Debt or the Guarantied Party or the Guarantor in respect of this Section 5 other than actual payment of the Senior Debt.

 

(b) This Section 5 shall continue to be effective or shall be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time any payment of any of the Senior Debt is rescinded or must otherwise be returned by the Senior Lender Parties upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of the Guarantor or otherwise, all as though such payment had not been made.

 

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5.8 Waiver . Each of the Guarantied Party and the Guarantor hereby waives (a) promptness and diligence, (b) notice of acceptance and notice of the incurrence of any Senior Debt by the Guarantor, (c) notice of any actions taken by the any Senior Lender Party or the Guarantor or any other Person under any Senior Debt Document or any other agreement, document or instrument relating thereto, (d) except to the extent expressly provided herein, all other notices, demands and protests, and all other formalities of every kind in connection with the enforcement of all or any part of the Senior Debt or of the obligations of the Guarantied Party and the Guarantor hereunder and (e) any requirement that the Senior Lender Parties protect, secure, perfect or insure any security interest or other Lien on any property subject thereto or exhaust any right to take any action against the Guarantor or any other Person or any Collateral.

 

5.9 Specific Performance . The Senior Lender Parties are hereby authorized to demand specific performance of this Section 5 at any time when the Guarantied Party shall have failed to comply with any of the provisions of this Section 5, and the Guarantied Party hereby irrevocably waives any defense based on the adequacy of a remedy at law which might be asserted as a bar to such remedy of specific performance.

 

5.10 Subordination to the TLV Guaranty . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, this Guaranty shall be subordinate and junior in all respects to the TLV Guaranty and to the rights of the holders of Allowed but unpaid Class 3(B) TLV Reclamation Claims (or of any person subrogated to such rights) under the Plan of Reorganization.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , each of the Guarantor and the RCT has caused this Guaranty to be duly executed and delivered as of the date first written above.

 

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC.

By:

  /s/    Illegible        

Name:

   

Title

   

 

RECLAMATION CREDITORS’ TRUST

By:

  /s/    Illegible        

Name:

  Illegible

Title

  Illegible

 

ACKNOWLEDGED

GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION,

as Agent

By:

  /s/    P HILIP F. C ARFORA        

Name:

  Philip F. Carfora

Title

  Duly Authorized Signatory

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.,

as Second Lien Agent

By:

  /s/    D AVE W EBER        

Name:

  Dave Weber

Title

  Executive Vice President

 

Exhibit 10.18

AMENDMENT AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

 

Dated as of October 12, 2005

 

Reference is made to (i) that certain Subordinated Secured Guaranty Agreement dated as of August 20, 2004 between Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Guarantor”), and Reclamation Creditors’ Trust (the “RCT”) for the benefit of the holders of Allowed Class 3(B) TLV Reclamation Claims, and (ii) that certain Junior Subordinated Secured Guaranty Agreement dated as of August 20, 2004 between Guarantor and the RCT for the benefit of the holders of Allowed Net Non-TLV Reclamation Claims (collectively, the “ RCT Guaranties ”). Capitalized terms used in this Amendment and Acknowledgment and not defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the RCT Guaranties.

 

Concurrently herewith, the First Lien Debt and the Second Lien Debt are being refinanced and replaced pursuant to that certain Credit Agreement dated as of October 12, 2005 among Guarantor, certain affiliates of Guarantor, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (the “Replacement Agent”), and the lenders party thereto (the “Replacement Lenders”) (as the same may be amended, modified, supplemented, extended, renewed or restated from time to time, the “Replacement Loan Agreement”).

 

Guarantor and the RCT hereby agree to amend the RCT Guaranties as follows:

 

  1. References in the RCT Guaranties to General Electric Capital Corporation (including, without limitation, the reference to General Electric Capital Corporation in the definitions of “Agent” and “First Lien Lenders”) shall hereinafter be references to the Replacement Agent.

 

  2. The Replacement Agent, by its acknowledgment of this Amendment and Acknowledgment, shall be a party to the RCT Guaranties for purposes of the definition of “Agent” thereunder.

 

  3. The definition of “First Lien Loan Agreement” is amended and restated to read in its entirety as follows:

 

“First Lien Loan Agreement” shall mean the Replacement Loan Agreement and any loan or credit agreement evidencing any replacement or any increase therein, substitution, refunding, renewal or refinancing of or for all of any part of the First Lien Debt with the same or other lenders, in each case as the same may be amended, modified, supplemented, extended, renewed or restated and otherwise in effect from time to time.

 

  4. The definition of “First Lien Security Agreements” is amended and restated to read in its entirety as follows:

 

“First Lien Security Agreements” shall mean, collectively, that certain Security Agreement dated as of October      , 2005 executed by the Guarantor and the Agent and any security agreement or similar agreement executed and delivered in connection with any replacement, substitution, refunding, renewal or refinancing

 

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of or for all of any part of the First Lien Debt with the same or other lenders, in each case as the same may be amended, modified, supplemented, extended, renewed or restated and otherwise in effect from time to time.

 

  5. The Second Lien Debt shall be deemed to be paid in full.

 

This Amendment and Acknowledgment may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page hereto by facsimile shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Amendment and Acknowledgment.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of Guarantor and the RCT has caused this Amendment and Acknowledgment to be duly executed and delivered as of the date first written above.

 

CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC.

By:    

Name:

   

Title:

   

 

RECLAMATION CREDITORS’ TRUST

By:    

Name:

   

Title:

   

 

ACKNOWLEDGED

 

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,

as administrative agent

By:    

Name:

   

Title:

   

 

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