UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington D.C., 20549

 


Form 8-K

 


Current Report

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

Date Of Report (Date Of Earliest Event Reported): 10/31/2006

 


Owens Corning

(Formerly known as Owens Corning (Reorganized) Inc.)

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 


Commission File Number: 1-33100

 

DE   43-2109021

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

One Owens Corning Parkway, Toledo, OH 43659

(Address of Principal Executive Offices, Including Zip Code)

419-248-8000

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 


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

 

¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 



Items to be Included in this Report

Item 1.01. Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

On October 31, 2006 (the “Effective Date”), Owens Corning (formerly known as Owens Corning (Reorganized) Inc.) (the “Company”) consummated the transactions contemplated by the Sixth Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization for Owens Corning and Its Affiliated Debtors and Debtors-in-Possession (as Modified) (the “Plan”), causing the Plan to become effective. Described below are a number of material agreements entered into in connection with the Company’s emergence from bankruptcy.

Owens Corning 2006 Stock Plan

Pursuant to the Plan, upon the Effective Date, the Owens Corning 2006 Stock Plan (the “Stock Plan”), which was previously adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) on October 18, 2006, became effective.

The purpose of the Stock Plan is to promote the long-term financial success of the Company by (i) establishing a Management Equity Program, (ii) establishing a broad-based Employee Equity Program for all Company employees (other than those persons eligible to participate in the Management Equity Program, (iii) attracting and retaining executive personnel of outstanding ability, (iv) strengthening the Company’s capability to develop, maintain and direct a competent management team, (v) motivating executive personnel by means of performance-related incentives to achieve longer-range performance goals, (vi) providing incentive compensation opportunities which are competitive with those of other major corporations, (vii) enabling Company employees and executive personnel to participate in the long-term growth and financial success of the Company through increased stock ownership and (viii) serving as a mechanism to attract, retain and properly compensate outside directors.

The Stock Plan authorizes the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Committee”) to grant any of a variety of awards to participants, including the following:

 

    options to purchase shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company (“Common Stock”), including both tax-qualified and non-qualified options;

 

    stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), which provide the participant the right to receive the excess of the fair market value of a specified number of shares of Common Stock at the time of exercise over the base price of the SAR, and which may or may not be granted in tandem with options;

 

    stock awards, including grants in the form of (i) shares of Common Stock that are subject to a restriction period (“Restricted Stock”), (ii) rights to receive shares of Common Stock contingent upon the expiration of a restriction period (“Restricted Stock Units”) and (iii) shares of Common Stock that are not subject to a restriction period or performance measures (“Bonus Stock”); and


    performance-based awards which provide the participant the right, contingent upon the attainment of specified performance measures within a specified period, to receive shares of Common Stock, or the cash value thereof, if such performance measures are satisfied or met (“Performance Shares”).

The Stock Plan authorizes the Committee to grant awards to officers and employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. Non-employee directors are eligible to receive awards consisting of Restricted Stock or non-qualified options under the Stock Plan.

The Stock Plan will be administered by the Committee. The Committee has the authority to determine eligibility for awards under the Stock Plan and to determine the form, amount and timing of each award to such persons and, if applicable, the number of shares of Common Stock, and the number of Performance Shares subject to such an award, the exercise price associated with the award, the time and conditions of exercise or settlement of the award and all other terms and conditions of the award, including the form of the agreement evidencing the award. The Committee may not, however, without the prior consent of the stockholders of the Company, amend or replace any previously granted option or stock appreciation right in a transaction that constitutes a “repricing,” as such term is used in Section 303A.08 of the Listed Company Manual of the New York Stock Exchange.

No award may be granted under the Stock Plan after the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date, but the term of any award may extend beyond that date. To the extent an award granted under the Stock Plan would be subject to the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) and the regulations thereunder, then the agreement for such award and the Stock Plan shall be construed and administered so that the award complies with Section 409A of the Code and the regulations thereunder.

The aggregate number of shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance pursuant to the Stock Plan is 8,850,000 (subject to adjustment for any stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation, combination, exchange of shares, liquidation, spin-off or other similar change in capitalization or event). The shares may be issued from authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock or from the Company’s treasury stock. To the extent required by Section 162(m) of the Code, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which options, SARs, stock awards or Performance Shares or any combination thereof may be granted during any calendar year to any person is 300,000 (subject to adjustment for any stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation, combination, exchange of shares, liquidation, spin-off or other similar change in capitalization or event). In addition, no more than 2,000,000 shares of Common Stock are available under the Stock Plan for tax-qualified stock options.

Upon certain defined change of control events, (i) all outstanding options and SARs will immediately become exercisable in full, (ii) the restriction period applicable to any outstanding award of Restricted Stock will lapse, (iii) the performance period applicable to any outstanding Performance Share will lapse (unless otherwise provided in the award agreement and subject to the discretion of the Committee), (iv) the performance measures applicable to any outstanding award will be deemed to be satisfied at the maximum level and (v) there will be substituted for each share of Common Stock available under the Stock Plan, whether or not then subject to an outstanding award, the number and class of shares into which each outstanding share of Common Stock will be converted pursuant to such change in control.


The number and class of securities available under the Stock Plan, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which options, SARs, stock awards or awards of Performance Shares or a combination thereof may be awarded during any one calendar year to any person, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to awards in the form of tax-qualified options, and certain other terms of outstanding awards will be appropriately adjusted by the Committee in the event of any stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation, combination, exchange of shares, liquidation, spin-off or other similar change in capitalization or event, or any distribution to holders of Common Stock other than a regular cash dividend.

The Committee may amend the Stock Plan as it deems advisable, subject to any requirement of stockholder approval required by applicable law, rule or regulation, including Section 162(m) and Section 422 of the Code; however, no amendment will be made without stockholder approval if such amendment would (a) increase the maximum number of shares of Common Stock available under the Stock Plan, (b) effect any change inconsistent with Section 422 of the Code, (c) extend the term of the Stock Plan or (d) reduce the minimum purchase price of a share of Common Stock subject to an option. No amendment may impair the rights of a holder of an outstanding award without the consent of such holder.

This description of the Stock Plan does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Stock Plan, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 hereto.

2006 Stock Plan - Management and Employee Emergence Equity Program

Management Incentive Program

Under the Stock Plan, certain members of management were granted awards upon emergence consisting of a combination of Restricted Stock and options to purchase shares of Common Stock pursuant to a management incentive plan. As of the Effective Date, awards under this program were made to approximately 475 management level employees. 33.3% of each award was made in the form of Restricted Stock and 66.7% of each award was made in the form of options to purchase Common Stock. Dividends, if any, on Restricted Stock will be accrued and received by the holder at vesting. The options were issued with an exercise price of $30.00 per share of Common Stock and will expire on the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date. Dividends will not accrue on the options. For employees receiving the grant who remain continuously employed by the Company for the entire vesting period, each award will vest in its entirety on the third anniversary of the Effective Date, subject to accelerated vesting in the case of death, or continued vesting in the case of certain Company-approved retirements or in the event that the Company terminates the employee’s employment for a reason other than cause. As part of the Stock Plan, the Company has reserved 1,162,759 shares of Common Stock for the issuance of restricted shares and 2,325,518 shares of Common Stock for issuance upon exercise of options granted under this program upon emergence. The officers expected to be the Company’s named executive officers were granted awards upon emergence under the Stock Plan as follows: David T. Brown (75,000 shares of Restricted Stock and 150,000 options), Michael H. Thaman (75,000 shares of Restricted Stock and 150,000 options), Joseph C. High (35,000 shares of Restricted Stock and 70,000 options), David L. Johns (35,000 shares of Restricted Stock and 70,000 options) and Charles E. Dana (35,000 shares of Restricted Stock and 70,000 options).


As part of the Stock Plan, the Company has also reserved 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock for future issuance of Restricted Stock and 2,000,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance upon the exercise of options to be issued at a future date. These shares have been reserved and authorized for future issuance as determined by the Committee. Any options issued at a future date will be issued with an exercise price at the then fair market value.

Employee Incentive Program

In addition to the management incentive program described above, all full-time employees and regular part-time employees of the predecessor Owens Corning (“OCD”) and its affiliates as of the Effective Date (excluding any employee who participates in the management incentive program portion of the Stock Plan as described above as of the Effective Date) is eligible to receive a grant of 100 shares of Restricted Stock, or appropriate equivalent, on the Effective Date. For employees receiving the grant who remain continuously employed by the Company for the entire vesting period, each award will vest in its entirety on the third anniversary of the Effective Date, subject to accelerated vesting in the case of death, or continued vesting in the case of Company-approved retirements or in the event that the Company terminates the employee’s employment for a reason other than cause. Dividends, if any, on such shares of Restricted Stock, or equivalent, will be accrued and received by the holder at vesting. The Company has reserved 2,000,000 shares of Common Stock for such issuance.

Non employee Directors’ Compensation

Director Equity Program

The Company has reserved 120,000 shares of Common Stock as of the Effective Date for issuance as shares of Restricted Stock under the director equity program under the Stock Plan. The Company has also reserved 240,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance upon the exercise of options issued to directors in the future. The distribution of any or all of the shares of Restricted Stock and options to directors of the Company under this program will be determined by the Committee. Dividends, if any, on shares of Restricted Stock will be accrued and received by the holder at vesting. The terms and conditions of the options will be the same as described above. Directors who are also employees will not be eligible to participate in this program. Each award will vest in its entirety on the third anniversary of the Effective Date, subject to accelerated or continued vesting as may be determined by the Committee.

On the Effective Date, non-employee directors were entitled to receive initial awards under the Plan of 6,000 shares of Restricted Stock per director. Directors may elect to defer receipt of such awards.

Retainer and Meeting Fees

In addition to the award of restricted stock and stock options as described above, each director who is not an employee will be compensated pursuant to a standard annual retainer/meeting fee arrangement. Such arrangement provides each non-employee director an annual retainer as approved by the Compensation Committee. The Committee has approved a total annual retainer of $125,000 for each non-employee director, which retainer will be pro-rated for 2006 service. Beginning January 1, 2007, such retainer will be paid 50% in cash and 50% in equity of the Company. In addition, the Committee has approved a meeting fee of $1,500 for each board meeting attended by a non-employee director and for each committee meeting attended by a non-employee director who is a member of that committee. The Committee has also approved the payment of a $15,000 annual retainer to the Chairman of the Audit Committee and a $10,000 annual retainer to the Chairman of each of the Compensation Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee and the Finance Committee.

The Company intends to adopt a Director’s Deferred Compensation Program under which non-employee directors will be permitted to elect to defer all or a portion of his or her annual cash retainer and meeting fees under a newly established Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan. Such deferred compensation will be credited to an individual account and will accrue income or loss under a hypothetical investment fund, including a Company common stock fund, as chosen by the director at the time of such deferral election. The account, if, and to the extent, indexed to common stock, shall also be credited with the number of shares that dividends on credited shares could have purchased on dividend payment dates.

Indemnity Agreements

The Company has entered into an indemnity agreement with each current member of its Board of Directors and expects to enter into an indemnity agreement with each future member of its Board of Directors. These agreements generally provide that, if the director or potential director becomes involved in a claim (as defined in the terms and conditions of such agreement) by reason of an indemnifiable event (as defined in the agreement), the Company will indemnify the director or potential director to the fullest extent authorized by the Company’s bylaws, notwithstanding any subsequent amendment, repeal or modification of the bylaws, against any and all expenses, judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement of the claim.

This description of the indemnity agreements does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the form of indemnity agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.2 hereto.


Compensation Programs

Effective as of the Effective Date, the Company assumed sponsorship of certain employee benefit plans and compensation programs that had previously been sponsored by OCD. For a full description of these employee benefit plans and compensation programs, reference is made to the description of such plans and programs under the heading “Management – Executive Compensation” in Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-136363) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on October 25, 2006, which description of such plans and programs is incorporated by reference herein.

Senior Credit Facilities, Indenture and Registration Rights Agreement

The information described under Item 2.03 below “Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant” is incorporated herein by reference.

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

Senior Credit Facilities

On the Effective Date, the Company entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent, and various lenders, providing for the creation of unsecured senior credit facilities consisting of:

 

    a $1.0 billion multi-currency senior revolving credit facility; and

 

    a $1.4 billion delayed-draw senior term loan facility.

The Company’s obligations under the Credit Agreement are unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by the Company’s material wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries, whether now existing or later acquired, and any other subsidiary, the equity interests of which are pledged to secure the Company’s obligations under a contingent note pledged to the asbestos trust created pursuant to the Plan.

For a full description of the Credit Agreement, reference is made to the description of such agreement under the heading “Description of Indebtedness – Senior Credit Facilities” in Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-136363) filed with the SEC on October 25, 2006, which description is incorporated by reference herein. The description of the Credit Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Credit Agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.3 hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

Indenture

On the Effective Date, the Company issued and sold $650,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 6.50% Senior Notes due 2016 (the “2016 Notes”) and $550,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 7.00% Senior Notes due 2036 (the “2036 Notes,” and together with the 2016 Notes, the “Notes”).

The Notes were issued under an indenture (the “Indenture”) dated as of the Effective Date among the Company, the guarantors named therein, each of which is a domestic, wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and LaSalle Bank, National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”) in a private transaction that is not subject to the registration


requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The terms of the Notes include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.

General

The Notes:

 

    are the general obligations of the Company;

 

    rank pari passu in right of payment with all existing and future senior indebtedness of the Company, including indebtedness incurred under the Credit Agreement, and rank senior in right of payment to any existing and future subordinated indebtedness of the Company;

 

    are effectively subordinated to the Company’s senior secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness; and

 

    are unconditionally guaranteed by each of the Company’s current and future domestic, wholly-owned subsidiaries that is a borrower or guarantor under the Credit Agreement (each a “Guarantor”).

Each guarantee of the Notes:

 

    is a general obligation of the Guarantor;

 

    ranks pari passu in right of payment with all existing and future senior indebtedness of the Guarantor, including the guarantee by the Guarantor of indebtedness incurred under the Credit Agreement, and ranks senior in right of payment to any existing and future subordinated indebtedness of the Guarantor; and

 

    is effectively subordinated to any secured indebtedness of the Guarantor, to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness.

The 2016 Notes will mature on December 1, 2016 and the 2036 Notes will mature on December 1, 2036. Interest on the 2016 Notes will accrue at the rate of 6.50% per annum and interest on the 2036 Notes will accrue at the rate of 7.00% per annum. All interest will be payable semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1, commencing on June 1, 2007. The Company will make each interest payment to the holders of record of such series on the immediately preceding May 15 and November 15.

Optional Redemption

The Company may redeem all or a part of any series of the Notes at a redemption price equal to the greater of:

 

  (1) 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed; and


  (2) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the Notes to be redeemed (excluding accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption) discounted to the date of redemption on a semi-annual basis (assuming 360-day years, each consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate (as defined in the Indenture) plus 30 basis points for the 2016 Notes and 37.5 basis points for the 2036 Notes,

in each case, together with accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages (as defined in the Indenture), if any, thereon to the date of redemption, subject to the rights of holders of Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date.

Unless the Company defaults in payment of the redemption price, on and after the date of redemption, interest will cease to accrue on the notes or portions thereof called for redemption. On or before a redemption date, the Company will deposit with the paying agent (or with the Trustee) sufficient money to pay the redemption price and accrued interest on the Notes to be redeemed.

Change of Control Repurchase Events

If certain events related to a change in control of the Company occur with respect to any series of Notes, each holder of Notes of such series will have the right to require the Company to repurchase all or any part (equal to $1,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000) of that holder’s Notes for an amount in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of notes repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, on the notes repurchased to the date of repurchase, pursuant to the terms set forth in the Indenture.

Covenants

Subject to certain exceptions, the Indenture restricts the Company from incurring liens and from entering into sale and leaseback transactions. The Indenture also provides that the Company may not (1) consolidate or merge with or into another person (whether or not the Company is the surviving corporation) or (2) sell, assign, transfer, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, in one or more related transactions, to another person, except, in each case, as contemplated as part of certain restructuring transactions set forth in the Plan, unless certain conditions set forth in the Indenture are met. In addition, the Company may not, directly or indirectly, lease all or substantially all of the properties or assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, in one or more related transactions, to another person.

Events of Default

The Indenture contains customary events of default, including:

 

  (1) default for 30 days in the payment when due of interest on, or Liquidated Damages, if any, with respect to, the Notes of such series;

 

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

 

  (3) failure by the Company or any of its subsidiaries to comply with any covenant or other agreement in the Indenture or any term in the Notes for 60 days after notice to the Company by the Trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes of such series then outstanding voting as a single class;


  (4) default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there may be issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company or any of its subsidiaries (or the payment of which is guaranteed by the Company or any of its subsidiaries), whether such indebtedness exists as of the date of the Indenture, or is created after the date of the Indenture, if that default (a) is caused by a failure to pay principal of, or interest or premium, if any, on, such indebtedness prior to the expiration of the grace period provided in such indebtedness on the date of such default (a “Payment Default”); or (b) results in the acceleration of such indebtedness prior to its express maturity, and, in each case, the principal amount of any such indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other such indebtedness under which there has been a Payment Default or the maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregates $75 million or more;

 

  (5) except as permitted by the Indenture, any guarantee of the Notes is held in any judicial proceeding to be unenforceable or invalid or ceases for any reason to be in full force and effect, or any Guarantor, or any person acting on behalf of any Guarantor, denies or disaffirms its obligations under its guarantee of the Notes; and

 

  (6) certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency described in the Indenture with respect to the Company or any of its subsidiaries that is a “Significant Subsidiary” (as defined in the Indenture) or any group of subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary.

In the case of an event of default arising from certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency with respect to the Company, any subsidiary of the Company that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of subsidiaries of the Company that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, all outstanding Notes of each series will become due and payable immediately without further action or notice. If any other event of default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes of a particular series may declare all the Notes of such series to be due and payable immediately.

Registration Rights Agreement

In connection with the offering and sale of the Notes, the Company, the Guarantors and the initial purchasers entered into a registration rights agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”) whereby the Company agreed to file a registration statement with the SEC relating to an exchange offer pursuant to which notes substantially identical to the Notes will be offered in exchange for the then outstanding Notes.

The foregoing description of the Indenture and the Registration Rights Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such agreements, copies of which are filed as Exhibits 4.1 and 4.2 hereto and incorporated herein by reference.


Item 3.02. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities.

Under the Plan, on the Effective Date, holders of OCD’s pre-petition bonds received approximately 27.0 million shares of Common Stock, and 72.9 million shares of Common Stock were issued pursuant to a rights offering pursuant to which certain of OCD’s pre-petition bondholders and other general unsecured creditors subscribed to purchase shares of Common Stock or pursuant to a backstop facility under which certain institutional holders were obligated to purchase shares not subscribed to under the rights offering. In addition, holders of certain subordinated claims received warrants to obtain 17,502,848 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price at $43.00 per share (the “Series A Warrants”) and holders of OCD common stock received warrants to obtain 7,836,992 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $45.25 per share (the “Series B Warrants”). The Company relied, based on the confirmation order it received from the Bankruptcy Court, on Section 1145 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and Section 4(2) of the Securities Act to exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act the issuance and distribution of Common Stock to the general unsecured creditors pursuant to the Plan, the issuance and distribution of the Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants pursuant to the Plan (and the issuance and distribution of Common Stock upon the exercise thereof) and the issuance of the rights pursuant to the rights offering (and the issuance and distribution of Common Stock upon exercise thereof).

Section 1145 of the Bankruptcy Code exempts the offer and sale of securities under a plan of reorganization from registration under Section 5 of the Securities Act and state laws if three principal requirements are satisfied:

 

    the securities must be offered and sold under a plan of reorganization and must be securities of the debtor, of an affiliate participating in a joint plan of reorganization with the debtor or of a successor to the debtor under the plan of reorganization;

 

    the recipients of the securities must hold claims against or interests in the debtor; and

 

    the securities must be issued in exchange, or principally in exchange, for the recipient’s claim against or interest in the debtor.

Section 4(2) of the Securities Act provides an exemption from the registration requirements of Section 5 of the Securities Act for securities issued and sold in private transactions, not involving any public offering.

Item 5.01. Changes in Control of Registrant.

On July 21, 2006, the Company was formed as a Delaware corporation and a direct subsidiary of OCD. In connection with OCD’s emergence from bankruptcy and pursuant to the terms of the Plan, on the Effective Date, all of OCD’s previously issued stock, options and warrants were cancelled, and OCD issued 100 shares of its common stock to the Company. Concurrently with that issuance, OCD forfeited its ownership in the Company. As a result of its ownership of the 100 shares of OCD, the Company became the direct parent of OCD and is the parent holding company for OCD and OCD’s subsidiaries. On the Effective Date, OCD changed its name to “Owens Corning Sales, Inc.”


Item 5.02. Departure of Directors or Principal Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Principal Officers.

Effective November 1, 2006, Marc Sole is joining the Board as a director, following his election by the Board on October 18, 2006 to be effective as of the date following the Effective Date. Mr. Sole was designated to serve on the Board by the committee representing holders of OCD’s pre-petition bonds. He will be a member of the Compensation Committee and the Finance Committee.

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

In connection with the Company’s reorganization and emergence from bankruptcy, the Company amended and restated its Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, effective as of the Effective Date. For a description of the provisions of the amended and restated Certificate of Incorporation and amended and restated Bylaws, reference is made to the description of such documents under the heading “Description of Capital Stock – Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaw Provisions” in Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-136363) filed with the SEC on October 25, 2006, which description is incorporated by reference herein. The description of the amended and restated Certificate of Incorporation and amended and restated Bylaws does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such documents, copies of which are filed as Exhibits 3.1 and 3.2 hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d) Exhibits.

 

Exhibit No.  

Description

3.1   Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.
3.2   Amended and Restated Bylaws.
4.1   Indenture dated as of October 31, 2006 by and among Owens Corning, each of the guarantors named therein and LaSalle Bank, National Association, as trustee.
4.2   Registration Rights Agreement dated as of October 31, 2006 by and among Owens Corning, each of the guarantors named therein, Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Goldman, Sachs & Co.
4.3   Form of Note (included in Exhibit 4.1).
10.1   Owens Corning 2006 Stock Plan.
10.2   Form of Directors’ Indemnification Agreement.
10.3   Credit Agreement dated as of October 31, 2006 by and among Owens Corning, the lenders referred to therein, and Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent.


SIGNATURE

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

 

  Owens Corning
  (Formerly Owens Corning (Reorganized) Inc.)
Date: November 2, 2006   By:  

/s/ Rodney A. Nowland

    Rodney A. Nowland
    Assistant Secretary


EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.  

Description

3.1   Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.
3.2   Amended and Restated Bylaws.
4.1   Indenture dated as of October 31, 2006 by and among Owens Corning, each of the guarantors named therein and LaSalle Bank, National Association, as trustee.
4.2   Registration Rights Agreement dated as of October 31, 2006 by and among Owens Corning, each of the guarantors named therein, Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Goldman, Sachs & Co.
4.3   Form of Note (included in Exhibit 4.1).
10.1   Owens Corning 2006 Stock Plan.
10.2   Form of Directors’ Indemnification Agreement.
10.3   Credit Agreement dated as of October 31, 2006 by and among Owens Corning, the lenders referred to therein, and Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent.

Exhibit 3.1

AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

OWENS CORNING (REORGANIZED) INC.

OWENS CORNING (REORGANIZED) INC., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “ Corporation ”), hereby certifies as follows:

A. The name of the Corporation is Owens Corning (Reorganized) Inc. and the name under which the Corporation was originally incorporated is Owens Corning (Reorganized) Inc. The Corporation’s original Certificate of Incorporation was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on July 21, 2006.

B. This Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation was duly adopted in accordance with the provisions of Sections 242 and 245 and, to the extent applicable, Section 303, of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, and amends and restates, in their entirety, the provisions of the Corporation’s Certificate of Incorporation. Provision for the making of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation is contained in the order of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware dated as of September 26, 2006 confirming the Sixth Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization for Owens Corning and its Affiliated Debtors and Debtors-In-Possession (as Modified) filed pursuant to section 1121(a) of chapter 11 of title 11 of the United States Code.

C. The text of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto.

D. This Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation shall be effective at 12:05 a.m. Eastern Time on October 31, 2006.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Owens Corning (Reorganized) Inc. has caused this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to be executed by the undersigned officer, thereunto duly authorized, on the 30 th day of October, 2006.

 

OWENS CORNING (REORGANIZED) INC.
a Delaware corporation
By:  

/s/ Stephen K. Krull

Name:   Stephen K. Krull
Title:   Senior Vice President, General Counsel And Secretary


EXHIBIT A

FIRST. The name of the corporation (which is hereinafter referred to as the “Corporation”) is Owens Corning.

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

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

FOURTH. The total number of shares of all classes of capital stock that the Corporation shall have the authority to issue is 410,000,000 shares, of which:

(a) 10,000,000 shares shall be Preferred Stock, issuable in series, of par value $.01 per share (“Preferred Stock”), and

(b) 400,000,000 shares shall be Common Stock of par value $0.01 per share (“Common Stock”).

The designations, powers, preferences and rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of the Preferred Stock and the Common Stock are as follows:

 

  A. Preferred Stock

The Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series and with such designation for each such series as shall be stated and expressed in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issue of each such series adopted by the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board of Directors”). The Board of Directors in any such resolution or resolutions is expressly authorized to state and express for each such series:

(i) The designation of the series, which may be by distinguishing number, letter or title;

(ii) The number of shares of such series, which number the Board of Directors may thereafter (except where otherwise provided in such resolution or resolutions) increase or decrease (but not below the number of shares of such series then outstanding);

(iii) Voting rights, if any, including, without limitation, the authority to confer multiple votes per share, voting rights as to specified matters or issues or, subject to the provisions of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, voting rights to be exercised either together with the holders of Common Stock as a single class, or independently as a separate class;


(iv) The rate per annum and the times at and conditions upon which the holders of shares of such series shall be entitled to receive dividends, the conditions and the dates upon which such dividends shall be payable and whether such dividends shall be cumulative or noncumulative, and, if cumulative, the terms upon which such dividends shall be cumulative;

(v) Redemption, repurchase, retirement and sinking fund rights, preferences and limitations, if any, the amount payable on shares of such series in the event of such redemption, repurchase or retirement, the terms and conditions of any sinking fund, the manner of creating such fund or funds and whether any of the foregoing shall be cumulative or noncumulative;

(vi) The rights to which the holders of the shares of such series shall be entitled on any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation;

(vii) The terms, if any, upon which the shares of such series shall be convertible into, or exchangeable for, shares of stock of any other class or classes or of any other series of the same or any other class or classes, including the price or prices or the rate or rates of conversion or exchange and the terms of adjustment, if any; and

(viii) Any other designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof so far as they are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, and to the full extent now or hereafter permitted by the laws of the State of Delaware.

All shares of the Preferred Stock of any one series shall be identical to each other share of Preferred Stock of such same series in all respects, except that shares of any one series issued at different times may differ as to the dates from which dividends thereon, if cumulative, shall be cumulative.

 

  B. Common Stock

(i) Whenever dividends upon the Preferred Stock at the time outstanding shall have been paid in full for all past dividend periods or declared and set apart for payment, such dividends as may be determined by the Board of Directors may be declared by the Board of Directors and paid from time to time to the holders of the Common Stock out of assets or funds of the Corporation legally available therefor.

(ii) In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, the assets and funds of the Corporation remaining after the payment to the holders of the Preferred Stock at

 

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the time outstanding of the full amounts to which they shall be entitled shall be distributed among the holders of the Common Stock according to their respective shares.

(iii) The shares of Common Stock shall entitle the holders of record thereof to one vote for each share upon all matters upon which stockholders have the right to vote, subject only to any exclusive voting rights which may vest in holders of the Preferred Stock under the provisions of any series of the Preferred Stock established by the Board of Directors pursuant to the authority provided in this Article Fourth.

 

  C. Non-Voting Stock

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Corporation shall not be authorized to issue non-voting capital stock of any class, series or other designation to the extent prohibited by Section 1123(a)(6) of chapter 11 of title 11 of the United States Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”); provided, however, that the foregoing restriction shall (i) have no further force and effect beyond that required under Section 1123(a)(6) of the Bankruptcy Code, (ii) only have such force and effect for so long as such Section 1123(a)(6) is in effect and applies to the Corporation and (iii) be deemed void or eliminated if required under applicable law.

FIFTH. The private property of the stockholders shall not be subject to the payment of corporate debts to any extent whatsoever.

SIXTH. The fact that the stockholders or directors or officers of the Corporation are, in whole or in part, the same as those of any other corporation or business entity shall not in any way affect the validity and enforceability of any agreement or transaction between the two corporations.

SEVENTH. The stockholders and directors shall have the power to hold their meetings, to have an office or offices and to keep the books of the Corporation (subject to the provisions of applicable law) outside of the State of Delaware at such places as may from time to time be designated by the Bylaws or by resolution of the Board of Directors or its designees.

EIGHTH.

 

  (a) The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors. Subject to any rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect additional directors under specified circumstances, the number of directors that constitute the whole Board of Directors shall be such number as shall be fixed by, or in the manner provided in, the Bylaws of the Corporation. Subject to any rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect additional directors under specified circumstances, the Board of Directors shall be divided as nearly equally as possible into three classes designated as Class I, Class II and Class III, respectively. At the first annual meeting of stockholders after the Effective Date (as described below), which shall be held no earlier than the first anniversary of the Effective Date (as described below), the terms of office of the Class I directors shall expire and Class I directors elected to succeed those directors whose term then

 

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expires shall be elected for a term of office to expire at the third succeeding annual meeting of stockholders following their election. At the second annual meeting of the stockholders after the Effective Date (as described below), which shall be held no earlier than the second anniversary of the Effective Date (as described below), the terms of office of the Class II directors shall expire and Class II directors elected to succeed those directors whose term then expires shall be elected for a term of office to expire at the third succeeding annual meeting of stockholders following their election. At the third annual meeting of the stockholders after the Effective Date (as described below), the terms of office of the Class III directors shall expire and Class III directors elected to succeed those directors whose term then expires shall be elected for a term of office to expire at the third succeeding annual meeting of stockholders following their election. At each succeeding annual meeting of stockholders, directors shall be elected for a term of office to expire at the third succeeding annual meeting of stockholders following their election. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Article Eighth to the contrary, the third annual meeting of stockholders following the date on which all conditions to the consummation of the Sixth Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization of Owens Corning and its Affiliated Debtors and Debtors-In-Possession (as Modified) (the “Plan”) filed pursuant to Section 1121(a) of the Bankruptcy Code and confirmed by an order of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware dated as of September 26, 2006 have been satisfied or waived as provided in Article XII of the Plan, and all acts, events, terms and conditions contemplated under the Plan to occur on the Effective Date have occurred (the “Effective Date”), shall not be held prior to the earlier of (i) the third anniversary of the Effective Date and (ii) the earlier of (x) if the Reserved New OCD Shares (as defined in the Plan, the “Reserved New OCD Shares”) are issued to the Asbestos Personal Injury Trust (as defined in the Plan, the “Asbestos PI Trust”), the date following such issuance on which the Asbestos PI Trust no longer owns, beneficially or of record, at least 1% of the then outstanding shares of common stock of the Corporation and (y) if all of the FAIR Act Conditions (as defined in the Plan, the “FAIR Act Conditions”) are satisfied in full, the date on which the last of the FAIR Act Conditions is satisfied in full. For purposes of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the Asbestos PI Trust shall be considered to own, beneficially and of record, Reserved New OCD Shares for so long as the Asbestos PI Trust is able to provide, upon request by the Corporation, evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Corporation of the Asbestos PI Trust’s ownership of such Reserved New OCD Shares.

 

  (b) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Article Eighth, each director shall serve until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, unless he or she shall die, resign, retire, become disqualified or be removed. No decrease in the number of directors constituting the Board of Directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent director. If the number of directors is hereafter changed, any increase or decrease shall be apportioned among the classes so as to maintain the number of directors in each class as nearly equal as possible, except as may be expressly provided as to any directors who may be elected by the holders of any series of Preferred Stock.

 

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  (c) Any director may tender his or her resignation at any time. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock then outstanding with respect to directors appointed by the holders of such series of Preferred Stock, any director may be removed from office at any time, but only for cause and then only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of the then outstanding Voting Stock (as hereinafter defined), voting together as a single class. For purposes of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, “Voting Stock” shall mean the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors. For purposes of this Article Eighth, “cause” shall mean (i) a director’s theft or embezzlement or attempted theft or embezzlement of money, or tangible or intangible assets or property, which results in a felony indictment or similar judicial proceeding; (ii) a director’s violation of any law (whether foreign or domestic), which results in a felony indictment or similar judicial proceeding; or (iii) a director’s gross negligence, willful misconduct or knowing violation of law, in the performance of the director’s duties; provided, however, the director shall have been given a reasonable period to cure any alleged cause under clause (iii) above (other than willful misconduct) prior to the taking of a vote on the director’s removal.

 

  (d) Director vacancies shall be filled in the manner set forth in the Bylaws of the Corporation.

 

  (e) Whenever the holders of any one or more series of Preferred Stock issued by the Corporation shall have the right, voting separately by series, to elect directors at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, the election, term of office, filling of vacancies and other features of such directorships shall be governed by this Article Eighth unless expressly otherwise provided by the resolution or resolutions providing for the creation of such series.

 

  (f) Elections for directors shall not be by ballot unless demand is made for election by ballot by a stockholder entitled to vote for the election of directors. With respect to the election of directors, each stockholder shall be entitled to cast for any candidate for election as a director only one vote per share and stockholders shall not be entitled to cumulate their votes and cast them in favor of one candidate or distribute them among any two or more candidates.

 

  (g) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and subject to the other provisions of this Article Eighth, the Board of Directors shall determine the rights, powers, duties, rules and procedures that shall affect the directors’ power to manage and direct the business and affairs of the Corporation. Without limiting the foregoing, the Board of Directors shall designate and empower committees of the Board of Directors, shall elect and empower the officers of the Corporation, may appoint and empower other officers and agents of the Corporation, and shall determine the time and place of, and the notice requirements for, Board meetings, as well as quorum and voting requirements for, and the manner of taking, Board action.

 

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NINTH. Advance notice of new business and stockholder nominations for the election of directors shall be given in the manner and to the extent provided in the Bylaws of the Corporation. Any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation must be affected at a duly called annual or special meeting of such holders and may not be effected by any consent in writing by such holders. Except as otherwise required by law, special meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation may be called only by the Board of Directors pursuant to a resolution approved by a majority of the entire Board of Directors; provided, however, that during the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending on the earlier of (i) if the Reserved New OCD Shares are issued to the Asbestos PI Trust, the date of such issuance and (ii) if all of the FAIR Act Conditions are satisfied in full, the date on which the last of the FAIR Act Conditions is satisfied in full, no record date may be set for a special meeting of stockholders, nor may a special meeting of stockholders be called by the Board of Directors, if a purpose of such meeting is to amend, alter, modify, change or repeal, or to adopt a provision to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or to the Bylaws inconsistent with, Article Eighth, Article Ninth, Article Tenth, Article Eleventh, Article Twelfth or Article Thirteenth hereof or Sections 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.13, 2.14, 2.15 or 2.16 or Article X of the Bylaws.

TENTH.

 

  (a) The Corporation shall, to the fullest extent authorized or permitted by applicable law, indemnify any person made, or threatened to be made, a party to any action or proceeding (whether civil or criminal or otherwise) by reason of the fact that he or she, his or her testator or intestate, is or was a director or officer of the Corporation or by reason of the fact that such person, at the request of the Corporation, is or was serving as a director, manager, officer, employee or agent of any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise. The indemnification provided in this Article Tenth shall not be deemed exclusive of any rights to which any person may be entitled under any other provision of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or any provision of the Bylaws of the Corporation, any agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise.

 

  (b) No director of the Corporation shall be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary duty by such a director as a director. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, a director shall be liable to the extent provided by applicable law (i) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the Corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) pursuant to Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or (iv) for any transaction from which such director derived an improper personal benefit.

 

  (c) No amendment to or repeal of this Article Tenth shall apply to or have any effect on the liability or alleged liability of any director of the Corporation for or with respect to any acts or omissions of such director occurring prior to such amendment.

ELEVENTH. Subject to Article Thirteenth hereof, the Board of Directors may make, amend or repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation adopted by the stockholders, subject to any specific

 

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limitation on such rights contained in the Bylaws, including Article X thereof. Subject to Article Thirteenth hereof and Article X of the Bylaws, any Bylaw made by the Board of Directors under the powers conferred hereby may be amended or repealed by the Board of Directors (except as specified in any Bylaw so made or amended) or by the stockholders in the manner provided in the Bylaws of the Corporation. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws to the contrary except Article Thirteenth hereof and the last sentence of Article X of the Bylaws, prior to the second anniversary of the Effective Date, the Bylaws set forth in Section 2.10 of the Bylaws may not be amended or repealed by the stockholders or the Board of Directors, and no provision inconsistent therewith may be adopted by the stockholders or the Board of Directors, without the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding Voting Stock, voting together as a single class. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws to the contrary except the other provisions of this Article Eleventh and Article Thirteenth hereof and Article X of the Bylaws, the Bylaws set forth in Sections 1.7, 1.8, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.13, 2.14, 2.15 and 2.16 and Article X of the Bylaws may not be amended or repealed by the stockholders or the Board of Directors, and no provision inconsistent therewith may be adopted by the stockholders or the Board of Directors, without the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 75% of the outstanding Voting Stock, voting together as a single class. Subject to Article Thirteenth hereof, the Corporation may in its Bylaws confer powers upon the Board of Directors in addition to the foregoing and in addition to the powers and authorities expressly conferred upon the Board of Directors by applicable law.

TWELFTH.

 

  (a) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to the contrary except Article Thirteenth, Article Eighth, Article Ninth, Article Tenth, Article Eleventh and Article Thirteenth hereof shall not be altered, amended or repealed and no provision inconsistent therewith shall be adopted by the stockholders without the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 75% of the outstanding Voting Stock, voting together as a single class. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to the contrary except Article Eleventh and Article Thirteenth, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 75% of the outstanding Voting Stock, voting together as a single class, shall be required to alter, amend, adopt any provision inconsistent with or repeal this paragraph (a) of Article Twelfth.

 

  (b) Subject to Article Eleventh, paragraph (a) of Article Twelfth and Article Thirteenth hereof, the Corporation reserves the right to amend, alter, change or repeal any provision contained in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, or any amendment thereof, in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by statute, and all rights conferred upon the stockholders herein are granted subject to this reservation.

THIRTEENTH. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to the contrary, during the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending on the earlier of (A) if the Reserved New OCD Shares are issued to the Asbestos PI Trust, the date following such issuance on which the Asbestos PI Trust no longer owns, beneficially or of record, at least 1% of the then outstanding shares of common stock of the Corporation and (B) if

 

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all of the Fair Act Conditions are satisfied, the date on which the last of the Fair Act Conditions is satisfied in full, Article Eighth, Article Ninth, Article Tenth, Article Eleventh, Article Twelfth and Article Thirteenth hereof and the Bylaws set forth in Sections 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.13, 2.14, 2.15 and 2.16 and Article X of the Corporation’s Bylaws may not be amended or repealed in any respect, and no provision inconsistent therewith may be adopted by the stockholders or the Board of Directors, if such amendment, repeal or provision could (i) in any way adversely affect the rights provided under Section 5.18(a) of the Plan to the Asbestos PI Trust, the Future Claimants’ Representative (as defined in the Plan, the “Future Claimants’ Representative”), the Asbestos Claimants’ Committee (as defined in the Plan, the “Asbestos Claimants’ Committee”) and/or the TAC (as defined in the Plan, the “TAC”), (ii) shorten the term of any director of the Corporation named, appointed, designated or nominated, pursuant to the rights granted under Article II of the Corporation’s Bylaws, by the Future Claimants’ Representative, the Asbestos Claimants’ Committee, the Asbestos PI Trust and/or the TAC or (iii) alter, modify, repeal or amend this Article Thirteenth, without, in each case, (x) the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 75% of the outstanding Voting Stock, voting together as a single class, and (y) the prior written consent of the Asbestos PI Trust.

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 

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Exhibit 3.2

 


AMENDED AND RESTATED

BYLAWS

OF

OWENS CORNING

October 31, 2006

 



AMENDED AND RESTATED

BYLAWS OF

OWENS CORNING

(as adopted on October 31, 2006)

ARTICLE I

STOCKHOLDERS

Section 1.1 Annual Meeting . An annual meeting of the stockholders, for the election of directors to succeed those whose terms expire and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting, shall be held at such place, either within or without the State of Delaware, on such date, and at such time as the Board of Directors shall fix each year. The first annual meeting of stockholders following the date on which all conditions to the consummation of the Sixth Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization of Owens Corning (“Former Owens Corning”) and its Affiliated Debtors and Debtors-In-Possession (as Modified) (the “Plan”) filed pursuant to Section 1121(a) of chapter 11 of title 11 of the United States Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”) and confirmed by an order of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware dated as of September 26, 2006 have been satisfied or waived as provided in Article XII of the Plan, and all acts, events, terms and conditions contemplated under the Plan to occur on the Effective Date have occurred (the “Effective Date”), shall be held no earlier than the first anniversary of the Effective Date. The Board of Directors may, in its sole discretion, determine that the meeting shall not be held at any place, but shall be held solely by means of remote communication, subject to such guidelines and procedures as the Board of Directors may adopt, as permitted by applicable law. Subject to Section 1.7 , any other proper business may be transacted at an annual meeting.

Section 1.2 Special Meetings Except as otherwise required by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (as it may be amended from time to time, the “General Corporation Law”) or by the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation (as it may be amended, the “Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation”) and subject to the rights of the holders of any class or series of stock having a preference over the Common Stock of the Corporation as to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, special meetings of the stockholders may be called only by the Board of Directors pursuant to a resolution approved by a majority of the whole Board of Directors. Special meetings of the stockholders shall be held at such place, either within or without the State of Delaware, on such date, and at such time as the Board of Directors shall fix. The Board of Directors may, in its sole discretion, determine that the special meeting shall not be held at any place, but shall be held solely by means of remote communications, subject to such guidelines and procedures as the Board of Directors may adopt, as permitted by applicable law. Business transacted at special meetings shall be confined to the purpose or purposes stated in the notice.

Section 1.3 Notice of Meetings . Written notice of the place, if any, date, and time of all meetings of the stockholders, the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called shall be given, not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the date on which the


meeting is to be held, to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at such meeting, except as otherwise provided herein or required by the General Corporation Law or by the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.

No notice of any meeting of stockholders need be given to any stockholder who submits a signed waiver of notice to the Secretary of the Corporation, whether before or after the meeting. Attendance of a person at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when the stockholder attends a meeting, in person or by proxy, for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business on the grounds that the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. When a meeting is adjourned to another place, date or time, written notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if the place, date and time thereof and the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed present in person and vote at such adjourned meeting are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken; provided, however, that if the date of any adjourned meeting is more than thirty (30) days after the date for which the meeting was originally noticed, or if a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, written notice of the place, date, and time of the adjourned meeting shall be given in conformity herewith. At any adjourned meeting, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the original meeting.

Section 1.4 Quorum . At any meeting of the stockholders, the holders of a majority of all of the shares of the stock entitled to vote at the meeting, present in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for all purposes, unless or except to the extent that the presence of a larger number may be required by the General Corporation Law or by the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation. Where a separate vote by a class or classes is required, a majority of the shares of such class or classes, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum entitled to take action with respect to the vote on that matter. If a quorum is present when a meeting is convened, the subsequent withdrawal of stockholders, even though less than a quorum remains, shall not affect the ability of the remaining stockholders lawfully to transact business.

If a quorum shall fail to attend any meeting, the chairman of the meeting or the holders of a majority of the shares of stock entitled to vote who are present, in person or by proxy, may adjourn the meeting to another place, date, or time until a quorum is present.

If a notice of any adjourned special meeting of stockholders is sent to all stockholders entitled to vote thereat, stating that it will be held with those present constituting a quorum, then except as otherwise required by the General Corporation Law or by the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, those present at such adjourned meeting, in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum, and all matters shall be determined by a majority vote of the votes cast at such meeting.

Section 1.5 Organization . The Chairman of the Board or such other person as the Board of Directors may have designated or, in the absence of such a person, the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation or, in his absence, the President of the Corporation or, in the absence of such officer, such person as may be chosen by the holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote who are present, in person or by proxy, shall call to order any meeting of the stockholders and act as chairman of the meeting. The secretary of the meeting shall be such person as the chairman appoints.

 

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Section 1.6 Conduct of Business; Remote Communication . The chairman of any meeting of stockholders shall determine the order of business and the rules, regulations and procedure at the meeting, including such regulation of the manner of voting and the conduct of discussion as seem to him or her in order.

If authorized by the Board of Directors in accordance with the Bylaws of this Corporation and applicable law, stockholders and proxyholders not physically present at a meeting of stockholders may, by means of remote communication, (1) participate in a meeting of stockholders and (2) be deemed present in person and vote at a meeting of stockholders, whether such meeting is to be held at a designated place or solely by means of remote communication, provided that (i) the Corporation shall implement reasonable measures to verify that each person deemed present and permitted to vote at the meeting by means of remote communication is a stockholder or proxyholder, (ii) the Corporation shall implement reasonable measures to provide such stockholders and proxyholders a reasonable opportunity to participate in the meeting and to vote on matters submitted to the stockholders, including an opportunity to read or hear the proceedings of the meeting substantially concurrently with such proceedings, and (iii) if any stockholder or proxyholder votes or takes other action at the meeting by means of remote communication, a record of such vote or other action shall be maintained by the Corporation.

Section 1.7 Notice of Stockholder Business and Nominations .

(a) Annual Meetings of Stockholders . (1) Nominations for persons for election to the Board of Directors and the proposal of business to be considered by the stockholders may be made at an annual meeting of stockholders (A) pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting, (B) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, or (C) by any stockholder of the Corporation who (i) was a stockholder of record at the time of giving of notice provided for in this Section 1.7 and at the time of the annual meeting, (ii) is entitled to vote at the meeting and (iii) complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 1.7 .

(2) For nominations or other business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder pursuant to Section 1.7(a)(1)(C) , the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary and such other business must otherwise be a proper matter for stockholder action. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal offices of the Corporation not earlier than the close of business on the 120 th day and not later than the close of business on the 90 th day prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting; provided, however, that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after such anniversary date, written notice by a stockholder to be timely must be so delivered not earlier than the close of business on the 120 th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90 th day prior to such annual meeting and the 10 th day following the day on which a public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made by the Corporation. In no event shall the public announcement of an adjournment of an annual meeting commence a new

 

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time period for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above. To be in proper form, a stockholder’s notice to the Secretary must: (a) set forth, as to the stockholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made (i) the name and address of such stockholder, as they appear on the Corporation’s books, and of any other beneficial owner, if any, (ii) the class or series and number of shares of the Corporation which are owned beneficially and of record by such stockholder and such beneficial owner, if any, as of the date of such notice (which information shall be supplemented by such stockholder and such beneficial owner, if any, not later than 10 days after the record date for the meeting to disclose such ownership as of the record date), and (iii) any other information relating to such stockholder and beneficial owner, if any, that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for, as applicable, the proposal and/or for the election of directors in a contested election pursuant to Section 14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the “Exchange Act”); (b) if the notice relates to any business other than the nomination of a director that the stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting, set forth (i) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting, the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting and any material interest of such stockholder and beneficial owner, if any, in such business and (ii) a description of all agreements, arrangements and understandings between such stockholder and beneficial owner, if any, and any other person or persons (including their names) in connection with the proposal of such business by such stockholder; (c) set forth, as to each person, if any, whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection as a director (i) all information relating to such person that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for election of directors in a contested election pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act (including such person’s written consent to be named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected) and (ii) a description of all direct and indirect compensation and other material monetary agreements, arrangements and understandings during the past three years, and other material relationships, between or among such stockholder and beneficial owner, if any, and their respective affiliates and associates, or others acting in concert therewith, on the one hand, and each proposed nominee, and his or her respective affiliates and associates, or others acting in concert therewith, on the other hand, including, without limitation, all information that would be required to be disclosed pursuant to Rule 404 promulgated under Regulation S-K if the stockholder making the nomination and any beneficial owner on whose behalf the nomination is made, if any, or any affiliate or associate thereof or person acting in concert therewith, were the “registrant” for purposes of such rule and the nominee were a director or executive officer of such registrant; and (d) with respect to each nominee for election or reelection to the Board of Directors, include the completed and signed questionnaire, representation and agreement required by Section 1.8 of these Bylaws. The Corporation may require any proposed nominee to furnish such other information as may reasonably be required by the Corporation to determine the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as an independent director of the Corporation or that could be material to a reasonable stockholder’s understanding of the independence, or lack thereof, of such nominee.

 

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(3) Notwithstanding anything in the second sentence of Section 1.7(a)(2) to the contrary, in the event that the number of directors to be elected to the Board of Directors of the Corporation is increased and there is no public announcement by the Corporation naming all of the nominees for director or specifying the size of the increased Board of Directors at least 100 days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting, a stockholder’s notice required by this Section 1.7 shall also be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for any new positions created by such increase, if it shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the 10th day following the day on which such public announcement is first made by the Corporation.

(b) Special Meetings of Stockholders . Only such business shall be conducted at a special meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting. Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors may be made at a special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting (1) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or (2) provided that the Board of Directors has determined that directors shall be elected at such meeting, by any stockholder of the Corporation who (i) is a stockholder of record at the time of giving of notice provided for in this Section 1.7 and at the time of the special meeting, (ii) is entitled to vote at the meeting and (iii) complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 1.7 . In the event the Corporation calls a special meeting of stockholders for the purpose of electing one or more directors to the Board of Directors, any such stockholder may nominate a person or persons (as the case may be) for election to such position(s) as specified in the Corporation’s notice of meeting, if the stockholder’s notice required by Section 1.7(a)(2) (including the completed and signed questionnaire, representation and agreement required by Section 1.8 of these Bylaws) shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not earlier than the close of business on the 120 th day prior to such special meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90 th day prior to such special meeting and the 10 th day following the day on which public announcement is first made of the date of the special meeting and of the nominees proposed by the Board of Directors to be elected at such meeting. In no event shall the public announcement of an adjournment of a special meeting commence a new time period for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above.

(c) General . (1) Subject to the provisions of Section 2.14 of these Bylaws, only such persons who are nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 1.7 shall be eligible to serve as directors and only such business shall be conducted at a meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 1.7 . Except as otherwise provided by law, the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, the chairman of the meeting shall have the power and duty to determine whether a nomination or any business proposed to be brought before the meeting was made or proposed, as the case may be, in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 1.7 and, if any proposed nomination or business is not in compliance with this Section 1.7 , to declare that such defective proposal or nomination shall be disregarded

 

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(2) For purposes of this Section 1.7 , “public announcement” shall mean disclosure in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press or comparable national news service or in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.

(3) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 1.7 , a stockholder shall also comply with all applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder with respect to the matters set forth in this Section 1.7 . Nothing in this Section 1.7 shall be deemed to affect the rights (i) of stockholders to request inclusion of proposals in the Corporation’s proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act or (ii) of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock if and to the extent provided for under law, the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws.

(4) Nothing in this Section 1.7 shall have the effect of (i) releasing or reducing the Corporation’s or the Board of Directors’ obligations under Sections 2.2 , 2.3 , 2.4 , 2.13 , 2.14 , 2.15 and 2.16 of these Bylaws, or (ii) adversely effecting or limiting the rights of the Asbestos Personal Injury Trust (as defined in the Plan, the “Asbestos PI Trust”), the Future Claimants’ Representative (as defined in the Plan, the “Future Claimants’ Representative”), the Asbestos Claimants’ Committee (as defined in the Plan, the “Asbestos Claimants’ Committee”) and/or the TAC (as defined in the Plan, the “TAC”) under Sections 2.2 , 2.3 , 2.4 , 2.13 , 2.14 and 2.16 of these Bylaws.

Section 1.8 Submission of Questionnaire, Representation and Agreement .

(a) To be eligible to be a nominee for election or reelection as a director of the Corporation, a person must deliver (in accordance with the time periods described for delivery of notice under Section 1.7 of these Bylaws) to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation a written questionnaire with respect to the background and qualification of such person and the background of any other person or entity on whose behalf the nomination is being made (which questionnaire shall be provided by the Secretary upon written request) and a written representation and agreement (in the form provided by the Secretary upon written request) that such person (A) is not and will not become a party to (1) any agreement, arrangement or understanding with, and has not given any commitment or assurance to, any person or entity as to how such person, if elected as a director of the Corporation, will act, solely in his or her capacity as a director of the Corporation, or vote on any issue or question (a “Voting Commitment”) that has not been disclosed to the Corporation, solely in his or her capacity as a director of the Corporation, or (2) any Voting Commitment that could limit or interfere with such person’s ability to comply, if elected as a director of the Corporation, with such person’s fiduciary duties under applicable law, (B) is not and will not become a party to any agreement, arrangement or understanding with any person or entity other than the Corporation with respect to any direct or indirect compensation, reimbursement or indemnification in connection with service or action as a director that has not been disclosed to the Corporation, except under or in connection with the Asbestos Personal Injury Trust Agreement (as defined in the Plan), and (C) in such

 

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person’s individual capacity and on behalf of any person or entity on whose behalf the nomination is being made, would be in compliance, if elected as a director of the Corporation, and will comply with all applicable publicly disclosed corporate governance, conflict of interest, confidentiality and stock ownership and trading policies and guidelines of the Corporation; provided , however , that any actions expressly required to be taken by the Asbestos PI Trust pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of July 7, 2006, by and between the Corporation and the Asbestos PI Trust (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), the Asbestos PI Trust’s entering into the Put Agreements (as defined in the Plan, the “Put Agreements”) or the Call Agreements (as defined in the Plan, the “Call Agreements”), and the consummation of any transactions expressly contemplated by any of the Registration Rights Agreement, the Put Agreements or the Call Agreements, or the exercise from time to time of the Put Agreements and/or the Call Agreements or any rights under the Registration Rights Agreement, is and shall be exempt from, and otherwise shall not violate, any corporate governance, conflict of interest, confidentiality and stock ownership and trading policies and guidelines of the Corporation or corporate policies or other rules or regulations of the Corporation that may be applicable to the Asbestos PI Trust, including, without limitation, the Corporation’s window period policy.

(b) Nothing in this Section 1.8 shall have the effect of (i) releasing or reducing the Corporation’s or the Board of Directors’ obligations under Sections 2.2 , 2.3 , 2.4 , 2.13 , 2.14 , 2.15 and 2.16 of these Bylaws, or (ii) adversely effecting or limiting the rights of the Asbestos PI Trust, the Future Claimants’ Representative, the Asbestos Claimants’ Committee and/or the TAC under Sections 2.2 , 2.3 , 2.4 , 2.13 , 2.14 and 2.16 of these Bylaws.

Section 1.9 Record Date . The Board of Directors may fix a record date, which shall not precede the date on which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted and which shall not be more than sixty (60) nor fewer than ten (10) days before the date of any meeting of stockholders, nor more than sixty (60) days prior to the time for the other action hereinafter described, as of which there shall be determined the stockholders who are entitled: (i) to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof; (ii) to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights; (iii) to exercise any rights with respect to any change, conversion or exchange of stock; or (iv) to take, receive or participate in any other lawful action.

If no record date is fixed, (i) the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held; and (ii) the record date for determining stockholders for any other purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating thereto.

A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting, but the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.

 

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Section 1.10 Proxies and Voting . A stockholder may, by an instrument in writing or by a transmission permitted by law filed in accordance with the procedures established for the meeting, authorize any other person or persons to act for such stockholder as proxy to vote for such stockholder at any and all meetings of stockholders and to waive all notices which such stockholder may be entitled to receive.

Each stockholder shall have one vote for every share of stock entitled to vote which is registered in such stockholder’s name on the record date for the meeting, except as otherwise provided herein or required by the General Corporation Law or by the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.

All voting, including on the election of directors, and except where otherwise required by the General Corporation Law or by the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, may be by a voice vote; provided, however, that upon demand therefor by a stockholder entitled to vote or by such stockholder’s proxy, a stock vote shall be taken. Every stock vote shall be taken by ballots, each of which shall state the name of the stockholder or proxy voting and such other information as may be required under the procedure established for the meeting. Every vote taken by ballots shall be counted by an inspector or inspectors appointed by the chairman of the meeting.

All elections of directors shall be determined by a plurality of the votes cast, and except as otherwise required by the General Corporation Law, the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws of this Corporation, all other matters shall be decided by the vote of the holders of stock having a majority of the votes which could be cast by the holders of all stock entitled to vote on such question which are present in person or proxy at the meeting.

Section 1.11 Stock List . A complete list of stockholders entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders, arranged in alphabetical order for each class of stock and showing the address of each such stockholder and the number of shares registered in such stockholder’s name, shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, for a period of at least ten days prior to the meeting: (i) on a reasonably accessible electronic network, provided that the information required to gain access to such list is provided with the notice of the meeting, or (ii) during ordinary business hours, at the principal place of business of the Corporation. In the event that the Corporation determines to make the list available on an electronic network, the Corporation may take reasonable steps to ensure that such information is available only to stockholders of the Corporation. If the meeting is to be held at a place, the list shall also be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof and may be inspected by any stockholder who is present. If the meeting is to be held solely by means of remote communication, the list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder during the whole time thereof on a reasonably accessible electronic network, and the information required to access such list shall be provided with the notice of the meeting. The stock ledger shall be the only evidence as to who are the stockholders entitled to examine the stock ledger, the list of stockholders or the books of the Corporation, or to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of stockholders.

 

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ARTICLE II

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 2.1 Qualifications of Directors . Each director shall be a person sui juris. No director need be a stockholder of the Corporation.

Section 2.2 Number, Term of Office and Vacancies . Except as otherwise expressly provided in Section 2.3 , the number of directors and their term of office shall be fixed from time to time exclusively by the Board of Directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the total number of authorized directors (whether or not there exist any vacancies in previously authorized directorships at the time any such resolution is presented to the Board of Directors for adoption). Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect additional directors under specified circumstances, the directors will be classified with respect to the time for which they severally hold office into three classes, as nearly equal in number as possible, designated Class I, Class II and Class III. The directors first appointed to Class I will hold office for a term expiring at the first annual meeting of stockholders following the Effective Date, which shall be held no earlier than the first anniversary of the Effective Date; the directors first appointed to Class II will hold office for a term expiring at the second annual meeting of stockholders following the Effective Date, which shall be held no earlier than the second anniversary of the Effective Date; and the directors first appointed to Class III will hold office for a term expiring at the third annual meeting of stockholders following the Effective Date. The third annual meeting of stockholders following the Effective Date shall not be held prior to the earlier of (i) the third anniversary of the Effective Date and (ii) the earlier of (x) if the Reserved New OCD Shares (as defined in the Plan, the “Reserved New OCD Shares”) are issued to the Asbestos PI Trust, the date following such issuance on which the Asbestos PI Trust no longer owns, beneficially or of record, at least 1% of the then outstanding shares of common stock of the Corporation and (y) if all of the FAIR Act Conditions (as defined in the Plan, the “FAIR Act Conditions”) are satisfied in full, the date on which the last of the FAIR Act Conditions is satisfied in full. Each director shall hold office until his or her successor is elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal. At each succeeding annual meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation, the successors to the class of directors whose term expires at that meeting will be elected by plurality vote of all votes cast at such meeting to hold office for a term expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders held in the third year following the year of their election. In the event of any change in the number of directors, the Board of Directors shall apportion any newly-created directorships among, or reduce the number of directorships in, such class or classes as shall equalize, as nearly as possible, the number of directors in each class. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, the Board of Directors shall not take any action to reduce the number of directors if such reduction would (i) shorten the term of any incumbent director or (ii) prevent the Board of Directors from effectuating the terms of (x) the last paragraph of Section 2.4 or (y)  Section 2.14 or 2.16 of these Bylaws. Except as set forth in the last paragraph of Section 2.4 , Section 2.14 or Section 2.16 of these Bylaws, if a vacancy occurs on the Board of Directors, the Board of Directors may fill the vacancy by the affirmative vote of a majority of all the remaining directors, even though the directors then remaining in office constitute fewer than a quorum of the Board of Directors. For purposes of these Bylaws, the Asbestos PI Trust shall be considered to own, beneficially and of record, Reserved New OCD Shares for so long as the Asbestos PI

 

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Trust is able to provide, upon request by the Corporation, evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Corporation of the Asbestos PI Trust’s ownership of such Reserved New OCD Shares.

Section 2.3 Initial Board of Directors . Notwithstanding anything contained in Section 2.2 to the contrary, the initial Board of Directors shall be comprised of sixteen (16) directors. Of such sixteen directors, (a) twelve (12) directors shall be designated by a majority vote of the Board of Directors of Former Owens Corning serving immediately prior to the Effective Date (the “OCD Designated Directors”), of which OCD Designated Directors four (4) shall be appointed to serve as initial Class III directors, five (5) shall be appointed to serve as initial Class II directors and three (3) shall be appointed to serve as initial Class I directors, (b) subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 2.4 , one (1) director shall be designated by the Asbestos Claimants’ Committee (the “ACC Designated Director”), which ACC Designated Director shall be appointed to serve as an initial Class III director, (c) subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 2.4 , one (1) director shall be designated by the Future Claimants’ Representative (the “FCR Designated Director”), which FCR Designated Director shall be appointed to serve as an initial Class III director, and (d) two (2) directors shall be designated by the Ad Hoc Bondholders Committee (as defined in the Plan) (the “Bondholder Designated Directors”), which Bondholder Designated Directors shall be appointed to serve as initial Class I directors. Nominating procedures with respect to the nomination or election of successors to such directors at the expiration of their respective initial terms of office and the procedures for filling any vacancies which shall occur as a result of the death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal of any such initial Class I, initial Class II or initial Class III director shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.2 , Section 2.14 , Section 2.15 or Section 2.16 , as applicable.

Section 2.4 Removal and Resignation . Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock then outstanding with respect to directors appointed by the holders of such series of Preferred Stock, any director, or the entire Board of Directors, may be removed from office at any time, only for cause (as defined in the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation), and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of the then outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class. Vacancies in the Board of Directors resulting from such removal shall be filled in the manner provided in Section 2.2 , Section 2.14 or Section 2.16 of these Bylaws, as appropriate. A Director so chosen shall hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders at which the class of directors of such director is elected.

Any director may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Chairman of the Board, the President or the Secretary. Unless otherwise stated in a notice of resignation, it shall take effect when received by the officer to whom it is directed, without any need for its acceptance.

Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the right of the Asbestos Claimants’ Committee to designate the ACC Designated Director and the right of the Future Claimants’ Representative to designate the FCR Designated Director shall not become effective until the day immediately after the day Reserved New OCD Shares are issued to the Asbestos PI Trust under the Plan. Until such time, if any, as such Reserved New OCD Shares are issued to the Asbestos PI Trust and the ACC Designated Director and the FCR Designated Director join

 

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the Board of Directors or the conditions set forth in the Plan for the issuance of such Reserved New OCD Shares are no longer capable of being satisfied, the vacancies existing as of the Effective Date in Class III directorships resulting from the ACC Designated Director and FCR Designated Director not serving shall remain unfilled. On the first day following the issuance of the Reserved New OCD Shares to the Asbestos PI Trust, the Board of Directors shall take all necessary action to appoint the ACC Designated Director and the FCR Designated Director to fill such vacancies. In the event that the conditions set forth in the Plan for the issuance of such Reserved New OCD Shares cannot be satisfied and any right (or contingent right) of the Asbestos PI Trust to receive such Reserved New OCD Shares expires or terminates, then the Asbestos Claimants’ Committee and the Future Claimants’ Representative shall have no further right to appoint the ACC Designated Director or FCR Designated Director, respectively, and any vacancies in the Class III directorships resulting from the failure so to appoint the ACC Designated Director or FCR Designated Director may be filled or the number of directorships may be reduced, in each case in the manner provided in Section 2.2 of these Bylaws. In the event that the Asbestos PI Trust receives such Reserved New OCD Shares but thereafter the Asbestos PI Trust ceases to own, beneficially or of record, at least 1% of the then outstanding shares of common stock of the Corporation, the ACC Designated Director and the FCR Designated Director, or their respective successors, shall resign from the Board of Directors. Vacancies in the Board of Directors resulting from such resignations shall be filled in the manner provided in Section 2.2 of these Bylaws.

Section 2.5 Regular Meetings . Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at such place or places, on such date or dates, and at such time or times as shall have been established by the Board of Directors and publicized among all directors. A notice of each regular meeting shall not be required.

Section 2.6 Special Meetings . Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by one-third of the directors then in office (rounded up to the nearest whole number), by the Chairman of the Board or by the Chief Executive Officer and shall be held at such place, on such date, and at such time as may be fixed by the person or persons calling the special meeting. Notice of the place, date, and time of each such special meeting shall be given to each director who does not waive the right to a notice by (i) mailing written notice not less than five (5) days before the meeting, (ii) sending notice one (1) day before the meeting by an overnight courier service and two (2) days before the meeting if by overseas courier service, or (iii) by telephoning, telecopying, telegraphing or personally delivering the same not less than twenty-four (24) hours before the meeting. Unless otherwise indicated in the notice thereof, any and all business may be transacted at a special meeting. Attendance of a director at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting.

Section 2.7 Quorum . At any meeting of the Board of Directors, a majority of the total number of authorized directors shall constitute a quorum for all purposes. If a quorum shall fail to attend any meeting, a majority of those present may adjourn the meeting to another place, date, or time, without further notice or waiver thereof.

Section 2.8 Participation in Meetings by Conference Communications Equipment . Members of the Board of Directors, or of any committee of the Board of Directors, may participate in a meeting of such Board of Directors or committee by means of conference

 

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telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other and such participation shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.

Section 2.9 Conduct of Business . At any meeting of the Board of Directors, business shall be transacted in such order and manner as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine, and all matters shall be determined by the vote of a majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present, except as otherwise provided herein or required by the General Corporation Law or by the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.

Section 2.10 Powers . The Board of Directors may, except as otherwise required by the General Corporation Law or by the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, exercise all such powers and do all such acts and things as may be exercised or done by the Corporation, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the unqualified power:

(a) To declare dividends from time to time in accordance with law;

(b) To purchase or otherwise acquire any property, rights or privileges on such terms as it shall determine;

(c) To authorize the creation, making and issuance, in such form as it may determine, of written obligations of every kind, negotiable or non-negotiable, secured or unsecured, and to do all things necessary in connection therewith;

(d) To remove any officer of the Corporation with or without cause, and from time to time to pass on the powers and duties of any officer upon any other person for the time being;

(e) To confer upon any officer of the Corporation the power to appoint, remove and suspend subordinate officers, employees and agents;

(f) To adopt from time to time such stock option, stock purchase, bonus or other compensation plans for directors, officers, employees and agents of the Corporation and its subsidiaries as it may determine;

(g) To adopt from time to time such insurance, retirement, and other benefit plans for directors, officers, employees and agents of the Corporation and its subsidiaries as it may determine; and

(h) To adopt from time to time regulations, not inconsistent with these Bylaws, for the management of the Corporation’s business and affairs.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, prior to the second anniversary of the Effective Date, the Board of Directors shall not issue, or specifically reserve for issuance, any series of Preferred Stock to be used in connection with the implementation of a “poison pill” or similar “shareholder rights plan” without first obtaining approval for such issuance or reservation for issuance by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the then outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as

 

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a single class. From and after the second anniversary of the Effective Date, the restrictions set forth in this paragraph shall have no further force and effect and nothing contained in this Section 2.10 shall limit or be construed to limit the power or authority of the Board of Directors in respect of any shareholder rights plan.

Section 2.11 Action Without Meeting . Unless otherwise restricted by the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors, or of any committee thereof, may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board of Directors or such committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing (which may be in counterparts) or by electronic transmission, and the written consent or consents or electronic transmission or transmissions are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors or such committee. Such filing shall be made in paper form if the minutes of the Corporation are maintained in paper form and shall be in electronic form if the minutes are maintained in electronic form.

Section 2.12 Compensation of Directors . Directors, as such, may receive, pursuant to resolution of the Board of Directors or a committee of the Board of Directors, reimbursement of their reasonable expenses, if any, of attendance at meetings and fixed fees and other compensation for their services as directors, including, without limitation, their services as members of committees of the Board of Directors.

Section 2.13 Nomination of Director Candidates . Subject to any limitations stated in the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, and subject to the provisions of Sections 2.14 , 2.15 and 2.16 of these Bylaws, nominations for the election of Directors may be made in the manner set forth below by the Board of Directors or the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee appointed by the Board of Directors, as appropriate, or by any stockholder entitled to vote in the election of Directors generally who complies with the notice procedures set forth in Section 1.7 .

Section 2.14 Asbestos PI Trust Nominees .

(a) This Section 2.14 shall become effective at such time, if any, that the Asbestos PI Trust is issued Reserved New OCD Shares under the Plan and shall remain in effect from such time of issuance until such time as the Asbestos PI Trust no longer owns, beneficially or of record, at least 1% of the then outstanding shares of common stock of the Corporation (the “Section 2.14 Termination Date”), at which time the terms and provisions of this Section 2.14 shall immediately and automatically terminate and no longer have any force and effect. Upon the termination of this Section 2.14 pursuant to this Section 2.14(a) , the provisions of these Bylaws, other than Section 2.14 , shall be the Bylaws of the Corporation until amended, modified or repealed in accordance with the terms hereof. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Section 2.14 and any other provisions of these Bylaws or, to the extent that any of the provisions of this Section 2.14 overlap with and/or are more specific or restrictive than any other provisions contained in these Bylaws, the provisions of this Section 2.14 shall govern.

(b) Prior to each meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation at which the term of the FCR Designated Director or the ACC Designated Director, or any director

 

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nominated or appointed in accordance with the provisions of this Section 2.14 or Section 2.16 to succeed either such director, shall expire, in addition to any other persons nominated by the Board of Directors or any committee thereof, the Asbestos PI Trust shall have the right to nominate a person to succeed such director as FCR Designated Director or ACC Designated Director, as the case may be. The person nominated by the Asbestos PI Trust to succeed the ACC Designated Director shall be the person designated by the TAC and the person nominated by the Asbestos PI Trust to succeed the FCR Designated Director shall be the person designated by the Future Claimants’ Representative.

(c) At each meeting of the stockholders at which directors are to be elected, in addition to presenting nominees for other directorships, the officer of the Corporation presiding at such meeting shall present to the stockholders for election to the Board of Directors, on behalf of the Asbestos PI Trust, any person or persons nominated by the Asbestos PI Trust in accordance with Section 2.14(b) .

Section 2.15 Special Nomination Provisions .

(a) Prior to the first annual meeting of stockholders following the Effective Date, at which annual meeting the term of the initial Class I directors, or any director nominated or appointed in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.16 to succeed any such director, shall expire, the Board of Directors, or a committee thereof, shall, subject to the provisions of Section 2.15(b) or Section 2.15(c) , nominate each such Class I director then serving for reelection as a Class I director for a term of office to expire at the third succeeding annual meeting of stockholders following such reelection.

(b) In the event that any OCD Designated Director serving as a Class I director at the time nominations are to be made in accordance with Section 2.15(a) shall decline to stand for relection in accordance with Section 2.15(a) , the person nominated by the Board of Directors, or a committee thereof, to stand for election at such first annual meeting to succeed any such director as a Class I director shall be the person designated in writing by the remaining OCD Designated Directors.

(c) In the event that any Bondholder Designated Director serving as a Class I director at the time nominations are to be made in accordance with Section 2.15(a) shall decline to stand for relection in accordance with Section 2.15(a) , the person nominated by the Board of Directors, or a committee thereof, to stand for election at such first annual meeting to succeed any such director as a Class I director shall be the person designated in writing by the remaining Bondholder Designated Director (or, if there is no remaining Bondholder Designated Director, as designated by the Board of Directors).

(d) This Section 2.15 shall remain in effect until the adjournment of the first annual meeting of stockholders following the Effective Date, at which time the terms and provisions of this Section 2.15 shall immediately and automatically terminate and no longer have any force and effect.

 

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Section 2.16 Special Vacancy Provisions .

(a) If, at any time prior to the holding of the second annual meeting of stockholders following the Effective Date, any Bondholder Designated Director (or any successor) then serving as a director of the Corporation is removed from the Board of Directors, resigns, retires, dies or otherwise cannot continue to serve as a member of the Board of Directors, then the Board of Directors shall fill such vacancy by appointing such person as shall be designated in writing by the remaining Bondholder Designated Director (or, if there is no remaining Bondholder Designated Director, as designated by the Board of Directors), and the person so appointed shall become a Bondholder Designated Director.

(b) If, at any time prior to the holding of the second annual meeting of stockholders following the Effective Date, any OCD Designated Director (or any successor) then serving as a director of the Corporation is removed from the Board of Directors, resigns, retires, dies or otherwise cannot continue to serve as a member of the Board of Directors, then the remaining OCD Designated Directors shall have the exclusive authority to appoint a person to fill such vacancy, and the person so appointed shall become an OCD Designated Director.

(c) If, at any time prior to the Section 2.14 Termination Date, the FCR Designated Director (or any successor) or the ACC Designated Director (or any successor) then serving as a director of the Corporation is removed from the Board of Directors, resigns, retires, dies or otherwise cannot continue to serve as a member of the Board of Directors, then the Board of Directors shall fill such vacancy by appointing (i) with respect to the ACC Designated Director, such person as shall be designated in writing by the TAC and (ii) with respect to the FCR Designated Director, such person as shall be designated in writing by the Future Claimants’ Representative, and the person so appointed shall become the ACC Designated Director or the FCR Designated Director, as the case may be.

ARTICLE III

COMMITTEES

Section 3.1 Committees of the Board of Directors . The Board of Directors shall have five (5) standing committees, which shall be designated the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee, the Executive Committee and the Finance Committee, and each of which shall be governed by its charter as approved by the Board of Directors and which shall comply with the applicable provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the New York Stock Exchange (or any other principal exchange on which the Corporation’s common stock is listed) applicable to Board of Directors committees of such nature. The Board of Directors, by a vote of a majority of the whole Board of Directors, may from time to time designate one or more other committees of the Board of Directors, with such lawfully delegable powers and duties as it thereby confers, to serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors, and shall, for those committees and any other provided for herein, elect a director or directors to serve as the member or members thereof, designating, if it desires, other directors as alternate members who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee.

 

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Any committee so designated may exercise the power and authority of the Board of Directors to declare a dividend, to authorize the issuance of stock or to adopt a certificate of ownership and merger if the resolution which designates the committee or a supplemental resolution of the Board of Directors shall so provide. In the absence or disqualification of any member of any committee and any alternate member in his place, the member or members of the committee present at the meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not a quorum, may by unanimous vote appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of the absent or disqualified member.

Section 3.2 Conduct of Business . Each committee may determine the procedural rules for meeting and conducting its business and shall act in accordance therewith, except as otherwise provided herein or required by the General Corporation Law or by the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation. Unless otherwise designated by the Board of Directors, one-third of the members shall constitute a quorum unless the committee shall consist of one or two members, in which event one member shall constitute a quorum; and all matters shall be determined by a majority vote of the members present. If a quorum shall fail to attend any meeting, a majority of those present may adjourn the meeting to another place, date, or time, without further notice or waiver thereof. Each committee shall hold meetings upon the call of its chairman, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, or any one of its members, at such date, time and place as set forth in the notice of meeting. Notice of each meeting of a committee of the Board of Directors shall be given to each member by the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the Corporation, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer or by the member of the committee calling the meeting. Such notice may be given personally or by telephone or by written notice, telegram, cable, facsimile or telex, mailed or directed to the address of the member appearing upon the books of the Corporation and shall set forth the date, time and place of the meeting, but need not state the purpose or purposes thereof unless required by the General Corporation Law or by the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation. Notice of the meeting shall be sufficient in time if actually delivered to the member of the committee notified, or delivered properly addressed and prepaid to the carrier thereof, or telecopied, sufficiently early to be delivered in due and regular course to the member notified, in time to enable him to attend such meeting. Notice to any member of a meeting of a committee of the Board of Directors may be waived by him, and shall be deemed waived by him by his presence at the meeting. Action may be taken by conference telephone as provided in Section 2.8 of these Bylaws. Action may be taken by any committee without a meeting if all members thereof consent thereto in writing, and the writing or writings are filed with the minutes of the proceedings of such committee.

ARTICLE IV

OFFICERS

Section 4.1 Elected Officers . The officers of the Corporation shall consist of a Chairman of the Board, a President, a Chief Executive Officer, one or more Vice Presidents, a Secretary, a Treasurer and such other officers as the Board of Directors may from time to time elect. The Board of Directors shall consider the election of officers at its first meeting after every annual meeting of stockholders and may consider that subject at such other times as the Board of Directors may deem appropriate. Each officer shall hold office until his or her successor is elected and qualified or until his or her earlier resignation, retirement or removal. Any number of offices may be held by the same person.

 

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Each officer elected by the Board of Directors or any person thereto specifically authorized by the Board of Directors may, in the name and on behalf of the Corporation, receive and receipt for moneys and other properties, execute and deliver contracts, deeds, mortgages, leases, bonds, undertakings, powers of attorney, and other instruments, and assign, endorse, transfer, deliver, release, and satisfy any and all contracts, mortgages, leases, stock certificates, bonds, promissory notes, drafts, checks, bills, orders, receipts, acquittances, and other instruments, and may, when necessary, affix the corporate seal thereto.

The Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Executive Officer and Vice Presidents elected by the Board of Directors may delegate, designate or authorize named individuals to execute and attest on behalf of the Corporation bids, contracts, performance bonds and similar documents arising in the ordinary day-to-day operations of the Corporation and its divisions.

Section 4.2 Appointed Officers . The Chief Executive Officer designated by the Board of Directors, or if a Chief Executive Officer has not been so designated, the President of the Corporation, may, from time to time, create and abolish such functional, divisional or regional offices of Vice President or Assistant Vice President with such powers and duties and subject to such limitations of authority as he or she may prescribe and he or she may make appointments to, and removals from, any such office, but such appointees shall not exercise specific powers or duties pertaining to the elective offices of the Corporation as provided in this Article IV , except as prescribed by the Board of Directors, either generally or specially.

Section 4.3 Compensation . The Board of Directors, or any committee thereof so designated, may, from time to time, fix the compensation of the several officers, agents, and employees of the Corporation and may delegate to any officer of the Corporation, or any committee composed of officers of the Corporation, the power to fix the compensation of the officers, agents, and employees of the Corporation.

Section 4.4 Chairman of the Board . The Board of Directors may elect one of the members of the Board of Directors as Chairman of the Board, who, if elected, shall preside at all meetings of stockholders and directors and shall also perform such duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors. Except where by law the signature of the President is required, the Chairman of the Board shall possess the same power as the President to sign all certificates, contracts and other instruments of the Corporation. Michael H. Thaman shall serve as the initial Chairman of the Board.

Section 4.5 Vice Chairman of the Board . The Board of Directors may designate one of the members of the Board of Directors as Vice Chairman of the Board who, in the absence or disability of the Chairman of the Board or during any vacancy of that office, shall perform the duties of the Chairman of the Board. He or she shall also perform such duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors or delegated to him or her by the Chief Executive Officer.

 

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Section 4.6 Chief Executive Officer . The Board of Directors shall designate either the Chairman of the Board or the President as Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, who, subject to the direction and control of the Board of Directors, shall have the responsibility for the general management and control of the business and affairs of the Corporation and shall perform all duties and have all powers which are commonly incident to the office of chief executive or which the Board of Directors delegates to him. He or she shall have power to sign all stock certificates, contracts and other authorized instruments of the Corporation and shall have general supervision and direction of all other officers, employees and agents of the Corporation.

Section 4.7 President . The President, in the absence or disability of the Chairman of the Board and any Vice Chairman of the Board or during vacancies in both of such offices, shall preside at all meetings of stockholders and directors. He or she shall perform such duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors or delegated to him or her by the Chief Executive Officer.

Section 4.8 Vice President . Each Vice President shall have such powers and duties as may be delegated to him or her by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors, or the Chief Executive Officer, or if a Chief Executive Officer has not been so designated, the President, may assign further descriptive titles to the Vice Presidents, prescribe their duties and rank and may designate them numerically.

Section 4.9 Secretary . The Secretary shall keep an accurate record of all proceedings of the stockholders and the Board of Directors and committees of the Board of Directors; sign all certificates for shares and deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts, notes and other instruments executed by the Corporation requiring his or her signature or as may be prescribed by the Chief Executive Officer or the President; give notices of meetings of stockholders and of directors; produce on request at any meeting of stockholders a certified list of stockholders arranged in alphabetical order, showing the number of shares held by each; and perform such other and further duties as may from time to time be prescribed by the Board of Directors, or a committee of the Board of Directors, or as may from time to time be assigned or delegated to him or her by the Chief Executive Officer or the President. He or she shall have custody and care of the seal of the Corporation.

Section 4.10 Treasurer . Subject to the direction and control of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, and any officer who may be designated by the Board of Directors with responsibility for finance, the Treasurer shall have custody of the funds and securities belonging to the Corporation, and shall deposit all funds in the name and to the credit of the Corporation in such depository or depositories as may be designated by the Board of Directors or by an officer or officers duly authorized by the Board of Directors to designate depositories. He or she shall make such disbursements of the funds of the Corporation as are authorized and shall render to the Board of Directors, whenever the Board of Directors may require it, an account of all his or her transactions as Treasurer. The Treasurer shall also perform such other duties as the Board of Directors may prescribe from time to time.

Section 4.11 Controller . The Controller shall keep proper books of account and full and accurate records of the receipts and disbursements of the funds belonging to the Corporation

 

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and of its operations. The Controller shall render to the Board of Directors, any of its committees, the Chief Executive Officer, and the President, such statements as to the financial condition of the Corporation and as to its operations as each or any of them may request.

Section 4.12 All Officers . The several officers shall perform all other duties usually incident to their respective offices, or which may be required by the stockholders or Board of Directors; shall from time to time, and also whenever requested, report to the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the President all matters affecting the Corporation’s interests which may come to their knowledge and, on the expiration of their terms of office, shall respectively deliver all books, papers, money and property of the Corporation in their hands to their successors, or to the Chief Executive Officer, or to any person designated by the Board of Directors to receive the same.

Section 4.13 Delegation of Authority . The Board of Directors may from time to time delegate the powers or duties of any officer to any other officers or agents, notwithstanding any provision hereof.

Section 4.14 Removal . Any officer of the Corporation may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by the Board of Directors.

Section 4.15 Action with Respect to Securities of Other Corporations . Unless otherwise directed by the Board of Directors, each of the elected officers of the Corporation shall have power to vote and otherwise act on behalf of the Corporation, in person or by proxy, at any meeting of stockholders of, or with respect to any action of stockholders of, any other corporation in which this Corporation may hold securities and otherwise to exercise any and all rights and powers which this Corporation may possess by reason of its ownership of securities in such other corporation.

Section 4.16 Security . The Board of Directors may require any officer, agent or employee of the Corporation to provide security for the faithful performance of his or her duties, in such amount and of such character and on such terms as may be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE V

STOCK

Section 5.1 Certificates of Stock . Each stockholder of record shall be entitled to a certificate signed by, or in the name of the Corporation by, the Chief Executive Officer, the Chairman of the Board, the President or a Vice President, and by the Secretary, an Assistant Secretary or the Treasurer, certifying the number of shares owned by him or her. Any or all the signatures on the certificate and the seal of the Corporation may be facsimile, engraved, stamped or printed. In case any officer, transfer agent, or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile, stamp or other imprint signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if such officer, transfer agent, or registrar continued to be such at the date of issue.

 

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Section 5.2 Transfers of Stock . Upon surrender to the Corporation or the transfer agent of the Corporation of a certificate for stock of the Corporation duly endorsed or accompanied by proper evidence of succession, assignment or authority to transfer or, if the relevant stock certificate is claimed to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon compliance with the provisions of Section 5.3 of these Bylaws, and upon payment of applicable taxes with respect to such transfer, and in compliance with any restrictions on transfer applicable to such stock certificate or the shares represented thereby of which the Corporation shall have notice and subject to such rules and regulations as the Board of Directors may from time to time deem advisable concerning the transfer and registration of stock certificates, the Corporation shall issue a new certificate or certificates for such stock to the person entitled thereto, cancel the old certificate and record the transaction upon its books. Transfers of stock shall be made only upon the transfer books of the Corporation kept at an office of the Corporation or by transfer agents designated to transfer shares of the stock of the Corporation.

Section 5.3 Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates . In the event of the loss, theft or destruction of any certificate of stock, the Corporation may issue a new certificate for stock in the place of any such certificate, and the Corporation may require the owner of the lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or such stockholder’s legal representative, to give the Corporation a bond sufficient to indemnify it against any claim that may be made against it on account of the alleged loss, theft or destruction of any such certificate or the issuance of such new certificate.

Section 5.4 Stockholders of Record . Except as set forth in Section 2.2 , the Corporation shall be entitled to treat the holder of record of any stock of the Corporation as the holder thereof and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such stock on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise required by the laws of the State of Delaware.

Section 5.5 Regulations . The issue, transfer, conversion and registration of certificates of stock shall be governed by such other regulations as the Board of Directors may establish.

ARTICLE VI

NOTICES

Section 6.1 Notices . Except as otherwise specifically provided herein or required by the General Corporation Law or by the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, all notices required to be given to any stockholder, director, officer, employee or agent shall be in writing and may in every instance be effectively given by hand delivery to the recipient thereof, by depositing such notice in the mails, postage paid, or by sending such notice by prepaid telegram, mailgram or commercial courier service or any other reliable means permitted by applicable law (including, subject to the next paragraph, electronic transmission). Any such notice shall be addressed to such stockholder, director, officer, employee or agent at his, her or its last known address as the same appears on the books of the Corporation. The time when such notice is received by such stockholder, director, officer, employee or agent, or by any person accepting such notice on behalf of such person, if hand delivered, or dispatched, if delivered through the mails or by telegram, courier or mailgram, shall be the time of the giving of the notice. Such requirement for notice shall also be deemed satisfied, except in the case of stockholder meetings, if actual notice is received orally or by other writing by the person entitled

 

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thereto as far in advance of the event with respect to which notice is being given as the minimum notice period required by the General Corporation Law, the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Corporation.

Without limiting the foregoing, any notice to stockholders given by the Corporation pursuant to these Bylaws shall be effective if given by a form of electronic transmission consented to by the stockholder to whom the notice is given. Any such consent shall be revocable by the stockholder by written notice to the Corporation and shall also be deemed revoked if (1) the Corporation is unable to deliver by electronic transmission two consecutive notices given by the Corporation in accordance with such consent and (2) such inability becomes known to the Secretary of the Corporation, the transfer agent or other person responsible for the giving of notice; provided , however , that the inadvertent failure to treat such inability as a revocation shall not invalidate any meeting or other action. Notice given by a form of electronic transmission in accordance with these Bylaws shall be deemed given: (i) if by facsimile telecommunication, when directed to a number at which the stockholder has consented to receive notice; (ii) if by electronic mail, when directed to an electronic mail address at which the stockholder has consented to receive notice; (iii) if by a posting on an electronic network, together with separate notice to the stockholder of such specific posting, upon the later of such posting and the giving of such separate notice; and (iv) if by another form of electronic transmission, when directed to the stockholder.

Section 6.2 Waivers . A written waiver of any notice, signed by a stockholder, director, officer, employee or agent, whether before or after the time of the event for which notice is to be given, shall be deemed equivalent to the notice required to be given to such stockholder, director, officer, employee or agent. Neither the business nor the purpose of any meeting need be specified in such a waiver. Attendance of a person at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice for such meeting, except when the person attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting, and does in fact object, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

ARTICLE VII

FINANCES

Section 7.1 Fiscal Year . The fiscal year shall begin on the first day of January in each year.

Section 7.2 Borrowings . Any two of the following officers: the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, or any employee of the Corporation designated in writing by any two of said officers, may, without further approval from the Board of Directors, from time to time in the name of the Corporation borrow money with an obligation to repay not exceeding one year from any bank, trust company or financial institution in such amounts as the officers or designated employee may deem necessary or desirable for the current needs of the Corporation.

All obligations for moneys borrowed by the Corporation, and guarantees by the Corporation of moneys borrowed by subsidiaries of the Corporation, shall bear the signatures of

 

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any two of the following officers: the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer, only one of which may be an Assistant Treasurer.

Section 7.3 Banking Authorizations . Except as provided in Section 7.2 above, all checks, drafts, notes or other obligations for the payment of money shall be signed by such person or persons as the Board of Directors shall direct. The Board of Directors may delegate to any officer or officers the power to designate a depository or depositories for the Corporation and to appoint a signer or signers upon such instruments in respect of the funds held by all or any particular depositories. The Board of Directors may authorize the use of facsimile or mechanically applied signatures or may delegate to an officer or officers the power to authorize the use thereof. The Board of Directors may authorize the use of Depository Transfer Instruments without signature from one corporate account maintained with a duly designated depository to any other corporate account maintained with either the same or some other duly designated depository. The Board of Directors may authorize the use of any generally accepted means of transferring funds without signature from a corporate account maintained with a duly designated depository to any other corporate account or to the account of another party at the same or some other depository.

ARTICLE VIII

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 8.1 Facsimile Signatures . In addition to the provisions for use of facsimile signatures elsewhere specifically authorized in these Bylaws, facsimile signatures of any officer or officers of the Corporation may be used whenever and as authorized by the Board of Directors or a committee thereof.

Section 8.2 Corporate Seal . The Board of Directors may provide a suitable seal, containing the name of the Corporation, the year of its organization, and the words “Corporate Seal, Delaware,” which seal shall be in the charge of the Secretary. Duplicates of the seal may be kept and used by an Assistant Secretary or other officer designated by the Board of Directors.

Section 8.3 Reliance Upon Books, Reports and Records . Each director, each member of any committee designated by the Board of Directors, and each officer of the Corporation shall, in the performance of his or her duties, be fully protected in relying in good faith upon the books of account or other records of the Corporation, and upon such information, opinions, reports or statements presented to the Corporation by any of its officers or employees, or committees of the Board of Directors so designated, or by any other person as to matters which such director, committee member or officer reasonably believes are within such other person’s professional or expert competence and who has been selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the Corporation.

Section 8.4 Time Periods . In applying any provision of these Bylaws which requires that an act be done or not done a specified number of days prior to an event or that an act be done during a period of a specified number of days prior to an event, calendar days shall be used, the day of the doing of the act shall be excluded, and the day of the event shall be included.

 

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Section 8.5 Form of Records . Any records maintained by the Corporation in the regular course of its business, including its stock ledger, books of account, and minute books, may be kept on, or be in the form of, punch cards, magnetic tape, photographs, microphotographs, electronic format or any other information storage device, provided that the records so kept can be converted into clearly legible form within a reasonable time. The Corporation shall so convert any records so kept upon the request of any person entitled to inspect the same.

Section 8.6 Transactions With Interested Parties . No contract or transaction between the Corporation and one or more of the directors or officers, or between the Corporation and any other corporation, partnership, association, or other organization in which one or more of the directors or officers are directors or officers, or have a financial interest, shall be void or voidable solely for this reason, or solely because the director or officer is present at or participates in the meeting of the Board of Directors or a committee of the Board of Directors at which the contract or transaction is authorized or solely because any such director’s or officer’s votes are counted for such purpose if (a) the material facts as to the director’s or officer’s relationship or interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the Board of Directors or the committee, and (b) the Board of Directors or the committee in good faith authorizes the contract or transaction by the affirmative votes of a majority of the disinterested directors, even though the disinterested directors be less than a quorum. Interested directors may be counted in determining the presence of a quorum at a meeting of the Board of Directors or of a committee which authorizes the contract or transaction.

Section 8.7 Definitions . For purposes of these Bylaws, “electronic transmission” means any form of communication, not directly involving the physical transmission of paper, that creates a record that may be retained, retrieved and reviewed by a recipient thereof, and that may be directly reproduced in paper form by such a recipient through an automated process.

ARTICLE IX

INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

Section 9.1 Right to Indemnification . The Corporation shall, to the fullest extent authorized or permitted by applicable law from time to time in effect (but, in the case of any amendment of such law, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than such law permitted the Corporation to provide prior to such amendment) indemnify any and all persons who may serve or who have served at any time as directors or officers of the Corporation, or who at the request of the Corporation may serve or at any time have served as directors, managers, officers, employees or agents of another corporation (including subsidiaries of the Corporation) or of any partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, and any directors or officers of the Corporation who at the request of the Corporation may serve or at any time have served as agents or fiduciaries of an employee benefit plan of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries, from and against any and all of the expenses, liabilities or other matters referred to in or covered by law whether the basis of such proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a director, officer, employee or agent or in any other capacity while serving as a director, manager, officer, employee or agent. The Corporation may also indemnify any and all other persons whom it shall have power to indemnify under any

 

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applicable law from time to time in effect to the extent authorized or permitted by such law. The indemnification provided by this Article IX shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which any person may be entitled under any provision of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, other Bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise, both as to action in an official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office, and shall be contract rights and continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, manager, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.

For purposes of this Article IX : (i) any reference to “other enterprise” shall include all plans, programs, policies, agreements, contracts and payroll practices and related trusts for the benefit of or relating to employees of the Corporation and its related entities (“employee benefit plans”); (ii) any reference to “fines”, “penalties”, “liability” and “expenses” shall include any excise taxes, penalties, claims, liabilities and reasonable expenses (including reasonable legal fees and related expenses) assessed against or incurred by a person with respect to any employee benefit plan; (iii) any reference to “serving at the request of the Corporation” shall include any service as a director, manager, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or trustee or administrator of any employee benefit plan which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, manager, officer, employee or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants, beneficiaries, fiduciaries, administrators and service providers; and (iv) any reference to serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of a partnership or trust shall include service as a partner or trustee.

Section 9.2 Right of Claimant to Bring Suit . If a claim under this Article IX is not paid in full by the Corporation within sixty days after a written claim has been received by the Corporation, except in the case of a claim for an advancement of expenses, in which case the applicable period shall be twenty days, the director or officer may at any time thereafter bring suit against the Corporation to recover the unpaid amount of the claim. If successful in whole or in part in any such suit, or in a suit brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the director or officer shall be entitled to be paid also the expense of prosecuting or defending such suit. In (i) any suit brought by the director or officer to enforce a right to indemnification hereunder (but not in a suit brought by the director or officer to enforce a right to an advancement of expenses) it shall be a defense that, and (ii) any suit by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the Corporation shall be entitled to recover such expenses upon a final adjudication that, the director or officer has not met any applicable standard for indemnification set forth in the General Corporation Law. Neither the failure of the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such suit that indemnification of the director or officer is proper in the circumstances because the director or officer has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the General Corporation Law, nor an actual determination by the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) that the director or officer has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall create a presumption that the director or officer has not met the applicable standard of conduct or, in the case of such a suit brought by the director or officer, be a defense to such suit. In any suit brought by the director or officer to enforce a right to indemnification or to an advancement of expenses hereunder, or by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the

 

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burden of proving that the director or officer is not entitled to be indemnified, or to such advancement of expenses, under this Article IX or otherwise shall be on the Corporation.

Section 9.3 No Limitation . The indemnification provided in this Article IX shall inure to each person referred to herein, whether or not the person is serving in any of the enumerated capacities at the time such expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines or amounts paid in settlement are imposed or incurred, and whether or not the claim asserted against him or her is based on matters which antedate the adoption of this Article IX . None of the provisions of this Article IX shall be construed as a limitation upon the right of the Corporation to exercise its general power to enter into a contract or understanding of indemnity with a director, officer, employee, agent or any other person in any proper case not provided for herein. Each person who shall act or have acted as a director or officer of the Corporation shall be deemed to be doing so in reliance upon such right of indemnification.

Section 9.4 Indemnification Contracts . The Board of Directors is authorized to enter into a contract with any director, manager, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or any person serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, manager officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including employee benefit plans, providing for indemnification rights equivalent to those provided for in this Article IX .

Section 9.5 Insurance . The Corporation may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any such director, manager, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any such expense, liability or loss, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such expenses, liability or loss under the General Corporation Law.

Section 9.6 Effect of Amendment . Any amendment, repeal or modification of any provision of this Article IX by the stockholders or the directors of the Corporation shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director or officer of the Corporation existing at the time of such amendment, repeal or modification.

Section 9.7 Savings Clause . If this Article IX or any portion hereof shall be invalidated on any ground by any court of competent jurisdiction, then the Corporation shall nevertheless indemnify each director, manager, officer, employee and agent of the Corporation as to costs, charges and expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement with respect to any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, including an action by or in the right of the Corporation, to the fullest extent permitted by any applicable portion of this Article IX that shall not have been invalidated and to the fullest extent authorized or permitted by applicable law.

ARTICLE X

AMENDMENTS

Except as set forth below, or specifically set forth in any other section of these Bylaws, these Bylaws may be amended by a majority vote of the stockholders entitled to vote at any annual or special meeting of the stockholders provided notice of the proposed amendment shall

 

-25-


be included in the notice of the meeting. Except as set forth below, the Board of Directors, by a majority vote of the whole Board of Directors at any meeting, may amend these Bylaws, including Bylaws adopted by the stockholders, provided that the stockholders may from time to time specify particular provisions of the Bylaws which shall not be amended by the Board of Directors. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in these Bylaws except the last sentence of this Article X , prior to the second anniversary of the Effective Date, the Bylaws set forth in Section 2.10 may not be amended or repealed in any respect, and no provision inconsistent therewith may be adopted by the stockholders or the Board of Directors, without the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of the then outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein except the last sentence of this Article X , the Bylaws set forth in Sections 1.7 , 1.8 , 2.2 , 2.3 , 2.4 , 2.13 , 2.14 , 2.15 and 2.16 and this Article X may not be amended or repealed in any respect, and no provision inconsistent therewith may be adopted by the stockholders or the Board of Directors, without the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 75% of the voting power of the then outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in these Bylaws, during the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending on the earlier of (A) if the Reserved New OCD Shares are issued to the Asbestos PI Trust, the date following such issuance on which the Asbestos PI Trust no longer owns, beneficially or of record, at least 1% of the then outstanding shares of common stock of the Corporation and (B) if all of the Fair Act Conditions are satisfied, the date on which the last of the Fair Act Conditions is satisfied in full, the Bylaws set forth in Sections 2.2 , 2.3 , 2.4 , 2.13 , 2.14 , 2.15 and 2.16 and this Article X may not be amended or repealed in any respect, and no provision inconsistent therewith may be adopted by the stockholders or the Board of Directors, if such amendment, repeal or provision could (i) in any way adversely affect the rights provided under Section 5.18(a) of the Plan to the Asbestos PI Trust, the Future Claimants’ Representative, the Asbestos Claimants’ Committee and/or the TAC, (ii) shorten the term of any director of the Corporation named, appointed, designated or nominated, pursuant to the rights granted under Article II hereof, by the Future Claimants’ Representative, the Asbestos Claimants’ Committee, the Asbestos PI Trust and/or the TAC or (iii) alter, modify, repeal or amend this sentence of Article X , without, in each case, (x) the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 75% of the voting power of the then outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class, and (y) the prior written consent of the Asbestos PI Trust.

[The remainder of this page deliberately left blank]

 

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EXHIBIT 4.1

EXECUTION COPY

 


OWENS CORNING

(formerly Owens Corning (Reorganized) Inc.)

AND EACH OF THE GUARANTORS PARTY HERETO

 


INDENTURE

PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF

SENIOR NOTES

Dated as of October 31, 2006

 


LaSalle Bank National Association

Trustee

 



CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE*

 

Trust Indenture

Act Section

   Indenture Section

310(a)(1)

   7.10

(a)(2)

   7.10

(a)(3)

   N.A.

(a)(4)

   N.A.

(a)(5)

   7.10

(b)

   7.10

(c)

   N.A.

311(a)

   7.11

(b)

   7.11

(c)

   N.A.

312(a)

   2.05

(b)

   12.03

(c)

   12.03

313(a)

   7.06

(b)(1)

   N.A.

(b)(2)

   7.06; 7.07

(c)

   7.06; 12.02

(d)

   7.06

314(a)

   12.02; 12.05

(b)

   N.A.

(c)(1)

   12.04

(c)(2)

   12.04

(c)(3)

   N.A.

(d)

   N.A.

(e)

   12.05

(f)

   N.A.

315(a)

   7.01

(b)

   7.05; 12.02

(c)

   7.01

(d)

   7.01

(e)

   6.11

316(a) (last sentence)

   2.09

(a)(1)(A)

   6.05

(a)(1)(B)

   6.04

(a)(2)

   N.A.

(b)

   6.07

(c)

   2.12

317(a)(1)

   6.08

(a)(2)

   6.09

(b)

   2.04

318(a)

   12.01

(b)

   N.A.

(c)

   12.01

N.A. means not applicable.

* This Cross Reference Table is not part of the Indenture.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page
  

ARTICLE 1

DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION

BY REFERENCE

  

Section 1.01

   Definitions.    1

Section 1.02

   Other Definitions.    13

Section 1.03

   Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act.    13

Section 1.04

   Rules of Construction.    14
  

ARTICLE 2

THE NOTES

  

Section 2.01

   Form and Dating.    14

Section 2.02

   Execution and Authentication.    15

Section 2.03

   Registrar and Paying Agent.    16

Section 2.04

   Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust.    16

Section 2.05

   Holder Lists.    16

Section 2.06

   Transfer and Exchange.    17

Section 2.07

   Replacement Notes.    29

Section 2.08

   Outstanding Notes.    29

Section 2.09

   Treasury Notes.    30

Section 2.10

   Temporary Notes.    30

Section 2.11

   Cancellation.    30

Section 2.12

   Defaulted Interest.    30
  

ARTICLE 3

REDEMPTION AND PREPAYMENT

  

Section 3.01

   Notices to Trustee.    30

Section 3.02

   Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed or Purchased.    31

Section 3.03

   Notice of Redemption.    31

Section 3.04

   Effect of Notice of Redemption.    32

Section 3.05

   Deposit of Redemption or Purchase Price.    32

Section 3.06

   Notes Redeemed or Purchased in Part.    32

Section 3.07

   Optional Redemption.    33

Section 3.08

   Escrow Redemption.    33
  

ARTICLE 4

COVENANTS

  

Section 4.01

   Payment of Notes.    33

Section 4.02

   Maintenance of Office or Agency.    34

Section 4.03

   Compliance Certificate.    34

Section 4.04

   Taxes.    35

Section 4.05

   Stay, Extension and Usury Laws.    35

Section 4.06

   Limitation on Liens.    35

Section 4.07

   Corporate Existence.    35

Section 4.08

   Offer to Repurchase Upon Change of Control Repurchase Event.    36

Section 4.09

   Limitation on Sale and Leaseback Transactions.    37

Section 4.10

   Additional Note Guarantees.    37

Section 4.11

   Limitation on Ability of the Company to Release Funds from Escrow.    38

 

(i)


          Page
  

ARTICLE 5

SUCCESSORS

  

Section 5.01

   Merger, Consolidation, or Sale of Assets.    38

Section 5.02

   Successor Corporation Substituted.    39
  

ARTICLE 6

DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

  

Section 6.01

   Events of Default.    39

Section 6.02

   Acceleration.    40

Section 6.03

   Other Remedies.    41

Section 6.04

   Waiver of Past Defaults.    41

Section 6.05

   Control by Majority.    41

Section 6.06

   Limitation on Suits.    42

Section 6.07

   Rights of Holders of Notes to Receive Payment.    42

Section 6.08

   Collection Suit by Trustee.    42

Section 6.09

   Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.    42

Section 6.10

   Priorities.    43

Section 6.11

   Undertaking for Costs.    43
  

ARTICLE 7

TRUSTEE

  

Section 7.01

   Duties of Trustee.    44

Section 7.02

   Rights of Trustee.    45

Section 7.03

   Individual Rights of Trustee.    45

Section 7.04

   Trustee’s Disclaimer.    45

Section 7.05

   Notice of Defaults.    46

Section 7.06

   Reports by Trustee to Holders of the Notes.    46

Section 7.07

   Compensation and Indemnity.    46

Section 7.08

   Replacement of Trustee.    47

Section 7.09

   Successor Trustee by Merger, etc.    48

Section 7.10

   Eligibility; Disqualification.    48

Section 7.11

   Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company.    48
  

ARTICLE 8

LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE

  

Section 8.01

   Option to Effect Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.    48

Section 8.02

   Legal Defeasance and Discharge.    48

Section 8.03

   Covenant Defeasance.    49

Section 8.04

   Conditions to Legal or Covenant Defeasance.    49

Section 8.05

   Deposited Money and Government Securities to be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions.    50

Section 8.06

   Repayment to Company.    51

Section 8.07

   Reinstatement.    51
  

ARTICLE 9

AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER

  

Section 9.01

   Without Consent of Holders of Notes.    52

Section 9.02

   With Consent of Holders of Notes.    52

Section 9.03

   Compliance with Trust Indenture Act.    54

Section 9.04

   Revocation and Effect of Consents.    54

 

(ii)


          Page

Section 9.05

   Notation on or Exchange of Notes.    54

Section 9.06

   Trustee to Sign Amendments, etc.    54
  

ARTICLE 10

NOTE GUARANTEES

  

Section 10.01

   Guarantee.    55

Section 10.02

   Limitation on Guarantor Liability.    56

Section 10.03

   Execution and Delivery of Note Guarantee.    56

Section 10.04

   Guarantors May Consolidate, etc., on Certain Terms.    56

Section 10.05

   Releases.    57
  

ARTICLE 11

SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

  

Section 11.01

   Satisfaction and Discharge.    58

Section 11.02

   Application of Trust Money.    58
  

ARTICLE 12

MISCELLANEOUS

  

Section 12.01

   Trust Indenture Act Controls.    59

Section 12.02

   Notices.    59

Section 12.03

   Communication by Holders of Notes with Other Holders of Notes.    60

Section 12.04

   Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent.    60

Section 12.05

   Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion.    60

Section 12.06

   Rules by Trustee and Agents.    61

Section 12.07

   No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders.    61

Section 12.08

   Governing Law.    61

Section 12.09

   No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements.    61

Section 12.10

   Successors.    61

Section 12.11

   Severability.    62

Section 12.12

   Counterpart Originals.    62

Section 12.13

   Table of Contents, Headings, etc.    62
   EXHIBITS   

Exhibit A1

   FORM OF NOTE

Exhibit A2

   FORM OF REGULATION S TEMPORARY GLOBAL NOTE

Exhibit B

   FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER

Exhibit C

   FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF EXCHANGE

Exhibit D

   FORM OF NOTATION OF GUARANTEE

Exhibit E

   FORM OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE

 

(iii)


INDENTURE dated as of October 31, 2006 among Owens Corning (formerly Owens Corning (Reorganized) Inc.), a Delaware corporation, the Guarantors (as defined) and LaSalle Bank National Association, as trustee.

The Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee agree as follows for the benefit of each other and for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders (as defined) of the 6.50% Senior Notes due 2016 (the “ 2016 Notes ”) and the 7.00% Senior Notes due 2036 (the “ 2036 Notes ,” and together with the 2016 Notes, the “ Notes ”):

ARTICLE 1

DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION

BY REFERENCE

Section 1.01 Definitions.

“144A Global Note” means, for each series of notes, a Global Note substantially in the form of Exhibit A1 hereto bearing the Global Note Legend and the Private Placement Legend and deposited with or on behalf of, and registered in the name of, the Depositary or its nominee that will be issued in a denomination equal to the outstanding principal amount of the Notes of such series sold in reliance on Rule 144A.

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

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

“Agent” means any Registrar, co-registrar, Paying Agent or additional paying agent.

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

“Asbestos Trust” means the trust established in accordance with the requirements of Section 524(g) of the Bankruptcy Code pursuant to the Plan.

“Attributable Debt” in respect of a Sale and Leaseback Transaction means, at the time of the determination, the present value of the obligation of the lessee for net rental payments during the remaining term of the lease included in such Sale and Leaseback Transaction including any period for which such lease has been extended or may, at the option of the lessor, be extended. Such present value shall be calculated using a discount rate equal to the rate of interest implicit in such transaction, determined in accordance with GAAP.

“Bankruptcy Law” means Title 11, U.S. Code or any similar federal or state law for the relief of debtors.

 

1


“Beneficial Owner” has the meaning assigned to such term in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that in calculating the beneficial ownership of any particular “person” (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), such “person” will be deemed to have beneficial ownership of all securities that such “person” has the right to acquire by conversion or exercise of other securities, whether such right is currently exercisable or is exercisable only after the passage of time. The terms “Beneficially Owns” and “Beneficially Owned” have a corresponding meaning.

“Board of Directors” means:

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

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

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

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

“Broker-Dealer” has the meaning set forth in the Notes Registration Rights Agreement.

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

“Capital Lease Obligation” means, at the time any determination is to be made, the amount of the liability in respect of a capital lease that would at that time be required to be capitalized on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP.

“Capital Stock” means:

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

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

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

(4) any other interest or participation that confers on a Person the right to receive a share of the profits and losses of, or distributions of assets of, the issuing Person;

but excluding from all of the foregoing any debt securities convertible into Capital Stock, whether or not such debt securities include any right of participation with Capital Stock.

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

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

 

2


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

(3) the consummation of any transaction (including, without limitation, any merger or consolidation), the result of which is that any “person” (as defined above) becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the Voting Stock of the Company, measured by voting power rather than number of shares; or

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

“Change of Control Repurchase Event” means the occurrence of a Change of Control and a Ratings Downgrade.

“Clearstream” means Clearstream Banking, S.A.

Company ” means Owens Corning (formerly Owens Corning (Reorganized) Inc.), and any and all successors thereto.

“Consolidated Net Tangible Assets” means the aggregate amount of assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries (less applicable reserves and other properly deductible items) after deducting therefrom (a) all current liabilities (excluding any current liabilities constituting Funded Debt by reason of being extendible or renewable), (b) all goodwill, trade names, trademarks, patents, unamortized debt discount and expense and other like intangibles and (c) minority equity interests in any Subsidiary of the Company that is not a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary, all as set forth on or included in the balance sheet of the Company and its Subsidiaries for its most recent completed fiscal quarter for which internal financial statements are available computed in accordance with GAAP.

Contingent Note ” means the contingent promissory note to be issued by the Company to the Asbestos Trust in accordance with the Plan.

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

(1) was a member of such Board of Directors on the Emergence Date;

(2) became a member of the Board of Directors by appointment of the Asbestos Trust in connection with the Restructuring Transactions; or

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

“Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee” will be at the address of the Trustee specified in Section 12.02 hereof or such other address as to which the Trustee may give notice to the Company.

“Credit Agreement” means the Credit Agreement executed on the date of this Indenture among the Company, the lending institutions party thereto and Citibank N.A., as administrative agent, and any related notes, Guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements to be executed in connection therewith, and in each case, as amended, restated, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced (whether upon termination or otherwise) or refinanced in whole or in part from time to time.

 

3


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

“Default” means any event which is, or after notice or passage of time or both would be, an Event of Default.

“Definitive Note” means a certificated Note of any series registered in the name of the Holder thereof and issued in accordance with Section 2.06 hereof, substantially in the form of Exhibit A1 hereto except that such Note shall not bear the Global Note Legend and shall not have the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” attached thereto.

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

“Domestic Subsidiary” means, as to any Person, any Subsidiary of such Person incorporated or organized in the United States or any State or territory thereof.

“Emergence Date” means the date on which the Conditions to the Effective Date, as set forth in Section 12.2 of the Plan, shall have occurred (unless satisfied or waived in accordance with Section 12.3 of the Plan).

“Escrow Agent” means Citibank N.A., a national banking institution incorporated under the laws of the United States of America, as escrow agent under the Escrow Agreement or any successor escrow agent as set forth in the Escrow Agreement.

“Escrow Agreement” means the Escrow Agreement dated the date of this Indenture, among the Company, the Trustee and the Escrow Agent.

“Escrowed Property” has the meaning assigned to it in the Escrow Agreement.

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

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

“Exchange Notes” means the Notes issued in the Exchange Offer pursuant to Section 2.06(f) hereof.

“Exchange Offer” has the same meaning as “Registered Exchange Offer” as set forth in the Notes Registration Rights Agreement.

“Exchange Offer Registration Statement” has the meaning set forth in the Notes Registration Rights Agreement.

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

Funded Debt ” means all Indebtedness, whether or not evidenced by a bond, debenture, note or similar instrument or agreement, of any Person, for the repayment of borrowed money having a maturity

 

4


of more than 12 months from the date of its creation or having a maturity of less than 12 months from the date of its creation but by its terms being renewable or extendible beyond 12 months from such date at the option of such Person. For the purpose of determining “Funded Debt” of any Person, there will be excluded any particular Indebtedness if, on or prior to the maturity thereof, there will have been deposited with the proper depository in trust the necessary funds for the payment, redemption or satisfaction of such Indebtedness.

“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other statements by such other entity as have been approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession, which are in effect from time to time.

“Global Note Legend” means the legend set forth in Section 2.06(g)(2) hereof, which is required to be placed on all Global Notes issued under this Indenture.

“Global Notes” means, individually and collectively, for each series of Notes, each of the Restricted Global Notes and the Unrestricted Global Notes deposited with or on behalf of and registered in the name of the Depository or its nominee, substantially in the form of Exhibit A1 hereto and that bears the Global Note Legend and that has the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” attached thereto, issued in accordance with Section 2.01, 2.06(b)(3), 2.06(b)(4), 2.06(d)(2) or 2.06(f) hereof.

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

“Guarantee” means a guarantee other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business, direct or indirect, in any manner, including, without limitation, by way of a pledge of assets or through letters of credit or reimbursement agreements in respect thereof, of all or any part of any Indebtedness (whether arising by virtue of partnership arrangements, or by agreements to keep-well, to purchase assets, goods, securities or services, to take or pay or to maintain financial statement conditions or otherwise).

“Guarantors” means each of:

(1) the Company’s current and future Domestic Subsidiaries that is a borrower or a guarantor under the Credit Agreement; and

(2) an other Subsidiary of the Company that executes a Note Guarantee in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture,

and their respective successors and assigns, in each case, until the Note Guarantee of such Person has been released in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture.

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

(1) interest rate agreements, interest rate cap agreements and interest rate collar agreements or other similar agreements or arrangements;

 

5


(2) foreign exchange contracts and currency protection agreements or other similar agreements or arrangements; and

(3) any commodity futures contract, commodity option or other similar agreements or arrangements.

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

“Indebtedness” means, with respect to any specified Person, any indebtedness of such Person, whether or not contingent:

(1) in respect of borrowed money;

(2) evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments or letters of credit (or reimbursement agreements in respect thereof);

(3) in respect of bankers’ acceptances;

(4) representing Capital Lease Obligations;

(5) representing the balance deferred and unpaid of the purchase price of any property, except any such balance that constitutes an accrued expense or trade payable; or

(6) representing any Hedging Obligations,

if and to the extent any of the preceding items (other than letters of credit and Hedging Obligations) would appear as a liability upon a balance sheet of the specified Person prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, the term “Indebtedness” includes all indebtedness of others secured by a Lien on any asset of the specified Person (whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by the specified Person) and, to the extent not otherwise included, the Guarantee by the specified Person of any Indebtedness of any other Person.

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

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

(2) the principal amount of the Indebtedness, together with any interest on the Indebtedness that is more than 30 days past due, in the case of any other Indebtedness.

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

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

“Initial Notes” means the first $650,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 2016 Notes and the first $550,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 2036 Notes issued under this Indenture on the date hereof.

“Initial Purchasers” means Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Goldman, Sachs & Co. and the other institutions named on Schedule I to the Purchase Agreement.

 

6


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

“Letter of Transmittal” means the letter of transmittal to be prepared by the Company and sent to all Holders of the Notes for use by such Holders in connection with the Exchange Offer.

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

“Liquidated Damages” means all liquidated damages then owing pursuant to the Notes Registration Rights Agreement.

“Non-U.S. Person” means a Person who is not a U.S. Person.

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

“Notes” has the meaning assigned to it in the preamble to this Indenture. The Initial Notes and the Additional Notes of any series shall be treated as a single class with previously issued notes of such series for all purposes under this Indenture, and unless the context otherwise requires, all references to the Notes shall include the Initial Notes and any Additional Notes.

“Notes Registration Rights Agreement” means the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2006, among the Company, the Guarantors and the other parties named on the signature pages thereof, as such agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time and, with respect to any Additional Notes, one or more registration rights agreements among the Company, the Guarantors and the other parties thereto, as such agreement(s) may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, relating to rights given by the Company to the purchasers of Additional Notes to register such Additional Notes under the Securities Act.

“Obligations” means any principal, interest, penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other liabilities payable under the documentation governing any Indebtedness.

“OCD” means Owens Corning Sales, Inc., a Delaware corporation (formerly Owens Corning).

“OCD Contribution” has the meaning assigned to it in the Escrow Agreement.

“Officer” means, with respect to any Person, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the Treasurer, any Assistant Treasurer, the Controller, the Secretary or any Vice-President of such Person.

“Officers’ Certificate” means a certificate signed on behalf of the Company by two Officers of the Company, or by an Officer of the Company and either an Assistant Treasurer or an Assistant Secretary of the Company that meets the requirements of Section 12.05 hereof.

 

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“Opinion of Counsel” means an opinion from legal counsel who is reasonably acceptable to the Trustee, that meets the requirements of Section 12.05 hereof. The counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Company, any Subsidiary of the Company or the Trustee.

“Participant” means, with respect to the Depositary, Euroclear or Clearstream, a Person who has an account with the Depositary, Euroclear or Clearstream, respectively (and, with respect to DTC, shall include Euroclear and Clearstream).

“Permitted Liens” means:

(1) Liens existing on the date of this Indenture;

(2) Liens in favor of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries;

(3) Liens on property of a Person existing at the time such Person is merged with or into or consolidated with the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company; provided that such Liens were in existence prior to the contemplation of such merger or consolidation and do not extend to any assets other than those of the Person merged into or consolidated with the Company or the Subsidiary;

(4) Liens on property existing at the time of acquisition of the property by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, provided that such Liens were in existence prior to the contemplation of such acquisition;

(5) Liens to secure the performance of statutory or regulatory obligations, surety or appeal bonds, performance bonds or other obligations of a like nature incurred in the ordinary course of business;

(6) on and after the date of consummation of the Vetrotex Transaction, Liens on the Vetrotex Pledged Assets granted in connection with the Vetrotex Transaction which secure lease payments (and obligations to return the precious metal alloy so leased) owing by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (including, without limitation, the Vetrotex Subsidiary) in connection with the ongoing businesses of the Vetrotex Subsidiary (or guarantees thereof) to direct or indirect owners of the equity interest in the Vetrotex Subsidiary and/or the owners of such precious metal alloy and other Persons providing financing to such owners in respect of such precious metal alloy (in each case other than the Company and its Subsidiaries);

(7) Liens created under or contemplated by the Plan (including the pledge of equity interests in the Company or one or more of its Subsidiaries to secure the obligations under the Contingent Note);

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

(9) any extension, renewal or replacement of any Lien referred to above; provided that (a) such extension, renewal or replacement Lien is limited to the same property that secured the original Lien (plus improvements and accessions to such property) and (b) the Indebtedness secured by the new Lien is not greater than the Indebtedness secured by the Lien that is extended, renewed or replaced.

 

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

“Plan” means the Sixth Amended Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization (as Modified) for OCD, in the form confirmed by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware on September 26, 2006.

“Principal Property” means any manufacturing plant, warehouse or other similar facility or any parcel of real estate or group of contiguous parcels of real estate owned by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (whether owned on the date of this Indenture or thereafter acquired) that has a gross book value on the date as of which the determination is being made, without deduction of any depreciation reserves, exceeding 1% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets.

“Private Placement Legend” means the legend set forth in Section 2.06(g)(1) hereof to be placed on all Notes issued under this Indenture except where otherwise permitted by the provisions of this Indenture.

“Purchase Agreement” means the Purchase Agreement dated as of October 26, 2006 among the Company, OCD, the Guarantors and the Initial Purchasers.

“QIB” means a “qualified institutional buyer” as defined in Rule 144A.

“Rating Agency” means each of Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., and Moody’s Investors Service Inc. or any of their successors.

“Ratings Downgrade” means when, at the time of a Change of Control, the Notes of a particular series carry:

(1) an investment grade credit rating (BBB-/Baa3, or equivalent, or better) from both Rating Agencies, and such rating from both Rating Agencies is within 60 days of the occurrence of the Change of Control (which period will be extended so long as the rating of the Notes is under publicly announced consideration for possible downgrade by either Rating Agency) either downgraded to a non-investment grade credit rating (BB+/Ba1 or equivalent, or worse) or withdrawn and is not within such period subsequently (in the case of a downgrade) upgraded to an investment grade credit rating or (in the case of a withdrawal) replaced by an investment grade credit rating; or

(2) a non-investment grade credit rating (BB+/Ba1, or equivalent, or worse) from both Rating Agencies, and such rating from both Rating Agencies is within 60 days of the occurrence of the Change of Control (which period will be extended so long as the rating of the Notes is under publicly announced consideration for possible downgrade by either Rating Agency) downgraded by one or more notches (for illustration, Ba1 to Ba2 being one notch) and is not within such period subsequently upgraded to its earlier credit rating or better by both Rating Agencies; or

(3) both (A) an investment grade credit rating (BBB-/Baa3, or equivalent, or better) from one Rating Agency, and such rating is within 60 days of the occurrence of the Change of Control (which period will be extended so long as the rating of the Notes is under publicly announced consideration for possible downgrade by either Rating Agency) either downgraded to a non-investment grade credit rating (BB+/Ba1, or equivalent, or worse) or withdrawn and is not within such period subsequently (in the case of a downgrade) upgraded to an investment grade

 

9


credit rating by such Rating Agency or (in the case of a withdrawal) replaced by an investment grade credit rating from such Rating Agency and (B) a non-investment grade credit rating (BB+/Ba1, or equivalent, or worse) from one Rating Agency, and such rating is within 60 days of the occurrence of the Change of Control (which period will be extended so long as the rating of the Notes is under publicly announced consideration for possible downgrade by either Rating Agency) downgraded by one or more notches (for illustration, Ba1 to Ba2 being one notch) and is not within such period subsequently upgraded to its earlier credit rating or better by such Rating Agency; or

(4) both (A) an investment grade credit rating (BBB-/Baa3, or equivalent, or better) from one Rating Agency, and such rating is within 60 days of the occurrence of the Change of Control (which period will be extended so long as the rating of the Notes is under publicly announced consideration for possible downgrade by either Rating Agency) either downgraded to a non-investment grade credit rating (BB+/Ba1, or equivalent, or worse) or withdrawn and is not within such period subsequently (in the case of a downgrade) upgraded to an investment grade credit rating by such Rating Agency or (in the case of a withdrawal) replaced by an investment grade credit rating from such Rating Agency and (B) no credit rating from one Rating Agency, and such Rating Agency does not assign within 60 days of the occurrence of the Change of Control an investment grade credit rating to the Notes of such series; or

(5) both (A) a non-investment grade credit rating (BB+/Ba1, or equivalent, or worse) from one Rating Agency, and such rating is within 60 days of the occurrence of the Change of Control (which period will be extended so long as the rating of the Notes is under publicly announced consideration for possible downgrade by either Rating Agency) downgraded by one or more notches (for illustration, Ba1 to Ba2 being one notch) and is not within such period subsequently upgraded to its earlier credit rating or better by such Rating Agency and (B) no credit rating from one Rating Agency, and such Rating Agency does not assign within 60 days of the occurrence of the Change of Control an investment grade credit rating to the Notes of such series; or

(6) no credit rating from either Rating Agency, and both such Rating Agencies do not assign within 60 days of the occurrence of the Change of Control an investment grade credit rating to the Notes of such series;

and in making the relevant decision(s) referred to above to downgrade or withdraw such ratings, as applicable, the relevant Rating Agency announces publicly or confirms in writing to the Company that such decision(s) resulted, in whole or in part, from the occurrence of the Change of Control.

“Regulation S” means Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act.

“Regulation S Global Note” means a Regulation S Temporary Global Note or Regulation S Permanent Global Note, as appropriate.

“Regulation S Permanent Global Note” means a permanent Global Note with respect to the Notes of any series in the form of Exhibit A1 hereto bearing the Global Note Legend and the Private Placement Legend and deposited with or on behalf of and registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee, issued in a denomination equal to the outstanding principal amount of the Regulation S Temporary Global Note for such series of Notes upon expiration of the Restricted Period.

“Regulation S Temporary Global Note” means a temporary Global Note with respect to the Notes of any series in the form of Exhibit A2 hereto deposited with or on behalf of and registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee, issued in a denomination equal to the outstanding principal amount of the Notes of such series initially sold in reliance on Rule 903 of Regulation S.

 

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“Responsible Officer,” when used with respect to the Trustee, means any officer within the Corporate Trust Administration of the Trustee (or any successor group of the Trustee) or any other officer of the Trustee customarily performing functions similar to those performed by any of the above designated officers and also means, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter, any other officer to whom such matter is referred because of his knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject.

“Restricted Definitive Note” means a Definitive Note bearing the Private Placement Legend.

“Restricted Global Note” means a Global Note bearing the Private Placement Legend.

“Restricted Period” means the 40-day distribution compliance period as defined in Regulation S.

Restructuring Transactions means the various transactions set forth in Schedule XX of the Plan.

“Rule 144” means Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act.

“Rule 144A” means Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act.

“Rule 903” means Rule 903 promulgated under the Securities Act.

“Rule 904” means Rule 904 promulgated under the Securities Act.

“Sale and Leaseback Transaction” means any arrangement with any Person providing for the leasing by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company of any Principal Property which has been or is to be sold or transferred by the Company or any such Subsidiary to such Person with the intention of taking back a lease of such property, except for temporary leases for a term (including renewals at the option of the lessee) of not more than three years and except for leases between the Company and a Subsidiary or between Subsidiaries of the Company.

“SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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

“Shelf Registration Statement” means the Shelf Registration Statement as defined in the Notes Registration Rights Agreement.

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

“Stated Maturity” means, with respect to any installment of interest or principal on any series of Indebtedness, the date on which the payment of interest or principal was scheduled to be paid in the documentation governing such Indebtedness as of the date of this Indenture, and will not include any contingent obligations to repay, redeem or repurchase any such interest or principal prior to the date originally scheduled for the payment thereof.

 

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

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

(2) any partnership (a) the sole general partner or the managing general partner of which is such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person or (b) the only general partners of which are that Person or one or more Subsidiaries of that Person (or any combination thereof).

“TIA” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (15 U.S.C. §§ 77aaa-77bbbb).

“Treasury Rate” means, as of any redemption date, the yield to maturity as of such redemption date of United States Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled and published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) that has become publicly available at least two Business Days prior to the redemption date (or, if such Statistical Release is no longer published, any publicly available source of similar market data)) most nearly equal to the period from the redemption date to the date of maturity of the Notes of the series, the redemption of which the Treasury Rate is being determined; provided , however , that if the period from the redemption date to the date of maturity of the Notes of such series is less than one year, the weekly average yield on actually traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year will be used.

“Trustee” means LaSalle Bank National Association until a successor replaces it in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Indenture and thereafter means the successor serving hereunder.

“Unrestricted Definitive Note” means a Definitive Note that does not bear and is not required to bear the Private Placement Legend.

“Unrestricted Global Note” means a Global Note that does not bear and is not required to bear the Private Placement Legend.

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

“Vetrotex Pledged Assets” means precious metal alloy used in the ongoing business operations of the Vetrotex Subsidiary.

“Vetrotex Subsidiary” means a Subsidiary of the Company, all of the minority interests of which are owned by Saint-Gobain Group which, pursuant to the Vetrotex Transaction, owns or acquires the reinforcement business of the Company and its Subsidiaries.

“Vetrotex Transaction” shall mean, collectively, the transactions substantially as described in the Company’s July 27, 2006 press release to form a joint venture combining the reinforcements and composites businesses of the Company and Saint-Gobain into the Vetrotex Subsidiary.

“Voting Stock” of any specified Person as of any date means the Capital Stock of such Person that is at the time entitled to vote in the election of the Board of Directors of such Person.

 

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Wholly-Owned Subsidiary ” means, as to any Person, (i) any corporation 100% of whose capital stock (other than director’s qualifying shares and/or other nominal amounts of shares required by applicable law to be held by Persons other than such Person) is at the time owned by such Person and/or one or more Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries of such Person and (ii) any partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture or other entity in which such Person and/or one or more Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries of such Person has a 100% equity interest at such time.

Section 1.02 Other Definitions .

 

Term

  

Defined in

Section

“Authentication Order”

   2.02

“Change of Control Offer”

   4.08

“Change of Control Payment”

   4.08

“Change of Control Payment Date”

   4.08

“Covenant Defeasance”

   8.03

“DTC”

   2.03

“Escrow Account”

   3.08

“Escrow Release Conditions”

   3.08

“Event of Default”

   6.01

“incur”

   4.06

“Legal Defeasance”

   8.02

“Paying Agent”

   2.03

“Payment Default”

   6.01

“Registrar”

   2.03

Section 1.03 Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act.

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

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

“indenture securities” means the Notes;

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

“indenture to be qualified” means this Indenture;

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

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

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

 

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Section 1.04 Rules of Construction.

Unless the context otherwise requires:

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

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

(3) “or” is not exclusive;

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

(5) “will” shall be interpreted to express a command;

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

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

ARTICLE 2

THE NOTES

Section 2.01 Form and Dating.

(a) General . Each series of Notes and the Trustee’s certificate of authentication will be substantially in the form of Exhibits A1 and A2 hereto. The Notes may have notations, legends or endorsements required by law, stock exchange rule or usage. The Notes of each series will be dated the date of their authentication. The Notes shall be in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof.

The terms and provisions contained in the Notes will constitute, and are hereby expressly made, a part of this Indenture and the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee, by their execution and delivery of this Indenture, expressly agree to such terms and provisions and to be bound thereby. However, to the extent any provision of any Note conflicts with the express provisions of this Indenture, the provisions of this Indenture shall govern and be controlling.

(b) Global Notes . Notes of any series issued in global form will be substantially in the form of Exhibits A1 or A2 hereto (including the Global Note Legend thereon and the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” attached thereto). Notes of any series issued in definitive form will be substantially in the form of Exhibit A1 hereto (but without the Global Note Legend thereon and without the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” attached thereto). Each Global Note for each series of Notes will represent such of the outstanding Notes of such series as will be specified therein and each shall provide that it represents the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes of such series from time to time endorsed thereon and that the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes represented thereby may from time to time be reduced or increased, as appropriate, to reflect exchanges and redemptions. Any endorsement of a Global Note to reflect the amount of any increase or decrease in the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes of such series represented thereby will be made by the Trustee or the Custodian, at the direction of the Trustee, in accordance with instructions given by the Holder thereof as required by Section 2.06 hereof.

 

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(c) Temporary Global Notes. Notes of any series offered and sold in reliance on Regulation S will be issued initially in the form of the Regulation S Temporary Global Note, which will be deposited on behalf of the purchasers of the Notes of such series represented thereby with the Trustee, at its Chicago, Illinois office, as custodian for the Depositary, and registered in the name of the Depositary or the nominee of the Depositary for the accounts of designated agents holding on behalf of Euroclear or Clearstream, duly executed by the Company and authenticated by the Trustee as hereinafter provided. The Restricted Period will be terminated upon the receipt by the Trustee of:

(1) a written certificate from the Depositary, together with copies of certificates from Euroclear and Clearstream certifying that they have received certification of non-United States beneficial ownership of 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the Regulation S Temporary Global Note for such series of Notes (except to the extent of any beneficial owners thereof who acquired an interest therein during the Restricted Period pursuant to another exemption from registration under the Securities Act and who will take delivery of a beneficial ownership interest in a 144A Global Note, all as contemplated by Section 2.06(b) hereof); and

(2) an Officers’ Certificate from the Company.

Following the termination of the Restricted Period for the applicable series of Notes, beneficial interests in the Regulation S Temporary Global Note for such series will be exchanged for beneficial interests in the Regulation S Permanent Global Note for such series pursuant to the Applicable Procedures. Simultaneously with the authentication of the Regulation S Permanent Global Note for such series, the Trustee will cancel the Regulation S Temporary Global Note for such series. The aggregate principal amount of the Regulation S Temporary Global Note for the applicable series and the Regulation S Permanent Global Note for such series may from time to time be increased or decreased by adjustments made on the records of the Trustee and the Depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, in connection with transfers of interest as hereinafter provided.

(d) Euroclear and Clearstream Procedures Applicable. The provisions of the “Operating Procedures of the Euroclear System” and “Terms and Conditions Governing Use of Euroclear” and the “General Terms and Conditions of Clearstream Banking” and “Customer Handbook” of Clearstream will be applicable to transfers of beneficial interests in the Regulation S Temporary Global Note and the Regulation S Permanent Global Note that are held by Participants through Euroclear or Clearstream.

Section 2.02 Execution and Authentication.

At least one Officer must sign the Notes for the Company by manual or facsimile signature.

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

A Note will not be valid until authenticated by the manual signature of the Trustee. The signature will be conclusive evidence that the Note has been authenticated under this Indenture.

The Trustee will, upon receipt of a written order of the Company signed by two Officers (an “ Authentication Order ”), authenticate Notes of any series for original issue that may be validly issued under this Indenture, including any Additional Notes. The aggregate principal amount of Notes of such series outstanding at any time may not exceed the aggregate principal amount of Notes of such series authorized for issuance by the Company pursuant to one or more Authentication Orders, except as provided in Section 2.07 hereof.

 

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The Trustee may appoint an authenticating agent acceptable to the Company to authenticate Notes. An authenticating agent may authenticate Notes whenever the Trustee may do so. Each reference in this Indenture to authentication by the Trustee includes authentication by such agent. An authenticating agent has the same rights as an Agent to deal with Holders or an Affiliate of the Company.

Section 2.03 Registrar and Paying Agent.

The Company will maintain an office or agency where Notes may be presented for registration of transfer or for exchange (“ Registrar ”) and an office or agency where Notes may be presented for payment (“ Paying Agent ”). The Registrar will keep a register of each series of Notes and of their transfer and exchange. The Company may appoint one or more co-registrars and one or more additional paying agents. The term “Registrar” includes any co-registrar and the term “Paying Agent” includes any additional paying agent. The Company may change any Paying Agent or Registrar with respect to the Notes of any series without notice to any Holder of Notes of such series. The Company will notify the Trustee in writing of the name and address of any Agent not a party to this Indenture. If the Company fails to appoint or maintain another entity as Registrar or Paying Agent for the affected series of Notes, the Trustee shall act as such. The Company or any of its Subsidiaries may act as Paying Agent or Registrar.

The Company initially appoints The Depository Trust Company ( “DTC” ) to act as Depositary with respect to the Global Notes.

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

Section 2.04 Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust.

The Company will require each Paying Agent other than the Trustee to agree in writing that the Paying Agent will hold in trust for the benefit of Holders of the Notes of any series or the Trustee all money held by the Paying Agent for the payment of principal, premium or Liquidated Damages, if any, or interest on such Notes, and will notify the Trustee of any default by the Company in making any such payment. While any such default continues, the Trustee may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee. The Company at any time may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee. Upon payment over to the Trustee, the Paying Agent (if other than the Company or a Subsidiary) will have no further liability for the money. If the Company or a Subsidiary acts as Paying Agent, it will segregate and hold in a separate trust fund for the benefit of the Holders all money held by it as Paying Agent. Upon any bankruptcy or reorganization proceedings relating to the Company, the Trustee will serve as Paying Agent for the Notes.

Section 2.05 Holder Lists.

The Trustee will preserve in as current a form as is reasonably practicable the most recent list available to it of the names and addresses of all Holders of each series of Notes and shall otherwise comply with TIA § 312(a). If the Trustee is not the Registrar, the Company will furnish to the Trustee at least seven Business Days before each interest payment date for the applicable series of Notes and at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, a list in such form and as of such date as the Trustee may reasonably require of the names and addresses of the Holders of Notes of such series and the Company shall otherwise comply with TIA § 312(a).

 

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Section 2.06 Transfer and Exchange.

(a) Transfer and Exchange of Global Notes . A Global Note may not be transferred except as a whole by the Depositary to a nominee of the Depositary, by a nominee of the Depositary to the Depositary or to another nominee of the Depositary, or by the Depositary or any such nominee to a successor Depositary or a nominee of such successor Depositary. All Global Notes will be exchanged by the Company for Definitive Notes if:

(1) the Company delivers to the Trustee notice from the Depositary that it is unwilling or unable to continue to act as Depositary or that it is no longer a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and, in either case, a successor Depositary is not appointed by the Company within 120 days after the date of such notice from the Depositary;

(2) the Company in its sole discretion determines that the Global Notes (in whole but not in part) should be exchanged for Definitive Notes and delivers a written notice to such effect to the Trustee; provided that in no event shall the Regulation S Temporary Global Note be exchanged by the Company for Definitive Notes prior to (A) the expiration of the Restricted Period and (B) the receipt by the Registrar of any certificates required pursuant to Rule 903(b)(3)(ii)(B) under the Securities Act; or

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

Upon the occurrence of either of the preceding events in (1) or (2) above, Definitive Notes of the applicable series shall be issued in such names as the Depositary shall instruct the Trustee. Global Notes also may be exchanged or replaced, in whole or in part, as provided in Sections 2.07 and 2.10 hereof. Every Note of a series authenticated and delivered in exchange for, or in lieu of, a Global Note of such series or any portion thereof, pursuant to this Section 2.06 or Section 2.07 or 2.10 hereof, shall be authenticated and delivered in the form of, and shall be, a Global Note of such series. A Global Note may not be exchanged for another Note other than as provided in this Section 2.06(a), however, beneficial interests in a Global Note may be transferred and exchanged as provided in Section 2.06(b), (c) or (f) hereof.

(b) Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in the Global Notes . The transfer and exchange of beneficial interests in the Global Notes of a series will be effected through the Depositary, in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture and the Applicable Procedures. Beneficial interests in the Restricted Global Notes will be subject to restrictions on transfer comparable to those set forth herein to the extent required by the Securities Act. Transfers of beneficial interests in the Global Notes also will require compliance with either subparagraph (1) or (2) below, as applicable, as well as one or more of the other following subparagraphs, as applicable:

(1) Transfer of Beneficial Interests in the Same Global Note . Beneficial interests in any Restricted Global Note of a series may be transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in the same Restricted Global Note of such series in accordance with the transfer restrictions set forth in the Private Placement Legend; provided, however , that prior to the expiration of the Restricted Period, transfers of beneficial interests in the Regulation S Temporary Global Note may not be made to a U.S. Person or for the account or benefit of a U.S. Person (other than an Initial Purchaser). Beneficial interests in any Unrestricted Global Note of a series may be transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note of such series. No written orders or instructions shall be required to be delivered to the Registrar to effect the transfers described in this Section 2.06(b)(1).

 

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(2) All Other Transfers and Exchanges of Beneficial Interests in Global Notes. In connection with all transfers and exchanges of beneficial interests that are not subject to Section 2.06(b)(1) above, the transferor of such beneficial interest must deliver to the Registrar either:

(A) both:

(i) a written order from a Participant or an Indirect Participant given to the Depositary in accordance with the Applicable Procedures directing the Depositary to credit or cause to be credited a beneficial interest in another Global Note in an amount equal to the beneficial interest to be transferred or exchanged; and

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

(B) both:

(i) a written order from a Participant or an Indirect Participant given to the Depositary in accordance with the Applicable Procedures directing the Depositary to cause to be issued a Definitive Note in an amount equal to the beneficial interest to be transferred or exchanged; and

(ii) instructions given by the Depositary to the Registrar containing information regarding the Person in whose name such Definitive Note shall be registered to effect the transfer or exchange referred to in (1) above; provided that in no event shall Definitive Notes be issued upon the transfer or exchange of beneficial interests in the Regulation S Temporary Global Note prior to (A) the expiration of the Restricted Period and (B) the receipt by the Registrar of any certificates required pursuant to Rule 903 under the Securities Act.

Upon consummation of an Exchange Offer by the Company in accordance with Section 2.06(f) hereof, the requirements of this Section 2.06(b)(2) shall be deemed to have been satisfied upon receipt by the Registrar of the instructions contained in the Letter of Transmittal delivered by the Holder of such beneficial interests in the Restricted Global Notes. Upon satisfaction of all of the requirements for transfer or exchange of beneficial interests in Global Notes contained in this Indenture and the Notes or otherwise applicable under the Securities Act, the Trustee shall adjust the principal amount of the relevant Global Note(s) pursuant to Section 2.06(h) hereof.

(3) Transfer of Beneficial Interests to Another Restricted Global Note. A beneficial interest in any Restricted Global Note may be transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Restricted Global Note if the transfer complies with the requirements of Section 2.06(b)(2) above and the Registrar receives the following:

(A) if the transferee will take delivery in the form of a beneficial interest in the 144A Global Note, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (1) thereof.

 

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(B) if the transferee will take delivery in the form of a beneficial interest in the Regulation S Temporary Global Note or the Regulation S Permanent Global Note, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (2) thereof.

(4) Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in a Restricted Global Note for Beneficial Interests in an Unrestricted Global Note. A beneficial interest in any Restricted Global Note of a series may be exchanged by any holder thereof for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note of such series or transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note of such series if the exchange or transfer complies with the requirements of Section 2.06(b)(2) above and:

(A) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to the Exchange Offer in accordance with the Notes Registration Rights Agreement and the holder of the beneficial interest to be transferred, in the case of an exchange, or the transferee, in the case of a transfer, certifies in the applicable Letter of Transmittal that it is not (i) a Broker-Dealer, (ii) a Person participating in the distribution of the Exchange Notes or (iii) a Person who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Company;

(B) such transfer is effected pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with the Notes Registration Rights Agreement;

(C) such transfer is effected by a Broker-Dealer pursuant to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement in accordance with the Notes Registration Rights Agreement; or

(D) the Registrar receives the following:

(i) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (1)(a) thereof; or

(ii) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (4) thereof;

and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (D), if the Registrar so requests or if the Applicable Procedures so require, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Registrar to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Private Placement Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.

If any such transfer is effected pursuant to subparagraph (B) or (D) above at a time when an Unrestricted Global Note of the applicable series has not yet been issued, the Company shall issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.02 hereof, the Trustee shall authenticate one or more Unrestricted Global Notes of such series in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of beneficial interests transferred pursuant to subparagraph (B) or (D) above.

 

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Beneficial interests in an Unrestricted Global Note of a series cannot be exchanged for, or transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of, a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note of such series.

(c) Transfer or Exchange of Beneficial Interests for Definitive Notes.

(1) Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes to Restricted Definitive Notes. If any holder of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note of either series proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a Restricted Definitive Note of such series or to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Restricted Definitive Note of such series, then, upon receipt by the Registrar of the following documentation:

(A) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note of such series proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a Restricted Definitive Note of such series, a certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (2)(a) thereof;

(B) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to a QIB in accordance with Rule 144A, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (1) thereof;

(C) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to a Non-U.S. Person in an offshore transaction in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (2) thereof;

(D) if such beneficial interest is being transferred pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act in accordance with Rule 144, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(a) thereof;

(E) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(b) thereof; or

(F) if such beneficial interest is being transferred pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(c) thereof,

the Trustee shall cause the aggregate principal amount of the applicable Global Note of the applicable series to be reduced accordingly pursuant to Section 2.06(h) hereof, and the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Person designated in the instructions a Definitive Note of such series in the appropriate principal amount. Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note pursuant to this Section 2.06(c) shall be registered in such name or names and in such authorized denomination or denominations as the holder of such beneficial interest shall instruct the Registrar through instructions from the Depositary and the Participant or Indirect Participant. The Trustee shall deliver such Definitive Notes to the Persons in whose names such Notes are so registered. Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note pursuant to this Section 2.06(c)(1) shall bear the Private Placement Legend and shall be subject to all restrictions on transfer contained therein.

 

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(2) Beneficial Interests in Regulation S Temporary Global Note to Definitive Notes. Notwithstanding Sections 2.06(c)(1)(A) and (C) hereof, a beneficial interest in the Regulation S Temporary Global Note of any applicable series may not be exchanged for a Definitive Note of such series or transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Definitive Note of such series prior to (A) the expiration of the Restricted Period for such series and (B) the receipt by the Registrar of any certificates required pursuant to Rule 903(b)(3)(ii)(B) under the Securities Act, except in the case of a transfer pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than Rule 903 or Rule 904.

(3) Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes. A holder of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note of any applicable series may exchange such beneficial interest for an Unrestricted Definitive Note of such series or may transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note only if:

(A) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to the Exchange Offer in accordance with the Notes Registration Rights Agreement and the holder of such beneficial interest, in the case of an exchange, or the transferee, in the case of a transfer, certifies in the applicable Letter of Transmittal that it is not (i) a Broker-Dealer, (ii) a Person participating in the distribution of the Exchange Notes of such series or (iii) a Person who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Company;

(B) such transfer is effected pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with the Notes Registration Rights Agreement;

(C) such transfer is effected by a Broker-Dealer pursuant to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement in accordance with the Notes Registration Rights Agreement; or

(D) the Registrar receives the following:

(i) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note of such series proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for an Unrestricted Definitive Note of such series, a certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (1)(b) thereof; or

(ii) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note of such series proposes to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note of such series, a certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (4) thereof;

and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (D), if the Registrar so requests or if the Applicable Procedures so require, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Registrar to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Private Placement Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.

 

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(4) Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes. If any holder of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note of any applicable series proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a Definitive Note of such series or to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Definitive Note of such series, then, upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 2.06(b)(2) hereof, the Trustee will cause the aggregate principal amount of the applicable Global Note to be reduced accordingly pursuant to Section 2.06(h) hereof, and the Company will execute and the Trustee will authenticate and deliver to the Person designated in the instructions a Definitive Note of such series in the appropriate principal amount. Any Definitive Note of such series issued in exchange for a beneficial interest pursuant to this Section 2.06(c)(4) will be registered in such name or names and in such authorized denomination or denominations as the holder of such beneficial interest requests through instructions to the Registrar from or through the Depositary and the Participant or Indirect Participant. The Trustee will deliver such Definitive Notes of such series to the Persons in whose names such Notes of such series are so registered. Any Definitive Note of such series issued in exchange for a beneficial interest pursuant to this Section 2.06(c)(4) will not bear the Private Placement Legend.

(d) Transfer and Exchange of Definitive Notes for Beneficial Interests.

(1) Restricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes. If any Holder of a Restricted Definitive Note of an applicable series proposes to exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note of such series or to transfer such Restricted Definitive Notes of such series to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note of such series, then, upon receipt by the Registrar of the following documentation:

(A) if the Holder of such Restricted Definitive Note proposes to exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (2)(b) thereof;

(B) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to a QIB in accordance with Rule 144A, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (1) thereof;

(C) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to a Non-U.S. Person in an offshore transaction in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (2) thereof;

(D) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act in accordance with Rule 144, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(a) thereof;

(E) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(b) thereof; or

(F) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(c) thereof,

 

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the Trustee will cancel the Restricted Definitive Note, increase or cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount of, in the case of clause (A) and clauses (D) through (F) above, the appropriate Restricted Global Note, in the case of clause (B) above, the 144A Global Note, and in the case of clause (C) above, the Regulation S Global Note.

(2) Restricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes. A Holder of a Restricted Definitive Note of a series may exchange such Note of such series for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note of such series or transfer such Restricted Definitive Note to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note of such series only if:

(A) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to the Exchange Offer in accordance with the Notes Registration Rights Agreement and the Holder, in the case of an exchange, or the transferee, in the case of a transfer, certifies in the applicable Letter of Transmittal that it is not (i) a Broker-Dealer, (ii) a Person participating in the distribution of the Exchange Notes or (iii) a Person who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Company;

(B) such transfer is effected pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with the Notes Registration Rights Agreement;

(C) such transfer is effected by a Broker-Dealer pursuant to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement in accordance with the Notes Registration Rights Agreement; or

(D) the Registrar receives the following:

(i) if the Holder of such Definitive Notes proposes to exchange such Notes for a beneficial interest in the Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (1)(c) thereof; or

(ii) if the Holder of such Definitive Notes proposes to transfer such Notes to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in the Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (4) thereof;

and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (D), if the Registrar so requests or if the Applicable Procedures so require, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Registrar to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Private Placement Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.

Upon satisfaction of the conditions of any of the subparagraphs in this Section 2.06(d)(2), the Trustee will cancel the Definitive Notes and increase or cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount of the Unrestricted Global Note.

(3) Unrestricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes. A Holder of an Unrestricted Definitive Note of a series may exchange such Note of such series for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note of such series or transfer such

 

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Definitive Notes to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note of such series at any time. Upon receipt of a request for such an exchange or transfer, the Trustee will cancel the applicable Unrestricted Definitive Note and increase or cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount of one of the Unrestricted Global Notes.

If any such exchange or transfer from a Definitive Note to a beneficial interest is effected pursuant to subparagraphs (2)(B), (2)(D) or (3) above at a time when an Unrestricted Global Note of such series has not yet been issued, the Company will issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.02 hereof, the Trustee will authenticate one or more Unrestricted Global Notes of such series in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of Definitive Notes of such series so transferred.

(e) Transfer and Exchange of Definitive Notes for Definitive Notes. Upon request by a Holder of Definitive Notes of a series and such Holder’s compliance with the provisions of this Section 2.06(e), the Registrar will register the transfer or exchange of Definitive Notes of such series. Prior to such registration of transfer or exchange, the requesting Holder must present or surrender to the Registrar the Definitive Notes duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instruction of transfer in form satisfactory to the Registrar duly executed by such Holder or by its attorney, duly authorized in writing. In addition, the requesting Holder must provide any additional certifications, documents and information, as applicable, required pursuant to the following provisions of this Section 2.06(e).

(1) Restricted Definitive Notes to Restricted Definitive Notes. Any Restricted Definitive Note of a series may be transferred to and registered in the name of Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a Restricted Definitive Note of such series if the Registrar receives the following:

(A) if the transfer will be made pursuant to Rule 144A, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (1) thereof;

(B) if the transfer will be made pursuant to Rule 903 or Rule 904, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (2) thereof; and

(C) if the transfer will be made pursuant to any other exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications, certificates and Opinion of Counsel required by item (3) thereof, if applicable.

(2) Restricted Definitive Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes. Any Restricted Definitive Note of a series may be exchanged by the Holder thereof for an Unrestricted Definitive Note of such series or transferred to a Person or Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note of such series if:

(A) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to the Exchange Offer in accordance with the Notes Registration Rights Agreement and the Holder, in the case of an exchange, or the transferee, in the case of a transfer, certifies in the applicable Letter of Transmittal that it is not (i) a Broker-Dealer, (ii) a Person participating in the distribution of the Exchange Notes or (iii) a Person who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Company;

 

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(B) any such transfer is effected pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with the Notes Registration Rights Agreement;

(C) any such transfer is effected by a Broker-Dealer pursuant to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement in accordance with the Notes Registration Rights Agreement; or

(D) the Registrar receives the following:

(i) if the Holder of such Restricted Definitive Notes proposes to exchange such Notes for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (1)(d) thereof; or

(ii) if the Holder of such Restricted Definitive Notes proposes to transfer such Notes to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (4) thereof;

and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (D), if the Registrar so requests, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Registrar to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Private Placement Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.

(3) Unrestricted Definitive Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes. A Holder of Unrestricted Definitive Notes of a series may transfer such Notes of such series to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note of such series. Upon receipt of a request to register such a transfer, the Registrar shall register the Unrestricted Definitive Notes of such series pursuant to the instructions from the Holder thereof.

(f) Exchange Offer. Upon the occurrence of the Exchange Offer in accordance with the Notes Registration Rights Agreement, the Company will issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.02 hereof, the Trustee will authenticate:

(1) one or more Unrestricted Global Notes of the applicable series in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the beneficial interests in the Restricted Global Notes of such series accepted for exchange in the Exchange Offer by Persons that certify in the applicable Letters of Transmittal that (A) they are not Broker-Dealers, (B) they are not participating in a distribution of the Exchange Notes of such series and (C) they are not affiliates (as defined in Rule 144) of the Company; and

(2) Unrestricted Definitive Notes of the applicable series in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Restricted Definitive Notes of such series accepted for exchange in the Exchange Offer by Persons that certify in the applicable Letters of Transmittal that (A) they are not Broker-Dealers, (B) they are not participating in a distribution of the Exchange Notes and (C) they are not affiliates (as defined in Rule 144) of the Company.

Concurrently with the issuance of such Notes, the Trustee will cause the aggregate principal amount of the applicable Restricted Global Notes to be reduced accordingly, and the Company will execute and the Trustee will authenticate and deliver to the Persons designated by the Holders of Definitive Notes so accepted Unrestricted Definitive Notes in the appropriate principal amount.

 

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(g) Legends. The following legends will appear on the face of all Global Notes and Definitive Notes issued under this Indenture unless specifically stated otherwise in the applicable provisions of this Indenture.

(1) Private Placement Legend .

(A) Except as permitted by subparagraph (B) below, each Global Note and each Definitive Note (and all Notes issued in exchange therefor or substitution thereof) shall bear the legend in substantially the following form:

“THE NOTES EVIDENCED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), OR OTHER SECURITIES LAWS. NEITHER THIS NOTE NOR ANY INTEREST OR PARTICIPATION HEREIN MAY BE REOFFERED, SOLD, ASSIGNED, TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED, ENCUMBERED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR UNLESS THE TRANSACTION IS EXEMPT FROM, OR NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT. THE HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF (1) REP RESENTS THAT (A) IT IS A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER” (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) OR (B) IT IS NOT A U.S. PERSON AND IS ACQUIRING ITS NOTE IN AN “OFFSHORE TRANSACTION” PURSUANT TO RULE 903 OR 904 OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (2) AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT PRIOR TO (X) THE DATE WHICH IS TWO YEARS (OR SUCH SHORTER PERIOD OF TIME AS PERMITTED BY RULE 144(k) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR ANY SUCCESSOR PROVISION THEREUNDER) AFTER THE LATER OF THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE HEREOF (OR OF ANY PREDECESSOR OF THIS NOTE) AND THE LAST DAY ON WHICH THE COMPANY OR ANY AFFILIATE OF THE COMPANY WAS THE OWNER OF THIS NOTE (OR ANY PREDECESSOR OF THIS NOTE) AND (Y) SUCH LATER DATE, IF ANY, AS MAY BE REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAW (THE “RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE”), OFFER, SELL OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER THIS NOTE EXCEPT (A) TO THE COMPANY, (B) PURSUANT TO A REGISTRATION STATEMENT WHICH HAS BEEN DECLARED EFFECTIVE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (C) SO LONG AS THE NOTES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR RESALE PURSUANT TO RULE 144A, TO A PERSON IT REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER” THAT PURCHASES FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER TO WHOM NOTICE IS GIVEN THAT THE TRANSFER IS BEING MADE IN RELIANCE ON RULE 144A, (D) PURSUANT TO OFFERS AND SALES THAT OCCUR OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES AND, IN THE CASE OF AN OFFER OR SALE BY A DISTRIBUTOR OR AFFILIATE THEREOF (OR A PERSON ACTING ON BEHALF THEREOF) DURING THE APPLICABLE DISTRIBUTION COMPLIANCE PERIOD, ONLY TO NON U.S. PERSONS OR (E) PURSUANT TO ANY OTHER AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND (3) AGREES THAT IT WILL GIVE TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS NOTE IS TRANSFERRED A NOTICE SUBSTANTIALLY TO THE EFFECT OF THIS LEGEND; PROVIDED THAT THE COMPANY, THE TRUSTEE AND THE REGISTRAR SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT PRIOR TO ANY SUCH OFFER, SALE OR TRANSFER (I) PURSUANT TO CLAUSE (C), (D) OR (E) TO REQUIRE THE DELIVERY OF AN OPINION OF COUNSEL, CERTIFICATION AND/OR OTHER INFORMATION SATISFACTORY TO EACH OF THEM, AND (II) IN EACH OF THE FOREGOING CASES, TO REQUIRE THAT A CERTIFICATION OF TRANSFER IN THE FORM APPEARING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THIS NOTE IS COMPLETED AND DELIVERED BY THIS TRANSFEROR TO

 

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THE TRUSTEE. THIS LEGEND WILL BE REMOVED UPON THE REQUEST OF THE HOLDER AFTER THE RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE. AS USED HEREIN, THE TERMS “DISTRIBUTION COMPLIANCE PERIOD,” “DISTRIBUTOR,” “OFFSHORE TRANSACTION,” “UNITED STATES,” AND “U.S. PERSON” HAVE THE MEANINGS GIVEN TO THEM BY REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.”

(B) Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Global Note or Definitive Note issued pursuant to subparagraphs (b)(4), (c)(3), (c)(4), (d)(2), (d)(3), (e)(2), (e)(3) or (f) of this Section 2.06 (and all Notes issued in exchange therefor or substitution thereof) will not bear the Private Placement Legend.

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

“THIS GLOBAL NOTE IS HELD BY THE DEPOSITARY (AS DEFINED IN THE INDENTURE GOVERNING THIS NOTE) OR ITS NOMINEE IN CUSTODY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE BENEFICIAL OWNERS HEREOF, AND IS NOT TRANSFERABLE TO ANY PERSON UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES EXCEPT THAT (1) THE TRUSTEE MAY MAKE SUCH NOTATIONS HEREON AS MAY BE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.06 OF THE INDENTURE, (2) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE BUT NOT IN PART PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.06(a) OF THE INDENTURE, (3) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE DELIVERED TO THE TRUSTEE FOR CANCELLATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.11 OF THE INDENTURE AND (4) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY WITH THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF OWENS CORNING.

UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR NOTES IN DEFINITIVE FORM, THIS NOTE MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITARY TO A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE DEPOSITARY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY THE DEPOSITARY OR ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY. UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (55 WATER STREET, NEW YORK, NEW YORK) (“DTC”), TO THE COMPANY OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS MAY BE REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS MAY BE REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.”

(3) Regulation S Temporary Global Note Legend. The Regulation S Temporary Global Note will bear a Legend in substantially the following form:

“THE RIGHTS ATTACHING TO THIS REGULATION S TEMPORARY GLOBAL NOTE, AND THE CONDITIONS AND PROCEDURES GOVERNING ITS EXCHANGE FOR CERTIFICATED NOTES, ARE AS SPECIFIED IN THE INDENTURE (AS DEFINED HEREIN). NEITHER THE HOLDER NOR THE BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF THIS REGULATION S TEMPORARY GLOBAL NOTE SHALL BE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE PAYMENT OF INTEREST HEREON.”

 

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(h) Cancellation and/or Adjustment of Global Notes. At such time as all beneficial interests in a particular Global Note of a series have been exchanged for Definitive Notes of such series or a particular Global Note of such series has been redeemed, repurchased or canceled in whole and not in part, each such Global Note will be returned to or retained and canceled by the Trustee in accordance with Section 2.11 hereof. At any time prior to such cancellation, if any beneficial interest in a Global Note of a series is exchanged for or transferred to a Person who will take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Global Note of such series or for Definitive Notes of such series, the principal amount of Notes of such series represented by such Global Note of such series will be reduced accordingly and an endorsement will be made on such Global Note of such series by the Trustee or by the Depositary at the direction of the Trustee to reflect such reduction; and if the beneficial interest is being exchanged for or transferred to a Person who will take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Global Note of such series, such other Global Note will be increased accordingly and an endorsement will be made on such Global Note by the Trustee or by the Depositary at the direction of the Trustee to reflect such increase.

(i) General Provisions Relating to Transfers and Exchanges.

(1) To permit registrations of transfers and exchanges, the Company will execute and the Trustee will authenticate Global Notes and Definitive Notes upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.02 hereof or at the Registrar’s request.

(2) No service charge will be made to a Holder of a beneficial interest in a Global Note or to a Holder of a Definitive Note for any registration of transfer or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any transfer tax or similar governmental charge payable in connection therewith (other than any such transfer taxes or similar governmental charge payable upon exchange or transfer pursuant to Sections 2.10, 3.06, 4.08 and 9.05 hereof).

(3) The Registrar will not be required to register the transfer of or exchange of any Note selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part.

(4) All Global Notes and Definitive Notes of a series issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Global Notes or Definitive Notes of such series will be the valid obligations of the Company, evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the Global Notes or Definitive Notes surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.

(5) Neither the Registrar nor the Company will be required:

(A) to issue, to register the transfer of or to exchange any Notes of any series during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of any selection of Notes of such series for redemption under Section 3.02 hereof and ending at the close of business on the day of selection;

(B) to register the transfer of or to exchange any Note selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part; or

(C) to register the transfer of or to exchange a Note of any series between a record date and the next succeeding interest payment date for the Note of such series.

 

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(6) Prior to due presentment for the registration of a transfer of any Note, the Trustee, any Agent and the Company may deem and treat the Person in whose name any Note is registered as the absolute owner of such Note for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of and interest on such Notes and for all other purposes, and none of the Trustee, any Agent or the Company shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

(7) The Trustee will authenticate Global Notes and Definitive Notes in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.02 hereof.

(8) All certifications, certificates and Opinions of Counsel required to be submitted to the Registrar pursuant to this Section 2.06 to effect a registration of transfer or exchange may be submitted by facsimile.

Section 2.07 Replacement Notes.

If any mutilated Note is surrendered to the Trustee or the Company and the Trustee receives evidence to its satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Note, the Company will issue and the Trustee, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, will authenticate a replacement Note of the same series if the Trustee’s requirements are met. If required by the Trustee or the Company, an indemnity bond must be supplied by the Holder that is sufficient in the judgment of the Trustee and the Company to protect the Company, the Trustee, any Agent and any authenticating agent from any loss that any of them may suffer if a Note is replaced. The Company may charge for its expenses in replacing a Note.

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

Section 2.08 Outstanding Notes.

The outstanding Notes of a series at any time are all the Notes of such series authenticated by the Trustee except for those canceled by it, those delivered to it for cancellation, those reductions in the interest in a Global Note of such series effected by the Trustee in accordance with the provisions hereof, and those described in this Section 2.08 as not outstanding. Except as set forth in Section 2.09 hereof, a Note does not cease to be outstanding because the Company or an Affiliate of the Company holds such Note.

If a Note is replaced pursuant to Section 2.07 hereof, it ceases to be outstanding unless the Trustee receives proof satisfactory to it that the replaced Note is held by a protected purchaser.

If the principal amount of any Note is considered paid under Section 4.01 hereof, it ceases to be outstanding and interest on it ceases to accrue.

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

Section 2.09 Treasury Notes.

In determining whether the Holders of the required principal amount of Notes of the applicable series have concurred in any direction, waiver or consent, Notes of such series owned by the Company or any Guarantor, or by any Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with the Company or any Guarantor, will be considered as though not

 

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outstanding, except that for the purposes of determining whether the Trustee will be protected in relying on any such direction, waiver or consent, only Notes that the Trustee knows are so owned will be so disregarded.

Section 2.10 Temporary Notes.

Until certificates representing Notes of a series are ready for delivery, the Company may prepare and the Trustee, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, will authenticate temporary Notes of such series. Temporary Notes of such series will be substantially in the form of certificated Notes of such series but may have variations that the Company considers appropriate for temporary Notes of such series and as may be reasonably acceptable to the Trustee. Without unreasonable delay, the Company will prepare and the Trustee will authenticate definitive Notes of such series in exchange for temporary Notes of such series.

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

Section 2.11 Cancellation.

The Company at any time may deliver Notes to the Trustee for cancellation. The Registrar and Paying Agent will forward to the Trustee any Notes surrendered to them for registration of transfer, exchange or payment. The Trustee and no one else will cancel all Notes surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange, payment, replacement or cancellation and will destroy canceled Notes (subject to the record retention requirement of the Exchange Act). Certification of the destruction of all canceled Notes will be delivered to the Company. The Company may not issue new Notes to replace Notes that it has paid or that have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation.

Section 2.12 Defaulted Interest.

If the Company defaults in a payment of interest on the Notes of any series, it will pay the defaulted interest in any lawful manner plus, to the extent lawful, interest payable on the defaulted interest, to the Persons who are Holders on a subsequent special record date, in each case at the rate provided in the Notes and in Section 4.01 hereof. The Company will notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of defaulted interest proposed to be paid on each Note of the applicable series and the date of the proposed payment. The Company will fix or cause to be fixed each such special record date and payment date; provided that no such special record date may be less than 10 days prior to the related payment date for such defaulted interest. At least 15 days before the special record date, the Company (or, upon the written request of the Company, the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company) will mail or cause to be mailed to Holders a notice that states the special record date, the related payment date and the amount of such interest to be paid.

ARTICLE 3

REDEMPTION AND PREPAYMENT

Section 3.01 Notices to Trustee.

If the Company elects to redeem Notes of any series pursuant to the optional redemption provisions of Section 3.07 hereof, it must furnish to the Trustee, at least 45 days but not more than 60 days before a redemption date, an Officers’ Certificate setting forth:

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

 

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(2) the redemption date;

(3) the principal amount of Notes of such series to be redeemed; and

(4) the redemption price.

Section 3.02 Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed or Purchased.

If less than all of the Notes of any series are to be redeemed at any time, the Trustee will select notes from such series for redemption on a pro rata basis unless otherwise required by law or applicable stock exchange requirements.

In the event of partial redemption or purchase by lot, the particular Notes of the applicable series to be redeemed or purchased will be selected, unless otherwise provided herein, not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the redemption or purchase date by the Trustee from the outstanding Notes of such series not previously called for redemption or purchase.

The Trustee will promptly notify the Company in writing of the Notes selected for redemption or purchase as aforesaid and, in the case of any Note selected for partial redemption or purchase as aforesaid, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed or purchased. Notes and portions of Notes selected will be in amounts of $1,000 or whole multiples of $1,000; except that if all of the Notes of a Holder are to be redeemed or purchased, the entire outstanding amount of Notes held by such Holder, even if not a multiple of $1,000, shall be redeemed or purchased. Except as provided in the preceding sentence, provisions of this Indenture that apply to Notes called for redemption or purchase also apply to portions of such Notes called for redemption or purchase.

Section 3.03 Notice of Redemption.

Subject to the provisions of Section 3.08 hereof, at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before a redemption date, the Company will mail or cause to be mailed, by first class mail, a notice of redemption to each Holder whose Notes are to be redeemed at its registered address, except that redemption notices may be mailed more than 60 days prior to a redemption date if the notice is issued in connection with a defeasance of the Notes or a satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture pursuant to Articles 8 or 11 hereof.

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

(1) the redemption date;

(2) the redemption price or, if such price cannot be determined at the time of the notice, the calculation method thereof;

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

At the Company’s request, the Trustee will give the notice of redemption in the Company’s name and at its expense; provided, however , that the Company has delivered to the Trustee, at least 45 days prior to the redemption date, an Officers’ Certificate requesting that the Trustee give such notice and setting forth the information to be stated in such notice as provided in the preceding paragraph.

Section 3.04 Effect of Notice of Redemption.

Once notice of redemption is mailed in accordance with Section 3.03 hereof, Notes called for redemption become irrevocably due and payable on the redemption date at the redemption price. A notice of redemption may not be conditional.

Section 3.05 Deposit of Redemption or Purchase Price.

Except in connection with an Escrow Redemption as described in Section 3.08 hereof, one Business Day prior to the redemption or purchase date, the Company will deposit with the Trustee or with the Paying Agent money sufficient to pay the redemption or purchase price of and accrued interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, on all Notes to be redeemed or purchased on that date. Initially, unless the Trustee or the Paying Agent are directed otherwise in writing by the Company, these funds will be deposited into the LaSalle Enhanced Liquidity Management (LELM) account until such funds are used for the redemption or purchase of the Notes or are returned to the Company. The Trustee or the Paying Agent will promptly return to the Company any money deposited with the Trustee or the Paying Agent by the Company in excess of the amounts necessary to pay the redemption or purchase price of, and accrued interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, on, all Notes to be redeemed or purchased.

If the Company complies with the provisions of the preceding paragraph, on and after the redemption or purchase date, interest will cease to accrue on the Notes or the portions of Notes called for redemption or purchase. If a Note is redeemed or purchased on or after an interest record date but on or prior to the related interest payment date, then any accrued and unpaid interest shall be paid to the Person in whose name such Note was registered at the close of business on such record date. If any Note called for redemption or purchase is not so paid upon surrender for redemption or purchase because of the failure of the Company to comply with the preceding paragraph, interest shall be paid on the unpaid principal, from the redemption or purchase date until such principal is paid, and to the extent lawful on any interest not paid on such unpaid principal, in each case at the rate provided in such Notes and in Section 4.01 hereof.

Section 3.06 Notes Redeemed or Purchased in Part.

Upon surrender of a Note that is redeemed or purchased in part, the Company will issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, the Trustee will authenticate for the Holder at the expense of the Company a new Note equal in principal amount to the unredeemed or unpurchased portion of the Note surrendered.

 

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Section 3.07 Optional Redemption.

The Company may redeem all or a part of any series of Notes at a redemption price equal to the greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed and (ii) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the Notes to be redeemed (excluding accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption) discounted to the date of redemption on a semiannual basis (assuming 360-day years, each consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate plus 30 basis points for the 2016 Notes and 37.5 basis points for the 2036 Notes, in each case, together with accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, thereon to the date of redemption, subject to the rights of Holders of Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date.

Unless the Company defaults in payment of the redemption price, on and after the date of redemption, interest will cease to accrue on the Notes or portions thereof called for redemption.

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

Section 3.08 Escrow Redemption.

If the proceeds from the sale of the Notes and the OCD Contribution have been paid into the Escrow Account (as defined in the Escrow Agreement) in accordance with Section 3 of the Purchase Agreement and the Escrow Agent has, pursuant to Section 6(b) of the Escrow Agreement, released the Escrowed Property (including investment earnings) to the Trustee, the Trustee shall, on the Business Day following the release of the Escrowed Property to the Trustee, redeem the Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, less the amount of any original issue discount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the date of redemption, plus, if the Notes are issued with original issue discount, the amount of the amortization of such original issue discount from the date of consummation of the first issuance of Notes under this Indenture to the redemption date.

The Trustee shall pay to the Company any Escrowed Property remaining following the redemption of Notes pursuant to this Section 3.08. Initially, unless the Trustee or the Paying Agent are directed otherwise in writing by the Company, Escrowed Property released to the Trustee will be deposited into the LaSalle Enhanced Liquidity Management (LELM) account until such funds are used for the redemption or purchase of the Notes or are returned to the Company.

If the Company has provided the Escrow Agent with a Plan Amendment Release Certificate (as defined in the Escrow Agreement) instructing the Escrow Agent to release the Escrow Property to the Trustee pursuant to Section 6(b) of the Escrow Agreement, the Company must simultaneously provide a copy of such certificate to the Trustee, and the Trustee must promptly provide the Holders with a notice of redemption substantially in the form of the notice to be provided pursuant to Section 3.03 above.

ARTICLE 4

COVENANTS

Section 4.01 Payment of Notes.

The Company will pay or cause to be paid the principal of, premium, if any, and interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, on, the Notes of any series on the dates and in the manner provided in the

 

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Notes of such series. Principal, premium, if any, and interest and Liquidated Damages, if any due on any series of Notes will be considered paid on the date due if the Paying Agent, if other than the Company or a Subsidiary thereof, holds as of 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the due date money deposited by the Company in immediately available funds and designated for and sufficient to pay all principal, premium, if any, and interest then due on such series of Notes. The Company will pay all Liquidated Damages, if any, in the same manner on the dates and in the amounts set forth in the Notes Registration Rights Agreement.

The Company will pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal at the rate equal to 1% per annum in excess of the then applicable interest rate on the Notes of the applicable series to the extent lawful; it will pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest and Liquidated Damages (without regard to any applicable grace period) at the same rate to the extent lawful.

Section 4.02 Maintenance of Office or Agency.

The Company will maintain in the City of Chicago, Illinois, an office or agency (which may be an office of the Trustee or an affiliate of the Trustee, Registrar or co-registrar) where Notes may be surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Notes and this Indenture may be served. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of such office or agency. If at any time the Company fails to maintain any such required office or agency or fails to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee.

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

The Company hereby designates the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee as one such office or agency of the Company in accordance with Section 2.03 hereof.

Section 4.03 Compliance Certificate .

(a) The Company and each Guarantor (to the extent that such Guarantor is so required under the TIA) shall deliver to the Trustee, within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year, an Officers’ Certificate stating that a review of the activities of the Company and its Subsidiaries during the preceding fiscal year has been made under the supervision of the signing Officers with a view to determining whether the Company has kept, observed, performed and fulfilled its obligations under this Indenture, and further stating, as to each such Officer signing such certificate, that to the best of his or her knowledge the Company has kept, observed, performed and fulfilled each and every covenant contained in this Indenture and is not in default in the performance or observance of any of the terms, provisions and conditions of this Indenture (or, if a Default or Event of Default has occurred, describing all such Defaults or Events of Default of which he or she may have knowledge and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto) and that to the best of his or her knowledge no event has occurred and remains in existence by reason of which payments on account of the principal of or interest, if any, on the Notes is prohibited or if such event has occurred, a description of the event and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.

 

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(b) So long as any of the Notes of any series are outstanding, the Company will deliver to the Trustee, forthwith upon any Officer becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default, an Officers’ Certificate specifying such Default or Event of Default and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.

Section 4.04 Taxes.

The Company will pay, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to pay, prior to delinquency, all material taxes, assessments, and governmental levies except such as are contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings or where the failure to effect such payment is not adverse in any material respect to the Holders of the Notes.

Section 4.05 Stay, Extension and Usury Laws.

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

Section 4.06 Limitation on Liens.

If the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, directly or indirectly, creates, incurs, issues, assumes, guarantees or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable, contingently or otherwise, with respect to (collectively “ incur ”) any Indebtedness secured by a Lien (other than a Permitted Lien) upon any Principal Property or upon the Capital Stock of any Subsidiary (in each case, now owned or hereafter acquired), the Company will secure the Notes on an equal and ratable basis with the Indebtedness so secured, unless the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Indebtedness of the Company and its Subsidiaries that is secured by Liens (other than Permitted Liens) on any Principal Property or upon the Capital Stock of any Subsidiary (in each case, now owned or hereafter acquired) plus the amount of all outstanding Attributable Debt incurred pursuant to clause (1) of Section 4.09 would not exceed 10% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets calculated as of the date of the creation or incurrence of the Lien.

Section 4.07 Corporate Existence.

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

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

(2) the rights (charter and statutory), licenses and franchises of the Company and its Subsidiaries;

provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to preserve any such right, license or franchise, or the corporate, partnership or other existence of any of its Subsidiaries, if the Board of Directors shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and that the loss thereof is not adverse in any material respect to the Holders of the Notes.

 

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Section 4.08 Offer to Repurchase Upon Change of Control Repurchase Event.

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

(1) that the Change of Control Offer is being made pursuant to this Section 4.08 and that all Notes tendered will be accepted for payment;

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

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

(4) that, unless the Company defaults in the payment of the Change of Control Payment, all Notes accepted for payment pursuant to the Change of Control Offer will cease to accrue interest after the Change of Control Payment Date;

(5) that Holders electing to have any Notes purchased pursuant to a Change of Control Offer will be required to surrender the Notes, with the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” attached to the Notes completed, or transfer by book-entry transfer, to the Paying Agent at the address specified in the notice prior to the close of business on the third Business Day preceding the Change of Control Payment Date;

(6) that Holders will be entitled to withdraw their election if the Paying Agent receives, not later than the close of business on the second Business Day preceding the Change of Control Payment Date, a telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the Holder, the principal amount of Notes delivered for purchase, and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing his election to have the Notes purchased; and

(7) that Holders whose Notes are being purchased only in part will be issued new Notes equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered, which unpurchased portion must be equal to $1,000 in principal amount or an integral multiple thereof.

The Company will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent those laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of the Notes as a result of a Change in Control. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of Section 4.08 hereof, the Company will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached its obligations under this Section 4.08 by virtue of such compliance.

 

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(b) On the Change of Control Payment Date, the Company will, to the extent lawful:

(1) accept for payment all Notes or portions of Notes properly tendered pursuant to the Change of Control Offer;

(2) deposit with the Paying Agent an amount equal to the Change of Control Payment in respect of all Notes or portions of Notes properly tendered; and

(3) deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee the Notes properly accepted together with an Officers’ Certificate stating the aggregate principal amount of Notes or portions of Notes being purchased by the Company.

The Paying Agent will promptly mail (but in any case not later than five days after the Change of Control Payment Date) to each Holder of Notes properly tendered the Change of Control Payment for such Notes, and the Trustee will promptly authenticate and mail (or cause to be transferred by book entry) to each Holder a new Note equal in principal amount to any unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered, if any. The Company will publicly announce the results of the Change of Control Offer on or as soon as practicable after the Change of Control Payment Date.

(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 4.08, the Company will not be required to make a Change of Control Offer upon a Change of Control Repurchase Event if (1) a third party makes the Change of Control Offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth in this Section 4.08 hereof and purchases all Notes properly tendered and not withdrawn under the Change of Control Offer, or (2) notice of redemption has been given pursuant to Section 3.07 hereof, unless and until there is a default in payment of the applicable redemption price.

Section 4.09 Limitation on Sale and Leaseback Transactions.

The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, enter into any Sale and Leaseback Transaction; provided that the Company or any Subsidiary may enter into a Sale and Leaseback Transaction if:

(1) after giving effect thereto, the aggregate amount of all outstanding Attributable Debt with respect to all such transactions, plus the amount of outstanding Indebtedness secured by a Lien (other than a Permitted Lien) upon any Principal Property or upon the Capital Stock of any Subsidiary (in each case, now owned or hereafter acquired) incurred without equally and ratably securing the Notes pursuant to the covenant entitled “Limitation on Liens” would not exceed 10% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets calculated at the time of the transaction; or

(2) within 120 days after such Sale and Leaseback Transaction, the Company or such Subsidiary applies an amount equal to the greater of the net proceeds of such Sale and Leaseback Transaction and the Fair Market Value at the time of the transaction of the Principal Property so leased to the retirement of Funded Debt of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

Section 4.10 Additional Note Guarantees.

The Company shall not permit any of its Domestic Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, guarantee any Person’s Obligations under the Credit Agreement unless such Subsidiary is a Guarantor or concurrently executes a supplemental indenture and a Note Guarantee and delivers an Opinion of Counsel satisfactory to the Trustee.

 

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Section 4.11 Limitation on Ability of the Company to Release Funds from Escrow.

The Company agrees that (i) the terms of the Escrow Agreement shall exclusively control the conditions under which and procedures pursuant to which the Escrowed Property can be released and (ii) it will not attempt to have the Escrowed Property released from escrow except in accordance with the Escrow Agreement.

ARTICLE 5

SUCCESSORS

Section 5.01 Merger, Consolidation, or Sale of Assets.

The Company shall not, directly or indirectly: (i) consolidate or merge with or into another Person (whether or not the Company is the surviving corporation) or (ii) sell, assign, transfer, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, in one or more related transactions, to another Person, except, in each case, as contemplated as part of the Restructuring Transactions, unless:

(1) either:

(A) the Company is the surviving corporation; or

(B) the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than the Company) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition has been made is a corporation or limited liability company organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state of the United States or the District of Columbia;

(2) the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than the Company) or the Person to which such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition has been made assumes all the obligations of the Company under the Notes, this Indenture, the Escrow Agreement and the Notes Registration Rights Agreement pursuant to agreements reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee;

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

(4) the Company or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than the Company), or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition has been made, shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such transaction and any supplemental indenture entered into in connection therewith comply with all of the terms of this covenant and that all conditions precedent provided for in this covenant relating to such transaction or series of transactions have been complied with.

In addition, the Company will not, directly or indirectly, lease all or substantially all of its properties or assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, in one or more related transactions, to any other Person. This Section 5.01 will not apply to:

 

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(1) a merger of the Company with an Affiliate solely for the purpose of reincorporating the Company in another jurisdiction; or

(2) any consolidation or merger, or any sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance, lease or other disposition of assets between or among the Company and its Subsidiaries.

Section 5.02 Successor Corporation Substituted.

Upon any consolidation or merger, or any sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of the Company in a transaction that is subject to, and that complies with the provisions of, Section 5.01 hereof, the successor Person formed by such consolidation or into or with which the Company is merged or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for (so that from and after the date of such consolidation, merger, sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition, the provisions of this Indenture referring to the “Company” shall refer instead to the successor Person and not to the Company), and may exercise every right and power of the Company under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor Person had been named as the Company herein; provided, however , that the predecessor Company shall not be relieved from the obligation to pay the principal of and interest on the Notes except in the case of a sale of all of the Company’s assets in a transaction that is subject to, and that complies with the provisions of, Section 5.01 hereof.

ARTICLE 6

DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

Section 6.01 Events of Default.

Each of the following is an “ Event of Default ” with respect to the Notes of any series:

(1) default for 30 days in the payment when due of interest on, or Liquidated Damages, if any, with respect to, the Notes of such series;

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

(3) failure by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for 60 days after notice to the Company by the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes of such series then outstanding voting as a single class to comply with any of the other agreements in this Indenture;

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

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

(B) results in the acceleration of such Indebtedness prior to its express maturity,

 

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and, in each case, the principal amount of any such Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other such Indebtedness under which there has been a Payment Default or the maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregates $75.0 million or more;

(5) the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Subsidiaries of the Company that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary pursuant to or within the meaning of Bankruptcy Law:

(A) commences a voluntary case,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(C) orders the liquidation of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Subsidiaries of the Company that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary;

and the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 60 consecutive days; or

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

Section 6.02 Acceleration.

In the case of an Event of Default specified in clause (5) or (6) of Section 6.01 hereof, with respect to the Company, any Subsidiary of the Company that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Subsidiaries of the Company that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, all

 

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outstanding Notes of any series will become due and payable immediately without further action or notice. If any other Event of Default with respect to outstanding Notes of any series occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes of such series may declare all the Notes of such series to be due and payable immediately.

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

The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes of a particular series by written notice to the Trustee may, on behalf of all of the Holders, rescind an acceleration and its consequences, if the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree and if all existing Events of Default (except nonpayment of principal, interest or premium or Liquidated Damages, if any, that has become due solely because of the acceleration) have been cured or waived.

Section 6.03 Other Remedies.

If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may pursue any available remedy to collect the payment of principal, premium and Liquidated Damages, if any, and interest on the Notes of any series affected thereby or to enforce the performance of any provision of such Notes or this Indenture.

The Trustee may maintain a proceeding even if it does not possess any of the Notes or does not produce any of them in the proceeding. A delay or omission by the Trustee or any Holder of a Note in exercising any right or remedy accruing upon an Event of Default shall not impair the right or remedy or constitute a waiver of or acquiescence in the Event of Default. All remedies are cumulative to the extent permitted by law.

Section 6.04 Waiver of Past Defaults.

Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes of any series by notice to the Trustee may on behalf of the Holders of all such Notes waive an existing Default or Event of Default and its consequences hereunder, except a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of the principal of, premium and Liquidated Damages, if any, or interest on, the Notes of such series (including in connection with an offer to purchase); provided, however , that the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes of such series may rescind an acceleration and its consequences, including any related payment default that resulted from such acceleration. Upon any such waiver, such Default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured for every purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or impair any right consequent thereon.

Section 6.05 Control by Majority.

Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes of any series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on it. However, the Trustee may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or this Indenture that the Trustee determines may be unduly prejudicial to the rights of other Holders of Notes or that may involve the Trustee in personal liability.

 

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Section 6.06 Limitation on Suits.

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

(1) such Holder gives to the Trustee written notice that an Event of Default is continuing;

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

(3) such Holders have offered the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity against any loss, liability or expense;

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

(5) during such 60-day period, Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes of such series do not give the Trustee a direction inconsistent with such request.

A Holder of a Note may not use this Indenture to prejudice the rights of another Holder of a Note or to obtain a preference or priority over another Holder of a Note.

Section 6.07 Rights of Holders of Notes to Receive Payment.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, the right of any Holder of a Note to receive payment of principal, premium and Liquidated Damages, if any, and interest on the Note, on or after the respective due dates expressed in the Note (including in connection with an offer to purchase), or to bring suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective dates, shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of such Holder.

Section 6.08 Collection Suit by Trustee.

If an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(1) or (2) hereof occurs and is continuing, the Trustee is authorized to recover judgment in its own name and as trustee of an express trust against the Company for the whole amount of principal of, premium and Liquidated Damages, if any, and interest remaining unpaid on, the Notes of any series and interest on overdue principal and, to the extent lawful, interest and such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel.

Section 6.09 Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.

The Trustee is authorized to file such proofs of claim and other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel) and the Holders of the Notes allowed in any judicial proceedings relative to the Company (or any other obligor upon the Notes), its creditors or its property and shall be entitled and empowered to collect, receive and distribute any money or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and any custodian in

 

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any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder of a series of Notes to make such payments to the Trustee, and in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due to it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.07 hereof. To the extent that the payment of any such compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.07 hereof out of the estate in any such proceeding, shall be denied for any reason, payment of the same shall be secured by a Lien on, and shall be paid out of, any and all distributions, dividends, money, securities and other properties that the Holders may be entitled to receive in such proceeding whether in liquidation or under any plan of reorganization or arrangement or otherwise. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder of Notes of any series any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Notes of such series or the rights of any Holder, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any such Holder in any such proceeding.

Section 6.10 Priorities.

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

First : to the Trustee, its agents and attorneys for amounts due under Section 7.07 hereof, including payment of all compensation, expenses and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Trustee and the costs and expenses of collection;

Second : to Holders of Notes of the applicable series for amounts due and unpaid on such Notes for principal, premium and Liquidated Damages, if any, and interest, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on the Notes of such series for principal, premium and Liquidated Damages, if any and interest, respectively; and

Third : to the Company or to such party as a court of competent jurisdiction shall direct.

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

Section 6.11 Undertaking for Costs.

In any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as a Trustee, a court in its discretion may require the filing by any party litigant in the suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of the suit, and the court in its discretion may assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, against any party litigant in the suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by the party litigant. This Section 6.11 does not apply to a suit by the Trustee, a suit by a Holder of a Note pursuant to Section 6.07 hereof, or a suit by Holders of more than 10% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes of any series.

 

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ARTICLE 7

TRUSTEE

Section 7.01 Duties of Trustee.

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

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

(1) the duties of the Trustee will be determined solely by the express provisions of this Indenture and the Trustee need perform only those duties that are specifically set forth in this Indenture and no others, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee; and

(2) in the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture. However, the Trustee will examine the certificates and opinions to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture.

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

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

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

(3) the Trustee will not be liable with respect to any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in accordance with a direction received by it pursuant to Section 6.05 hereof.

(d) Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision of this Indenture that in any way relates to the Trustee is subject to paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this Section 7.01.

(e) No provision of this Indenture will require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or incur any liability. The Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights and powers under this Indenture at the request of any Holders, unless such Holder has offered to the Trustee security and indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense.

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

 

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Section 7.02 Rights of Trustee.

(a) The Trustee may conclusively rely upon any document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper Person. The Trustee need not investigate any fact or matter stated in the document.

(b) Before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, it may require an Officers’ Certificate or an Opinion of Counsel or both. The Trustee will not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in reliance on such Officers’ Certificate or Opinion of Counsel. The Trustee may consult with counsel and the written advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel will be full and complete authorization and protection from liability in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon.

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

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

(e) Unless otherwise specifically provided in this Indenture, any demand, request, direction or notice from the Company will be sufficient if signed by an Officer of the Company.

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

Section 7.03 Individual Rights of Trustee.

The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or pledgee of Notes and may otherwise deal with the Company or any Affiliate of the Company with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee. However, in the event that the Trustee acquires any conflicting interest it must eliminate such conflict within 90 days, apply to the SEC for permission to continue as trustee (if this Indenture has been qualified under the TIA) or resign. Any Agent may do the same with like rights and duties. The Trustee is also subject to Sections 7.10 and 7.11 hereof.

Section 7.04 Trustee’s Disclaimer.

The Trustee will not be responsible for and makes no representation as to the validity or adequacy of this Indenture or the Notes, it shall not be accountable for the Company’s use of the proceeds from the Notes or any money paid to the Company or upon the Company’s direction under any provision of this Indenture, it will not be responsible for the use or application of any money received by any Paying Agent other than the Trustee, and it will not be responsible for any statement or recital herein or any statement in the Notes or any other document in connection with the sale of the Notes or pursuant to this Indenture other than its certificate of authentication.

 

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Section 7.05 Notice of Defaults.

If a Default or Event of Default occurs and is continuing and if it is known to the Trustee, the Trustee will mail to Holders of Notes a notice of the Default or Event of Default within 90 days after it occurs. Except in the case of a Default or Event of Default in payment of principal of, premium or Liquidated Damages, if any, or interest on, any Note, the Trustee may withhold the notice if and so long as a committee of its Responsible Officers in good faith determines that withholding the notice is in the interests of the Holders of the Notes.

Section 7.06 Reports by Trustee to Holders of the Notes.

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

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

Section 7.07 Compensation and Indemnity.

(a) The Company will pay to the Trustee from time to time reasonable compensation for its acceptance of this Indenture and services hereunder. The Trustee’s compensation will not be limited by any law on compensation of a trustee of an express trust. The Company will reimburse the Trustee promptly upon request for all reasonable disbursements, advances and expenses incurred or made by it in addition to the compensation for its services. Such expenses will include the reasonable compensation, disbursements and expenses of the Trustee’s agents and counsel.

(b) The Company and the Guarantors will indemnify the Trustee against any and all losses, liabilities or expenses incurred by it arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of its duties under this Indenture, including the costs and expenses of enforcing this Indenture against the Company and the Guarantors (including this Section 7.07) and defending itself against any claim (whether asserted by the Company, the Guarantors, any Holder or any other Person) or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder, except to the extent any such loss, liability or expense may be attributable to its negligence or bad faith. The Trustee will notify the Company promptly of any claim for which it may seek indemnity. Failure by the Trustee to so notify the Company will not relieve the Company or any of the Guarantors of their obligations hereunder. The Company or such Guarantor will defend the claim and the Trustee will cooperate in the defense. The Trustee may have separate counsel and the Company will pay the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel. Neither the Company nor any Guarantor need pay for any settlement made without its consent, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld.

(c) The obligations of the Company and the Guarantors under this Section 7.07 will survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture.

(d) To secure the Company’s and the Guarantors’ payment obligations in this Section 7.07, the Trustee will have a Lien prior to the Notes on all money or property held or collected by the Trustee, except that held in trust to pay principal and interest on particular Notes. Such Lien will survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture.

 

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(e) When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services after an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(7) or (8) hereof occurs, the expenses and the compensation for the services (including the fees and expenses of its agents and counsel) are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any Bankruptcy Law.

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

Section 7.08 Replacement of Trustee.

(a) A resignation or removal of the Trustee and appointment of a successor Trustee will become effective only upon the successor Trustee’s acceptance of appointment as provided in this Section 7.08.

(b) The Trustee may resign in writing at any time and be discharged from the trust hereby created by so notifying the Company. The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes of any series may remove the Trustee by so notifying the Trustee and the Company in writing. The Company may remove the Trustee if:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

  (4) the Trustee becomes incapable of acting.

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

(d) If a successor Trustee does not take office within 60 days after the retiring Trustee resigns or is removed, the retiring Trustee, the Company, or the Holders of at least 10% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes of any series may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee.

(e) If the Trustee, after written request by any Holder who has been a Holder for at least six months, fails to comply with Section 7.10 hereof, such Holder may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor Trustee.

(f) A successor Trustee will deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring Trustee and to the Company. Thereupon, the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee will become effective, and the successor Trustee will have all the rights, powers and duties of the Trustee under this Indenture. The successor Trustee will mail a notice of its succession to Holders. The retiring Trustee will promptly transfer all property held by it as Trustee to the successor Trustee; provided all

 

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sums owing to the Trustee hereunder have been paid and subject to the Lien provided for in Section 7.07 hereof. Notwithstanding replacement of the Trustee pursuant to this Section 7.08, the Company’s obligations under Section 7.07 hereof will continue for the benefit of the retiring Trustee.

Section 7.09 Successor Trustee by Merger, etc.

If the Trustee consolidates, merges or converts into, or transfers all or substantially all of its corporate trust business to, another corporation, the successor corporation without any further act will be the successor Trustee.

Section 7.10 Eligibility; Disqualification.

There will at all times be a Trustee hereunder that is a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of America or of any state thereof that is authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trustee power, that is subject to supervision or examination by federal or state authorities and that has a combined capital and surplus of at least $100.0 million as set forth in its most recent published annual report of condition.

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

Section 7.11 Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company.

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

ARTICLE 8

LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE

Section 8.01 Option to Effect Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.

The Company may at any time, at the option of its Board of Directors evidenced by a resolution set forth in an Officers’ Certificate, elect to have either Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof be applied to all outstanding Notes of any series upon compliance with the conditions set forth below in this Article 8.

Section 8.02 Legal Defeasance and Discharge.

Upon the Company’s exercise under Section 8.01 hereof of the option applicable to this Section 8.02, the Company and each of the Guarantors will, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8.04 hereof, be deemed to have been discharged from their obligations with respect to all outstanding Notes of any series (including the Note Guarantees) on the date the conditions set forth below are satisfied (hereinafter, “ Legal Defeasance ”). For this purpose, Legal Defeasance means that the Company and the Guarantors will be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire Indebtedness represented by such outstanding Notes (including the Note Guarantees), which will thereafter be deemed to be “outstanding” only for the purposes of Section 8.05 hereof and the other Sections of this Indenture referred to in clauses (1) and (2) below, and to have satisfied all their other obligations under such Notes, the Note Guarantees and this Indenture (and the Trustee, on demand of and at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging the same), except for the following provisions which will survive until otherwise terminated or discharged hereunder:

 

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(1) the rights of Holders of outstanding Notes to receive payments in respect of the principal of, or interest or premium and Liquidated Damages, if any, on, such Notes when such payments are due from the trust referred to in Section 8.04 hereof;

(2) the Company’s obligations with respect to such Notes under Article 2 and Section 4.02 hereof;

(3) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee hereunder and the Company’s and the Guarantors’ obligations in connection therewith; and

(4) this Article 8.

Subject to compliance with this Article 8, the Company may exercise its option under this Section 8.02 notwithstanding the prior exercise of its option under Section 8.03 hereof.

Section 8.03 Covenant Defeasance.

Upon the Company’s exercise under Section 8.01 hereof of the option applicable to this Section 8.03, the Company and each of the Guarantors will, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8.04 hereof, be released from its obligations under the covenants contained in Sections 4.06, 4.08, 4.10, 4.11 hereof and clause (4) of Section 5.01 hereof with respect to the outstanding Notes of any series on and after the date the conditions set forth in Section 8.04 hereof are satisfied (hereinafter, “ Covenant Defeasance ”), and such Notes will thereafter be deemed not “outstanding” for the purposes of any direction, waiver, consent or declaration or act of Holders (and the consequences of any thereof) in connection with such covenants, but will continue to be deemed “outstanding” for all other purposes hereunder (it being understood that such Notes will not be deemed outstanding for accounting purposes). For this purpose, Covenant Defeasance means that, with respect to the outstanding Notes of any series and Note Guarantees of such series, the Company and the Guarantors may omit to comply with and will have no liability in respect of any term, condition or limitation set forth in any such covenant, whether directly or indirectly, by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to any such covenant or by reason of any reference in any such covenant to any other provision herein or in any other document and such omission to comply will not constitute a Default or an Event of Default under Section 6.01 hereof, but, except as specified above, the remainder of this Indenture and such Notes and Note Guarantees will be unaffected thereby. In addition, upon the Company’s exercise under Section 8.01 hereof of the option applicable to this Section 8.03, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8.04 hereof, Sections 6.01(3) and 6.01(4) hereof will not constitute Events of Default.

Section 8.04 Conditions to Legal or Covenant Defeasance.

In order to exercise either Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance under either Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof with respect to any series of Notes:

(1) the Company must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, in trust, for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes of such series will occur, cash in U.S. dollars, non-callable Government Securities, or a combination thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized investment bank, appraisal firm, or firm of independent public accountants, to pay the principal of, premium and Liquidated Damages, if any, and interest on, such outstanding Notes on the stated date for payment thereof or on the applicable redemption date, as the case may be, and the Company must specify whether the Notes of such series are being defeased to such stated date for payment or to a particular redemption date;

 

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(2) in the case of an election under Section 8.02 hereof, the Company must deliver to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that:

(A) the Company has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling; or

(B) since the date of this Indenture, there has been a change in the applicable federal income tax law,

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

(3) in the case of an election under Section 8.03 hereof, the Company must deliver to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that the Holders of such outstanding Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Covenant Defeasance had not occurred;

(4) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit (other than a Default or Event of Default resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to such deposit) and the deposit will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any other instrument to which the Company or any Guarantor is a party or by which the Company or any Guarantor is bound;

(5) such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any material agreement or instrument (other than this Indenture) to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is bound;

(6) the Company must deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that the deposit was not made by the Company with the intent of preferring the Holders of the Notes of such series over the other creditors of the Company with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding any creditors of the Company or others; and

(7) the Company must deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent relating to the Legal Defeasance or the Covenant Defeasance have been complied with.

Section 8.05 Deposited Money and Government Securities to be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions.

Subject to Section 8.06 hereof, all money and non-callable Government Securities (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee, collectively for purposes of this Section 8.05, the “ Trustee ”) pursuant to Section 8.04 hereof in respect of any Notes to be defeased will be held in trust and applied by the Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of such Notes and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Company acting as Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Holders of such Notes of all sums due and to become due thereon in respect of principal, premium and Liquidated Damages, if any, and interest, but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

 

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The Company will pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against the cash or non-callable Government Securities deposited pursuant to Section 8.04 hereof or the principal and interest received in respect thereof other than any such tax, fee or other charge which by law is for the account of the Holders of such Notes.

Notwithstanding anything in this Article 8 to the contrary, the Trustee will deliver or pay to the Company from time to time upon the request of the Company any money or non-callable Government Securities held by it as provided in Section 8.04 hereof which, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee (which may be the opinion delivered under Section 8.04(1) hereof), are in excess of the amount thereof that would then be required to be deposited to effect an equivalent Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.

Section 8.06 Repayment to Company.

Any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by the Company, in trust for the payment of the principal of, premium or Liquidated Damages, if any, or interest on, any Note and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal, premium or Liquidated Damages, if any, or interest has become due and payable shall be paid to the Company on its request or (if then held by the Company) will be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Note will thereafter be permitted to look only to the Company for payment thereof, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money, and all liability of the Company as trustee thereof, will thereupon cease; provided, however , that the Trustee or such Paying Agent, before being required to make any such repayment, may at the expense of the Company cause to be published once, in the New York Times and The Wall Street Journal (national edition), notice that such money remains unclaimed and that, after a date specified therein, which will not be less than 30 days from the date of such notification or publication, any unclaimed balance of such money then remaining will be repaid to the Company.

Section 8.07 Reinstatement.

If the Trustee or Paying Agent is unable to apply any U.S. dollars or non-callable Government Securities in accordance with Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof, as the case may be, by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, then the Company’s and the Guarantors’ obligations under this Indenture with respect to such Notes and the Note Guarantees affected thereby will be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof until such time as the Trustee or Paying Agent is permitted to apply all such money in accordance with Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof, as the case may be; provided, however , that, if the Company makes any payment of principal of, premium or Liquidated Damages, if any, or interest on, any Note following the reinstatement of its obligations, the Company will be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Notes to receive such payment from the money held by the Trustee or Paying Agent.

 

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ARTICLE 9

AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER

Section 9.01 Without Consent of Holders of Notes.

Notwithstanding Section 9.02 of this Indenture, the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee may amend or supplement this Indenture, the Notes of any series or the Note Guarantees with respect to such series without the consent of any Holder of any Note of such series:

(1) to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency;

(2) to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of certificated Notes;

(3) to provide for the assumption of the Company’s or a Guarantor’s obligations to the Holders of the Notes and Note Guarantees by a successor to the Company or such Guarantor pursuant to Article 5 or Article 10 hereof;

(4) to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the Holders of the Notes of a particular series or that does not adversely affect the legal rights hereunder of any such Holder;

(5) to comply with requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the qualification of this Indenture under the TIA;

(6) to conform the text of this Indenture, the Escrow Agreement or the Notes to any provision of the “Description of Notes” section of the Company’s Offering Memorandum dated October 31, 2006, relating to the initial offering of the Notes, to the extent that such provision in that “Description of Notes” was intended to be a verbatim recitation of a provision of this Indenture, the Note Guarantees or the Notes;

(7) to provide for the issuance of Additional Notes in accordance with the limitations set forth in this Indenture as of the date hereof; or

(8) to allow any Guarantor to execute a supplemental indenture and/or a Note Guarantee with respect to the Notes of a particular series.

Upon the request of the Company accompanied by a resolution of its Board of Directors authorizing the execution of any such amended or supplemental indenture, and upon receipt by the Trustee of the documents described in Section 7.02 hereof, the Trustee will join with the Company and the Guarantors in the execution of any amended or supplemental indenture authorized or permitted by the terms of this Indenture and to make any further appropriate agreements and stipulations that may be therein contained, but the Trustee will not be obligated to enter into such amended or supplemental indenture that affects its own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.

Section 9.02 With Consent of Holders of Notes.

Except as provided below in this Section 9.02, the Company and the Trustee may amend or supplement this Indenture (including, without limitation, Section 4.08 hereof) and the Notes and the Note Guarantees of each series affected thereby with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes of each such series (including, without

 

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limitation, Additional Notes, if any) voting as a single class (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for, or purchase of, such Notes), and, subject to Sections 6.04 and 6.07 hereof, any existing Default or Event of Default (other than a Default or Event of Default in the payment of the principal of, premium or Liquidated Damages, if any, or interest on, the Notes of a series, except a payment default resulting from an acceleration that has been rescinded) or compliance with any provision of this Indenture or the Notes or the Note Guarantees of a series may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes of such series (including, without limitation, Additional Notes, if any) voting as a single class (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for, or purchase of, such Notes). Section 2.08 hereof shall determine which Notes are to be considered “outstanding” for purposes of this Section 9.02.

Upon the request of the Company accompanied by a resolution of its Board of Directors authorizing the execution of any such amended or supplemental indenture, and upon the filing with the Trustee of evidence satisfactory to the Trustee of the consent of the Holders of Notes of the applicable series as aforesaid, and upon receipt by the Trustee of the documents described in Section 7.02 hereof, the Trustee will join with the Company and the Guarantors in the execution of such amended or supplemental indenture unless such amended or supplemental indenture directly affects the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise, in which case the Trustee may in its discretion, but will not be obligated to, enter into such amended or supplemental indenture.

It is not necessary for the consent of the Holders of Notes of the applicable series under this Section 9.02 to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment, supplement or waiver, but it is sufficient if such consent approves the substance thereof.

After an amendment, supplement or waiver under this Section 9.02 becomes effective, the Company will mail to the Holders of Notes of each series affected thereby a notice briefly describing the amendment, supplement or waiver. Any failure of the Company to mail such notice, or any defect therein, will not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of any such amended or supplemental indenture or waiver. Subject to Sections 6.04 and 6.07 hereof, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes of each series then outstanding voting as a single class may waive compliance in a particular instance by the Company with any provision of this Indenture or such Notes or Note Guarantees with respect to such series. However, without the consent of each Holder affected, an amendment, supplement or waiver under this Section 9.02 may not (with respect to any Notes held by a non-consenting Holder):

(1) reduce the principal amount of Notes of any series whose Holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver;

(2) reduce the principal of or change the fixed maturity of any Note or alter or waive any of the provisions with respect to the redemption of the Notes (except as provided above with respect to Section 4.08 hereof);

(3) reduce the rate of or change the time for payment of interest, including default interest, on any Note;

(4) waive a Default or Event of Default in the payment of principal of, or premium or Liquidated Damages, if any, or interest on, the Notes of any series (except a rescission of acceleration of the Notes of such series by the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes of such series and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration);

 

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(5) make any Note payable in money other than that stated in the Notes;

(6) make any change in the provisions of this Indenture relating to waivers of past Defaults or the rights of Holders of Notes to receive payments of principal of, or interest or premium or Liquidated Damages, if any, on, the Notes;

(7) waive a redemption payment with respect to any Note (other than a payment required by Section 4.08 hereof);

(8) release any Guarantor from any of its obligations under its Note Guarantee or this Indenture, except in accordance with the terms of this Indenture; or

(9) make any change in the preceding amendment and waiver provisions.

Section 9.03 Compliance with Trust Indenture Act.

Every amendment or supplement to this Indenture or the Notes will be set forth in a amended or supplemental indenture that complies with the TIA as then in effect.

Section 9.04 Revocation and Effect of Consents.

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

Section 9.05 Notation on or Exchange of Notes.

The Trustee may place an appropriate notation about an amendment, supplement or waiver on any Note thereafter authenticated. The Company in exchange for the affected Note may issue and the Trustee shall, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, authenticate a new Note of that same series that reflects the amendment, supplement or waiver.

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

Section 9.06 Trustee to Sign Amendments, etc.

The Trustee will sign any amended or supplemental indenture authorized pursuant to this Article 9 if the amendment or supplement does not adversely affect the rights, duties, liabilities or immunities of the Trustee. The Company may not sign an amended or supplemental indenture until the Board of Directors of the Company approves it. In executing any amended or supplemental indenture, the Trustee will be entitled to receive and (subject to Section 7.01 hereof) will be fully protected in relying upon, in addition to the documents required by Section 12.04 hereof, an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such amended or supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture.

 

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ARTICLE 10

NOTE GUARANTEES

 

Section 10.01 Guarantee.

(a) Subject to this Article 10, each of the Guarantors hereby, jointly and severally, unconditionally guarantees to each Holder of a Note authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and to the Trustee and its successors and assigns, irrespective of the validity and enforceability of this Indenture, the Notes or the obligations of the Company hereunder or thereunder, that:

(1) the principal of, premium and Liquidated Damages, if any, and interest on, the Notes of any series will be promptly paid in full when due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, redemption or otherwise, and interest on the overdue principal of and interest on the Notes of such series, if any, if lawful, and all other obligations of the Company to the Holders or the Trustee hereunder or thereunder will be promptly paid in full or performed, all in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof; and

(2) in case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any Notes or any of such other obligations, that same will be promptly paid in full when due or performed in accordance with the terms of the extension or renewal, whether at Stated Maturity, by acceleration or otherwise.

Failing payment when due of any amount so guaranteed or any performance so guaranteed for whatever reason, the Guarantors will be jointly and severally obligated to pay the same immediately. Each Guarantor agrees that this is a guarantee of payment and not a guarantee of collection.

(b) The Guarantors hereby agree that their obligations hereunder are unconditional, irrespective of the validity, regularity or enforceability of the Notes or this Indenture, the absence of any action to enforce the same, any waiver or consent by any Holder of the Notes with respect to any provisions hereof or thereof, the recovery of any judgment against the Company, any action to enforce the same or any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a guarantor. Each Guarantor hereby waives diligence, presentment, demand of payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of insolvency or bankruptcy of the Company, any right to require a proceeding first against the Company, protest, notice and all demands whatsoever and covenant that this Note Guarantee will not be discharged except by complete performance of the obligations contained in the Notes and this Indenture.

(c) If any Holder or the Trustee is required by any court or otherwise to return to the Company, the Guarantors or any custodian, trustee, liquidator or other similar official acting in relation to either the Company or the Guarantors, any amount paid by either to the Trustee or such Holder, this Note Guarantee, to the extent theretofore discharged, will be reinstated in full force and effect.

(d) Each Guarantor agrees that it will not be entitled to any right of subrogation in relation to the Holders in respect of any obligations guaranteed hereby until payment in full of all obligations guaranteed hereby. Each Guarantor further agrees that, as between the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the Holders and the Trustee, on the other hand, (1) the maturity of the obligations guaranteed hereby may be accelerated as provided in Article 6 hereof for the purposes of this Note Guarantee, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such acceleration in respect of the obligations guaranteed hereby, and (2) in the event of any declaration of acceleration of such obligations as provided in Article 6 hereof, such obligations (whether or not due and payable) will

 

55


forthwith become due and payable by the Guarantors for the purpose of this Note Guarantee. The Guarantors will have the right to seek contribution from any non-paying Guarantor so long as the exercise of such right does not impair the rights of the Holders under the Note Guarantee.

Section 10.02 Limitation on Guarantor Liability.

Each Guarantor, and by its acceptance of Notes, each Holder, hereby confirms that it is the intention of all such parties that the Note Guarantee of such Guarantor not constitute a fraudulent transfer or conveyance for purposes of Bankruptcy Law, the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act or any similar federal or state law to the extent applicable to any Note Guarantee. To effectuate the foregoing intention, the Trustee, the Holders and the Guarantors hereby irrevocably agree that the obligations of such Guarantor will be limited to the maximum amount that will, after giving effect to such maximum amount and all other contingent and fixed liabilities of such Guarantor that are relevant under such laws, and after giving effect to any collections from, rights to receive contribution from or payments made by or on behalf of any other Guarantor in respect of the obligations of such other Guarantor under this Article 10, result in the obligations of such Guarantor under its Note Guarantee not constituting a fraudulent transfer or conveyance.

Section 10.03 Execution and Delivery of Note Guarantee.

To evidence its Note Guarantee set forth in Section 10.01 hereof, each Guarantor hereby agrees that a notation of such Note Guarantee substantially in the form attached as Exhibit E hereto will be endorsed by an Officer of such Guarantor on each Note authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and that this Indenture will be executed on behalf of such Guarantor by one of its Officers.

Each Guarantor hereby agrees that its Note Guarantee set forth in Section 10.01 hereof will remain in full force and effect notwithstanding any failure to endorse on each Note a notation of such Note Guarantee.

If an Officer whose signature is on this Indenture or on the Note Guarantee no longer holds that office at the time the Trustee authenticates the Note on which a Note Guarantee is endorsed, the Note Guarantee will be valid nevertheless.

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

In the event that the Company or any of its Subsidiaries creates or acquires any Domestic Subsidiary after the date of this Indenture, if required by Section 4.10 hereof, the Company will cause such Domestic Subsidiary to comply with the provisions of Section 4.10 hereof and this Article 10, to the extent applicable.

Section 10.04 Guarantors May Consolidate, etc., on Certain Terms.

Except as otherwise provided in Section 10.05 hereof, no Guarantor may sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets to, or consolidate with or merge with or into (whether or not such Guarantor is the surviving Person) another Person, other than the Company or another Guarantor, unless immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Default or Event of Default exists.

In case of any such consolidation, merger, sale or conveyance and upon the assumption by the successor Person, by supplemental indenture, executed and delivered to the Trustee and satisfactory in form to the Trustee, of the Note Guarantee endorsed upon the Notes and the due and punctual

 

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performance of all of the covenants and conditions of this Indenture to be performed by the Guarantor, such successor Person will succeed to and be substituted for the Guarantor with the same effect as if it had been named herein as a Guarantor. Such successor Person thereupon may cause to be signed any or all of the Note Guarantees to be endorsed upon all of the Notes issuable hereunder which theretofore shall not have been signed by the Company and delivered to the Trustee. All the Note Guarantees so issued will in all respects have the same legal rank and benefit under this Indenture as the Note Guarantees theretofore and thereafter issued in accordance with the terms of this Indenture as though all of such Note Guarantees had been issued at the date of the execution hereof.

Except as set forth in Articles 4 and 5 hereof, and notwithstanding clauses 2(a) and (b) above, nothing contained in this Indenture or in any of the Notes will prevent any consolidation or merger of a Guarantor with or into the Company or another Guarantor, or will prevent any sale or conveyance of the property of a Guarantor as an entirety or substantially as an entirety to the Company or another Guarantor.

Section 10.05 Releases.

(a) In the event of any sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of any Guarantor, by way of merger, consolidation or otherwise, or a sale or other disposition of all of the Capital Stock of any Guarantor, in each case to a Person that is not (either before or after giving effect to such transactions) the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company, then such Guarantor (in the event of a sale or other disposition, by way of merger, consolidation or otherwise, of all of the Capital Stock of such Guarantor) or the corporation acquiring the property (in the event of a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of such Guarantor) will be released and relieved of any obligations under its Note Guarantee; provided that the net proceeds of such sale or other disposition are applied in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Indenture. Upon delivery by the Company to the Trustee of an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that such sale or other disposition was made by the Company in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture, the Trustee will execute any documents reasonably required in order to evidence the release of any Guarantor from its obligations under its Note Guarantee.

(b) Each Guarantor will be released and relieved of any obligations under its Note Guarantee:

(1) upon the release, discharge or termination of the Subsidiary’s Guarantee of the Credit Agreement, except a discharge, release or termination by or as a result of payment under such Guarantee; or

(2) upon Legal Defeasance in accordance with Article 8 hereof or satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture in accordance with Article 11 hereof.

Any Guarantor not released from its obligations under its Note Guarantee as provided in this Section 10.05 will remain liable for the full amount of principal of and interest and premium and Liquidated Damages, if any, on the Notes and for the other obligations of any Guarantor under this Indenture as provided in this Article 10.

 

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ARTICLE 11

SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

Section 11.01 Satisfaction and Discharge.

This Indenture will be discharged and will cease to be of further effect with respect to the 2016 Notes or the 2036 Notes, as the case may be, issued hereunder, when:

(1) either:

(a) all Notes of the applicable series that have been authenticated, except lost, stolen or destroyed Notes of such series that have been replaced or paid and Notes of such series for whose payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust and thereafter repaid to the Company, have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or

(b) all Notes of the applicable series that have not been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation have become due and payable by reason of the mailing of a notice of redemption or otherwise or will become due and payable within one year and the Company or any Guarantor has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust solely for the benefit of the Holders, cash in U.S. dollars, non-callable Government Securities, or a combination thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient, without consideration of any reinvestment of interest, to pay and discharge the entire Indebtedness on the Notes of such series not delivered to the Trustee for cancellation for principal, premium and Liquidated Damages, if any, and accrued interest to the date of maturity or redemption;

(2) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing on the date of such deposit (other than a Default or Event of Default resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to such deposit) and the deposit will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any other instrument to which the Company or any Guarantor is a party or by which the Company or any Guarantor is bound;

(3) the Company or any Guarantor has paid or caused to be paid all sums payable by it under this Indenture with respect to the applicable series of Notes; and

(4) the Company has delivered irrevocable instructions to the Trustee under this Indenture to apply the deposited money toward the payment of the Notes of the applicable series at maturity or on the redemption date, as the case may be.

In addition, the Company must deliver an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the Trustee stating that all conditions precedent to satisfaction and discharge have been satisfied.

Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, if money has been deposited with the Trustee pursuant to subclause (b) of clause (1) of this Section 11.01, the provisions of Sections 11.02 and 8.06 hereof will survive. In addition, nothing in this Section 11.01 will be deemed to discharge those provisions of Section 7.07 hereof, that, by their terms, survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture.

Section 11.02 Application of Trust Money.

Subject to the provisions of Section 8.06 hereof, all money deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 11.01 hereof shall be held in trust and applied by it, in accordance with the provisions of the

 

58


Notes of the applicable series and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Company acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Persons entitled thereto, of the principal (and premium and Liquidated Damages, if any) and interest for whose payment such money has been deposited with the Trustee; but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

If the Trustee or Paying Agent is unable to apply any money or Government Securities in accordance with Section 11.01 hereof by reason of any legal proceeding or by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, the Company’s and any Guarantor’s obligations under this Indenture and the Notes of the applicable series shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to Section 11.01 hereof; provided that if the Company has made any payment of principal of, premium or Liquidated Damages, if any, or interest on, any such Notes because of the reinstatement of its obligations, the Company shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Notes to receive such payment from the money or Government Securities held by the Trustee or Paying Agent.

ARTICLE 12

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 12.01 Trust Indenture Act Controls.

If any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with the duties imposed by TIA §318(c), the imposed duties will control.

Section 12.02 Notices.

Any notice or communication by the Company, any Guarantor or the Trustee to the others is duly given if in writing and delivered in Person or by first class mail (registered or certified, return receipt requested), facsimile transmission or overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery, to the others’ address:

If to the Company and/or any Guarantor:

Owens Corning

1 Owens Corning Pkwy.

Toledo, OH 43659

Facsimile No.: (419) 248-5337

Attention: Stephen K. Krull

With a copy to:

Sidley Austin LLP

One South Dearborn Street

Chicago, IL 60603

Facsimile No.: (312) 853-7036

Attention: Larry A. Barden, Lisa J. Reategui

If to the Trustee:

LaSalle Bank National Association

135 S. LaSalle – Suite 1560

Chicago, IL 60603

Facsimile No.: (312) 904-4018

Attention: Gregory S. Clarke

 

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The Company, any Guarantor or the Trustee, by notice to the others, may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.

All notices and communications (other than those sent to Holders) will be deemed to have been duly given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; five Business Days after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed; when receipt acknowledged, if transmitted by facsimile; and the next Business Day after timely delivery to the courier, if sent by overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery.

Any notice or communication to a Holder will be mailed by first class mail, certified or registered, return receipt requested, or by overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery to its address shown on the register kept by the Registrar. Any notice or communication will also be so mailed to any Person described in TIA § 313(c), to the extent required by the TIA. Failure to mail a notice or communication to a Holder or any defect in it will not affect its sufficiency with respect to other Holders.

If a notice or communication is mailed in the manner provided above within the time prescribed, it is duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it.

If the Company mails a notice or communication to Holders, it will mail a copy to the Trustee and each Agent at the same time.

Section 12.03 Communication by Holders of Notes with Other Holders of Notes.

Holders of a Note of any series may communicate pursuant to TIA § 312(b) with other Holders of that series with respect to their rights under this Indenture or the applicable Notes. The Company, the Trustee, the Registrar and anyone else shall have the protection of TIA § 312(c).

Section 12.04 Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent.

Upon any request or application by the Company to the Trustee to take any action under this Indenture, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee:

(1) an Officers’ Certificate in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee (which must include the statements set forth in Section 12.05 hereof) stating that, in the opinion of the signers, all conditions precedent and covenants, if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been satisfied; and

(2) an Opinion of Counsel in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee (which must include the statements set forth in Section 12.05 hereof) stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all such conditions precedent and covenants have been satisfied.

Section 12.05 Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion.

Each certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture (other than a certificate provided pursuant to TIA § 314(a)(4)) must comply with the provisions of TIA § 314(e) and must include:

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

 

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

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

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

Section 12.06 Rules by Trustee and Agents.

The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or at a meeting of Holders. The Registrar or Paying Agent may make reasonable rules and set reasonable requirements for its functions.

Section 12.07 No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders.

No past, present or future director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of OCD or the Company or any Guarantor, as such, will have any liability for any obligations of the Company or the Guarantors under the Notes, this Indenture, the Note Guarantees, the Escrow Agreement or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder of Notes by accepting a Note or payment from the Escrowed Property waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes or payment from the Escrowed Property. The waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws.

Section 12.08 Governing Law.

THE INTERNAL LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WILL GOVERN AND BE USED TO CONSTRUE THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTES AND THE NOTE GUARANTEES WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO APPLICABLE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW TO THE EXTENT THAT THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION WOULD BE REQUIRED THEREBY.

Section 12.09 No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements.

This Indenture may not be used to interpret any other indenture, loan or debt agreement of the Company or its Subsidiaries or of any other Person. Any such indenture, loan or debt agreement may not be used to interpret this Indenture.

Section 12.10 Successors.

All agreements of the Company in this Indenture and the Notes will bind its successors. All agreements of the Trustee in this Indenture will bind its successors. All agreements of each Guarantor in this Indenture will bind its successors, except as otherwise provided in Section 10.05 hereof.

 

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Section 12.11 Severability.

In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Notes is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions will not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

Section 12.12 Counterpart Originals.

The parties may sign any number of copies of this Indenture. Each signed copy will be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement.

Section 12.13 Table of Contents, Headings, etc.

The Table of Contents, Cross-Reference Table and Headings of the Articles and Sections of this Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not to be considered a part of this Indenture and will in no way modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.

[Signatures on following page]

 

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SIGNATURES

Dated as of October 31, 2006

 

Owens Corning
By:  

/s/ Ralph A. Than

Name:   Ralph A. Than
Title:   Vice President Finance and Treasurer
By:  

/s/ Stephen K. Krull

Name:   Stephen K. Krull
Title:   Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Owens Corning Sales, Inc.
By:  

/s/ Ralph A. Than

Name:   Ralph A. Than
Title:   Vice President Finance and Treasurer
Fibreboard Corporation
By:  

/s/ Stephen K. Krull

Name:   Stephen K. Krull
Title:   Authorized Representative
Exterior Systems, Inc.
By:  

/s/ Stephen K. Krull

Name:   Stephen K. Krull
Title:   Authorized Representative
Soltech, Inc.
By:  

/s/ Stephen K. Krull

Name:   Stephen K. Krull
Title:   Authorized Representative


IPM Inc.
By:  

/s/ Stephen K. Krull

Name:   Stephen K. Krull
Title:   Authorized Representative
Integrex  
By:  

/s/ Stephen K. Krull

Name:   Stephen K. Krull
Title:   Authorized Representative
Owens-Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
By:  

/s/ Stephen K. Krull

Name:   Stephen K. Krull
Title:   Secretary and Authorized Representative
LaSalle Bank National Association
By:  

/s/ Gregory S. Clarke

Name:   Gregory S. Clarke
Title:   Vice President


[Face of Note]

 


CUSIP/CINS                     

         % Senior Notes due 20     

 

No.             

    $                     

Owens Corning

promises to pay to [              ] or registered assigns,

the principal sum of                                                               DOLLARS on                      , 20      .

Interest Payment Dates: June 1 and December 1

Record Dates: May 15 and November 15

Dated:                      , 200     

 

Owens Corning
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  

This is one of the Notes referred to

in the within-mentioned Indenture:

 

LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

    as Trustee

By:  

 

  Authorized Signatory

 


 

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[Back of Note]

     % Senior Notes due 20     

[Insert the Global Note Legend, if applicable pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture]

[Insert the Private Placement Legend, if applicable pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture]

[Insert the Unit Legend, if applicable pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture]

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

(1) I NTEREST . Owens Corning, a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), promises to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note at              % per annum from              , 20      until maturity and shall pay the Liquidated Damages, if any, payable pursuant to Section 8 of the Notes Registration Rights Agreement referred to below. The Company will pay interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, semiannually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year, or if any such day is not a Business Day, on the next succeeding Business Day (each, an “ Interest Payment Date ”). Interest on the Notes will accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from the date of issuance; provided that if there is no existing Default in the payment of interest, and if this Note is authenticated between a record date referred to on the face hereof and the next succeeding Interest Payment Date, interest shall accrue from such next succeeding Interest Payment Date; provided further that the first Interest Payment Date shall be June 1, 2007. The Company will pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal and premium, if any, from time to time on demand at a rate that is 1% per annum in excess of the rate then in effect to the extent lawful; it will pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, (without regard to any applicable grace periods) from time to time on demand at the same rate to the extent lawful. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.

(2) M ETHOD OF P AYMENT . The Company will pay interest on the Notes (except defaulted interest) and Liquidated Damages, if any, to the Persons who are registered Holders of Notes at the close of business on the May 15 or November next preceding the Interest Payment Date, even if such Notes are canceled after such record date and on or before such Interest Payment Date, except as provided in Section 2.12 of the Indenture with respect to defaulted interest. The Notes will be payable as to principal, premium and Liquidated Damages, if any, and interest at the office or agency of the Company maintained for such purpose within or without the City and State of New York, or, at the option of the Company, payment of interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, may be made by check mailed to the Holders at their addresses set forth in the register of Holders; provided that payment by wire transfer of immediately available funds will be required with respect to principal of and interest, premium and Liquidated Damages, if any, on, all Global Notes and all other Notes the Holders of which will have provided wire transfer instructions to the Company or the Paying Agent. Such payment will be in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts.

(3) P AYING A GENT AND R EGISTRAR . Initially, LaSalle Bank National Association, the Trustee under the Indenture, will act as Paying Agent and Registrar. The Company may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without notice to any Holder. The Company or any of its Subsidiaries may act in any such capacity.

 

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(4) I NDENTURE . The Company issued the Notes under an Indenture dated as of October 31, 2006 (the “ Indenture ”) among the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee. The terms of the Notes include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the TIA. The Notes are subject to all such terms, and Holders are referred to the Indenture and such Act for a statement of such terms. To the extent any provision of this Note conflicts with the express provisions of the Indenture, the provisions of the Indenture shall govern and be controlling. The Notes are unsecured obligations of the Company. The Indenture does not limit the aggregate principal amount of Notes that may be issued thereunder.

(5) O PTIONAL R EDEMPTION .

(a) The Company may redeem all or a part of any series of Notes at a redemption price equal to the greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed and (ii) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the Notes to be redeemed (excluding accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption) discounted to the date of redemption on a semiannual basis (assuming 360-day years, each consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate plus 30 basis points for the 2016 Notes and 37.5 basis points for the 2036 Notes, in each case, together with accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, thereon to the date of redemption, subject to the rights of Holders of Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date.

(b) Unless the Company defaults in payment of the redemption price, on and after the date of redemption, interest will cease to accrue on the Notes or portions thereof called for redemption.

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

(6) E SCROW R EDEMPTION .

If the proceeds from the sale of the Notes and the OCD Contribution have been paid into the Escrow Account (as defined in the Escrow Agreement) in accordance with Section 3 of the Purchase Agreement and the Escrow Agent has, pursuant to Section 6(b) of the Escrow Agreement, released the Escrowed Property (including investment earnings) to the Trustee, the Trustee shall, on the Business Day following the release of the Escrowed Property to the Trustee, redeem the Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, less the amount of any original issue discount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the date of redemption, plus, if the Notes are issued with original issue discount, the amount of the amortization of such original issue discount from the date of consummation of the first issuance of Notes under this Indenture to the redemption date.

The Trustee shall pay to the Company any Escrowed Property remaining following the redemption of Notes pursuant to Section 3.08 of the Indenture. Initially, unless the Trustee or the Paying Agent are directed otherwise in writing by the Company, Escrowed Property released to the Trustee will be deposited into the LaSalle Enhanced Liquidity Management (LELM) account until such funds are is used for the redemption or purchase of the Notes or are returned to the Company.

 

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If the Company has provided the Escrow Agent with a Plan Amendment Release Certificate (as defined in the Escrow Agreement) instructing the Escrow Agent to release the Escrow Property to the Trustee pursuant to Section 6(b) of the Escrow Agreement, the Company must simultaneously provide a copy of such certificate to the Trustee, and the Trustee must promptly provide the Holders with a notice of redemption substantially in the form of the notice to be provided pursuant to Section 3.03 of the Indenture.

(7) R EPURCHASE AT THE O PTION OF H OLDER .

(a) If there is a Change of Control Repurchase Event, the Company will be required to make an offer (a “ Change of Control Offer ”) to each Holder to repurchase all or any part (equal to $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof) of each Holder’s Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, thereon to the date of purchase, subject to the rights of Holders on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date (the “ Change of Control Payment ”). Within 10 days following any Change of Control Repurchase Event, the Company will mail a notice to each Holder setting forth the procedures governing the Change of Control Offer as required by the Indenture.

(8) N OTICE OF R EDEMPTION . Notice of redemption will be mailed at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each Holder whose Notes are to be redeemed at its registered address, except that redemption notices may be mailed more than 60 days prior to a redemption date if the notice is issued in connection with a defeasance of the Notes or a satisfaction or discharge of the Indenture. Notes in denominations larger than $1,000 may be redeemed in part but only in whole multiples of $1,000, unless all of the Notes held by a Holder are to be redeemed.

(9) D ENOMINATIONS , T RANSFER , E XCHANGE . The Notes are in registered form without coupons in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000. The transfer of Notes may be registered and Notes may be exchanged as provided in the Indenture. The Registrar and the Trustee may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and the Company may require a Holder to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Company need not exchange or register the transfer of any Note or portion of a Note selected for redemption, except for the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part. Also, the Company need not exchange or register the transfer of any Notes for a period of 15 days before a selection of Notes to be redeemed or during the period between a record date and the corresponding Interest Payment Date.

(10) P ERSONS D EEMED O WNERS . The registered Holder of a Note may be treated as its owner for all purposes.

(11) A MENDMENT , S UPPLEMENT AND W AIVER . Subject to certain exceptions, the Indenture or the Notes or the Note Guarantees may be amended or supplemented with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes including Additional Notes, if any, voting as a single class, and any existing Default or Event or Default or compliance with any provision of the Indenture or the Notes or Note Guarantees may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes including Additional Notes, if any, voting as a single class. Without the consent of any Holder of a Note, the Indenture or the Notes or Note Guarantees may be amended or supplemented to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency, to

 

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provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of certificated Notes, to provide for the assumption of the Company’s or a Guarantor’s obligations to Holders of the Notes and Note Guarantees in case of a merger or consolidation, to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the Holders of the Notes and Note Guarantees or that does not adversely affect the legal rights under the Indenture of any such Holder, to comply with the requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the qualification of the Indenture under the TIA, to conform the text of the Indenture, the Escrow Agreement or the Notes to any provision of the “Description of Notes” section of the Company’s Offering Memorandum dated October 26, 2006, relating to the initial offering of the Notes, to the extent that such provision in that “Description of Notes” was intended to be a verbatim recitation of a provision of the Indenture, the Note Guarantees, the Escrow Agreement or the Notes; to provide for the issuance of Additional Notes in accordance with the limitations set forth in the Indenture or to allow any Guarantor to execute a supplemental indenture to the Indenture and/or a Note Guarantee with respect to the Notes.

(12) D EFAULTS AND R EMEDIES . Events of Default include: (i) default for 30 days in the payment when due of interest on, or Liquidated Damages, if any, with respect to the Notes; (ii) default in the payment when due of the principal of, or premium, if any, on, the Notes when the same becomes due and payable at maturity, upon redemption (including in connection with an offer to purchase) or otherwise, (iii) failure by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for 60 days after notice to the Company by the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes including Additional Notes, if any, then outstanding voting as a single class to comply with any of the other agreements in the Indenture or the Notes; (iv) default under certain other agreements relating to Indebtedness of the Company which default results in the acceleration of such Indebtedness prior to its express maturity; (v) certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency with respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary; and (vi) except as permitted by the Indenture, any Note Guarantee is held in any judicial proceeding to be unenforceable or invalid or ceases for any reason to be in full force and effect or any Guarantor or any Person acting on its behalf denies or disaffirms its obligations under such Guarantor’s Note Guarantee. If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may declare all the Notes to be due and payable immediately. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an Event of Default arising from certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency, all outstanding Notes will become due and payable immediately without further action or notice. Holders may not enforce the Indenture or the Notes except as provided in the Indenture. Subject to certain limitations, Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may direct the Trustee in its exercise of any trust or power. The Trustee may withhold from Holders of the Notes notice of any continuing Default or Event of Default (except a Default or Event of Default relating to the payment of principal or interest or premium or Liquidated Damages, if any) if it determines that withholding notice is in their interest. The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes by notice to the Trustee may, on behalf of the Holders of all of the Notes, rescind an acceleration or waive any existing Default or Event of Default and its consequences under the Indenture except a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of interest or premium or Liquidated Damages, if any, on, or the principal of, the Notes. The Company is required to deliver to the Trustee annually a statement regarding compliance with the Indenture, and the Company is required, upon becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default, to deliver to the Trustee a statement specifying such Default or Event of Default.

 

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(13) T RUSTEE D EALINGS WITH C OMPANY . The Trustee, in its individual or any other capacity, may make loans to, accept deposits from, and perform services for the Company or its Affiliates, and may otherwise deal with the Company or its Affiliates, as if it were not the Trustee.

(14) N O R ECOURSE A GAINST O THERS . A director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of the Company or any of the Guarantors, as such, will not have any liability for any obligations of the Company or the Guarantors under the Notes, the Note Guarantees or the Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for the issuance of the Notes.

(15) A UTHENTICATION . This Note will not be valid until authenticated by the manual signature of the Trustee or an authenticating agent.

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

(17) A DDITIONAL R IGHTS OF H OLDERS OF R ESTRICTED G LOBAL N OTES AND R ESTRICTED D EFINITIVE N OTES . In addition to the rights provided to Holders of Notes under the Indenture, Holders of Restricted Global Notes and Restricted Definitive Notes will have all the rights set forth in the Notes Registration Rights Agreement dated as of October 31, 2006, among the Company, the Guarantors and the other parties named on the signature pages thereof or, in the case of Additional Notes, Holders of Restricted Global Notes and Restricted Definitive Notes will have the rights set forth in one or more registration rights agreements, if any, among the Company, the Guarantors and the other parties thereto, relating to rights given by the Company and the Guarantors to the purchasers of any Additional Notes (collectively, the “ Notes Registration Rights Agreement ”).

(18) CUSIP N UMBERS . Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures, the Company has caused CUSIP numbers to be printed on the Notes, and the Trustee may use CUSIP numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders. No representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers either as printed on the Notes or as contained in any notice of redemption, and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers placed thereon.

(19) GOVERNING LAW. THE INTERNAL LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WILL GOVERN AND BE USED TO CONSTRUE THE INDENTURE, THIS NOTE AND THE NOTE GUARANTEES WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO APPLICABLE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW TO THE EXTENT THAT THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION WOULD BE REQUIRED THEREBY.

The Company will furnish to any Holder upon written request and without charge a copy of the Indenture and/or the Notes Registration Rights Agreement. Requests may be made to:

Owens Corning

1 Owens Corning Pkwy.

Toledo, OH 43659

Attention: Investor Relations

 

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A SSIGNMENT F ORM

To assign this Note, fill in the form below:

(I) or (we) assign and transfer this Note to:                                                                                                                                                    

(Insert assignee’s legal name)

 


(Insert assignee’s soc. sec. or tax I.D. no.)

 


 


 


 


(Print or type assignee’s name, address and zip code)

and irrevocably appoint                                                                                                                                                                                 

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

Date:                     

 

Your Signature:  

 

            (Sign exactly as your name appears on the face of this Note)

Signature Guarantee*:                                         

 


* Participant in a recognized Signature Guarantee Medallion Program (or other signature guarantor acceptable to the Trustee).

 

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Option of Holder to Elect Purchase

If you want to elect to have this Note purchased by the Company pursuant to 4.08 of the Indenture, check the box below:

¨ Section 4.08

If you want to elect to have only part of the Note purchased by the Company pursuant to Section 4.08 of the Indenture, state the amount you elect to have purchased:

$                     

Date:                     

Your Signature:  

 

            (Sign exactly as your name appears on the face of this Note)
Tax Identification No.:  

 

Signature Guarantee*:                                         

 


* Participant in a recognized Signature Guarantee Medallion Program (or other signature guarantor acceptable to the Trustee).

 

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S CHEDULE OF E XCHANGES OF I NTERESTS IN THE G LOBAL N OTE *

The following exchanges of a part of this Global Note for an interest in another Global Note or for a Definitive Note, or exchanges of a part of another Global Note or Definitive Note for an interest in this Global Note, have been made:

 

Date of Exchange

  

Amount of decrease in
Principal Amount

of

this Global Note

  

Amount of increase in
Principal Amount

of

this Global Note

  

Principal Amount
of this Global Note
following such
decrease

(or increase)

   Signature of authorized
officer of Trustee or
Custodian

 


* This schedule should be included only if the Note is issued in global form .

 

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[Face of Regulation S Temporary Global Note]


CUSIP/CINS                     

         % Senior Notes due 20     

 

No.             

    $                     

Owens Corning

promises to pay to CEDE & CO. or registered assigns,

the principal sum of                                                               DOLLARS on                      , 20      .

Interest Payment Dates: June 1 and December 1

Record Dates: May 15 and November 15

Dated:                      , 200     

 

Owens Corning
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  

This is one of the Notes referred to

in the within-mentioned Indenture:

 

LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

    as Trustee

By:  

 

  Authorized Signatory

 

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[Back of Regulation S Temporary Global Note]

         % Senior Notes due 200   

THE RIGHTS ATTACHING TO THIS REGULATION S TEMPORARY GLOBAL NOTE, AND THE CONDITIONS AND PROCEDURES GOVERNING ITS EXCHANGE FOR CERTIFICATED NOTES, ARE AS SPECIFIED IN THE INDENTURE (AS DEFINED HEREIN). NEITHER THE HOLDER NOR THE BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF THIS REGULATION S TEMPORARY GLOBAL NOTE SHALL BE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE PAYMENT OF INTEREST HEREON.

THIS GLOBAL NOTE IS HELD BY THE DEPOSITARY (AS DEFINED IN THE INDENTURE GOVERNING THIS NOTE) OR ITS NOMINEE IN CUSTODY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE BENEFICIAL OWNERS HEREOF, AND IS NOT TRANSFERABLE TO ANY PERSON UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES EXCEPT THAT (1) THE TRUSTEE MAY MAKE SUCH NOTATIONS HEREON AS MAY BE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.06 OF THE INDENTURE, (2) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE BUT NOT IN PART PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.06(a) OF THE INDENTURE, (3) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE DELIVERED TO THE TRUSTEE FOR CANCELLATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.11 OF THE INDENTURE AND (4) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY WITH THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF OWENS CORNING.

UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR NOTES IN DEFINITIVE FORM, THIS NOTE MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITARY TO A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE DEPOSITARY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY THE DEPOSITARY OR ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY. UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (55 WATER STREET, NEW YORK, NEW YORK) (“DTC”), TO THE COMPANY OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS MAY BE REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS MAY BE REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.

THE NOTES EVIDENCED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), OR OTHER SECURITIES LAWS. NEITHER THIS NOTE NOR ANY INTEREST OR PARTICIPATION HEREIN MAY BE REOFFERED, SOLD, ASSIGNED, TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED, ENCUMBERED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR UNLESS THE TRANSACTION IS EXEMPT FROM, OR NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT. THE HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF (1) REP RESENTS THAT (A) IT IS A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER” (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) OR (B) IT IS NOT A U.S. PERSON AND IS ACQUIRING ITS NOTE IN AN “OFFSHORE TRANSACTION” PURSUANT TO RULE 903 OR 904 OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (2) AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT PRIOR TO (X) THE DATE WHICH IS TWO YEARS (OR SUCH SHORTER PERIOD OF TIME AS PERMITTED BY RULE 144(k) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR ANY SUCCESSOR PROVISION THEREUNDER) AFTER THE LATER OF THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE HEREOF (OR OF ANY

 

A2-2


PREDECESSOR OF THIS NOTE) AND THE LAST DAY ON WHICH THE COMPANY OR ANY AFFILIATE OF THE COMPANY WAS THE OWNER OF THIS NOTE (OR ANY PREDECESSOR OF THIS NOTE) AND (Y) SUCH LATER DATE, IF ANY, AS MAY BE REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAW (THE “RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE”), OFFER, SELL OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER THIS NOTE EXCEPT (A) TO THE COMPANY, (B) PURSUANT TO A REGISTRATION STATEMENT WHICH HAS BEEN DECLARED EFFECTIVE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (C) SO LONG AS THE NOTES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR RESALE PURSUANT TO RULE 144A, TO A PERSON IT REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER” THAT PURCHASES FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER TO WHOM NOTICE IS GIVEN THAT THE TRANSFER IS BEING MADE IN RELIANCE ON RULE 144A, (D) PURSUANT TO OFFERS AND SALES THAT OCCUR OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES AND, IN THE CASE OF AN OFFER OR SALE BY A DISTRIBUTOR OR AFFILIATE THEREOF (OR A PERSON ACTING ON BEHALF THEREOF) DURING THE APPLICABLE DISTRIBUTION COMPLIANCE PERIOD, ONLY TO NON U.S. PERSONS OR (E) PURSUANT TO ANY OTHER AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND (3) AGREES THAT IT WILL GIVE TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS NOTE IS TRANSFERRED A NOTICE SUBSTANTIALLY TO THE EFFECT OF THIS LEGEND; PROVIDED THAT THE COMPANY, THE TRUSTEE AND THE REGISTRAR SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT PRIOR TO ANY SUCH OFFER, SALE OR TRANSFER (I) PURSUANT TO CLAUSE (C), (D) OR (E) TO REQUIRE THE DELIVERY OF AN OPINION OF COUNSEL, CERTIFICATION AND/OR OTHER INFORMATION SATISFACTORY TO EACH OF THEM, AND (II) IN EACH OF THE FOREGOING CASES, TO REQUIRE THAT A CERTIFICATION OF TRANSFER IN THE FORM APPEARING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THIS NOTE IS COMPLETED AND DELIVERED BY THIS TRANSFEROR TO THE TRUSTEE. THIS LEGEND WILL BE REMOVED UPON THE REQUEST OF THE HOLDER AFTER THE RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE. AS USED HEREIN, THE TERMS “DISTRIBUTION COMPLIANCE PERIOD,” “DISTRIBUTOR,” “OFFSHORE TRANSACTION,” “UNITED STATES,” AND “U.S. PERSON” HAVE THE MEANINGS GIVEN TO THEM BY REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.”

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

(1) I NTEREST . Owens Corning, a Delaware corporation (the “Company” ), promises to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note at          % per annum from                      , 20      until maturity and shall pay the Liquidated Damages, if any, payable pursuant to Section 8 of the Notes Registration Rights Agreement referred to below. The Company will pay interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, semiannually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year, or if any such day is not a Business Day, on the next succeeding Business Day (each, an “Interest Payment Date” ). Interest on the Notes will accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from the date of issuance; provided that if there is no existing Default in the payment of interest, and if this Note is authenticated between a record date referred to on the face hereof and the next succeeding Interest Payment Date, interest shall accrue from such next succeeding Interest Payment Date; provided further that the first Interest Payment Date shall be June 1, 2007. The Company will pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal and premium, if any, from time to time on demand at a rate that is 1% per annum in excess of the rate then in effect to the extent lawful; it will pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, (without regard to any applicable grace periods) from time to time on demand at the same rate to the extent lawful. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.

 

A2-3


Until this Regulation S Temporary Global Note is exchanged for one or more Regulation S Permanent Global Notes, the Holder hereof shall not be entitled to receive payments of interest hereon; until so exchanged in full, this Regulation S Temporary Global Note shall in all other respects be entitled to the same benefits as other Notes under the Indenture.

(2) M ETHOD OF P AYMENT . The Company will pay interest on the Notes (except defaulted interest) and Liquidated Damages, if any, to the Persons who are registered Holders of Notes at the close of business on the May 15 or November 15 next preceding the Interest Payment Date, even if such Notes are canceled after such record date and on or before such Interest Payment Date, except as provided in Section 2.12 of the Indenture with respect to defaulted interest. The Notes will be payable as to principal, premium and Liquidated Damages, if any, and interest at the office or agency of the Company maintained for such purpose within or without the City and State of New York, or, at the option of the Company, payment of interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, may be made by check mailed to the Holders at their addresses set forth in the register of Holders; provided that payment by wire transfer of immediately available funds will be required with respect to principal of and interest, premium and Liquidated Damages, if any, on, all Global Notes and all other Notes the Holders of which will have provided wire transfer instructions to the Company or the Paying Agent. Such payment will be in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts.

(3) P AYING A GENT AND R EGISTRAR . Initially, LaSalle Bank National Association, the Trustee under the Indenture, will act as Paying Agent and Registrar. The Company may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without notice to any Holder. The Company or any of its Subsidiaries may act in any such capacity.

(4) I NDENTURE . The Company issued the Notes under an Indenture dated as of October [31], 2007 (the “Indenture” ) among the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee. The terms of the Notes include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the TIA. The Notes are subject to all such terms, and Holders are referred to the Indenture and such Act for a statement of such terms. To the extent any provision of this Note conflicts with the express provisions of the Indenture, the provisions of the Indenture shall govern and be controlling. The Notes are unsecured obligations of the Company. The Indenture does not limit the aggregate principal amount of Notes that may be issued thereunder.

(5) O PTIONAL R EDEMPTION .

(a) The Company may redeem all or a part of any series of Notes at a redemption price equal to the greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed and (ii) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the Notes to be redeemed (excluding accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption) discounted to the date of redemption on a semiannual basis (assuming 360-day years, each consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate plus 30 basis points for the 2016 Notes and 37.5 basis points for the 2036 Notes, in each case, together with accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, thereon to the date of redemption, subject to the rights of Holders of Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date.

 

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(b) Unless the Company defaults in payment of the redemption price, on and after the date of redemption, interest will cease to accrue on the Notes or portions thereof called for redemption.

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

(6) E SCROW R EDEMPTION .

If the proceeds from the sale of the Notes and the OCD Contribution have been paid into the Escrow Account (as defined in the Escrow Agreement) in accordance with Section 3 of the Purchase Agreement and the Escrow Agent has, pursuant to Section 6(b) of the Escrow Agreement, released the Escrowed Property (including investment earnings) to the Trustee, the Trustee shall, on the Business Day following the release of the Escrowed Property to the Trustee, redeem the Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, less the amount of any original issue discount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the date of redemption, plus, if the Notes are issued with original issue discount, the amount of the amortization of such original issue discount from the date of consummation of the first issuance of Notes under this Indenture to the redemption date.

The Trustee shall pay to the Company any Escrowed Property remaining following the redemption of Notes pursuant to Section 3.08 of the Indenture. Initially, unless the Trustee or the Paying Agent are directed otherwise in writing by the Company, Escrowed Property released to the Trustee will be deposited into the LaSalle Enhanced Liquidity Management (LELM) account until such funds are is used for the redemption or purchase of the Notes or are returned to the Company.

If the Company has provided the Escrow Agent with a Plan Amendment Release Certificate (as defined in the Escrow Agreement) instructing the Escrow Agent to release the Escrow Property to the Trustee pursuant to Section 6(b) of the Escrow Agreement, the Company must simultaneously provide a copy of such certificate to the Trustee, and the Trustee must promptly provide the Holders with a notice of redemption substantially in the form of the notice to be provided pursuant to Section 3.03 of the Indenture.

(7) R EPURCHASE AT THE O PTION OF H OLDER .

(a) If there is a Change of Control Repurchase Event, the Company will be required to make an offer (a “ Change of Control Offer ”) to each Holder to repurchase all or any part (equal to $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof) of each Holder’s Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, thereon to the date of purchase, subject to the rights of Holders on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date (the “ Change of Control Payment ”). Within 10 days following any Change of Control Repurchase Event, the Company will mail a notice to each Holder setting forth the procedures governing the Change of Control Offer as required by the Indenture.

(8) N OTICE OF R EDEMPTION . Notice of redemption will be mailed at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each Holder whose Notes are to be redeemed at its registered address, except that redemption notices may be mailed more than 60 days prior to a redemption date if the notice is issued in connection with a defeasance of the Notes or a satisfaction or discharge of the Indenture. Notes in denominations larger than $1,000 may be redeemed in part but only in whole multiples of $1,000, unless all of the Notes held by a Holder are to be redeemed.

 

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(9) D ENOMINATIONS , T RANSFER , E XCHANGE . The Notes are in registered form without coupons in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000. The transfer of Notes may be registered and Notes may be exchanged as provided in the Indenture. The Registrar and the Trustee may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and the Company may require a Holder to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Company need not exchange or register the transfer of any Note or portion of a Note selected for redemption, except for the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part. Also, the Company need not exchange or register the transfer of any Notes for a period of 15 days before a selection of Notes to be redeemed or during the period between a record date and the corresponding Interest Payment Date.

This Regulation S Temporary Global Note is exchangeable in whole or in part for one or more Global Notes only (i) on or after the termination of the 40-day distribution compliance period (as defined in Regulation S) and (ii) upon presentation of certificates (accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel, if applicable) required by Article 2 of the Indenture. Upon exchange of this Regulation S Temporary Global Note for one or more Global Notes, the Trustee shall cancel this Regulation S Temporary Global Note.

(10) P ERSONS D EEMED O WNERS . The registered Holder of a Note may be treated as its owner for all purposes.

(11) A MENDMENT , S UPPLEMENT AND W AIVER . Subject to certain exceptions, the Indenture or the Notes or the Note Guarantees may be amended or supplemented with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes including Additional Notes, if any, voting as a single class, and any existing Default or Event of Default or compliance with any provision of the Indenture or the Notes or the Note Guarantees may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes including Additional Notes, if any, voting as a single class. Without the consent of any Holder of a Note, the Indenture or the Notes or the Note Guarantees may be amended or supplemented to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency, to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of certificated Notes, to provide for the assumption of the Company’s or a Guarantor’s obligations to Holders of the Notes and Note Guarantees in case of a merger or consolidation, to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the Holders of the Notes or that does not adversely affect the legal rights under the Indenture of any such Holder, to comply with the requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the qualification of the Indenture under the TIA, to conform the text of the Indenture, the Escrow Agreement or the Notes to any provision of the “Description of Notes” section of the Company’s Offering Memorandum dated October 26, 2006, relating to the initial offering of the Notes, to the extent that such provision in that “Description of Notes” was intended to be a verbatim recitation of a provision of the Indenture, the Note Guarantees, the Escrow Agreement or the Notes; to provide for the issuance of Additional Notes in accordance with the limitations set forth in the Indenture, or to allow any Guarantor to execute a supplemental indenture to the Indenture and/or a Note Guarantee with respect to the Notes.

(12) D EFAULTS AND R EMEDIES . Events of Default include: (i) default for 30 days in the payment when due of interest on, or Liquidated Damages, if any, with respect to the Notes; (ii) default in the payment when due of the principal of, or premium, if any, on, the Notes when

 

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the same becomes due and payable at maturity, upon redemption (including in connection with an offer to purchase) or otherwise, (iii) failure by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for 60 days after notice to the Company by the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes including Additional Notes, if any, then outstanding voting as a single class to comply with any of the other agreements in the Indenture or the Notes; (iv) default under certain other agreements relating to Indebtedness of the Company which default results in the acceleration of such Indebtedness prior to its express maturity; (v) certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency with respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary; (vi) except as permitted by the Indenture, any Note Guarantee is held in any judicial proceeding to be unenforceable or invalid or ceases for any reason to be in full force and effect or any Guarantor or any Person acting on its behalf denies or disaffirms its obligations under such Guarantor’s Note Guarantee. If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may declare all the Notes to be due and payable immediately. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an Event of Default arising from certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency, all outstanding Notes will become due and payable immediately without further action or notice. Holders may not enforce the Indenture or the Notes except as provided in the Indenture. Subject to certain limitations, Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may direct the Trustee in its exercise of any trust or power. The Trustee may withhold from Holders of the Notes notice of any continuing Default or Event of Default (except a Default or Event of Default relating to the payment of principal or interest or premium or Liquidated Damages, if any,) if it determines that withholding notice is in their interest. The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes by notice to the Trustee may, on behalf of the Holders of all of the Notes, rescind an acceleration or waive any existing Default or Event of Default and its consequences under the Indenture except a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of interest or premium or Liquidated Damages, if any, on, or the principal of, the Notes. The Company is required to deliver to the Trustee annually a statement regarding compliance with the Indenture, and the Company is required, upon becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default, to deliver to the Trustee a statement specifying such Default or Event of Default.

(13) T RUSTEE D EALINGS WITH C OMPANY . The Trustee, in its individual or any other capacity, may make loans to, accept deposits from, and perform services for the Company or its Affiliates, and may otherwise deal with the Company or its Affiliates, as if it were not the Trustee.

(14) N O R ECOURSE A GAINST O THERS . A director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of the Company or any of the Guarantors, as such, will not have any liability for any obligations of the Company or the Guarantors under the Notes, the Note Guarantees or the Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for the issuance of the Notes.

(15) A UTHENTICATION . This Note will not be valid until authenticated by the manual signature of the Trustee or an authenticating agent.

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

 

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(17) A DDITIONAL R IGHTS OF H OLDERS . In addition to the rights provided to Holders of Notes under the Indenture, Holders of this Regulation S Temporary Global Note will have all the rights set forth in the Notes Registration Rights Agreement dated as of October [31], 2006, among the Company, the Guarantors and the other parties named on the signature pages thereof or, in the case of Additional Notes, Holders thereof will have the rights set forth in one or more registration rights agreements, if any, among the Company, the Guarantors and the other parties thereto, relating to rights given by the Company and the Guarantors to the purchasers of any Additional Notes (collectively, the “Notes Registration Rights Agreement” ).

(18) CUSIP N UMBERS . Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures, the Company has caused CUSIP numbers to be printed on the Notes, and the Trustee may use CUSIP numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders. No representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers either as printed on the Notes or as contained in any notice of redemption, and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers placed thereon.

(19) GOVERNING LAW . THE INTERNAL LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WILL GOVERN AND BE USED TO CONSTRUE THE INDENTURE, THIS NOTE AND THE NOTE GUARANTEES WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO APPLICABLE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW TO THE EXTENT THAT THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION WOULD BE REQUIRED THEREBY.

The Company will furnish to any Holder upon written request and without charge a copy of the Indenture and/or the Notes Registration Rights Agreement. Requests may be made to:

Owens Corning

1 Owens Corning Pkwy.

Toledo, OH 43659

Attention: Investor Relations

 

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A SSIGNMENT F ORM

To assign this Note, fill in the form below:

(I) or (we) assign and transfer this Note to:                                                                                                                                                    

(Insert assignee’s legal name)

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

(Insert assignee’s soc. sec. or tax I.D. no.)

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

(Print or type assignee’s name, address and zip code)

and irrevocably appoint                                                                                                                                                                                 

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

Date:                         

 

Your Signature:  

 

            (Sign exactly as your name appears on the face of this Note)

Signature Guarantee*:                                                                                           


* Participant in a recognized Signature Guarantee Medallion Program (or other signature guarantor acceptable to the Trustee).

 

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O PTION OF H OLDER TO E LECT P URCHASE

If you want to elect to have this Note purchased by the Company pursuant to Section 4.08 of the Indenture, check the box below:

¨   Section 4.08

If you want to elect to have only part of the Note purchased by the Company pursuant to Section 4.08 of the Indenture, state the amount you elect to have purchased:

$                                 

Date:                             

 

Your Signature:  

 

            (Sign exactly as your name appears on the face of this Note)
Tax Identification No.:  

 

Signature Guarantee*:                                              


* Participant in a recognized Signature Guarantee Medallion Program (or other signature guarantor acceptable to the Trustee).

 

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S CHEDULE OF E XCHANGES OF I NTERESTS IN THE R EGULATION S T EMPORARY

G LOBAL N OTE

The following exchanges of a part of this Regulation S Temporary Global Note for an interest in another Global Note, or exchanges of a part of another other Restricted Global Note for an interest in this Regulation S Temporary Global Note, have been made:

 

Date of Exchange

 

Amount of decrease in
Principal Amount

[at maturity] of

this Global Note

 

Amount of increase in

Principal Amount

[at maturity] of

this Global Note

 

Principal Amount

[at maturity] of this

Global Note following

such decrease

(or increase)

 

Signature of authorized

officer of Trustee or

Custodian

 

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EXHIBIT B

FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER

Owens Corning

1 Owens Corning Pkwy.

Toledo, OH 43659

[ Registrar address block ]

Re: __% Senior Notes due 20__

Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of                          (the “ Indenture ”), among Owens Corning, as issuer (the “ Company ”), the Guarantors party thereto and LaSalle Bank National Association, as trustee. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Indenture.

                         , (the “ Transferor ”) owns and proposes to transfer the Note[s] or interest in such Note[s] specified in Annex A hereto, in the principal amount of $                  in such Note[s] or interests (the “ Transfer ”), to                              (the “ Transferee ”), as further specified in Annex A hereto. In connection with the Transfer, the Transferor hereby certifies that:

[CHECK ALL THAT APPLY]

1.     ¨      Check if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in the 144A Global Note or a Restricted Definitive Note pursuant to Rule 144A . The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), and, accordingly, the Transferor hereby further certifies that the beneficial interest or Definitive Note is being transferred to a Person that the Transferor reasonably believes is purchasing the beneficial interest or Definitive Note for its own account, or for one or more accounts with respect to which such Person exercises sole investment discretion, and such Person and each such account is a “qualified institutional buyer” within the meaning of Rule 144A in a transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 144A, and such Transfer is in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the 144A Global Note and/or the Restricted Definitive Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.

2.     ¨     Check if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in the Regulation S Temporary Global Note, the Regulation S Permanent Global Note or a Restricted Definitive Note pursuant to Regulation S. The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the Securities Act and, accordingly, the Transferor hereby further certifies that (i) the Transfer is not being made to a Person in the United States and (x) at the time the buy order was originated, the Transferee was outside the United States or such Transferor and any Person acting on its behalf reasonably believed and believes that the Transferee was outside the United States or (y) the transaction was executed in, on or through the facilities of a designated offshore securities market and neither such Transferor nor any Person acting on its behalf knows that the transaction was prearranged with a buyer in the United States, (ii) no directed selling efforts have been made in contravention of the requirements of Rule 903(b) or Rule 904(b) of Regulation S under the Securities Act and (iii) the transaction is not part of a plan or scheme to evade the registration requirements of the Securities Act [and (iv) if the proposed transfer is being made prior to the expiration of the Restricted Period, the transfer is not being made to a U.S. Person or for the account or benefit of a U.S. Person (other than an Initial Purchaser). Upon consummation of the proposed transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture,

 

B-1


the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will be subject to the restrictions on Transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Regulation S Permanent Global Note, the Regulation S Temporary Global Note and/or the Restricted Definitive Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.

3.     ¨      Check if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or of an Unrestricted Definitive Note .

(a)     ¨      Check if Transfer is pursuant to Rule 144 . (i) The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act and in compliance with the transfer restrictions contained in the Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will no longer be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes, on Restricted Definitive Notes and in the Indenture.

(b)     ¨      Check if Transfer is Pursuant to Regulation S . (i) The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the Securities Act and in compliance with the transfer restrictions contained in the Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will no longer be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes, on Restricted Definitive Notes and in the Indenture.

(c)     ¨      Check if Transfer is Pursuant to Other Exemption . (i) The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in compliance with an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than Rule 144, Rule 903 or Rule 904 and in compliance with the transfer restrictions contained in the Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any State of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will not be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes or Restricted Definitive Notes and in the Indenture.

This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your benefit and the benefit of the Company.

 

   

 

    [Insert Name of Transferor]
  By:  

 

  Name:  
  Title:  

Dated:                                 

   

 

B-2


ANNEX A TO CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER

1. The Transferor owns and proposes to transfer the following:

[CHECK ONE OF (a) OR (b)]

(a)     ¨     a beneficial interest in the:

(i)       ¨     144A Global Note (CUSIP                      ), or

(ii)      ¨     Regulation S Global Note (CUSIP                      ), or

(b)     ¨     a Restricted Definitive Note.

2. After the Transfer the Transferee will hold:

[CHECK ONE]

(a)     ¨     a beneficial interest in the:

(i)       ¨     144A Global Note (CUSIP                      ), or

(ii)      ¨     Regulation S Global Note (CUSIP                      ), or

(iv)     ¨     Unrestricted Global Note (CUSIP                      ); or

(b)     ¨     a Restricted Definitive Note; or

(c)     ¨     an Unrestricted Definitive Note,

in accordance with the terms of the Indenture.

 

B-3


EXHIBIT C

FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF EXCHANGE

Owens Corning

1 Owens Corning Pkwy.

Toledo, OH 43659

[ Registrar address block ]

Re:          % Senior Notes due 20     

(CUSIP                          )

Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of                          (the “ Indenture ”), among Owens Corning, as issuer (the “ Company ”), the Guarantors party thereto and LaSalle Bank National Association, as trustee. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Indenture.

                                     , (the “ Owner ”) owns and proposes to exchange the Note[s] or interest in such Note[s] specified herein, in the principal amount of $              in such Note[s] or interests (the “ Exchange ”). In connection with the Exchange, the Owner hereby certifies that:

1. Exchange of Restricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in a Restricted Global Note for Unrestricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in an Unrestricted Global Note

(a)     ¨      Check if Exchange is from beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note to beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note . In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note in an equal principal amount, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Global Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.

(b)     ¨      Check if Exchange is from beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note to Unrestricted Definitive Note . In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the Definitive Note is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Restricted Global Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the Definitive Note is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.

(c)     ¨      Check if Exchange is from Restricted Definitive Note to beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note . In connection with the Owner’s Exchange of a Restricted Definitive Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to Restricted Definitive Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the

 

C-1


Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the beneficial interest is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.

(d)     ¨      Check if Exchange is from Restricted Definitive Note to Unrestricted Definitive Note . In connection with the Owner’s Exchange of a Restricted Definitive Note for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the Unrestricted Definitive Note is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to Restricted Definitive Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the Unrestricted Definitive Note is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.

2. Exchange of Restricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes for Restricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes

(a)     ¨      Check if Exchange is from beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note to Restricted Definitive Note. In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note for a Restricted Definitive Note with an equal principal amount, the Owner hereby certifies that the Restricted Definitive Note is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer. Upon consummation of the proposed Exchange in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the Restricted Definitive Note issued will continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Definitive Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.

(b)     ¨      Check if Exchange is from Restricted Definitive Note to beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note . In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s Restricted Definitive Note for a beneficial interest in the [CHECK ONE] 144A Global Note, Regulation S Global Note with an equal principal amount, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer and (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Restricted Global Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, and in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States. Upon consummation of the proposed Exchange in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the beneficial interest issued will be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the relevant Restricted Global Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.

This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your benefit and the benefit of the Company.

 

   

 

    [Insert Name of Transferor]
  By:  

 

  Name:  
  Title:  
Dated:                             

 

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EXHIBIT D

[FORM OF NOTATION OF GUARANTEE]

For value received, each Guarantor (which term includes any successor Person under the Indenture) has, jointly and severally, unconditionally guaranteed, to the extent set forth in the Indenture and subject to the provisions in the Indenture dated as of October [31], 2006 (the “ Indenture ”) among Owens Corning, (the “Company” ), the Guarantors party thereto and LaSalle Bank National Association, as trustee (the “ Trustee ”), (a) the due and punctual payment of the principal of, premium and Liquidated Damages, if any, and interest on, the Notes, whether at maturity, by acceleration, redemption or otherwise, the due and punctual payment of interest on overdue principal of and interest on the Notes, if any, if lawful, and the due and punctual performance of all other obligations of the Company to the Holders or the Trustee all in accordance with the terms of the Indenture and (b) in case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any Notes or any of such other obligations, that the same will be promptly paid in full when due or performed in accordance with the terms of the extension or renewal, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise. The obligations of the Guarantors to the Holders of Notes and to the Trustee pursuant to the Note Guarantee and the Indenture are expressly set forth in Article 10 of the Indenture and reference is hereby made to the Indenture for the precise terms of the Note Guarantee.

Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings given to them in the Indenture.

 

[N AME OF G UARANTOR ( S )]
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  

 

D-1


EXHIBIT E

[FORM OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE

TO BE DELIVERED BY SUBSEQUENT GUARANTORS]

S UPPLEMENTAL I NDENTURE (this “ Supplemental Indenture ”), dated as of                      , 200    , among                              (the “ Guaranteeing Subsidiary ”), a subsidiary of Owens Corning (or its permitted successor), a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), the Company, the other Guarantors (as defined in the Indenture referred to herein) and LaSalle Bank National Association, as trustee under the Indenture referred to below (the “ Trustee ”).

W I T N E S S E T H

WHEREAS, the Company has heretofore executed and delivered to the Trustee an indenture (the “ Indenture ”), dated as of October 31, 2006 providing for the issuance of 6.50% Senior Notes due 2016 and the 7.00% Senior Notes due 2036 (the “ Notes ”);

WHEREAS, the Indenture provides that under certain circumstances the Guaranteeing Subsidiary shall execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture pursuant to which the Guaranteeing Subsidiary shall unconditionally guarantee all of the Company’s Obligations under the Notes and the Indenture on the terms and conditions set forth herein (the “ Note Guarantee ”); and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 9.01 of the Indenture, the Trustee is authorized to execute and deliver this Supplemental Indenture.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the Guaranteeing Subsidiary and the Trustee mutually covenant and agree for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the Notes as follows:

1. C APITALIZED T ERMS . Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.

2. A GREEMENT TO G UARANTEE . The Guaranteeing Subsidiary hereby agrees to provide an unconditional Guarantee on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Note Guarantee and in the Indenture including but not limited to Article 10 thereof.

4. N O R ECOURSE A GAINST O THERS . No past, present or future director, officer, employee, incorporator, stockholder or agent of the Guaranteeing Subsidiary, as such, shall have any liability for any obligations of the Company or any Guaranteeing Subsidiary under the Notes, any Note Guarantees, the Indenture or this Supplemental Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder of the Notes by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes. Such waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws and it is the view of the SEC that such a waiver is against public policy.

5. NEW YORK LAW TO GOVERN. THE INTERNAL LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SHALL GOVERN AND BE USED TO CONSTRUE THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO APPLICABLE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW TO THE EXTENT THAT THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION WOULD BE REQUIRED THEREBY.

6. C OUNTERPARTS . The parties may sign any number of copies of this Supplemental Indenture. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement.

 

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7. E FFECT OF H EADINGS . The Section headings herein are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.

8. T HE T RUSTEE . The Trustee shall not be responsible in any manner whatsoever for or in respect of the validity or sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture or for or in respect of the recitals contained herein, all of which recitals are made solely by the Guaranteeing Subsidiary and the Company.

 

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

Dated:                      , 20     

 

[G UARANTEEING S UBSIDIARY ]

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

Owens Corning

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

[E XISTING G UARANTORS ]

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

LaSalle Bank National Association,

  as Trustee

By:

 

 

 

Authorized Signatory

 

E-3

Exhibit 4.2

EXECUTION COPY

Owens Corning

$650,000,000 6.50% Senior Notes due 2016

$550,000,000 7.00% Senior Notes due 2036

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

October 31, 2006

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

Goldman, Sachs & Co.

As Representatives of the Initial Purchasers

c/o Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

388 Greenwich Street

New York, New York 10013

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Owens Corning, a Delaware corporation (formerly Owens Corning (Reorganized) Inc.) (the “Company”), proposes to issue and sell to certain purchasers (the “Initial Purchasers”), for whom you (the “Representatives”) are acting as representatives, its $650,000,000 principal amount 6.50% Senior Notes due 2016 and $550,000,000 principal amount 7.00% Notes due 2036 (the “Notes” and together with the Guarantees (as defined below), the “Securities”), upon the terms set forth in the Purchase Agreement among the Company, the Guarantors (as defined below) and the Representatives dated October 26, 2006 (the “Purchase Agreement”) relating to the initial placement (the “Initial Placement”) of the Securities. The Securities will be guaranteed (the “Guarantees”), by each of Reorganized Owens Corning’s current and future Domestic Subsidiaries that is a borrower or a guarantor under the Credit Agreement (the “Guarantors”).

To induce the Initial Purchasers to enter into the Purchase Agreement and to satisfy a condition to your obligations thereunder, the Company and each of the Guarantors agrees with you for your benefit and the benefit of the holders from time to time of the Securities (including the Initial Purchasers) (each a “Holder” and, collectively, the “Holders”), as follows:

1. Definitions . Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have their respective meanings set forth in the Purchase Agreement. As used in this Agreement, the following capitalized defined terms shall have the following meanings:

“Act” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.

“Affiliate” shall have the meaning specified in Rule 405 under the Act and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” shall have meanings correlative thereto.

 

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“Bankruptcy Court” shall mean the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware presiding over the Chapter 11 case of Owens Corning and certain of its subsidiaries.

“Broker-Dealer” shall mean any broker or dealer registered as such under the Exchange Act.

“Business Day” shall mean any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a legal holiday or a day on which banking institutions or trust companies are authorized or obligated by law to close in New York City.

“Closing Date” shall mean the date of the first issuance of the Securities.

“Commission” shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission.

“Credit Agreement” shall mean the Credit Agreement executed on the date of the Indenture among the Company, the lending institutions party thereto and Citibank N.A., as administrative agent, and any related notes, Guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements to be executed in connection therewith, and in each case, as amended, restated, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced (whether upon termination or otherwise) or refinanced in whole or in part from time to time.

“Deferral Period” shall have the meaning indicated in Section 4(k)(ii) hereof.

“Domestic Subsidiary” shall mean, as to any Person, any Subsidiary of such Person incorporated or organized in the United States or any State or territory thereof.

“Emergence Date” shall mean the date on which the Conditions to the Effective Date, as set forth in Section 12.2 of the Plan of Reorganization, shall have occurred (unless satisfied or waived in accordance with Section 12.3 of the Plan).

“Escrow Agreement” shall mean the Escrow Agreement dated the date hereof, among Reorganized Owens Corning, the trustee and the escrow agent and other parties thereto as the same may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

“Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.

“Escrow Release Date” shall mean the date on which the proceeds from the Initial Placement paid in to an escrow account pursuant to Section 3 of the Purchase Agreement, if any, are released to the Company in accordance with Section 6(a) of the Escrow Agreement.

“Exchange Offer Registration Period” shall mean the 90-day period following the consummation of the Registered Exchange Offer, exclusive of any period during which any stop order shall be in effect suspending the effectiveness of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement.

“Exchange Offer Registration Statement” shall mean a registration statement of the Company and the Guarantors on an appropriate form under the Act with respect to the Registered Exchange Offer, all amendments and supplements to such registration statement, including post-effective amendments thereto, in each case including the Prospectus contained therein, all exhibits thereto and all material incorporated by reference therein.

 

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“Exchanging Dealer” shall mean any Holder (which may include any Initial Purchaser) that is a Broker-Dealer and elects to exchange for New Securities any Securities that it acquired for its own account as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities (but not directly from the Company or any of the Guarantors or any of their respective Affiliates) for New Securities.

“Final Memorandum” shall mean the offering memorandum, dated October 26, 2006, relating to the Securities, including any and all exhibits thereto and any information incorporated by reference therein as of such date.

“Holder” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

“Indenture” shall mean the Indenture relating to the Securities, dated as of October 31, 2006, among the Company, the Guarantors and LaSalle Bank National Association, as trustee, as the same may be amended from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof.

“Initial Placement” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

“Initial Purchasers” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

“Losses” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6(d) hereof.

“Majority Holders” shall mean, on any date, Holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of Securities registered under a Registration Statement.

“Managing Underwriters” shall mean the investment banker or investment bankers and manager or managers that administer an underwritten offering, if any, under a Registration Statement.

“NASD Rules” shall mean the Conduct Rules and the By-Laws of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.

“New Securities” shall mean debt securities of the Company and related Guarantees of the Guarantors identical in all material respects to the Securities (except that the transfer restrictions shall be modified or eliminated, as appropriate) to be issued under the New Securities Indenture.

“New Securities Indenture” shall mean an indenture between the Company, the Guarantors and the New Securities Trustee, identical in all material respects to the Indenture (except that the transfer restrictions shall be modified or eliminated, as appropriate), which may be the Indenture if in the terms thereof appropriate provision is made for the New Securities.

“New Securities Trustee” shall mean a bank or trust company reasonably satisfactory to the Initial Purchasers, as trustee with respect to the New Securities under the New Securities Indenture, which may be the Trustee.

 

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“Plan of Reorganization” means the Sixth Amended Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization (as Modified) for OCD, in the form confirmed by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware on September 26, 2006.

“Prospectus” shall mean the prospectus included in any Registration Statement (including, without limitation, a prospectus that discloses information previously omitted from a prospectus filed as part of an effective registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A under the Act), as amended or supplemented by any prospectus supplement, with respect to the terms of the offering of any portion of the Securities or the New Securities covered by such Registration Statement, and all amendments and supplements thereto, including any and all exhibits thereto and any information incorporated by reference therein.

“Purchase Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

“Registered Exchange Offer” shall mean the proposed offer of the Company and the Guarantors to issue and deliver to the Holders of the Securities that are not prohibited by any law or policy of the Commission from participating in such offer, in exchange for the Securities, a like aggregate principal amount of the New Securities.

“Registrable Securities” shall mean (i) Securities other than those that have been (A) registered under a Registration Statement and disposed of in accordance therewith or (B) distributed to the public pursuant to Rule 144 under the Act or any successor rule or regulation thereto that may be adopted by the Commission under the Act or any successor rule or regulation thereto that may be adopted by the Commission and (ii) any New Securities resale of which by the Holder thereof requires compliance with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Act.

“Registration Default Damages” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8 hereof.

“Registration Statement” shall mean any Exchange Offer Registration Statement or Shelf Registration Statement that covers any of the Securities or the New Securities pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, any amendments and supplements to such registration statement, including post-effective amendments (in each case including the Prospectus contained therein), all exhibits thereto and all material incorporated by reference therein.

“Securities” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

“Shelf Registration” shall mean a registration effected pursuant to Section 3 hereof.

“Shelf Registration Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 3(b) hereof.

“Shelf Registration Statement” shall mean a “shelf” registration statement of the Company and the Guarantors pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 hereof which covers some or all of the Securities or New Securities, as applicable, on an appropriate form under Rule 415 under the Act, or any similar rule that may be adopted by the Commission, amendments and supplements to such registration statement, including post-effective amendments, in each case including the Prospectus contained therein, all exhibits thereto and all material incorporated by reference therein.

 

4


“Trustee” shall mean the trustee with respect to the Securities under the Indenture.

“Trust Indenture Act” shall mean the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.

“underwriter” shall mean any underwriter of Securities in connection with an offering thereof under a Shelf Registration Statement.

2. Registered Exchange Offer . (a) The Company and the Guarantors shall prepare and, not later than 120 days following the Emergence Date, or, if the proceeds from the Initial Placement are paid into an escrow account pursuant to Section 3 of the Purchase Agreement, the Escrow Release Date (or if such 120th day is not a Business Day, the next succeeding Business Day), shall file with the Commission the Exchange Offer Registration Statement with respect to the Registered Exchange Offer. The Company and the Guarantors shall use their respective reasonable best efforts to cause the Exchange Offer Registration Statement to become effective under the Act within 180 days following the Emergence Date, or, if the proceeds from the Initial Placement are paid into an escrow account pursuant to Section 3 of the Purchase Agreement, the Escrow Release Date (or if such 180th day is not a Business Day, the next succeeding Business Day).

(b) Upon the effectiveness of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, the Company and the Guarantors shall promptly commence the Registered Exchange Offer, it being the objective of such Registered Exchange Offer to enable each Holder electing to exchange Securities for New Securities (assuming that such Holder is not an Affiliate of any of the Company or the Guarantors, acquires the New Securities in the ordinary course of such Holder’s business, has no arrangements with any person to participate in the distribution of the New Securities and is not prohibited by any law or policy of the Commission from participating in the Registered Exchange Offer) to trade such New Securities from and after their receipt without any limitations or restrictions under the Act and without material restrictions under the securities laws of a substantial proportion of the several states of the United States.

(c) In connection with the Registered Exchange Offer, the Company and the Guarantors shall:

(i) mail to each Holder a copy of the Prospectus forming part of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, together with an appropriate letter of transmittal and related documents;

(ii) keep the Registered Exchange Offer open for not less than 20 Business Days and not more than 30 Business Days after the date notice thereof is mailed to the Holders (or, in each case, longer if required by applicable law);

(iii) use their respective reasonable best efforts to keep the Exchange Offer Registration Statement continuously effective under the Act, supplemented and amended as required, under the Act to ensure that it is available for sales of New Securities by Exchanging Dealers during the Exchange Offer Registration Period;

 

5


(iv) utilize the services of a depositary for the Registered Exchange Offer with an address in the Borough of Manhattan in New York City, which may be the Trustee, the New Securities Trustee or an Affiliate of either of them;

(v) permit Holders to withdraw tendered Securities at any time prior to the close of business, New York time, on the last Business Day on which the Registered Exchange Offer is open;

(vi) prior to effectiveness of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, provide a supplemental letter to the Commission (A) stating that the Company and the Guarantors are conducting the Registered Exchange Offer in reliance on the position of the Commission in Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation (pub. avail. May 13, 1988), Morgan Stanley and Co., Inc . (pub. avail. June 5, 1991); and (B) including a representation that the Company and the Guarantors have not entered into any arrangement or understanding with any person to distribute the New Securities to be received in the Registered Exchange Offer and that, to the best of the Company’s and the Guarantors’ information and belief, each Holder participating in the Registered Exchange Offer is acquiring the New Securities in the ordinary course of business and has no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution of the New Securities; and

(vii) comply in all material respects with all applicable laws.

(d) As soon as practicable after the close of the Registered Exchange Offer, the Company and the Guarantors shall:

(i) accept for exchange all Securities properly tendered and not validly withdrawn pursuant to the Registered Exchange Offer;

(ii) deliver to the Trustee for cancellation in accordance with Section 4(s) all Securities so accepted for exchange; and

(iii) cause the New Securities Trustee promptly to authenticate and deliver to each Holder of Securities a principal amount of New Securities equal to the principal amount of the Securities of such Holder so accepted for exchange.

(e) Each Holder hereby acknowledges and agrees that any Broker-Dealer and any such Holder using the Registered Exchange Offer to participate in a distribution of the New Securities (x) could not under Commission policy as in effect on the date of this Agreement rely on the position of the Commission in Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation (pub. avail. May 13, 1988) and Morgan Stanley and Co., Inc. (pub. avail. June 5, 1991), as interpreted in the Commission’s letter to Shearman & Sterling dated July 2, 1993 and similar no-action letters; and (y) must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Act in connection with any secondary resale transaction, which must be covered by an effective

 

6


registration statement containing the selling security holder information required by Item 507 or 508, as applicable, of Regulation S-K under the Act if the resales are of New Securities obtained by such Holder in exchange for Securities acquired by such Holder directly from any of the Company or the Guarantors or any of their respective Affiliates. Accordingly, each Holder participating in the Registered Exchange Offer shall be required to represent to the Company that, at the time of the consummation of the Registered Exchange Offer:

(i) any New Securities received by such Holder will be acquired in the ordinary course of business;

(ii) such Holder will have no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution of the Securities or the New Securities within the meaning of the Act;

(iii) such Holder is not an Affiliate of any of the Company or the Guarantors;

(iv) such Holder did not acquire the Securities directly from the Company, and Guarantors or any of their respective Affiliates; and

(v) such Holder is not acting on behalf of any person who, to its knowledge, could not truthfully make the foregoing representations;

(f) If any Initial Purchaser determines that it is not eligible to participate in the Registered Exchange Offer with respect to the exchange of Securities constituting any portion of an unsold allotment, at the request of such Initial Purchaser, the Company and the Guarantors shall issue and deliver to such Initial Purchaser or the person purchasing New Securities registered under a Shelf Registration Statement as contemplated by Section 3 hereof from such Initial Purchaser, in exchange for such Securities, a like principal amount of New Securities. The Company and the Guarantors shall use their best efforts to cause the CUSIP Service Bureau to issue the same CUSIP number for such New Securities as for New Securities issued pursuant to the Registered Exchange Offer.

3. Shelf Registration . (a) If (i) due to any change in law or applicable interpretations thereof by the Commission’s staff, the Company and the Guarantors determine upon advice of their outside counsel that they are not permitted to effect the Registered Exchange Offer as contemplated by Section 2 hereof; or (ii) for any other reason the Registered Exchange Offer is not consummated within 210 days of the following the Emergence Date, or, if the proceeds from the Initial Placement are paid into an escrow account pursuant to Section 3 of the Purchase Agreement, the Escrow Release Date (or if such 210th day is not a Business Day, the next succeeding Business Day); (iii) any Initial Purchaser so requests with respect to Securities that are not eligible to be exchanged for New Securities in the Registered Exchange Offer and that are held by it following consummation of the Registered Exchange Offer; (iv) any Holder (other than an Initial Purchaser) is not eligible to participate in the Registered Exchange Offer; or (v) in the case of any Initial Purchaser that participates in the Registered Exchange Offer or acquires New Securities pursuant to Section 2(f) hereof, such Initial Purchaser does not receive freely tradeable New Securities in exchange for Securities constituting any portion of an

 

7


unsold allotment (it being understood that (x) the requirement that an Initial Purchaser deliver a Prospectus containing the information required by Item 507 or 508 of Regulation S-K under the Act in connection with sales of New Securities acquired in exchange for such Securities shall result in such New Securities being not “freely tradeable”; and (y) the requirement that an Exchanging Dealer deliver a Prospectus in connection with sales of New Securities acquired in the Registered Exchange Offer in exchange for Securities acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities shall not result in such New Securities being not “freely tradeable”), the Company and the Guarantors shall effect a Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with subsection (b) below.

(b) (i) The Company and the Guarantors shall as promptly as practicable (but in no event more than 30 days after so required or requested pursuant to this Section 3), file with the Commission and shall use their reasonable best efforts to cause to be declared effective under the Act within 90 days after so required or requested, a Shelf Registration Statement relating to the offer and sale of the Securities or the New Securities, as applicable, by the Holders thereof from time to time in accordance with the methods of distribution elected by such Holders and set forth in such Shelf Registration Statement; provided, however, that no Holder (other than an Initial Purchaser) shall be entitled to have the Securities held by it covered by such Shelf Registration Statement unless such Holder agrees in writing to be bound by all of the provisions of this Agreement applicable to such Holder; and provided further, that with respect to New Securities received by an Initial Purchaser in exchange for Securities constituting any portion of an unsold allotment, the Company and the Guarantors may, if permitted by current interpretations by the Commission’s staff, file a post-effective amendment to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement containing the information required by Item 507 or 508 of Regulation S-K, as applicable, in satisfaction of their obligations under this subsection with respect thereto, and any such Exchange Offer Registration Statement, as so amended, shall be referred to herein as, and governed by the provisions herein applicable to, a Shelf Registration Statement.

(ii) Each of the Company and the Guarantors shall use its reasonable best efforts to keep the Shelf Registration Statement continuously effective, supplemented and amended as required by the Act, in order to permit the Prospectus forming part thereof to be usable by Holders for a period the “Shelf Registration Period”) from the date the Shelf Registration Statement is declared effective by the Commission until (A) the second anniversary thereof or (B) the date upon which all the Securities or New Securities, as applicable, covered by the Shelf Registration Statement have been sold pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement. Each of the Company and the Guarantors shall be deemed not to have used its reasonable best efforts to keep the Shelf Registration Statement effective during the Shelf Registration Period if it voluntarily takes any action that would result in Holders of Securities covered thereby not being able to offer and sell such Securities at any time during the Shelf Registration Period, unless such action is (x) required by applicable law or otherwise undertaken by the Company and the Guarantors in good faith and for valid business reasons (not including avoidance of the Company’s and the Guarantors’ obligations hereunder), including the acquisition or divestiture of assets, and (y) permitted pursuant to Section 4(k)(ii) hereof.

 

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(iii) The Company and the Guarantors shall cause the Shelf Registration Statement and the related Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto, as of the effective date of the Shelf Registration Statement or such amendment or supplement, (A) to comply in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Act; and (B) not to contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein (in the case of the Prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading.

4. Additional Registration Procedures . In connection with any Shelf Registration Statement and, to the extent applicable, any Exchange Offer Registration Statement, the following provisions shall apply.

(a) The Company and the Guarantors shall:

(i) furnish to each of the Representatives and to counsel for the Holders, not less than five Business Days prior to the filing thereof with the Commission, a copy of any Exchange Offer Registration Statement and any Shelf Registration Statement, and each amendment thereof and each amendment or supplement, if any, to the Prospectus included therein (including, upon request, all documents incorporated by reference therein after the initial filing) and shall use their respective reasonable best efforts to reflect in each such document, when so filed with the Commission, such comments as the Representatives reasonably propose;

(ii) include the information set forth in Annex A hereto on the facing page of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, in Annex B hereto in the forepart of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement in a section setting forth details of the Exchange Offer, in Annex C hereto in the underwriting or plan of distribution section of the Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, and in Annex D hereto in the letter of transmittal delivered pursuant to the Registered Exchange Offer;

(iii) if requested by an Initial Purchaser, include the information required by Item 507 or 508 of Regulation S-K, as applicable, in the Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement; and

(iv) in the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, include the names of the Holders that propose to sell Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement as selling security holders.

(b) The Company and the Guarantors shall ensure that:

(i) any Registration Statement and any amendment thereto and any Prospectus forming part thereof and any amendment or supplement thereto complies in all material respects with the Act; and

 

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(ii) any Registration Statement and any amendment thereto does not, when it becomes effective, contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of the Prospectus, in light of the circumstances in which they were made) not misleading (other than information relating to a Holder furnished to the Company by or on behalf of such Holder specifically for inclusion therein).

(c) The Company and the Guarantors shall advise the Representatives, the Holders of Securities covered by any Shelf Registration Statement and any Exchanging Dealer under any Exchange Offer Registration Statement that has provided in writing to the Company and the Guarantors a telephone or facsimile number and address for notices, and, if requested by any Representative or any such Holder or Exchanging Dealer, shall confirm such advice in writing (which notice pursuant to clauses (ii)-(v) hereof shall be accompanied by an instruction to suspend the use of the Prospectus until the Company and the Guarantors shall have remedied the basis for such suspension):

(i) when a Registration Statement and any amendment thereto has been filed with the Commission and when the Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto has become effective;

(ii) of any request by the Commission for any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or for additional information;

(iii) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or the institution or threatening of any proceeding for that purpose;

(iv) of the receipt by the Company and the Guarantors of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of the securities included therein for sale in any jurisdiction or the institution or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose; and

(v) of the happening of any event that requires any change in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus so that, as of such date, they (A) do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact and (B) do not omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of the Prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading.

(d) The Company and the Guarantors shall use their respective reasonable best efforts to prevent the issuance of any order suspending the effectiveness of any Registration Statement or the qualification of the securities therein for sale in any jurisdiction and, if issued, to obtain as soon as possible the withdrawal thereof.

(e) The Company and the Guarantors shall furnish to each Holder of Securities covered by any Shelf Registration Statement, without charge, at least one copy of such

 

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Shelf Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto, including all material incorporated therein by reference, and, if the Holder so requests in writing, all exhibits thereto (including exhibits incorporated by reference therein).

(f) The Company and the Guarantors shall, during the Shelf Registration Period, deliver to each Holder of Securities covered by any Shelf Registration Statement, without charge, as many copies of the Prospectus (including the Preliminary Prospectus) included in such Shelf Registration Statement and any amendment or supplement thereto as such Holder may reasonably request. The Company and the Guarantors consent to the use, during the Shelf Registration Period, of the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto by each of the selling Holders of Securities in connection with the offering and sale of the Securities covered by the Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, included in the Shelf Registration Statement.

(g) The Company and the Guarantors shall furnish to each Exchanging Dealer which so requests, without charge, at least one copy of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto, including all material incorporated by reference therein, and, if the Exchanging Dealer so requests in writing, all exhibits thereto (including exhibits incorporated by reference therein).

(h) The Company and the Guarantors shall promptly deliver to each Initial Purchaser, each Exchanging Dealer and each other person required to deliver a Prospectus during the Exchange Offer Registration Period, without charge, as many copies of the Prospectus included in such Exchange Offer Registration Statement and any amendment or supplement thereto as any such person may reasonably request. The Company and the Guarantors consent to the use, during the Exchange Offer Registration Period, of the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto by any Initial Purchaser, any Exchanging Dealer and any such other person that may be required to deliver a Prospectus following the Registered Exchange Offer in connection with the offering and sale of the New Securities covered by the Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, included in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement.

(i) Prior to the Registered Exchange Offer or any other offering of Securities pursuant to any Registration Statement, the Company and the Guarantors shall use their respective reasonable best efforts to arrange, if necessary, for the qualification of the Securities or the New Securities for sale under the laws of such jurisdictions as any Holder shall reasonably request and shall use their respective reasonable best efforts to maintain such qualification in effect so long as required; provided that in no event shall the Company or any of the Guarantors be obligated to qualify to do business in any jurisdiction where they are not then so qualified or to take any action that would subject them to service of process in suits, other than those arising out of the Initial Placement, the Registered Exchange Offer or any offering pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement, in any such jurisdiction where they are not then so subject.

(j) The Company and the Guarantors shall cooperate with the Holders of Securities to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing New Securities or Securities to be issued or sold pursuant to any Registration Statement free of any restrictive legends and in such denominations and registered in such names as Holders may request.

 

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(k) (i) Upon the occurrence of any event contemplated by subsections (c)(ii) through (v) above during the time in which the Company and the Guarantors are required to maintain an effective Registration Statement, the Company and the Guarantors shall promptly (or within the time period provided for by clause (ii) hereof, if applicable) prepare a post-effective amendment to the applicable Registration Statement or an amendment or supplement to the related Prospectus or file any other required document so that, as thereafter delivered to Initial Purchasers of the securities included therein, the Prospectus will not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. In such circumstances, the period of effectiveness of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement provided for in Section 2 shall be extended by the number of days from and including the date of the giving of a notice of suspension pursuant to Section 4(c) to and including the date when the Initial Purchasers, the Holders of the Securities and any known Exchanging Dealer shall have received such amended or supplemented Prospectus pursuant to this Section.

(ii) Upon the occurrence or existence of any pending corporate development or any other material event during the time in which the Company and the Guarantors are required to maintain an effective Registration Statement that, in the reasonable judgment of the Company and the Guarantors, makes it appropriate to suspend the availability of a Shelf Registration Statement and the related Prospectus, the Company and the Guarantors shall give notice (without notice of the nature or details of such events) to the Holders that the availability of the Shelf Registration is suspended and, upon actual receipt of any such notice, each Holder agrees not to sell any Registrable Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration until such Holder’s receipt of copies of the supplemented or amended Prospectus provided for in Section 3(i) hereof, or until it is advised in writing by the Company and the Guarantors that the Prospectus may be used, and has received copies of any additional or supplemental filings that are incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference in such Prospectus. The period during which the availability of the Shelf Registration and any Prospectus is suspended (the “Deferral Period”) shall not exceed 45 days in any three-month period or 90 days in any twelve-month period.

(l) Not later than the effective date of any Registration Statement, the Company and the Guarantors shall provide a CUSIP number for the Securities or the New Securities, as the case may be, registered under such Registration Statement and provide the Trustee with printed certificates for such Securities or New Securities, in a form eligible for deposit with The Depository Trust Company.

(m) The Company and the Guarantors shall comply in all material respects with all applicable rules and regulations of the Commission and shall make generally available to their security holders an earnings statement satisfying the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Act as soon as practicable after the effective date of the applicable Registration Statement and in any event no later than 45 days after the end of a 12-month period (or 90 days, if such period is a fiscal year) beginning with the first month of the Company’s first fiscal quarter commencing after the effective date of the applicable Registration Statement.

 

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(n) The Company and the Guarantors shall cause the New Securities Indenture to be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act in a timely manner.

(o) The Company and the Guarantors may require each Holder of securities to be sold pursuant to any Shelf Registration Statement to furnish to the Company and the Guarantors such information regarding the Holder and the distribution of such securities as the Company and the Guarantors may from time to time reasonably require for inclusion in such Registration Statement. The Company and the Guarantors may exclude from such Shelf Registration Statement the Securities of any Holder that unreasonably fails to furnish such information within a reasonable time after receiving such request.

(p) In the case of any Shelf Registration Statement, the Company and the Guarantors shall enter into customary agreements (including, if requested, an underwriting agreement in customary form) and take all other appropriate actions in order to expedite or facilitate the registration or the disposition of the Securities, and in connection therewith, if an underwriting agreement is entered into, cause the same to contain indemnification provisions and procedures no less favorable than those set forth in Section 6 hereof.

(q) In the case of any Shelf Registration Statement, the Company and the Guarantors shall:

(i) make reasonably available for inspection by the Holders of Securities to be registered thereunder, any underwriter participating in any disposition pursuant to such Registration Statement, and any attorney, accountant or other agent retained by the Holders or any such underwriter all relevant financial and other records and pertinent corporate documents of the Company, the Guarantors and their respective subsidiaries;

(ii) cause the officers, directors, employees, accountants and auditors of each of the Company and the Guarantors to supply all relevant information reasonably requested by the Holders or any such underwriter, attorney, accountant or agent in connection with any such Registration Statement as is customary for similar due diligence examinations; provided , however , that any information that is designated in writing by the Company or any Guarantor, in good faith, as confidential at the time of delivery of such information shall be kept confidential by the requesting party or any such attorney, accountant or agent, unless such disclosure is made in connection with a court proceeding or required by law, or such information becomes available to the public generally or through a third party (other than a result of a breach of such confidentiality provisions) without an accompanying obligation of confidentiality;

(iii) make such representations and warranties to the Holders of Securities registered thereunder and the underwriters, if any, in form, substance and scope as are customarily made by issuers to underwriters in primary underwritten offerings and covering matters including, but not limited to, those set forth in the Purchase Agreement;

 

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(iv) obtain opinions of counsel to the Company and the Guarantors and updates thereof (which counsel and opinions (in form, scope and substance) shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Managing Underwriters, if any) addressed to each selling Holder and the underwriters, if any, covering such matters as are customarily covered in opinions requested in underwritten offerings and such other matters as may be reasonably requested by such Holders and underwriters;

(v) obtain “comfort” letters and updates thereof from the independent certified public accountants of the Company (and, if necessary, any other independent certified public accountants of any subsidiary of the Company or of any business acquired by the Company for which financial statements and financial data are, or are required to be, included in the Registration Statement), addressed to each selling Holder of Securities registered thereunder and the underwriters, if any, in customary form and covering matters of the type customarily covered in “comfort” letters in connection with primary underwritten offerings; and

(vi) deliver such documents and certificates as may be reasonably requested by the Majority Holders or the Managing Underwriters, if any, including those to evidence compliance with Section 4(k) and with any customary conditions contained in the underwriting agreement or other agreement entered into by the Company and the Guarantors.

The actions set forth in clauses (iii), (iv), (v) and (vi) of this paragraph (q) shall be performed at (A) the effectiveness of such Registration Statement and each post-effective amendment thereto; and (B) each closing under any underwriting or similar agreement as and to the extent required thereunder.

(r) In the case of any Exchange Offer Registration Statement, the Company and the Guarantors shall, if requested by an Initial Purchaser, or by a broker dealer that holds Securities that were acquired as a result of market making or other trading activities:

(i) make reasonably available for inspection by the requesting party, and any attorney, accountant or other agent retained by the requesting party, all relevant financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents and properties of the Company, the Guarantors and their respective subsidiaries;

(ii) cause each of the Company’s and the Guarantors’ officers, directors, employees, accountants and auditors to supply all relevant information reasonably requested by the requesting party or any such attorney, accountant or agent in connection with any such Registration Statement as is customary for similar due diligence examinations; provided , however , that any information that is designated in writing by the Company or any Guarantor, in good faith, as confidential at the time of delivery of such information shall be kept confidential by the requesting party or any such attorney, accountant or agent, unless such disclosure is made in connection with a court proceeding or required by law, or such information becomes available to the public generally or through a third party (other than a result of a breach of such confidentiality provisions) without an accompanying obligation of confidentiality;

 

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(iii) make such representations and warranties to the requesting party, in form, substance and scope as are customarily made by issuers to underwriters in primary underwritten offerings and covering matters including, but not limited to, those set forth in the Purchase Agreement;

(iv) obtain opinions of counsel to the Company and the Guarantors and updates thereof (which counsel and opinions (in form, scope and substance) shall be reasonably satisfactory to the requesting party and its counsel, addressed to the requesting party, covering such matters as are customarily covered in opinions requested in underwritten offerings and such other matters as may be reasonably requested by the requesting party or its counsel;

(v) obtain “comfort” letters and updates thereof from the independent certified public accountants of the Company (and, if necessary, any other independent certified public accountants of the Company of any subsidiary of the Company or of any business acquired by the Company for which financial statements and financial data are, or are required to be, included in the Registration Statement), addressed to the requesting party, in customary form and covering matters of the type customarily covered in “comfort” letters in connection with primary underwritten offerings, or if requested by the requesting party or its counsel in lieu of a “comfort” letter, an agreed-upon procedures letter under Statement on Auditing Standards No. 35, covering matters requested by the requesting party or its counsel; and

(vi) deliver such documents and certificates as may be reasonably requested by the requesting party or its counsel, including those to evidence compliance with Section 4(k) and with conditions customarily contained in underwriting agreements.

The foregoing actions set forth in clauses (iii), (iv), (v), and (vi) of this Section shall be performed at the close of the Registered Exchange Offer and the effective date of any post-effective amendment to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement.

(s) If a Registered Exchange Offer is to be consummated, upon delivery of the Securities by Holders to the Company (or to such other person as directed by the Company) in exchange for the New Securities, the Company shall mark, or caused to be marked, on the Securities so exchanged that such Securities are being cancelled in exchange for the New Securities. In no event shall the Securities be marked as paid or otherwise satisfied.

(t) The Company and the Guarantors shall use their respective best efforts if the Securities have been rated prior to the initial sale of such Securities, to confirm such ratings will apply to the Securities or the New Securities, as the case may be, covered by a Registration Statement.

 

15


(u) In the event that any Broker-Dealer shall underwrite any Securities or participate as a member of an underwriting syndicate or selling group or “assist in the distribution” (within the meaning of the NASD Rules) thereof, whether as a Holder of such Securities or as an underwriter, a placement or sales agent or a broker or dealer in respect thereof, or otherwise, the Company and the Guarantors shall assist such Broker-Dealer in complying with the NASD Rules.

(v) The Company and the Guarantors shall use their respective reasonable best efforts to take all other steps necessary to effect the registration of the Securities or the New Securities, as the case may be, covered by a Registration Statement.

5. Registration Expenses . The Company shall bear all expenses incurred in connection with the performance of its obligations under Sections 2, 3 and 4 hereof and, in the event of any Shelf Registration Statement, will reimburse the Holders for the reasonable fees and disbursements of one firm or counsel (which shall initially be White & Case LLP, but which may be another nationally recognized law firm experienced in securities matters designated by the Majority Holders) to act as counsel for the Holders in connection therewith, and, in the case of any Exchange Offer Registration Statement, will reimburse the Initial Purchasers for the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel acting in connection therewith.

6. Indemnification and Contribution . (a) The Company and the Guarantors agree to indemnify and hold harmless each Holder of Securities or New Securities, as the case may be, covered by any Registration Statement, each Initial Purchaser and, with respect to any Prospectus delivery as contemplated in Section 4(h) hereof, each Exchanging Dealer, the directors, officers, employees, Affiliates and agents of each such Holder, Initial Purchaser or Exchanging Dealer and each person who controls any such Holder, Initial Purchaser or Exchanging Dealer within the meaning of either the Act or the Exchange Act against any and all losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which they or any of them may become subject under the Act, the Exchange Act or other federal or state statutory law or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement as originally filed or in any amendment thereof, or in any preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus, or in any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of any preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading, and agree to reimburse each such indemnified party, as incurred, for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by it in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action; provided , however , that the Company and the Guarantors will not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage or liability arises out of or is based upon any such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made therein in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of the party claiming indemnification specifically for inclusion therein. This indemnity agreement shall be in addition to any liability that the Company and the Guarantors may otherwise have.

 

16


Each of the Company and the Guarantors also agrees to indemnify as provided in this Section 6(a) or contribute as provided in Section 6(d) hereof to Losses of each underwriter, if any, of Securities or New Securities, as the case may be, registered under a Shelf Registration Statement, their directors, officers, employees, Affiliates or agents and each person who controls such underwriter on substantially the same basis as that of the indemnification of the Initial Purchasers and the selling Holders provided in this Section 6(a) and shall, if requested by any Holder, enter into an underwriting agreement reflecting such agreement, as provided in Section 4(p) hereof.

(b) Each Holder of securities covered by a Registration Statement (including each Initial Purchaser that is a Holder, in such capacity) severally and not jointly agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each of the Company and the Guarantors, each of their respective Affiliates, directors and officers and each person who controls the Company or any Guarantor within the meaning of either the Act or the Exchange Act, to the same extent as the foregoing indemnity from the Company and the Guarantors to each such Holder, but only with reference to written information relating to such Holder furnished to the Company by or on behalf of such Holder specifically for inclusion in the documents referred to in the foregoing indemnity. This indemnity agreement will be in addition to any liability that any such Holder may otherwise have.

(c) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this Section 6 or notice of the commencement of any action, such indemnified party will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the indemnifying party under this Section, notify the indemnifying party in writing of the commencement thereof; but the failure so to notify the indemnifying party (i) will not relieve it from liability under paragraph (a) or (b) above unless and to the extent it did not otherwise learn of such action and such failure results in the forfeiture by the indemnifying party of substantial rights and defenses; and (ii) will not, in any event, relieve the indemnifying party from any obligations to any indemnified party other than the indemnification obligation provided in paragraph (a) or (b) above. The indemnifying party shall be entitled to appoint counsel (including local counsel) of the indemnifying party’s choice at the indemnifying party’s expense to represent the indemnified party in any action for which indemnification is sought (in which case the indemnifying party shall not thereafter be responsible for the fees and expenses of any separate counsel, other than local counsel if not appointed by the indemnifying party, retained by the indemnified party or parties except as set forth below); provided , however , that such counsel shall be reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party. Notwithstanding the indemnifying party’s election to appoint counsel (including local counsel) to represent the indemnified party in an action, the indemnified party shall have the right to employ separate counsel (including local counsel), and the indemnifying party shall bear the reasonable fees, costs and expenses of such separate counsel if (i) the use of counsel chosen by the indemnifying party to represent the indemnified party would present such counsel with a conflict of interest; (ii) the actual or potential defendants in, or targets of, any such action include both the indemnified party and the indemnifying party and the indemnified party shall have reasonably concluded that there may be legal defenses available to it and/or other indemnified parties that are different from or additional to those available to the indemnifying party; (iii) the indemnifying party shall not have employed counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party to represent the indemnified party within a reasonable time after notice of the institution of such action; or (iv) the indemnifying party shall authorize the indemnified party to employ

 

17


separate counsel at the expense of the indemnifying party. An indemnifying party will not, without the prior written consent of the indemnified parties, settle or compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to any pending or threatened claim, action, suit or proceeding in respect of which indemnification or contribution may be sought hereunder (whether or not the indemnified parties are actual or potential parties to such claim or action) unless such settlement, compromise or consent includes an unconditional release of each indemnified party from all liability arising out of such claim, action, suit or proceeding.

(d) In the event that the indemnity provided in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section is unavailable to or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party for any reason, then each applicable indemnifying party shall have a joint and several obligation to contribute to the aggregate losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including legal or other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with investigating or defending any loss, claim, liability, damage or action) (collectively “Losses”) to which such indemnified party may be subject in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by such indemnifying party, on the one hand, and such indemnified party, on the other hand, from the Initial Placement and the Registration Statement which resulted in such Losses; provided , however , that in no case shall any Initial Purchaser be responsible, in the aggregate, for any amount in excess of the purchase discount or commission applicable to such Security, or in the case of a New Security, applicable to the Security that was exchangeable into such New Security, as set forth in the Final Memorandum, nor shall any underwriter be responsible for any amount in excess of the underwriting discount or commission applicable to the securities purchased by such underwriter under the Registration Statement which resulted in such Losses. If the allocation provided by the immediately preceding sentence is unavailable for any reason, the indemnifying party and the indemnified party shall contribute in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only such relative benefits but also the relative fault of such indemnifying party, on the one hand, and such indemnified party, on the other hand, in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such Losses as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. Benefits received by the Company and the Guarantors shall be deemed to be equal to the total net proceeds from the Initial Placement (before deducting expenses) as set forth in the Final Memorandum. Benefits received by the Initial Purchasers shall be deemed to be equal to the total purchase discounts and commissions as set forth on the cover page of the Final Memorandum, and benefits received by any other Holders shall be deemed to be equal to the value of receiving Securities or New Securities, as applicable, registered under the Act. Benefits received by any underwriter shall be deemed to be equal to the total underwriting discounts and commissions, as set forth on the cover page of the Prospectus forming a part of the Registration Statement which resulted in such Losses. Relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any untrue or any alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information provided by the indemnifying party, on the one hand, or by the indemnified party, on the other hand, the intent of the parties and their relative knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such untrue statement or omission. The parties agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Holders were treated as one entity for such purpose) or any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to above. Notwithstanding the provisions of this paragraph (d), no person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent

 

18


misrepresentation. For purposes of this Section, each person who controls a Holder within the meaning of either the Act or the Exchange Act and each director, officer, employee and agent of such Holder shall have the same rights to contribution as such Holder, and each person who controls the Company or any Guarantor within the meaning of either the Act or the Exchange Act, each officer of the Company or any Guarantor who shall have signed the Registration Statement and each director of the Company or any Guarantor shall have the same rights to contribution as the Company and the Guarantors, subject in each case to the applicable terms and conditions of this paragraph (d).

(e) The provisions of this Section will remain in full force and effect, regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any Holder or the Company and the Guarantors or any of the indemnified persons referred to in this Section 6, and will survive the sale by a Holder of securities covered by a Registration Statement.

7. Underwritten Registrations . (a) If any of the Securities or New Securities, as the case may be, covered by any Shelf Registration Statement are to be sold in an underwritten offering, the Managing Underwriters shall be selected by the Majority Holders.

(b) No person may participate in any underwritten offering pursuant to any Shelf Registration Statement, unless such person (i) agrees to sell such person’s Securities or New Securities, as the case may be, on the basis reasonably provided in any underwriting arrangements approved by the persons entitled hereunder to approve such arrangements; and (ii) completes and executes all questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements and other documents reasonably required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements.

8. Registration Defaults . If any of the following events shall occur, then the Company and the Guarantors shall pay liquidated damages (the “Registration Default Damages”) to the Holders of Securities in respect of the Securities as follows:

(a) if any Registration Statement required by this Agreement is not filed with the Commission on or prior to the date specified for such filing in this Agreement, then Registration Default Damages shall accrue on the Registrable Securities at a rate of .25% per annum for the first 60 days from and including such specified date and .50% per annum thereafter; or

(b) if any Registration Statement required by this Agreement is not declared effective by the Commission on or prior to the date by which best efforts are to be used to cause such effectiveness under this Agreement, then commencing on the day after such specified date, Registration Default Damages shall accrue on the Registrable Securities at a rate of .25% per annum for the first 60 days from and including such specified date and .50% per annum thereafter; or

(c) if any Registration Statement required by this Agreement has been declared effective but ceases to be effective at any time at which it is required to be effective under this Agreement, then commencing on the day the Registration Statement ceases to be effective, Registration Default Damages shall accrue on the Registrable Securities at a rate of .25% per annum for the first 60 days from and including such date on which the Registration Statement ceases to be effective and .50% per annum thereafter;

 

19


provided , however , that (1) upon the filing of the Registration Statement (in the case of paragraph (a) above), (2) upon the effectiveness of the Registration Statement (in the case of paragraph (b) above), or (3) upon the effectiveness of the Registration Statement which had ceased to remain effective (in the case of paragraph (c) above), Registration Default Damages shall cease to accrue.

9. No Inconsistent Agreements . The Company and the Guarantors have not entered into, and agree not to enter into, any agreement with respect to its securities that is inconsistent with the rights granted to the Holders herein or that otherwise conflicts with the provisions hereof.

10. Amendments and Waivers . The provisions of this Agreement may not be amended, qualified, modified or supplemented, and waivers or consents to departures from the provisions hereof may not be given, otherwise than with the prior written consent of the Holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Securities outstanding; provided that, with respect to any matter that directly or indirectly affects the rights of any Initial Purchaser hereunder, the Company shall obtain the written consent of each such Initial Purchaser against which such amendment, qualification, supplement, waiver or consent is to be effective; provided , further , that no amendment, qualification, supplement, waiver or consent with respect to Section 8 hereof shall be effective as against any Holder of Registered Securities unless consented to in writing by such Holder; and provided , further , that the provisions of this Section 10 may not be amended, qualified, modified or supplemented, and waivers or consents to departures from the provisions hereof may not be given, unless the Company has obtained the written consent of the Initial Purchasers and each Holder. Notwithstanding the foregoing (except the foregoing provisos), a waiver or consent to departure from the provisions hereof with respect to a matter that relates exclusively to the rights of Holders whose Securities or New Securities, as the case may be, are being sold pursuant to a Registration Statement and that does not directly or indirectly affect the rights of other Holders may be given by the Majority Holders, determined on the basis of Securities or New Securities, as the case may be, being sold rather than registered under such Registration Statement.

11. Notices . All notices and other communications provided for or permitted hereunder shall be made in writing by hand-delivery, first-class mail, telex, telecopier or air courier guaranteeing overnight delivery:

(a) if to a Holder, at the most current address given by such holder to the Company in accordance with the provisions of this Section 11, which address initially is, with respect to each Holder, the address of such Holder maintained by the Registrar under the Indenture;

(b) if to the Representatives, initially at the address or addresses set forth in the Purchase Agreement; and

 

20


(c) if to the Company and the Guarantors, initially at their address set forth in the Purchase Agreement.

All such notices and communications shall be deemed to have been duly given when received.

The Initial Purchasers, the Company or the Guarantors by notice to the other parties may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.

12. Remedies . Each Holder, in addition to being entitled to exercise all rights provided to it herein, in the Indenture or in the Purchase Agreement or granted by law, including recovery of liquidated or other damages, will be entitled to specific performance of its rights under this Agreement. The Company and the Guarantors agree that monetary damages would not be adequate compensation for any loss incurred by reason of a breach by it of the provisions of this Agreement and hereby agree to waive in any action for specific performance the defense that a remedy at law would be adequate.

13. Successors . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns, including, without the need for an express assignment or any consent by the Company and the Guarantors thereto, subsequent Holders of Securities and the New Securities, and the indemnified persons referred to in Section 6 hereof. The Company and the Guarantors hereby agree to extend the benefits of this Agreement to any Holder of Securities and the New Securities, and any such Holder may specifically enforce the provisions of this Agreement as if an original party hereto.

14. Counterparts . This Agreement may be signed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

15. Headings . The section headings used herein are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.

16. Applicable Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable to contracts made and to be performed in the State of New York.

17. Jurisdiction . The Company and the Guarantors agree that any suit, action or proceeding against the Company or any of the Guarantors brought by any Holder or Initial Purchaser, the directors, officers, employees, Affiliates and agents of any Holder or Initial Purchaser, or by any person who controls any Holder or Initial Purchaser, arising out of or based upon this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby may be instituted in any State or U.S. federal court in The City of New York and County of New York, and waive any objection which they may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any such proceeding, and irrevocably submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of such courts in any suit, action or proceeding. The parties hereto each hereby waive any right to trial by jury in any action, proceeding or counterclaim arising out of or relating to this Agreement.

 

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18. Severability . In the event that any one of more of the provisions contained herein, or the application thereof in any circumstances, is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect for any reason, the validity, legality and enforceability of any such provision in every other respect and of the remaining provisions hereof shall not be in any way impaired or affected thereby, it being intended that all of the rights and privileges of the parties shall be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.

19. Securities Held by the Company, etc. Whenever the consent or approval of Holders of a specified percentage of principal amount of Securities or New Securities is required hereunder, Securities or New Securities, as applicable, held by the Company or any of their respective Affiliates (other than subsequent Holders of Securities or New Securities if such subsequent Holders are deemed to be Affiliates solely by reason of their holdings of such Securities or New Securities) shall not be counted in determining whether such consent or approval was given by the Holders of such required percentage.

 

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If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of our agreement, please sign and return to us the enclosed duplicate hereof, whereupon this Agreement and your acceptance shall represent a binding agreement among the Company, the Guarantors and the several Initial Purchasers.

 

Very truly yours,
Owens Corning
By:  

/s/ Ralph A. Than

Name:   Ralph A. Than
Title:   Vice President Finance and Treasurer
Owens Corning Sales, Inc.
By:  

/s/ Ralph A. Than

Name:   Ralph A. Than
Title:   Vice President Finance and Treasurer
Fibreboard Corporation
By:  

/s/ Stephen K. Krull

Name:   Stephen K. Krull
Title:   Authorized Representative
Exterior Systems, Inc.
By:  

/s/ Stephen K. Krull

Name:   Stephen K. Krull
Title:   Authorized Representative
Soltech, Inc.
By:  

/s/ Stephen K. Krull

Name:   Stephen K. Krull
Title:   Authorized Representative

 

23


IPM Inc.
By:  

/s/ Stephen K. Krull

Name:   Stephen K. Krull
Title:   Authorized Representative
Integrex
By:  

/s/ Stephen K. Krull

Name:   Stephen K. Krull
Title:   Authorized Representative
Owens-Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
By:  

/s/ Stephen K. Krull

Name:   Stephen K. Krull
Title:   Authorized Representative

The foregoing Agreement is hereby confirmed and

accepted as of the date first above written.

 

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.
Goldman, Sachs & Co.
By:   Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

 

By  

 

Name:  
Title:  
Goldman, Sachs & Co.
By  

 

Name:  
Title:  

 

24


ANNEX A

Each broker-dealer that receives new securities for its own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such new securities. The Letter of Transmittal states that by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Act. This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of new securities received in exchange for securities where such securities were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. The company and the guarantors have agreed that, starting on the expiration date and ending on the close of business one year after the expiration date, they will make this prospectus available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale. See “Plan of Distribution”.

 

A-1


ANNEX B

Each broker-dealer that receives new securities for its own account in exchange for securities, where such securities were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such new securities. See “Plan of Distribution”.

 

B-1


ANNEX C

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

Each broker-dealer that receives new securities for its own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such new securities. This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of new securities received in exchange for securities where such securities were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. The company and the guarantors have agreed that, starting on the expiration date and ending on the close of business 90 days after the expiration date, it will make this prospectus, as amended or supplemented, available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale. In addition, until                      ,              , all dealers effecting transactions in the new securities may be required to deliver a prospectus.

The company and the guarantors will not receive any proceeds from any sale of new securities by brokers-dealers. New securities received by broker-dealers for their own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be sold from time to time in one or more transactions in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions, through the writing of options on the new securities or a combination of such methods of resale, at market prices prevailing at the time of resale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or negotiated prices. Any such resale may be made directly to purchasers or to or through brokers or dealers who may receive compensation in the form of commissions or concessions from any such broker-dealer and/or the purchasers of any such new securities. Any broker-dealer that resales new securities that were received by it for its own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer and any broker or dealer that participates in a distribution of such new securities may be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Act and any profit of any such resale of new securities and any commissions or concessions received by any such persons may be deemed to be underwriting compensation under the Act. The Letter of Transmittal states that by acknowledging that it will deliver and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Act.

For a period of 90 days after the expiration date, the company and the guarantors will promptly send additional copies of this prospectus and any amendment or supplement to this prospectus to any broker-dealer that requests such documents in the Letter of Transmittal. The company and the guarantors have agreed to pay all expenses incident to the Exchange Offer (including the expenses of one counsel for the holder of the securities) other than commissions or concessions of any brokers or dealers and will indemnify the holders of the securities (including any broker-dealers) against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Act.

 

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ANNEX D

Rider A

PLEASE FILL IN YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS BELOW IF YOU ARE A BROKER-DEALER AND WISH TO RECEIVE 10 ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THE PROSPECTUS AND 10 COPIES OF ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO.

 

Name:

 

 

Address:

 

 

 

 

Rider B

If the undersigned is not a Broker-Dealer, the undersigned represents that it acquired the New Securities in the ordinary course of its business, it is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, a distribution of New Securities and it has no arrangements or understandings with any person to participate in a distribution of the New Securities. If the undersigned is a Broker-Dealer that will receive New Securities for its own account in exchange for Securities, it represents that the Securities to be exchange for New Securities were acquired by it as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities and acknowledges that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such New Securities; however, by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, the undersigned will not be deemed to admit that it is an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Act.

 

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Exhibit 10.1

OWENS CORNING

2006 STOCK PLAN

I. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose . The purpose of the Owens Corning Stock Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”) is to promote the long-term financial success of Owens Corning (the “ Company ”) by (i) establishing a Management Equity Program; (ii) establishing a broad-based Employee Equity Program for all Company employees (other than those persons eligible to participate in the Management Equity Program); (iii) attracting and retaining executive personnel of outstanding ability; (iv) strengthening the Company’s capability to develop, maintain and direct a competent management team; (v) motivating executive personnel by means of performance-related incentives to achieve longer-range performance goals; (vi) providing incentive compensation opportunities which are competitive with those of other major corporations; (vii) enabling Company employees and executive personnel to participate in the long-term growth and financial success of the Company through increased stock ownership and (viii) serving as a mechanism to compensate outside directors. Where the grant of shares of stock under this Plan is restricted or rendered impracticable by foreign local laws and/or regulations, the foregoing purposes will be promoted through some alternative arrangement (or in some cases cash equivalents) as applicable.

1.2 Certain Definitions . In addition to the defined terms set forth elsewhere in this Plan, the terms set forth below, shall, when capitalized, have the following respective meanings.

Agreement shall mean the written agreement evidencing an award hereunder between the Company and the recipient of such award.

Board shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

Bonus Stock ” shall mean shares of Common Stock that are not subject to a Restriction Period or Performance Measures.

Cause shall mean the willful and continued failure to substantially perform the duties assigned by the Company (other than a failure resulting from the optionee’s Disability), the willful engaging in conduct which is demonstrably injurious to the Company or any Subsidiary, monetarily or otherwise, including conduct that, in the reasonable judgment of the Committee, no longer conforms to the standard of the Company’s employees or executives, any act of dishonesty, commission of a felony, or a significant violation of any statutory or common law duty of loyalty to the Company.

Change in Control shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.8(b).

Code shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Committee shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board or a subcommittee thereof, or any other committee designated by the Board to administer this Plan, consisting of two or more members of the Board, each of whom shall be (i) a “Non-Employee Director”


within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act, (ii) an “outside director” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, and (iii) an “Independent Director” within the meaning of the rules of the New York Stock Exchange.

Common Stock shall mean the new common stock, $.10 par value, of the Company.

Disability shall mean the inability of the holder of an award to perform substantially such holder’s duties and responsibilities for a continuous period of at least six months, as determined solely by the Committee. To the extent that Code Section 409A is applicable to a particular award, the term “Disability” shall have the meaning as defined under that Section.

Exchange Act shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Fair Market Value shall mean the closing transaction price of a share of Common Stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange on the date as of which such value is being determined or, if the Common Stock is not listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the closing transaction price of a share of Common Stock on the principal national stock exchange on which the Common Stock is traded on the date as of which such value is being determined or, if there shall be no reported transactions for such date, on the next preceding date for which transactions were reported; provided further, that Fair Market Value may be determined by the Committee by whatever other means or method as the Committee, in the good faith exercise of its discretion, shall at such time deem appropriate. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for any purposes under this Plan including for Plan administrative purposes, the Committee may, in its discretion, apply any other definition of Fair Market Value which is reasonable and consistent with applicable tax, accounting and other rules.

Free-Standing SAR shall mean an SAR which is not granted in tandem with, or by reference to, an option, which entitles the holder thereof to receive, upon exercise, shares of Common Stock (which may be Restricted Stock), cash or a combination thereof, as set forth in the Agreement, with an aggregate value equal to the excess of the Fair Market Value of one share of Common Stock on the date of exercise over the base price of such SAR, multiplied by the number of such SARs which are exercised.

Incentive Stock Option shall mean an option to purchase shares of Common Stock which meets the requirements of Section 422 of the Code, or any successor provision, and which is intended by the Committee to constitute an Incentive Stock Option.

Non-Employee Director shall mean any director of the Company who is not an officer or employee of the Company or any Subsidiary.

Non-Qualified Stock Option shall mean an option to purchase shares of Common Stock that is not an Incentive Stock Option.

Participant shall mean an individual who has been granted an Incentive Stock Option, a Non-Qualified Stock Option, an SAR, a Bonus Stock Award, Performance Share Award, Restricted Stock Award or Restricted Stock Unit Award.

 

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Performance Measures shall mean the criteria and objectives, established by the Committee, which shall be satisfied or met (i) as a condition to the exercisability of all or a portion of an option or SAR, (ii) as a condition to the grant of a Stock Award or (iii) during the applicable Restriction Period or Performance Period as a condition to the holder’s receipt of Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Award or a Performance Share Award and/or of payment with respect to such award. The Committee may amend or adjust the Performance Measures or other terms and conditions of an outstanding award in recognition of unusual or nonrecurring events affecting the Company or its financial statements or changes in law or accounting, but only to the extent such adjustment would not cause any portion of the award, upon payment, or the option, upon exercise, to be nondeductible pursuant to Section 162(m) of the Code. Such criteria and objectives may include one or more of the following: total stockholder return (based on the change in the price of a share of the Company’s Common Stock and dividends paid) earnings per share; operating income; net income; return on stockholder’s equity; return on assets; return on capital employed; economic value added; and cash flows (including, but not limited to, operating cash flow, free cash flow, cash flow return on equity and cash flow return on investment). If the Committee desires that compensation payable pursuant to any award subject to Performance Measures be “qualified performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, the Performance Measures (i) shall be established by the Committee no later than the end of the first quarter of the Performance Period or Restriction Period, as applicable (or such other time designated by the Internal Revenue Service) and (ii) shall satisfy all other applicable requirements imposed under Treasury Regulations promulgated under Section 162(m) of the Code, including the requirement that such Performance Measures be stated in terms of an objective formula or standard.

Performance Period shall mean any period designated by the Committee during which the Performance Measures applicable to a Performance Share Award shall be measured.

Performance Share shall mean a right, contingent upon the attainment of specified Performance Measures within a specified Performance Period, to receive one share of Common Stock, which may be Restricted Stock, or in lieu of all or a portion thereof, at the Committee’s discretion, the Fair Market Value of such Performance Share in cash.

Performance Share Award shall mean an award of Performance Shares under this Plan.

Permanent and Total Disability shall have the meaning set forth in Section 22(e) (3) of the Code or any successor thereto.

Restricted Stock shall mean shares of Common Stock that are subject to a Restriction Period.

Restricted Stock Unit shall mean the right to receive one share of Common Stock which shall be contingent upon the expiration of a specified Restriction Period and subject to such additional restrictions as may be contained in the Agreement relating thereto.

Restriction Period shall mean any period designated by the Committee during which (i) the Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Award may not be sold, transferred,

 

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assigned, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise encumbered or disposed of, except as provided in this Plan or the Agreement relating to such award or (ii) the conditions to vesting applicable to a Restricted Stock Unit Award shall remain in effect.

SAR shall mean a stock appreciation right which may be a Free Standing SAR or a Tandem SAR.

Stock Award shall mean a Restricted Stock Award, a Restricted Stock Unit Award, or a Bonus Stock Award.

Tandem SAR shall mean an SAR which is granted in tandem with, or by reference to, an option (including a Non-Qualified Stock Option granted prior to the date of grant of the SAR), which entitles the holder thereof to receive, upon exercise of such SAR and surrender for cancellation of all or a portion of such option, shares of Common Stock (which may be Restricted Stock), cash or a combination thereof with an aggregate value equal to the excess of the Fair Market Value of one share of Common Stock on the date of exercise over the base price of such SAR, multiplied by the number of shares of Common Stock subject to such option, or portion thereof, which is surrendered.

1.3 Administration . This Plan shall be administered by the Committee. The Committee shall have the authority to determine eligibility for awards hereunder and to determine the form, amount and timing of each award to such persons and, if applicable, the number of shares of Common Stock, and the number of Performance Shares subject to such an award, the exercise price associated with the award, the time and conditions of exercise or settlement of the award and all other terms and conditions of the award, including, without limitation, the form of the Agreement evidencing the award. The Committee may, in its sole discretion and for any reason at any time, subject to the requirements imposed under Section 162(m) of the Code and regulations promulgated thereunder in the case of an award intended to be qualified performance-based compensation, take action such that (i) any or all outstanding options and SARs shall become exercisable in part or in full, (ii) all or a portion of the Restriction Period applicable to any outstanding Restricted Stock Award shall lapse, (iii) all or a portion of the Performance Period applicable to any outstanding Performance Share Award shall lapse, (iv) the Performance Measures applicable to any outstanding Restricted Stock Award (if any) and to any outstanding Performance Share Award shall be deemed to be satisfied at the maximum or any other level.

The Committee shall, subject to the terms of this Plan, interpret this Plan and the application thereof, establish rules and regulations it deems necessary or desirable for the administration of this Plan and may impose, incidental to the grant of an award, conditions with respect to the award, such as limiting competitive employment or other activities. All such interpretations, rules, regulations and conditions shall be final, binding and conclusive.

The Committee shall keep minutes of its meetings and of action taken by it without a meeting. A majority of the Committee shall constitute a quorum. The acts of the Committee shall be either (i) acts of a majority of the members of the Committee present at any meeting at which a quorum is present or (ii) acts approved in writing by all of the members of the Committee without a meeting.

 

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Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, in accordance with Section 157 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, the Committee may, by resolution, authorize one or more executive officers of the Company to do one or both of the following: (i) designate non-director and non-executive officer employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to be recipients of rights or options entitling the holder thereof to purchase from the Company shares of its capital stock of any class or other awards hereunder; and (ii) determine the number of such rights or options, or awards to be received by such non-director and non-executive officer employees; provided, however, that the resolution so authorizing such executive officer or officers shall specify the total number of rights or options, or awards such executive officer or officers may so award. The Committee may not authorize an executive officer to designate himself or herself or any director or other executive officer of the Company to be a recipient of any such rights, options, or awards.

Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, to the extent an award granted hereunder would be subject to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and the regulations thereunder, then the Agreement for such award and the Plan shall be construed and administered so as the award complies with Section 409A of the Code and the regulations thereunder.

Awards may be granted to Participants in jurisdictions outside the United States. To the extent necessary or advisable to comply with applicable local laws while concurrently aiming to achieve the purposes of the Plan it may be determined by the Committee that the terms and conditions applicable to those awards granted to Participants outside the United States are different from those under the Plan.

1.4 Eligibility . Participants in this Plan shall consist of such directors, officers, and employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries, Affiliates or Joint Ventures from time to time, and any other entity designated by the Board or the Committee (individually a “Subsidiary” and collectively the “Subsidiaries”) as the Committee, in its sole discretion, may select from time to time. For purposes of this Plan, reference to employment by the Company shall also mean employment by a Subsidiary, Affiliate or Joint Venture.

1.5 Shares Available . Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 6.7, [Insert Number] shares of Common Stock shall be available under this Plan, reduced by the sum of the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock which become subject to outstanding options, including Directors Options, outstanding Free-Standing SARs, outstanding Stock Awards and outstanding Performance Shares. To the extent that shares of Common Stock subject to an outstanding option (except to the extent shares of Common Stock are issued or delivered by the Company in connection with the exercise of a Tandem SAR), Free-Standing SAR, Stock Award or Performance Share are not issued or delivered by reason of the expiration, termination, cancellation or forfeiture of such award, then such shares of Common Stock shall again be available under this Plan.

Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 6.7, 2,000,000 shares of Common Stock shall be available under this Plan for awards granted pursuant to the Employee Equity Program to all Company employees, other than those persons eligible to participate in the Management Equity Program.

 

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Shares of Common Stock shall be made available from authorized and unissued shares of Common Stock, or authorized and issued shares of Common Stock reacquired and held as treasury shares or otherwise or a combination thereof.

To the extent required by Section 162(m) of the Code and the rules and regulations thereunder, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which options, SARs, Stock Awards or Performance Share Awards or a combination thereof may be granted during any calendar year to any person shall be [Insert Number] , subject to adjustment as provided in Section 6.7.

For purposes of grants of Incentive Stock Options under this Plan, the maximum number of shares available for such grant(s) shall be no more than [INSERT NUMBER] shares.

II. STOCK OPTIONS AND STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS

2.1 Stock Options . The Committee may, in its discretion, grant Incentive Stock Options or Non-Qualified Stock Options to such eligible persons under Section 1.4 as may be selected by the Committee.

Options shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem advisable:

(a) Number of Shares and Purchase Price . The number of shares and the purchase price per share of Common Stock subject to an option shall be determined by the Committee, provided, however, that the purchase price per share of Common Stock shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant of such option and provided further, that if an Incentive Stock Option shall be granted to any person who, at the time such option is granted, owns capital stock possessing more than ten percent of the total combined voting power of all classes of capital stock of the Company (or of any parent or subsidiary as defined in Section 424 of the Code) (a “ Ten Percent Holder ”), the purchase price per share of Common Stock shall be the price (currently 110% of Fair Market Value) required by the Code in order to constitute an Incentive Stock Option.

(b) Option Period and Exercisability . Each option, by its terms, shall require the Participant to remain in the continuous employ of the Company for at least one year following the date of grant of the option before any part of the option shall be exercisable, except in the case of a Change in Control. The period during which an option may be exercised shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, that no Incentive Stock Option shall be exercised later than ten years after its date of grant; provided further, that if an Incentive Stock Option shall be granted to a Ten Percent Holder, such option shall not be exercised later than five years after its date of grant. Once determined and stated in an Agreement with respect to an option, the period during which an option can be exercised shall not be further extended. The Committee may, in its discretion, establish Performance Measures which shall be satisfied or met as a condition to the grant of an option or to the exercisability of all or a portion of an option. The Committee shall determine whether an option shall become exercisable in cumulative or non-cumulative installments and in part or in full at any time. An exercisable option, or portion thereof, may be exercised only for whole shares of Common Stock.

 

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(c) Method of Exercise . An option may be exercised (i) by giving written notice to the Company specifying the number of whole shares of Common Stock to be purchased and accompanied by payment therefor in full (or arrangement made for such payment to the Company’s satisfaction) either (A) by the delivery of cash in the amount of the aggregate purchase price payable by reason of such exercise, (B) for employees other than Canadian employees, by delivery (either actual delivery or by attestation procedures established by the Company) of previously acquired shares of Common Stock that have an aggregate Fair Market Value, determined as of the date of exercise, equal to the aggregate purchase price payable by reason of such exercise (C) by the delivery of cash in the amount of the aggregate purchase price payable by reason of such exercise by a broker-dealer acceptable to the Company to whom the optionee has submitted an irrevocable notice of exercise, or (D) a combination of (A) and (B), in each case to the extent set forth in the Agreement relating to the option, (ii) if applicable, by surrendering to the Company any Tandem SARs which are cancelled by reason of the exercise of the option and (iii) by executing such documents as the Company may reasonably request. Any fraction of a share of Common Stock which would be required to pay such purchase price shall be disregarded and the remaining amount due shall be paid in cash by the optionee. No shares of Common Stock shall be issued and no certificate representing Common Stock shall be delivered until the full purchase price therefore has been paid (or arrangement made for such payment to the Company’s satisfaction).

Notwithstanding the foregoing, permitted exercise methods may be limited by the terms of the individual Award Agreement.

2.2 Stock Appreciation Rights . The Committee may, in its discretion, grant SARs to such eligible persons under Section 1.4 as may be selected by the Committee. The Agreement relating to an SAR shall specify whether the SAR is a Tandem SAR or a Free-Standing SAR.

SARs shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem advisable:

(a) Number of SARs and Base Price . The number of SARs subject to an award shall be determined by the Committee. Any Tandem SAR related to an Incentive Stock Option shall be granted at the same time that such Incentive Stock Option is granted. The base price of a Tandem SAR shall be the purchase price per share of Common Stock of the related option. The base price of a Free-Standing SAR shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, that such base price shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant of such SAR.

(b) Exercise Period and Exercisability . Each SAR, by its terms, shall require the Participant to remain in the continuous employ of the Company for at least one year following the date of grant of the SAR before any part of the SAR shall be exercisable, except in the case of a Change in Control. The Agreement relating to an award of SARs shall specify whether such award may be settled in shares of Common Stock (including shares of Restricted Stock) or cash

 

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or a combination thereof, provided, however, that cash settled SARs may only be granted to persons not subject to United States income tax laws, including Section 409A of the Code and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. The period for the exercise of an SAR shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, that no SAR may be exercised later than 10 years after its date of grant; provided further, that no Tandem SAR shall be exercised later than the expiration, cancellation, forfeiture or other termination of the related option. Once determined and stated in an Agreement with respect to an SAR, the period during which an SAR can be exercised shall not be further extended. The Committee may, in its discretion, establish Performance Measures which shall be satisfied or met as a condition to the grant of an SAR or to the exercisability of all or a portion of an SAR. The Committee shall determine whether an SAR may be exercised in cumulative or non-cumulative installments and in part or in full at any time. An exercisable SAR, or portion thereof, may be exercised, in the case of a Tandem SAR, only with respect to whole shares of Common Stock and, in the case of a Free Standing SAR, only with respect to a whole number of SARs. If an SAR is exercised for shares of Restricted Stock, a certificate or certificates representing such Restricted Stock shall be issued in accordance with Section 3.2(c), or such shares shall be transferred to the holder in book entry form with restrictions on the Shares duly noted, and the holder of such Restricted Stock shall have such rights of a stockholder of the Company as determined pursuant to Section 3.2(d). Prior to the exercise of an SAR for shares of Common Stock, including Restricted Stock, the holder of such SAR shall have no rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to the shares of Common Stock subject to such SAR.

(c) Method of Exercise . A Tandem SAR may be exercised (i) by giving written notice to the Company specifying the number of whole SARs which are being exercised, (ii) by surrendering to the Company any options which are cancelled by reason of the exercise of the Tandem SAR and (iii) by executing such documents as the Company may reasonably request. A Free-Standing SAR may be exercised (i) by giving written notice to the Company specifying the whole number of SARs which are being exercised and (ii) by executing such documents as the Company may reasonably request.

2.3 Termination of Employment or Service . (a)  Non-Qualified Stock Options and SARs . All of the terms relating to the exercise period or to the vesting, in whole or in part, or forfeiture and cancellation of such option or SAR award upon a termination of employment or service with the Company of the holder, whether by reason of disability, retirement, death or any other reason, shall be determined by the Committee and as set forth in the Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, age and service requirements set forth in any individual Award Agreement will be inapplicable in jurisdictions where they are in conflict with implementation of the European Union Age Discrimination Directive.

(b) Incentive Stock Options . All of the terms relating to the exercise period or to the vesting, in whole or in part, or forfeiture and cancellation of such Incentive Stock Option award upon a termination of employment or service with the Company of the holder, whether by reason of disability, retirement, death or any other reason, shall be determined by the Committee and as set forth in the Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, age and service requirements set forth in any individual Award Agreement will be inapplicable in jurisdictions where they are in conflict with implementation of the European Union Age Discrimination Directive.

 

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(c) Continuation of Service as a Non-Employee Director . Unless otherwise set forth in the Agreement, a holder’s employment with the Company will not be deemed to have terminated for purposes of this Section 2.3 if the holder continues to provide services to the Company as a Non-Employee Director.

2.4 No Repricing . Notwithstanding anything in this Plan to the contrary and subject to Section 6.7, without the approval of the stockholders of the Company the Committee will not amend or replace any previously granted option or SAR in a transaction that constitutes a “repricing,” as such term is used in Section 303A.08 of the Listed Company Manual of the New York Stock Exchange.

III. STOCK AWARDS

3.1 Stock Awards . The Committee may, in its discretion, grant Stock Awards to such eligible persons under Section 1.4 as may be selected by the Committee. The Agreement relating to the Stock Award shall specify whether the Stock Award is a Restricted Stock Award, a Restricted Stock Unit Award, or Bonus Stock Award.

3.2 Terms of Stock Awards . Stock Awards shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem advisable.

(a) Number of Shares and Other Terms . The number of shares of Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Award, Restricted Stock Unit Award, or Bonus Stock Award and the Performance Measures (if any) and Restriction Period applicable to a Restricted Stock Award or Restricted Stock Unit Award shall be determined by the Committee and set forth in the individual award Agreement.

(b) Vesting and Forfeiture . The Agreement relating to a Restricted Stock Award or Restricted Stock Unit Award shall provide, in the manner determined by the Committee, in its discretion, and subject to the provisions of this Plan, for the vesting, in whole or in part, of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award, in the case of a Restricted Stock Award, or the vesting of the Restricted Stock Unit Award itself, in the case of Restricted Stock Unit Award, (i) if specified Performance Measures are satisfied or met during the specified Restriction Period or (ii) if the holder of such award remains continuously in the employment of or service to the Company during the specified Restriction Period, and for the forfeiture of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award in the case of a Restricted Stock Award, or the forfeiture of the Restricted Stock Unit Award itself, in the case of a Restricted Stock Unit Award, (x) if specified Performance Measures are not satisfied or met during the specified Performance Period or (y) if the holder of such award does not remain continuously in the employment of or service to the Company during the specified Restriction Period.

Bonus Stock Awards shall not be subject to any Performance Measures or Restriction Periods.

(c) Stock Issuance . During the Restriction Period, the shares of Restricted Stock shall be held by a custodian in book entry form with restrictions on such shares duly noted or, alternatively, a certificate or certificates representing a Restricted Stock Award shall be

 

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registered in the holder’s name and may bear a legend, in addition to any legend which may be required pursuant to Section 6.6, indicating that the ownership of the shares of Common Stock represented by such certificate is subject to the restrictions, terms and conditions of this Plan and the Agreement relating to the Restricted Stock Award. All such certificates shall be deposited with the Company, together with stock powers or other instruments of assignment (including a power of attorney), each endorsed in blank with a guarantee of signature if deemed necessary or appropriate, which would permit transfer to the Company of all or a portion of the shares of Common Stock subject to the Restricted Stock Award in the event such award is forfeited in whole or in part. Upon termination of any applicable Restriction Period (and the satisfaction or attainment of applicable Performance Measures), subject to the Company’s right to require payment of any taxes in accordance with Section 6.5, the restrictions shall be removed from the requisite number of any shares of Common Stock that are held in book entry form, and all certificates evidencing ownership of the requisite number of shares of Common Stock shall be delivered to the holder of such award.

(d) Rights with Respect to Restricted Stock Awards . Unless otherwise set forth in the Agreement relating to a Restricted Stock Award, and subject to the terms and conditions of a Restricted Stock Award, the holder of such award shall have all rights as a stockholder of the Company, including, but not limited to, voting rights, the right to receive dividends and the right to participate in any capital adjustment applicable to all holders of Common Stock; provided, however, that a distribution with respect to shares of Common Stock, other than a regular cash dividend, shall be deposited with the Company and shall be subject to the same restrictions as the shares of Common Stock with respect to which such distribution was made.

(e) Rights and Provisions Applicable to Restricted Stock Unit Awards . The Agreement relating to a Restricted Stock Unit Award shall specify whether the holder thereof shall be entitled to receive, on a current or deferred basis, dividend equivalents, or the deemed reinvestment of, any deferred dividend equivalents, with respect to the number of shares of Common Stock subject to such award. Prior to the settlement of a Restricted Stock Unit Award, the holder thereof shall not have any rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to the shares of Common Stock subject to such award, except to the extent that the Committee, in its sole discretion, may grant dividend equivalents on Restricted Stock Unit Awards as provided above. No shares of Common Stock and no certificates representing shares of Common Stock that are the subject to a Restricted Stock Unit Award shall be issued upon the grant of a Restricted Stock Unit Award. Instead, shares of Common Stock subject to Restricted Stock Unit Awards and the certificates representing such shares of Common Stock shall only be distributed at the time of settlement of such Restricted Stock Unit Awards in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Plan and the Agreement relating to such Restricted Stock Unit Award.

3.3 Termination of Employment or Service . All of the terms relating to the satisfaction of Performance Measures and the termination of the Restriction Period or Performance Period relating to a Stock Award, or any vesting, in whole or in part, or forfeiture and cancellation of such award upon a termination of employment or service with the Company of the holder of such award, whether by reason of disability, retirement, death or any other reason, shall be determined by the Committee and as set forth in the Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, age and service requirements set forth in any individual Award Agreement will be inapplicable in jurisdictions where they are in conflict with implementation of the European Union Age Discrimination Directive.

 

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IV. PERFORMANCE SHARE AWARDS

4.1 Performance Share Awards . The Committee may, in its discretion, grant Performance Share Awards to such eligible persons under Section 1.4 as may be selected by the Committee.

4.2 Terms of Performance Share Awards . Performance Share Awards shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem advisable.

(a) Number of Performance Shares and Performance Measures . The number of Performance Shares subject to any award and the Performance Measures and Performance Period applicable to such award shall be determined by the Committee.

(b) Vesting and Forfeiture . The Agreement relating to a Performance Share Award shall provide, in the manner determined by the Committee, in its discretion, and subject to the provisions of this Plan, for the vesting of such award, if specified Performance Measures are satisfied or met during the specified Performance Period, and for the forfeiture of such award, if specified Performance Measures are not satisfied or met during the specified Performance Period.

(c) Settlement of Vested Performance Share Awards . The Agreement relating to a Performance Share Award (i) shall specify whether such award may be settled in shares of Common Stock (including shares of Restricted Stock) or cash or a combination thereof and (ii) may specify whether the holder thereof shall be entitled to receive, on a current or deferred basis, dividend equivalents, and, if determined by the Committee, interest on or the deemed reinvestment of any deferred dividend equivalents, with respect to the number of shares of Common Stock subject to such award. If a Performance Share Award is settled in shares of Restricted Stock, such shares of Restricted Stock shall be issued to the holder in book entry form or a certificate or certificates representing such Restricted Stock shall be issued in accordance with Section 3.2(c) and the holder of such Restricted Stock shall have such rights of a stockholder of the Company as determined pursuant to Section 3.2(d). Prior to the settlement of a Performance Share Award in shares of Common Stock, including Restricted Stock, the holder of such award shall have no rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to the shares of Common Stock subject to such award and shall have rights as a stockholder of the Company in accordance with Section 6.10. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, payments of cash, shares of Common Stock, or any combination thereof to any Participant in respect of the settlement of a Performance Share Award for any Performance Period shall not exceed $ [Insert Amount] , with respect to the cash payment for such award, and shall not exceed [Insert Number] shares of Common Stock, with respect to the Common Stock payment for such award.

4.3 Termination of Employment or Service . All of the terms relating to the satisfaction of Performance Measures and the termination of the Performance Period relating to a Performance Unit Award, or any forfeiture and cancellation of such award upon a termination of employment or service with the Company of the holder of such award, whether by reason of disability, retirement, death or any other reason, shall be determined by the Committee

 

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V. PROVISIONS RELATING TO NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS

5.1 Eligibility . Each Non-Employee Director who receives a grant of options to purchase Common Stock shall be granted such options to purchase shares of Common Stock in accordance with this Article V. All options granted under this Article V shall constitute Non-Qualified Stock Options.

5.2 Grants of Stock Options . Each Non-Employee Director shall be granted Non-Qualified Stock Options as follows:

(a) Time of Grant . On [Insert Date] (or, if later, on the date on which a person is first elected or begins to serve as a Non-Employee Director other than by reason of termination of employment), and, thereafter, on the date of each annual meeting of stockholders of the Company, each person who is a Non-Employee Director immediately after such meeting of stockholders shall be granted an option to purchase a designated number of shares of Common Stock, as is determined by the Board (which amount shall be pro-rated if such Non-Employee Director is first elected or begins to serve as a Non-Employee Director on a date other than the date of an annual meeting of stockholders) at a purchase price per share equal to the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant of such option.

(b) Exercise Period and Exercisability . For each option granted under this Section 5.2, such option shall be exercisable, and vesting and other requirements shall apply, if any, as shall be determined by the Committee at the time of grant and as reflected in the Agreement. Each option granted under this Section 5.2 shall expire [Insert Number] years after its date of grant. An exercisable option, or portion thereof, may be exercised in whole or in part only with respect to whole shares of Common Stock. Options granted under this Section 5.2 shall be exercisable in accordance with Section 2.1(c).

5.3 Termination of Service .

(a) All of the terms relating to the exercise or to the vesting, in whole or in part, or forfeiture and cancellation of such an option granted under Section 5.2 upon the holder ceasing to be a director of the Company, whether by reason of disability, retirement, death or any other reason, shall be determined by the Committee and as set forth in the individual award Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, age and service requirements set forth in any individual Award Agreement will be inapplicable in jurisdictions where they are in conflict with implementation of the European Union Age Discrimination Directive.

(b) Death Following Termination of Directorship. If the holder of an option granted under Section 5.2 dies during the period set forth in Section 5.3(a) following such holder’s ceasing to be a director of the Company by reason of disability, retirement, or any other reason, each such option held by such holder shall be exercisable only to the extent that such option is exercisable on the date of the holder’s death and may thereafter be exercised by such holder’s executor, administrator, legal representative, beneficiary or similar person until and including the earliest to occur of the (i) a date which is a specific period, as set forth in the individual award agreement, after the date of death, if any such period is specified in the Agreement and (ii) the expiration date of the term of such option.

 

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(c) Continuation of Service as an Employee. A holder’s directorship will not be deemed to have terminated for purposes of this Section 5.3 if the holder continues to provide services to the Company as an employee of the Company.

5.4 Elective Participation and Deferral of Award . In addition to any initial one-time grant or Award under this Plan, each Non-Employee Director may from time to time elect, in accordance with procedures to be specified by the Committee, to receive in lieu of all or part of the cash retainer and any meeting fees that would otherwise be payable to such Non-Employee Director, prior to the year in which such retainer and meeting fees would otherwise be payable during the period that such election is in effect, either (i) Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units under this Plan, if available, having the terms described in Section 5.5 (“ Directors Restricted Stock ”) with a Fair Market Value as of such payment date equal to 100% (or some other percentage as determined by the Committee in its discretion and as set forth in the Agreement), of the foregone amount of such retainer payment and meeting fees or (ii) options under this Plan, if available, having the terms described in Section 5.6 (“ Directors Options ”) to purchase shares of Common Stock having a Fair Market Value as of such payment date equal to 100%(or some other percentage as determined by the Committee in its discretion and as set forth in the Agreement), of the foregone amount of such retainer payment and meeting fees. Any election under this paragraph 5.4 shall be made under an appropriate election form and appropriate individual award agreement or agreements.

In addition to the foregoing, any Award to Non-Employee Directors of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units or Options under this Plan not made pursuant to an election as described in the foregoing paragraph may be deferred through an appropriate deferral election and shall be deferred with such terms and conditions as specified in such deferral election.

5.5 Directors Restricted Stock . Shares of Directors Restricted Stock shall be subject to a Restriction Period commencing on the date of grant of such award and terminating on the specified anniversary date of the date of grant of such award (as determined by the Committee in its discretion and as set forth in the Agreement), shall vest if the holder of such award remains continuously in the service of the Company as a Non-Employee Director during the Restriction Period and shall be forfeited if the holder of such award does not remain continuously in the service of the Company as a Non-Employee Director or employee of the Company during the Restriction Period. A certificate or certificates representing Directors Restricted Stock shall be issued in accordance with Section 3.2(c) and the holder of such award shall have such rights of a stockholder of the Company as determined pursuant to Section 3.2(d).

Notwithstanding the foregoing paragraph, if the service to the Company as a Non-Employee Director or employee of the Company of the holder of Directors Restricted Stock terminates or ceases to be a director or employee whether by reason of disability, retirement, death or any other reason, the termination of the Restriction Period shall be determined by the Committee as set forth in the individual award Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, age and service requirements set forth in any individual Award Agreement will be inapplicable in jurisdictions where they are in conflict with implementation of the European Union Age Discrimination Directive.

 

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5.6 Directors Options . Each Directors Option, other than those awarded pursuant to paragraph 5.2 above, shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem advisable:

(a) Exercise Period and Exercisability. For each Director’s Option, such option shall be exercisable, and vesting and other requirements shall apply, if any, as shall be determined by the Committee at the time of grant. Each Directors Option shall expire [Insert Number] years after its date of grant.

(b) Purchase Price. The purchase price for the shares of Common Stock subject to any Directors Option shall be equal to 100% of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant of such Directors Option. An exercisable Directors Option, or portion thereof, may be exercised in whole or in part only with respect to whole shares of Common Stock. Directors Options shall be exercisable in accordance with Section 2.1(c).

(c) Termination of Service. If the holder of a Directors Option ceases to be a director of the Company by reason of whether by reason of disability, retirement, death or any other reason, the exercise of such option shall be determined by the Committee and as set forth in the individual award Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, age and service requirements set forth in any individual Award Agreement will be inapplicable in jurisdictions where they are in conflict with implementation of the European Union Age Discrimination Directive.

If the holder of a Directors Option dies during the period set forth in the first paragraph of this Section 5.6(c) following such holder’s ceasing to be a director of the Company by reason of disability, retirement, or any other reason, each such Directors Option held by such holder shall be exercisable only to the extent that such option is exercisable on the date of the holder’s death and may thereafter be exercised by such holder’s executor, administrator, legal representative, beneficiary or similar person until and including the earliest to occur of the (i) a date which is a specific period, as set forth in the individual award agreement, after the date of death, if any such period is specified in the Agreement and (ii) the expiration date of the term of such option.

A holder’s directorship will not be deemed to have terminated for purposes of this Section 5.6 if the holder continues to provide services to the Company as an employee of the Company.

VI. GENERAL

6.1 Effective Date and Term of Plan . This Plan has been approved by the stockholders of the Company and became effective as of [Insert Date] . This Plan shall terminate on [Insert Date] , unless terminated earlier by the Board. Termination of this Plan shall not affect the terms or conditions of any award granted prior to termination.

 

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6.2 Amendments . The Board may amend this Plan as it shall deem advisable, subject to any requirement of stockholder approval required by applicable law, rule or regulation, including Section 162(m) and Section 422 of the Code; provided, however, that no amendment shall be made without stockholder approval if such amendment would (a) increase the maximum number of shares of Common Stock available under this Plan (subject to Section 6.7), (b) effect any change inconsistent with Section 422 of the Code, (c) extend the term of this Plan or (d) reduce the minimum purchase price of a share of Common Stock subject to an option. No amendment may impair the rights of a holder of an outstanding award without the consent of such holder.

Awards may be granted to Participants in jurisdictions outside the United States. To the extent necessary or advisable to comply with applicable local laws while concurrently aiming to achieve the purposes of the Plan, it may be determined by the Committee that the terms and conditions applicable to those awards granted to Participants outside the United States are different from those under the Plan.

6.3 Agreement . Each award under this Plan shall be evidenced by an Agreement setting forth the terms and conditions applicable to such award. No award shall be valid until an Agreement is executed by the Company and the recipient of such award and, upon execution by each party and delivery of the Agreement to the Company, such award shall be effective as of the effective date set forth in the Agreement.

6.4 Non-Transferability of Awards . Unless otherwise specified in the Agreement relating to an award, no award shall be transferable other than by will, the laws of descent and distribution or pursuant to beneficiary designation procedures approved by the Company. Except to the extent permitted by the foregoing sentence or the Agreement relating to an award, each award may be exercised or settled during the holder’s lifetime only by the holder or the holder’s legal representative or similar person. Except to the extent permitted by the second preceding sentence or the Agreement relating to an award, no award may be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, hypothecated, encumbered or otherwise disposed of (whether by operation of law or otherwise) or be subject to execution, attachment or similar process. Upon any attempt to so sell, transfer, assign, pledge, hypothecate, encumber or otherwise dispose of any such award, such award and all rights thereunder shall immediately become null and void.

6.5 Tax Withholding . The Company shall have the right to require, prior to the issuance or delivery of any shares of Common Stock or the payment of any cash pursuant to an award made hereunder, payment by the holder of such award of any Federal, state, local or other taxes which may be required to be withheld or paid in connection with such award. An Agreement may provide that (i) the Company shall withhold whole shares of Common Stock which would otherwise be delivered to a holder, having an aggregate Fair Market Value determined as of the date the obligation to withhold or pay taxes arises in connection with an award (the “ Tax Date ”), or withhold an amount of cash which would otherwise be payable to a holder, in the amount necessary to satisfy any such obligation or (ii) the holder may satisfy any such obligation by any of the following means: (A) a cash payment to the Company in the amount necessary to satisfy any such obligation, (B) except for Canadian employees, delivery (either actual delivery or by attestation procedures established by the Company) to the Company of shares of Common Stock having an aggregate Fair Market Value, determined as of the Tax Date, equal to the amount necessary to satisfy any such obligation, (C) authorizing the Company to withhold whole shares

 

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of Common Stock which would otherwise be delivered having an aggregate Fair Market Value, determined as of the Tax Date, or withhold an amount of cash which would otherwise be payable to a holder, equal to the amount necessary to satisfy any such obligation, (D) in the case of the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option or Non-Qualified Stock Option, a cash payment in the amount necessary to satisfy any such obligation by a broker-dealer acceptable to the Company to whom the optionee has submitted an irrevocable notice of exercise or (E) any combination of (A), (B) and (C), in each case to the extent set forth in the Agreement relating to the award; provided, however, that the Company shall have sole discretion to disapprove of an election pursuant to any of clauses (B)-(E). Shares of Common Stock to be delivered or withheld may not have an aggregate Fair Market Value in excess of the amount determined by applying the minimum statutory withholding rate. Any fraction of a share of Common Stock which would be required to satisfy such an obligation shall be disregarded and the remaining amount due shall be paid in cash by the holder.

6.6 Restrictions on Shares . Each award made hereunder shall be subject to the requirement that if at any time the Company determines that the listing, registration or qualification of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award upon any securities exchange or under any law, or the consent or approval of any governmental body, or the taking of any other action is necessary or desirable as a condition of, or in connection with, the exercise or settlement of such award or the delivery of shares thereunder, such award shall not be exercised or settled and such shares shall not be delivered unless such listing, registration, qualification, consent, approval or other action shall have been effected or obtained, free of any conditions not acceptable to the Company. The Company may require that certificates evidencing shares of Common Stock delivered pursuant to any award made hereunder bear a legend indicating that the sale, transfer or other disposition thereof by the holder is prohibited except in compliance with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.

6.7 Adjustment . In the event of any stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation, combination, exchange of shares, liquidation, spin-off or other similar change in capitalization or event, or any distribution to holders of Common Stock other than a regular cash dividend, the number and class of securities available under this Plan, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which options, SARs, Stock Awards or Performance Share Awards or a combination thereof may be awarded during any calendar year to any one person, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to Awards in the form of Incentive Stock Options, the number and class of securities subject to each outstanding option and the purchase price per security, the terms of each outstanding SAR, the number and class of securities subject to each outstanding Stock Award, and the terms of each outstanding Performance Share shall be appropriately adjusted by the Committee, such adjustments to be made in the case of outstanding options and SARs without an increase in the aggregate purchase price or base price. The decision of the Committee regarding any such adjustment shall be final, binding and conclusive. If any such adjustment would result in a fractional security being (a) available under this Plan, such fractional security shall be disregarded, or (b) subject to an award under this Plan, the Company shall pay the holder of such award, in connection with the first vesting, exercise or settlement of such award, in whole or in part, occurring after such adjustment, an amount in cash determined by multiplying (i) the fraction of such security (rounded to the nearest hundredth) by (ii) the excess, if any, of (A) the Fair Market Value on the vesting, exercise or settlement date over (B) the exercise price, if any, of such award.

 

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6.8 Change in Control .

(a) (1) Notwithstanding any provision in this Plan or any Agreement, in the event of a Change in Control pursuant to Section (b)(3) or (4) below in connection with which the holders of Common Stock receive shares of common stock that are registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act, (i) all outstanding options and SARS shall immediately become exercisable in full, (ii) the Restriction Period applicable to any outstanding Restricted Stock Award shall lapse, (iii) the Performance Period applicable to any outstanding Performance Share shall lapse, unless otherwise provided in the award Agreement and subject to the discretion of the Board, (iv) the Performance Measures applicable to any outstanding award shall be deemed to be satisfied at the maximum level and (v) there shall be substituted for each share of Common Stock available under this Plan, whether or not then subject to an outstanding award, the number and class of shares into which each outstanding share of Common Stock shall be converted pursuant to such Change in Control. In the event of any such substitution, the purchase price per share in the case of an option and the base price in the case of an SAR shall be appropriately adjusted by the Committee (whose determination shall be final, binding and conclusive), such adjustments to be made in the case of outstanding options and SARs without an increase in the aggregate purchase price or base price.

(2) Notwithstanding any provision in this Plan or any Agreement, in the event of a Change in Control pursuant to Section (b)(1) or (2) below, or in the event of a Change in Control pursuant to Section (b)(3) or (4) below in connection with which the holders of Common Stock receive consideration other than shares of common stock that are registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act, each outstanding award shall be surrendered to the Company by the holder thereof, and each such award shall immediately be canceled by the Company, and the holder shall receive, within ten days of the occurrence of a Change in Control, a cash payment from the Company in an amount equal to (i) in the case of an option, the number of shares of Common Stock then subject to such option, multiplied by the excess, if any, of the greater of (A) the highest per share price offered to stockholders of the Company in any transaction whereby the Change in Control takes place or (B) the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of occurrence of the Change in Control, over the purchase price per share of Common Stock subject to the option, (ii) in the case of a Free-Standing SAR, the number of shares of Common Stock then subject to such SAR, multiplied by the excess, if any, of the greater of (A) the highest per share price offered to stockholders of the Company in any transaction whereby the Change in Control takes place or (B) the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of occurrence of the Change in Control, over the base price of the SAR, (iii) in the case of a Restricted Stock Award or Performance Share Award, the number of shares of Common Stock or the number of Performance Shares, as the case may be, then subject to such award, multiplied by the greater of (A) the highest per share price offered to stockholders of the Company in any transaction whereby the Change in Control takes place or (B) the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of occurrence of the Change in Control. In the event of a Change in Control, each Tandem SAR shall be surrendered by the holder thereof and shall be canceled simultaneously with the cancellation of the related option. The Company may, but is not required to, cooperate with any person who is subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act to assure that any cash payment in accordance with the foregoing to such person is made in compliance with Section 16 and the rules and regulations thereunder.

 

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(b) “Change in Control” shall mean:

(1) the acquisition by any individual, entity or group (a “ Person ”), including any “person” within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act, of beneficial ownership within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, of [Insert Percentage] % or more of either (i) the then outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the “ Outstanding Common Stock ”) or (ii) the combined voting power of the then outstanding securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “ Outstanding Voting Securities ”); excluding, however, the following: (A) any acquisition directly from the Company (excluding any acquisition resulting from the exercise of an exercise, conversion or exchange privilege unless the security being so exercised, converted or exchanged was acquired directly from the Company), (B) any acquisition by the Company, (C) any acquisition by an employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any corporation controlled by the Company or (D) any acquisition by any corporation pursuant to a transaction which complies with clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) of subsection (3) of this Section 6.8(b); provided further, that for purposes of clause (B), if any Person (other than the Company or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any corporation controlled by the Company) shall become the beneficial owner of [Insert Percentage] % or more of the Outstanding Common Stock or [Insert Percentage] % or more of the Outstanding Voting Securities by reason of an acquisition by the Company, and such Person shall, after such acquisition by the Company, become the beneficial owner of any additional shares of the Outstanding Common Stock or any additional Outstanding Voting Securities and such beneficial ownership is publicly announced, such additional beneficial ownership shall constitute a Change in Control;

(2) individuals who, as of the beginning of any consecutive [Insert Number] -year period constitute the Board of Directors (the “ Incumbent Board ”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of such Board; provided that any individual who subsequently becomes a director of the Company and whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders, was approved by the vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be deemed a member of the Incumbent Board; and provided further, that any individual who was initially elected as a director of the Company as a result of an actual or threatened solicitation by a Person other than the Board for the purpose of opposing a solicitation by any other Person with respect to the election or removal of directors, or any other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of any Person other than the Board shall not be deemed a member of the Incumbent Board;

(3) the consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation of the Company or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (a “ Corporate Transaction ”); excluding, however, a Corporate Transaction pursuant to which (i) all or substantially all of the individuals or entities who are the beneficial owners, respectively, of the Outstanding Common Stock and the Outstanding Voting Securities immediately prior to such Corporate Transaction will beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than [Insert Percentage] % of, respectively, the outstanding shares of common stock, and the combined

 

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voting power of the outstanding securities of such corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, as the case may be, of the corporation resulting from such Corporate Transaction (including, without limitation, a corporation which as a result of such transaction owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets either directly or indirectly) in substantially the same proportions relative to each other as their ownership, immediately prior to such Corporate Transaction, of the Outstanding Common Stock and the Outstanding Voting Securities, as the case may be, (ii) no Person (other than: the Company; any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any corporation controlled by the Company; the corporation resulting from such Corporate Transaction; and any Person which beneficially owned, immediately prior to such Corporate Transaction, directly or indirectly, [Insert Percentage] % or more of the Outstanding Common Stock or the Outstanding Voting Securities, as the case may be) will beneficially own, directly or indirectly, [Insert Percentage] % or more of, respectively, the outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting from such Corporate Transaction or the combined voting power of the outstanding securities of such corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors and (iii) individuals who were members of the Incumbent Board will constitute at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the corporation resulting from such Corporate Transaction; or

(4) the consummation of a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

6.9 No Right of Participation or Employment . No person shall have any right to participate in this Plan. The Committee’s selection of a person to participate in this Plan at any time shall not require the Committee to select such person to participate in this Plan at any other time. Neither this Plan nor any award made hereunder shall confer upon any person any right to continued employment by the Company, any Subsidiary or any affiliate of the Company or affect in any manner the right of the Company, any Subsidiary or any affiliate of the Company to terminate the employment of any person at any time without liability hereunder.

6.10 Rights as Stockholder . No person shall have any right as a stockholder of the Company with respect to any shares of Common Stock or other equity security of the Company which is subject to an award hereunder unless and until such person becomes a stockholder of record with respect to such shares of Common Stock or equity security.

6.11 Stock Certificates . To the extent that this Plan provides for issuance of certificates to reflect the issuance of shares of Common Stock, the issuance may be effected on a noncertificated basis, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law or the rules of the New York Stock Exchange.

6.12 Governing Law . This Plan, each award hereunder and the related Agreement, and all determinations made and actions taken pursuant thereto, to the extent not otherwise governed by the Code or the laws of the United States, shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware and construed in accordance therewith without giving effect to principles of conflicts of laws.

 

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Exhibit 10.2

DIRECTORS’ INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

AGREEMENT, effective as of November 1, 2006, between Owens Corning, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and                      (the “Indemnitee”).

WHEREAS, it is essential to the Company to retain and attract as directors the most capable persons available;

WHEREAS, Indemnitee is a director of the Company;

WHEREAS, both the Company and Indemnitee recognize the increased risk of litigation and other claims being asserted against directors of public companies in today’s environment;

WHEREAS, the By-Laws of the Company require the Company to indemnify and advance expenses to its directors to the full extent permitted by law and the Indemnitee has agreed to serve as a director of the Company in part in reliance on such By-Laws;

WHEREAS, in recognition of Indemnitee’s need for substantial protection against personal liability in order to enhance Indemnitee’s continued service to the Company in an effective manner and Indemnitee’s reliance on the aforesaid By-Laws, and in part to provide Indemnitee with specific contractual assurance that the protection promised by such By-Laws will be available to Indemnitee (regardless of, among other things, any amendment to or revocation of such By-Laws or any change in the composition of the Company’s Board of Directors or acquisition transaction relating to the Company), the Company wishes to provide in this Agreement for the indemnification of and the advancing of expenses to Indemnitee to the full extent (whether partial or complete) permitted by law and as set forth in this Agreement, and, to the extent insurance is maintained, for the continued coverage of Indemnitee under the Company’s directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of Indemnitee continuing to serve the Company directly or, at its request, with another enterprise, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. Certain Definitions :

 

  (a)

Change in Control : shall be deemed to have occurred if (i) any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), other than a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee


 

benefit plan of the Company or a corporation owned directly or indirectly by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company, is or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under said Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 20% or more of the total voting power represented by the Company’s then outstanding Voting Securities, or (ii) during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board of Directors of the Company and any new director whose election by the Board of Directors or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute a majority thereof, or (iii) the stockholders of the Company approve a merger or consolidation of the company with any other corporation, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the Voting Securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into Voting Securities of the surviving entity) at least 80% of the total voting power represented by the Voting Securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation, or the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation of the Company or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets.

 

  (b) Claim : any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, or any inquiry or investigation, whether conducted by the Company or any other party, that Indemnitee in good faith believes might lead to the institution of any such action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, investigative or other.

 

  (c) Expenses : include attorneys’ fees and all other costs, expenses and obligations paid or incurred in connection with investigating, defending, being a witness in or participating in (including on appeal), or preparing to defend, be a witness in or participate in any Claim relating to any Indemnifiable Event.

 

  (d)

Indemnifiable Event : any event or occurrence related to the fact that Indemnitee is or was a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of the Company, or is or was serving at the request of

 

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the Company as a director, officer, employee, trustee, agent or fiduciary of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, employee benefit plan, trust or other enterprise, or by reason of anything done or not done by Indemnitee in any such capacity.

 

  (e) Potential Change in Control : shall be deemed to have occurred if (i) the Company enters into an agreement or arrangement, the consummation of which would result in the occurrence of a Change in Control; (ii) any person (including the Company) publicly announces an intention to take or to consider taking actions which if consummated would constitute a Change in Control; (iii) any person, other than a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company acting in such capacity or a corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company, who is or becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 10% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding Voting Securities, increases his beneficial ownership of such securities by 5% or more over the percentage so owned by such person on the date hereof or (iv) the Board adopts a resolution to the effect that, for purposes of this Agreement, a Potential Change in Control has occurred.

 

  (f) Reviewing Party : any appropriate person or body consisting of a member or members of the Company’s Board of Directors or any other person or body appointed by the Board (including the special, independent counsel referred to in Section 3) who is not a party to the particular claim for which Indemnitee is seeking indemnification.

 

  (g) Voting Securities : any securities of the Company which vote generally in the election of directors.

2. Basic Indemnification Arrangement .

(a) In the event Indemnitee was, is or becomes a party to or witness or other participant in, or is threatened to be made a party to or witness or other participant in a Claim by reason of (or arising in part out of) an Indemnifiable Event, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent authorized by the By-Laws of the Company as in effect on the date hereof notwithstanding that such By-Laws may subsequently be amended, repealed or otherwise changed in any respect, as soon as practicable but in any event no later than thirty days after written demand is presented to the Company, against any and all Expenses, judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement (including

 

3


all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of such Expenses, judgments, fines, penalties or amounts paid in settlement) of such Claim. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, prior to a Change in Control Indemnitee shall not be entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Agreement in connection with any Claim initiated by Indemnitee against the Company or any director or officer of the Company unless the Company has joined in or consented to the initiation of such Claim. If so requested by Indemnitee, the Company shall advance (within two business days of such request) any and all Expenses to Indemnitee (an “Expense Advance”).

(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) the obligations of the Company under Section 2(a) shall be subject to the condition that the Reviewing Party shall not have determined (in a written opinion, in any case in which the special, independent counsel referred to in Section 3 hereof is involved) that Indemnitee would not be permitted to be indemnified under applicable law, and (ii) the obligation of the Company to make an Expense Advance pursuant to Section 2(a) shall be subject to the condition that, if, when and to the extent that the Reviewing Party determines that Indemnitee would not be permitted to be so indemnified under applicable law, the Company shall be entitled to be reimbursed by Indemnitee (who hereby agrees to reimburse the Company) for all such amounts theretofore paid; provided, however, that if Indemnitee has commenced legal proceedings in a court of competent jurisdiction to secure a determination that Indemnitee should be indemnified under applicable law, any determination made by the Reviewing Party that Indemnitee would not be permitted to be indemnified under applicable law shall not be binding and Indemnitee shall not be required to reimburse the Company for any Expense Advance until a final judicial determination is made with respect thereto (as to which all rights of appeal therefrom have been exhausted or lapsed). If there has not been a Change in Control, the Reviewing Party shall be selected by the Board of Directors, and if there has been such a Change in Control, the Reviewing Party shall be the special, independent counsel referred to in Section 3 hereof. If there has been no determination by the Reviewing Party or if the Reviewing Party determines that Indemnitee substantively would not be permitted to be indemnified in whole or in part under applicable law, Indemnitee shall have the right to commence litigation in any court in the States of New York, Ohio or Delaware having subject matter jurisdiction thereof and in which venue is proper seeking an initial determination by the court or challenging any such determination by the Reviewing Party or any aspect thereof, and the Company hereby consents to service of process and to appear in any such proceeding. Any determination by the Reviewing Party otherwise shall be conclusive and binding on the Company and Indemnitee.

3. Change in Control . The company agrees that if there is a Change in Control of the Company (other than a Change in Control which has been approved by a majority of the Company’s Board of Directors who were directors

 

4


immediately prior to such Change in Control) then with respect to all matters thereafter arising concerning the rights of Indemnitee to indemnity payments and Expense Advances under this Agreement or any other agreement or Company By-Law now or hereafter in effect relating to Claims for Indemnifiable Events, the Company shall seek legal advice only from special, independent counsel selected by Indemnitee and approved by the Company (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld), and who has not otherwise performed services for the Company within the last 5 years (other than in connection with such matters) or Indemnitee. Such counsel, among other things, shall render its written opinion to the Company and Indemnitee as to whether and to what extent the Indemnitee would be permitted to be indemnified under applicable law. The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees of the special, independent counsel referred to above and to indemnify fully such counsel against any and all expenses (including attorney’s fees), claims, liabilities and damages arising out of or relating to this Agreement or its engagement pursuant hereto.

4. Establishment of Trust. In the event of a Potential Change in Control, the Company shall, upon written request by Indemnitee, create a Trust for the benefit of the Indemnitee and, from time to time upon written request of Indemnitee, shall fund such Trust in an amount sufficient to satisfy any and all Expenses reasonably anticipated at the time of each such request to be incurred in connection with investigating, preparing for and defending any Claim relating to an Indemnifiable Event, and any and all judgments, fines, penalties and settlement amounts of any and all Claims relating to an Indemnifiable Event from time to time actually paid or claimed, reasonably anticipated or proposed to be paid. The amount or amounts to be deposited in the Trust pursuant to the foregoing funding obligation shall be determined by the Reviewing Party, in any case in which the special, independent counsel referred to above is involved. The terms of the Trust shall provide that upon a Change in Control (i) the Trust shall not be revoked or the principal thereof invaded, without the written consent of the Indemnitee, (ii) the Trustee shall advance, within two business days of a request by the Indemnitee, any and all expenses to the Indemnitee (and the Indemnitee hereby agrees to reimburse the Trust under the circumstances under which the Indemnitee would be required to reimburse the Company under Section 2(b) of this Agreement), (iii) the Trust shall continue to be funded by the Company in accordance with the funding obligation set forth above, (iv) the Trustee shall promptly pay to the Indemnitee all amounts for which the Indemnitee shall be entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise, and (v) all unexpended funds in such Trust shall revert to the Company upon a final determination by the Reviewing Party or a court of competent jurisdiction, as the case may be, that the Indemnitee has been fully indemnified under the terms of this Agreement. The Trustee shall be chosen by the Indemnitee. Nothing in this Section 4 shall relieve the Company of any of its obligations under this Agreement.

 

5


5. Indemnification for Additional Expenses . The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against any and all expenses (including attorneys’ fees) and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall (within two business days of such request) advance such expenses to Indemnitee, which are incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any claim asserted against or action brought by Indemnitee for (i) indemnification or advance payment of Expenses by the Company under this Agreement or any other agreement or Company By-Law now or hereafter in effect relating to Claims for Indemnifiable Events and/or (ii) recovery under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by the Company, regardless of whether Indemnitee ultimately is determined to be entitled to such indemnification, advance expense payment or insurance recovery, as the case may be.

6. Partial Indemnity, Etc. If Indemnitee is entitled under any provision of this Agreement to indemnification by the Company for some or a portion of the Expenses, judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement of a Claim but not, however, for all of the total amount thereof, the Company shall nevertheless indemnify Indemnitee for the portion thereof to which Indemnitee is entitled. Moreover, notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the extent that Indemnitee has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any or all Claims relating in whole or in part to an Indemnifiable Event or in defense of any issue or matter therein, including dismissal without prejudice, Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Expenses incurred in connection therewith. In connection with any determination by the Reviewing Party or otherwise as to whether Indemnitee is entitled to be indemnified hereunder the burden of proof shall be on the Company to establish that Indemnitee is not so entitled.

7. No Presumption . For purposes of this Agreement, the termination of any claim, action, suit or proceeding, by judgment, order, settlement (whether with or without court approval) or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere, or its equivalent, shall not create a presumption that Indemnitee did not meet any particular standard of conduct or have any particular belief or that a court has determined that indemnification is not permitted by applicable law.

8. Non-exclusivity, Etc . The rights of the Indemnitee hereunder shall be in addition to any other rights Indemnitee may have under the Company’s By-Laws or the Delaware General Corporation Law or otherwise. To the extent that a change in the Delaware General Corporation Law (whether by statute or judicial decision) permits greater indemnification by agreement than would be afforded currently under the Company’s By-Laws and this Agreement, it is the intent of the parties hereto that Indemnitee shall enjoy by this Agreement the greater benefits so afforded by such change.

9. Liability Insurance . To the extent the Company maintains an insurance policy or policies providing directors’ and officers’ liability insurance,

 

6


Indemnitee shall be covered by such policy or policies, in accordance with its or their terms, to the maximum extent of the coverage available for any Company director or officer.

10. Period of Limitations . No legal action shall be brought and no cause of action shall be asserted by or on behalf of the Company or any affiliate of the Company against Indemnitee, Indemnitee’s spouse, heirs, executors or personal or legal representatives after the expiration of two years from the date of accrual of such cause of action, and any claim or cause of action of the Company or ifs affiliate shall be extinguished and deemed released unless asserted by the timely filing of a legal action within such two-year period; provided, however, that if any shorter period of limitations is otherwise applicable to any such cause of action such shorter period shall govern.

11. Amendments, Etc . No supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by both of the parties hereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provisions hereof (whether or not similar) nor shall such waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

12. Subrogation . In the event of payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee, who shall execute all papers required and shall do everything that may be necessary to secure such rights, including the execution of such documents necessary to enable the Company effectively to bring suit to enforce such rights.

13. No Duplication of Payments . The Company shall not be liable under this Agreement to make any payment in connection with any claim made against Indemnitee to the extent Indemnitee has otherwise actually received payment (under any insurance policy, By-Law or otherwise) of the amounts otherwise indemnifiable hereunder.

14. Binding Effect, Etc . This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors, assigns, including any direct or indirect successor by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company, spouses, heirs, and personal and legal representatives. The Company shall require and cause any successor (whether direct or indirect by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all, substantially all, or a substantial part, of the business and/or assets of the Company, by written agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Indemnitee, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place. This Agreement shall continue in effect regardless of whether Indemnitee continues to serve as a director of the Company or of any other enterprise at the Company’s request.

 

7


15. Severability . The provisions of this Agreement shall be severable in the event that any of the provisions hereof (including any provision within a single section, paragraph or sentence) are held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or otherwise unenforceable, and the remaining provisions shall remain enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.

16. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware applicable to contracts made and to be performed in such State without giving effect to the principles of conflicts of laws.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed and delivered this Agreement as of the 1st day of November, 2006.

 

OWENS CORNING
BY:  

 

  Stephen K. Krull
  Senior Vice President, General
  Counsel and Secretary
 

 

 

 

8

EXHIBIT 10.3

 


CREDIT AGREEMENT

among

OWENS CORNING,

VARIOUS LENDING INSTITUTIONS

and

CITIBANK, N.A.,

as Administrative Agent

Dated as of October 31, 2006

 


CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS INC.

and

BANC OF AMERICA SECURITIES LLC,

as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners,

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.

and

GOLDMAN SACHS CREDIT PARTNERS L.P.,

as Co-Syndication Agents

and

MORGAN STANLEY BANK

and

WACHOVIA BANK, N.A.,

as Co-Documentation Agents

 



Table of Contents

 

          Page

SECTION 1.

  

Amount and Terms of Credit

   1

1.01    

  

Commitments

   1

1.02    

  

Minimum Borrowing Amounts, etc.

   6

1.03    

  

Notice of Borrowing

   6

1.04    

  

Competitive Bid Borrowings

   7

1.05    

  

Disbursement of Funds

   9

1.06    

  

Notes

   10

1.07    

  

Conversions

   11

1.08    

  

Pro Rata Borrowings

   13

1.09    

  

Interest

   13

1.10    

  

Interest Periods

   16

1.11    

  

Increased Costs; Illegality; etc.

   17

1.12    

  

Compensation

   20

1.13    

  

Change of Lending Office

   21

1.14    

  

Replacement of Lenders

   22

1.15    

  

Provisions Regarding Bankers’ Acceptances, Drafts, etc.

   24

SECTION 2.

  

Letters of Credit

   24

2.01    

  

Letters of Credit

   24

2.02    

  

Letter of Credit Requests

   27

2.03    

  

Letter of Credit Participations

   27

2.04    

  

Agreement to Repay Letter of Credit Drawings

   31

2.05    

  

Increased Costs of Issuing Lender and L/C Participants

   32

SECTION 3.

  

Fees; Commitments

   33

3.01    

  

Fees

   33

3.02    

  

Voluntary Termination or Reduction of Commitments

   36

3.03    

  

Mandatory Reduction of Commitments

   37

SECTION 4.

  

Prepayments; Repayments; Taxes

   38

4.01    

  

Voluntary Prepayments

   38

4.02    

  

Mandatory Repayments and Commitment Reductions

   40

4.03    

  

Method and Place of Payment

   42

4.04    

  

Net Payments

   43

SECTION 5.

  

Conditions Precedent

   46

SECTION 5A

  

Conditions Precedent to Credit Events on the Initial Borrowing Date

   46

5A.01    

  

Execution of Agreement; Notes

   46

5A.02    

  

Officer’s Certificate

   46

5A.03    

  

Opinions of Counsel

   46

5A.04    

  

Company Documents; Proceedings

   47

5A.05    

  

Approvals

   47

5A.06    

  

Consummation of the Transaction

   47

 

(i)


Table of Contents

(continued)

 

          Page

5A.07    

  

Solvency Certificates

   48

5A.08    

  

Financial Statements; Pro Forma Balance Sheet; Projections

   49

5A.09    

  

Payment of Fees

   49

5A.10    

  

Consent Letter

   49

5A.11    

  

Subsidiaries Guaranty; Intercompany Subordination Agreement

   49

SECTION 5B

  

Conditions Precedent for Subsidiary Borrowers

   50

SECTION 6.

  

Conditions Precedent to All Credit Events

   51

6.01    

  

No Default; Representations and Warranties

   51

6.02    

  

Notice of Borrowing; Letter of Credit Request; etc.

   51

SECTION 7.

  

Representations, Warranties and Agreements

   52

7.01    

  

Company Status

   52

7.02    

  

Power and Authority

   52

7.03    

  

No Violation

   52

7.04    

  

Approvals

   53

7.05    

  

Financial Statements; Financial Condition; Undisclosed Liabilities; Projections

   53

7.06    

  

Litigation

   55

7.07    

  

True and Complete Disclosure

   55

7.08    

  

Use of Proceeds; Margin Regulations

   55

7.09    

  

Tax Returns and Payments

   56

7.10    

  

Compliance with ERISA; Non-U.S. Plans

   56

7.11    

  

Capitalization

   57

7.12    

  

Subsidiaries

   57

7.13    

  

Compliance with Statutes, etc.

   57

7.14    

  

Investment Company Act

   58

7.15    

  

Environmental Matters

   58

7.16    

  

Employment and Labor Relations

   58

7.17    

  

Intellectual Property, etc.

   59

7.18    

  

Indebtedness

   59

SECTION 8.

  

Affirmative Covenants

   59

8.01    

  

Information Covenants

   59

8.02    

  

Books, Records and Inspections; Annual Meetings

   61

8.03    

  

Maintenance of Property; Insurance

   61

8.04    

  

Existence; Franchises

   62

8.05    

  

Compliance with Statutes, etc.

   62

8.06    

  

Compliance with Environmental Laws

   62

8.07    

  

ERISA Reporting Covenant; Employee Benefits Matters

   62

8.08    

  

End of Fiscal Years; Fiscal Quarters

   63

8.09    

  

Payment of Taxes

   63

8.10    

  

Use of Proceeds

   63

 

(ii)


Table of Contents

(continued)

 

          Page

8.11    

  

Ratings

   63

8.12    

  

Additional Subsidiary Guarantors

   63

8.13    

  

Maintenance of Company Separateness

   65

SECTION 9.

  

Negative Covenants

   66

9.01    

  

Liens

   66

9.02    

  

Consolidation, Merger, Purchase or Sale of Assets, etc.

   69

9.03    

  

Dividends

   71

9.04    

  

Indebtedness

   72

9.05    

  

Advances, Investments and Loans

   74

9.06    

  

Transactions with Affiliates

   76

9.07    

  

Interest Expense Coverage Ratio

   76

9.08    

  

Leverage Ratio

   76

9.09    

  

Modifications of Certain Agreements

   77

9.10    

  

Limitation on Certain Restrictions on Subsidiaries

   77

9.11    

  

Intercompany Subordination Agreement

   78

SECTION 10.

  

Events of Default

   78

10.01    

  

Payments

   78

10.02    

  

Representations, etc.

   78

10.03    

  

Covenants

   78

10.04    

  

Default Under Other Agreements

   78

10.05    

  

Bankruptcy, etc.

   79

10.06    

  

ERISA

   79

10.07    

  

Judgments

   80

10.08    

  

Change of Control

   80

10.09    

  

Guaranties

   80

SECTION 11.

  

Definitions

   80

SECTION 12.

  

The Administrative Agent

   124

12.01    

  

Appointment

   124

12.02    

  

Nature of Duties

   125

12.03    

  

Certain Rights of the Administrative Agent

   125

12.04    

  

Reliance by the Administrative Agent

   126

12.05    

  

Notice of Default, etc.

   126

12.06    

  

Nonreliance on the Administrative Agent and Other Lenders

   126

12.07    

  

Indemnification by Lenders

   126

12.08    

  

The Administrative Agent in its Individual Capacity

   127

12.09    

  

Holders

   127

12.10    

  

Resignation of the Administrative Agent

   127

12.11    

  

Delivery of Information

   128

 

(iii)


Table of Contents

(continued)

 

          Page

SECTION 13.

  

Miscellaneous

   129

13.01    

  

Payment of Expenses, etc.

   129

13.02    

  

Right of Setoff

   130

13.03    

  

Notices

   130

13.04    

  

Benefit of Agreement

   131

13.05    

  

No Waiver; Remedies Cumulative

   133

13.06    

  

Payments Pro Rata

   134

13.07    

  

Calculations; Computations

   134

13.08    

  

Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction; Venue

   135

13.09    

  

Counterparts

   136

13.10    

  

Effectiveness

   136

13.11    

  

Headings Descriptive

   136

13.12    

  

Amendment or Waiver; etc.

   136

13.13    

  

Survival

   138

13.14    

  

Domicile of Loans and Commitments

   138

13.15    

  

Confidentiality

   139

13.16    

  

Waiver of Jury Trial

   139

13.17    

  

Register

   140

13.18    

  

English Language

   140

13.19    

  

Powers of Attorney; etc.

   140

13.20    

  

Judgment Currency

   141

13.21    

  

Limitation on Additional Amounts

   141

13.22    

  

Citigroup Direct Website Communications

   142

13.23    

  

Entire Agreement

   143

13.24    

  

USA Patriot Act Notice

   143

13.25    

  

Special Provisions Regarding Dutch ASCS

   143

SECTION 14.

  

U.S. Borrower’s Guaranty

   144

14.01    

  

The U.S. Borrower’s Guaranty

   144

14.02    

  

Bankruptcy

   145

14.03    

  

Nature of Liability

   145

14.04    

  

Independent Obligation

   145

14.05    

  

Authorization

   146

14.06    

  

Reliance

   147

14.07    

  

Subordination

   147

14.08    

  

Waiver

   147

14.09    

  

Payments

   149

 

SCHEDULE I   List of Lenders and Commitments
SCHEDULE II   Lender Addresses
SCHEDULE III   Provisions Relating to Bankers’ Acceptances, Loans and B/A Equivalent Loans

 

(iv)


Table of Contents

(continued)

 

SCHEDULE IV       Existing Letters of Credit
SCHEDULE V       Capitalization
SCHEDULE VI       Subsidiaries
SCHEDULE VII       Scheduled Existing Indebtedness
SCHEDULE VIII       Existing Liens
SCHEDULE IX       Existing Investments
SCHEDULE X       Dutch PMP Definition
SCHEDULE XI       Ackerman Appeals
EXHIBIT A-1     -           Form of Notice of Borrowing
EXHIBIT A-2     -   Form of Notice of Competitive Bid Borrowing
EXHIBIT B-1     -   Form of Term Note
EXHIBIT B-2     -   Form of Dollar Facility Revolving Note
EXHIBIT B-3     -   Form of U.S. Borrower Euro Facility Revolving Note
EXHIBIT B-4     -   Form of European Borrower Euro Facility Revolving Note
EXHIBIT B-5     -   Form of U.S. Borrower Canadian Facility Revolving Note
EXHIBIT B-6     -   Form of Canadian Borrower Canadian Facility Revolving Note
EXHIBIT B-7     -   Form of Swingline Note
EXHIBIT B-8     -   Form of Competitive Bid Note
EXHIBIT C     -   Form of Notice of Conversion/Continuation
EXHIBIT D     -   Form of Letter of Credit Request
EXHIBIT E     -   Form of Section 4.04(b)(ii) Certificate
EXHIBIT F     -   Form of Opinion of Sidley Austin LLP
EXHIBIT G-1     -   Form of Officers’ Certificate
EXHIBIT G-2     -   Form of Secretary’s Certificate
EXHIBIT H     -   Form of Solvency Certificate
EXHIBIT I     -   Form of Consent Letter
EXHIBIT J     -   Form of Subsidiaries Guaranty
EXHIBIT K     -   Form of Intercompany Subordination Agreement
EXHIBIT L     -   Form of Compliance Certificate
EXHIBIT M     -   Form of Assignment and Assumption Agreement
EXHIBIT N     -   Form of Contingent Note
EXHIBIT O     -   Form of Subsidiary Borrower Assumption Agreement
EXHIBIT P     -   Form of Administrative Questionnaire

 

(v)


CREDIT AGREEMENT, dated as of October 31, 2006, among OWENS CORNING, a Delaware corporation (the “ U.S. Borrower ”), the Lenders from time to time party hereto, and CITIBANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent (in such capacity, the “ Administrative Agent ”). In addition, upon the satisfaction of the conditions specified in Section 5B, additional Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries of the U.S. Borrower may become parties hereto as Subsidiary Borrowers. Capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings specified in Section 11.

W I T N E S S E T H :

WHEREAS, on October 5, 2000, Old Owens and certain of its subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware;

WHEREAS, on July 10, 2006, Old Owens and the other debtors filed the Plan of Reorganization incorporating the terms of a settlement with their major creditor constituencies and providing for the emergence of the debtors from bankruptcy;

WHEREAS, under the Plan of Reorganization, among other terms and conditions, the U.S. Borrower will become the new holding company of Old Owens and its subsidiaries; and

WHEREAS, subject to and upon the terms and conditions herein set forth, the Lenders are willing to make available to the Borrowers on a several (and not joint) basis the credit facilities provided for herein;

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS AGREED:

SECTION 1. Amount and Terms of Credit .

1.01 Commitments .

(a) Term Loans . Subject to and upon the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Lender with a Term Loan Commitment severally agrees to make a term loan (each, a “ Term Loan ”) to the U.S. Borrower, which Term Loans:

(i) shall be incurred by the U.S. Borrower pursuant to a single drawing on the Delayed Borrowing Date for the purposes described in Section 7.08(a);

(ii) shall be denominated in Dollars;

(iii) except as hereafter provided, shall, at the option of the U.S. Borrower, be incurred and maintained as, and/or converted into, Base Rate Loans or Eurodollar Loans, provided that except as otherwise specifically provided in Section 1.11(b), all Term Loans constituting part of the same Borrowing shall at all times consist of Term Loans of the same Type; and

(iv) shall be made by each Lender in the aggregate principal amount equal to the Term Loan Commitment of such Lender on the Delayed Borrowing Date.


Once repaid, Term Loans incurred hereunder may not be reborrowed.

(b) Dollar Facility Revolving Loans . Subject to and upon the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Dollar Facility RL Lender severally agrees to make, at any time and from time to time on or after the Initial Borrowing Date and prior to the Maturity Date, a revolving loan or revolving loans to the U.S. Borrower (each, a “ Dollar Facility Revolving Loan ”), which Dollar Facility Revolving Loans:

(i) shall be made and maintained in Dollars;

(ii) except as hereafter provided, shall, at the option of the U.S. Borrower, be incurred and maintained as, and/or converted into, one or more Borrowings of Base Rate Loans or, Eurodollar Loans, provided that except as otherwise specifically provided in Section 1.11(b), all Dollar Facility Revolving Loans made as part of the same Borrowing shall at all times consist of Dollar Facility Revolving Loans of the same Type;

(iii) may be repaid and reborrowed in accordance with the provisions hereof;

(iv) shall not be made (and shall not be required to be made) by any Dollar Facility RL Lender in any instance where the incurrence thereof (after giving effect to the use of the proceeds thereof on the date of the incurrence thereof to repay any amounts theretofore outstanding pursuant to this Agreement) would cause the Individual Dollar Facility RL Exposure of such Dollar Facility RL Lender to exceed the amount of its Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitment at such time; and

(v) shall not be made (and shall not be required to be made) by any Dollar Facility RL Lender if the making of same would cause the Aggregate Dollar Facility RL Exposure (after giving effect to the use of the proceeds thereof on the date of the incurrence thereof to repay any amounts theretofore outstanding pursuant to this Agreement) to exceed the Total Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitment as then in effect.

(c) Euro Facility Revolving Loans . Subject to and upon the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Euro Facility RL Lender severally agrees to make, at any time and from time to time on or after the Initial Borrowing Date and prior to the Maturity Date, (I) a revolving loan or revolving loans to the U.S. Borrower (each, a “ U.S. Borrower Euro Facility Revolving Loan ”) and (II) on and after the date the European Borrower has satisfied the conditions specified in Section 5B, a revolving loan or revolving loans to the European Borrower (each, a “ European Borrower Euro Facility Revolving Loan ” and, together with each U.S. Borrower Euro Facility Revolving Loan, each a “ Euro Facility Revolving Loan ”), which Euro Facility Revolving Loans:

(i) shall be made and maintained in the respective Available Currency elected by the U.S. Borrower or the European Borrower, as the case may be;

(ii) except as hereafter provided, shall, at the option of the U.S. Borrower or the European Borrower, be incurred and maintained as, and/or converted into, one or more Borrowings of Base Rate Loans or Eurodollar Loans (if the Available Currency

 

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elected is Dollars) or Euro Denominated Revolving Loans (if the Available Currency elected is Euros), provided that, except as otherwise specifically provided in Section 1.11(b), all Euro Facility Revolving Loans made as part of the same Borrowing shall at all times consist of Euro Facility Revolving Loans of the same Type;

(iii) may be repaid and reborrowed in accordance with the provisions hereof;

(iv) shall not be made (and shall not be required to be made) by any Euro Facility RL Lender in any instance where the incurrence thereof (after giving effect to the use of the proceeds thereof on the date of the incurrence thereof to repay any amounts theretofore outstanding pursuant to this Agreement) would cause the Individual Euro Facility RL Exposure of such Euro Facility RL Lender to exceed the amount of its Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitment at such time; and

(v) shall not be made (and shall not be required to be made) by any Euro Facility RL Lender if the making of same would cause the Aggregate Euro Facility RL Exposure (after giving effect to the use of the proceeds thereof on the date of the incurrence thereof to repay any amounts theretofore outstanding pursuant to this Agreement) to exceed the Total Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitment as then in effect;

provided that the European Borrower shall have no liability under this Agreement with respect to any U.S. Borrower Euro Facility Revolving Loans which may be extended to, and which shall constitute obligations of, the U.S. Borrower.

(d) Canadian Facility Revolving Loans . Subject to and upon the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Canadian Facility RL Lender severally agrees to make, at any time and from time to time on or after the Initial Borrowing Date and prior to the Maturity Date, (I) a revolving loan or revolving loans to the U.S. Borrower (each, a “ U.S. Borrower Canadian Facility Revolving Loan ”) and (II) on and after the date the Canadian Borrower has satisfied the conditions specified in Section 5B, a revolving loan or revolving loans to the Canadian Borrower (each, a “ Canadian Borrower Canadian Facility Revolving Loan ” and, together with each U.S. Borrower Canadian Facility Revolving Loan, each a “ Canadian Facility Revolving Loan ” and, together with each Dollar Facility Revolving Loan and Euro Facility Revolving Loan, each, a “ Revolving Loan ”), which Canadian Facility Revolving Loans:

(i) shall be made and maintained in the respective Available Currency elected by the U.S. Borrower or the Canadian Borrower, as the case may be;

(ii) except as hereafter provided, shall, at the option of the U.S. Borrower or the Canadian Borrower, be incurred and maintained as, and/or converted into, one or more Borrowings of (1) if the Available Currency selected is U.S. Dollars, (x) Base Rate Loans or (y) Eurodollar Loans, and (2) if the Available Currency selected is Canadian Dollars, (x) Canadian Prime Rate Loans or (y) (i) in the case of a B/A Lender, Bankers’ Acceptances accepted by such B/A Lender on the terms and conditions provided for herein and in Schedule III hereto or (ii) in a case of a Non-B/A Lender, completed Drafts drawn by the Canadian Borrower and purchased by such Non-B/A Lender and then

 

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exchanged for B/A Equivalent Notes, in each case on the terms and conditions provided for herein and in Schedule III hereto, provided that except as otherwise specifically provided in Section 1.11(b), all Canadian Facility Revolving Loans made as part of the same Borrowing shall at all times consist of Canadian Facility Revolving Loans of the same Type;

(iii) may be repaid and reborrowed in accordance with the provisions hereof;

(iv) shall not be made (and shall not be required to be made) by any Canadian Facility RL Lender in any instance where the incurrence thereof (after giving effect to the use of the proceeds thereof on the date of the incurrence thereof to repay any amounts theretofore outstanding pursuant to this Agreement) would cause the Individual Canadian Facility RL Exposure of such Canadian Facility RL Lender to exceed the amount of its Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitment at such time; and

(v) shall not be made (and shall not be required to be made) by any Canadian Facility RL Lender if the making of same would cause the Aggregate Canadian Facility RL Exposure (after giving effect to the use of the proceeds thereof on the date of the incurrence thereof to repay any amounts theretofore outstanding pursuant to this Agreement) to exceed the Total Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitment as then in effect;

provided that the Canadian Borrower shall have no liability under this Agreement with respect to any U.S. Borrower Canadian Facility Revolving Loans which may be extended to, and which shall constitute obligations of, the U.S. Borrower.

(e) Competitive Bid Loans . Subject to and upon the terms and conditions herein set forth, each Lender severally agrees that the U.S. Borrower may incur a loan or loans (each, a “ Competitive Bid Loan ”) from one or more Bidder Lenders pursuant to a Competitive Bid Borrowing at any time and from time to time on and after the Initial Borrowing Date and prior to the date which is three Business Days preceding the date which is 10 days prior to the Maturity Date, which Competitive Bid Loans:

(i) shall be made and maintained in Dollars;

(ii) shall be made on the terms and conditions specified in Section 1.04;

(iii) shall not be made (and shall not be required to be made) if the making of same would cause the Aggregate Dollar Facility RL Exposure (after giving effect to the use of proceeds thereof on the date of incurrence thereof to repay any amounts theretofore outstanding pursuant to this Agreement) to exceed the Total Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitment as then in effect; and

(iv) shall not exceed in aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding, the Maximum Competitive Bid Amount.

(f) Swingline Loans . Subject to and upon the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Swingline Lender agrees to make, at any time and from time to time on or after the

 

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Initial Borrowing Date and prior to the Swingline Expiry Date, a revolving loan or revolving loans to the U.S. Borrower (each, a “ Swingline Loan ”), which Swingline Loans:

(i) shall be made and maintained in Dollars;

(ii) shall be made and maintained as Base Rate Loans;

(iii) may be repaid and reborrowed in accordance with the provisions hereof;

(iv) shall not be made (and shall not be required to be made) if the making of same would cause the Aggregate Dollar Facility RL Exposure (after giving effect to the use of the proceeds thereof on the date of the incurrence thereof to repay any amounts theretofore outstanding pursuant to this Agreement) to exceed the Total Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitment as then in effect; and

(v) shall not exceed in aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding, the Maximum Swingline Amount.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 1.01(f), (x) the Swingline Lender shall not be obligated to make any Swingline Loans at a time when a Lender Default exists with respect to any Dollar Facility RL Lender unless the Swingline Lender has entered into arrangements satisfactory to it to eliminate the Swingline Lender’s risk with respect to the Defaulting Lender’s or Defaulting Lenders’ refunding obligations (through the requirement that Mandatory Dollar Facility RL Borrowings be made from time to time) in respect of such Swingline Loans, including by cash collateralizing such Defaulting Lender’s or Defaulting Lenders’ Dollar Facility RL Percentages of the outstanding Swingline Loans and (y) the Swingline Lender shall not make any Swingline Loan after it has received written notice from any Borrower or the Required Lenders stating that a Default or an Event of Default exists and is continuing until such time as the Swingline Lender shall have received written notice (A) of rescission of all such notices from the party or parties originally delivering such notice or notices or (B) of the waiver of such Default or Event of Default by the Required Lenders.

(g) Refunding of Swingline Loans . On any Business Day, the Swingline Lender may, in its sole discretion, give notice to the Dollar Facility RL Lenders that the outstanding Swingline Loans shall be funded with a Borrowing of Dollar Facility Revolving Loans in Dollars ( provided that such notice shall be deemed to have been automatically given upon the occurrence of a Default or an Event of Default under Section 10.05 or upon the exercise of any of the remedies provided in the last paragraph of Section 10), in which case a Borrowing of Dollar Facility Revolving Loans (each such Borrowing, a “ Mandatory Dollar Facility RL Borrowing ”) shall be provided on the third succeeding Business Day by all Dollar Facility RL Lenders pro rata based on each such Dollar Facility RL Lender’s Dollar Facility RL Percentage and the proceeds thereof shall be applied directly to the Swingline Lender to repay the Swingline Lender for such outstanding Swingline Loans. Each Dollar Facility RL Lender hereby irrevocably agrees to make Dollar Facility Revolving Loans (in the case of a refunding of Swingline Loans) upon one Business Day’s notice pursuant to each Mandatory Dollar Facility RL Borrowing in the amount and in the manner specified in the preceding sentence and on the date specified in writing by the Swingline Lender notwithstanding (i) that the amount of the

 

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Mandatory Dollar Facility RL Borrowing may not comply with the minimum amount for Borrowings otherwise required hereunder, (ii) whether any conditions specified in Sections 6 are then satisfied, (iii) whether a Default or an Event of Default then exists, (iv) the date of such Mandatory Dollar Facility RL Borrowing, (v) the amount of the Total Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitment at such time and (vi) the amount of the Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitment of such Dollar Facility RL Lender at such time. In the event that any Mandatory Dollar Facility RL Borrowing cannot for any reason be made on the date otherwise required above (including, without limitation, as a result of the commencement of a proceeding under any bankruptcy, reorganization, dissolution, insolvency, receivership, administration or liquidation or similar law with respect to any Borrower), then each Dollar Facility RL Lender hereby agrees that it shall forthwith purchase (as of the date the Mandatory Dollar Facility RL Borrowing would otherwise have occurred, but adjusted for any payments received from the U.S. Borrower on or after such date and prior to such purchase) from the Swingline Lender such participations in such outstanding Swingline Loans as shall be necessary to cause such Dollar Facility RL Lenders to share in such Swingline Loans ratably based upon their respective Dollar Facility RL Percentages, provided that (x) all interest payable on the Swingline Loans shall be for the account of the Swingline Lender until the date as of which the respective participation is required to be purchased and, to the extent attributable to the purchased participation, shall be payable to the participant from and after such date and (y) at the time any purchase of participations pursuant to this sentence is actually made, the purchasing Dollar Facility RL Lender shall be required to pay the Swingline Lender interest on the principal amount of the participation purchased for each day from and including the day upon which the Mandatory Dollar Facility RL Borrowing would otherwise have occurred to but excluding the date of payment for such participation, at the overnight Federal Funds Rate for the first three days and at the rate otherwise applicable to Dollar Facility Revolving Loans maintained as Base Rate Loans hereunder for each day thereafter.

1.02 Minimum Borrowing Amounts, etc . The aggregate principal amount of each Borrowing of Loans shall not be less than the Minimum Borrowing Amount applicable to Borrowings of the respective Type and Tranche of Loans to be made or maintained pursuant to the respective Borrowing, provided that Mandatory Borrowings shall be made in the amounts required by Section 1.01(g). More than one Borrowing may be incurred on any day, but at no time shall there be outstanding more than (x) 20 Borrowings of Euro Rate Loans and Spread Borrowings and (y) 10 different maturity dates in the aggregate for all outstanding Bankers’ Acceptance Loans.

1.03 Notice of Borrowing . (a) Whenever a Borrower desires to make a Borrowing of Loans hereunder (excluding (x) Borrowings of Swingline Loans, (y) Mandatory Borrowings and (z) Borrowings of Canadian Prime Rate Loans to the extent resulting from automatic conversions of Bankers’ Acceptance Loans as provided in Schedule III), an Authorized Officer of such Borrower shall give the Administrative Agent at its Notice Office at least one Business Day’s prior written (or telephonic notice promptly confirmed in writing) notice of each Base Rate Loan or Canadian Prime Rate Loan, at least two Business Days’ prior written (or telephonic notice promptly confirmed in writing) notice of each Bankers’ Acceptance Loan and at least three Business Days’ prior written (or telephonic notice promptly confirmed in writing) notice of each Euro Rate Loan, provided that any such notice shall be deemed to have been given on a certain day only if given before 1:00 P.M. (New York time) on such day. Each

 

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such written notice or written confirmation of telephonic notice (each, a “ Notice of Borrowing ”), except as otherwise expressly provided in Section 1.11, shall be irrevocable and shall be given by or on behalf of the respective Borrower in the form of Exhibit A-1, appropriately completed to specify: (i) the aggregate principal amount of the Loans to be made pursuant to such Borrowing (stated in Dollars or in the relevant Available Currency, as the case may be), (ii) the date of such Borrowing (which shall be a Business Day), (iii) whether the respective Borrowing shall consist of Term Loans, Dollar Facility Revolving Loans, U.S. Borrower Euro Facility Revolving Loans, European Borrower Euro Facility Revolving Loans, U.S. Borrower Canadian Facility Revolving Loans or Canadian Borrower Canadian Facility Revolving Loans, (iv) in the case of Dollar Denominated Loans, whether the Dollar Denominated Loans being made pursuant to such Borrowing are to be initially maintained as Base Rate Loans or Eurodollar Loans, (v) in the case of Euro Rate Loans, the initial Interest Period to be applicable thereto and (vi) in the case of Canadian Dollar Denominated Revolving Loans, whether the respective Borrowing shall consist of Canadian Prime Rate Loans or Bankers’ Acceptance Loans and, if Bankers’ Acceptance Loans, the term thereof (which shall comply with the requirements of Schedule III). The Administrative Agent shall promptly give each Lender which is required to make Loans of the Tranche specified in the respective Notice of Borrowing notice of such proposed Borrowing, of such Lender’s proportionate share thereof (determined in accordance with Section 1.08) and of the other matters required by the immediately preceding sentence to be specified in the Notice of Borrowing.

(b) (i) Whenever the U.S. Borrower desires to make a Borrowing of Swingline Loans hereunder, an Authorized Officer of the U.S. Borrower shall give the Swingline Lender, not later than 1:00 P.M. (New York time) on the date that a Swingline Loan is to be made, written notice or telephonic notice promptly confirmed in writing of each Swingline Loan to be made hereunder. Each such notice shall be irrevocable and shall be given by or on behalf of the U.S. Borrower in the form of Exhibit A-1, appropriately completed to specify: (A) the date of Borrowing (which shall be a Business Day) and (B) the aggregate principal amount of the Swingline Loans to be made pursuant to such Borrowing.

(ii) Mandatory Borrowings shall be made upon the notice specified in Section 1.01(g), with each Borrower irrevocably agreeing, by its incurrence of any Swingline Loan, to the making of the Mandatory Borrowings as set forth in Section 1.01(g).

(c) Without in any way limiting the obligation of any Borrower to confirm in writing any telephonic notice permitted to be given hereunder, the Administrative Agent or the Swingline Lender (in the case of a Borrowing of Swingline Loans) or the respective Issuing Lender (in the case of the issuance of Letters of Credit), as the case may be, may, prior to receipt of written confirmation, act without liability upon the basis of such telephonic notice, believed by the Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lender or such Issuing Lender, as the case may be, in good faith to be from an Authorized Officer of such Borrower. In each such case, the Administrative Agent’s, the Swingline Lender’s or the respective Issuing Lender’s record of the terms of such telephonic notice shall be conclusive evidence of the contents of such notice, absent manifest error.

1.04 Competitive Bid Borrowings . (a) Whenever the U.S. Borrower desires to incur a Competitive Bid Borrowing, it shall deliver to the Administrative Agent, prior to 11:00

 

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A.M. (New York time) (x) at least four Business Days prior to the date of such proposed Competitive Bid Borrowing, in the case of a Spread Borrowing, and (y) at least two Business Days prior to the date of such proposed Competitive Bid Borrowing, in the case of an Absolute Rate Borrowing, a written notice substantially in the form of Exhibit A-2 hereto (a “ Notice of Competitive Bid Borrowing ”), which notice shall specify in each case (i) the date (which shall be a Business Day) and the aggregate amount of the proposed Competitive Bid Borrowing, (ii) the maturity date for repayment of each and every Competitive Bid Loan to be made as part of such Competitive Bid Borrowing (which maturity date may be (A) up to six months after the date of such Competitive Bid Borrowing in the case of a Spread Borrowing and (B) no fewer than seven days and no more than 180 days after the date of such Competitive Bid Borrowing in the case of an Absolute Rate Borrowing, provided that in no event shall the maturity date of any Competitive Bid Borrowing be later than the tenth Business Day preceding the Maturity Date), (iii) the interest payment date or dates relating thereto, (iv) whether the proposed Competitive Bid Borrowing is to be an Absolute Rate Borrowing or a Spread Borrowing and (v) any other terms to be applicable to such Competitive Bid Borrowing. The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Bidder Lender of each such request for a Competitive Bid Borrowing received by it from a Borrower and of the contents of the related Notice of Competitive Bid Borrowing; provided that no Notice of Competitive Bid Borrowing may be given by the U.S. Borrower within 5 Business Days (or such other number of days as the U.S. Borrower and the Administrative Agent may agree to) of any previous Notice of Competitive Bid Borrowing.

(b) Each Bidder Lender shall, if, in its sole discretion, it elects to do so, irrevocably offer to make one or more Competitive Bid Loans to the U.S. Borrower as part of such proposed Competitive Bid Borrowing at a rate or rates of interest specified by such Bidder Lender in its sole discretion and determined by such Bidder Lender independently of each other Bidder Lender, by notifying the Administrative Agent (which shall give prompt notice thereof to the U.S. Borrower), before 10:00 A.M. (New York time) on the date (the “ Reply Date ”) which is (x) in the case of an Absolute Rate Borrowing, one Business Day before the date of such proposed Competitive Bid Borrowing or (y) in the case of a Spread Borrowing, three Business Days before the date of such proposed Competitive Bid Borrowing, of the minimum amount and maximum amount of each Competitive Bid Loan which such Bidder Lender would be willing to make as part of such proposed Competitive Bid Borrowing (which amounts may, subject to clauses (iii) and (iv) of Section 1.01(e), exceed such Bidder Lender’s Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitment), the rate or rates of interest therefor and such Bidder Lender’s lending office with respect to such Competitive Bid Loan.

(c) The U.S. Borrower shall, in turn, before 11:00 A.M. (New York time) on the Reply Date, either:

(i) cancel such Competitive Bid Borrowing by giving the Administrative Agent notice to such effect (it being understood and agreed that if the U.S. Borrower gives no such notice of cancellation and no notice of acceptance pursuant to clause (ii) below, then the U.S. Borrower shall be deemed to have canceled such Competitive Bid Borrowing); or

(ii) accept one or more of the offers made by any Bidder Lender or Bidder Lenders pursuant to clause (b) above by giving notice (in writing or by telephone

 

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confirmed in writing) to the Administrative Agent of the amount of each Competitive Bid Loan (which amount shall be equal to or greater than the minimum amount, and equal to or less than the maximum amount, notified to the U.S. Borrower by the Administrative Agent on behalf of such Bidder Lender for such Competitive Bid Borrowing pursuant to clause (b) above) to be made by each Bidder Lender as part of such Competitive Bid Borrowing, and reject any remaining offers made by Bidder Lenders pursuant to clause (b) above by giving the Administrative Agent notice to that effect; provided that the acceptance of offers may only be made on the basis of ascending Absolute Rates (in the case of an Absolute Rate Borrowing) or Spreads (in the case of a Spread Borrowing), in each case commencing with the lowest rate so offered; provided further , however , that if offers are made by two or more Bidder Lenders at the same rate and acceptance of all such equal offers would result in a greater principal amount of Competitive Bid Loans being accepted than the aggregate principal amount requested by the U.S. Borrower, if the U.S. Borrower elects to accept any such offers the U.S. Borrower shall accept such offers pro rata from such Bidder Lenders (on the basis of the maximum amounts of such offers) unless any such Bidder Lender’s pro rata share would be less than the minimum amount specified by such Bidder Lender in its offer, in which case the U.S. Borrower shall have the right to accept one or more such equal offers in their entirety and reject the other equal offer or offers or to allocate acceptance among all such equal offers (but giving effect to the minimum and maximum amounts specified for each such offer pursuant to clause (b) above), as the U.S. Borrower may elect in its sole discretion.

(d) If any Competitive Bid Borrowing is cancelled or deemed cancelled pursuant to clause (c)(i) above, the Administrative Agent shall give prompt notice thereof to the Bidder Lenders and such Competitive Bid Borrowing shall not be made.

(e) If the U.S. Borrower accepts one or more of the offers made by any Bidder Lender or Bidder Lenders pursuant to clause (c)(ii) above, the Administrative Agent shall in turn promptly notify (x) each Bidder Lender that has made an offer as described in clause (b) above, of the date and aggregate amount of such Competitive Bid Borrowing and whether or not any offer or offers made by such Bidder Lender pursuant to clause (b) above have been accepted by the U.S. Borrower and (y) each Bidder Lender that is to make a Competitive Bid Loan as part of such Competitive Bid Borrowing, of the amount of each Competitive Bid Loan to be made by such Bidder Lender as part of such Competitive Bid Borrowing.

(f) There shall not be more than 4 Competitive Bid Borrowings outstanding at any time.

1.05 Disbursement of Funds . Not later than 1:00 P.M. (New York time or the time of the applicable Payment Office) on the date specified in each Notice of Borrowing or Notice of Competitive Bid Borrowing (or (x) in the case of Swingline Loans, not later than 3:00 P.M. (New York time or the time of the applicable Payment Office) on the date specified pursuant to Section 1.03(b)(i) and (y) in the case of Mandatory Borrowings, not later than 10:00 A.M. (New York time or the time of the applicable Payment Office) on the date specified in Section 1.01(i), (I) each Lender with a Commitment under the respective Tranche (or each Lender required to make Loans pursuant to the respective Mandatory Borrowing), will make available its pro rata portion (determined in accordance with Section 1.08) of each such

 

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Borrowing requested to be made on such date (or in the case of Swingline Loans, the Swingline Lender shall make available the full amount thereof) and (II) each Bidder Lender that is to make a Competitive Bid Loan as part of each such Competitive Bid Borrowing requested to be made on such date will make available the full amount thereof. All such amounts shall be made available in Dollars (in the case of Dollar Denominated Loans), in Euros (in the case of Euro Denominated Loans) or in Canadian Dollars (in this case of Canadian Dollar Denominated Loans), as the case may be, and in immediately available funds at the Payment Office of the Administrative Agent, and the Administrative Agent will make available to the respective Borrower at the Payment Office or such other location as may be reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and specified in the relevant Notice of Borrowing or Notice of Competitive Bid Borrowing, as the case may be (or to the Swingline Lender in the case of a Mandatory Borrowing) the aggregate of the amounts so made available by the Lenders prior to (x) 3:00 P.M. (New York time or the time of the applicable Payment Office), on such day (excluding Swingline Loans and Revolving Loans made pursuant to Mandatory Borrowings) and (y) 4:00 P.M. (New York time or the time of the applicable Payment Office) on such day, in the case of any Swingline Loan, in each case to the extent of funds actually received by the Administrative Agent prior to such times on such day. Unless the Administrative Agent shall have been notified by any Lender prior to the date of Borrowing that such Lender does not intend to make available to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s portion of any Borrowing to be made on such date, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such amount available to the Administrative Agent on such date of Borrowing and the Administrative Agent may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the relevant Borrower a corresponding amount. If such corresponding amount is not in fact made available to the Administrative Agent by such Lender, the Administrative Agent shall be entitled to recover such corresponding amount on demand from such Lender. If such Lender does not pay such corresponding amount forthwith upon the Administrative Agent’s demand therefor, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the relevant Borrower to pay immediately such corresponding amount to the Administrative Agent and such Borrower shall immediately pay such corresponding amount to the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent shall also be entitled to recover on demand from such Lender or the U.S. Borrower or the European Borrower or the Canadian Borrower, as the case may be, interest on such corresponding amount in respect of each day from the date such corresponding amount was made available by the Administrative Agent to the respective Borrower until the date such corresponding amount is recovered by the Administrative Agent, at a rate per annum equal to (i) if recovered from such Lender, the overnight Federal Funds Rate (or, (x) in the case of Canadian Dollar Denominated Loans, the cost to the Administrative Agent of acquiring overnight funds in Canadian Dollars or (y) in the case of Euro Denominated Loans, the cost to the Administrative Agent of acquiring overnight funds in Euros) and (ii) if recovered from the respective Borrower, the rate of interest applicable to the respective Borrowing, as determined pursuant to Section 1.09. Nothing in this Section 1.05 shall be deemed to relieve any Lender from its obligation to make Loans hereunder or to prejudice any rights which the relevant Borrower may have against any Lender as a result of any failure by such Lender to make Loans hereunder.

1.06 Notes . (a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained below in this Section 1.06 or elsewhere in this Agreement, Notes shall only be delivered to Lenders that at any time specifically request the delivery of such Notes. No failure of any Lender to request or obtain a Note evidencing its Loans to any Borrower shall affect or in any manner impair the

 

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obligations of the respective Borrower to pay the Loans (and all related Obligations) which would otherwise be evidenced thereby in accordance with the requirements of this Agreement, and shall not in any way affect the security or guaranties therefor provided pursuant to the various Credit Documents. Any Lender that does not have a Note evidencing its outstanding Loans shall in no event be required to make the notations otherwise described in clause (c). At any time when any Lender requests the delivery of a Note to evidence any of its Loans, the relevant Borrower shall promptly execute and deliver to the respective Lender the requested Note or Notes in the appropriate amount or amounts to evidence such Loans.

(b) Subject to the provisions of Section 1.06(a), the European Borrower’s (in the case of European Borrower Euro Facility Revolving Loans) and the U.S. Borrower’s (in the case of Term Loans, Dollar Facility Revolving Loans, U.S. Borrower Euro Facility Revolving Loans, U.S. Borrower Canadian Facility Revolving Loans, Swingline Loans and Competitive Bid Loans) and the Canadian Borrower’s (in the case of Canadian Borrower Canadian Facility Revolving Loans) obligation to pay the principal of, and interest on, the Loans made by each Lender shall be evidenced (i) if Term Loans, by a promissory note duly executed and delivered by the U.S. Borrower substantially in the form of Exhibit B-1 with blanks appropriately completed in conformity herewith (each, a “ Term Note ”), (ii) if Dollar Facility Revolving Loans, by a promissory note duly executed and delivered by the U.S. Borrower substantially in the form of Exhibit B-2, with blanks appropriately completed in conformity herewith (each, a “ Dollar Facility Revolving Note ”), (iii) if U.S. Borrower Euro Facility Revolving Loans, by a promissory note duly executed and delivered by the U.S. Borrower substantially in the form of Exhibit B-3, with blanks appropriately completed in conformity herewith (each, a “ U.S. Borrower Euro Facility Revolving Note ”), (iv) if European Borrower Euro Facility Revolving Loans, by a promissory note duly executed and delivered by the European Borrower substantially in the form of Exhibit B-4, with blanks appropriately completed in conformity herewith (each, a “ European Borrower Euro Facility Revolving Note ”), (v) if U.S. Borrower Canadian Facility Revolving Loans, by a promissory note duly executed and delivered by the U.S. Borrower substantially in the form of Exhibit B-5, with blanks appropriately completed in conformity herewith (each, a “ U.S. Borrower Canadian Facility Revolving Note ”), (vi) if Canadian Borrower Canadian Facility Revolving Loans, by a promissory note duly executed and delivered by the Canadian Borrower substantially in the form of Exhibit B-6, with blanks appropriately completed in conformity herewith (each, a “ Canadian Borrower Canadian Facility Revolving Note ”), (vii) Swingline Loans, by a promissory note duly executed and delivered by the U.S. Borrower substantially in the form of Exhibit B-7, with blanks appropriately completed in conformity herewith (the “ Swingline Note ”), and (viii) if Competitive Bid Loans, by a promissory note duly executed and delivered by the U.S. Borrower substantially in the form of Exhibit B-8, with blanks appropriately completed in conformity herewith (each, a “ Competitive Bid Note ”).

(c) Each Lender will note on its internal records the amount of each Loan made by it and each payment in respect thereof and will prior to any transfer of any of its Notes endorse on the reverse side thereof the outstanding principal amount of Loans evidenced thereby. Failure to make any such notation or any error in any such notation or endorsement shall not affect any Borrower’s obligations in respect of any Loans.

1.07 Conversions . (a) Each Borrower shall have the option to convert, on any Business Day occurring after the Initial Borrowing Date, all or a portion equal to at least the

 

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applicable Minimum Borrowing Amount (and, if greater, in an integral multiple of $500,000) of the outstanding principal amount of Dollar Denominated Loans (other than Swingline Loans, which shall at all times be maintained as Base Rate Loans) made pursuant to one or more Borrowings of one or more Types of Dollar Denominated Loans under a single Tranche into a Borrowing or Borrowings of another Type of Dollar Denominated Loan under such Tranche, provided that (i) except as otherwise provided in Section 1.11(b) or unless the respective Borrower pays all amounts owing pursuant to Section 1.12 concurrently with any such conversion, Eurodollar Loans may be converted into Base Rate Loans only on the last day of an Interest Period applicable to the Eurodollar Loans being converted and no such partial conversion of Eurodollar Loans shall reduce the outstanding principal amount of such Eurodollar Loans made pursuant to a single Borrowing to less than the applicable Minimum Borrowing Amount applicable thereto, (ii) unless the Required Lenders otherwise agree, Base Rate Loans may only be converted into Eurodollar Loans if no Default or Event of Default is in existence on the date of conversion and (iii) no conversion pursuant to this Section 1.07 shall result in a greater number of Borrowings of Euro Rate Loans than is permitted under Section 1.02. Each such conversion shall be effected by a Borrower by giving the Administrative Agent at its Notice Office prior to 2:00 P.M. (New York time) at least three Business Days’ prior notice (each, a “ Notice of Conversion/Continuation ”) in the form of Exhibit C, appropriately completed to specify the Dollar Denominated Loans to be so converted, the Borrowing or Borrowings pursuant to which such Dollar Denominated Loans were made and, if to be converted into Eurodollar Loans, the Interest Period to be initially applicable thereto. The Administrative Agent shall give each Lender prompt notice of any such proposed conversion affecting any of its Dollar Denominated Loans.

(b) Mandatory and voluntary conversions of Bankers’ Acceptance Loans into Canadian Prime Rate Loans shall be made in the circumstances, and to the extent, provided in Schedule III. Bankers’ Acceptance Loans shall not be permitted to be converted into any other Type of Loan prior to the maturity date of the respective Bankers’ Acceptance or B/A Equivalent Note, as the case may be.

(c) The Canadian Borrower shall have the option to convert on any Business Day occurring on or after the Initial Borrowing Date, all or a portion at least equal to the applicable Minimum Borrowing Amount of the outstanding principal amount of Canadian Prime Rate Loans made pursuant to one or more Borrowings into a Borrowing or Borrowings of Bankers’ Acceptance Loans; provided that (i) unless the Required Lenders otherwise agree, Canadian Prime Rate Loans may only be converted into Bankers’ Acceptance Loans if no Default or Event of Default is in existence on the date of such conversion and (ii) Borrowings of Bankers’ Acceptance Loans resulting from this Section 1.07 shall be limited in number as provided in Section 1.02. Each such conversion shall be effected by the Canadian Borrower by giving the Administrative Agent at its Notice Office, prior to 12:00 Noon (New York time), at least two Business Days prior to the date of the proposed conversion, a Notice of Conversion/Continuation specifying the Canadian Dollar Denominated Loans to be so converted into Bankers’ Acceptance Loans, the Borrowing or Borrowings pursuant to which such Canadian Dollar Denominated Loans were made and the term of the proposed Borrowing of Bankers’ Acceptance Loans (which, in each case, shall comply with the requirements of Schedule III).

 

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The Administrative Agent shall give each Canadian Facility RL Lender prompt notice of any such proposed conversion affecting any of its Canadian Facility Revolving Loans maintained as Canadian Prime Rate Loans. Upon any such conversion, the proceeds thereof will be deemed to be applied directly on the day of such conversion to prepay the outstanding principal amount of the Canadian Facility Revolving Loans being converted.

1.08 Pro Rata Borrowings . All Borrowings of Term Loans, Dollar Facility Revolving Loans (including Mandatory Dollar Facility RL Borrowings), Euro Facility Revolving Loans (including Mandatory Euro Facility RL Borrowings) and Canadian Facility Revolving Loans (including Mandatory Canadian Facility RL Borrowings) under this Agreement shall be incurred from the Lenders pro rata on the basis of such Lenders’ Term Loan Commitments, Dollar Facility RL Percentages, Euro Facility RL Percentages or Canadian Facility RL Percentages, as the case may be. All Borrowings of Swingline Loans shall be incurred from the Swingline Lender. It is understood that no Lender shall be responsible for any default by any other Lender of its obligation to make Loans hereunder and that each Lender shall be obligated to make the Loans provided to be made by it hereunder, regardless of the failure of any other Lender to make its Loans hereunder and regardless of whether such Lender has made any Competitive Bid Loans hereunder.

1.09 Interest . (a) Each applicable Borrower hereby agrees to pay interest in respect of the unpaid principal amount of each Base Rate Loan made to it from the date the proceeds thereof are made available to it until the earlier of (i) the maturity (whether by acceleration or otherwise) of such Base Rate Loan and (ii) the conversion of such Base Rate Loan to a Eurodollar Loan pursuant to Section 1.07, at a rate per annum equal to the sum of the Base Rate in effect from time to time during the period such Base Rate Loan is outstanding plus the relevant Applicable Margin as in effect from time to time.

(b) Each applicable Borrower hereby agrees to pay interest in respect of the unpaid principal amount of each Eurodollar Loan made to it from the date the proceeds thereof are made available to it until the earlier of (i) the maturity (whether by acceleration or otherwise) of such Eurodollar Loan and (ii) the conversion of such Eurodollar Loan to a Base Rate Loan pursuant to Section 1.07, 1.10 or 1.11, as applicable, at a rate per annum, during each Interest Period applicable thereto, equal to the sum of the Eurodollar Rate for such Interest Period plus the relevant Applicable Margin as in effect from time to time.

(c) The Canadian Borrower hereby agrees to pay interest in respect of the unpaid principal amount of each Canadian Prime Rate Loan made to it from the date the proceeds thereof are made available to it (which shall, in the case of a conversion contemplated by Schedule III, be deemed to be the date upon which a maturing Bankers’ Acceptance or B/A Equivalent Note is converted into a Canadian Prime Rate Loan pursuant to said Schedule III, with the proceeds thereof to be equal to the full Face Amount of such maturing Bankers’ Acceptance or B/A Equivalent Note), until the earlier of (i) the maturity thereof (whether by acceleration, or otherwise) and (ii) the conversion of such Canadian Prime Rate Loan to a Bankers’ Acceptance Loan pursuant to Section 1.07(c), at a rate per annum equal to the sum of the Canadian Prime Rate in effect from time to time during the period such Canadian Prime Rate Loan is outstanding plus the relevant Applicable Margin as in effect from time to time.

 

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(d) Each applicable Borrower hereby agrees to pay interest in respect of the unpaid principal amount of each Euro Denominated Revolving Loan made to it from the date the proceeds thereof are made available to it until the maturity thereof (whether by acceleration, prepayment or otherwise) at a rate per annum, during each Interest Period applicable thereto, equal to the sum of Euro LIBOR for such Interest Period plus the relevant Applicable Margin as in effect from time to time plus any Mandatory Costs.

(e) The U.S. Borrower hereby agrees to pay interest in respect of the unpaid principal amount of each Competitive Bid Loan made to it from the date the proceeds thereof are made available to it until maturity thereof (whether by acceleration, prepayment or otherwise) at a rate or rates per annum specified by a Bidder Lender or Bidder Lenders, as the case may be, pursuant to Section 1.04(b) and accepted by the U.S. Borrower pursuant to Section 1.04(c).

(f) Overdue principal and, to the extent permitted by law, overdue interest in respect of each Loan and any other overdue amount payable hereunder shall, in each case, bear interest at a rate per annum (1) in the case of overdue principal of, and interest or other overdue amounts owing with respect to, Euro Denominated Revolving Loans, equal to 2% per annum in excess of the relevant Applicable Margin as in effect from time to time plus Euro LIBOR for such successive periods not exceeding three months as the Administrative Agent may determine from time to time in respect of amounts comparable to the amount not paid plus any Mandatory Costs, (2) in the case of overdue principal of, and interest or other amounts owing with respect to, Loans and any other amounts owing in Canadian Dollars, equal to 2% per annum in excess of the Applicable Margin for Canadian Prime Rate Loans plus the Canadian Prime Rate, each as in effect from time to time, and (3) in all other cases, equal to the rate which is 2% per annum in excess of the rate that would otherwise be applicable to the respective Loans (or, if the overdue amount owing does not relate to any specific Loans, 2% per annum in excess of the rate otherwise applicable to Dollar Facility Revolving Loans which are maintained as Base Rate Loans), in each case with such interest to be payable on demand.

(g) Accrued (and theretofore unpaid) interest shall be payable (i) in respect of each Base Rate Loan and each Swingline Loan, quarterly in arrears on each Quarterly Payment Date, (ii) in respect of each Canadian Prime Rate Loan, monthly in arrears on the last Business Day of each calendar month, (iii) in respect of each Euro Rate Loan, on the last day of each Interest Period applicable thereto and, in the case of an Interest Period in excess of three months, on each date occurring at three month intervals after the first day of such Interest Period, (iv) in respect of each Competitive Bid Loan, at such times as specified in the Notice of Competitive Bid Borrowing relating thereto and (v) in respect of each Loan, on any repayment or prepayment (on the amount repaid or prepaid), at maturity (whether by acceleration or otherwise) and, after such maturity, on demand.

(h) Upon each Interest Determination Date, the Administrative Agent shall determine the Euro Rate for the respective Interest Period or Interest Periods and shall promptly notify the respective Borrower and the respective Lenders thereof. Each such determination shall, absent manifest error, be final and conclusive and binding on all parties hereto.

(i) All computations of interest (other than interest based on the Canadian Prime Rate and the Base Rate at times when the Base Rate is based on the Prime Lending Rate),

 

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RL Commitment Commission and other Fees (other than the Drawing Fee) hereunder shall be made on the basis of a year of 360 days for the actual number of days (including the first day but excluding the last day, except that, in the case of Letter of Credit Fees and Facing Fees, the last day shall be included) occurring in the period for which such interest, RL Commitment Commission or Fees are payable. All computations of interest based on the Canadian Prime Rate, the Prime Lending Rate, clause (x) of the definition of “Base Rate” contained herein and all computations of the Drawing Fee shall be based on a year of 365 days.

(j) For purposes of the Interest Act (Canada), (i) whenever any interest or fee under this Agreement is calculated using a rate based on a year of 360 days or 365 days, as the case may be, the rate determined pursuant to such calculation, when expressed as an annual rate, is equivalent to (x) the applicable rate based on a year of 360 days or 365 days, as the case may be, (y) multiplied by the actual number of days in the calendar year in which such annual rate is to be ascertained, and (z) divided by 360 or 365, as the case may be; (ii) the principle of deemed reinvestment of interest does not apply to any interest calculation under this Agreement; and (iii) the rates of interest stipulated in this Agreement are intended to be nominal rates and not effective rates or yields.

(k) If any provision of this Agreement or of any of the other Credit Documents would obligate the Canadian Borrower to make any payment of interest with respect to the Obligations or other amount payable to any Lender in an amount or calculated at a rate which would result in a receipt by that Lender of “interest” with respect to the Obligations at a “criminal rate” (as such terms are construed under the Criminal Code (Canada)) then, notwithstanding such provision, such amount or rates shall be deemed to have been adjusted with retroactive effect to the maximum amount or rate of interest, as the case may be, as would not so result in a receipt by that Lender of interest with respect to the Obligations at a criminal rate, such adjustment to be effected, to the extent necessary, as follows: (i) first, by reducing the amount or rates of interest required to be paid to the affected Lender under Section 1.09; and (ii) thereafter, by reducing any charges, fees, commissions, expenses, premiums and other amounts required to be paid to the affected Lender which would constitute “interest” with respect to the Obligations for purposes of Section 347 of the Criminal Code (Canada). Notwithstanding the foregoing, and after giving effect to all adjustments contemplated thereby, if any Lender shall have received from the Canadian Borrower an amount in excess of the maximum permitted by that section of the Criminal Code (Canada), then the Canadian Borrower shall be entitled, by notice in writing to the affected Lender, to obtain reimbursement from that Lender in an amount equal to such excess, and pending such reimbursement, such amount shall be deemed to be an amount payable by that Lender to the Canadian Borrower. Any amount or rate of interest on the Obligations referred to in this Section 1.09(k) shall be determined in accordance with generally accepted actuarial practices and principles as an effective annual rate of interest over the term that the applicable Loan or Loans remain outstanding on the assumption that any charges, fees, commissions, expenses, premiums and other amounts that fall within the meaning of “interest” (as defined in the Criminal Code (Canada)) shall, if they relate to a specific period of time, be pro-rated over that period of time and otherwise be pro-rated over the period from the Initial Borrowing Date to the Maturity Date and, in the event of a dispute, a certificate of a Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries appointed by the Administrative Agent shall be conclusive for the purposes of such determination.

 

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1.10 Interest Periods . At the time a Borrower gives any Notice of Borrowing or Notice of Conversion/Continuation in respect of the making of, or conversion into, any Euro Rate Loan (in the case of the initial Interest Period applicable thereto) or on the third Business Day prior to the expiration of an Interest Period applicable to such Euro Rate Loan (in the case of any subsequent Interest Period), the respective Borrower shall have the right to elect, by having an Authorized Officer of such Borrower give the Administrative Agent notice thereof, the interest period (each, an “ Interest Period ”) applicable to such Euro Rate Loan, which Interest Period shall, at the option of such Borrower be a one, two, three or six-month period or, to the extent agreed to by all Lenders required to make Loans under the respective Tranche, a nine or twelve-month period;

(i) all Euro Rate Loans comprising the same Borrowing shall at all times have the same Interest Period;

(ii) the initial Interest Period for any Euro Rate Loan shall commence on the date of Borrowing of such Euro Rate Loan (including, in the case of Dollar Denominated Loans, the date of any conversion thereto from a Borrowing of Base Rate Loans) and each Interest Period occurring thereafter in respect of such Euro Rate Loan shall commence on the day on which the next preceding Interest Period applicable thereto expires;

(iii) if any Interest Period relating to a Euro Rate Loan begins on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period, such Interest Period shall end on the last Business Day of such calendar month;

(iv) if any Interest Period for a Euro Rate Loan would otherwise expire on a day which is not a Business Day, such Interest Period shall expire on the next succeeding Business Day; provided , however , that if any Interest Period for a Euro Rate Loan would otherwise expire on a day which is not a Business Day but is a day of the month after which no further Business Day occurs in such month, such Interest Period shall expire on the preceding Business Day; and

(v) no Interest Period in respect of any Borrowing under a given Tranche of Loans shall be selected which extends beyond the respective Maturity Date for such Tranche of Loans.

With respect to any Euro Denominated Loans, at the end of any Interest Period applicable to a Borrowing thereof, the U.S. Borrower or the European Borrower, as applicable, may elect to split the respective Borrowing into two or more Borrowings of the same Type or combine two or more Borrowings of the same Type into a single Borrowing, in each case, by having an Authorized Officer of the relevant Borrower give notice thereof together with its election of one or more Interest Periods, in each case so long as each resulting Borrowing (x) has an Interest Period which complies with the foregoing requirements of this Section 1.10 and (y) does not cause a violation of the requirements of Section 1.02. If upon the expiration of any Interest Period applicable to a Borrowing of Euro Rate Loans, the U.S. Borrower, the European Borrower or the Canadian Borrower, as applicable, has failed to elect, or is not permitted to elect,

 

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a new Interest Period to be applicable to such Euro Rate Loans as provided above, the relevant Borrower shall be deemed to have elected (x) if Eurodollar Loans, to convert such Eurodollar Loans into Base Rate Loans and (y) if Euro Denominated Loans, to select a one-month Interest Period for such Euro Denominated Loans, in any such case effective as of the expiration date of such current Interest Period.

1.11 Increased Costs; Illegality; etc . (a) In the event that any Lender shall have determined in good faith (which determination shall, absent manifest error, be final and conclusive and binding upon all parties hereto but, with respect to clause (i) below, may be made only by the Administrative Agent):

(i) on any Interest Determination Date that, by reason of any changes arising after the Effective Date affecting the applicable interbank market as a whole, adequate and fair means do not exist for ascertaining the applicable interest rate on the basis provided for in the definition of the respective Euro Rate; or

(ii) at any time, that such Lender shall incur increased costs or reductions in the amounts received or receivable hereunder with respect to any Euro Rate Loan or Competitive Bid Loan because of any change since the Effective Date (or in the case of any Competitive Bid Loan, since the making of such Competitive Bid Loan) in any applicable law or governmental rule, regulation, order, guideline or request (whether or not having the force of law) or in the interpretation or administration thereof and including the introduction of any new law or governmental rule, regulation, order, guideline or request, such as, for example, but not limited to (A) a change in the basis of taxation of payments to a Lender of the principal of or interest on the Loans or any other amounts payable hereunder (except for changes in the rate of tax on, or determined by reference to, the net income or net profits of such Lender imposed by the jurisdiction in which its principal office or applicable lending office is located), or (B) a change in official reserve requirements, but, in all events, excluding reserves required under Regulation D to the extent included in the computation of the Eurodollar Rate; or

(iii) at any time after the Effective Date, that the making or continuance of any Euro Rate Loan or Competitive Bid Loan has been made unlawful by any law or governmental rule, regulation or order (or would conflict with any governmental rule, regulation, guideline, request or order not having the force of law but with which such Lender customarily complies even though the failure to comply therewith would not be unlawful); or

(iv) at any time that Euros are not available in sufficient amounts, as determined in good faith by the Administrative Agent, acting reasonably, to fund any Borrowing of Euro Denominated Loans requested pursuant to Section 1.01;

then, and in any such event, such Lender (or the Administrative Agent, in the case of clause (i) above) shall promptly give notice (by telephone confirmed in writing) to the affected Borrower, and, except in the case of clause (i) above, to the Administrative Agent of such determination (which notice the Administrative Agent shall promptly transmit to each of the other Lenders). Thereafter (w) in the case of clause (i) above, (A) in the event Eurodollar Loans or Competitive

 

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Bid Loans are so affected, Eurodollar Loans (and Competitive Bid Loans constituting a Spread Borrowing priced by reference to the Eurodollar Rate) shall no longer be available until such time as the Administrative Agent notifies any affected Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances giving rise to such notice by the Administrative Agent no longer exist, and any Notice of Borrowing, Notice of Competitive Bid Borrowing or Notice of Conversion/Continuation given by any Borrower with respect to Eurodollar Loans or Competitive Bid Loans which have not yet been incurred (including by way of conversion) shall be deemed rescinded by such Borrower and (B) in the event that any Euro Denominated Loan is so affected, the relevant Euro Rate shall be determined on the basis provided in the proviso to the definition of “Overnight Euro Rate” or “Euro LIBOR” contained herein, as the case may be, (x) in the case of clause (ii) above, the respective Borrower or Borrowers, subject to the provisions of Section 13.21, agrees to pay to such Lender, upon written demand therefor, such additional amounts (in the form of an increased rate of, or a different method of calculating, interest or otherwise as such Lender in its sole discretion shall determine) as shall be required to compensate such Lender for such increased costs or reductions in amounts received or receivable hereunder (with the written notice as to the additional amounts owed to such Lender, submitted to the respective Borrower or Borrowers by such Lender in accordance with the foregoing to be, absent manifest error, final and conclusive and binding on all the parties hereto, although the failure to give any such notice shall not release or diminish any of the respective Borrower’s or Borrowers’ obligations to pay additional amounts pursuant to this Section 1.11(a) upon the subsequent receipt of such notice), (y) in the case of clause (iii) above, the respective Borrower or Borrowers shall take one of the actions specified in Section 1.11(b) as promptly as possible and, in any event, within the time period required by law and (z), in the case of clause (iv) above, Euro Denominated Loans (exclusive of any such Euro Denominated Loans which have theretofore been funded) shall no longer be available until such time as the Administrative Agent notifies the affected Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances giving rise to such notice by the Administrative Agent no longer exist, and any Notice of Borrowing with respect to Euro Denominated Loans which have not been incurred shall be deemed rescinded by such Borrower. Each of the Administrative Agent and each Lender agrees that if it gives notice to any Borrower of any of the events described in clause (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) above, it shall promptly notify such Borrower and, in the case of any such Lender, the Administrative Agent, if such event ceases to exist. In determining any additional amounts, each Lender will act reasonably and in good faith and will use allocation and attribution methods which are reasonable.

(b) At any time that any Euro Rate Loan or Competitive Bid Loan is affected by the circumstances described in Section 1.11(a)(ii) or (iii), the affected Borrower may (and in the case of a Euro Rate Loan or Competitive Bid Loan affected by the circumstances described in Section 1.11(a)(iii) shall) either (x) if the affected Euro Rate Loan or Competitive Bid Loan is then being made initially or pursuant to a conversion, cancel the respective Borrowing by giving the Administrative Agent telephonic notice (confirmed in writing) on the same date that such Borrower was notified by the affected Lender or the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 1.11(a)(ii) or (iii) or (y) if the affected Euro Rate Loan or Competitive Bid Loan is then outstanding, upon at least three Business Days’ written notice to the Administrative Agent, (A) in the case of a Eurodollar Loan, require the affected Lender to convert such Eurodollar Loan into a Base Rate Loan (which conversion, in the case of the circumstance described in Section 1.11(a)(iii), shall occur no later than the last day of the Interest Period then applicable to such Eurodollar Loan or such earlier day as shall be required by applicable law), (B) in the case

 

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of any Euro Rate Loan (other than a Eurodollar Loan), repay all outstanding Borrowings which include such affected Euro Rate Loans in full in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 4.01 and (C) in the case of any Competitive Bid Loan, repay all such Competitive Bid Loans in full; provided that (i) if the circumstances described in Section 1.11(a)(iii) apply to any Euro Denominated Loan, the U.S. Borrower or the European Borrower, as the case may be, may, in lieu of taking the actions described above, maintain such Euro Denominated Loan outstanding, in which case, in the case of Euro Denominated Revolving Loans or Euro Denominated Term Loans, the applicable Euro Rate shall be determined on the basis provided in the proviso to the definition of “Euro LIBOR” contained herein, unless the maintenance of such Euro Denominated Loan outstanding on such basis would not stop the conditions described in Section 1.11(a)(iii) from existing (in which case the actions described above, without giving effect to the proviso, shall be required to be taken) and (ii) if more than one Lender is affected at any time, then all affected Lenders must be treated the same pursuant to this Section 1.11(b).

(c) If any Lender shall have determined after the Effective Date that the adoption or effectiveness after the Effective Date of any applicable law, rule or regulation regarding capital adequacy, or any change therein, or any change after the Effective Date in the interpretation or administration thereof by any governmental authority, central bank or comparable agency charged with the interpretation or administration thereof, or compliance by such Lender or any corporation controlling such Lender with any request or directive regarding capital adequacy (whether or not having the force of law) of any such authority, central bank or comparable agency, has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender’s or such other corporation’s capital or assets as a consequence of such Lender’s Commitment or Commitments hereunder or its obligations hereunder to a level below that which such Lender or such other corporation could have achieved but for such adoption, effectiveness, change or compliance (taking into consideration such Lender’s or such other corporation’s policies with respect to capital adequacy), then from time to time, upon written demand by such Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), accompanied by the notice referred to in the next succeeding sentence of this clause (c), and subject to Section 13.21, the Borrowers jointly and severally agree to pay to such Lender such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or such other corporation for such reduction in the rate of return to such Lender or such other corporation. Each Lender, upon determining in good faith that any additional amounts will be payable pursuant to this Section 1.11(c), will give prompt written notice thereof to the relevant Borrower (a copy of which shall be sent by such Lender to the Administrative Agent), which notice shall set forth such Lender’s basis for asserting its rights under this Section 1.11(c) and the calculation, in reasonable detail, of such additional amounts claimed hereunder, although the failure to give any such notice shall not release or diminish any Borrower’s obligations to pay additional amounts pursuant to this Section 1.11(c) upon the subsequent receipt of such notice. A Lender’s good faith determination of compensation owing under this Section 1.11(c) shall, absent manifest error, be final and conclusive and binding on all the parties hereto. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Section 1.11(c) shall require any Borrower to pay to any Lender any amount for which such Lender is compensated by way of payment of Mandatory Costs.

(d) If any Lender shall have determined (which determination shall, absent manifest error, be final and conclusive and binding on all parties hereto) after the Effective Date that, as a result of the adoption or effectiveness after the Effective Date of any applicable law,

 

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rule or regulation regarding capital adequacy, or any change therein, or any change after the Effective Date in the interpretation or administration thereof by any governmental authority, central bank or comparable agency charged with the interpretation or administration thereof, or compliance by such Lender or any corporation controlling such Lender with any new or changed request or directive regarding capital adequacy (whether or not having the force of law) of any such authority, central bank or comparable agency, such Lender is at any time required to maintain reserves (including, without limitation, any marginal, emergency, supplemental, special or other reserves required by applicable law) which have been established by any federal, national, provincial, state, local or foreign court or governmental agency, authority, instrumentality or regulatory body with jurisdiction over such Lender (including any branch, Affiliate or funding office thereof) in respect of any Euro Denominated Loans or any category of liabilities which includes deposits by reference to which the interest rate on any Euro Denominated Loan is determined or any category of extensions of credit or other assets which includes loans by a non-United States office of any Lender to non-United States residents, then, unless such reserves are included in the calculation of the interest rate applicable to such Euro Denominated Loans or in Section 1.11(a)(ii), such Lender shall promptly notify the European Borrower in writing specifying the additional amounts required to indemnify such Lender against the cost of maintaining such reserves (such written notice to provide in reasonable detail a computation of such additional amounts) and, subject to Section 13.21, the European Borrower (in the case of European Borrower Euro Facility Revolving Loans owing by it and denominated in Euros) shall pay, to such Lender such specified amounts as additional interest at the time that the European Borrower is otherwise required to pay interest in respect of such Euro Denominated Loan or, if later, on written demand therefor by such Lender. In determining any additional amounts, each Lender will act reasonably and in good faith and will use allocation and attribution methods which are reasonable.

1.12 Compensation . Subject to Section 13.21, the Borrowers jointly and severally agree to compensate each Lender, upon its written request (which request shall set forth in reasonable detail the basis for requesting such compensation), for all losses, reasonable expenses and liabilities (including, without limitation, any loss, expense or liability incurred by reason of the liquidation or reemployment of deposits or other funds required by such Lender to fund its Euro Rate Loans or Competitive Bid Loans but excluding any loss of anticipated profit) which such Lender may sustain: (i) if for any reason (other than a default by such Lender or any Agent) a Borrowing of, or conversion from or into, Euro Rate Loans or Competitive Bid Loans does not occur on a date specified therefor in a Notice of Borrowing, Notice of Competitive Bid Borrowing or Notice of Conversion/Continuation (whether or not withdrawn by the respective Borrower or Borrowers or deemed withdrawn pursuant to Section 1.11(a)); (ii) if any repayment (including any repayment made pursuant to Section 4.01 or 4.02 or as a result of an acceleration of the Loans pursuant to Section 10 or as a result of the replacement of a Lender, other than due to a Lender Default of such Lender, pursuant to Section 1.14, 4.01 or 13.12(b)) or conversion of any of its Euro Rate Loans or Competitive Bid Loans occurs on a date which is prior to the last day of an Interest Period applicable thereto; (iii) if any repayment (including any repayment made pursuant to Section 4.01 or 4.02 or as a result of an acceleration of the Loans pursuant to Section 11 or as a result of the replacement of a Lender pursuant to Sections 1.14 or 13.12(b)) of any Bankers’ Acceptance Loan occurs on a date which is prior to the maturity date of such Bankers’ Acceptance Loan; (iv) if any prepayment of any of its Euro Rate Loans, Bankers’ Acceptance Loans or Competitive Bid Loans is not made on any date specified in a notice of

 

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prepayment given by the respective Borrower or Borrowers; or (v) as a consequence of any election made pursuant to Section 1.11(b). Each Lender’s calculation of the amount of compensation owing pursuant to this Section 1.12 shall be made in good faith. A Lender’s basis for requesting compensation pursuant to this Section 1.12 and a Lender’s calculation of the amount thereof, shall, absent manifest error, be final and conclusive and binding on all parties hereto.

1.13 Change of Lending Office . (a) Each Lender may at any time or from time to time designate, by written notice to the Administrative Agent to the extent not already reflected on Schedule II, one or more lending offices (which, for this purpose, may include Affiliates of the respective Lender) for the various Loans made, and Letters of Credit participated in, by such Lender (including, without limitation, by designating a separate lending office (or Affiliate) to act as such with respect to (x) Dollar Denominated Loans and Dollar Denominated Letter of Credit Outstandings, (y) Euro Denominated Loans and Euro Denominated Letter of Credit Outstandings or (z) Canadian Dollar Denominated Loans and Canadian Dollar Denominated Letter of Credit Outstandings and, (I) in the case of Canadian Facility RL Lenders, (i) a separate U.S. lending office (or Affiliate) to act as such with respect to U.S. Borrower Canadian Facility Revolving Loans and Canadian Facility Letters of Credit issued for the account of the U.S. Borrower and (ii) a separate Canadian lending office (or Affiliate) to act with respect to Canadian Borrower Canadian Facility Revolving Loans and Canadian Facility Letters of Credit issued for the account of the Canadian Borrower and (II) in the case of Euro Facility RL Lenders, (i) a separate U.S. lending office (or Affiliate) to act as such with respect to U.S. Borrower Euro Facility Revolving Loans and Euro Facility Letters of Credit issued for the account of the U.S. Borrower and (ii) a separate lending office (or Affiliate) to act with respect to European Borrower Euro Facility Revolving Loans and Euro Facility Letters of Credit issued for the account of the European Borrower); provided that, for designations made after the Effective Date, to the extent such designation shall result in increased costs under Section 1.11, 2.06 or 4.04 in excess of those which would be charged in the absence of the designation of a different lending office (including a different Affiliate of the respective Lender), then the Borrowers shall not be obligated to pay such excess increased costs (although if such designation results in increased costs, the Borrowers shall be obligated to pay the costs which would have applied in the absence of such designation and any subsequent increased costs of the type described above resulting from changes after the date of the respective designation). Except as provided in the immediately preceding sentence, each lending office and Affiliate of any Lender designated as provided above shall, for all purposes of this Agreement, be treated in the same manner as the respective Lender (and shall be entitled to all indemnities and similar provisions in respect of its acting as such hereunder).

(b) Each Lender agrees that upon the occurrence of any event giving rise to the operation of Section 1.11(a)(ii) or (iii), Section 1.11(c), Section 2.05 or Section 4.04 with respect to such Lender (including any such event resulting from any Canadian Facility RL Lender ceasing to be a Canadian Resident, except to the extent permitted by Section 13.04(b) or 13.14), it will, if requested by the applicable Borrower by notice to such Lender, use reasonable efforts (subject to overall policy considerations of such Lender) to designate another lending office for any Loans or Letters of Credit affected by such event, provided that such designation is made on such terms that such Lender and its lending office suffer no economic, legal or regulatory disadvantage, with the object of avoiding the consequence of the event giving rise to the operation of such Section. Nothing in this Section 1.13 shall affect or postpone any of the obligations of any Borrower or the rights of any Lender provided in Sections 1.11, 2.06 and 4.04.

 

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1.14 Replacement of Lenders . (x) If any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, (y) upon the occurrence of any event giving rise to the operation of Section 1.11(a)(ii) or (iii), Section 1.11(c) or (d), Section 2.05 or Section 4.04 with respect to any Lender which results in such Lender charging to any Borrower increased costs materially in excess of the average costs being charged by the other Lenders in respect of such contingency (including any such event resulting from any Canadian Facility RL Lender ceasing to be a Canadian Resident, except to the extent permitted by Section 13.04(b) or 13.14), or if any existing Euro Facility RL Lender is unable, on the date required by Section 13.25(c), to make any declaration or representation required therein, or (z) in the case of a refusal by a Lender to consent to a proposed change, waiver, discharge or termination with respect to this Agreement which has been approved by the Required Lenders as provided in Section 13.12(b), the U.S. Borrower shall have the right, in accordance with the requirements of Section 13.04(b), if no Event of Default then exists or would exist after giving effect to such replacement, to replace such Lender (the “ Replaced Lender ”) with one or more Eligible Transferees (collectively, the “ Replacement Lender ”), none of whom shall constitute a Defaulting Lender at the time of such replacement and each of whom shall be reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent or, in the case of a replacement as provided in Section 13.12(b) where the consent of the respective Lender is required with respect to less than all Tranches of its Loans or Commitments, at the option of the U.S. Borrower, to replace only the Commitments and/or outstanding Loans of such Lender in respect of each Tranche where the consent of such Lender would otherwise be individually required, with identical Commitments and/or Loans of the respective Tranche provided by the Replacement Lender; provided that:

(i) at the time of any replacement pursuant to this Section 1.14, the Replacement Lender shall enter into one or more Assignment and Assumption Agreements pursuant to Section 13.04(b) (and with all fees payable pursuant to said Section 13.04(b) to be paid by the Replacement Lender) pursuant to which the Replacement Lender shall acquire all of the Commitments and all then outstanding Loans (or, in the case of the replacement of less than all the Tranches of Commitments and outstanding Loans of the respective Replaced Lender, all the Commitments and/or all then outstanding Loans relating to the Tranche or Tranches with respect to which such Lender is being replaced) of the Replaced Lender, and all participations of such Replaced Lender in all then outstanding Letters of Credit issued pursuant to the respective Tranche or Tranches where the Replaced Lender is being replaced and, in connection therewith, shall pay to (v) the Replaced Lender in respect thereof an amount equal to the sum (in the relevant currency or currencies) of (A) an amount equal to the principal of, and all accrued interest on, all then outstanding Loans (including the Face Amount if any outstanding Bankers’ Acceptances and B/A Equivalent Notes) of the respective Replaced Lender under each Tranche with respect to which such Replaced Lender is being replaced, (B) an amount equal to all Unpaid Drawings (if any) under each Tranche with respect to which the respective Replaced Lender is being replaced, in each case that have been funded by (and not reimbursed to) such Replaced Lender at such time, together with all then unpaid interest with respect thereto at such time and (C) an amount equal to all accrued, but theretofore unpaid, Fees owing to the Replaced Lender (but only with

 

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respect to the relevant Tranche or Tranches, in the case of the replacement of less than all Tranches then held by the respective Replaced Lender) pursuant to Section 3.01, (w) in the case of the replacement of any Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitment, the respective Issuing Lender amounts equal to such Replaced Lender’s Dollar Facility RL Percentage of any Unpaid Drawings pursuant to Letters of Credit issued pursuant to the respective Tranche evidenced by such Commitments (which at such time remain Unpaid Drawings) with respect to Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Lender to the extent such amount was not theretofore funded by such Replaced Lender, (x) in the case of the replacement of any Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitment, the respective Issuing Lender amounts equal to such Replaced Lender’s Euro Facility RL Percentage of any Unpaid Drawings pursuant to Letters of Credit issued pursuant to the respective Tranche evidenced by such Commitments (which at such time remain Unpaid Drawings) with respect to Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Lender to the extent such amount was not theretofore funded by such Replaced Lender, (y) in the case of the replacement of any Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitment, the respective Issuing Lender amounts equal to such Replaced Lender’s Canadian Facility RL Percentage of any Unpaid Drawings pursuant to Letters of Credit issued pursuant to the respective Tranche evidenced by such Commitments (which at such time remain Unpaid Drawings) with respect to Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Lender to the extent such amount was not theretofore funded by such Replaced Lender, and (z) in the case of any replacement of Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitments, the Swingline Lender an amount equal to such Replaced Lender’s pro rata share of any Mandatory Dollar Facility Borrowing (determined in accordance with Sections 1.01(g) and 1.08) to the extent such amount was not theretofore funded by such Replaced Lender, without duplication;

(ii) all obligations of the Borrowers owing to the Replaced Lender in respect of each Tranche where such Replaced Lender is being replaced (other than those specifically described in clause (i) above in respect of which the assignment purchase price has been, or is concurrently being, paid) shall be paid in full to such Replaced Lender concurrently with such replacement;

(iii) if the respective Replaced Lender has an Affiliate that is a Dollar Facility RL Lender, or if the Replaced Lender is a Dollar Facility RL Lender which has an Affiliate that is a Lender, all of the actions specified above in this Section 1.14 shall be taken with respect to both the respective Lender and Dollar Facility RL Lender (who shall be treated collectively as a Replaced Lender);

(iv) if the respective Replaced Lender has an Affiliate that is a Euro Facility RL Lender, or if the Replaced Lender is a Euro Facility RL Lender which has an Affiliate that is a Lender, all of the actions specified above in this Section 1.14 shall be taken with respect to both the respective Lender and Euro Facility RL Lender (who shall be treated collectively as a Replaced Lender); and

(v) if the respective Replaced Lender has an Affiliate that is a Canadian Facility RL Lender, or if the Replaced Lender is a Canadian Facility RL Lender which has an Affiliate that is a Lender, all of the actions specified above in this Section 1.14 shall be taken with respect to both the respective Lender and Canadian Currency Facility RL Lender (who shall be treated collectively as a Replaced Lender).

 

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Upon the execution of the respective Assignment and Assumption Agreement, the payment of amounts referred to in clauses (i) and (ii) above, recordation of the assignment on the Register by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 13.17 and, if so requested by the Replacement Lender (when applicable), delivery to the Replacement Lender of the appropriate Note or Notes executed by the respective Borrower, (x) the Replacement Lender shall become a Lender hereunder and, unless the respective Replaced Lender continues to have outstanding Term Loans or any Commitment hereunder, the Replaced Lender shall cease to constitute a Lender hereunder, except with respect to indemnification provisions under this Agreement (including, without limitation, Sections 1.11, 1.12, 2.05, 4.04, 13.01 and 13.06), which shall survive as to such Replaced Lender and (y) in the case of the replacement of any Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitment, Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitment and/or Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitment, as the case may be, pursuant to this Section 1.14, the Dollar Facility RL Percentages, the Euro Facility RL Percentages and/or the Canadian Facility RL Percentages, as the case may be, of the Lenders shall be automatically adjusted at such time to give effect to such replacement. In connection with any replacement of Lenders pursuant to, and as contemplated by, this Section 1.14, each of the Canadian Borrower and the European Borrower hereby irrevocably authorizes the U.S. Borrower to take all necessary action, in the name of the Canadian Borrower or the European Borrower, as the case may be, as described above in this Section 1.14 in order to effect the replacement of the respective Lender or Lenders in accordance with the preceding provisions of this Section 1.14.

1.15 Provisions Regarding Bankers’ Acceptances, Drafts, etc . The parties hereto agree that the provisions of Schedule III shall apply to all Bankers’ Acceptances, Bankers’ Acceptance Loans, Drafts and B/A Equivalent Notes created hereunder, and that the provisions of Schedule III shall be deemed incorporated by reference into this Agreement as if such provisions were set forth in their entirety herein.

SECTION 2. Letters of Credit .

2.01 Letters of Credit . (a) Subject to and upon the terms and conditions herein set forth, a Borrower may request an Issuing Lender, at any time and from time to time on and after the Initial Borrowing Date and prior to the fifth Business Day (or the 30th day in the case of Trade Letters of Credit) preceding the Maturity Date, to issue, (x) for the account of the U.S. Borrower (in the case of requests made by it) or the account of the European Borrower (in the case of requests made by it) or the account of the Canadian Borrower (in the case of requests made by it) irrevocable standby letters of credit in a form customarily used by such Issuing Lender or in such other form as has been approved by such Issuing Lender (each such standby letter of credit, a “ Standby Letter of Credit ”) and (y) for the account of the respective Account Party and for the benefit of sellers of goods to the respective Account Party or any of its or their Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business, irrevocable sight trade letters of credit in a form customarily used by such Issuing Lender or in such other form as has been approved by such Issuing Lender (each such trade letter of credit, a “ Trade Letter of Credit ”, and each such Standby Letter of Credit and Trade Letter of Credit, a “ Letter of Credit ”). Each Letter of Credit shall constitute (x) a Dollar Facility Letter of Credit, in which case such Letter of Credit shall be

 

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deemed to constitute a utilization of the Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitments and shall be participated in (as more fully described in following Section 2.03(a)) by the Dollar Facility RL Lenders in accordance with their respective Dollar Facility RL Percentages, (y) a Euro Facility Letter of Credit, in which case such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to constitute a utilization of the Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitments and shall be participated in (as more fully described in following Section 2.03(a)) by the Euro Facility RL Lenders in accordance with their respective Euro Facility RL Percentages or (z) a Canadian Facility Letter of Credit, in which case such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to constitute a utilization of the Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitments and shall be participated in (as more fully described in following Section 2.03(a)) by the Canadian Facility RL Lenders in accordance with their respective Canadian Facility RL Percentages. All Dollar Facility Letters of Credit shall be denominated in Dollars and shall be issued for the account of the U.S. Borrower. All Euro Facility Letters of Credit shall be denominated in an Applicable Currency and shall be issued for the account of the U.S. Borrower or the European Borrower, as specified in the respective Letter of Credit Request. All Canadian Facility Letters of Credit shall be denominated in an Applicable Currency and shall be issued for the account of the U.S. Borrower or the Canadian Borrower, as specified in the respective Letter of Credit Request. Each Euro Facility Letter of Credit shall constitute either a U.S. Borrower Euro Facility Letter of Credit or a European Borrower Euro Facility Letter of Credit. Each Canadian Facility Letter of Credit shall constitute either a U.S. Borrower Canadian Facility Letter of Credit or a Canadian Borrower Canadian Facility Letter of Credit. The European Borrower shall have no liability under this Agreement with respect to any U.S. Borrower Euro Facility Letter of Credit which may be issued to the U.S. Borrower and the Canadian Borrower shall have no liability under this Agreement with respect to any U.S. Borrower Canadian Facility Letter of Credit which may be issued to the U.S. Borrower.

(b) Subject to and upon the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Issuing Lender hereby agrees that it will, at any time and from time to time on and after the Initial Borrowing Date and prior to the fifth Business Day (or the 30th day in the case of Trade Letters of Credit) preceding the Maturity Date, following its receipt of the respective Letter of Credit Request, issue for the account of the respective Account Party one or more, (x) Trade Letters of Credit in support of trade obligations of the respective Account Party or any of its or their Subsidiaries that arise in the ordinary course of business or (y) Standby Letters of Credit; provided that the respective Issuing Lender shall be under no obligation to (and, if the circumstances described in clause (ii) below then exist, shall not) issue any Letter of Credit if at the time of such issuance:

(i) any order, judgment or decree of any governmental authority or arbitrator shall purport by its terms to enjoin or restrain such Issuing Lender from issuing such Letter of Credit or any requirement of law applicable to such Issuing Lender or any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law) from any governmental authority with jurisdiction over such Issuing Lender shall prohibit, or request that such Issuing Lender refrain from, the issuance of letters of credit generally or such Letter of Credit in particular or shall impose upon such Issuing Lender with respect to such Letter of Credit any restriction or reserve or capital requirement (for which such Issuing Lender is not otherwise compensated) not in effect on the date hereof, or any unreimbursed loss, cost or expense which was not applicable, in effect or known to such Issuing Lender as of the date hereof and which such Issuing Lender in good faith deems material to it;

 

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(ii) the issuance of such Letter of Credit would violate clause (viii) of Section 2.01(c) or the last sentence of Section 2.02(b); or

(iii) a Lender Default exists with respect to any RL Lender (which has a Commitment under the Tranche pursuant to which the respective Letter of Credit will be issued), unless the Issuing Lender has entered into arrangements satisfactory to it and the respective Account Party to eliminate such Issuing Lender’s risk with respect to the Lender which is the subject of the Lender Default, including by cash collateralizing (in Dollars, Euros or Canadian Dollars, as appropriate) such Lender’s relevant Dollar Facility RL Percentage, Euro Facility RL Percentage or Canadian Facility RL Percentage, as the case may be, of the Dollar Facility Letter of Credit Outstandings, the Euro Facility Letter of Credit Outstandings or the Canadian Facility Letter of Credit Outstandings, as the case may be.

(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) no Letter of Credit shall be issued the Stated Amount of which, when added to the Letter of Credit Outstandings (exclusive of Unpaid Drawings which are repaid on the date of, and prior to the issuance of, the respective Letter of Credit) at such time, would exceed $250,000,000, (ii) no Dollar Facility Letter of Credit shall be issued at any time when the Aggregate Dollar Facility RL Exposure exceeds (or would after giving effect to such issuance exceed) the Total Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitment at such time, (iii) no Euro Facility Letter of Credit shall be issued at any time when the Aggregate Euro Facility RL Exposure exceeds (or would after giving effect to such issuance exceed) the Total Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitment at such time, (iv) no Canadian Facility Letter of Credit shall be issued at any time when the Aggregate Canadian Facility RL Exposure exceeds (or would after giving effect to such issuance exceed) the Total Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitment at such time, (v) (a) each Standby Letter of Credit shall by its terms terminate on or before the date which occurs 12 months after the date of the issuance thereof (although any such Standby Letter of Credit may be extendable for successive periods of up to 12 months, but not beyond the fifth Business Day preceding the Maturity Date, on terms acceptable to the Issuing Lender thereof) and (b) each Trade Letter of Credit shall by its terms terminate on or before the date occurring not later than 180 days after such Trade Letter of Credit’s date of issuance, (vi) (a) no Standby Letter of Credit shall have an expiry date occurring later than the fifth Business Day preceding the Maturity Date and (b) no Trade Letter of Credit shall have an expiry date occurring later than 30 days prior to the Maturity Date, (vii) (a) each Dollar Facility Letter of Credit shall be denominated in Dollars, (b) each Euro Facility Letter of Credit shall be denominated in an Available Currency and (c) each Canadian Facility Letter of Credit shall be denominated in an Available Currency and (viii) no Issuing Lender will issue any Letter of Credit after it has received written notice from any Credit Agreement Party or the Required Lenders stating that a Default or an Event of Default exists until such time as such Issuing Lender shall have received a written notice of (a) rescission of such notice from the party or parties originally delivering the same or (b) a waiver of such Default or Event of Default by the Required Lenders.

(d) Schedule IV contains a description of letters of credit that were issued prior to the Initial Borrowing Date for the Account of the U.S. Borrower And certain of its Subsidiaries by the respective issuing lenders listed on Schedule IV and which remain outstanding on the Initial Borrowing Date (and setting forth, with respect to each such letter of credit, (i) the name of the issuing lender, (ii) the letter of credit number, (iii) the name(s) of the account party or account parties,

 

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(iv) the stated amount, (v) the name of the beneficiary, (vi) the expiry date and (vii) whether such letter of credit constitutes a Standby Letter of Credit or a Trade Letter of Credit). Each such letter of credit identified on Schedule IV as an “Existing Letter of Credit”, including any extension or renewal thereof in accordance with the terms thereof and hereof (each, as amended from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof and hereof, an “ Existing Letter of Credit ”) shall constitute a “Dollar Facility Letter of Credit” for all purposes of this Agreement and shall be deemed issued on the Initial Borrowing Date.

2.02 Letter of Credit Requests . (a) Whenever an Account Party desires that a Letter of Credit be issued for its account, such Account Party shall give the Administrative Agent (at the appropriate Notice Office) and the respective Issuing Lender at least 3 days’ (or such shorter period as is acceptable to such Issuing Lender in any given case) written notice (including by way of facsimile) prior to the proposed date of issuance (which shall be a Business Day). Each notice shall be in the form of Exhibit D (or in such other form as may be reasonably acceptable to the respective Issuing Lender and the Administrative Agent) (each, a “ Letter of Credit Request ”), including, without limitation, by specifying (x) whether the requested Letter of Credit shall constitute a Dollar Facility Letter of Credit, a Euro Facility Letter of Credit or a Canadian Facility Letter of Credit, (y) the Borrower that will be the respective Account Party and (z) the Available Currency in which the requested Letter of Credit is to be denominated. Each Letter of Credit Request shall include any other documents as such Issuing Lender customarily requires in connection therewith.

(b) The making of each Letter of Credit Request shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty by the U.S. Borrower, the European Borrower or the Canadian Borrower, as the case may be, that such Letter of Credit may be issued in accordance with, and will not violate the requirements of, Section 2.01(c). Unless the respective Issuing Lender has received notice from the Required Lenders (which has not been rescinded or retracted by the Required Lenders) before it issues a Letter of Credit that one or more of the applicable conditions specified in Section 5A, 5B or 6, as the case may be, are not then satisfied, or that the issuance of such Letter of Credit would violate Section 2.01(c), then such Issuing Lender may issue the requested Letter of Credit for the account of the respective Account Party in accordance with such Issuing Lender’s usual and customary practices.

2.03 Letter of Credit Participations . (a) Immediately upon the issuance by any Issuing Lender of any Letter of Credit, such Issuing Lender shall be deemed to have sold and transferred to (i) in the case of a Dollar Facility Letter of Credit, each Dollar Facility RL Lender, (ii) in the case of a Euro Facility Letter of Credit, each Euro Facility RL Lender and (iii) in the case of a Canadian Facility Letter of Credit, each Canadian Facility RL Lender (each such Lender with respect to any Letter of Credit, in its capacity under this Section 2.03, a “ L/C Participant ”), and each such L/C Participant shall be deemed irrevocably and unconditionally to have purchased and received from such Issuing Lender, without recourse or warranty, an undivided interest and participation, in a percentage equal to (x) in the case of a Dollar Facility Letter of Credit, such L/C Participant’s Dollar Facility RL Percentage, (y) in the case of a Euro Facility Letter of Credit, such L/C Participant’s Euro Facility RL Percentage or (z) in the case of a Canadian Facility Letter of Credit, such L/C Participant’s Canadian Facility RL Percentage, each Drawing made thereunder and the obligations of the respective Borrower under this Agreement with respect thereto (although Letter of Credit Fees shall be payable directly to the

 

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Administrative Agent for the account of the Dollar Facility RL Lenders, Euro Facility RL Lenders or Canadian Facility RL Lenders, as the case may be, as provided in Section 3.01(b) and the L/C Participants shall have no right to receive any portion of any Facing Fees with respect to any such Letters of Credit) and any security therefor or guaranty pertaining thereto. Upon any change in (x) the Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitments and, as a result thereof the Dollar Facility RL Percentages, of the Dollar Facility RL Lenders pursuant to Sections 1.14 or 13.04, it is hereby agreed that, with respect to all outstanding Dollar Facility Letters of Credit and Unpaid Drawings relating thereto, there shall be an automatic adjustment to the participations pursuant to this Section 2.03 to reflect the new Dollar Facility RL Percentages of the Dollar Facility RL Lenders, (y) the Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitments and, as a result thereof the Euro Facility RL Percentages, of the Euro Facility RL Lenders pursuant to Sections 1.14 or 13.04, it is hereby agreed that, with respect to all outstanding Euro Facility Letters of Credit and Unpaid Drawings relating thereto, there shall be an automatic adjustment to the participations pursuant to this Section 2.03 to reflect the new Euro Facility RL Percentages of the Euro Facility RL Lenders and (z) the Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitments and, as a result thereof the Canadian Facility RL Percentages, of the Canadian Facility RL Lenders pursuant to Sections 1.14 or 13.04, it is hereby agreed that with respect to all outstanding Canadian Facility Letters of Credit and Unpaid Drawings relating thereto, there shall be an automatic adjustment to the participations pursuant to this Section 2.03 to reflect the new Canadian Facility RL Percentages of the Canadian Facility RL Lenders. With respect to each Letter of Credit from time to time outstanding, the percentage participations therein of the various Dollar Facility RL Lenders (in the case of a Dollar Facility Letter of Credit), the Euro Facility RL Lenders (in the case of a Euro Facility Letter of Credit) or Canadian Facility RL Lenders (in the case of a Canadian Facility Letter of Credit) calculated as provided above in this Section 2.03(a) are herein called the “ L/C Participation Percentages ” of the various Dollar Facility RL Lenders, Euro Facility RL Lenders or Canadian Facility RL Lenders, as the case may be, in such Letters of Credit. All calculations of the L/C Participation Percentages shall be made from time to time by the Administrative Agent, which calculations shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

(b) In determining whether to pay under any Letter of Credit, the respective Issuing Lender shall have no obligation relative to the other Lenders other than to confirm that any documents required to be delivered under such Letter of Credit appear to have been delivered and that they appear to substantially comply on their face with the requirements of such Letter of Credit. Any action taken or omitted to be taken by any Issuing Lender under or in connection with any Letter of Credit issued by it if taken or omitted in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct (as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final and non-appealable decision), shall not create for such Issuing Lender any resulting liability to any Account Party or any Lender.

(c) In the event that any Issuing Lender makes any payment or disbursement under any Letter of Credit issued by it and the respective Account Party shall not have reimbursed such amount in full to such Issuing Lender pursuant to Section 2.04(a), such Issuing Lender shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent, which shall promptly notify each L/C Participant therein ( i.e. , (x) the Dollar Facility RL Lenders in the case of a Dollar Facility Letter of Credit, (y) the Euro Facility RL Lenders in the case of a Euro Facility Letter of Credit or (z) the Canadian Facility RL Lenders in the case of a Canadian Facility Letter of Credit) of such

 

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failure, and each L/C Participant therein shall promptly and unconditionally pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of such Issuing Lender the amount of such L/C Participant’s L/C Participation Percentage (as relates to the respective Letter of Credit) of the respective Unpaid Drawing (with the amount thereof and the currency in which same is owing to be calculated in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.04(a)) in Dollars (or, to the extent the respective Unpaid Drawing is, in accordance with Section 2.04(a), to be reimbursed by the respective Account Party in Euros, in Euros or, to the extent the respective Unpaid Drawing is, in accordance with Section 2.04(a), to be reimbursed by the respective Account Party in Canadian Dollars, in Canadian Dollars) and in same day funds. If the Administrative Agent so notifies, prior to 11:00 A.M. (New York time) on any Business Day, any L/C Participant required to fund an Unpaid Drawing under a Letter of Credit, such L/C Participant shall make available to the Administrative Agent at the Payment Office for the account of the respective Issuing Lender, in Dollars (or in Euros to the extent the respective Unpaid Drawing is required to be paid by the respective Account Party in Euros pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.04(a) or in Canadian Dollars to the extent the respective Unpaid Drawing is required to be paid by the respective Account Party in Canadian Dollars pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.04(a)), such L/C Participant’s L/C Participation Percentage (as relates to the respective Letter of Credit) of the amount of such payment on such Business Day in same day funds. If and to the extent that, for any reason, such L/C Participant shall not have made its L/C Participation Percentage of the amount of such payment available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the respective Issuing Lender, such L/C Participant agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of such Issuing Lender, forthwith on demand such amount, together with interest thereon, for each day from the date the respective Unpaid Drawing occurred until the date such amount is paid to the Administrative Agent for the account of such Issuing Lender at the overnight Federal Funds Rate (or, in the case of amounts owed in Euros, at the Overnight Euro Rate or, in the case of amounts owed in Canadian Dollars, at the cost to the Administrative Agent of acquiring overnight funds in Canadian Dollars), provided that if any L/C Participant does not make available to the Administrative Agent any amounts required to be made available by it as described above within 2 Business Days after the respective L/C Participant has been notified by the Administrative Agent or the respective Issuing Lender to make such amounts available, then the respective L/C Participant shall pay interest on the amounts demanded of it at the same rates payable from time to time by the respective Account Party on the respective Unpaid Drawings pursuant to Section 2.04(a). The failure of any L/C Participant to make available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the respective Issuing Lender its relevant L/C Participation Percentage of any payment under any Letter of Credit issued by it shall not relieve any other L/C Participant in the respective Letter of Credit of its obligation hereunder to make available to the Administrative Agent for the account of such Issuing Lender its relevant L/C Participation Percentage of any such Letter of Credit on the date required, as specified above, but no L/C Participant shall be responsible for the failure of any other L/C Participant to make available to the Administrative Agent for the account of such Issuing Lender such other L/C Participant’s relevant L/C Participation Percentage of any such payment.

(d) Whenever any Issuing Lender receives a payment of a reimbursement obligation as to which the Administrative Agent has received for the account of such Issuing Lender any payments from the L/C Participants pursuant to clause (c) above, such Issuing Lender shall pay to the Administrative Agent and the Administrative Agent shall promptly pay each L/C Participant which has paid its relevant L/C Participation Percentage thereof, in Dollars

 

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(or in Euros in the case of payments to be made in Euros pursuant to Section 2.04(a) or in Canadian Dollars in the case of payments to be made in Canadian Dollars pursuant to Section 2.04(a)) and in same day funds, an amount equal to such L/C Participant’s share (based on the proportionate aggregate amount funded by such L/C Participant to the aggregate amount funded by all L/C Participants) of the principal amount of such reimbursement obligation and interest thereon accruing after the purchase of the respective participations.

(e) Each Issuing Lender shall, promptly after the issuance of, or amendment or modification to, a Standby Letter of Credit, give the Administrative Agent and the respective Account Party written notice of such issuance, amendment or modification, as the case may be, and such notice shall be accompanied by a copy of such Standby Letter of Credit, such amendment or such modification, as the case may be. Promptly upon receipt of such notice, the Administrative Agent shall notify each L/C Participant, in writing, of such issuance, amendment or modification and if any L/C Participant shall so request, the Administrative Agent shall furnish said L/C Participant with a copy of such Standby Letter of Credit, such amendment or such modification, as the case may be.

(f) Each Issuing Lender shall deliver to the Administrative Agent, promptly on the first Business Day of each week, by facsimile transmission, the aggregate daily Stated Amount available to be drawn under the outstanding Trade Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Lender for the previous week.

(g) The obligations of the L/C Participants to make payments to the Administrative Agent for the account of the respective Issuing Lender with respect to Letters of Credit issued by it shall be irrevocable and not subject to counterclaim, set-off or other defense or any other qualification or exception whatsoever and shall be made in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement under all circumstances, including, without limitation, any of the following circumstances:

(i) any lack of validity or enforceability of this Agreement or any of the Credit Documents;

(ii) the existence of any claim, setoff, defense or other right which any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries may have at any time against a beneficiary named in a Letter of Credit, any transferee of any Letter of Credit (or any Person for whom any such transferee may be acting), any Agent, any Lender, any Issuing Lender, any L/C Participant, or any other Person, whether in connection with this Agreement, any Letter of Credit, the transactions contemplated herein or any unrelated transactions (including any underlying transaction between any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries and the beneficiary named in any such Letter of Credit);

(iii) any draft, 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) the surrender or impairment of any security for the performance or observance of any of the terms of any of the Credit Documents; or

 

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(v) the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default.

Any action taken or omitted to be taken by any Issuing Lender under or in connection with any Letter of Credit shall not create for such Issuing Lender any resulting liability to the L/C Participants or any other Person unless such action is taken or omitted to be taken with gross negligence or willful misconduct (as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final and non-appealable decision).

2.04 Agreement to Repay Letter of Credit Drawings . (a) Each of the U.S. Borrower, the European Borrower and the Canadian Borrower hereby agrees (in the case of Letters of Credit for which it is the Account Party), to reimburse the respective Issuing Lender, by making payment in Dollars (in the case of all Dollar Denominated Letters of Credit), Euros (in the case of Euro Denominated Letters of Credit) or Canadian Dollars (in the case of Canadian Dollar Denominated Letters of Credit), as the case may be, to the Administrative Agent in immediately available funds at the Payment Office (or by making the payment directly to such Issuing Lender at such location as may otherwise have been agreed upon by the respective Account Party and such Issuing Lender), for any payment or disbursement made by such Issuing Lender under any Letter of Credit issued by it (each such amount so paid until reimbursed, an “ Unpaid Drawing ”), not later than the third Business Day after the Administrative Agent or the Issuing Lender notifies the respective Borrower of such payment or disbursement, with interest on the amount so paid or disbursed by such Issuing Lender, to the extent not reimbursed prior to 1:00 P.M. (New York time), on the date of such payment or disbursement, from and including the date paid or disbursed to but excluding the date such Issuing Lender is reimbursed by the U.S. Borrower, the European Borrower or the Canadian Borrower, as the case may be, therefor at a rate per annum which shall be (x) in the case of Dollar Denominated Letters of Credit, the Base Rate in effect from time to time plus the Applicable Margin for Euro Facility Revolving Loans (in the case of Euro Facility Letters of Credit) or Dollar Facility Revolving Loans (in the case of Dollar Facility Letters of Credit) in each case maintained as Base Rate Loans, as in effect from time to time, (y) in the case of Euro Denominated Letters of Credit, the Overnight Euro Rate in effect from time to time plus the Applicable Margin for Euro Denominated Revolving Loans as in effect from time to time plus any Mandatory Costs and (z) in the case of Canadian Dollar Denominated Letters of Credit, the Canadian Prime Rate in effect from time to time plus the Applicable Margin for Canadian Facility Revolving Loans as in effect from time to time, provided , however , to the extent such amounts are not reimbursed prior to 1:00 P.M. (New York time) on the third Business Day following notice to the respective Account Party by the Administrative Agent or the respective Issuing Lender of such payment or disbursement, interest shall thereafter accrue on the amounts so paid or disbursed by such Issuing Lender (and until reimbursed by the respective Account Party) at a rate per annum which shall be (x) in the case of Dollar Denominated Letters of Credit, the Base Rate in effect from time to time plus the Applicable Margin for Euro Facility Revolving Loans (in the case of Euro Facility Letters of Credit) or Dollar Facility Revolving Loans (in the case of Dollar Facility Letters of Credit) in each case maintained as Base Rate Loans, as in effect from time to time plus 2%, (y) in the case of Euro Denominated Letters of Credit, the Overnight Euro Rate in effect from time to time plus the Applicable Margin for Euro Denominated Revolving Loans as in effect from time to time plus any Mandatory Costs plus 2%, and (z) in the case of Canadian Dollar Denominated Letters of Credit, the Canadian Prime Rate in effect from time to time plus the Applicable Margin for Canadian Facility Revolving Loans as in effect from time to time plus 2%, in each such case,

 

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with interest to be payable on demand, provided further , that it is understood and agreed, however, that the notices referred to above in this clause (a) and in the immediately preceding proviso shall not be required to be given if a Default or an Event of Default under Section 10.05 shall have occurred and be continuing (in which case the Unpaid Drawings shall be due and payable immediately without presentment, demand, protest or notice of any kind (all of which are hereby waived by each Credit Party) and shall bear interest at the rate provided in the foregoing proviso on and after the third Business Day following the respective Drawing). The respective Issuing Lender shall give the respective Account Party prompt notice of each Drawing under any Letter of Credit, provided that the failure to give, or any delay in giving, any such notice shall in no way affect, impair or diminish the respective Account Party’s obligations under this Agreement.

(b) The obligations of the U.S. Borrower (with respect to U.S. Borrower Letters of Credit), the obligations of the European Borrower (with respect to European Borrower Letters of Credit) and the obligations of the Canadian Borrower (with respect to Canadian Borrower Letters of Credit) under this Section 2.04 to reimburse the respective Issuing Lender with respect to Unpaid Drawings (including, in each case, interest thereon) shall be absolute and unconditional under any and all circumstances and irrespective of any setoff, counterclaim or defense to payment which the respective Account Party may have or have had against any Lender (including in its capacity as Issuing Lender or as L/C Participant), including, without limitation, any defense based upon the failure of any drawing under a Letter of Credit (each, a “ Drawing ”) to conform to the terms of such Letter of Credit or any nonapplication or misapplication by the beneficiary of the proceeds of such Drawing, the respective Issuing Lender’s only obligation to the respective Account Party being to confirm that any documents required to be delivered under such Letter of Credit appear to have been delivered and that they appear to substantially comply on their face with requirements of such Letter of Credit; provided , however , that the respective Issuing Lender shall not be excused from liability for direct damages (as opposed to consequential damages, claims in respect of which are hereby waived by the Borrowers to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law) of the respective Borrower caused by any wrongful payment made by such Issuing Lender under a Letter of Credit issued by it as a result of deliberate acts or omissions constituting willful misconduct or gross negligence on the part of such Issuing Lender (as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final and non-appealable decision). Any action taken or omitted to be taken by any Issuing Lender under or in connection with any Letter of Credit shall not create for such Issuing Lender any resulting liability to any Account Party unless such action is taken or admitted to be taken with gross negligence or willful misconduct (as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final and non-appealable decision).

2.05 Increased Costs of Issuing Lender and L/C Participants . If after the Effective Date, any Issuing Lender or any L/C Participant determines in good faith that the adoption or effectiveness after the Effective Date of any applicable law, rule or regulation, order, guideline or request or any change therein, or any change after the Effective Date in the interpretation or administration thereof by any governmental authority, central bank or comparable agency charged with the interpretation or administration thereof, or compliance by any Issuing Lender or any L/C Participant with any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law) by any such authority, central bank or comparable agency shall either (i) impose, modify or make applicable any reserve, deposit, capital adequacy or similar requirement

 

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against Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Lender or such L/C Participant’s participation therein, or (ii) impose on any Issuing Lender or any L/C Participant any other conditions directly or indirectly affecting this Agreement, any Letter of Credit or such L/C Participant’s participation therein; and the result of any of the foregoing is to increase the cost to such Issuing Lender or such L/C Participant of issuing, maintaining or participating in any Letter of Credit, or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Issuing Lender or such L/C Participant hereunder or reduce the rate of return on its capital with respect to Letters of Credit, then, upon written demand to the U.S. Borrower, the European Borrower or the Canadian Borrower, as the case may be, by such Issuing Lender or such L/C Participant (a copy of which notice shall be sent by such Issuing Lender or such L/C Participant to the Administrative Agent), accompanied by the certificate described in the last sentence of this Section 2.05, the U.S. Borrower, the European Borrower or the Canadian Borrower, as the case may be, shall, subject to the provisions of Section 13.21, pay to such Issuing Lender or such L/C Participant the amount necessary to cover such increased cost or reduction. A certificate submitted to the relevant Borrower by such Issuing Lender or such L/C Participant, as the case may be (a copy of which certificate shall be sent by such Issuing Lender or such L/C Participant to the Administrative Agent), setting forth in reasonable detail the basis for the determination of such additional amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Issuing Lender or such L/C Participant as aforesaid shall be final and conclusive and binding on such Borrower absent manifest error, although the failure to deliver any such certificate shall not release or diminish such Borrower’s obligations to pay additional amounts pursuant to this Section 2.05 upon subsequent receipt of such certificate.

SECTION 3. Fees; Commitments .

3.01 Fees . (a) (x) The U.S. Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent for distribution to each Non-Defaulting Lender with a Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitment a commitment commission, in Dollars, for the period from the Effective Date to but excluding the Maturity Date (or such earlier date as the Total Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitment shall have been terminated), computed at a rate equal to the Applicable Commitment Fee Percentage per annum on the daily average Unutilized Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitment of such Non-Defaulting Lender as in effect from time to time, (y) the U.S. Borrower and the European Borrower jointly and severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent for distribution to each Non-Defaulting Lender with a Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitment a commitment commission, in Dollars, for the period from the Effective Date to but excluding the Maturity Date (or such earlier date as the Total Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitment shall have been terminated), computed at a rate equal to the Applicable Commitment Fee Percentage per annum on the daily average Unutilized Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitment of such Non-Defaulting Lender as in effect from time to time and (z) the U.S. Borrower and the Canadian Borrower jointly and severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent for distribution to each Non-Defaulting Lender with a Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitment a commitment commission, in Dollars, for the period from the Effective Date to but excluding the Maturity Date (or such earlier date as the Total Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitment shall have been terminated), computed at a rate equal to the Applicable Commitment Fee Percentage per annum on the daily average Unutilized Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitment of such Non-Defaulting Lender as in effect from time to time (with the commitment commissions payable as described in this clause (a) each

 

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being herein referred to as a “ RL Commitment Commission ”). Accrued RL Commitment Commissions shall be due and payable, in Dollars, quarterly in arrears on each Quarterly Payment Date and on the Maturity Date or (i) in the case of RL Commitment Commission payable pursuant to preceding clause (x), such earlier date upon which the Total Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitment is terminated, (ii) in the case of RL Commitment Commission payable pursuant to preceding clause (y), such earlier date upon which the Total Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitment is terminated and (iii) in the case of RL Commitment Commission payable pursuant to preceding clause (z), such earlier date upon which the Total Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitment is terminated.

(b) (v) The U.S. Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent for distribution to each Dollar Facility RL Lender in Dollars a fee in respect of each Dollar Facility Letter of Credit issued hereunder, (w) the U.S. Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent for distribution to each Euro Facility RL Lender in Dollars (in the case of each U.S. Borrower Euro Facility Letter of Credit denominated in Dollars) or in Euros (in the case of each U.S. Borrower Euro Facility Letter of Credit denominated in Euros) a fee in respect of each U.S. Borrower Euro Facility Letter of Credit issued hereunder, (x) the European Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent for distribution to each Euro Facility RL Lender in Dollars (in the case of each European Borrower Euro Facility Letter of Credit denominated in Dollars) or in Euros (in the case of each European Borrower Euro Facility Letter of Credit denominated in Euros) a fee in respect of each European Borrower Euro Facility Letter of Credit issued hereunder, (y) the U.S. Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent for distribution to each Canadian Facility RL Lender in Dollars a fee in respect of each U.S. Borrower Canadian Facility Letter of Credit issued hereunder and (z) the Canadian Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent for distribution to each Canadian Facility RL Lender in Dollars (in the case of each Canadian Borrower Canadian Facility Letter of Credit denominated in Dollars) or in Canadian Dollars (in the case of each Canadian Borrower Canadian Facility Letter of Credit denominated in Canadian Dollars) a fee in respect of each Canadian Borrower Canadian Facility Letter of Credit issued hereunder (with all fees payable as described in this clause (b) being herein referred to as “ Letter of Credit Fees ”), in each case, for the period from and including the date of issuance of such Letter of Credit through the termination of such Letter of Credit, computed at a rate per annum equal to the Applicable Margin for Euro Rate Loans, as in effect from time to time, on (i) the daily Stated Amount of such Letter of Credit (in the case of a Dollar Denominated Letter of Credit), (ii) the daily Euro L/C Stated Amount of such Letter of Credit (in the case of a Euro Denominated Letter of Credit) and (iii) the daily Canadian Dollar L/C Stated Amount of such Letter of Credit (in the case of a Canadian Dollar Denominated Letter of Credit). Accrued Letter of Credit Fees shall be due and payable quarterly in arrears on each Quarterly Payment Date and, in the case of Letter of Credit Fees owing pursuant to preceding clause (v), on the first day on or after the termination of the Total Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitment upon which no Dollar Facility Letters of Credit remain outstanding and, in the case of Letter of Credit Fees payable pursuant to preceding clauses (w) and (x), on the first day on or after the termination of the Total Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitment upon which no Euro Facility Letters of Credit remain outstanding and, in the case of Letter of Credit Fees payable pursuant to preceding clauses (y) and (z), on the first day on or after the termination of the Total Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitment upon which no Canadian Facility Letters of Credit remain outstanding.

 

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(c) Each Account Party agrees to pay to the respective Issuing Lender, for its own account, in Dollars (in the case of each Dollar Denominated Letter of Credit), in Euros (in the case of Euro Denominated Letters of Credit) or in Canadian Dollars (in the case of Canadian Dollar Denominated Letters of Credit), a facing fee in respect of each Letter of Credit issued hereunder (the “ Facing Fee ”) for the period from and including the date of issuance of such Letter of Credit to and including the termination or expiration of such Letter of Credit, computed at a rate equal to 1/10 of 1% per annum of (x) the daily Stated Amount of such Letter of Credit (in the case of a Dollar Denominated Letter of Credit), (y) the daily Euro L/C Stated Amount of such Letter of Credit (in the case of a Euro Denominated Letter of Credit) and (z) the daily Canadian Dollar L/C Stated Amount of such Letter of Credit (in the case of a Canadian Dollar Denominated Letter of Credit), provided that in no event shall the annual Facing Fee with respect to any Letter of Credit be less than the Minimum Applicable Facing Fee; it being agreed that on the date of issuance of any Letter of Credit and on each anniversary thereof prior to the termination of such Letter of Credit, if the Minimum Applicable Facing Fee will exceed the amount of Facing Fees that would accrue with respect to such Letter of Credit for the immediately succeeding 12-month period, the full Minimum Applicable Facing Fee shall be payable on the date of issuance of such Letter of Credit and on each such anniversary thereof prior to the termination of such Letter of Credit. Except as provided in the immediately preceding sentence, accrued Facing Fees shall be due and payable quarterly in arrears on each Quarterly Payment Date and upon the first day on or after the termination of the Total Revolving Loan Commitment upon which no Letters of Credit remain outstanding.

(d) The respective Account Party agrees to pay to the respective Issuing Lender, in Dollars, for its own account, upon each payment under, issuance of, or amendment to, any Letter of Credit, such amount as shall at the time of such event be the administrative charge which such Issuing Lender is customarily charging for issuances of, payments under or amendments of, Letters of Credit issued by it.

(e) The U.S. Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent for distribution to each Non-Defaulting Lender with a Term Loan Commitment a commitment commission, in Dollars, for the period from the Effective Date to but excluding the Delayed Borrowing Date (or such earlier date as the Total Term Loan Commitment shall have been terminated), computed at a rate per annum equal to (x) for the period from the Effective Date to and including January 31, 2007, the Applicable Commitment Fee Percentage and (y) for the period from and after February 1, 2007, the Applicable Margin for Euro Rate Loans, in each case on the daily average Term Loan Commitment of such Non-Defaulting Lender as in effect from time to time (with the commitment commission payable as described in this clause (e) being herein referred to as “ TL Commitment Commission ”). Accrued TL Commitment Commission shall be due and payable, in Dollars, quarterly in arrears on each Quarterly Payment Date and on the Delayed Borrowing Date or such earlier date upon which the Total Term Loan Commitment is terminated.

(f) The Drawing Fees shall be paid by the Canadian Borrower at the time of the incurrence of each Bankers’ Acceptance Loan, which payment shall be made by deducting the Drawing Fees in calculating the B/A Discount Proceeds pursuant to clause (ii) of the definition of “B/A Discount Proceeds” contained herein.

 

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(g) Each Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, for its own account, such other fees as have been agreed to in writing by such Borrower and the Administrative Agent.

(h) Except as expressly provided elsewhere herein, all computations of Fees shall be made in accordance with Section 13.07(b).

3.02 Voluntary Termination or Reduction of Commitments . (a) Upon at least three Business Days’ prior notice from an Authorized Officer of the U.S. Borrower to the Administrative Agent at its Notice Office (which notice the Administrative Agent shall promptly transmit to each of the Lenders), the U.S. Borrower shall have the right, at any time or from time to time, without premium or penalty, to terminate the Total Commitment at such time, in whole or in part, in aggregate minimum amounts of at least $1,000,000 in the case of partial reductions, with the amount of each reduction pursuant to this Section 3.02(a) to apply to reduce the Total Term Loan Commitment, the Total Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitment, the Total Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitment and/or the Total Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitment, as may be elected by the U.S. Borrower, provided that no such reduction shall be permitted to be made pursuant to this Section 3.02(a) if the effect thereof is to cause (x) the Aggregate Dollar Facility RL Exposure to exceed the Total Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitment after giving effect to the reduction thereto pursuant to this Section 3.02(a), (y) the Aggregate Euro Facility RL Exposure to exceed the Total Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitment after giving effect to the reduction thereto pursuant to this Section 3.02(a) or (z) the Aggregate Canadian Facility RL Exposure to exceed the Total Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitment after giving effect to the reduction thereto pursuant to this Section 3.02(a). Each reduction to (w) the Total Term Loan Commitment pursuant to this Section 3.02(a) shall apply to proportionately and permanently reduce the Term Loan Commitment of each Lender with such a Commitment (based on their respective TL Commitment Percentages), (x) the Total Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitment pursuant to this Section 3.02(a) shall apply to proportionately and permanently reduce the Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitment of each Dollar Facility RL Lender (based on their respective Dollar Facility RL Percentages), (y) the Total Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitment pursuant to this Section 3.02(a) shall apply to proportionally and permanently reduce the Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitment of each Euro Facility RL Lender (based on their respective Euro Facility RL Percentages) and (z) the Total Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitment pursuant to this Section 3.02(a) shall apply to proportionally and permanently reduce the Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitment of each Canadian Facility RL Lender (based on their respective Canadian Facility RL Percentages).

(b) In the event of certain refusals by a Lender as provided in Section 4.01 or 13.12(b) to consent to certain proposed changes, waivers, discharges or terminations with respect to this Agreement which have been approved by the Required Lenders, the U.S. Borrower may, subject to the applicable requirements of said Sections 4.01 and/or 13.12(b), upon five Business Days’ prior written notice to the Administrative Agent at its Notice Office (which notice the Administrative Agent shall promptly transmit to each of the Lenders) terminate the Term Loan Commitment, if any, the Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitment, if any, the Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitment, if any, and/or the Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitment, if any, of such Lender, so long as (x) all Loans, together with accrued and unpaid

 

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interest, Fees and all other amounts, owing to such Lender (excluding amounts owing in respect of Loans of any Tranche maintained by such Lender which are not being repaid pursuant to Section 13.12(b)) are repaid concurrently with the effectiveness of such termination (at which time Schedule I shall be deemed modified to reflect such changed amounts) and (y) after giving effect to such termination (and the adjustments to the Dollar Facility RL Percentages, Euro Facility RL Percentages, Canadian Facility RL Percentages and/or related L/C Participation Percentages of the remaining Lenders as contemplated below), none of the Individual Dollar Facility RL Exposure, the Individual Euro Facility RL Exposure or the Individual Canadian Facility RL Exposure of any remaining Lender shall exceed its Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitment, Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitment or Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitment, as the case may be. After giving effect to the termination of the Commitments of any Lender pursuant to the provisions of this Section 3.02(b), unless the respective Lender continues to have outstanding Term Loans or other Commitments (if any) hereunder, such Lender shall no longer constitute a “Lender” for purposes of this Agreement, except with respect to indemnifications under this Agreement (including, without limitation, Sections 1.11, 1.12, 2.05, 4.04, 13.01 and 13.06), which shall survive as to such repaid Lender. In cases where the Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitment, the Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitment and/or the Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitment of any Lender is terminated pursuant to this Section 3.02(b), except in cases where the respective Commitments are replaced in full, after giving effect to the termination of any such Commitments of a given Lender pursuant to this Section 3.02(b), there shall occur automatic adjustments (as determined by the Administrative Agent) in the Dollar Facility RL Percentages, Euro Facility RL Percentages and/or the Canadian Facility RL Percentages, as the case may be (and as a result thereof in the related L/C Participation Percentages) of the remaining Dollar Facility RL Lenders, Euro Facility RL Lenders and/or Canadian Facility RL Lenders, as the case may be, after giving effect to the modifications to the Dollar Facility RL Percentages, Euro Facility RL Percentages and Canadian Facility RL Percentages of the various remaining Lenders as a result of the termination of the Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitment, Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitment and/or Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitment, as the case may be, of the respective Replaced Lender.

(c) In connection with any reduction or termination of the Total Revolving Loan Commitment, the Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitment, the Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitment and/or the Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitment of any Lender pursuant to this Section 3.02 and Section 3.03, as the case may be, each of the European Borrower and the Canadian Borrower hereby irrevocably authorizes the U.S. Borrower to take all necessary action, in the name of the European Borrower or the Canadian Borrower, as the case may be, as described in this Section 3.02 or Section 3.03 in order to effect the reduction or termination of the Total Revolving Loan Commitment, the Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitment, the Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitment and/or the Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitment of such Lender in accordance with the provisions of this Section 3.02 or Section 3.03, as the case may be.

3.03 Mandatory Reduction of Commitments . (a) The Total Term Loan Commitment (and the Term Loan Commitment of each Lender with such a Commitment, if any) shall terminate in its entirety on the earliest to occur of (i) the date, if any, on which the Contingent Note is fully cancelled (without the requirement of any payment thereunder) in accordance with its terms and (ii) the Delayed Borrowing Date (after giving effect to the making of Term Loans on such date).

 

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(b) In addition to any other mandatory commitment reductions pursuant to this Section 3.03, the Total Revolving Loan Commitment (and the Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitment, Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitment and Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitment of each Lender with such a Commitment) shall terminate in its entirety on the Maturity Date.

(c) Each reduction to the Total Term Loan Commitment, the Total Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitment, the Total Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitment and the Total Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitment pursuant to this Section 3.03 as provided above (or pursuant to Section 4.02) shall be applied proportionately to reduce the Term Loan Commitment, the Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitment, the Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitment or the Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitment, as the case may be, of each Lender with such a Commitment.

SECTION 4. Prepayments; Repayments; Taxes .

4.01 Voluntary Prepayments . Each Borrower shall have the right to prepay the Loans made to such Borrower, without premium or penalty except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, and the right to allocate such prepayments to Term Loans, Revolving Loans and/or Swingline Loans as such Borrower elects, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time on, and subject to, the following terms and conditions:

(i) an Authorized Officer of such Borrower shall give the Administrative Agent at its Notice Office written notice (or telephonic notice promptly confirmed in writing) of its intent to prepay the Loans, whether such Loans are Term Loans, Dollar Facility Revolving Loans, U.S. Borrower Euro Facility Revolving Loans, European Borrower Euro Facility Revolving Loans, U.S. Borrower Canadian Facility Revolving Loans, Canadian Borrower Canadian Facility Revolving Loans and/or Swingline Loans, the amount and currency (or currencies) of the Loans to be prepaid, the Types of Loans to be repaid and, in the case of Euro Rate Loans and/or Bankers’ Acceptance Loans, the specific Borrowing or Borrowings pursuant to which made, which notice shall be given by the Authorized Officer of such Borrower (x) prior to 3:00 P.M. (New York time) at least one Business Day prior to the date of such prepayment in the case of Loans maintained as Base Rate Loans (other than Swingline Loans) or Canadian Prime Rate Loans, (y) the date of such prepayment in the case of Swingline Loans, provided such notice is given prior to 10:00 A.M. (New York time) and (z) prior to 10:00 A.M. (New York time) at least three Business Days (or one Business Day if the date of such prepayment is the last day of an Interest Period as determined pursuant to Section 1.10) prior to the date of such prepayment in the case of Euro Rate Loans and/or Bankers’ Acceptance Loans and shall, except in the case of Swingline Loans, be promptly transmitted by the Administrative Agent to each of the Lenders;

(ii) each partial prepayment applied to any Tranche of Loans shall be in an aggregate principal amount of at least $1,000,000 (taking the Dollar Equivalent of any

 

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amounts to be prepaid in Euros or Canadian Dollars) (or the applicable Minimum Borrowing Amount in the case of Swingline Loans), provided that (x) if any partial prepayment of Eurodollar Loans made pursuant to any Borrowing shall reduce the outstanding Eurodollar Loans made pursuant to such Borrowing to an amount less than the Minimum Borrowing Amount applicable thereto, then such Borrowing may not be continued as a Borrowing of Eurodollar Loans beyond the Interest Period applicable thereto and any election of an Interest Period with respect thereto given by such Borrower shall have no force or effect and (y) in the case of partial prepayments of any Borrowing of Euro Denominated Loans, such Borrower shall use reasonable efforts to allocate such prepayments in a manner so that Borrowings do not remain outstanding in amounts less than the Minimum Borrowing Amount applicable thereto (and, to the extent such Borrowings would remain outstanding in amounts which are less than the Minimum Borrowing Amount applicable thereto, such Borrower shall repay any Borrowings which are less than the Minimum Borrowing Amount applicable thereto at the end of the then current Interest Period);

(iii) at the time of any prepayment of Euro Rate Loans pursuant to this Section 4.01 on any date other than the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, such Borrower shall pay the amounts required pursuant to Section 1.12;

(iv) in the event of certain refusals by a Lender as provided in Section 13.12(b) to consent to certain proposed changes, waivers, discharges or terminations with respect to this Agreement which have been approved by the Required Lenders, such Borrower may, upon five Business Days’ written notice by an Authorized Officer of such Borrower to the Administrative Agent at its Notice Office (which notice the Administrative Agent shall promptly transmit to each of the Lenders), repay all Loans and pay all accrued and unpaid interest, Fees, and other amounts, in each case owing to such Lender (or, at the U.S. Borrower’s option, owing to such Lender with respect to each Tranche which gave rise to the need to obtain such Lender’s individual consent) in accordance with, and subject to the requirements of, said Section 13.12(b) so long as (A) in the case of the repayment of Dollar Facility Revolving Loans of any Lender pursuant to this clause (iv), the Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitment of such Lender is terminated concurrently with such repayment (at which time Schedule I shall be deemed modified to reflect the changed Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitments), (B) in the case of the repayment of Euro Facility Revolving Loans of any Lender pursuant to this clause (iv), the Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitment of such Lender is terminated concurrently with such repayment (at which time Schedule I shall be deemed modified to reflect the changed Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitments), (C) in the case of the repayment of Canadian Facility Revolving Loans of any Lender pursuant to this clause (iv), the Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitment of such Lender is terminated concurrently with such repayment (at which time Schedule I shall be deemed modified to reflect the changed Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitments) and (D) the consents required by Section 13.12(b) in connection with the repayment pursuant to this clause (vi) have been obtained;

 

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(v) prepayments of Bankers’ Acceptance Loans may not be made prior to the maturity date of the respective underlying Bankers’ Acceptances or B/A Equivalent Notes, as the case may be; and

(vi) no Borrower shall have the right under this Section 4.01 to prepay any principal amount of any Competitive Bid Loans.

4.02 Mandatory Repayments and Commitment Reductions . (a) (i) If on any date the Aggregate Dollar Facility RL Exposure exceeds the Total Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitment as then in effect, the U.S. Borrower shall prepay on such date the principal of outstanding Swingline Loans and/or the principal of outstanding Dollar Facility Revolving Loans in an amount equal to such excess. If, after giving effect to the prepayment of all outstanding Swingline Loans and Dollar Facility Revolving Loans, the aggregate amount of the Dollar Facility Letter of Credit Outstandings exceeds the Total Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitment as then in effect, the U.S. Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent at the Payment Office on such date an amount of cash or Cash Equivalents (in Dollars) equal to the amount of such excess (up to a maximum amount equal to the sum of (x) the principal amount of all outstanding Competitive Bid Loans plus (y) the Dollar Facility Letter of Credit Outstandings at such time), such cash or Cash Equivalents to be held as security for all Obligations of the U.S. Borrower hereunder in a cash collateral account to be established by the Administrative Agent; provided that any cash or Cash Equivalents provided pursuant to this Section 4.02(a)(i) shall be applied first , to any Obligations of the U.S. Borrower owing to the Lenders with Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitments (or related outstanding Obligations hereunder) and second , to all other Obligations of the U.S. Borrower hereunder.

(ii) If on any date the Aggregate Euro Facility RL Exposure exceeds the Total Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitment as then in effect, the U.S. Borrower shall prepay on such date the principal of outstanding U.S. Borrower Euro Facility Revolving Loans, and/or the European Borrower shall prepay on such date the principal of outstanding European Borrower Dollar Facility Revolving Loans, in an amount (in the relevant Applicable Currency) equal to such excess (with such repayment of Euro Facility Revolving Loans to be allocated among U.S. Borrower Euro Facility Revolving Loans and European Borrower Euro Facility Revolving Loans as the Borrowers may elect). If, after giving effect to the prepayment of all outstanding Euro Facility Revolving Loans, the aggregate amount of the Euro Facility Letter of Credit Outstandings exceeds the Total Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitment as then in effect, the U.S. Borrower agrees (as to U.S. Borrower Euro Facility Letters of Credit), and the European Borrower agrees (as to European Borrower Euro Facility Letters of Credit), to pay to the Administrative Agent at the appropriate Payment Office on such date an amount of cash or Cash Equivalents (in the relevant Applicable Currency) equal to the amount of such excess (up to a maximum amount equal to (x) in the case of the U.S. Borrower, the Euro Facility Letter of Credit Outstandings with respect to U.S. Borrower Euro Facility Letters of Credit at such time and (y) in the case of the European Borrower, the Euro Facility Letter of Credit Outstandings with respect to European Borrower Euro Facility Letters of Credit at such time), such cash or Cash Equivalents to be held as security for all Obligations of the U.S. Borrower or the European Borrower, as the case may be, hereunder in a cash collateral account to be established by the Administrative Agent; provided that any cash or Cash Equivalents provided pursuant to this Section 4.02(a)(ii) shall be applied first , to any Obligations of the U.S. Borrower or the European

 

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Borrower owing to the Lenders with Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitments (or related outstanding Obligations hereunder) and second , to all other Obligations of the U.S. Borrower or the European Borrower hereunder.

(iii) If on any date the Aggregate Canadian Facility RL Exposure exceeds the Total Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitment as then in effect, the U.S. Borrower shall prepay on such date the principal of outstanding U.S. Borrower Canadian Facility Revolving Loans, and/or the Canadian Borrower shall prepay on such date the principal of outstanding Canadian Borrower Canadian Facility Revolving Loans (other than Bankers’ Acceptance Loans where the underlying Bankers’ Acceptances or B/A Equivalent Notes, as the case may be, have not matured), in an amount (in the relevant Applicable Currency) equal to such excess (with such repayment of Canadian Facility Revolving Loans to be allocated among U.S. Borrower Canadian Facility Revolving Loans and Canadian Borrower Canadian Facility Revolving Loans as the Borrowers may elect). If, after giving effect to the prepayment of all outstanding Canadian Facility Revolving Loans (other than Bankers’ Acceptance Loans where the underlying Bankers’ Acceptances or B/A Equivalent Notes, as the case may be, have not matured), the sum of (x) the Face Amount of outstanding Canadian Facility Revolving Loans maintained as Bankers’ Acceptance Loans (for this purpose, using the Dollar Equivalent of the Face Amounts thereof) plus (y) the aggregate amount of the Canadian Facility Letter of Credit Outstandings, exceeds the Total Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitment as then in effect, the Canadian Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent at the Payment Office on such date an amount of cash or Cash Equivalents (in the relevant Applicable Currency) equal to the amount of such excess (up to a maximum amount equal to the Face Amount of outstanding Canadian Borrower Canadian Facility Revolving Loans maintained as Bankers’ Acceptance Loans at such time), such cash or Cash Equivalents to be held as security for all obligations of the Canadian Borrower to the Canadian Facility RL Lenders in respect of an equivalent Face Amount of outstanding Bankers’ Acceptances accepted, and outstanding B/A Equivalent Notes held, by the Canadian Facility RL Lenders and which shall be paid to and applied by the Canadian Facility RL Lenders, in satisfaction of the obligations of the Canadian Borrower, to the Canadian Facility RL Lenders in respect of such Bankers’ Acceptances and B/A Equivalent Notes, on the respective maturity dates thereof. If, after giving effect to the prepayment of outstanding Canadian Facility Revolving Loans and the cash collateralization of the obligations of the Canadian Borrower in respect of outstanding Canadian Facility Revolving Loans maintained as Bankers’ Acceptance Loans as contemplated by the preceding two sentences, the aggregate amount of the Canadian Facility Letter of Credit Outstandings exceeds the Total Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitment as then in effect (for such purposes, determined as if all outstanding Canadian Facility Revolving Loans maintained as Bankers’ Acceptance Loans had been repaid in full), the U.S. Borrower agrees (as to U.S. Borrower Canadian Facility Letters of Credit) and the Canadian Borrower agrees (as to Canadian Borrower Canadian Facility Letters of Credit) to pay to the Administrative Agent at the Payment Office on such date an amount of cash or Cash Equivalents (in the relevant Applicable Currency) equal to the amount of such excess (up to a maximum amount equal to (x) in the case of the U.S. Borrower, the Canadian Facility Letter of Credit Outstandings with respect to U.S. Borrower Canadian Facility Letters of Credit and (y) in the case of the Canadian Borrower, the Canadian Facility Letter of Credit Outstandings with respect to Canadian Borrower Canadian Facility Letters of Credit), such cash or Cash Equivalents to be held as security for all Obligations of the U.S. Borrower or the Canadian Borrower hereunder, as the case may be, in a cash collateral account to be established by the Administrative Agent;

 

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provided that any cash or Cash Equivalents provided pursuant to this Section 4.02(a)(ii) shall be applied first, to any Obligations of the U.S. Borrower or the Canadian Borrower owing to the Lenders with Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitments (or related outstanding Obligations hereunder) and second, to all other Obligations of the U.S. Borrower or the Canadian Borrower hereunder.

(b) [RESERVED]

(c) With respect to each repayment of Loans required by this Section 4.02, the U.S. Borrower may designate the Types of Loans of the respective Tranche which are to be repaid and, in the case of Euro Rate Loans, the specific Borrowing or Borrowings of the respective Tranche pursuant to which such Euro Rate Loans were made, provided that: (i) repayments of Euro Rate Loans pursuant to this Section 4.02 may only be made on the last day of an Interest Period applicable thereto unless all Euro Rate Loans of the respective Tranche with Interest Periods ending on such date of required repayment and all Base Rate Loans of the respective Tranche have been paid in full; (ii) if any repayment of Euro Rate Loans made pursuant to a single Borrowing shall reduce the outstanding Euro Rate Loans made pursuant to such Borrowing to an amount less than the Minimum Borrowing Amount applicable thereto, then (x) any such Borrowing of Eurodollar Loans shall be automatically converted into a Borrowing of Base Rate Loans on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto and (y) such repayment of Euro Rate Loans (other than Eurodollar Loans) with respect to such Borrowing shall not be required to be made until the last day of the Interest Period applicable to such Borrowing; and (iii) each repayment of any Loans made pursuant to a Borrowing shall be applied pro rata among such Loans. In the absence of a designation by the U.S. Borrower as described in the preceding sentence, the Administrative Agent shall, subject to the above, make such designation in its sole discretion.

(d) In addition to any other mandatory repayments pursuant to this Section 4.02, (i) all then outstanding Loans of a respective Tranche shall be repaid in full on the Maturity Date for such Tranche of Loans, (ii) on the maturity date specified pursuant to Section 1.04(a) with respect to each Competitive Bid Loan, the U.S. Borrower shall repay such Competitive Bid Loan to the applicable Bidder Lender or Bidder Lenders and (iii) notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, all Competitive Bid Loans shall be repaid in full on the Maturity Date unless paid in full prior to such date.

(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained above, all payments owing with respect to each Tranche pursuant to this Section 4.02 shall be made in the respective currency or currencies in which the respective obligations are owing in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. For purposes of making calculations pursuant to this Section 4.02, the Administrative Agent shall be entitled to use the Dollar Equivalent, Euro Equivalent or Canadian Dollar Equivalent, as the case may be, of any such amounts required to be converted into other currencies for purposes of making determinations pursuant to this Section 4.02.

4.03 Method and Place of Payment . Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, all payments under this Agreement or any Note shall be made to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lender or Lenders entitled thereto not later than 2:00 P.M. (New York time) on the date when due and shall be made in (x) Dollars in immediately available funds

 

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at the Payment Office of the Administrative Agent in respect of any obligation of the Borrowers under this Agreement except as otherwise provided in the immediately following clauses (y) and (z), (y) Euros in immediately available funds at the Payment Office of the Administrative Agent, if such payment is made in respect of (i) principal of or interest on Euro Denominated Loans, (ii) Letter of Credit Fees, Facing Fees and Unpaid Drawings (and interest thereon) in respect of Euro Denominated Letters of Credit or (iii) any increased costs, indemnities or other amounts owing with respect to Euro Denominated Loans (or Commitments relating thereto) or Euro Denominated Letters of Credit, in the case of this clause (iii) to the extent the respective Lender or Issuing Lender which is charging same denominates the amounts owing in Euros and (z) Canadian Dollars in immediately available funds at the Payment Office of the Administrative Agent, if such payment is made in respect of (i) principal of, or Face Amount of, or interest on Canadian Dollar Denominated Loans, (ii) Letter of Credit Fees, Facing Fees and Unpaid Drawings (and interest thereon) in respect of Canadian Dollar Denominated Letters of Credit or (iii) any increased costs, indemnities or other amounts owing with respect to Canadian Dollar Denominated Loans (or Commitments relating thereto) or Canadian Dollar Denominated Letters of Credit, in the case of this clause (iii) to the extent the respective Lender or Issuing Lender which is charging same denominates the amounts owing in Canadian Dollars. The Administrative Agent will thereafter cause to be distributed on the same day (if payment was actually received by the Administrative Agent prior to 2:00 P.M. (New York time or the time of the applicable Payment Office) like funds relating to the payment of principal, interest or Fees ratably to the Lenders entitled thereto. Any payments under this Agreement which are made later than 2:00 P.M. (New York time or the time of the applicable Payment Office) shall be deemed to have been made on the next succeeding Business Day. Whenever any payment to be made hereunder or under any Note shall be stated to be due on a day which is not a Business Day, the due date thereof shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day and, with respect to payments of principal, interest shall be payable at the applicable rate during such extension.

4.04 Net Payments . (a) All payments made by any Credit Party under any Credit Document (including, in the case of the U.S. Borrower, in its capacity as a guarantor pursuant to Section 14) or under any Note will be made without setoff, counterclaim or other defense. Except as provided in Section 4.04(b), all such payments will be made free and clear of, and without deduction or withholding for, any present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, fees, assessments or other charges of whatever nature now or hereafter imposed by any jurisdiction or by any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein with respect to such payments (but excluding (i) any tax imposed on or measured by the net income of the Administrative Agent or a Lender pursuant to the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is organized or the jurisdiction in which the principal office or applicable lending office of such Lender is located or any subdivision thereof or therein, (ii) solely with respect to payments made by the Canadian Borrower to a Canadian Facility RL Lender, any tax imposed on or measured by the capital of such Canadian Facility RL Lender pursuant to the laws of Canada or a province thereof and (iii) any branch profits taxes imposed by the United States or any similar tax imposed by any other jurisdiction) and all interest, penalties or similar liabilities with respect thereto (all such non-excluded taxes, levies, imposts, duties, fees, assessments or other charges being referred to collectively as “Taxes”). If any Taxes are so levied or imposed, the respective Borrower (and any other Credit Party making the payment) agrees to pay the full amount of such Taxes, and such additional amounts as may be necessary so that every payment of all amounts due under

 

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this Agreement or under any Note, after withholding or deduction for or on account of any Taxes, will not be less than the amount provided for herein or in such Note. If any amounts are payable in respect of Taxes pursuant to the preceding sentence, then the respective Borrower (and any other Credit Party making the payment) shall be obligated to reimburse each Lender, upon the written request of such Lender, for any withholding of taxes as such Lender shall determine are payable by, or withheld from, such Lender in respect of such amounts so paid to or on behalf of such Lender pursuant to the preceding sentence and in respect of any amounts paid to or on behalf of such Lender pursuant to this sentence, the respective Borrower (or Credit Party) will furnish to the Administrative Agent within 45 days after the date of the payment of any Taxes due pursuant to applicable law certified copies of tax receipts evidencing such payment by such Borrower (or the respective other Credit Party). The Borrowers jointly and severally agree (and each Subsidiary Guarantor pursuant to the Subsidiaries Guaranty, and the incorporation by reference therein of the provisions of this Section 4.04, shall agree) to indemnify and hold harmless each Lender, and reimburse such Lender upon its written request, for the amount of any Taxes so levied or imposed and paid by such Lender.

(b) Each Lender that is not a United States person (as such term is defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code) agrees to deliver to the U.S. Borrower and the Administrative Agent on or prior to the Effective Date, or in the case of a Lender that is an assignee or transferee of an interest under this Agreement pursuant to Section 13.04 (unless the respective Lender was already a Lender hereunder immediately prior to such assignment or transfer), on the date of such assignment or transfer to such Lender, (i) two accurate and complete original signed copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8ECI or Form W-8BEN (with respect to a complete exemption under an income tax treaty) (or successor forms) certifying to such Lender’s entitlement as of such date to a complete exemption from United States withholding tax with respect to payments to be made under this Agreement and under any Note, or (ii) if the Lender is not a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code and cannot deliver either Internal Revenue Service Form W-8ECI or Form W-8BEN (with respect to a complete exemption under an income tax treaty) pursuant to clause (i) above, (x) a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit E (any such certificate, a “ Section 4.04(b)(ii) Certificate ”) and (y) two accurate and complete original signed copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN (with respect to the portfolio interest exemption) (or successor form) certifying to such Lender’s entitlement as of such date to a complete exemption from United States withholding tax with respect to payments of interest to be made under this Agreement and under any Note. In addition, each such Lender agrees that from time to time after the Effective Date, when a lapse in time or change in circumstances renders the previous certification obsolete or inaccurate in any material respect, it will deliver to the U.S. Borrower and the Administrative Agent two new accurate and complete original signed copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8ECI, Form W-8BEN (with respect to the benefits of any income tax treaty), or Form W-8BEN (with respect to the portfolio interest exemption) and a Section 4.04(b)(ii) Certificate, as the case may be, and such other forms as may be required in order to confirm or establish the entitlement of such Lender to a continued exemption from or reduction in United States withholding tax with respect to payments under this Agreement and any Note, or it shall immediately notify the U.S. Borrower and the Administrative Agent of its inability to deliver any such Form or Certificate, in which case such Lender shall not be required to deliver any such Form or Certificate pursuant to this Section 4.04(b). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Section 4.04(a), but subject to Section 13.04(b) and Section 4.04(d), (x) the U.S. Borrower shall be entitled, to the

 

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extent it is required to do so by law, to deduct or withhold income or similar taxes imposed by the United States (or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein) from interest, fees or other amounts payable by the U.S. Borrower hereunder for the account of any Lender which is not a United States person (as such term is defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code) for U.S. Federal income tax purposes to the extent that such Lender has not provided to the U.S. Borrower U.S. Internal Revenue Service Forms that establish a complete exemption from such deduction or withholding and (y) the U.S. Borrower shall not be obligated pursuant to Section 4.04(a) hereof to gross-up payments to be made to a Lender in respect of income or similar taxes imposed by the United States if (I) such Lender has not provided to the U.S. Borrower the Internal Revenue Service Forms required to be provided to the U.S. Borrower pursuant to this Section 4.04(b) or (II) in the case of a payment, other than interest, to a Lender described in clause (ii) above, to the extent that such forms do not establish a complete exemption from withholding of such taxes.

(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained elsewhere in this Section 4.04 and except as set forth in Section 13.04(b), each Borrower agrees to pay additional amounts and to indemnify each Lender in the manner set forth in Section 4.04(a) (without regard to the identity of the jurisdiction requiring the deduction or withholding) in respect of any amounts deducted or withheld by it as described in Section 4.04(b) as a result of any changes after the Effective Date in any applicable law, treaty, governmental rule, regulation, guideline or order, or in the interpretation thereof, relating to the deducting or withholding of income or similar taxes.

(d) Each Canadian Facility RL Lender providing Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitments shall have delivered to the Canadian Borrower and the Administrative Agent such certificates, forms, documents or other evidence as may be applicable and determined by the Canadian Borrower, acting reasonably, to be reasonably satisfactory to establish that such Lender is a Canadian Resident on the date that the conditions precedent in Section 5B have been satisfied with respect to the Canadian Borrower (it being acknowledged that a representation by such Person that it is a Canadian Resident shall be deemed to be reasonably satisfactory evidence thereof if such representation is accompanied by an explanation of the basis for such status); provided that no Canadian Facility RL Lender which received an assignment of its respective Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitment at a time that an Event of Default had occurred and was continuing shall be required to comply with the requirements of this Section 4.04(d).

(e) Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 4.04, unless an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing at the time of the assignment of the respective Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitment (or related outstanding Obligations of the Canadian Borrower hereunder) to a Person not a Canadian Resident, no amounts shall be payable pursuant to this Section 4.04 in respect of any payment made by the Canadian Borrower in respect of a Canadian Borrower Canadian Facility Revolving Loan, or Canadian Borrower Canadian Facility Letter of Credit, to a Lender that is not a Canadian Resident at the time of the payment.

(f) Each Canadian Facility RL Lender that ceases to be a Canadian Resident shall use commercially reasonable efforts to promptly (and in any event within 30 days thereof) notify the Canadian Borrower in writing that it is not a Canadian Resident.

 

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(g) If a Lender determines, in its sole discretion, that it has actually received a refund of any Taxes as to which it has been indemnified by any Borrower or with respect to which any Borrower has paid additional amounts pursuant to this Section 4.04 or Section 13.01(iii) (a “ Tax Benefit ”), it shall pay over such refund to such Borrower (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made, or additional amounts paid, by such Borrower under this Section 4.04 or Section 13.01(iii)), net of taxes and all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses of such Lender and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund); provided that such Borrower, upon the request of such Lender, agrees to repay the amount paid over to such Borrower ( plus any interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) to such Lender in the event such Lender is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority; provided that, (i) any Lender may determine, in its sole discretion consistent with the policies of such Lender, whether to seek a Tax Benefit; (ii) any Taxes that are imposed on a Lender as a result of a disallowance or reduction (including through the expiration of any tax credit carryover or carryback of such Lender that otherwise would not have expired) of any Tax Benefit with respect to which such Lender has made a payment to any Borrower pursuant to this Section 4.04(g) shall be treated as a Tax for which such Borrower is obligated to indemnify such Lender pursuant to this Section 4.04 without any exclusions or defenses; (iii) nothing in this Section 4.04(g) shall require the Lender to disclose any confidential information to any Borrower (including, without limitation, its tax returns), and (iv) no Lender shall be required to pay any amounts pursuant to this Section 4.04(g) at any time which a Default or Event of Default exists.

SECTION 5. Conditions Precedent .

SECTION 5A Conditions Precedent to Credit Events on the Initial Borrowing Date . The obligation of each Lender to make each Loan and the obligation of each Issuing Lender to issue each Letter of Credit on the Initial Borrowing Date is subject to the satisfaction (or waiver by the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders) of the following conditions:

5A.01 Execution of Agreement; Notes . On or prior to the Initial Borrowing Date, (i) the Effective Date shall have occurred and (ii) there shall have been delivered to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender which has requested the same the appropriate Term Note, Dollar Facility Revolving Note, U.S. Borrower Euro Facility Revolving Note, and/or U.S. Borrower Canadian Facility Revolving Note, and to the Swingline Lender, if so requested by it, the Swingline Note, in each case executed by the relevant Borrower and in the amount, maturity and as otherwise provided herein.

5A.02 Officer’s Certificate . On the Initial Borrowing Date, the Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate from the U.S. Borrower in the form of Exhibit G-1, dated such date and signed by an Authorized Officer of the U.S. Borrower, certifying that all of the applicable conditions set forth in Sections 5A.05, 5A.06 and Section 6.01 (other than such conditions that are expressly subject to the satisfaction of the Administrative Agent and/or the Required Lenders), have been satisfied on such date.

5A.03 Opinions of Counsel . On the Initial Borrowing Date, the Administrative Agent shall have received (i) from Sidley Austin LLP, special counsel to the Credit Parties, an opinion addressed to the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders and dated the Initial

 

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Borrowing Date substantially in the form of Exhibit F and (ii) from local counsel to the Credit Parties (or internal counsel to the respective Credit Parties) reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent practicing in those jurisdictions in which Subsidiary Guarantors are organized, such opinions as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request, which opinions (x) shall be addressed to the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders and be dated the Initial Borrowing Date, (y) shall cover such matters incident to the transactions contemplated herein as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request and (z) shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

5A.04 Company Documents; Proceedings . (a) On the Initial Borrowing Date, the Administrative Agent shall have received from each Credit Party a certificate, dated the Initial Borrowing Date, signed by the secretary, any assistant secretary or other senior officer of such Credit Party and attested to by the chairman, a vice-chairman, the president or any vice-president of such Credit Party, in the form of Exhibit G-2 with appropriate insertions, together with copies of the certificate of incorporation, by-laws or equivalent organizational documents of such Credit Party and the resolutions of such Credit Party referred to in such certificate, and all of the foregoing (including each such certificate of incorporation, by-laws or other organizational document) shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

(b) The Administrative Agent shall have received all information and copies of all certificates, documents and papers, including good standing certificates, bring-down certificates and any other records of Company proceedings and governmental approvals, if any, which the Administrative Agent reasonably may have requested in connection therewith, such documents and papers, where appropriate, to be certified by proper Company or governmental authorities.

5A.05 Approvals . On or prior to the Initial Borrowing Date, all consents and approvals required to be obtained from any Governmental Authority or other Person in connection with the Transaction shall have been obtained and shall be in full force and effect, and all applicable waiting periods and appeal periods (including any extensions thereof) shall have expired and there shall be no governmental or judicial action, actual or threatened, that could reasonably be expected to restrain, prevent or impose burdensome conditions upon the consummation of the Transaction.

5A.06 Consummation of the Transaction . (a) On or prior to the Initial Borrowing Date, (i) there shall have been delivered to the Administrative Agent true and correct copies of the Plan of Reorganization, the Disclosure Statement and the Reorganization Documents, (ii) the Confirmation Order shall have become a Final Order except as provided in Schedule XI hereto, and (iii) all conditions precedent to the confirmation of the Plan of Reorganization and the “effective date” (or similar term) of the Plan of Reorganization (other than the Final Order condition set forth in Section 12.2(a) of the Plan in connection with any matter set forth in, and subject to the conditions specified in, Schedule XI hereto) shall have been satisfied (and not waived without the consent of the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders) to the reasonable satisfaction of the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders and the “effective date” of the Plan of Reorganization shall have occurred .

 

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(b) On the Initial Borrowing Date, after giving effect to the Plan Emergence on such date:

(i) the total commitments in respect of the Indebtedness to be Refinanced shall have been terminated, all letters of credit issued thereunder shall have been terminated or supported by a back-stop Letter of Credit issued hereunder, and all loans, interest and other amounts owing pursuant to the Indebtedness to be Refinanced shall have been repaid or otherwise satisfied in full, in each case in accordance with the terms of the Plan of Reorganization, and all documents in respect of the Indebtedness to be Refinanced and all guarantees with respect thereto shall have been terminated and be of no further force and effect;

(ii) the Administrative Agent shall have received evidence (x) of the release of any security interests in and Liens on the assets owned by the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries from the creditors in respect of the Indebtedness to be Refinanced (including, without limitation, proper termination statements (Form UCC-3 or the appropriate equivalent) for filing under the UCC of each jurisdiction where a financing statement (Form UCC-1 or the appropriate equivalent) was filed with respect to the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with the security interests created with respect to the Indebtedness to be Refinanced and the documentation related thereto, all of which shall be in form, scope and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, and (y) that all collateral owned by the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in the possession of any of the creditors in respect of the Indebtedness to be Refinanced or any collateral agent or trustee under any related security document shall have been returned to the U.S. Borrower or such Subsidiary; and

(iii) the Administrative Agent shall have received evidence in form, scope and substance reasonably satisfactory to it that the matters set forth in this Section 5A.06(b) have been satisfied on such date.

(c) On the Initial Borrowing Date and after giving effect to the Plan Emergence and all Indebtedness incurred on the Initial Borrowing Date, neither the U.S. Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries shall have any Indebtedness outstanding, except for (i) the Obligations, (ii) the Assumed Liabilities, (iii) Indebtedness permitted pursuant to Section 9.04(xi) and (iv) any Indebtedness evidenced by New Senior Notes so long as permitted pursuant to Section 9.04(i). On and as of the Initial Borrowing Date, the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders shall be satisfied with the amount of and the terms and conditions of all Scheduled Existing Indebtedness and Assumed Liabilities.

5A.07 Solvency Certificates . On or before the Initial Borrowing Date, the Administrative Agent shall have received a solvency certificate in the form of Exhibit H from the chief financial officer of the U.S. Borrower, dated the Initial Borrowing Date, and supporting the conclusion that, after giving effect to the Transaction and the incurrence of all financings contemplated herein, the U.S. Borrower (on a stand-alone basis)and the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries (on a consolidated basis) in each case, are not insolvent and will not be rendered insolvent by the indebtedness incurred in connection herewith, will not be left with unreasonably small capital with which to engage in its or their respective businesses and will not have incurred debts beyond its or their ability to pay such debts as they mature and become due.

 

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5A.08 Financial Statements; Pro Forma Balance Sheet; Projections . (a) On or prior to the Initial Borrowing Date, there shall have been delivered to the Administrative Agent (i) true and correct copies of the financial statements referred to in Section 7.05(a)(i) and (ii) an unaudited pro forma (calculated as if the Transaction had occurred on such date) consolidated balance sheet of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the last day of the last Fiscal Quarter ended at least 45 days before the Initial Borrowing Date (the “ Pro Forma Balance Sheet ”).

(b) On or prior to the Initial Borrowing Date, there shall have been delivered to the Administrative Agent detailed projected consolidated financial statements of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries for each Fiscal Year ended after the Initial Borrowing Date through (and including) the Fiscal Year ending December 31, 2008 (including, with respect to the Fiscal Year ending December 31, 2006, for each Fiscal Quarter comprising such Fiscal Year) (the “ Projections ”), which Projections (x) shall reflect the forecasted consolidated financial conditions and income and expenses of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries after giving effect to the Transaction and the related financing thereof and the other transactions contemplated hereby and (y) shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders.

5A.09 Payment of Fees . On the Initial Borrowing Date, all costs, fees and expenses, and all other compensation due to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders (including, without limitation, legal fees and expenses) shall have been paid to the extent then due.

5A.10 Consent Letter . On the Initial Borrowing Date, the Administrative Agent shall have received a letter from CT Corporation System, presently located at 111 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York, 10011, substantially in the form of Exhibit I, indicating its consent to its appointment by the U.S. Borrower as its agent to receive service of process as specified in Section 13.08.

5A.11 Subsidiaries Guaranty; Intercompany Subordination Agreement . (a) On the Initial Borrowing Date, each (x) Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiary of the U.S. Borrower that is a Material Subsidiary and (y) Domestic Subsidiary of the U.S. Borrower, any portion of the Equity Interests of which are subject to a Lien securing the obligations of the U.S. Borrower under the Contingent Note (each, a “ Pledged Subsidiary ”) on such date after giving effect to the Transaction, shall have, in each case, duly authorized, executed and delivered the Subsidiaries Guaranty in the form of Exhibit J (as amended, modified and/or supplemented from time to time, the “ Subsidiaries Guaranty ”), and the Subsidiaries Guaranty shall be in full force and effect.

(b) On the Initial Borrowing Date, each Borrower and each other Subsidiary of the U.S. Borrower which the U.S. Borrower has determined to make a party thereto at such time shall have duly authorized, executed and delivered the Intercompany Subordination Agreement in the form of Exhibit K hereto (as amended, modified, restated and/or supplemented from time to time, the “ Intercompany Subordination Agreement ”), and the Intercompany Subordination Agreement shall be in full force and effect.

 

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SECTION 5B Conditions Precedent for Subsidiary Borrowers . At any time that the U.S. Borrower desires that a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the U.S. Borrower organized under the laws of Canada or a province thereof or the laws of the Netherlands become the Canadian Borrower or the European Borrower, respectively, hereunder, such Subsidiary shall satisfy the following conditions, after which it shall become the Canadian Borrower or the European Borrower, as the case may be:

(i) the consent of the Administrative Agent shall have been obtained (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld);

(ii) to the extent requested by any Lender, such Subsidiary shall have executed and delivered Notes satisfying the requirements of Section 1.06(b);

(iii) such Subsidiary shall have executed, together with each other Credit Party, and delivered to the Administrative Agent a Subsidiary Borrower Assumption Agreement;

(iv) the Administrative Agent shall have received (x) in the case of the Canadian Borrower, from McMillan Binch Mendelsohn, LLP, special Canadian counsel to the Canadian Borrower, an opinion addressed to the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and (y) in the case of the European Borrower, from Houthoff Buruma N.V., special Netherlands Counsel to the European Borrower, an opinion to the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;

(v) the Administrative Agent shall have received from such Subsidiary all of the documents, certificates, papers, records and other information that would have been required to have been delivered by such Subsidiary pursuant to Section 5A.04 on the Initial Borrowing Date if such Subsidiary had been a Credit Party on the Initial Borrowing Date and, if such Subsidiary was a Credit Party on the Initial Borrowing Date, updated copies of such documents, certificates, papers, records and other information, in each case to the extent requested by the Administrative Agent;

(vi) all necessary governmental (domestic and foreign), regulatory and third party approvals and/or consents in connection with this Agreement and the other Credit Documents and otherwise referred to herein or therein, in each case with respect to such Borrower, shall have been obtained and remain in full force and effect and evidence thereof shall have been provided to the Administrative Agent;

(vii) the Administrative Agent shall have received a letter from CT Corporation System, presently located at 111 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York, 10011, substantially in the form of Exhibit I, indicating its consent to its appointment by such Subsidiary as its agent to receive service of process as specified in Section 13.08; and

 

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(viii) unless the respective addition occurs on the Initial Borrowing Date, each Lender shall have received at least 5 Business Days’ written notice of the addition of the respective Canadian Borrower or European Borrower and, in the case of the European Borrower, the Administrative Agent shall not have received notice from any existing Euro Facility RL Lender that it is unable to make the representation contained in Section 13.25(c) or, if the Administrative Agent shall have received such a notice, the U.S. Borrower shall have replaced such Euro Facility RL Lender pursuant to Section 1.14.

SECTION 6. Conditions Precedent to All Credit Events . The obligation of each Lender to make Loans (including Loans made on the Initial Borrowing Date, and the Delayed Borrowing Date but excluding Mandatory Borrowings made after the Initial Borrowing Date, which shall be made as provided in Sections 1.01(g)) and the obligation of an Issuing Lender to issue any Letter of Credit, is subject, at the time of each such Credit Event (except as hereinafter indicated), to the satisfaction of the following conditions:

6.01 No Default; Representations and Warranties . At the time of each such Credit Event and immediately after giving effect thereto (i) there shall exist no Default or Event of Default and (ii) all representations and warranties contained herein or in any other Credit Document shall be true and correct in all material respects with the same effect as though such representations and warranties had been made on the date of such Credit Event (it being understood and agreed that any representation or warranty which by its terms is made as of a specified date shall be required to be true and correct in all material respects only as of such specified date); provided that preceding clause (ii) shall not apply to the representations and warranties contained in Section 7.05(e) with respect to any Credit Event occurring after the Initial Borrowing Date.

6.02 Notice of Borrowing; Letter of Credit Request; etc . (a) Prior to the making of each Loan (excluding Swingline Loans and Mandatory Borrowings), the Administrative Agent shall have received, as applicable, (i) a Notice of Borrowing meeting the requirements of Section 1.03(a) or (ii) a Notice of Competitive Bid Borrowing meeting the requirements of Section 1.04(a) with respect to each incurrence of Competitive Bid Loans. Prior to the making of any Swingline Loan, the Swingline Lender shall have received the notice required by Section 1.03(b)(i).

(b) Prior to the issuance of each Letter of Credit, the Administrative Agent and the respective Issuing Lender shall have received a Letter of Credit Request meeting the requirements of Section 2.02(a).

The occurrence of the Initial Borrowing Date and the acceptance of the benefits or proceeds of each Credit Event shall constitute a representation and warranty by each Borrower to each Agent and each of the Lenders that all the conditions specified in Section 5A (with respect to Credit Events occurring on the Initial Borrowing Date), Section 5B (with respect to Credit Events of Subsidiary Borrower) and Section 6 (with respect to Credit Events on and after the Initial Borrowing Date) and applicable to such Credit Event (other than such conditions that are expressly subject to the satisfaction of the Administrative Agent and/or the Required Lenders) exist as of that time.

 

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SECTION 7. Representations, Warranties and Agreements . In order to induce the Lenders to enter into this Agreement and to make the Loans, and issue (or participate in) the Letters of Credit as provided herein, each of the Borrowers (to the extent that the representations, warranties and agreements set forth below in this Section 7 expressly apply to such Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries) makes the following representations, warranties and agreements, in each case after giving effect to the Transaction, all of which shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Notes and the making of the Loans and the issuance of the Letters of Credit.

7.01 Company Status . Each of the U.S. Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries (i) is a duly organized and validly existing Company in good standing (or the local equivalent) under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, (ii) has the Company power and authority to own its property and assets and to transact the business in which it is engaged and presently proposes to engage and (iii) is duly qualified and is authorized to do business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction where the ownership, leasing or operation of its property or the conduct of its business requires such qualifications; except for failures of Subsidiaries of the U.S. Borrower that are not Credit Parties under clauses (i) and (ii) above, and failures of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries under clause (iii) above, which, either individually or in the aggregate for all such failures under preceding clauses (i), (ii) and (iii), could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; provided that nothing in this Section 7.01 shall prevent the dissolution, merger, sale, transfer or other disposition of any Subsidiary of the U.S. Borrower that is not a Subsidiary Borrower or other transactions by the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries permitted pursuant to Section 9.02.

7.02 Power and Authority . Each Credit Party has the Company power and authority to execute, deliver and perform the terms and provisions of each of the Credit Documents and Reorganization Documents to which it is party and has taken all necessary Company action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance by it of each of such Credit Documents and Reorganization Documents. Each Credit Party has duly executed and delivered each of the Credit Documents and Reorganization Documents to which it is party, and each of such Credit Documents and Reorganization Documents constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation enforceable in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that the enforceability thereof may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws generally affecting creditors’ rights and by equitable principles (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in equity or at law).

7.03 No Violation . Neither the execution, delivery or performance by any Credit Party of the Credit Documents and Reorganization Documents to which it is a party, nor compliance by it with the terms and provisions thereof, (i) will contravene any provision of any law, statute, rule or regulation or any order, writ, injunction or decree of any court or Governmental Authority binding on the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries, (ii) will result in any breach of any of the terms, covenants, conditions or provisions of, or constitute a default under, or result in the creation or imposition of (or the obligation to create or impose) any Lien upon any of the property or assets of any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to the terms of any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, credit agreement or loan agreement, or any other material agreement, contract or instrument, in each case to which any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which it or any its property or assets is bound or to which it may be

 

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subject (including, without limitation, the Existing Indebtedness Agreements and, on and after the execution and delivery thereof, the New Senior Notes Indenture) other than any agreement, contract or instrument terminated, discharged or replaced as of the Initial Borrowing Date, or (iii) will violate any provision of the certificate or articles of incorporation, certificate of formation, limited liability company agreement or by-laws (or equivalent organizational documents), as applicable, of any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries.

7.04 Approvals . No order, consent, approval, license, authorization or validation of, or filing, recording or registration with (except for those that have otherwise been obtained or made on or prior to the Initial Borrowing Date or, with respect to a Subsidiary Borrower, the date on which such Subsidiary Borrower has satisfied the conditions precedent specified in Section 5B to become same and which remain in full force and effect on such date), or exemption by, any Governmental Authority is required to be obtained or made by, or on behalf of, any Credit Party to authorize, or is required to be obtained or made by, or on behalf of, any Credit Party in connection with, (i) the execution, delivery and performance of any Credit Document or Reorganization Document or (ii) the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability of any such Credit Document or Reorganization Document.

7.05 Financial Statements; Financial Condition; Undisclosed Liabilities; Projections; Ackerman Appeals . (a) (i) The audited consolidated balance sheet of Old Owens and its Subsidiaries at December 31, 2005 and the related consolidated statements of income and cash flows and changes in shareholders’ equity of Old Owens and its Subsidiaries for the fiscal year of Old Owens ended on such date and the unaudited consolidated balance sheets of Old Owens and its Subsidiaries at the end of each Fiscal Quarter ended after December 31, 2005 and at least 45 days before the Initial Borrowing Date and the related consolidated statements of income and cash flows and changes in shareholders’ equity of Old Owens and its Subsidiaries for the fiscal quarters of Old Owens ended on such dates, in each case furnished to the Lenders prior to the Effective Date, present fairly in all material respects the consolidated financial position of Old Owens and its Subsidiaries at the date of said financial statements and the results for the respective periods covered thereby. All such financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP consistently applied except to the extent provided in the notes to said financial statements and subject, in the case of the unaudited financial statements, to normal year-end audit adjustments (all of which are of a recurring nature and none of which, individually or in the aggregate, would be material) and the absence of footnotes.

(ii) The Pro Forma Balance Sheet presents a good faith estimate of the pro forma consolidated financial position of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the last day of the last Fiscal Quarter ended at least 45 days before the Initial Borrowing Date.

(b) On and as of the Initial Borrowing Date, and after giving effect to the Transaction and to all Indebtedness (including the Loans and any New Senior Notes) being incurred or assumed or paid and discharged by the Credit Parties in connection therewith, (i) the sum of the assets, at a fair valuation, of the U.S. Borrower (on a stand-alone basis) and of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries (taken as a whole) will exceed its or their respective debts, (ii) the U.S. Borrower (on a stand-alone basis) and the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries (taken as a whole) has or have not incurred and does or do not intend to incur, and does or do not believe that it or they will incur, debts beyond its or their respective ability to pay such debts as

 

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such debts mature, and (iii) the U.S. Borrower (on a stand-alone basis) and the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries (taken as a whole) will have sufficient capital with which to conduct its or their respective businesses. For purposes of this Section 7.05(b), “ debt ” means any liability on a claim, and “ claim ” means (a) right to payment, whether or not such a right is reduced to judgment, liquidated, unliquidated, fixed, contingent, matured, unmatured, disputed, undisputed, legal, equitable, secured, or unsecured or (b) right to an equitable remedy for breach of performance if such breach gives rise to a payment, whether or not such right to an equitable remedy is reduced to judgment, fixed, contingent, matured, unmatured, disputed, undisputed, secured or unsecured. The amount of contingent liabilities at any time shall be computed as the amount that, in the light of all the facts and circumstances existing at such time, represents the amount that can reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability.

(c) Except as fully disclosed in the financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 7.05(a), and except for the Indebtedness incurred under this Agreement and, if executed and delivered on or prior to the Initial Borrowing Date, the New Senior Notes Documents, there were as of the Initial Borrowing Date no liabilities or obligations with respect to the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of any nature whatsoever (whether absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise and whether or not due) which, either individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to be material to the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries. As of the Initial Borrowing Date, none of the Borrowers know of any basis for the assertion against it or any of its Subsidiaries of any liability or obligation of any nature whatsoever that is not fully disclosed in the financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 7.05(a) or referred to in the immediately preceding sentence which, either individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to be material to the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.

(d) The Projections delivered to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders prior to the Initial Borrowing Date have been prepared in good faith and are based on reasonable assumptions, and there are no statements or conclusions in the Projections which are based upon or include information known to the U.S. Borrower to be misleading in any material respect or which fail to take into account material information known to the U.S. Borrower regarding the matters reported therein (other than the Vetrotex Transaction). On the Initial Borrowing Date, the U.S. Borrower believes that the Projections are reasonable and attainable, it being recognized by the Lenders, however, that projections as to future events are not to be viewed as facts and that the actual results during the period or periods covered by the Projections may differ from the projected results.

(e) On and as of the Initial Borrowing Date, and after giving effect to the Transaction (but for this purpose assuming that the Transaction and the related financing had occurred prior to December 31, 2005), since December 31, 2005, nothing has occurred (singly or in aggregate with all other occurrences) that has had, or could reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect; provided that (x) the Vetrotex Transaction, as described in the press release issued by the U.S. Borrower on July 27, 2006, in and of itself, shall not be deemed to constitute a Material Adverse Effect and (y) that no Credit Event (other than the Credit Events occurring on the Initial Borrowing Date) shall constitute a representation and warranty that the matters set forth in this Section 7.05(e) are true and correct.

 

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(f) No Ackerman Appeal has had, or could reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect or a material adverse effect on the Transaction.

7.06 Litigation . There are no actions, suits, proceedings, grievances or investigations pending or, to the knowledge of the U.S. Borrower, threatened (i) with respect to this Agreement or any Credit Document or (ii) that have had, or could reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect or a material adverse effect on the Transaction.

7.07 True and Complete Disclosure . All factual information (taken as a whole) furnished by or on behalf of the U.S. Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries in writing to the Administrative Agent or any Lender for purposes of or in connection with this Agreement, the other Credit Documents or any transaction contemplated herein or therein is, and all other such factual information (taken as a whole) hereafter furnished by or on behalf of the U.S. Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries in writing to the Administrative Agent or any Lender will be, true and accurate in all material respects on the date as of which such information is dated or certified and not incomplete by omitting to state any fact necessary to make such information (taken as a whole) not misleading in any material respect at such time in light of the circumstances under which such information was provided, it being understood and agreed that for purposes of this Section 7.07, such factual information shall not include the Projections or any pro forma financial information.

7.08 Use of Proceeds; Margin Regulations . (a) All proceeds of the Term Loans will be used by the U.S. Borrower to finance payments and/or prepayments of the Contingent Note which proceeds will be so used on the Delayed Borrowing Date.

(b) All proceeds of the Revolving Loans and the Swingline Loans will be used for the working capital and general corporate purposes of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries; provided that up to, but no more than, an amount equal to the sum of (x) $100,000,000 plus (y) the remainder (but not less than $0) of (i) $400,000,000 minus (ii) the aggregate amount of cash proceeds (net of reasonable transaction costs (including, as applicable, any underwriting, brokerage or other customary commissions and reasonable legal, advisory and other fees and expenses associated therewith)) received by the U.S. Borrower from any issuance of New Senior Notes on or prior to the Initial Borrowing Date, of Revolving Loans and Swingline Loans in the aggregate may be used on the Initial Borrowing Date to finance the Reorganization and the Refinancing or to pay fees and expenses incurred in connection with the Transaction.

(c) At the time of each Credit Event, the value of the Margin Stock at any time owned by the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries does not exceed 25% of the value of the assets of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole. Neither the making of any Loan nor the use of the proceeds thereof nor the occurrence of any other Credit Event will violate or be inconsistent with the provisions of Regulation T, U or X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

 

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7.09 Tax Returns and Payments . Each of the U.S. Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries has timely filed or caused to be timely filed with the appropriate taxing authority all material returns, statements, forms and reports for taxes (the “ Returns ”) required to be filed by, or with respect to the U.S. Borrower and/or any of its Subsidiaries. The Returns accurately reflect in all material respects all liability for taxes of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries, as applicable, for the periods covered thereby. Each of the U.S. Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries has paid all federal and state income taxes and all other material taxes and assessments payable by it which have become due, other than those that are being contested in good faith and adequately disclosed and fully provided for on the financial statements of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries in accordance with U.S. GAAP. On the Initial Borrowing Date, there is no material action, suit, proceeding, investigation, audit or claim now pending or, to the best knowledge of the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, threatened by any authority regarding any taxes relating to the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries. As of the Initial Borrowing Date, neither the U.S. Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries has entered into an agreement or waiver or been requested to enter into an agreement or waiver extending any statute of limitations relating to the payment or collection of taxes of the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or is aware of any circumstances that would cause the taxable years or other taxable periods of the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries not to be subject to the normally applicable statute of limitations. Neither the U.S. Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries has incurred, nor will any of them incur, any material tax liability in connection with the Transaction or any other transactions contemplated hereby (it being understood that the representation contained in this sentence does not cover any future tax liabilities of the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries arising as a result of the operation of their businesses in the ordinary course of business).

7.10 Compliance with ERISA; Non-U.S. Plans . (a) The U.S. Borrower, each of its Subsidiaries, and each ERISA Affiliate have operated and administered each Plan in compliance with all applicable laws except for such instances of noncompliance as have not resulted in and could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. None of the U.S. Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries, nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred any liability pursuant to Title I or IV of ERISA or the penalty or excise tax provisions of the Code relating to employee benefit plans (as defined in section 3 of ERISA), and no event, transaction or condition has occurred or exists that could reasonably be expected to result in the incurrence of any such liability by the U.S. Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries, or any ERISA Affiliate, or in the imposition of any Lien on any of the rights, properties or assets of the U.S. Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries, or any ERISA Affiliate, in either case pursuant to Title I or IV of ERISA or to such penalty or excise tax provisions or to section 401(a)(29) or 412 of the Code, other than such liabilities or Liens as could not reasonably be expected to result, individually or in the aggregate, in the occurrence of a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) None of the U.S. Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries, nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred (i) withdrawal liabilities (or are subject to contingent withdrawal liabilities) under section 4201 or 4204 of ERISA in respect of Multiemployer Plans that could reasonably be expected to result, either individually or in the aggregate, in the occurrence of a Material Adverse Effect or (ii) any obligation in connection with the termination or withdrawal from any Non-U.S. Plan that could reasonably be expected to result, either individually or in the aggregate, in the occurrence of a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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(c) The expected postretirement benefit obligation (determined as of the last day of the U.S. Borrower’s most recently ended fiscal year in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 106, without regard to liabilities attributable to continuation coverage mandated by section 4980B of the Code) of the U.S. Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries could not reasonably be expected to result in the occurrence of a Material Adverse Effect.

(d) All Non-U.S. Plans have been registered, established, operated, administered and maintained in compliance with all laws, regulations and orders applicable thereto, except where failure so to comply could not be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. All premiums, contributions and any other amounts required by applicable Non-U.S. Plan documents or applicable laws to be paid or accrued by the U.S. Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries have been paid or accrued as required and all obligations of the U.S. Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries under each applicable Non-U.S. Plan Document have been performed by the U.S. Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries, except where failure so to pay or accrue such amounts or to perform such obligations, as the case may be, could not be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

7.11 Capitalization . On the Initial Borrowing Date, the authorized capital stock of the U.S. Borrower consists of (x) 400,000,000 shares of common stock, $.01 par value per share (such authorized shares of common stock, together with any subsequently authorized shares of common stock of the U.S. Borrower, the “ U.S. Borrower Common Stock ”) and (y) 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 per value per share, 103,200,000 of which shares of such U.S. Borrower Common Stock are issued and outstanding and none of which such shares of preferred stock of the U.S. Borrower are issued and outstanding. All such outstanding shares have been duly and validly issued, are fully paid and non-assessable and have been issued free of preemptive rights. As of the Initial Borrowing Date, except as set forth on Schedule V hereto, the U.S. Borrower does not have outstanding any capital stock or other securities convertible into or exchangeable for its capital stock or any rights to subscribe for or to purchase, or any options for the purchase of, or any agreement providing for the issuance (contingent or otherwise) of, or any calls, commitments or claims of any character relating to, its capital stock or any stock appreciation or similar rights.

7.12 Subsidiaries . On and as of the Initial Borrowing Date, the U.S. Borrower has no Subsidiaries other than those Subsidiaries listed on Schedule VI (with each Subsidiary that is (x) a Guarantor, (y) an Immaterial Subsidiary and/or (z) a Pledged Subsidiary on the Initial Borrowing Date identified as such).

7.13 Compliance with Statutes, etc. The U.S. Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries is in compliance with all applicable statutes, regulations and orders of, and all applicable restrictions imposed by, all Governmental Authorities in respect of the conduct of its business and the ownership of its property (including, without limitation, applicable statutes, regulations, orders and restrictions relating to environmental standards and controls), except such non-compliances as could not reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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7.14 Investment Company Act . No Borrower is an “investment company” or a company “controlled” by an “investment company,” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

7.15 Environmental Matters . (a) Subject to Section 7.15(c), each of the U.S. Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries is in compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws and the requirements of any permits issued under such Environmental Laws. The U.S. Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries have obtained all of the permits and approvals required of them under Environmental Laws for the operation of their respective businesses. There are no pending or, to the knowledge of the U.S. Borrower, threatened Environmental Claims against the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or any Real Property owned, leased or operated by the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (including any such claim arising out of the ownership, lease or operation by the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of any Real Property formerly owned, leased or operated by the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries but no longer owned, leased or operated by the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries). There are no facts, circumstances, conditions or occurrences with respect to the business or operations of the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or any Real Property owned, leased or operated by the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (including any Real Property formerly owned, leased or operated by the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries but no longer owned, leased or operated by the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries) or, to the knowledge of the U.S. Borrower, any property adjoining or adjacent to any such Real Property that could be reasonably expected (i) to form the basis of an Environmental Claim against the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or any Real Property owned, leased or operated by the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) to cause any Real Property owned, leased or operated by the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to be subject to any restrictions on the ownership, lease, occupancy or transferability of such Real Property by the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries under any applicable Environmental Law.

(b) Subject to Section 7.15(c), Hazardous Materials have not at any time been generated, used, treated or stored on, or transported to or from, or Released on or from, any Real Property at any time owned, leased or operated by the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or, to the knowledge of the U.S. Borrower, any property adjoining or adjacent to any such Real Property, where such generation, use, treatment, storage, transportation or Release has violated or could be reasonably expected to violate any applicable Environmental Law or give rise to an Environmental Claim.

(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 7.15, the representations and warranties made in this Section 7.15 shall be untrue only if the effect of any or all conditions, violations, claims, restrictions, failures and noncompliances of the types described above could, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

7.16 Employment and Labor Relations . On the Effective Date, there are (i) no material strikes, lockouts, stoppages or slowdowns or any other material labor disputes against the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries pending or, to the knowledge of the U.S. Borrower or any its Subsidiaries, threatened or planned and (ii) no union representation questions with respect to the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries.

 

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7.17 Intellectual Property, etc . The U.S. Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries owns, or is licensed to use, all trademarks, tradenames, copyrights, patents and other intellectual property necessary for the present and ongoing conduct of its business, and the use thereof by the U.S. Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries does not infringe upon the rights of any other Person, except for any such infringements or the failure to own or have or continue to own or have which, as the case may be, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

7.18 Indebtedness . Schedule VII sets forth a list of all Indebtedness which would be included in Consolidated Total Net Indebtedness (including Contingent Obligations that would be included therein) with a principal amount outstanding in excess of $10,000,000 of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the Initial Borrowing Date and which is to remain outstanding after giving effect to the Transaction (excluding the Loans, the Letters of Credit and, if executed and delivered on or prior to the Initial Borrowing Date, the New Senior Notes Documents), in each case showing the aggregate principal amount thereof and the name of the respective borrower and any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries which directly or indirectly guarantees such debt. In addition, the aggregate amount of Indebtedness which would be included in Consolidated Total Net Indebtedness (including Contingent Obligations that would be included therein) of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the Initial Borrowing Date and which is to remain outstanding after giving effect to the Transaction not so listed on Schedule VII does not exceed $25,000,000.

SECTION 8. Affirmative Covenants . Each Borrower (to the extent that the covenants and agreements set forth below in this Section 8 expressly apply to such Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries) hereby covenants and agrees that on and after the Effective Date and until the Total Commitment and all Letters of Credit have terminated and the Loans, Notes and Unpaid Drawings (in each case together with interest thereon), Fees and all other Obligations (other than indemnities described in Section 13.13 which are not then due and payable) incurred hereunder and thereunder, are paid in full:

8.01 Information Covenants . The U.S. Borrower will furnish to the Administrative Agent (who shall, subject to the terms specified in Section 13.22, furnish to each Lender):

(a) Quarterly Financial Statements. Within 55 days after the close of each of the first three Fiscal Quarters in each Fiscal Year of the U.S. Borrower, (i) the consolidated balance sheet of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such Fiscal Quarter and the related consolidated statements of income and retained earnings and statement of cash flows for such Fiscal Quarter and for the elapsed portion of the Fiscal Year ended with the last day of such Fiscal Quarter, in each case setting forth comparative figures for the corresponding Fiscal Quarter in the prior Fiscal Year, all of which shall be certified by the chief financial officer, the treasurer or any financial officer (including a controller) of the U.S. Borrower that they fairly present in all material respects in accordance with U.S. GAAP the financial condition of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the dates indicated and the results of their operations for the periods indicated, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes, and (ii) management’s discussion and analysis of the important operational and financial developments during such Fiscal Quarter.

 

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(b) Annual Financial Statements. Within 100 days after the close of each Fiscal Year of the U.S. Borrower, the consolidated balance sheet of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such Fiscal Year and the related consolidated statements of income and retained earnings and statement of cash flows for such Fiscal Year setting forth comparative figures for the preceding 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 the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with U.S. GAAP consistently applied.

(c) Management Letters. Promptly after the U.S. Borrower’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ receipt thereof, a copy of any “management letter” received from its certified public accountants and management’s response thereto.

(d) Officer’s Certificates. At the time of the delivery of the financial statements provided for in Sections 8.01(a) and (b), a compliance certificate from the chief financial officer, treasurer or other financial officer (including a controller) of the U.S. Borrower in the form of Exhibit L certifying on behalf of the U.S. Borrower that, to the best of such officer’s knowledge, no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or, if any Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, specifying the nature and extent thereof, which certificate shall set forth in reasonable detail the calculations required to establish whether the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries were in compliance with the provisions of Sections 9.07 and 9.08 at the end of such Fiscal Quarter or Fiscal Year, as the case may be.

(e) Notice of Default, Litigation and Material Adverse Effect. Promptly, and in any event within five Business Days after any executive or senior managing officer of the U.S. Borrower obtains knowledge thereof, notice of (i) the occurrence of any event which constitutes a Default or an Event of Default, (ii) any litigation or governmental investigation or proceeding pending against the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries with respect to any Credit Document or Reorganization Document, or (iii) any other event, change or circumstance that has had, or could reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect.

(f) Other Reports and Filings. Promptly (but in any event within ten days) after the filing or delivery thereof, copies of all financial information, proxy materials and reports, if any, which the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall publicly file with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor thereto (the “SEC”) or deliver to holders (or any trustee, agent or other representative therefor) of, after the issuance thereof, any New Senior Notes or any of its material Indebtedness pursuant to the terms of the documentation governing the same, provided that notice to the Administrative Agent by the U.S. Borrower of the filing of any such information with the SEC shall satisfy the requirements of this Section 8.01(f) with respect to such information filed with the SEC.

 

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(g) Environmental Matters. Promptly after any officer of the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries obtains knowledge thereof, notice of any Environmental Claim that results in, or could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect which notice shall describe in reasonable detail the nature of the claim, investigation, condition, occurrence or removal or remedial action and the U.S. Borrower’s or such Subsidiary’s response thereto.

(h) Rating Information. Promptly after any officer of the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries obtains knowledge thereof, notice of any change in the corporate credit ratings of the U.S. Borrower by any Rating Agency (including, without limitation, a change in the outlook with respect to any such ratings), any notice from a Rating Agency indicating its intent to effect such a change in such ratings or its cessation of, or its intent to cease, providing such ratings of the U.S. Borrower, or any notice from a Rating Agency indicating its intent to place the U.S. Borrower on a “CreditWatch” or “WatchList” or any similar list, in each case with negative implications.

(i) Other Information. From time to time, such other information or documents (financial or otherwise) with respect to the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries as the Administrative Agent or any Lender (through the Administrative Agent) may reasonably request.

8.02 Books, Records and Inspections; Annual Meetings . The U.S. Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, keep proper books of record and accounts in conformity with U.S. GAAP and all requirements of applicable law or, with respect to the books of record and accounts of a Subsidiary located outside the United States, in accordance with the applicable accounting standards and legal requirements of its local jurisdiction. The U.S. Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, permit officers and designated representatives of the Administrative Agent or any Lender to visit and inspect, under guidance of officers of the U.S. Borrower or such Subsidiary, any of the properties of the U.S. Borrower or such Subsidiary, and to examine the books of accounts of the U.S. Borrower or such Subsidiary and discuss the affairs, finances and accounts of the U.S. Borrower or such Subsidiary with, and be advised as to the same by, its and their officers and independent accountants, all upon reasonable prior notice and at such reasonable times and intervals (not to exceed once per calendar year unless a Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing) and to such reasonable extent as the Administrative Agent or any such Lender may reasonably request.

8.03 Maintenance of Property; Insurance . The U.S. Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, (i) keep all property necessary to the business of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted and subject to the occurrence of casualty events, (ii) maintain with financially sound and reputable insurance companies insurance on all such property and against all such risks as is consistent and in accordance with industry practice for companies similarly situated owning similar properties and engaged in similar businesses as the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries, and (iii) furnish to the Administrative Agent, upon its request therefor, full information as to the insurance carried; provided that the U.S. Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries may self-insure to the extent it reasonably determines that such self-insurance is consistent with prudent business practice.

 

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8.04 Existence; Franchises . The U.S. Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, do or cause to be done, all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its existence and its material rights, franchises, licenses, permits, copyrights, trademarks and patents; provided , however , that nothing in this Section 8.04 shall prevent (i) sales of assets and other transactions by the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in accordance with Section 9.02 or (ii) the withdrawal by the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of its qualification as a foreign Company in any jurisdiction if such withdrawal could not, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

8.05 Compliance with Statutes, etc . The U.S. Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, comply with all applicable statutes, regulations and orders of, and all applicable restrictions imposed by, all Governmental Authorities in respect of the conduct of its business and the ownership of its property (including applicable statutes, regulations, orders and restrictions relating to environmental standards and controls), except such non-compliances as could not, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

8.06 Compliance with Environmental Laws . The U.S. Borrower will comply, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to comply, with all Environmental Laws and permits applicable to, or required by, the ownership, lease or use of its Real Property now or hereafter owned, leased or operated by the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, except such noncompliances as could not, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and will promptly pay or cause to be paid all costs and expenses incurred in connection with such compliance. Neither the U.S. Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries will generate, use, treat, store, Release or dispose of, or permit the generation, use, treatment, storage, Release or disposal of Hazardous Materials on any Real Property now or hereafter owned, leased or operated by the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or transport or permit the transportation of Hazardous Materials to or from any such Real Property, except for Hazardous Materials generated, used, treated, stored, Released or disposed of at any such Real Properties in compliance in all material respects with all applicable Environmental Laws and as required in connection with the normal operation, use and maintenance of the business or operations of the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries.

8.07 ERISA Reporting Covenant; Employee Benefits Matters . The U.S. Borrower will deliver promptly to the Administrative Agent, within ten days of the U.S. Borrower, knowing or having reason to know of any of the following, a written notice setting forth the nature thereof and the action, if any, that the U.S. Borrower, its Subsidiaries, or ERISA Affiliates propose to take with respect thereto:

(i) with respect to any Plan, any reportable event, as defined in section 4043(b) of ERISA and the regulations thereunder, for which notice thereof has not been waived pursuant to such regulations; or

 

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(ii) the taking by the PBGC of steps to institute, or the threatening by the PBGC of the institution of, proceedings under section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Plan, or the receipt by the U.S. Borrower, or any of its Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate, of a notice from a Multiemployer Plan that such action has been taken by the PBGC with respect to such Multiemployer Plan; or

(iii) any event, transaction or condition that could result in the incurrence of any liability by the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate pursuant to Title I or IV of ERISA or the penalty or excise tax provisions of the Code relating to employee benefit plans, or in the imposition of any Lien on any of the rights, properties or assets of the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate, pursuant to Title I or IV of ERISA or such penalty or excise tax provisions, if such liability or Lien, taken together with any other such liabilities or Liens then existing, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; or

(iv) receipt of notice of the imposition of a material financial penalty (which for this purpose shall mean any tax, penalty or other liability, whether by way of indemnity or otherwise) with respect to one or more Non-U.S. Plans that, either individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

8.08 End of Fiscal Years; Fiscal Quarters . The U.S. Borrower will cause (i) its fiscal years to end on December 31 of each calendar year and (ii) its fiscal quarters to end on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each calendar year.

8.09 Payment of Taxes . The U.S. Borrower will pay and discharge, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to pay and discharge, all federal and state income taxes and all other material taxes, assessments and governmental charges or levies imposed upon it or upon its income or profits or upon any properties belonging to it, prior to the date on which penalties attach thereto, and all material lawful claims which, if unpaid, might become a Lien or charge upon any properties of the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries not otherwise permitted under Section 9.01(i); provided that neither the U.S. Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries shall be required to pay any such tax, assessment, charge, levy or claim which is being contested in good faith and by proper proceedings if it has maintained adequate reserves with respect thereto in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

8.10 Use of Proceeds . The Borrowers will use the proceeds of the Loans only as provided in Section 7.08.

8.11 Ratings . The U.S. Borrower will use commercially reasonable efforts to cause each of the Rating Agencies to continuously provide (x) corporate credit ratings of the U.S. Borrower and (y) credit ratings of the credit facilities provided hereunder.

8.12 Additional Subsidiary Guarantors . (a) If at any time any Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiary of the U.S. Borrower is created, established or acquired and such Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiary is (or would have been if at such time it had been a

 

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Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiary of the U.S. Borrower), on the last day of the most recently ended Test Period for which financial statements have been or are required to have been delivered pursuant to Section 8.01(a) or (b), as applicable, a Material Subsidiary (with the “Immaterial Subsidiaries” tests being recalculated on a pro forma basis after giving effect to such creation, establishment or acquisition), the U.S. Borrower will, within 10 Business Days after such Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiary is created, established, acquired, notify the Administrative Agent thereof and, will as promptly as practicable, and in any event within sixty days, cause such Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiary to take all actions required for such Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiary to become a party to the Subsidiaries Guaranty in accordance with the terms of the Subsidiaries Guaranty and take all action in connection therewith as would otherwise have been required to be taken pursuant to Section 5 if such Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiary had been a Subsidiary Guarantor on the Initial Borrowing Date; provided that if the U.S. Borrower determines in good faith, (before such Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiary has complied with the requirements of this Section 8.12(a)), that such Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiary will not remain a Material Subsidiary for more than sixty days after the date of the creation, establishment or acquisition thereof, because of contemplated transfers of assets permitted under Section 9.02 by such Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiary (with the “Immaterial Subsidiary” tests being recalculated on a pro forma basis after giving effect to such transfers of assets), then so long as the U.S. Borrower notifies the Administrative Agent thereof within the sixty day period referenced above, such Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiary shall not be required to become a Subsidiary Guarantor (unless the respective transfer of assets does not occur within such sixty day period or unless and until it is subsequently required to become a Subsidiary Guarantor pursuant to the provisions of Section 8.12(c)); provided , further that if the preceding proviso is applicable, the U.S. Borrower shall determine in good faith whether any of the transfers of assets contemplated by the preceding proviso would result in one or more other Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiaries of the U.S. Borrower which are not Subsidiary Guarantors and which previously constituted Immaterial Subsidiaries no longer constituting same (with determinations to be made in good faith on a pro forma basis to give effect to the respective transfers of assets), and if the U.S. Borrower determines in good faith that the result described above in this proviso would occur, then in such case within the sixty-day period described above the U.S. Borrower shall cause such Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiaries (which will not continue to constitute Immaterial Subsidiaries) to become Subsidiary Guarantors and to comply with the provisions of this Section 8.12(a) as if the respective transferee were a newly created, established or acquired Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiary.

(b) If at any time any Subsidiary of the U.S. Borrower becomes a Pledged Subsidiary, the U.S. Borrower will, concurrently with the granting of any Lien over any Equity Interests of such Subsidiary to support the obligations of the U.S. Borrower under the Contingent Note, cause such Subsidiary to take all actions required for such Subsidiary to become a party to the Subsidiaries Guaranty in accordance with the terms of the Subsidiaries Guaranty and take all action in connection therewith as would otherwise have been required to be taken pursuant to Section 5 if such Subsidiary had been a Subsidiary Guarantor on the Initial Borrowing Date.

(c) If, on the date of delivery by the U.S. Borrower of each of the financial statements required to be delivered pursuant to Sections 8.01(a) or (b), as applicable, any of the Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiaries of the U.S. Borrower that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor at

 

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such time would, as of the last day of the fiscal quarter or fiscal year for which such financial statements are required to be delivered, qualify as a Material Subsidiary, then the U.S. Borrower will, within 10 Business Days notify the Administrative Agent thereof and, as promptly as practicable, and in any event within sixty days after the date of delivery (or required date of delivery, if earlier) of the respective financial statements, cause each Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiary of the U.S. Borrower (other than such Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiaries as will not constitute Material Subsidiaries after the taking of the actions required by this Section 8.12(c)) to take all actions required for such Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiary to become a party to the Subsidiaries Guaranty in accordance with the terms of the Subsidiaries Guaranty and take all action in connection therewith as would otherwise have been required to be taken pursuant to Section 5 if such Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiary had been a Subsidiary Guarantor on the Initial Borrowing Date; provided that if the U.S. Borrower determines in good faith (before the respective Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiary has complied with the requirements of this Section 8.12(c)), that such Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiary will not remain a Material Subsidiary for more than sixty days after the date of delivery (or required date of delivery, if earlier) of the respective financial statements, because of contemplated transfers of assets permitted under Section 9.02 by such Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiary (with the “Immaterial Subsidiary” tests being recalculated on a pro forma basis after giving effect to such transfers of assets), then so long as the U.S. Borrower notifies the Administrative Agent thereof within the sixty day period referenced above, such Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiary shall not be required to become a Subsidiary Guarantor (unless the respective transfer of assets does not occur within such sixty day period or unless and until it is subsequently required to become a Subsidiary Guarantor pursuant to the provisions of this Section 8.12(c)); provided , further that if the preceding proviso is applicable, the U.S. Borrower shall determine in good faith whether any of the transfers of assets contemplated by the preceding proviso would result in one or more other Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiaries of the U.S. Borrower which are not Subsidiary Guarantors and which previously constituted Immaterial Subsidiaries no longer constituting same (with determinations to be made in good faith on a pro forma basis to give effect to the respective transfers of assets), and if the U.S. Borrower determines in good faith that the result described above in this proviso would occur, then in such case within the sixty-day period described above the U.S. Borrower shall cause such Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiaries (which will not continue to constitute Immaterial Subsidiaries) to become Subsidiary Guarantors and to comply with the provisions of this Section 8.12(c) as if the respective transferee were a Material Subsidiary on the last day of the respective fiscal quarter or fiscal year for which financial statements are acquired to be delivered pursuant to Section 8.01(a) or (b), as applicable.

8.13 Maintenance of Company Separateness . Each Borrower will, and will cause each of its Material Subsidiaries to, satisfy in all material respects customary Company formalities, including the holding of regular board of directors’ and shareholders’ meetings or action by directors or shareholders without a meeting and the maintenance of Company records. In addition, neither the U.S. Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries shall take any action, or conduct its affairs in a manner, which is likely to result in the Company existence of any Borrower, any other Credit Party or any Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries being ignored, or in the assets and liabilities of the U.S. Borrower or any other Credit Party being substantively consolidated with those of any other such Person or any Non-Guarantor Subsidiary in a bankruptcy, reorganization or other insolvency proceeding.

 

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SECTION 9. Negative Covenants . Each Borrower (to the extent that the covenants and agreements set forth below in this Section 9 expressly apply to such Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries) hereby covenants and agrees that on and after the Effective Date and until the Total Commitment and all Letters of Credit have terminated and the Loans, Notes and Unpaid Drawings (in each case, together with interest thereon), Fees and all other Obligations (other than any indemnities described in Section 13.13 which are not then due and payable) incurred hereunder and thereunder, are paid in full:

9.01 Liens . The U.S. Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien upon or with respect to any property or assets (real or personal, tangible or intangible) of the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, whether now owned or hereafter acquired; provided that the provisions of this Section 9.01 shall not prevent the creation, incurrence, assumption or existence of the following (Liens described below are herein referred to as “ Permitted Liens ”):

(i) inchoate Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges or levies not yet due or Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges or levies being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings for which adequate reserves have been established in accordance with U.S. GAAP;

(ii) Liens in respect of property or assets of the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries imposed by law, which were incurred in the ordinary course of business and do not secure Indebtedness for borrowed money, such as carriers’, warehousemen’s, materialmen’s and mechanics’ liens and other similar Liens arising in the ordinary course of business, and (x) which do not in the aggregate materially detract from the value of the U.S. Borrower’s or such Subsidiary’s property or assets or materially impair the use thereof in the operation of the business of the U.S. Borrower or such Subsidiary or (y) which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, which proceedings have the effect of preventing the forfeiture or sale of the property or assets subject to any such Lien;

(iii) Liens in existence on the Initial Borrowing Date which are listed in Schedule VIII, plus renewals, replacements and extensions of such Liens to the extent set forth on such Schedule VIII, provided that any such renewal, replacement or extension does not encumber any additional assets or properties of the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries except to the extent that Liens or such additional assets or properties are permitted under another provision of this Section 9.01;

(iv) Liens created by or pursuant to this Agreement and the other Credit Documents;

(v) (x) licenses, sublicenses, leases or subleases granted by the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to other Persons not materially interfering with the conduct of the business of the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries and (y) any interest or title of a lessor, sublessor or licensor under any operating lease or license agreement not prohibited by this Agreement to which the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is a party (including, without limitation, a Lien on the U.S. Borrower’s license of the “Pink Panther” trademark and any proceeds thereof in favor of the licensor thereof);

 

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(vi) Liens upon assets of the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries subject to Capitalized Lease Obligations to the extent such Capitalized Lease Obligations are permitted by Section 9.04(iv), provided that (x) such Liens only serve to secure the payment of Indebtedness arising under such Capitalized Lease Obligation and (y) the Lien encumbering the asset giving rise to the Capitalized Lease Obligation does not encumber any other asset of the U.S. Borrower or any Subsidiary of the U.S. Borrower;

(vii) Liens placed upon equipment or machinery acquired after the Initial Borrowing Date and used in the ordinary course of business of the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries and placed at the time of the acquisition thereof by the U.S. Borrower or such Subsidiary or within 180 days thereafter to secure Indebtedness incurred to pay all or a portion of the purchase price thereof or to secure Indebtedness incurred solely for the purpose of financing the acquisition of any such equipment or machinery or extensions, renewals or replacements of any of the foregoing for the same or a lesser amount, provided that (x) the Indebtedness secured by such Liens is permitted by Section 9.04 and (y) in all events, the Lien encumbering the equipment or machinery so acquired does not encumber any other asset of the U.S. Borrower or such Subsidiary;

(viii) easements, rights-of-way, restrictions, encroachments and other similar charges or encumbrances, and minor title deficiencies, in each case not securing Indebtedness and not materially interfering with the conduct of the business of the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries;

(ix) Liens arising from precautionary UCC financing statement filings regarding operating leases entered into in the ordinary course of business;

(x) Liens arising out of the existence of judgments or decrees (but excluding consensual Liens granted by the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries on any of their assets) that do not constitute an Event of Default under Section 10.07;

(xi) statutory and common law landlords’ liens under leases to which the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is a party;

(xii) Liens (other than Liens imposed under ERISA) incurred in the ordinary course of business in connection with workers compensation claims, unemployment insurance and social security benefits and Liens securing the performance of bids, tenders, leases and contracts in the ordinary course of business, statutory obligations, surety bonds, performance, completion and guarantee bonds and other obligations of a like nature incurred in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice (exclusive of obligations in respect of the payment for borrowed money);

(xiii) Liens on property or assets acquired by the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in existence at the time such property or asset is acquired by the U.S. Borrower or such Subsidiary (including by the merger or acquisition of any Person), provided that (x) any Indebtedness that is secured by such Liens is permitted to exist

 

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under Section 9.04, and (y) such Liens are not incurred in connection with, or in contemplation or anticipation of, such merger or acquisition and do not attach to any other asset of the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries;

(xiv) Liens arising out of any conditional sale, title retention, consignment or other similar arrangements for the sale of goods entered into by the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business to the extent such Liens do not attach to any assets other than the goods subject to such arrangements;

(xv) Liens (x) incurred in the ordinary course of business in connection with the purchase or shipping of goods or assets (or the related assets and proceeds thereof), which Liens are in favor of the seller or shipper of such goods or assets and only attach to such goods or assets, (y) incurred in the ordinary course of business in connection with property owned by third parties installed to provide energy or oxygen at the facilities of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries pursuant to any supply arrangement or operating lease (but not pursuant to a Capital Lease) and (z) in favor of customs and revenue authorities arising as a matter of law to secure payment of customs duties in connection with the importation of goods;

(xvi) bankers’ Liens, rights of setoff and other similar Liens existing solely with respect to cash and Cash Equivalents on deposit in one or more accounts maintained by the U.S. Borrower or any Subsidiary, in each case granted in the ordinary course of business in favor of the bank or banks with which such accounts are maintained, securing amounts owing to such bank or banks with respect to cash management and operating account arrangements;

(xvii) on and after the date of consummation of the Vetrotex Transaction, Liens on the Vetrotex Pledged Assets granted in connection with the Vetrotex Transaction which secure lease payments (and obligations to return the precious metal alloy so leased) owing by the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (including, without limitation, the Vetrotex Subsidiary) in connection with the ongoing business of the Vetrotex Subsidiary (or guarantees thereof) to direct or indirect owners of the Equity Interest in the Vetrotex Subsidiary and/or the owners of such precious metal alloy and other Persons providing financing to such owners in respect of such precious metal alloy (in each case other than the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries);

(xviii) Liens created under or contemplated by the Documents (including the escrow of any funds or Equity Interests of the U.S. Borrower or the pledge of Equity Interests of one or more Guarantors to secure the obligations under the Contingent Note);

(xix) Liens created on assets transferred to a SPV pursuant to Asset Securitizations (which asset shall be of the types described in the definition of Asset Securitization contained herein), securing Attributable Securitization Indebtedness permitted to be outstanding pursuant to Section 9.04(v); and

(xx) additional Liens of the U.S. Borrower or any Subsidiary of the U.S. Borrower not otherwise permitted by this Section 9.01, so long as the aggregate

 

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amount (exclusive of regularly accruing interest or similar amounts which are paid on a current basis) of obligations secured by Liens permitted pursuant to this Section 9.01(xx) does not exceed $300,000,000 at any time.

9.02 Consolidation, Merger, Purchase or Sale of Assets, etc. The U.S. Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, wind up, liquidate or dissolve its affairs or enter into any transaction of merger or consolidation, or convey, sell, lease or otherwise dispose of all or any part of its property or assets (other than sales of inventory, raw materials, supplies and used or surplus equipment, in each case in the ordinary course of business), or enter into any sale-leaseback transactions, or purchase or otherwise acquire (in one or a series of related transactions) all or substantially all of the Equity Interests in or assets of any Person (each such purchase or acquisition, an “ Acquisition ”) (or agree to do any of the foregoing at any future time), except that:

(i) each of the U.S. Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries may liquidate or otherwise dispose of obsolete or worn-out property in the ordinary course of business, and may dissolve, liquidate or merge out of existence a Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Borrower, the continued existence of which is no longer materially advantageous to the U.S. Borrower or its Subsidiaries;

(ii) each of the U.S. Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries may sell assets, including the Equity Interests of a Subsidiary of the U.S. Borrower that is not a Subsidiary Borrower so long as (x) no Default or Event of Default then exists or would result therefrom, (y) in the case of the sale of the Equity Interests of any Credit Party, all of the Equity Interests of such Credit Party and its other Subsidiaries are sold pursuant to such sale and (z) the Fair Market Value of such assets at the time of the consummation of such sale, when added to the Fair Market Value of all assets of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries previously sold pursuant to this Section 9.02(ii), does not exceed $350,000,000 in any Fiscal Year;

(iii) each of the U.S. Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries may sell or discount, in each case without recourse and in the ordinary course of business, accounts receivable arising in the ordinary course of business, but only in connection with the compromise or collection thereof and not as part of any financing transaction;

(iv) each of the U.S. Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries may grant licenses, sublicenses, leases or subleases to other Persons not materially interfering with the conduct of the business of the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries;

(v) each of the U.S. Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries may convey, lease, rent, sell or otherwise transfer all or any part of its business, properties and assets to the U.S. Borrower or to any other Subsidiary of the U.S. Borrower;

(vi) each of the U.S. Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries may merge or consolidate with and into, be dissolved or liquidated into, or amalgamate with any other Person, so long as (i) in the case of any such merger, consolidation, dissolution, liquidation or amalgamation involving the U.S. Borrower, the U.S. Borrower is the

 

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surviving or continuing entity of any such merger, consolidation, dissolution, liquidation or amalgamation ( provided , that no Subsidiary Borrower may merge, consolidate or amalgamate with or into, or be dissolved or liquidated into, the U.S. Borrower), (ii) in the case of any such merger, consolidation, dissolution, liquidation or amalgamation involving a Subsidiary Borrower, such Subsidiary Borrower is the surviving or continuing entity of any such merger, consolidation, dissolution, liquidation or amalgamation or, in the event of an amalgamation involving the Canadian Borrower, the continuing Person resulting therefrom is a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the U.S. Borrower organized under the laws of Canada or a province thereof that takes such actions, and deliver all such documents incidental or related thereto, as may be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent to assume all of the obligations of the Canadian Borrower under this Agreement and the other Credit Documents to which the Canadian Borrower was a party and to become a party to this Agreement and each other Credit Document to which the Canadian Borrower was a party, after which such continuing Person shall be the “Canadian Borrower” hereunder and under each other Credit Document and (iii) in all other cases, the surviving or continuing corporation of any such merger, consolidation, dissolution, liquidation or amalgamation is a Subsidiary of the U.S. Borrower;

(vii) each of the U.S. Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries party to an Asset Securitization may sell accounts and related general intangibles, chattel paper, instruments, security and collections with respect thereto pursuant to such Asset Securitization (after the execution thereof), so long as (x) each such sale is in an arm’s-length transaction and on terms consistent with prevailing market conditions for similar transactions at such time and (y) the aggregate Attributable Securitization Indebtedness shall not exceed $400,000,000 at any time outstanding;

(viii) each of the U.S. Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries may liquidate or otherwise dispose of Cash Equivalents in the ordinary course of business;

(ix) each of the U.S. Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries may consummate an Acquisition, so long as no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing at the time of the consummation of the proposed Acquisition or immediately after giving effect thereto (each such Acquisition, a “ Permitted Acquisition ”);

(x) each of the U.S. Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries may effect any merger, wind up, amalgamation, plan of arrangement, liquidation or dissolution and enter into any transaction of merger, amalgamation or consolidation, or convey, sell, lease or otherwise dispose of any property or assets, in each case in accordance with the Reorganization and to the extent contemplated by the Documents;

(xi) each of the U.S. Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries may transfer and dispose of inventory, raw materials, equipment, Real Property and other tangible assets in exchange for consideration comprised of inventory, raw materials, supplies, used or surplus equipment, Real Property and other tangible assets or some combination thereof, in each case in the ordinary course of business, so long as (x) no Default or Event of Default then exists or would result therefrom and (y) the book value of such assets at the

 

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time of the consummation of such sale, when added to the book value of all assets of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries previously sold pursuant to this Section 9.02(xi), does not exceed $250,000,000 at any time;

(xii) each of the U.S. Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries may sell, transfer or convey raw materials, equipment, real property and other tangible assets to the extent that the Net Sale Proceeds therefrom are used to acquire replacement raw materials, equipment, real property and other tangible assets within 270 days after receipt of such Net Sale Proceeds (and in the case of any contractual commitment to so apply such Net Sale Proceeds entered into within such 270 day period, within 360 days after receipt of such Net Sale Proceeds); and

(xiii) each of the U.S. Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries may sell, transfer or convey assets pursuant to any judicial or administrative order, consent, writ, decree, injunction or judgment or otherwise in order to comply with applicable law in connection with the Vetrotex Transaction, so long as the book value of such assets at the time of the consummation of such sale, when added to the book value of all assets of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries previously sold pursuant to this Section 9.02(xiii), does not exceed $300,000,000 at any time.

9.03 Dividends . The U.S. Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, authorize, declare or pay any Dividends with respect to the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, except that:

(i) (x) any Subsidiary of the U.S. Borrower may pay Dividends to the U.S. Borrower or to any Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the U.S. Borrower and (y) any Non-Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the U.S. Borrower may pay cash dividends to its shareholders generally so long as the U.S. Borrower or its respective Subsidiary which owns the Equity Interests in the Subsidiary paying such Dividends receives at least its proportionate share thereof (based upon its relative holding of the Equity Interests in the Subsidiary paying such Dividends and taking into account the relative preferences, if any, of the various classes of Equity Interests of such Subsidiary); and

(ii) the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries may authorize, declare and pay any other cash Dividend so long as (x) no Default or Event of Default exists at the time of such authorization, declaration or payment or would exist immediately after giving effect thereto and (y) such authorization, declaration or payment will not violate (I) any provision of the certificate or articles of incorporation, certificate of formation, limited liability company agreement or by-laws (or equivalent organizational documents), as applicable, of such Person or (II) any material agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or governmental regulation applicable to such Person.

 

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9.04 Indebtedness . The U.S. Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to contract, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Indebtedness, except:

(i) unsecured Indebtedness of the Credit Parties so long as, on the date of the respective incurrence thereof, no Default or Event of Default then exists or would result therefrom;

(ii) unsecured Indebtedness of the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries so long as (x) on the date of the respective incurrence thereof, no Default or Event of Default then exists or would result therefrom and (y) the aggregate principal amount of all such outstanding Indebtedness, (I) does not exceed $400,000,000 at any time and (II) when added to the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Indebtedness incurred by the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries pursuant to Section 9.04(iii), does not exceed $600,000,000 at any time;

(iii) secured Indebtedness of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries so long as (x) on the date of the respective incurrence thereof no Default or Event of Default then exists or would result therefrom and (y) the aggregate principal amount of all such outstanding Indebtedness, (I) does not exceed $300,000,000 at any time and (II) when added to the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Indebtedness incurred by the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries pursuant to Section 9.04(ii), does not exceed $600,000,000 at any time;

(iv) Indebtedness of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries incurred to finance fixed or capital assets or evidenced by Capitalized Lease Obligations and purchase money Indebtedness described in Section 9.01(vii), provided that in no event shall the sum of the aggregate principal amount of all such Indebtedness permitted by this Section 9.04(iv) (as measured on the date of each incurrence pursuant to this Section 9.04(iv)) exceed 5% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the last day of the last Fiscal Year for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 8.01(b);

(v) Attributable Securitization Indebtedness incurred under or in connection with any Asset Securitization in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $400,000,000 at any time outstanding;

(vi) Indebtedness constituting Intercompany Loans, to the extent permitted pursuant to Section 9.05 (and subject to the requirements, if applicable, of Section 9.11);

(vii) Indebtedness consisting of guaranties or Contingent Obligations by the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries of each other’s Indebtedness and lease and other obligations permitted under this Agreement; provided that no Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries shall be permitted to furnish a guarantee (except to the extent such guarantee is permitted pursuant to Section 9.04(ii)) or Contingent Obligation in respect, or in support, of any Indebtedness or lease or other obligations of the U.S. Borrower or any other Credit Party;

(viii) Indebtedness arising from the honoring by a bank or other financial institution of a check, draft or similar instrument drawn against insufficient funds in the ordinary course of business, so long as such Indebtedness is extinguished within four Business Days of its incurrence;

 

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(ix) Indebtedness of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries with respect to performance bonds, surety bonds, completion bonds, guaranty bond, appeal bonds or customs bonds required in the ordinary course of business or in connection with the enforcement of rights or claims of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or in connection with judgments that do not result in a Default or an Event of Default;

(x) Indebtedness of the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries which may be deemed to exist in connection with agreements providing for indemnification, purchase price adjustments and similar obligations in connection with the acquisition or disposition of assets in accordance with the requirements of this Agreement, so long as any such obligations are those of the Person making the respective acquisition or sale, and are not guaranteed by any other Person except as permitted by Section 9.04(vii);

(xi) Indebtedness of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries existing on the Initial Borrowing Date (after giving effect to the Plan Emergence, but excluding the Obligations and any Indebtedness permitted pursuant to Section 9.04(xii) or evidenced by New Senior Notes) and extensions, renewals, replacements and refinancings of any such Indebtedness that do not (I) increase the outstanding principal amount thereof (except by the amount of any premium or fee paid or payable in connection with such extension, renewal or replacement) unless otherwise permitted pursuant to another provision of this Section 9.04, (II) have any additional obligors or guarantors with respect thereto unless otherwise permitted pursuant to another provision of this Section 9.04 or (III) have any additional Liens to secure such Indebtedness;

(xii) Indebtedness of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries evidenced by the Contingent Note;

(xiii) on and after the date of consummation of the Vetrotex Transaction, obligations of the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (including, without limitation, the Vetrotex Subsidiary) in connection with the ongoing business of the Vetrotex Subsidiary (or guarantees thereof by the U.S. Borrower) with respect to lease payments (and obligations to return the precious metal alloy so leased) owing to direct or indirect owners of Equity Interests in the Vetrotex Subsidiary and/or the owners of such precious metal alloy and other Persons providing financing to such owners in respect of such precious metal alloy (in each case other than the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries); and

(xiv) Indebtedness of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries in respect of letters of credit obtained or deposits made in order to provide security for workers’ compensation claims or pension plans, payment obligations in connection with self-insurance or pursuant to statutory obligations, in each case in the ordinary course of business.

 

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9.05 Advances, Investments and Loans . The U.S. Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, lend money or credit or make advances to any Person, or purchase or acquire any stock, obligations or securities of, or any other Equity Interest in, or make any capital contribution to, any other Person, or enter into any partnership or joint venture, or purchase or own a futures contract or otherwise become liable for the purchase or sale of currency or other commodities at a future date in the nature of a futures contract (each of the foregoing an “ Investment ”), except that the following shall be permitted:

(i) the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries may acquire and hold accounts receivables owing to any of them, if created or acquired in the ordinary course of business and payable or dischargeable in accordance with customary trade terms of the U.S. Borrower or such Subsidiary;

(ii) the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries may hold the Investments held by them on the Initial Borrowing Date, provided that (x) any additional Investments made with respect thereto shall be permitted only if permitted under the other provisions of this Section 9.05 and (y) any Investment in an amount greater than $5,000,000 held on the Initial Borrowing Date shall be permitted by this clause 9.05(ii) only if described on Schedule IX;

(iii) the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries may acquire and own investments (including debt obligations) received in connection with the bankruptcy or reorganization of suppliers and customers and in good faith settlement of delinquent obligations of, and other disputes with, customers and suppliers arising in the ordinary course of business;

(iv) the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries may make loans and advances to their officers and employees for moving, relocation and travel expenses and other similar expenditures, in each case in the ordinary course of business;

(v) the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries may acquire and hold obligations of their officers and employees in connection with such officers’ and employees’ acquisition of shares of U.S. Borrower Common Stock (so long as no cash is actually advanced by the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with the acquisition of such obligations);

(vi) the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries may enter into (x) Interest Rate Protection Agreements entered into with respect to other Indebtedness permitted under Section 9.04 and (y) Other Hedging Agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business and providing protection to the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries against fluctuations in currency values or commodity prices in connection with the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries’ operations, in either case so long as the entering into of such Interest Rate Protection Agreements or Other Hedging Agreements are bona fide hedging activities and are not for speculative purposes;

(vii) (I) the U.S. Borrower and the other Credit Parties may make intercompany loans and advances to each other, (II) the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries may make intercompany loans and advances to any Non-Guarantor Subsidiary, and (III) any Non-Guarantor Subsidiary which is at such time a party to the Intercompany Subordination Agreement (unless prohibited by applicable law in the case of a Foreign Subsidiary) may

 

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make intercompany loans and advances to any Credit Party which at such time is party to the Intercompany Subordination Agreement (such intercompany loans and advances referred to in preceding clauses (I) through (III), collectively, the “ Intercompany Loans ”), provided that (x) each Intercompany Loan made to any Credit Party by any Subsidiary of the U.S. Borrower that is not a Credit Party shall, except to the extent prohibited by applicable law in the case of Intercompany Loans made by a Foreign Subsidiary, be subject to subordination as, and to the extent, required by the Intercompany Subordination Agreement and (y) no Intercompany Loan may be made pursuant to subclause (II) above at any time that a Default or an Event of Default has occurred and its continuing;

(viii) (I) the U.S. Borrower and the other Credit Parties may make capital contributions to, or acquire Equity Interests of, any other Credit Party, (II) the U.S. Borrower and the other Credit Parties may make capital contributions to, or acquire Equity Interests of, Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries and Persons that are not Subsidiaries of the U.S. Borrower, and may capitalize or forgive any Indebtedness owed to them by any Non-Guarantor Subsidiary and outstanding under Section 9.05(vii), and (III) any Non-Wholly-Owned Subsidiary may make capital contributions to, or acquire Equity Interests of, any other Non-Guarantor Subsidiary, and may capitalize or forgive any Indebtedness owed to it by a Non-Guarantor Subsidiary; provided that no contribution, capitalization or forgiveness may be made pursuant to preceding subclause (II) at any time that a Default or an Event of Default has occurred and its continuing;

(ix) Contingent Obligations permitted by Section 9.04, to the extent constituting Investments;

(x) Permitted Acquisitions shall be permitted in accordance with the requirements of Section 9.02;

(xi) the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries may receive and hold promissory notes and other non-cash consideration received in connection with any asset sale permitted by Section 9.02(ii);

(xii) the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries may make advances in the form of a prepayment of expenses to vendors, suppliers and trade creditors consistent with their past practices, so long as such expenses were incurred in the ordinary course of business of the U.S. Borrower or such Subsidiary;

(xiii) the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries may make and hold Investments in Cash Equivalents;

(xiv) the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries may make and hold Investments in the Vetrotex Subsidiary (and any Subsidiaries of the Vetrotex Subsidiary) pursuant to the Vetrotex Transaction; and

(xv) the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries may make, hold and enter into additional Investments so long as, at the time of making such Investment, no Default or Event of Default then exists or would result therefrom.

 

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9.06 Transactions with Affiliates . The U.S. Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, enter into any transaction or series of related transactions with any Affiliate of the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (other than the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries and any Person that is an Affiliate solely as a result of the ownership by the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of the Equity Interests of such Person) other than in the ordinary course of business and on terms and conditions substantially as favorable or more favorable to the U.S. Borrower or such Subsidiary as would reasonably be obtained by the U.S. Borrower or such Subsidiary at that time in a comparable arm’s-length transaction with a Person other than an Affiliate, except that the following in any event shall be permitted:

(i) customary fees, indemnities and reimbursements may be paid to non-officer directors of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries and loans and advances permitted by Section 9.05(iv);

(ii) the U.S. Borrower may issue U.S. Borrower Common Stock and Qualified Preferred Stock; and

(iii) the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries may enter into, and may make payments under, employment agreements, employee benefits plans, stock option plans, indemnification provisions and other similar compensatory arrangements with officers, employees and directors of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business or pursuant to the Plan of Reorganization.

9.07 Interest Expense Coverage Ratio . The U.S. Borrower will not permit the Interest Expense Coverage Ratio for any Test Period ending on the last day of a Fiscal Quarter to be less than 2.00:1.00; provided that compliance with this Section 9.07 for each Test Period shall be determined on the earlier to occur of (x) the date upon which the U.S. Borrower delivers financial statements for the last Fiscal Quarter of such Test Period pursuant to Section 8.01(a) or (b) (in which case such compliance shall be determined based upon such delivered financial statements) and (y) the 30th day after the last day of the last Fiscal Quarter of such Test Period (in which case such compliance shall be determined based upon internally prepared financial statements of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries on such date and shall then also be determined on the date described in preceding clause (x) based upon the delivered financial statements described in preceding clause (x)); provided further , that if at any time subsequent to the delivery of any such financial statements described above with respect to any Test Period, there are subsequent adjustments thereto (or to the financial results described therein), such subsequent adjustments shall be given full force and effect.

9.08 Leverage Ratio . The U.S. Borrower will not permit the ratio of Consolidated Total Net Indebtedness to Consolidated Total Capitalization at any time to exceed 0.65:1.00; provided that for determining compliance with this Section 9.08 at any time, (x) in calculating Consolidated Total Capitalization, Consolidated Net Worth shall be determined based upon the financial statements most recently delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 8.01(a) or (b), unless the U.S. Borrower has not delivered such financial statements within 30 days of the last day of the most recently ended Fiscal Quarter, in which case Consolidated Net Worth shall be determined based upon internally prepared financial statements of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries until such time as the U.S. Borrower delivers financial

 

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statements for such Fiscal Quarter to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 8.01(a) or (b) for such Fiscal Quarter (at which time Consolidated Net Worth shall be determined based upon such delivered financial statements), provided that if at any time subsequent to the delivery of any such financial statements described above, there are subsequent adjustments thereto (or to the financial results described therein), such subsequent adjustments shall be given full force and effect and (y) Consolidated Total Net Indebtedness shall be the actual Consolidated Total Net Indebtedness at such time. In determining the ratio of Consolidated Total Net Indebtedness to Consolidated Total Capitalization at any time, actual Consolidated Total Net Indebtedness on the respective date of determination shall be used, with Consolidated Net Worth to be determined based on the last available calculation of Consolidated Net Worth as calculated pursuant to the proviso to the immediately preceding sentence; provided , further , that such Consolidated Net Worth shall be adjusted for any issuance of Equity Interests of the U.S. Borrower and for any Dividends actually paid by the U.S. Borrower and/or its respective Subsidiaries (to Persons other than the U.S. Borrower and Subsidiaries thereof), after the date of the respective calculation of Consolidated Net Worth and on or prior to the date of the next determination of Consolidated Net Worth as described above.

9.09 Modifications of Certain Agreements . The U.S. Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to amend or modify, or permit the amendment or modification of, any provision of any Reorganization Document or any New Senior Notes Document (after the execution and delivery thereof), in a manner materially adverse to the interests of the Lenders (in their capacity as Lenders).

9.10 Limitation on Certain Restrictions on Subsidiaries . The U.S. Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any encumbrance or restriction on the ability of any such Subsidiary to (a) pay dividends or make any other distributions on its capital stock or any other Equity Interest or participation in its profits owned by the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or pay any Indebtedness owed to the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, (b) make loans or advances to the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or (c) transfer any of its properties or assets to the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, except for such encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason of (i) applicable law, (ii) this Agreement and the other Credit Documents, (iii) after the execution and delivery thereof, the New Senior Notes Documents, (iv) customary provisions restricting subletting or assignment of any lease governing any leasehold interest of the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, (v) customary provisions restricting assignment of any licensing agreement (in which the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is the licensee) or other contract entered into by the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business, (vi) restrictions on the transfer of any asset pending the close of the sale of such asset, (vii) the Contingent Note, (viii) restrictions on the transfer of any asset subject to a Lien permitted by Section 9.01(iii), (vi), (vii), (xi), (xii), (xiii), (xiv), (xv), (xvi), (xvii), (xviii), (xix) or (xx); or (xix) with respect to any Non- Wholly Owned Subsidiary, any agreement requiring the consent of each Person holding Equity Interests in such Non-Wholly Owned Subsidiary for such Non-Wholly Owned Subsidiary to pay dividends or make any other distributions on its capital stock or any other Equity Interests.

 

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9.11 Intercompany Subordination Agreement . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, at no time shall any Credit Party be an obligor with respect to any Intercompany Loan made to it by any Subsidiary of the U.S. Borrower that is not a Credit Party, unless each obligor (including each Person which is a guarantor thereof) and each obligee with respect thereto are party to the Intercompany Subordination Agreement, except that a Foreign Subsidiary of the U.S. Borrower shall not be required to be a party to the Intercompany Subordination Agreement to the extent prohibited by applicable law.

SECTION 10. Events of Default . Upon the occurrence of any of the following specified events (each, an “ Event of Default ”):

10.01 Payments . Any Borrower shall default, and such default shall continue unremedied for three or more Business Days, in the payment when due of principal of any Loan or any Note or any interest on any Loan or Note, or shall default, and such default shall continue unremedied for five or more Business Days, in the payment when due of any Unpaid Drawing or any Fees or any other amounts owing hereunder or under any other Credit Document; or

10.02 Representations, etc . Any representation, warranty or statement made or deemed made by any Credit Party herein or in any other Credit Document or in any certificate delivered to the Administrative Agent or any Lender pursuant hereto or thereto shall prove to be untrue in any material respect on the date as of which made or deemed made; or

10.03 Covenants . The U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall (i) default in the due performance or observance by it of any term, covenant or agreement contained in Section 8.01(e)(i), 8.04 (with respect to the existence of any Borrower), 8.08 or 8.10 or Section 9 or (ii) default in the due performance or observance by it of any other term, covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement (other than those set forth in Sections 10.01 and 10.02) or any other Credit Document and such default shall continue unremedied for a period of 30 days after written notice thereof to the defaulting party by the Administrative Agent or any Lender; or

10.04 Default Under Other Agreements . (i) The U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall (x) default in any payment of any Indebtedness (other than the Obligations) beyond the period of grace, if any, provided in an instrument or agreement under which such Indebtedness was created or (y) default in the observance or performance of any agreement or condition relating to any Indebtedness (other than the Obligations) or contained in any instrument or agreement evidencing, securing or relating thereto, or any other event shall occur or condition exist, the effect of which default or other event or condition is to cause, or to permit the holder or holders of such Indebtedness (or a trustee or agent on behalf of such holder or holders) to cause (determined without regard to whether any notice is required, but after giving effect to any applicable grace periods), any such Indebtedness to become due prior to its stated maturity, or (ii) any Indebtedness (other than the Obligations) of the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall be declared to be (or shall become) due and payable, or required to be prepaid other than by a regularly scheduled required prepayment, prior to the stated maturity thereof, provided that it shall not be a Default or an Event of Default under this Section 10.04 unless the aggregate principal amount of all Indebtedness as described in preceding clauses (i) and (ii) is at least $75,000,000; or

 

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10.05 Bankruptcy, etc . The U.S. Borrower or any other Credit Party shall commence a voluntary case concerning itself under Title 11 of the United States Code entitled “Bankruptcy,” as now or hereafter in effect, or any successor thereto (the “ Bankruptcy Code ”); or an involuntary case is commenced against the U.S. Borrower or any other Credit Party, and the petition is not dismissed within sixty days after the filing thereof, provided , however , that during the pendency of such period, each Lender shall be relieved of its obligation to extend credit hereunder; or a custodian (as defined in the Bankruptcy Code) is appointed for, or takes charge of, all or substantially all of the property of the U.S. Borrower or other Credit Party, to operate all or any substantial portion of the business of the U.S. Borrower or any other Credit Party, or the U.S. Borrower or any other Credit Party commences any other proceeding under any reorganization, arrangement, adjustment of debt, relief of debtors, dissolution, insolvency or liquidation or similar law of any jurisdiction whether now or hereafter in effect relating to the U.S. Borrower or any other Credit Party, or there is commenced against the U.S. Borrower or any other Credit Party any such proceeding which remains undismissed for a period of sixty days after the filing thereof, or the U.S. Borrower or any other Credit Party is adjudicated insolvent or bankrupt; or any order of relief or other order approving any such case or proceeding is entered; or the U.S. Borrower or any other Credit Party makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; or any Company action is taken by the U.S. Borrower or any other Credit Party for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing; or

10.06 ERISA . If (i) any Plan shall fail to satisfy the minimum funding standards of ERISA or the Code for any plan year or part thereof or a waiver of such standards or extension of any amortization period is sought or granted under section 412 of the Code, (ii) a notice of intent to terminate any Plan shall have been or is reasonably expected to be filed with the PBGC or the PBGC shall have instituted proceedings under ERISA section 4042 to terminate or appoint a trustee to administer any Plan or the PBGC shall have notified the U.S. Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries, or any ERISA Affiliate that a Plan may become a subject of any such proceedings, (iii) there is an “amount of unfunded benefit liabilities” (within the meaning of section 4001(a)(18) of ERISA) under any Plan, determined in accordance with Title IV of ERISA, or an amount (if any) by which the present value of accrued benefit liabilities under any Non-U.S. Plan exceeds the aggregate current value of the assets of such Non-U.S. Plan allocable to such liabilities, (iv) the U.S. Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries, or any ERISA Affiliate shall have incurred or is reasonably expected to incur any liability pursuant to Title I or IV of ERISA or the penalty or excise tax provisions of the Code relating to employee benefit plans, (v) the U.S. Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries, or any ERISA Affiliate withdraws from any Multiemployer Plan, (vi) the U.S. Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries, or any ERISA Affiliate establishes or amends any employee welfare benefit plan that provides post-employment welfare benefits in a manner that would increase the liability of the U.S. Borrower, any of its Subsidiary, or any ERISA Affiliate, (vii) the U.S. Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries, or any ERISA Affiliate fails to administer or maintain a Plan or Non-U.S. Plan in compliance with the requirements of any and all applicable laws, statutes, rules, regulations or court orders or any Plan or Non-U.S. Plan is involuntarily terminated or wound up, or (viii) the U.S. Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries, or any ERISA Affiliate becomes subject to the imposition of a financial penalty (which for this purpose shall mean any tax, penalty, or other liability, whether by way of indemnity or otherwise) with respect to one or more Plan or Non-U.S. Plan; and any such event or events described in clauses (i) through (viii) above, either individually or together with any other such event or events, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. As used in Section 10.06, the terms “ employee benefit plan ” and “ employee welfare benefit plan ” shall have the respective meanings assigned to such terms in section 3 of ERISA, the term “ benefit liabilities ” has the meaning specified in Section 4001 of ERISA.

 

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10.07 Judgments . One or more judgments or decrees shall be entered against the U.S. Borrower or any Subsidiary of the U.S. Borrower involving in the aggregate for the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries a liability (not paid or to the extent not covered by a reputable and solvent insurance company) and such judgments and decrees either shall be final and non-appealable or shall not be vacated, discharged or stayed or bonded pending appeal for any period of 30 consecutive days, and the aggregate amount of all such judgments equals or exceeds $75,000,000; or

10.08 Change of Control . A Change of Control shall occur;

10.09 Guaranties . Any Guaranty shall cease to be in full force or effect (except in accordance with the terms thereof) as to the relevant Guarantor, or any Guarantor or Person acting by or on behalf of such Guarantor shall deny or disaffirm such Guarantor’s obligations under the relevant Guaranty;

then, and in any such event, and at any time thereafter, if any Event of Default shall then be continuing, the Administrative Agent, upon the written request of the Required Lenders, shall by written notice to the U.S. Borrower, take any or all of the following actions, without prejudice to the rights of the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the holder of any Note to enforce its claims against any Credit Party ( provided that, if an Event of Default specified in Section 10.05 shall occur with respect to any Credit Party, the result which would occur upon the giving of written notice by the Administrative Agent as specified in clauses (i) and (ii) below shall occur automatically without the giving of any such notice): (i) declare the Total Commitment terminated, whereupon all Commitments of each Lender shall forthwith terminate immediately and any RL Commitment Commission and any TL Commitment Commission shall forthwith become due and payable without any other notice of any kind; (ii) declare the principal of and any accrued interest in respect of all Loans and the Notes and all Obligations owing hereunder (including the Face Amount of all outstanding Bankers’ Acceptance Loans and all Unpaid Drawings) and thereunder to be, whereupon the same shall become, forthwith due and payable without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by each Credit Party; (iii) terminate any Letter of Credit which may be terminated in accordance with its terms; (iv) direct each Credit Party to pay (and each Credit Party agrees that upon receipt of such notice, or upon the occurrence of an Event of Default specified in Section 10.05 with respect to such Credit Party, it will pay) to the Administrative Agent at the Payment Office such additional amount of cash or Cash Equivalents, to be held as security by the Administrative Agent, as is equal to the aggregate Stated Amount of all Letters of Credit issued for the account of such Borrower and then outstanding; and (v) apply any cash collateral held by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 4.02 to the repayment of the Obligations.

SECTION 11. Definitions . As used herein, the following terms shall have the meanings herein specified unless the context otherwise requires. Defined terms in this Agreement shall include in the singular number the plural and in the plural the singular:

Absolute Rate ” shall mean an interest rate (rounded to the nearest .0001) expressed as a decimal.

 

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Absolute Rate Borrowing ” shall mean a Competitive Bid Borrowing with respect to which the U.S. Borrower has requested that the Bidder Lenders offer to make Competitive Bid Loans at Absolute Rates.

Account Party ” shall mean, with respect to Letters of Credit, the U.S. Borrower, the European Borrower or the Canadian Borrower, as the case may be.

Ackerman Appeal ” shall mean any appeal by Joel Ackerman of the Confirmation Order or of the order of the Bankruptcy Court dated October 19, 2006 denying Joel Ackerman’s Motion for Reconsideration of Conclusions Confirming Owens Corning’s Sixth Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization or any other pleading filed with any court by Joel Ackerman challenging any portion of the Plan of Reorganization.

Acquired Entity ” shall mean any Person acquired pursuant to a Permitted Acquisition.

Acquisition ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 9.02.

Additional Cost Rate ” shall mean the percentage per annum equal to the quotient of (A) the product of (x) the amount equal to the average of the rate of charge payable by each Reference Bank to the Financial Services Authority pursuant to the Fees Rules in respect of the relevant financial year of the Financial Services Authority (calculated for this purpose by each Reference Bank as being the average of the Fee Tariffs applicable to the respective Reference Bank for that financial year) and expressed in pounds per £1,000,000 of the Tariff Base of that Reference Bank; multiplied by (y) 0.01, divided by (B) 300.

Administrative Agent ” shall have the meaning provided in the first paragraph of this Agreement and shall include any successor to the Administrative Agent appointed pursuant to Section 12.10; provided that as used herein and in the other Credit Documents, for purposes of actions to be taken hereunder, notices to be received or given and payments to be received or made by the Canadian Borrower in respect of all borrowings under, and issuances of Letters of Credit pursuant to, the Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitments, the term “Administrative Agent” shall mean the Canadian Sub-Agent.

Affiliate ” shall mean, with respect to any Person, any other Person directly or indirectly controlling (including, but not limited to, all directors and officers of such Person), controlled by, or under direct or indirect common control with, such Person. A Person shall be deemed to control another Person if such Person possesses, directly or indirectly, the power (i) to vote 15% or more of the securities having ordinary voting power for the election of directors (or equivalent governing body) of such Person or (ii) to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such other Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; provided , however , that none of the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any of their respective Affiliates shall be considered an Affiliate of the U.S. Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof by reason of its acting in its capacities as such and none of the Asbestos Personal Injury Trust or any of its respective Affiliates shall be considered an

 

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Affiliate of the U.S. Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof by reason of holding any property for distribution to its beneficiaries.

Aggregate Canadian Facility RL Exposure ” at any time shall mean the sum of (i) the aggregate principal amount of all Canadian Facility Revolving Loans then outstanding (for this purpose, using the Dollar Equivalent of each Canadian Dollar Denominated Revolving Loan then outstanding) and (ii) the aggregate amount of all Canadian Facility Letter of Credit Outstandings (using the Dollar Equivalent of all amounts expressed in Canadian Dollars) at such time.

Aggregate Dollar Facility RL Exposure ” at any time shall mean the sum of (i) the aggregate principal amount of all Dollar Facility Revolving Loans and Competitive Bid Loans then outstanding, (ii) the aggregate amount of all Dollar Facility Letter of Credit Outstandings at such time and (iii) the aggregate principal amount of all Swingline Loans then outstanding.

Aggregate Euro Facility RL Exposure ” at any time shall mean the sum of (i) the aggregate principal amount of all Euro Facility Revolving Loans then outstanding (for this purpose, using the Dollar Equivalent of each Euro Denominated Revolving Loan then outstanding) and (ii) the aggregate amount of all Euro Facility Letter of Credit Outstandings (using the Dollar Equivalent of all amounts expressed in Euros) at such time.

Agreement ” shall mean this Credit Agreement, as modified, supplemented, amended, restated (including any amendment and restatement hereof), extended, renewed, refinanced and/or replaced from time to time.

Applicable Commitment Fee Percentage ” shall mean, for any day, the rate per annum set forth below opposite the Applicable Period then in effect:

 

Applicable Period

  

Applicable Commitment Fee Percentage

Category A Period

   0.080%

Category B Period

   0.100%

Category C Period

   0.125%

Category D Period

   0.150%

Category E Period

   0.175%

Category F Period

   0.375%

Applicable Credit Rating ” shall mean (i) the Moody’s Credit Rating and the S&P Credit Rating, if equivalent; (ii) if the Moody’s Credit Rating is Ba1 or better and the S&P Credit Rating is BB+ or better (in each case with stable or better outlook if the Moody’s Credit Rating is Ba1 or the S&P Credit Rating is BB+), the rating level of the higher of such ratings; and (iii) if the Moody’s Credit Rating or the S&P Credit Rating specified in preceding clauses (i) and (ii) are not applicable (for any reason), the rating level of the lower of such ratings; provided that, in any event, (x) if the Moody’s Credit Rating and the S&P Credit Rating differ by two or more rating levels, the Applicable Credit Rating shall be one rating level higher than the lower of such ratings and (y) if only one Rating Agency provides a corporate credit rating of the U.S.

 

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Borrower, such rating shall be the Applicable Credit Rating unless the other Rating Agency ceased rating the U.S. Borrower at the request of the U.S. Borrower, in which case the Applicable Credit Rating shall be deemed to be below Ba1/BB+.

Applicable Currency ” shall mean (i) with respect to any Loan, the Available Currency in which such Loan was incurred and (ii) with respect to any Letter of Credit, the Available Currency in which such Letter of Credit was denominated.

Applicable Margin ” shall mean the rate per annum set forth below opposite the Applicable Period then in effect:

 

     Applicable Margin  

Applicable Period

   Euro Rate Loans    

Base Rate Loans/

Canadian Prime Rate
Loans

 

Category A Period

   0.375 %   0.00 %

Category B Period

   0.500 %   0.00 %

Category C Period

   0.625 %   0.00 %

Category D Period

   0.750 %   0.00 %

Category E Period

   0.875 %   0.00 %

Category F Period

   1.250 %   0.25 %

Applicable Period ” shall mean, at any time, the period set forth below then in effect:

 

Applicable Period

 

Criteria

Category A Period   The Applicable Credit Rating is A3 and A- or above.
Category B Period   The Applicable Credit Rating is Baa1 and BBB+.
Category C Period   The Applicable Credit Rating is Baa2 and BBB.
Category D Period   The Applicable Credit Rating is Baa3 and BBB-.
Category E Period   The Applicable Credit Rating is Ba1 and BB+.
Category F Period   None of a Category A Period, a Category B Period, a Category C Period, a Category D Period or a Category E Period is in effect at such time.

 

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Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth above, if neither Rating Agency provides a corporate credit rating of the U.S. Borrower, then the Applicable Period shall be a Category F Period.

Asbestos Personal Injury Trust ” shall mean the trust established pursuant to the Plan of Reorganization in accordance with the requirements of Section 524(g) of the Bankruptcy Code.

Asset Sale ” shall mean any sale, transfer or other disposition by the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to any Person other than the U.S. Borrower or any Subsidiary of the U.S. Borrower of any asset or Property (including, without limitation, any capital stock or other securities of, or other Equity Interests in, another Person, but excluding the sale by the U.S. Borrower of its own capital stock) of the U.S. Borrower or such Subsidiary other than (i) sales, transfers or other dispositions of inventory made in the ordinary course of business or (ii) sales or liquidations of Cash Equivalents, it being understood and agreed that the grant of a Lien by the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in favor of another Person shall not in and of itself constitute an “Asset Sale” for purposes of this definition.

Asset Securitization ” shall mean a sale, other transfer or factoring arrangement by the U.S. Borrower and/or one or more of its Subsidiaries of accounts, related general intangibles and chattel paper, and the related security and collections with respect thereto to a special purpose Subsidiary (an “ SPV ”), and the sale, pledge or other transfer by that SPV in connection with financing provided to that SPV, which financing shall be “non-recourse” to the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries (other than the SPV) except pursuant to the Standard Securitization Undertakings.

Assignment and Assumption Agreement ” shall mean the Assignment and Assumption Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit M (appropriately completed).

Assumed Liabilities ” shall mean liabilities of Old Owens and its Subsidiaries assumed by the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries pursuant to the Plan of Reorganization.

Attributable Securitization Indebtedness ” shall mean, at any time with respect to an Asset Securitization by the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, the principal amount of Indebtedness which (a) if the financing received by an SPV as part of such Asset Securitization is treated as a secured lending arrangement, is the principal amount of such Indebtedness, or (b) if the financing received by the relevant SPV is structured as a purchase agreement, would be outstanding at such time if such financing were structured as a secured lending arrangement rather than a purchase agreement, and in any such case which Indebtedness is without recourse to the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (other than such SPV or pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings).

Authorized Officer ” shall mean, with respect to (i) delivering Notices of Borrowing, Notices of Conversion/Confirmation, Letter of Credit Requests and similar notices, any person (or any person delegated authority by such person) that have been authorized by the board of directors or equivalent body of any Credit Party to deliver such notices pursuant to this Agreement and that has or have appropriate signature cards on file with the Administrative

 

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Agent, the Swingline Lender and the respective Issuing Lender; (ii) delivering financial information and officer’s certificates pursuant to this Agreement, the chief financial officer, the treasurer or other financial officer (including a controller) of the U.S. Borrower; and (iii) any other matter in connection with this Agreement or any other Credit Document, any officer (or a person or persons so designated by any two officers) of the U.S. Borrower.

Available Currency ” shall mean (i) with respect to European Borrower Euro Facility Revolving Loans and European Borrower Euro Facility Letters of Credit, Dollars and Euros, (ii) with respect to U.S. Borrower Euro Facility Revolving Loans and U.S. Borrower Euro Facility Letters of Credit, Dollars, (iii) with respect to Canadian Borrower Canadian Facility Revolving Loans and Canadian Borrower Canadian Facility Letters of Credit, Dollars and Canadian Dollars, and (iv) with respect to U.S. Borrower Canadian Facility Revolving Loans and U.S. Borrower Canadian Facility Letters of Credit, Dollars.

B/A Discount Proceeds ” shall mean, in respect of any Bankers’ Acceptance or Draft issued by the Canadian Borrower to be purchased by a Canadian Facility RL Lender on any date pursuant to Section 1.01(d), as the case may be, and Schedule III hereto, the remainder of (i) the result (rounded to the nearest whole Canadian cent, and with one-half of one Canadian cent being rounded up) calculated on such day by dividing the aggregate Face Amount of such Bankers’ Acceptance or Draft by the sum of one plus the product of (x) the Reference Discount Rate (expressed as a decimal) applicable to such Bankers’ Acceptance or Draft multiplied by (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the term of such Bankers’ Acceptance or Draft and the denominator of which is 365; minus (ii) the aggregate applicable Drawing Fee with such product being rounded up or down to the fifth decimal place and .000005 being rounded up.

B/A Equivalent Note ” shall have the meaning provided in Schedule III hereto.

B/A Instruments ” shall mean, collectively, Bankers’ Acceptances, Drafts and B/A Equivalent Notes, and, in the singular, any one of them.

B/A Lender ” shall mean any Canadian Facility RL Lender which is not a Non-B/A Lender.

Bankers’ Acceptance ” shall mean a Draft drawn by the Canadian Borrower and accepted by a Canadian Facility RL Lender pursuant to Section 1.01(d), and Schedule III hereto.

Bankers’ Acceptance Loans ” shall mean (i) the acceptance by a B/A Lender of Bankers’ Acceptances or (ii) the issuance by the Canadian Borrower and purchase by a Non-B/A Lender of completed Drafts and the exchange of such Drafts for B/A Equivalent Notes, in each case as contemplated in Sections 1.01(d) and Schedule III hereto.

Bankruptcy Code ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 10.05.

Bankruptcy Court ” shall mean the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.

 

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Base Rate ” at any time shall mean the higher of (x) the rate which is 1/2 of 1% in excess of the Federal Funds Rate at such time and (y) (i) solely in the case of Canadian Borrower Canadian Facility Revolving Loans and Canadian Borrower Canadian Facility Letters of Credit, in each case denominated in Dollars, the Canadian Prime Lending Rate or (ii) in each other case, the Prime Lending Rate, at such time.

Base Rate Loan ” shall mean (i) each Swingline Loan, and (ii) each other Dollar Denominated Loan which is designated or deemed designated as a Base Rate Loan by the respective Borrower at the time of the incurrence thereof or conversion thereto.

Bidder Lender ” shall mean each Lender that has notified in writing (and has not withdrawn such notice) the Administrative Agent that it desires to participate generally in the bidding arrangements relating to Competitive Bid Borrowings.

Borrower ” shall mean the U.S. Borrower and each Subsidiary Borrower.

Borrowing ” shall mean (x) the borrowing of one Type of Loan pursuant to a single Tranche by a Borrower from all the Lenders having Commitments with respect to such Tranche (or from the Swingline Lender, in the case of Swingline Loans) on a given date (or resulting from a conversion or conversions on such date), having in the case of Euro Rate Loans the same Interest Period and having, in the case of Bankers’ Acceptance Loans, the same maturity date, provided that Base Rate Loans incurred pursuant to Section 1.11(b) shall be considered part of the related Borrowing of Eurodollar Loans and (y) a Competitive Bid Borrowing.

Business Day ” shall mean (i) for all purposes other than as covered by clauses (ii) and (iii) below, any day except Saturday, Sunday and any day which shall be in New York City a legal holiday or a day on which banking institutions are authorized or required by law or other government action to close and (ii) with respect to all notices and determinations in connection with, and payments of principal and interest on or with respect to, Euro Denominated Loans or Eurodollar Loans, any day which is a Business Day described in clause (i) and which is also (A) a day for trading by and between banks in Dollars or Euros, as the case may be, deposits in the London interbank market and which shall not be a legal holiday or a day on which banking institutions are authorized or required by law or other government action to close in London or New York City and (B) in relation to any payment in Euros, a day on which the Trans-European Automated Real-Time Gross Settlement Express Transfer (TARGET) System is open and (iii) with respect to all notices and determinations in connection with, and payments of principal (or, Face Amount, as applicable), Unpaid Drawings and interest on, Canadian Facility Revolving Loans or any Canadian Facility Letters of Credit, any day which is a Business Day described in clauses (i) and, if relevant, (ii) above and which is also a day which is not a legal holiday or a day on which banking institutions are authorized or required by law or other government action to close in Toronto, Ontario.

Canadian Borrower ” shall mean a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the U.S. Borrower organized under the laws of Canada or a province thereof that has satisfied the conditions specified in Section 5B to become same.

 

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Canadian Borrower Canadian Facility Revolving Loan ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 1.01(d).

Canadian Borrower Canadian Facility Revolving Note ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 1.06(b).

Canadian Borrower Letter of Credit ” shall mean each Canadian Facility Letter of Credit issued for the account of the Canadian Borrower pursuant to Section 2.01 and designated as such by the Canadian Borrower in the respective Letter of Credit Request.

Canadian Dollar Denominated Letter of Credit ” shall mean each Canadian Facility Letter of Credit denominated in Canadian Dollars at the time of issuance.

Canadian Dollar Denominated Letter of Credit Outstandings ” shall mean, at any time, the sum of (i) the aggregate stated amount of all outstanding Canadian Dollar Denominated Letters of Credit at such time and (ii) the aggregate amount of all Unpaid Drawings with respect to Canadian Dollar Denominated Letters of Credit at such time.

Canadian Dollar Denominated Loan ” shall mean all Loans denominated in Canadian Dollars.

Canadian Dollar Denominated Revolving Loan ” shall mean each Canadian Facility Revolving Loan denominated in Canadian Dollars at the time of incurrence thereof.

Canadian Dollar Equivalent ” shall mean, at any time for the determination thereof, the amount of Canadian Dollars which could be purchased with the amount of Dollars involved in such computation at the spot rate of exchange therefor as quoted by the Administrative Agent as of 11:00 A.M. (New York time) on the date two Business Days prior to the date of any determination thereof for purchase on such date (or, in the case of any determination pursuant to Section 13.20 of this Agreement, on the date of determination).

Canadian Dollar L/C Stated Amount ” shall mean with respect to each Canadian Dollar Denominated Letter of Credit at any time, the maximum amount available to be drawn thereunder (expressed in Canadian Dollars) (in each case determined without regard to whether any conditions to drawing could then be met, but after giving effect to all previous drawings made thereunder).

Canadian Dollars ” and “ C$ ” shall mean freely transferable lawful money of Canada (expressed in Canadian dollars).

Canadian Facility Letter of Credit ” shall mean each Letter of Credit (which must be denominated in an Applicable Currency) issued for the account of the U.S. Borrower or the Canadian Borrower, as the case may be, pursuant to Section 2.01 and designated as such by the U.S. Borrower or the Canadian Borrower, as the case may be, in the respective Letter of Credit Request.

Canadian Facility Letter of Credit Outstandings ” shall mean, at any time, the sum of (i) the aggregate Stated Amount of all outstanding Canadian Facility Letters of Credit and

 

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(ii) the aggregate amount of all Unpaid Drawings in respect of all Canadian Facility Letters of Credit.

Canadian Facility Revolving Loan ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 1.01(d).

Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitment ” shall mean, for each Lender, the amount set forth opposite such Lender’s name on Schedule I hereto directly below the column entitled “Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitment”, as same may be (x) reduced from time to time and/or terminated pursuant to Section 3.02, 3.03, 4.02 and/or 10 or (y) adjusted from time to time as a result of assignments to or from such Lender pursuant to Section 1.14 or 13.04(b).

Canadian Facility RL Lender ” shall mean any Lender with a Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitment (without giving effect to any termination of the Total Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitment if any Canadian Facility Letter of Credit Outstandings remain outstanding) or outstanding Canadian Facility Revolving Loans (or any participation in any Canadian Facility Letter of Credit Outstandings).

Canadian Facility RL Percentage ” shall mean with respect to any Canadian Facility RL Lender at any time, that percentage which is equal to a fraction (expressed as a percentage) the numerator of which is the Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitment of such Canadian Facility RL Lender at such time and the denominator of which is the Total Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitment at such time, provided that if any such determination is to be made after the Total Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitment (and the related Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitments of the Lenders) has (or have) terminated, the determination of such percentages shall be made immediately before giving effect to such termination (but giving effect to assignments made thereafter in accordance with Section 13.04(b)).

Canadian Prime Lending Rate ” shall mean the rate which Citibank Canada (or another Canadian bank or Canadian branch of a United States bank, in each case, of recognized standing reasonably selected by the Administrative Agent in consultation with the Canadian Borrower) announces from time to time as its prime lending rate for commercial loans denominated in Dollars at its principal office in Toronto, the Canadian Prime Lending Rate to change when and as such prime lending rate changes. The Canadian Prime Lending Rate is a reference rate and does not necessarily represent the lowest or best rate actually charged to any customer. Citibank Canada (or such other bank as may be selected by the Administrative Agent) may make commercial loans or other loans denominated in Dollars at rates of interest at, above or below the Canadian Prime Lending Rate.

Canadian Prime Rate ” means, for any day, the rate of interest per annum equal to the per annum rate of interest quoted or established as the “prime rate” of the Canadian Sub-Agent which it quotes or establishes for such day as its reference rate of interest in order to determine interest rates for commercial loans made by it in Canadian Dollars in Canada to its Canadian borrowers, adjusted automatically with each quoted or established change in such rate, all without the necessity of any notice to any Borrower or any other Person.

 

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Canadian Prime Rate Loans ” shall mean any Canadian Dollar Denominated Loan designated or deemed designated as such by the Canadian Borrower at the time of the incurrence thereof or conversion thereto.

Canadian Resident ” shall mean, at any time, a Person who at that time is (a) not a non-resident of Canada for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada); (b) an authorized foreign bank deemed to be resident in Canada for purposes of Part XIII of the Income Tax Act (Canada) in respect of all amounts payable to such Person pursuant to such Loans or Letters of Credit, as the case may be; (c) a Canadian partnership, within the meaning of that term for the purposes of paragraph 212(13.1)(b) of the Income Tax Act (Canada); or (d) not liable for withholding tax pursuant to Part XIII of the Income Tax Act (Canada) in respect of all amounts payable to such Person pursuant to such Loans or Letters of Credit, as the case may be.

Canadian Sub-Agent ” shall mean Citibank Canada, or any other Affiliate of Citibank or Citibank Canada which is a Canadian Resident and which is designated by Citibank to act in such capacity.

Capital Lease ” shall mean, as applied to any Person, any lease of any Property by that Person as lessee which, in conformity with U.S. GAAP, is accounted for as a capital lease on the balance sheet of that Person.

Capitalized Lease Obligations ” shall mean, with respect to any Person, all obligations under Capital Leases of such Person, in each case taken at the amount thereof accounted for as indebtedness in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Cash Equivalents ” shall mean, as to any Person, (i) securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the United States or any agency or instrumentality thereof ( provided that the full faith and credit of the United States is pledged in support thereof) having maturities of not more than six months from the date of acquisition, (ii) marketable direct obligations issued by any state of the United States or any political subdivision of any such state or any public instrumentality thereof maturing within six months from the date of acquisition thereof and, at the time of acquisition, having one of the two highest ratings obtainable from either S&P or Moody’s, (iii) Dollar denominated time deposits, certificates of deposit and bankers acceptances of any Lender or any commercial bank having, or which is the principal banking subsidiary of a bank holding company having, a long-term unsecured debt rating of at least “A” or the equivalent thereof from S&P or “A2” or the equivalent thereof from Moody’s with maturities of not more than six months from the date of acquisition by such Person, (iv) repurchase obligations with a term of not more than seven days for underlying securities of the types described in clause (i) above entered into with any bank meeting the qualifications specified in clause (iii) above, (v) commercial paper issued by any Person incorporated in the United States rated at least A-1 or the equivalent thereof by S&P or at least P-1 or the equivalent thereof by Moody’s and in each case maturing not more than six months after the date of acquisition by such Person, (vi) investments in money market funds substantially all of whose assets are comprised of securities of the types described in clauses (i) through (v) above, and (vii) in the case of any Foreign Subsidiary only, direct obligations of the sovereign nation (or any agency thereof) in which such Foreign Subsidiary is organized and is conducting business or in obligations fully and unconditionally guaranteed by such sovereign nation (or any agency thereof).

 

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Change of Control ” shall mean (i) the U.S. Borrower shall at any time cease to own directly or indirectly 100% of the Equity Interests of each Subsidiary Borrower (other than director’s qualifying shares and/or other nominal amounts of shares required by applicable law to be held by Persons other than such Person), (ii) any “Person” or “Group” (within the meaning of Sections 13(d) and 14(d) under the Exchange Act) is or shall (A) be the “beneficial owner” (as so defined in Rules 13(d)-3 and 13(d)-5 under the Exchange Act) of 40% or more on a fully diluted basis of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the U.S. Borrower’s capital stock or other Equity Interests or (B) have obtained the power (whether or not exercised) to elect a majority of the U.S. Borrower’s directors; provided that, no “Change of Control” shall be deemed to occur under this clause (ii) solely as a result of the issuance of Equity Interests of the U.S. Borrower on the Plan Effective Date in exchange for pre-petition Indebtedness of Old Owens to the holders of Claims (as defined in the Plan of Reorganization) as of the Distribution Record Date (as defined in the Plan of Reorganization) pursuant to the Plan of Reorganization, whether by treating any “Class” of creditors under the Plan of Reorganization as a “Person” or “Group” (within the meaning of Sections 13(d) and 14(d) under the Exchange Act) or otherwise; provided further , that any “Change of Control” resulting after the initial issuance of Equity Interests of the U.S. Borrower on the Plan Effective Date in exchange for pre-petition Indebtedness of Old Owens to the holders of Claims (as defined in the Plan of Reorganization) as of the Distribution Record Date (as defined in the Plan of Reorganization) pursuant to the Plan of Reorganization, whether by treating any “Class” of creditors under the Plan of Reorganization as a “Person” or “Group” (within the meaning of Sections 13(d) and 14(d) under the Exchange Act) or otherwise shall constitute a “Change of Control” for all purposes of this Agreement and the other Credit Documents; provided further , that during the period from the Plan Effective Date until the 30th day thereafter (but at no time after the expiration of such period), any Equity Interests of the U.S. Borrower to the extent consisting of purchases of Unsubscribed Shares (as defined in the Plan of Reorganization) on the Plan Effective Date by J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. (or by any other Person which is obligated on the Plan Effective Date to purchase such shares pursuant to the Syndication Agreement) pursuant to, and in accordance with the terms of the Equity Commitment Agreement (as defined in the Plan of Reorganization) shall not be included in such Person’s (or any “Group” of which such Person is a part) holdings of Equity Interests of the U.S. Borrower for purposes of this clause (ii) to the extent that such shares would cause the respective “Person” or “Group” to exceed the “40%” threshold otherwise provided above in this clause (ii), in each case so long as, with respect to the Equity Interests so excluded pursuant to this proviso (and for the period for which they are excluded pursuant to this proviso), the respective owner or “beneficial owner” thereof has not taken any action to influence or direct the affairs of the U.S. Borrower or its Subsidiaries or the board of directors of U.S. Borrower, (iii) the board of directors of the U.S. Borrower shall cease to consist of a majority of Continuing Directors, or (iv) a “change of control” or similar event shall occur as provided in, after the execution and delivery thereof, any New Senior Notes Documents.

Citibank ” shall mean Citibank, N.A., in its individual capacity, and any successor thereto by merger, consolidation or otherwise.

Citibank Canada ” shall mean Citibank N.A., Canadian Branch.

 

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Code ” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, and the regulations promulgated and rulings issued thereunder. Section references to the Code are to the Code, as in effect at the date of this Agreement and any subsequent provisions of the Code, amendments thereof, supplemental thereto or substituted therefor.

Commitment ” shall mean any of the commitments of any Lender, i.e. , whether the Term Loan Commitment, the Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitment, the Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitment or the Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitment of such Lender.

Communications ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 13.22(a).

Company ” shall mean any corporation, limited liability company, partnership or other domestic or foreign entity or organizational form (or the adjectival form thereof, where appropriate).

Competitive Bid Borrowing ” shall mean a Borrowing by the U.S. Borrower of Competitive Bid Loans pursuant to Section 1.04.

Competitive Bid Loan ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 1.01(e).

Competitive Bid Note ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 1.06(b).

Confirmation Order ” shall mean the order of the Bankruptcy Court confirming the Plan of Reorganization pursuant to Sections 1128 and 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code entered on September 26, 2006, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and Banc of America Securities LLC.

Consolidated EBITDA ” shall mean, for any period, Consolidated Net Income for such period (without giving effect to (x) any extraordinary gains or losses (including extraordinary losses for any period ending on or before the last day of the first Fiscal Year ending after the Initial Borrowing Date as a result of “fresh start” accounting procedures) and/or any write-off of long-lived or intangible assets), (y) any non-cash income, and (z) any gains or losses (in excess of $10 million for any sale or group of related sales) from sales of assets other than inventory sold in the ordinary course of business) adjusted by adding thereto (in each case to the extent deducted in determining Consolidated Net Income for such period), without duplication, the amount of (i) total interest expense (inclusive of amortization of deferred financing fees and other original issue discount and banking fees, charges and commissions ( e.g. , letter of credit fees and commitment fees)) of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis for such period, (ii) provision for taxes based on income and foreign withholding taxes for the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis for such period, (iii) all depreciation and amortization expense of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis for such period, including depletion of precious metals used in manufacturing processes and (iv) in the case of any period that includes the first Fiscal Quarter ended after the Initial Borrowing Date, the amount of all fees and expenses incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Documents during such Fiscal Quarter. For the avoidance of doubt, it is understood and agreed that, to the extent any amounts are excluded from Consolidated Net Income by virtue of the proviso to the definition thereof

 

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contained herein, any add backs to Consolidated Net Income in determining Consolidated EBITDA as provided above shall be limited (or denied) in a fashion consistent with the proviso to the definition of “Consolidated Net Income” contained herein. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained above, for purposes of determining Consolidated EBITDA for any Test Period which ends prior to the first anniversary of the Initial Borrowing Date, Consolidated EBITDA for all portions of such period occurring prior to the Initial Borrowing Date shall be calculated in accordance with the definition of “Test Period” contained herein.

Consolidated Interest Expense ” shall mean, for any period, (i) the total consolidated interest expense of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries (including, without limitation, all commissions, discounts and other commitment and banking fees and charges ( e.g. , fees with respect to letters of credit, Interest Rate Protection Agreements and Other Hedging Agreements) for such period, adjusted to exclude (to the extent same would otherwise be included in the calculation above in this clause (i)) the amortization of any deferred financing costs for such period, interest expense and/or income arising from changes in the mark-to-market valuation of the Plan Warrants, capitalized interest expense and any other interest expense which, in accordance with the terms of the relevant Indebtedness, is paid-in-kind through the issuance of additional notes or added to the principal amount of such outstanding Indebtedness, in each case so long as the respective notes or Indebtedness matures after the Maturity Date plus (ii) without duplication, (x) that portion of Capitalized Lease Obligations of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis representing the interest factor for such period and (y) the “deemed interest expense” ( i.e. , the interest expense which would have been applicable if the respective obligations were structured as on-balance sheet financing arrangements) with respect to all Off-Balance Sheet Liabilities of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries (to the extent the same does not arise from a financing arrangement constituting an operating lease) for such period. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained above, for purposes of determining the Interest Expense Coverage Ratio, to the extent Consolidated Interest Expense is to be determined for any Test Period which ends prior to the first anniversary of the Initial Borrowing Date, Consolidated Interest Expense for all portions of such period occurring prior to the Initial Borrowing Date shall be calculated in accordance with the definition of “Test Period” contained herein.

Consolidated Net Income ” shall mean, for any period, the net income (or loss) of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis for such period (taken as a single accounting period) in accordance with U.S. GAAP, provided that the following items shall be excluded in computing Consolidated Net Income (without duplication): (i) the net income (or loss) of any Subsidiary that is not a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the U.S. Borrower, to the pro rata extent of the Equity Interests held by Persons other than the U.S. Borrower and its Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries in such Subsidiary, (ii) except for determinations expressly required to be made on a Pro Forma Basis, the net income (or loss) of any Person accrued prior to the date it becomes a Subsidiary or all or substantially all of the property or assets of such Person are acquired by a Subsidiary and (iii) the net income of any Subsidiary to the extent that the declaration or payment of cash dividends or similar cash distributions by such Subsidiary of such net income is not at the time permitted by the operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or governmental regulation applicable to such Subsidiary.

 

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Consolidated Net Tangible Assets ” shall mean the aggregate amount of assets of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with U.S. GAAP (less applicable reserves and other properly deductible items) after deducting therefrom (a) all current liabilities (excluding any thereof constituting Funded Debt by reason of being extendible or renewable), (b) all goodwill, trade names, trademarks, patents, unamortized debt discount and expense and other like intangibles, all as set forth on the books and records of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries and computed in accordance with U.S. GAAP and (c) minority Equity Interests in any Non-Wholly Owned Subsidiary.

Consolidated Net Worth ” shall mean, as of any date of determination, the Net Worth of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries on such date determined on a consolidated basis; provided that the Warrant Obligation Amount on the relevant date of determination shall be added to Consolidated Net Worth.

Consolidated Total Capitalization ” shall mean, as of any date of determination, the sum of (i) Consolidated Total Net Indebtedness and (ii) Consolidated Net Worth.

Consolidated Total Net Indebtedness ” shall mean, at any time, the remainder of (A) the sum of (without duplication) (i) all Indebtedness of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries (on a consolidated basis) as would be required to be reflected as debt or Capitalized Lease Obligations on the liability side of a consolidated balance sheet of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries in accordance with U.S. GAAP, (ii) all Indebtedness of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries of the type described in clauses (ii), (vii) and (viii) of the definition of “Indebtedness” contained herein and (iii) all Contingent Obligations of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries in respect of Indebtedness of any third Person of the type referred to in preceding clauses (i) and (ii); provided that (x) the aggregate amount available to be drawn ( i.e. , unfunded amounts) under all letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances, bank guaranties, surety bonds and similar obligations issued for the account of the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (but excluding, for avoidance of doubt, all unpaid drawings or other matured monetary obligations owing in respect of such letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances, bank guaranties, surety bonds and similar obligations) shall not be included in any determination of “Consolidated Total Net Indebtedness” and (y) the amount of Indebtedness in respect of the Interest Rate Protection Agreements and Other Hedging Agreements shall be at any time the unrealized net loss position, if any, of the U.S. Borrower and/or its Subsidiaries thereunder on a marked-to-market basis determined no more than one month prior to such time minus (B) the aggregate amount of cash and Cash Equivalents (in each case, free and clear of all Liens) in excess of $100,000,000 included in the consolidated balance sheet of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries at such time. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary above, with respect to the Vetrotex Subsidiary only, so long as the Vetrotex Subsidiary is a Non-Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the U.S. Borrower, Consolidated Total Net Indebtedness shall be adjusted to exclude amounts otherwise included therein in the same proportion as is represented by the minority Equity Interests (held by Persons other than the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries) in the Vetrotex Subsidiary, in each case so long as the amount of Indebtedness so excluded is fully guaranteed (by guarantees of payment) by the respective direct or indirect owners of the minority Equity Interests in the Vetrotex Subsidiary, in each case so long as the U.S. Borrower determines in good faith that the respective guarantors are (and remain) creditworthy and are able to perform (in a timely fashion) all their obligations under such guarantees, if the full amount thereof were to become immediately due and payable.

 

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Contingent Note ” shall mean that certain contingent note in the form of Exhibit N hereto payable by the U.S. Borrower to the Asbestos Personal Injury Trust pursuant to the terms of the Plan of Reorganization.

Contingent Obligation ” shall mean, as to any Person, any obligation of such Person in respect of Indebtedness of any other Person as a result of such Person being a general partner of such other Person, unless the underlying Indebtedness is expressly made non-recourse as to such general partner, and any obligation of such Person guaranteeing or intended to guarantee any Indebtedness, leases, dividends or other obligations (“primary obligations”) of any other Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, including, without limitation, any obligation of such Person, whether or not contingent, (i) to purchase any such primary obligation or any property constituting direct or indirect security therefor, (ii) to advance or supply funds (x) for the purchase or payment of any such primary obligation or (y) to maintain working capital or equity capital of the primary obligor or otherwise to maintain the net worth or solvency of the primary obligor or (iii) otherwise to assure or hold harmless the holder of such primary obligation against loss in respect thereof; provided , however , that the term Contingent Obligation shall not include endorsements of instruments for deposit or collection in the ordinary course of business. The amount of any Contingent Obligation shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the lesser of (x) the stated or determinable amount of the primary obligation in respect of which such Contingent Obligation is made or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof (assuming such Person is required to perform thereunder) as determined by such Person in good faith and (y) the stated amount of such Contingent Obligation.

Continuing Directors ” shall mean the directors of the U.S. Borrower on the Plan Effective Date and each other director if such director’s election to, or nomination for the election to, the board of directors of the U.S. Borrower is recommended or approved by a majority of then Continuing Directors or undertaken in accordance with the Plan of Reorganization.

Credit Documents ” shall mean this Agreement, the Intercompany Subordination Agreement, the Subsidiaries Guaranty, the Notes, and any other instruments, agreements, documents or certificates executed and delivered for the benefit of the Lenders in accordance with the requirements of this Agreement.

Credit Event ” shall mean the making of a Loan (other than a Revolving Loan made pursuant to a Mandatory Borrowing) or the issuance of a Letter of Credit.

Credit Party ” shall mean each Borrower and each Subsidiary Guarantor.

Debtors-in-Possession ” shall mean Old Owens, CDC Corporation, Engineered Yarns America, Inc., Exterior Systems, Inc., Falcon Foam Corporation, Fibreboard Corporation, HOMExperts LLC, Integrex, Integrex Professional Services LLC, Integrex Testing Systems LLC, Integrex Supply Chain Solutions LLC, Integrex Ventures LLC, Jefferson Holdings, Inc., Owens-Corning Fiberglass Technology Inc., Owens Corning HT, Inc., Owens-Corning Overseas Holdings, Inc., Owens Corning Remodeling Systems, LLC and Soltech, Inc.

 

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Default ” shall mean any event, act or condition, which with notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default.

Defaulting Lender ” shall mean any Lender with respect to which a Lender Default is in effect.

Delayed Borrowing Date ” shall mean the date (which shall occur on or after the Initial Borrowing Date and on or prior to the Delayed Borrowing Expiration Date) upon which the initial Borrowing of Term Loans occurs.

Delayed Borrowing Expiration Date ” shall mean (x) January 31, 2007, or (y) if the Initial Borrowing Date has not occurred by January 31, 2007, the date occurring 30 days after the Initial Borrowing Date, provided that in the event the Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act of 2005 (or any substantially similar legislation, the “ Fair Act ”) has been enacted but remains subject to a challenge of its constitutionality, the Delayed Borrowing Expiration Date may be extended, upon the U.S. Borrower’s written request therefor to the Administrative Agent, for successive 6 month periods, but in no event may the Delayed Borrowing Expiration Date be extended to a date occurring after the second anniversary of the Effective Date.

DIP Credit Agreement ” shall mean the Post-Petition Credit Agreement dated as of December 8, 2000, among the financial institutions named therein, Bank of America, N.A., as agent and Old Owens and the Subsidiaries of Old Owens named therein, as amended and in effect on the date immediately preceding the Plan Emergence and Initial Borrowing Date.

Disclosure Statement ” shall mean the Disclosure Statement, dated as of July 10, 2006 in the form filed with the Bankruptcy Court on July 10, 2006, issued pursuant to Section 1125 of the Bankruptcy Code relating to the Plan of Reorganization, as approved by the Bankruptcy Court.

Dividend ” shall mean, with respect to any Person, that such Person has declared or paid a dividend, distribution or returned any equity capital in cash to its stockholders, partners or members or authorized or made any other distribution, payment or delivery of property (other than common Equity Interests, or Equity Interests of the same class as the Equity Interests in respect of which such dividend or other distribution was paid, of such Person) or cash to its stockholders, partners or members in their capacity as such, or redeemed, retired, purchased or otherwise acquired, directly or indirectly, for a consideration (other than common Equity Interests, or Equity Interests of the same class as the Equity Interest in respect of which such dividend or other distribution was paid, of such Person) any shares of any class of its capital stock or any other Equity Interests outstanding on or after the Effective Date (or any options or warrants issued by such Person with respect to its capital stock or other Equity Interests), or set aside any funds for any of the foregoing purposes, or shall have permitted any of its Subsidiaries to purchase or otherwise acquire for a consideration any shares of any class of the capital stock or any other Equity Interests of such Person outstanding on or after the Effective Date (or any options or warrants issued by such Person with respect to its capital stock or other Equity Interests).

 

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Documents ” shall mean and include (i) the Credit Documents, (ii) the Refinancing Documents, (iii) the Reorganization Documents and (iv) on and after the execution and delivery thereof, any New Senior Notes Documents.

Dollar Denominated ” when used in reference to any Loan or Letters of Credit, means Loans or Letters of Credit denominated in Dollars at the time made or issued.

Dollar Denominated Letter of Credit Outstandings ” shall mean, at any time, the sum of (i) the aggregate Stated Amount of all outstanding Dollar Denominated Letters of Credit at such time and (ii) the aggregate amount of all Unpaid Drawings with respect to Dollar Denominated Letters of Credit at such time.

Dollar Equivalent ” shall mean, with respect to an amount denominated in a currency other than Dollars, at any time for the determination thereof, the amount of Dollars which could be purchased with the amount of such currency involved in such computation at the spot exchange rate therefor as quoted by the Administrative Agent as of 11:00 A.M. (New York time) on the date two Business Days prior to the date of any determination thereof for purchase on such date (or, in the case of any determination pursuant to Section 13.20 or Section 21 (or any analogous provision) of any Subsidiaries Guaranty, on the date of determination); provided that for purposes of (x) determining compliance with Sections 1.01(c) and (d), 2.01 (c), 4.02(a) and 6.01 and (y) calculating Fees pursuant to Section 3.01 (except Fees which are expressly required to be paid in a currency other than Dollars pursuant to Section 3.01), the Dollar Equivalent of any amounts denominated in a currency other than Dollars shall be revalued on a monthly basis using the spot exchange rates therefor as quoted in the Wall Street Journal (or, if same does not provide such exchange rates, on such other basis as is reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent) on the last Business Day of each calendar month, provided , however , that at any time during a calendar month, if either (x) the Aggregate Euro Facility RL Exposure (for the purposes of the determination thereof, using the Dollar Equivalent as recalculated based on the spot exchange rate therefor as quoted in the Wall Street Journal (or, if same does not provide such exchange rates, on such other basis as is reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent) on the respective date of determination pursuant to this exception) would exceed 85% of the Total Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitment or (y) the Aggregate Canadian Facility RL Exposure (for the purposes of the determination thereof, using the Dollar Equivalent as recalculated based on the spot exchange rate therefor as quoted in the Wall Street Journal (or, if same does not provide such exchange rates, on such other basis as is reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent) on the respective date of determination pursuant to this exception) would exceed 85% of the Total Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitment, then in the sole discretion of the Administrative Agent or at the request of the Majority Lenders holding Revolving Loan Commitments, the Dollar Equivalent shall be reset based upon the spot exchange rates on such date as quoted in the Wall Street Journal (or, if same does not provide such exchange rates, on such other basis as is reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent), which rates shall remain in effect until the last Business Day of such calendar month or such earlier date, if any, as the rate is reset pursuant to this proviso. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this definition, at any time that a Default or an Event of Default then exists, the Administrative Agent may revalue the Dollar Equivalent of any amounts outstanding under the Credit Documents in a currency other than Dollars in its sole discretion.

 

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Dollar Facility Letter of Credit ” shall mean each Letter of Credit (which must be denominated in Dollars) issued for the account of the U.S. Borrower pursuant to Section 2.01 and designated as such by the U.S. Borrower in the respective Letter of Credit Request.

Dollar Facility Letter of Credit Outstandings ” shall mean, at any time, the sum of (i) the aggregate Stated Amount of all outstanding Dollar Facility Letters of Credit and (ii) the aggregate amount of all Unpaid Drawings in respect of all Dollar Facility Letters of Credit.

Dollar Facility Revolving Loan ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 1.01(b).

Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitment ” shall mean, for each Lender, the amount set forth opposite such Lender’s name on Schedule I hereto directly below the column entitled “Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitment”, as same may be (x) reduced from time to time and/or terminated pursuant to Section 3.02, 3.03 and/or 10 or (y) adjusted from time to time as a result of assignments to or from such Lender pursuant to Section 1.14 or 13.04(b).

Dollar Facility Revolving Note ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 1.06(b).

Dollar Facility RL Lender ” shall mean any Lender with a Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitment (without giving effect to any termination of the Total Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitment if any Swingline Loans or Dollar Facility Letter of Credit Outstandings remain outstanding) or outstanding Dollar Facility Revolving Loans (or any participation in any Dollar Facility Letter of Credit Outstandings).

Dollar Facility RL Percentage ” shall mean, with respect to any Dollar Facility RL Lender at any time, that percentage which is equal to a fraction (expressed as a percentage) the numerator of which is the Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitment of such Dollar Facility RL Lender at such time and the denominator of which is the Total Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitment at such time, provided that if any such determination is to be made after the Total Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitment (and the related Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitments of the Lenders) has (or have) terminated, the determination of such percentages shall be made immediately before giving effect to such termination (but giving effect to assignments made thereafter in accordance with Section 13.04(b)).

Dollars ” and the sign “ $ ” shall each mean freely transferable lawful money of the United States of America.

Domestic Subsidiary ” shall mean, as to any Person, any Subsidiary of such Person incorporated or organized in the United States or any State or territory thereof.

Draft ” shall mean at any time either a depository bill within the meaning of the Depository Bills and Notes Act (Canada), or a bill of exchange, within the meaning of the Bills of Exchange Act (Canada), drawn by the Canadian Borrower on a Canadian Facility RL Lender

 

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and bearing such distinguishing letters and numbers as such Canadian Facility RL Lender may determine, but which at such time has not been completed or accepted by such Canadian Facility RL Lender.

Drawing ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 2.04(b).

Drawing Date ” shall mean any Business Day fixed pursuant to Schedule III for the creation of Bankers’ Acceptances or the purchase of completed Drafts and the exchange thereof for B/A Equivalent Notes, in each case by a Canadian Facility RL Lender pursuant to Schedule III.

Drawing Fee ” shall mean, in respect of a Draft drawn by the Canadian Borrower hereunder and accepted by a B/A Lender or a Draft purchased by a Non-B/A Lender, a fee calculated on the Face Amount of such Draft at a rate per annum equal to the Applicable Margin that would be payable with respect to a Euro Rate Loan drawn on the Drawing Date of such Draft and maturing on the maturity date of respective Draft. Drawing Fees shall be calculated on the basis of the term to maturity of the Draft and a year of 365 days.

Dutch ASCS ” shall mean the Act on the Supervision of the Credit System 1992 ( Wet Toezicht Kredietwezen 1992) as amended from time to time.

Effective Date ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 13.10.

Eligible Transferee ” shall mean and include a commercial bank, an insurance company, a finance company, a financial institution, any fund that invests in loans or any other “accredited investor” (as defined in Regulation D of the Securities Act), but in any event excluding the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries; provided that to be an Eligible Transferee hereunder, each assignee with respect to any assignment of Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitments (or related outstanding Obligations of the European Borrower hereunder) must, at the time of the respective assignment, also be (x) a PMP, (y) exempted because it forms a restricted circle ( besloten kring ) with the European Borrower or (z) otherwise qualify as a legal assignee hereunder under the laws of the Netherlands.

Environmental Claims ” shall mean any and all administrative, regulatory or judicial actions, suits, demands, demand letters, claims, liens, written notices of non-compliance or violation, investigations or proceedings relating in any way to (i) any violation (or alleged violation) by the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of any Environmental Law; (ii) any permit issued to the U.S. Borrowers or any of its Subsidiaries under any such law; or (iii) otherwise arising under Environmental Law, (hereafter “ Claims ”), including, without limitation, (a) any and all Claims by governmental or regulatory authorities for enforcement, cleanup, removal, response, remedial or other actions or damages pursuant to any applicable Environmental Law, and (b) any and all Claims by any third party seeking damages, contribution, indemnification, cost recovery, compensation or injunctive relief resulting from Hazardous Materials or arising from alleged injury or threat of injury to health, safety or the environment.

 

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Environmental Law ” shall mean any federal, national, provincial, state or local policy having the force and effect of law, statute, law, rule, regulation, ordinance, code or rule of common law now or hereafter in effect and in each case as amended, and any judicial or administrative interpretation thereof, including any legally-binding judicial or administrative order, consent, decree or judgment (for purposes of this definition (collectively, “ Laws ”)), relating to pollution or protection of the environment, or Hazardous Materials or health and safety to the extent such health and safety issues arise under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, as amended, or any such similar Laws.

Equity Interests ” of any Person shall mean any and all shares, interests, rights to purchase, warrants, options, participation or other equivalents of or interest in (however designated) equity of such Person, including any preferred stock, any limited or general partnership interest and any limited liability company membership interest.

ERISA ” shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder from time to time.

ERISA Affiliate ” shall mean any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that is treated as a single employer together with the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries under Section 414 of the Code.

Euro Denominated ” when used in reference to any Loan or Letters of Credit, means Loans or Letters of Credit denominated in Euros at the time made or issued.

Euro Denominated Letter of Credit Outstandings ” shall mean, at any time, the sum of (i) the aggregate stated amount of all outstanding Euro Denominated Letters of Credit at such time and (ii) the aggregate amount of all Unpaid Drawings with respect to Euro Denominated Letters of Credit at such time.

Euro Equivalent ” shall mean, at any time for the determination thereof, the amount of Euros which could be purchased with the amount of Dollars involved in such computation at the spot rate of exchange therefor as quoted by the Administrative Agent as of 11:00 A.M. (New York time) on the date two Business Days prior to the date of any determination thereof for purchase on such date (or, in the case of any determination pursuant to Section 13.20 or Section 21 (or any analogous provision) of any Subsidiaries Guaranty, on the date of determination).

Euro Facility Letter of Credit ” shall mean each Letter of Credit (which must be denominated in an Applicable Currency) issued to the U.S. Borrower or the European Borrower, as the case may be, pursuant to Section 2.01 and designated as such by the U.S. Borrower or the European Borrower, as the case may be, in the respective Letter of Credit Request.

Euro Facility Letter of Credit Outstandings ” shall mean, at any time, the sum of (i) the aggregate Stated Amount of all outstanding Euro Facility Letters of Credit and (ii) the aggregate amount of all Unpaid Drawings in respect of all Euro Facility Letters of Credit.

Euro Facility Revolving Loan ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 1.01(c).

 

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Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitment ” shall mean, for each Lender, the amount set forth opposite such Lender’s name on Schedule I hereto directly below the column entitled “Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitment”, as same may be (x) reduced from time to time and/or terminated pursuant to Section 3.02, 3.03, 4.02 and/or 10, or (y) adjusted from time to time as a result of assignments to or from such Lender pursuant to Section 1.13 or 13.04(b).

Euro Facility RL Lender ” shall mean any Lender with a Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitment (without giving effect to any termination of the Total Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitment if any Euro Facility Letter of Credit Outstandings remain outstanding) or outstanding Euro Facility Revolving Loans (or any participation in any Euro Facility Letter of Credit Outstandings).

Euro Facility RL Percentage ” shall mean, with respect to any Euro Facility RL Lender at any time, that percentage which is equal to a fraction (expressed as a percentage) the numerator of which is the Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitment of such Euro Facility RL Lender at such time and the denominator of which is the Total Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitment at such time, provided that if any such determination is to be made after the Total Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitment (and the related Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitments of the Lenders) has (or have) terminated, the determination of such percentages shall be made immediately before giving effect to such termination (but giving effect to assignments made thereafter in accordance with Section 13.04(b)).

Euro L/C Stated Amount ” shall mean, with respect to each Euro Denominated Letter of Credit, at any time, the maximum amount available to be drawn thereunder (expressed in Euros) (in each case determined without regard to whether any conditions to drawing could then be met, but after giving effect to all previous drawings made thereunder).

Euro LIBOR ” shall mean, for any Interest Period, with respect to each Borrowing of Euro Denominated Revolving Loans, (i) the rate per annum for deposits in Euros as determined by the Administrative Agent for a period corresponding to the duration of the relevant Interest Period which appears on Moneyline Telerate Markets Page 3750 (or any successor page) at approximately 11:00 A.M. (London time) on the date which is two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period or (ii) if such rate is not shown on Moneyline Telerate Markets Page 3750 (or any successor page), the average offered quotation to prime banks in the Euro-zone interbank market by the Administrative Agent for Euro deposits of amounts comparable to the principal amount of the Euro Denominated Loan to be made by the Administrative Agent as part of such Borrowing (or, if the Administrative Agent is not a Lender with respect thereto, taking the average principal amount of the Euro Denominated Loan then being made by the various Lenders) with maturities comparable to the Interest Period to be applicable to such Loan (rounded upward to the next whole multiple of 1/16 of 1%), determined as of 11:00 A.M. (London time) on the date which is two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period; provided that in the event the Administrative Agent has made any determination pursuant to Section 1.11(a)(i) in respect of Loans denominated in Euros, or in the circumstances described in clause (i) to the proviso to Section 1.11(b) in respect of Loans denominated in Euros, Euro LIBOR determined pursuant to this definition shall instead be the rate determined by the Administrative Agent as the all-in-cost of funds for the Administrative Agent (or such other Lender) to fund a Borrowing of Loans denominated in Euros with maturities comparable to the Interest Period applicable thereto.

 

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Euro Rate ” shall mean and include each of the Eurodollar Rate, Euro LIBOR and the Overnight Euro Rate.

Euro Rate Loan ” shall mean each Eurodollar Loan and each Euro Denominated Loan.

Eurodollar Loans ” shall mean each Dollar Denominated Loan (excluding Swingline Loans) designated as such by the respective Borrower or Borrowers at the time of the incurrence thereof or conversion thereto.

Eurodollar Rate ” shall mean (a) with respect to each Interest Period for a Eurodollar Loan, (i) the rate per annum determined on the basis of the rate for deposits in Dollars for a period equal to such Interest Period commencing on the first day of such Interest Period appearing on Page 3750 of the Telerate screen (or any successor page) as of 11:00 A.M. (London time), on the applicable Interest Determination Date, provided that, to the extent that an interest rate is not ascertainable pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this clause (a), the rate above instead shall be the offered quotation to first-class banks in the New York interbank Eurodollar market by the Administrative Agent for Dollar deposits of amounts in immediately available funds comparable to the outstanding principal amount of the Eurodollar Loan of the Administrative Agent (in its capacity as a Lender (or, if the Administrative Agent is not a Lender with respect thereto, taking the average principal amount of the Eurodollar Loan then being made by the various Lenders pursuant thereto)) with maturities comparable to the Interest Period applicable to such Eurodollar Loan commencing two Business Days thereafter as of 10:00 A.M. (New York time) on the applicable Interest Determination Date, in either case divided (and rounded upward to the nearest 1/100 of 1%) by (b) a percentage equal to 100% minus the then stated maximum rate of all reserve requirements (including, without limitation, any marginal, emergency, supplemental, special or other reserves required by applicable law) applicable to any member bank of the Federal Reserve System in respect of Eurocurrency funding or liabilities as defined in Regulation D (or any successor category of liabilities under Regulation D). The determination of the Eurodollar Rate by the Administrative Agent shall be conclusive and binding on the Borrowers absent demonstrable error.

European Borrower ” shall mean a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the U.S. Borrower organized under the laws of the Netherlands that has satisfied the conditions specified in Section 5B to become same.

European Borrower Euro Facility Revolving Loan ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 1.01(c).

European Borrower Euro Facility Revolving Note ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 1.06(b).

European Borrower Letter of Credit ” shall mean each Letter of Credit (which may be denominated in Dollars or Euros) issued for the account of the European Borrower pursuant to Section 2.01 and designated as such by the European Borrower in the respective Letter of Credit Request.

 

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Euros ” and the designation “ ” shall mean the currency introduced on January 1, 1999 at the start of the third stage of European economic and monetary union pursuant to the Treaty.

Event of Default ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 10.

Exchange Act ” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Existing Indebtedness Agreements ” shall mean all agreements evidencing or relating to any Scheduled Existing Indebtedness of the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries.

Existing Letter of Credit ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 2.01 (d).

Face Amount ” shall mean, in respect of a Draft, Bankers’ Acceptance or B/A Equivalent Note, as the case may be, the amount payable to the holder thereof on its maturity. The Face Amount of any Bankers’ Acceptance Loan shall be equal to the aggregate Face Amounts of the underlying Bankers’ Acceptances, B/A Equivalent Notes or Drafts, as the case may be.

Facing Fee ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 3.01 (c).

Fair Market Value ” shall mean, with respect to any asset, the price at which a willing buyer, not an Affiliate of the seller, and a willing seller who does not have to sell, would agree to purchase and sell such asset, as determined in good faith by the board of directors or other governing body or senior officer of such seller.

Federal Funds Rate ” shall mean, for any period, a fluctuating interest rate equal for each day during such period to the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal Funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal Funds brokers, as published for such day (or, if such day is not a Business Day, for the next preceding Business Day) by the Federal Reserve Lender of New York, or, if such rate is not so published for any day which is a Business Day, the average of the quotations for such day on such transactions received by the Administrative Agent from three Federal Funds brokers of recognized standing selected by the Administrative Agent.

Fees ” shall mean all amounts payable pursuant to, or referred to in, Section 3.01.

Fees Rules ” shall mean the rules on periodic fees contained in the most recent Financial Services Authority supervision manual or such other law or regulation as may be in force from time to time in respect of the payment of fees for the acceptance of deposits.

Fee Tariffs ” shall mean the fee tariffs specified in the Fees Rules under the activity group A.1 Deposit acceptors (ignoring any minimum fee or zero rated fee required pursuant to the Fees Rules but taking into account any applicable discount rate).

 

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Final Order ” shall mean an order or judgment of the Bankruptcy Court, or other court of competent jurisdiction, as entered on the docket of such court, the operation or effect of which has not been stayed, reversed or amended and as to which order or judgment (or any revision, modification or amendment thereof) the time to appeal or seek review or rehearing has expired and as to which no appeal or petition for review or rehearing was filed, or, if filed, does not remain pending.

Fiscal Quarter ” shall mean for any Fiscal Year of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries, the fiscal quarters ending on each of March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31.

Fiscal Year ” shall mean the fiscal year of the U.S. Borrower ending on December 31 of each calendar year. For purposes of this Agreement, any particular Fiscal Year shall be designated by reference to the calendar year in which such Fiscal Year ends ( e.g. , Fiscal Year 2006 shall be the fiscal year of the U.S. Borrower ended December 31, 2006).

Foreign Subsidiary ” shall mean, as to any Person, any Subsidiary of such Person that is not a Domestic Subsidiary of such Person.

Funded Debt ” shall mean all Indebtedness, whether or not evidenced by a bond, debenture, note or similar instrument or agreement, of any Person, for the repayment of borrowed money having a maturity of more than 12 months from the date of its creation or having a maturity of less than 12 months from the date of its creation but by its terms being renewable or extendible beyond 12 months from such date at the option of such Person. For the purpose of determining “Funded Debt” of any Person, there shall be excluded any particular Indebtedness if, on or prior to the maturity thereof, there shall have been deposited with the proper depository in trust the necessary funds for the payment, redemption or satisfaction of such Indebtedness.

Governmental Authority ” shall mean any federal (including the federal governments of the United States and Canada), national, provincial, state or local government (and any political subdivision thereof), and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government.

Guaranteed Creditors ” shall mean and include each of the Administrative Agent, each Issuing Lender, each Lender and each Lender or any affiliate thereof (even if such Lender subsequently ceases to be a Lender under this Agreement for any reason) party to an Interest Rate Protection Agreement or Other Hedging Agreement with any Borrower or any of the Subsidiary Guarantors.

Guarantors ” shall mean and include the U.S. Borrower and each Subsidiary Guarantor.

Guaranty ” shall mean and include the U.S. Borrower’s Guaranty and each Subsidiaries Guaranty.

 

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Hazardous Materials ” shall mean (a) any petrochemical or petroleum products, radioactive materials, asbestos in any form that is or could become friable, urea formaldehyde foam insulation, transformers or other equipment that contain dielectric fluid containing levels of polychlorinated biphenyls, and radon gas; and (b) any chemicals, materials, substances or mixtures regulated under Environmental Laws, including, without limitation, those defined as or included in the definition of “hazardous substances”, “hazardous wastes”, “hazardous materials”, “restricted hazardous materials”, “extremely hazardous substances”, “restrictive hazardous wastes”, “toxic substances”, “toxic pollutants”, “contaminants” or “pollutants”, or words of similar meaning and regulatory effect.

Immaterial Subsidiaries ” means Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiaries of the U.S. Borrower which together account for less than five percent (5%) of each of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets and Consolidated Net Income of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries (with Consolidated Net Income being determined by the U.S. Borrower in good faith (and without regard to clauses (ii) and (iii) of the proviso of the definition thereof to the extent relating to the Consolidated Net Income attributable to any Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor) on a pro forma basis in the case of Subsidiaries acquired or created after the first day of the respective Test Period, and Subsidiaries which have received significant transfers of assets after the first day of the respective Test Period), in each case determined as of the end of, or for, as the case may be, the Test Period most recently ended for which financial statements have been or are required to have been delivered pursuant to Section 8.01 (a) or (b), as applicable.

Indebtedness ” shall mean, as to any Person, without duplication, (i) all indebtedness of such Person for borrowed money or for the deferred purchase price of property or services, (ii) the maximum amount available to be drawn or paid under all letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances, bank guaranties, surety and appeal bonds and similar obligations issued for the account of such Person and all unpaid drawings and unreimbursed payments in respect of such letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances, bank guaranties, surety and appeal bonds and similar obligations, (iii) all indebtedness of the types described in clause (i), (ii), (iv), (v), (vi), (vii) or (viii) of this definition secured by any Lien on any property owned by such Person, whether or not such indebtedness has been assumed by such Person ( provided that, if the Person has not assumed or otherwise become liable in respect of such indebtedness, such indebtedness shall be deemed to be in an amount equal to the lesser of (1) the Fair Market Value of the property to which such Lien relates as determined in good faith by such Person or (2) the amount of such Indebtedness), (iv) the aggregate amount of all Capitalized Lease Obligations of such Person, (v) all obligations of such Person to pay a specified purchase price for goods or services, whether or not delivered or accepted, i.e. , take-or-pay and similar obligations (other than ordinary course trade accounts payable not overdue by more than 60 days), (vi) all Contingent Obligations of such Person, (vii) all obligations under any Interest Rate Protection Agreement, any Other Hedging Agreement or under any similar type of agreement determined on a marked-to-market basis and (viii) all Off-Balance Sheet Liabilities of such Person. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Indebtedness shall not include the Warrant Obligation Amount, trade payables, accrued expenses, operating leases (which in no event shall constitute Capital Leases) and deferred tax and other credits incurred by any Person in accordance with customary practices and in the ordinary course of business of such Person.

 

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Indebtedness to be Refinanced ” shall mean and include (without duplication) (i) Indebtedness under the DIP Credit Agreement and (ii) all other Indebtedness of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries which is to be repaid or refinanced on the Initial Borrowing Date, including any such Indebtedness which is not permitted to remain outstanding after the Initial Borrowing Date pursuant to Section 5A.06 or 9.04.

Individual Canadian Facility RL Exposure ” shall mean, with respect to any Canadian Facility RL Lender, at any time, the sum of (I) the aggregate principal amount of all Canadian Facility Revolving Loans made by such Canadian Facility RL Lender and then outstanding (for this purpose, using the Dollar Equivalent of the principal amount of all Canadian Dollar Denominated Revolving Loans then outstanding) and (II) such Canadian Facility RL Lender’s L/C Participation Percentage in each then outstanding Canadian Facility Letter of Credit multiplied by the sum of the Stated Amount of the respective Canadian Facility Letter of Credit and any Unpaid Drawings relating to Canadian Facility Letters of Credit (for this purpose, using the Dollar Equivalent of any amounts expressed in Canadian Dollars).

Individual Dollar Facility RL Exposure ” shall mean, with respect to any Dollar Facility RL Lender, at any time, the sum of (I) the aggregate principal amount of all Dollar Facility Revolving Loans and Competitive Bid Loans made by such Dollar Facility RL Lender and then outstanding, (II) such Dollar Facility RL Lender’s L/C Participation Percentage in each then outstanding Dollar Facility Letter of Credit multiplied by the sum of the Stated Amount of the respective Dollar Facility Letter of Credit and any Unpaid Drawings relating to Dollar Facility Letters of Credit and (III) such Dollar Facility RL Lender’s Dollar Facility RL Percentage multiplied by the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Swingline Loans.

Individual Euro Facility RL Exposure ” shall mean, with respect any Euro Facility RL Lender, at any time, the sum of (I) the aggregate principal amount of all Euro Facility Revolving Loans made by such Euro Facility RL Lender and then outstanding (for this purpose, using the Dollar Equivalent of the principal amount of all Euro Denominated Revolving Loans then outstanding) and (II) such Euro Facility RL Lender’s L/C Participation Percentage in each then outstanding Euro Facility Letter of Credit multiplied by the sum of the Stated Amount of the respective Euro Facility Letter of Credit and any Unpaid Drawings relating to Euro Facility Letters of Credit (for this purpose, using the Dollar Equivalent of any amounts expressed in Euros).

Individual RL Facility Exposures ” shall mean, with respect any Lender, at any time, the sum of the Individual Dollar Facility RL Exposure, the Individual Euro Facility RL Exposure and the Individual Canadian Facility RL Exposure of such Lender at such time.

Initial Borrowing Date ” shall mean the date (which shall occur on the Effective Date) upon which the initial Borrowing of Loans or the issuance of any Letters of Credit occurs.

Intercompany Loan ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 9.05(vii).

Intercompany Subordination Agreement ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 5A.11(b).

 

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Interest Determination Date ” shall mean, with respect to any Euro Rate Loan, the second Business Day prior to the commencement of any Interest Period relating to such Euro Rate Loan.

Interest Expense Coverage Ratio ” shall mean, for any period, the ratio of (a) Consolidated EBITDA for such period to (b) Consolidated Interest Expense for such period.

Interest Period ” shall mean, with respect to any Euro Rate Loan, the interest period applicable thereto, as determined pursuant to Section 1.10.

Interest Rate Basis ” shall mean the Eurodollar Rate and/or such other basis for determining an interest rate as the U.S. Borrower and the Administrative Agent may agree upon from time to time.

Interest Rate Protection Agreement ” shall mean any interest rate swap agreement, interest rate cap agreement, interest rate collar agreement, interest rate hedging agreement, interest rate floor agreement or other similar agreement or arrangement.

Investment ” shall have the meaning provided in the preamble to Section 9.05.

Investment Grade Ratings ” shall mean that the corporate credit ratings of the U.S. Borrower are (x) Baa3 or higher from Moody’s and BB+ or higher from S&P or (y) Ba1 or higher from Moody’s and BBB- or higher from S&P, in each case with stable or better outlook.

Issuing Lender ” shall mean (i) for purposes of any Dollar Facility Letter of Credit, Citibank, any affiliate of Citibank and any Dollar Facility RL Lender (or affiliate of any Dollar Facility RL Lender) which at the request of the U.S. Borrower and with the consent of the Administrative Agent agrees, in such Dollar Facility RL Lender’s (or Dollar Facility RL Lender affiliate’s) sole discretion, to become an Issuing Lender for the purpose of issuing Dollar Facility Letters of Credit pursuant to Section 2, (ii) for purposes of any Euro Facility Letter of Credit, Citibank and any Euro Facility RL Lender (or affiliate of any Euro Facility RL Lender) which at the request of the European Borrower and with the consent of the Administrative Agent agrees, in such Euro Facility RL Lender’s (or Euro Facility RL Lender affiliate’s) sole discretion, to become an Issuing Lender for the purpose of issuing Euro Facility Letters of Credit pursuant to Section 2 and (iii) for purposes of any Canadian Facility Letter of Credit, Citibank Canada, any of its affiliates which is a Canadian Resident and any Canadian Facility RL Lender which is a Canadian Resident (or affiliate of any Canadian Facility RL Lender which is a Canadian Resident) which at the request of the Canadian Borrower and with the consent of the Administrative Agent agrees, in such Canadian Facility RL Lender’s (or Canadian Facility RL Lender affiliate’s) sole discretion, to become an Issuing Lender for the purpose of issuing Canadian Facility Letters of Credit pursuant to Section 2. With respect to the Existing Letters of Credit, Bank of America, N.A. shall be the Issuing Lender thereof.

Judgment Currency ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 13.20(a).

Judgment Currency Conversion Date ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 13.20(a).

 

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L/C Participant ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 2.03(a).

L/C Participation Percentages ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 2.03(a).

Leasehold ” shall mean, with respect to any Person, all of the right, title and interest of such Person as lessee or licensee in, to and under leases or licenses of land, improvements and/or fixtures.

Lender ” shall mean and include (i) each financial institution with a Commitment listed on Schedule I (as amended from time to time), as well as any Person that becomes a “Lender” hereunder pursuant to Section 1.14 and/or 13.04(b) and (ii) the Swingline Lender. Unless the context otherwise requires, each reference in this Agreement to a Lender includes each lending office (including any Affiliate of the respective Lender) of the respective Lender designated from time to time pursuant to Section 1.13.

Lender Default ” shall mean (i) the refusal (which has not been retracted) at a time when all applicable conditions set forth in Sections 5A, 5B and 6 have been satisfied of a Lender to make available its portion of any Borrowing (including any Mandatory Borrowing) or to fund its portion of any unreimbursed payment under Section 2.03 or (ii) a Lender having notified the Administrative Agent and/or any Borrower that it does not intend to comply with its obligations under Section 1.01 or 2.03 in circumstances where such non-compliance would constitute a breach of such Lender’s obligations under the respective Section.

Letter of Credit ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 2.01 (a).

Letter of Credit Fees ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 3.01(b).

Letter of Credit Outstandings ” shall mean, at any time, the sum of (i) the aggregate Stated Amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit which have not terminated at such time and (ii) the aggregate amount of all Unpaid Drawings (taking the Dollar Equivalent of any amounts owed in currencies other than Dollars) in respect of all Letters of Credit at such time.

Letter of Credit Request ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 2.02(a).

Lien ” shall mean any mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, security interest, encumbrance, lien (statutory or other), charge, preference, priority or other security agreement or arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever (including any agreement to give any of the foregoing). For purposes of this Agreement, the U.S. Borrower or its respective Subsidiaries shall be deemed to own, subject to a Lien, any asset which it has acquired or holds subject to the interest of a vendor or lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital lease or other similar title retention agreement relating to such asset, and sales of accounts receivable with recourse to the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall be deemed to create a Lien on accounts receivable of the U.S. Borrower or the respective Subsidiary.

 

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Loan ” shall mean each Term Loan, each Dollar Facility Revolving Loan, each U.S. Borrower Euro Facility Revolving Loan, each European Borrower Euro Facility Revolving Loan, each U.S. Borrower Canadian Facility Revolving Loan, each Canadian Borrower Canadian Facility Revolving Loan, each Swingline Loan, each U.S. Borrower Euro Facility Swingline Loan, and each Competitive Bid Loan.

Majority Lenders ” shall mean with respect to any Tranche, those Non-Defaulting Lenders which would constitute the Required Lenders under, and as defined in, this Agreement if all outstanding Obligations of the other Tranches under this Agreement were repaid in full and all Commitments with respect thereto were terminated.

Mandatory Borrowing ” shall mean and include any Mandatory Euro Facility RL Borrowing, any Mandatory Dollar Facility RL Borrowing and any Mandatory Canadian Facility RL Borrowing.

Mandatory Cost ” shall mean the cost imputed to each Lender of compliance with any reserve asset requirements of the European Central Bank, which cost shall be expressed as a percentage per annum and which, solely in the case of any Lender organized in the United Kingdom, shall be equal to the Additional Cost Rate.

Mandatory Dollar Facility RL Borrowing ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 1.01(g).

Margin Stock ” shall have the meaning provided in Regulation U.

Material Adverse Effect ” shall mean (i) a material adverse effect on the business, assets, operations, properties, liabilities or financial condition of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, or (ii) a material adverse effect (x) on the rights or remedies of the Lenders, any Issuing Lender or the Administrative Agent hereunder or under the other Credit Documents, taken as a whole or (y) on the ability of any Credit Party to perform its obligations to the Lenders, any Issuing Lender or the Administrative Agent hereunder or under the other Credit Documents, taken as a whole.

Material Subsidiary ” shall mean, at any time, each Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiary of the U.S. Borrower that, taken together with all other Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiaries that are not Subsidiary Guarantors, would not be an Immaterial Subsidiary; provided that, if, as of any date of determination, all Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiaries of the U.S. Borrower that are not Subsidiary Guarantors fail to constitute Immaterial Subsidiaries (as determined in accordance with the requirements of the definition thereof and the relevant provisions of Section 8.12), then the U.S. Borrower shall determine which Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiary (or Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiaries) shall constitute Material Subsidiaries for purposes of compliance with the requirements of Section 8.12.

Maturity Date ” shall mean (i) with respect to Term Loans and Revolving Loans, October 31, 2011 and (ii) with respect to Swingline Loans, the Swingline Expiry Date.

Maximum Competitive Bid Amount ” shall mean $250,000,000.

Maximum Swingline Amount ” shall mean $250,000,000.

 

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Minimum Applicable Facing Fee ” shall mean (x) in the case of all Dollar Denominated Letters of Credit, $500, (y) in the case of all Euro Denominated Letters of Credit, €500 and (z) in the case of all Canadian Dollar Denominated Letters of Credit, C$500.

Minimum Borrowing Amount ” shall mean (i) in the case of Dollar Denominated Loans, $5,000,000, (ii) in the case of Euro Denominated Loans, €5,000,000, and (iii) in the case of Canadian Dollar Denominated Loans, C$1,000,000.

Moody’s ” shall mean Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.

Moody’s Credit Rating ” shall mean the corporate credit rating level (it being understood that a rating level shall include numerical modifiers) assigned by Moody’s to the U.S. Borrower. If the foregoing rating shall be changed by Moody’s, such change shall be effective for purposes of this definition on the Business Day following the day on which Moody’s announces such change.

Multiemployer Plan ” shall mean (i) any plan, as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA, which is maintained or contributed to (or to which there is an obligation to contribute to) by the U.S. Borrower or a Subsidiary of the U.S. Borrower or an ERISA Affiliate and that is subject to Title IV of ERISA, and (ii) each such plan for the five year period immediately following the latest date on which the U.S. Borrower, a Subsidiary of the U.S. Borrower or an ERISA Affiliate maintained, contributed to or had an obligation to contribute to such plan.

Net Sale Proceeds ” shall mean for any sale or other disposition of assets, the gross cash proceeds (including any cash received by way of deferred payment pursuant to a promissory note, receivable or otherwise, but only as and when received) received from such sale or other disposition of assets, net of (i) reasonable transaction costs (including, without limitation, any underwriting, brokerage or other customary selling commissions, reasonable legal, advisory and other fees and expenses (including title and recording expenses), associated therewith and sales, VAT and transfer taxes arising therefrom), (ii) payments of unassumed liabilities relating to the assets sold or otherwise disposed of at the time of, or within 30 days after, the date of such sale or other disposition, (iii) the amount of such gross cash proceeds required to be used to permanently repay any Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness of the Lenders pursuant to this Agreement) which is secured by the respective assets which were sold or otherwise disposed of, and (iv) the estimated net marginal increase in income taxes which will be payable by the U.S. Borrower’s consolidated group or any Subsidiary of the U.S. Borrower with respect to the Fiscal Year in which the sale or other disposition occurs as a result of such sale or other disposition; provided , however , that such gross proceeds shall not include any portion of such gross cash proceeds which the U.S. Borrower determines in good faith should be reserved for post-closing adjustments, it being understood and agreed that on the day that all such post-closing adjustments have been determined (which shall not be later than six months following the date of the respective asset sale), the amount (if any) by which the reserved amount in respect of such sale or disposition exceeds the actual post-closing adjustments payable by the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall constitute Net Sale Proceeds on such date received by the U.S. Borrower and/or any of its Subsidiaries from such sale or other disposition.

 

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Net Worth ” shall mean, as to any Person, the sum of its capital stock, capital in excess of par or stated value of shares of its capital stock, retained earnings and any other account which, in accordance with U.S. GAAP, constitutes stockholders equity, excluding any treasury stock.

New Exchange Senior Notes ” shall mean senior notes issued by the U.S. Borrower pursuant to a registered exchange offer or private exchange offer for the New Senior Notes and pursuant to the New Senior Notes Indenture, which senior notes are substantially identical securities to the New Senior Notes. In no event will the issuance of any New Exchange Senior Notes increase the aggregate principal amount of the New Senior Notes then outstanding or otherwise result in an increase in the interest rate applicable to the New Senior Notes.

New Senior Notes ” shall mean any Indebtedness of the U.S. Borrower issued solely in return for cash consideration to the U.S. Borrower and evidenced by senior notes so long as (a) such Indebtedness has a final maturity no earlier than the date occurring 12 months after the Maturity Date, (b) such Indebtedness has no mandatory repayments or required offers to purchase which are, or may be required with respect thereto prior to the date referenced in preceding clause (a); provided that such Indebtedness may have customary required offers to purchase as a result of asset sales or changes of control in accordance with the then prevailing market conditions (in the case of any asset sale required offers to purchase, so long as the provisions applicable thereto permit the U.S. Borrower to avoid any such required offer to purchase by first prepaying Indebtedness pursuant to this Agreement), (c) such Indebtedness is unsecured and is not guaranteed by any Subsidiary of the U.S. Borrower that is not a Credit Party and (d) such Indebtedness is otherwise issued in accordance with then market conditions (as determined by the U.S. Borrower in good faith) for issuances of debt securities in the capital markets at such time. The issuance of New Senior Notes shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty by the U.S. Borrower that all conditions thereto have been satisfied in all material respects and that same is permitted in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, which representation and warranty shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty for all purposes hereunder, including, without limitation, Sections 6.01 and 10. As used herein, the term “New Senior Notes” shall include any New Exchange Senior Notes issued pursuant to the New Senior Notes Indenture in exchange for theretofore outstanding New Senior Notes, as contemplated by the definition of “New Exchange Senior Notes” contained herein.

New Senior Notes Documents ” shall mean the New Senior Notes Indenture, the New Senior Notes and each other agreement, document or instrument relating to the issuance of the New Senior Notes, as the same may be amended, restated, modified and/or supplemented from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof.

New Senior Notes Indenture ” shall mean any indenture or similar agreement entered into in connection with the issuance of New Senior Notes, as the same may be amended, restated, modified and/or supplemented from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof.

Non-B/A Lender ” shall mean any Canadian Facility RL Lender which is unwilling or unable to create Bankers’ Acceptances by accepting Drafts and which has identified itself as a “Non-B/A Lender” by written notice to the Canadian Borrower.

 

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Non-Defaulting Lender ” shall mean each Lender other than a Defaulting Lender.

Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries ” shall mean, at any time, the Subsidiaries of the U.S. Borrower that are not at such time Subsidiary Guarantors.

Non-U.S. Plan ” means any plan, fund or other similar program that (a) is established or maintained outside the United States of America by the U.S. Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries, or any ERISA Affiliate primarily for the benefit of employees of the U.S. Borrower or one or more of its Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate residing outside the United States of America, which plan, fund or other similar program provides or results in, retirement income, a deferral of income in contemplation of retirement or payments to be made upon termination of employment, and (b) is not subject to ERISA or the Code.

Non-Wholly Owned Subsidiary ” shall mean, as to any Person, each Subsidiary of such Person which is not a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of such Person.

Note ” shall mean each Term Note, each Dollar Facility Revolving Note, each U.S. Borrower Euro Facility Revolving Note, each European Borrower Euro Facility Revolving Note, each U.S. Borrower Canadian Facility Revolving Note, each Canadian Borrower Canadian Facility Revolving Note, each Competitive Bid Note and the Swingline Note.

Notice of Borrowing ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 1.03(a).

Notice of Competitive Bid Borrowing ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 1.04(a).

Notice of Conversion/Continuation ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 1.07(a).

Notice Office ” shall mean the office of the Administrative Agent located at c/o Citicorp North America, Inc., 2 Penns Way, Suite 110, New Castle, Delaware 19720, Attention: Christina Quezon or such other office as the Administrative Agent may designate to the U.S. Borrower and the Lenders from time to time.

Obligation Currency ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 13.20(a).

Obligations ” shall mean all amounts or obligations, contingent or absolute, of every type or description, and at any time existing, owing by any Credit Party to any Agent, any Issuing Lender or any Lender pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other Credit Document.

Off-Balance Sheet Liabilities ” shall mean, with respect to any Person (i) any repurchase obligation or liability of such Person with respect to accounts or notes receivable sold by such Person, (ii) any obligation under a Synthetic Lease or (iii) any obligation arising with respect to any other transaction which is the functional equivalent of or takes the place of borrowing but which does not constitute a liability on the balance sheet of such Person; provided that, lease payments with respect to leases of precious metal alloy (and obligations to return the precious metal alloy) owing by the U.S. Borrowers and any of its Subsidiaries (including,

 

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without limitation, the Vetrotex Subsidiary) in connection with the ongoing business of the Vetrotex Subsidiary (or guarantees thereof) to direct or indirect owners of the Equity Interests in the Vetrotex Subsidiary and/or the owners of such precious metal alloy and other Persons providing financing to such owners in respect of such precious metal alloy (in each case other than the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries) shall in no event constitute “Off-Balance Sheet Liabilities”.

Old Owens ” shall mean Owens Corning, a Delaware corporation (as same existed before giving effect to the Plan of Reorganization).

Other Hedging Agreements ” shall mean any foreign exchange contracts, currency swap agreements, commodity hedging agreements or other similar agreements or arrangements designed to protect against fluctuations in currency values or the prices of commodities used in the business of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries.

Overnight Euro Rate ” shall mean, on any date, the offered quotation to first-class banks in the Euro-Zone interbank market by the Issuing Lender for Euro overnight deposits of amounts in immediately available funds comparable to the outstanding principal amount of the relevant Unpaid Drawing of the Issuing Lender as of 11:00 A.M. (London time) on such date; provided that in the event the Administrative Agent has made any determination pursuant to Section 1.11 (a), the Overnight Euro Rate determined pursuant to the definition shall instead be the rate determined by the Issuing Lender as the all-in-cost of funds for the Issuing Lender to fund such Euro Unpaid Drawing.

Payment Office ” shall mean the office of the Administrative Agent located at c/o Citicorp North America, Inc., 2 Penns Way, Suite 110, New Castle, Delaware 19720, Attention: Christina Quezon or such other office as the Administrative Agent may hereafter designate in writing to the U.S. Borrower and the Lenders from time; provided that in the case of all payments of principal (or Face Amount, as applicable), interest, Unpaid Drawings and/or other amounts owing by the Canadian Borrower with respect to Canadian Facility Revolving Loans or Canadian Facility Letters of Credit (including all Letter of Credit Fees and Facing Fees with respect thereto), as the case may be, “Payment Office” shall mean the office of the Canadian Sub-Agent located at 123 Front Street West, Suite 1100, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2M3.

PBGC ” shall mean the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation referred to and defined in ERISA or any successor thereto.

Permitted Acquisition ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 9.02.

Permitted Business ” shall mean any business which is the same, similar, ancillary or reasonably related to the business in which the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is engaged on the Effective Date.

Permitted Liens ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 9.01.

Person ” shall mean any individual, partnership, joint venture, firm, corporation, limited liability company, association, trust or other enterprise or any government or political subdivision or any agency, department or instrumentality thereof.

 

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Plan ” shall mean an “employee benefit plan” (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA) subject to Title I of ERISA that is or, within the preceding five years, has been established or maintained, or to which contributions are or, within the preceding five years, have been made or required to be made, by the U.S. Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries, or any ERISA Affiliate or with respect to which the U.S. Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries, or any ERISA Affiliate may have any liability.

Plan Effective Date ” shall mean the “Effective Date” under and as defined in the Plan of Reorganization.

Plan Emergence ” shall mean the satisfaction of all conditions precedent to and the occurrence of the “effective date” of the Plan of Reorganization.

Plan of Reorganization ” shall mean the Sixth Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization for Owens Corning and its affiliated debtors and Debtors-in-Possession (as modified) dated as of July 10, 2006 in the form filed with the Bankruptcy Court on July 10, 2006, with the supplements and exhibits filed August 17, 2006, together with any subsequent modifications thereto made on or prior to the Effective Date which are satisfactory in form and substance to the Required Lenders.

Plan Warrants ” shall mean warrants to purchase common equity of the U.S. Borrower issued in connection with, and pursuant to, the Plan of Reorganization.

Platform ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 13.22(b).

Pledged Subsidiary ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 5A.11(a).

PMP ” shall have the meaning provided in Schedule X.

Preferred Equity ” shall mean, as applied to the Equity Interests of any Person, Equity Interests of such Person (other than common stock of such Person) of any class or classes (however designed) that ranks prior, as to the payment of dividends or as to the distribution of assets upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of such Person, to Equity Interests of any other class of such Person.

Prime Lending Rate ” shall mean the rate which Citibank (or another bank of recognized standing reasonably selected by the Administrative Agent) announces from time to time as its prime lending rate at its principal office in New York City, the Prime Lending Rate to change when and as such prime lending rate changes. The Prime Lending Rate is a reference rate and does not necessarily represent the lowest or best rate actually charged to any customer. Citibank may make commercial loans or other loans at rates of interest at, above or below the Prime Lending Rate.

Pro Forma Balance Sheet ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 5A.08(a).

Pro Forma Basis ” shall mean, in connection with any calculation of compliance with any financial covenant or financial term, the calculation thereof after giving effect on a pro forma basis to (x) the incurrence of any Indebtedness (other than revolving Indebtedness, except

 

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to the extent same is incurred to refinance other outstanding Indebtedness or to finance a Permitted Acquisition) after the first day of the relevant Test Period, as if such Indebtedness had been incurred (and the proceeds thereof applied) on the first day of such Test Period, (y) the permanent repayment of any Indebtedness (other than revolving Indebtedness, except to the extent accompanied by a corresponding permanent commitment reduction) after the first day of the relevant Test Period, as if such Indebtedness had been retired or repaid on the first day of such Test Period, and (z) any Permitted Acquisition or any Significant Asset Sale then being consummated as well as any other Permitted Acquisition or any other Significant Asset Sale if consummated after the first day of the relevant Test Period, and on or prior to the date of the respective Permitted Acquisition or Significant Asset Sale, as the case may be, then being effected, with the following rules to apply in connection therewith:

(i) all Indebtedness (x) (other than revolving Indebtedness, except to the extent same is incurred to refinance other outstanding Indebtedness or to finance Permitted Acquisitions) incurred or issued after the first day of the relevant Test Period (whether incurred to finance a Permitted Acquisition, to refinance Indebtedness or otherwise) shall be deemed to have been incurred or issued (and the proceeds thereof applied) on the first day of such Test Period, and remain outstanding through the date of determination and (y) (other than revolving Indebtedness, except to the extent accompanied by a corresponding permanent commitment reduction) permanently retired or redeemed after the first day of the relevant Test Period, shall be deemed to have been retired or redeemed on the first day of such Test Period and remain retired through the date of determination;

(ii) all Indebtedness assumed to be outstanding pursuant to preceding clause (i) shall be deemed to have borne interest at (x) the rate applicable thereto, in the case of fixed rate indebtedness, or (y) the rates which would have been applicable thereto during the respective period when same was deemed outstanding, in the case of floating rate Indebtedness (although interest expense with respect to any Indebtedness for periods while same was actually outstanding during the respective period shall be calculated using the actual rates applicable thereto while same was actually outstanding); provided that all Indebtedness (whether actually outstanding or deemed outstanding) bearing interest at a floating rate of interest shall be tested on the basis of the rates applicable at the time the determination is made pursuant to said provisions; and

(iii) in making any determination of Consolidated EBITDA on a Pro Forma Basis, pro forma effect shall be given to any Permitted Acquisition or any Significant Asset Sale if effected during the respective Test Period as if same had occurred on the first day of the respective Test Period taking into account, in the case of any Permitted Acquisition, factually supportable and identifiable cost savings and expenses which would otherwise be accounted for as an adjustment pursuant to Article 11 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act, as if such cost savings or expenses were realized on the first day of the respective period but without taking into account any pro forma cost savings and expenses.

Projections ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 5A.08(b).

 

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Property ” shall mean, with respect to any Person, any and all property, whether real, personal, tangible, intangible or mixed, of such Person, or other assets owned, leased, or operated by such Person.

Qualified Preferred Stock ” shall mean any Preferred Equity of the U.S. Borrower, the express terms of which shall provide that dividends thereon shall not be required to be paid at any time (and to the extent) that such payment would be prohibited by the terms of this Agreement or any other agreement of the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries relating to outstanding indebtedness and which, by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable), or upon the happening of any event (including any change of control event), cannot mature (excluding any maturity as the result of an optional redemption by the issuer thereof) and is not mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, and is not redeemable, or required to be repurchased, at the sole option of the holder thereof (including, without limitation, upon the occurrence of an change of control event), in whole or in part, on or prior to one year following the Maturity Date then in effect.

Quarterly Payment Date ” shall mean the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December.

Rating Agency ” shall mean S&P or Moody’s, as the case may be.

Real Property ” of any Person shall mean all of the right, title and interest of such Person in and to land, improvements and fixtures, including Leaseholds.

Reference Banks ” shall mean the principal offices in London of Citibank and Bank of America or such other banks as may be agreed upon by the Administrative Agent in consultation with the U.S. Borrower.

Reference Discount Rate ” shall mean, in respect of any Bankers’ Acceptances or completed Drafts to be purchased by a Canadian Facility RL Lender pursuant to Section 1.01 and Schedule III hereto, (i) by a Schedule I chartered bank, the average Bankers’ Acceptance discount rate for the appropriate term as quoted on Reuters Screen CDOR Page in respect of Schedule I chartered banks (or such other page as may be selected by the Canadian Sub-Agent as a replacement page for such Banker’s Acceptances if such screen is not available) at 10:00 A.M. (Toronto time); and (ii) by any other Lender or Person, the lesser of (x) the rate specified in (i)  plus 0.10% and (y) the discount rate (calculated on an annual basis and rounded to the nearest one-hundredth of 1%, with five-thousandths of 1% being rounded up) quoted by Citibank Canada at 10:00 A.M. (Toronto time) as the discount rate at which Citibank Canada would purchase, on the relevant Drawing Date, its own bankers’ acceptances or Drafts having an aggregate Face Amount equal to, and with a term to maturity the same as, the Bankers’ Acceptances or Drafts, as the case may be, to be acquired by such Canadian Facility RL Lender on such Drawing Date.

Refinancing ” shall mean the refinancing and repayment or other satisfaction in full of all amounts outstanding under, and the termination of all commitments in respect of, all Indebtedness to be Refinanced.

 

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Refinancing Documents ” shall mean all of the agreements, documents and instruments executed or delivered in connection with the Refinancing.

Register ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 13.17.

Regulation D ” shall mean Regulation D of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System as from time to time in effect and any successor to all or a portion thereof establishing reserve requirements.

Regulation T ” shall mean Regulation T of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System as from to time in effect and any successor to all or any portion thereof.

Regulation U ” shall mean Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System as from time to time in effect and any successor to all or a portion thereof.

Regulation X ” shall mean Regulation X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System as from time to time in effect and any successor to all or any portion thereof.

Release ” shall have the meaning set forth in the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended (“ CERCLA ”) (42 U.S.C. Section 9601 et seq .).

Reorganization ” shall mean the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Plan of Reorganization and the Disclosure Statement to occur on or prior to the Plan Effective Date.

Reorganization Documents ” shall mean each of the Plan of Reorganization, the Disclosure Statement and the Contingent Note.

Replaced Lender ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 1.14.

Replacement Lender ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 1.14.

Reply Date ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 1.04(b).

Reportable Event ” shall mean an event described in Section 4043(c) of ERISA with respect to a Plan that is subject to Title IV of ERISA other than those events as to which the 30-day notice period under ERISA has been waived under subsection .22, .23, .25, .27, or .28 of PBGC Regulation Section 4043.

Required Lenders ” shall mean Non-Defaulting Lenders, the sum of whose outstanding principal of Term Loans (or, if prior to the occurrence of the Delayed Borrowing Date, whose Term Loan Commitments) and Revolving Loan Commitments (or after the termination thereof, outstanding Individual RL Facility Exposures) as of any date of determination represent greater than 50% of the sum of all outstanding principal of Term Loans (or, if prior to the occurrence of the Delayed Borrowing Date, the sum of all Term Loan

 

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Commitments) of Non-Defaulting Lenders at such time and the sum of all Revolving Loan Commitments of all Non-Defaulting Lenders at such time (or, after the termination thereof, the sum of the then total Individual RL Facility Exposures of all Non-Defaulting Lenders at such time).

Returns ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 7.09. “Revolving Loan” shall have the meaning provided in Section 1.01(d).

Revolving Loan Commitment ” shall mean, at any time, each Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitment, each Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitment and each Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitment, in each case in effect at such time.

RL Commitment Commission ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 3.01(a).

RL Lender ” shall mean each Dollar Facility RL Lender, each Euro Facility RL Lender and each Canadian Facility RL Lender.

RL Repayment Percentage ” shall mean, with respect to any Tranche of Revolving Loans at any time, a fraction (expressed as a percentage) (x) the numerator of which is the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Revolving Loans of such Tranche (using the Dollar Equivalent of any amounts denominated in Canadian Dollars or Euros) and (y) the denominator of which is the sum of the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Revolving Loans at such time (using the Dollar Equivalent of any amounts denominated in Canadian Dollars or Euros).

S&P ” shall mean Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a division of McGraw Hill, Inc.

S&P Credit Rating ” shall mean the corporate credit rating level (it being understood that a rating level shall include numerical modifiers and (+) and (-) modifiers) assigned by S&P to the U.S. Borrower. If the foregoing rating shall be changed by S&P, such change shall be effective for purposes of this definition on the Business Day following the day on which S&P announces such change.

Scheduled Existing Indebtedness ” shall mean the Indebtedness listed on Schedule VII hereto on the Initial Borrowing Date.

SEC ” shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor thereto.

Section 4.04(b)(ii) Certificate ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 4.04(b)(ii).

Securities Act ” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

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Significant Asset Sale ” shall mean each Asset Sale which generates Net Sale Proceeds of at least $100,000,000.

Spread ” shall mean a percentage per annum in excess of, or less than, an Interest Rate Basis.

Spread Borrowing ” shall mean a Competitive Bid Borrowing with respect to which the U.S. Borrower has requested the Bidder Lenders to make Competitive Bid Loans at a Spread over or under a specified Interest Rate Basis.

SPV ” shall have the meaning provided in the definition of Asset Securitization.

Standard Securitization Undertakings ” means, with respect to an Asset Securitization, representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities entered into by the U.S. Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof in connection with such Asset Securitization, which are reasonably customary in asset securitizations for the types of assets subject to the respective Asset Securitization.

Standby Letter of Credit ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 2.01(a).

Stated Amount ” shall mean, with respect to each Letter of Credit, at any time, the maximum amount available to be drawn thereunder, in each case determined without regard to whether any conditions to drawing could then be met but after giving effect to all previous drawings made thereunder, provided that, the “Stated Amount” of each (x) Euro Denominated Letter of Credit shall be, on any date of calculation, the Dollar Equivalent of the maximum amount available to be drawn in Euros thereunder and (y) Canadian Dollar Denominated Letter of Credit shall be, on any date of calculation, the Dollar Equivalent of the maximum amount available to be drawn in Canadian Dollars thereunder (determined without regard to whether any conditions to drawing could then be met but after giving effect to all previous drawings made thereunder), in each case, determined without regard to whether any conditions to drawing could then be met but after giving effect to all previous drawings made thereunder.

Subsidiaries Guaranty ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 5A.11(a) and shall include any counterpart thereof and any other substantially identical guaranty executed and delivered by any Subsidiary of the U.S. Borrower pursuant to Section 8.12.

Subsidiary ” shall mean, with respect to any Person, (i) any corporation more than 50% of whose stock of any class or classes having by the terms thereof ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the directors of such corporation (irrespective of whether or not at the time stock of any 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 owned by such Person directly or indirectly through one or more Subsidiaries of such Person and (ii) any partnership, association, limited liability company, joint venture or other entity or organizational form (other than a corporation) in which such Person directly or indirectly through one or more Subsidiaries of such Person, has more than a 50% Equity Interest at the time.

Subsidiary Borrower ” shall mean, collectively, the Canadian Borrower and the European Borrower.

 

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Subsidiary Borrower Assumption Agreement ” shall mean an assumption agreement in the form of Exhibit O hereto.

Subsidiary Guarantor ” shall mean each Subsidiary of the U.S. Borrower which has executed and delivered the Subsidiaries Guaranty, unless and until such time as the respective Subsidiary is released from all of its obligations under the Subsidiaries Guaranty in accordance with the terms and provisions thereof.

Swingline Expiry Date ” shall mean the date that is five Business Days prior to October 31, 2011.

Swingline Lender ” shall mean Citibank, or any Person serving as a successor Administrative Agent hereunder, in its capacity as a lender of Swingline Loans.

Swingline Loan ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 1.01(f).

Swingline Note ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 1.06(a).

Syndication Agreement ” shall mean the Syndication Agreement, dated as of May 10, 2006, among J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and the several investors party thereto concerning arrangements to purchase Unsubscribed Shares (as defined in the Plan of Reorganization).

Syndication Date ” shall mean the earlier of (i) the 90th day following the Initial Borrowing Date and (ii) the date upon which the Administrative Agent determines (and notifies the U.S. Borrower and the Lenders) that the primary syndication (and resultant addition of Persons as Lenders pursuant to Section 13.04(b)) has been completed.

Synthetic Lease ” means a lease transaction under which the parties intend that (i) the lease will be treated as an “operating lease” by the lessee and for financial reporting purposes but (ii) the lessee will be entitled to various tax and other benefits ordinarily available to owners (as opposed to lessees) of like property.

Tariff Base ” shall have the meaning provided in the definition of, and will be calculated in accordance with, the Fees Rules.

Tax Benefit ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 4.04(g).

Taxes ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 4.04(a).

Term Loan ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 1.01(a).

Term Loan Commitment ” shall mean, with respect to each Lender, the amount set forth opposite such Lender’s name in Schedule I directly below the column entitled “Term Loan Commitment”, as the same may be terminated pursuant to Sections 3.02, 3.03 and/or 10.

Term Note ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 1.06(a).

 

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Test Period ” shall mean each period of four consecutive Fiscal Quarters then last ended (it being understood and agreed that, with respect to any Fiscal Quarter ended prior to the first anniversary of the Effective Date, the respective Test Period shall include four full consecutive Fiscal Quarters, as if the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries had been in existence for a period of four full consecutive Fiscal Quarters), in each case taken as one accounting period; provided that in the case of any Test Period which includes any period occurring prior to the Effective Date, the rules set forth in the immediately succeeding sentence shall apply. If the respective Test Period includes any Fiscal Quarter ended on or prior to the last day of the first full Fiscal Quarter ending after the Initial Borrowing Date, (x) Consolidated EBITDA for such Fiscal Quarter shall be deemed to be (I) in the case of any portion of any such Fiscal Quarter occurring prior to the Initial Borrowing Date (or all of such Fiscal Quarter, if same ended on or prior to the Initial Borrowing Date), Consolidated EBITDA for such portion of such Fiscal Quarter determined as if each reference to “the U.S. Borrower” in the definition of Consolidated EBITDA and in each other defined term referred to therein was instead a reference to “Old Owens” and (II) in the case of any portion of any such Fiscal Quarter occurring on or after the Initial Borrowing Date, actual Consolidated EBITDA for such portion of such Fiscal Quarter and (y) Consolidated Interest Expense for such Fiscal Quarter shall be deemed to be $29,000,000.

TL Commitment Commission ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 3.01(e).

TL Commitment Percentage ” shall mean, with respect to any Lender with an outstanding Term Loan Commitment at any time, that percentage which is equal to a fraction (expressed as a percentage) the numerator of which is the Term Loan Commitment of such Lender at such time and the denominator of which is the Total Term Loan Commitment at such time, provided that if any such determination is to be made after the Total Term Loan Commitment (and the related Term Loan Commitments of the Lenders) has (or have) terminated, the determination of such percentages shall be made immediately before giving effect to such termination.

Total Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitment ” shall mean, at any time, the sum of the Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitments of each of the Lenders with such a Commitment at such time.

Total Commitment ” shall mean, at any time, the sum of the Term Loan Commitment and the Total Revolving Loan Commitment.

Total Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitment ” shall mean, at any time, the sum of the Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitments of each of the Lenders with such a Commitment at such time.

Total Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitment ” shall mean, at any time, the sum of the Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitments of each of the Lenders with such a Commitment at such time.

Total Revolving Loan Commitment ” shall mean, at any time, the sum of the Total Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitment, the Total Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitment and the Total Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitment, in each case in effect at such time.

 

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Total Term Loan Commitment ” shall mean, at any time, the sum of the Term Loan Commitments of each of the Lenders with such a Commitment at such time.

Trade Letter of Credit ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.01(a).

Tranche ” shall mean the respective facilities and commitments utilized in making Loans hereunder, with there being four separate Tranches ( i.e. , Term Loans, Dollar Facility Revolving Loans, Euro Facility Revolving Loans and Canadian Facility Revolving Loans); provided that for purposes of the definition of “Majority Lenders” contained herein and Section 13.12(a), there shall be deemed to be two separate Tranches ( i.e. , Term Loans and Revolving Loans).

Transaction ” shall mean, collectively, (i) the consummation of the Reorganization, (ii) the consummation of the Refinancing, (iii) the occurrence of the Plan Emergence, (iv) the entering into of the Credit Documents and the incurrence of all Loans and the issuance of all Letters of Credit on the Initial Borrowing Date, and (v) the payment of fees and expenses in connection with the foregoing.

Treaty ” means the Treaty establishing the European Community being the Treaty of Rome of March 25, 1957, as amended by the Single European Act 1986, the Maastricht Treaty (which was signed at Maastricht on February 7, 1992) and the Treaty of Amsterdam (which was signed in Amsterdam on October 2, 1997).

Type ” shall mean the type of Loan determined with regard to the currency thereof and the interest option applicable thereto, i.e. , whether a Base Rate Loan, a Eurodollar Loan, a Euro Denominated Loan, Canadian Prime Rate Loan or a Bankers’ Acceptance Loan.

UCC ” shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect from time to time in the relevant jurisdiction.

Unfunded Current Liability ” shall mean the amount, if any, by which the actuarial present value of accumulated benefits of any Plan subject to Title IV of ERISA as of the close of its most recent plan year, determined using actuarial assumptions at such time consistent with those prescribed by Financial Account Standards No. 87, exceeds the fair market value of the assets allocable to such liabilities.

Unpaid Drawing ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 2.04(a).

Unutilized Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitment ” shall mean, with respect to any Canadian Facility RL Lender, at any time, such Canadian Facility RL Lender’s Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitment at such time, if any, less the sum of (i) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Canadian Facility Revolving Loans (taking the Dollar Equivalent of any such Loans denominated in Canadian Dollars) made by such Canadian Facility RL Lender and then outstanding and (ii) the sum of such Canadian Facility RL Lender’s L/C Participation Percentage of the Stated Amount of each Canadian Facility Letter of Credit and any Unpaid Drawings (taking the Dollar Equivalent of any amounts expressed in Canadian Dollars) relating thereto.

 

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Unutilized Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitment ” shall mean, with respect to any Dollar Facility RL Lender, at any time, such Dollar Facility RL Lender’s Dollar Facility Revolving Loan Commitment at such time, if any, less the sum of (i) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Dollar Facility Revolving Loans made by such Dollar Facility RL Lender and then outstanding and (ii) the sum of such Dollar Facility RL Lender’s L/C Participation Percentage of the Stated Amount of each Dollar Facility Letter of Credit and any Unpaid Drawings relating thereto.

Unutilized Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitment ” shall mean, with respect to any Euro Facility RL Lender, at any time, such Euro Facility RL Lender’s Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitment at such time, if any, less the sum of (i) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Euro Facility Revolving Loans (taking the Dollar Equivalent of any such Loans denominated in Euros) made by such Euro Facility RL Lender and then outstanding and (ii) the sum of such Euro Facility RL Lender’s L/C Participation Percentage of the Stated Amount of each Euro Facility Letter of Credit and any Unpaid Drawings (taking the Dollar Equivalent of any amounts expressed in Euros) relating thereto.

U.S. ” or “ United States ” shall mean the United States of America.

U.S. Borrower ” shall have the meaning provided in the first paragraph of this Agreement.

U.S. Borrower Canadian Facility Revolving Loan ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 1.01(d).

U.S. Borrower Canadian Facility Revolving Note ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 1.06(a).

U.S. Borrower Common Stock ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 7.11.

U.S. Borrower Euro Facility Revolving Loan ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 1.01(c).

U.S. Borrower Euro Facility Revolving Note ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 1.06(b).

U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Obligations ” shall mean (i) the principal and interest on each European Borrower Euro Facility Revolving Note and each Canadian Borrower Canadian Facility Revolving Note issued by the European Borrower or the Canadian Borrower, as the case may be, to each Lender, and each European Borrower Euro Facility Revolving Loan and each Canadian Borrower Canadian Facility Revolving Loan made, under this Agreement, all reimbursement obligations and Unpaid Drawings with respect to each Letter of Credit issued for the account of each of the European Borrower or the Canadian Borrower, together with all the other obligations (including obligations which, but for the automatic stay under Section 362(a) of

 

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the Bankruptcy Code, would become due) and liabilities (including, without limitation, indemnities, fees and interest thereon) of each of the European Borrower and the Canadian Borrower to each Lender, the Administrative Agent and each Issuing Lender now existing or hereafter incurred under, arising out of or in connection with this Agreement or any other Credit Document and the due performance and compliance by each of the European Borrower and the Canadian Borrower with all the terms, conditions and agreements contained in the Credit Documents to which it is a party and (ii) all obligations (including obligations which, but for the automatic stay under Section 362(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, would become due) and liabilities of the European Borrower, the Canadian Borrower or any Subsidiary Guarantor owing under any Interest Rate Protection Agreement or any Other Hedging Agreement entered into by the European Borrower, the Canadian Borrower or any Subsidiary Guarantor with any Lender or any affiliate thereof (even if such Lender subsequently ceases to be a Lender under this Agreement for any reason) so long as such Lender or affiliate participates in such Interest Rate Protection Agreement or Other Hedging Agreement, and their subsequent assigns, if any, whether now in existence or hereafter arising, and the due performance and compliance with all terms, conditions and agreements contained therein.

U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Party ” shall mean the European Borrower, the Canadian Borrower and each other Subsidiary Guarantor party to any Interest Rate Protection Agreement or Other Hedging Agreement with any Secured Creditor.

U.S. Borrower Letter of Credit ” shall mean each Dollar Facility Letter of Credit, Euro Facility Letter of Credit or Canadian Facility Letter of Credit, as the case may be, issued for the account of the U.S. Borrower pursuant to Section 2.01 and designated as such by the U.S. Borrower in the respective Letter of Credit Request.

U.S. Borrower’s Guaranty ” shall mean the guaranty of the U.S. Borrower pursuant to Section 14.

U.S. GAAP ” shall mean generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America as in effect from time to time; provided that determinations in accordance with U.S. GAAP for purposes of Section 9, including defined terms as used therein, are subject (to the extent provided therein) to Section 13.07(a).

Vetrotex Pledged Assets ” shall mean precious metal alloy in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any time the Vetrotex Pledged Assets Maximum Amount.

Vetrotex Pledged Assets Maximum Amount ” shall mean that aggregate maximum weight of precious metal alloy as has been disclosed by the U.S. Borrower to the Administrative Agent in a letter addressed to the Administrative Agent and dated at least 10 Business Days prior to the Effective Date. It is understood and agreed that the Administrative Agent may furnish copies of the letter referenced in the preceding sentence, or disclose the contents thereof, to Lenders and prospective Lenders.

Vetrotex Subsidiary ” shall mean a Non-Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the U.S. Borrower which, pursuant to the Vetrotex Transaction, shall own or acquire the reinforcement business of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries.

 

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Vetrotex Transaction ” shall mean, collectively, the transactions described in the press release issued by the U.S. Borrower on July 27, 2006, pursuant to which the U.S. Borrower will contribute its reinforcements business into the Vetrotex Subsidiary.

Warrant Obligation Amount ” shall mean the obligation (if any) shown on the liabilities side of the U.S. Borrower’s consolidated balance sheet representing obligations in respect of the Plan Warrants.

Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiary ” shall mean, as to any Person, any Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of such Person which is a Domestic Subsidiary.

Wholly-Owned Subsidiary ” shall mean, as to any Person, (i) any corporation 100% of whose capital stock (other than director’s qualifying shares and/or other nominal amounts of shares required by applicable law to be held by Persons other than such Person) is at the time owned by such Person and/or one or more Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries of such Person and (ii) any partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture or other entity in which such Person and/or one or more Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries of such Person has a 100% Equity Interest at such time; provided that any Foreign Subsidiary of such Person at least 90% of whose capital stock or other Equity Interests are owned by such Person and/or one or more Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries (determined after giving effect to this proviso) of such Person at such time shall be deemed to be a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of such Person.

Written ” (whether lower or upper case) or “ in writing ” shall mean any form of written communication or a communication by means of telex, facsimile device, telegraph or cable.

SECTION 12. The Administrative Agent .

12.01 Appointment . (a) Each Lender hereby irrevocably designates and appoints Citibank as Administrative Agent for such Lender and Citibank Canada as Canadian Sub-Agent to such Lender (for purposes of this Section 12, the term “Administrative Agent” shall mean Citibank in its capacities as Administrative Agent and Citibank Canada as Canadian Sub-Agent hereunder) to act as specified herein and in the other Credit Documents, and each such Lender hereby irrevocably authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such action on its behalf under the provisions of this Agreement and the other Credit Documents and to exercise such powers and perform such duties as are expressly delegated to or required of the Administrative Agent by the terms of this Agreement and the other Credit Documents, together with such other powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. The Administrative Agent may perform any of its duties under this Agreement, the other Credit Documents and any other instruments and agreements referred to herein or therein by or through its officers, directors, agents, employees or affiliates.

(b) The provisions of this Section 12 are solely for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, and neither the U.S. Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries shall have any rights as a third party beneficiary of any of the provisions hereof. In performing its functions and duties under this Agreement, the Administrative Agent shall act solely as agent for the Lenders, and the Administrative Agent assumes no (and shall not be deemed to have assumed any) obligation or relationship of agency or trust with or for the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries.

 

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12.02 Nature of Duties . (a) The Administrative Agent shall not have any duties or responsibilities except those expressly set forth in this Agreement and in the other Credit Documents. Neither the Administrative Agent nor any of its officers, directors, agents, employees or affiliates shall be liable for any action taken or omitted by it hereunder or under any other Credit Document or in connection herewith or therewith, unless caused by its or their gross negligence or willful misconduct (as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final and non-appealable decision). The duties of the Administrative Agent shall be mechanical and administrative in nature; the Administrative Agent shall not have by reason of this Agreement or any other Credit Document a fiduciary relationship in respect of any Lender or the holder of any Note and nothing in this Agreement or in any other Credit Document, expressed or implied, is intended to or shall be so construed as to impose upon the Administrative Agent any obligations in respect of this Agreement or any other Credit Document except as expressly set forth herein or therein.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or any provision of any other Credit Document, each of the Persons named on the title page hereof as “Co-Documentation Agents”, “Co-Syndication Agents” and as “Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners” are named as such for recognition purposes only, and in their respective capacities as such shall have no powers, duties, responsibilities or liabilities with respect to this Agreement or the other Credit Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby; it being understood and agreed that the Persons named on the title page hereof as “Co-Documentation Agents”, “Co-Syndication Agents” and “Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners” shall be entitled to all indemnification and reimbursement rights in favor of “the Administrative Agent” as, and to the extent, provided for under Section 13.01. Without limitation of the foregoing, none of the Persons named on the title page hereof as “Co-Documentation Agents”, “Co-Syndication Agents” or “Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners” shall, solely by reason of this Agreement or any other Credit Documents and solely in such capacity, have any fiduciary relationship in respect of any Lender or any other Person.

12.03 Certain Rights of the Administrative Agent . The Administrative Agent shall have the right to request instructions from the Required Lenders at any time. If the Administrative Agent shall request instructions from the Required Lenders with respect to any act or action (including failure to act) in connection with this Agreement or any other Credit Document, the Administrative Agent shall be entitled to refrain from such act or taking such action unless and until the Administrative Agent shall have received instructions from the Required Lenders; and the Administrative Agent shall not incur liability to any Lender by reason of so refraining. Without limiting the foregoing, neither any Lender nor the holder of any Note shall have any right of action whatsoever against the Administrative Agent or any of its employees, directors, officers, agents or affiliates as a result of the Administrative Agent or such other person acting or refraining from acting hereunder or under any other Credit Document in accordance with the instructions of the Required Lenders.

 

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12.04 Reliance by the Administrative Agent . The Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely, and shall be fully protected (and shall have no liability to any Person) in relying, upon any note, writing, resolution, notice, statement, certificate, telex, teletype or telecopier message, cablegram, radiogram, order, telephone message or other document or conversation that the Administrative Agent believed, in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct (as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final and non-appealable decision), to be the proper Person, and, with respect to all legal matters pertaining to this Agreement and any other Credit Document and its duties hereunder and thereunder, upon advice of counsel selected by the Administrative Agent (which may be counsel for the Credit Parties) and, with respect to other matters, upon advice of independent public accountants or other experts selected by it.

12.05 Notice of Default, etc . The Administrative Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default unless the Administrative Agent has actually received written notice from a Lender or any Borrower referring to this Agreement, describing such Default or Event of Default and stating that such notice is a “notice of default”. In the event that the Administrative Agent receives such a notice, the Administrative Agent shall give prompt notice thereof to the Lenders. The Administrative Agent shall take such action with respect to such Default or Event of Default as shall be reasonably directed by the Required Lenders; provided that, unless and until the Administrative Agent shall have received such directions, the Administrative Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) take such action, or refrain from taking such action, with respect to such Default or Event of Default as it shall deem advisable in the best interests of the Lenders (as determined by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion).

12.06 Nonreliance on the Administrative Agent and Other Lenders . Independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, each Lender and the holder of each Note, to the extent it deems appropriate, has made and shall continue to make its own independent investigation of the financial condition and affairs of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries in connection with the making and the continuance of the Loans and the taking or not taking of any action in connection herewith and, except as expressly provided in this Agreement, the Administrative Agent shall not have any duty or responsibility, either initially or on a continuing basis, to provide any Lender or the holder of any Note with any credit or other information with respect thereto, whether coming into its possession before the making of the Loans or at any time or times thereafter. Neither the Administrative Agent nor its affiliates nor any of their respective officers, directors, agents or employees shall be responsible to any Lender or the holder of any Note for, or be required or have any duty to ascertain, inquire or verify the accuracy of, (i) any recitals, statements, information, representations or warranties herein or in any document, certificate or other writing delivered in connection herewith, (ii) the execution, effectiveness, genuineness, validity, enforceability, perfection, collectibility, priority or sufficiency of this Agreement or any other Credit Document, (iii) the financial condition of the U.S. Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries, (iv) the performance or observance of any of the terms, provisions or conditions of this Agreement or any other Credit Document, (v) the satisfaction of any of the conditions precedent set forth in Section 5 or 6, or (vi) the existence or possible existence of any Default or Event of Default.

12.07 Indemnification by Lenders . (a) To the extent the Administrative Agent (or any affiliate thereof acting on behalf of the Administrative Agent) is not reimbursed and indemnified by the Borrowers, the Lenders will reimburse and indemnify the Administrative Agent (and any affiliate thereof acting on behalf of the Administrative Agent) in proportion to

 

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their respective “percentages” as used in determining the Required Lenders (determined as if there were no Defaulting Lenders), for and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, claims, actions, judgments, costs, expenses or disbursements of whatsoever kind or nature which may be imposed on, asserted against or incurred by the Administrative Agent (or any affiliate thereof acting on behalf of the Administrative Agent) in performing its respective duties hereunder or under any other Credit Document or in any way relating to or arising out of this Agreement or any other Credit Document, 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 the Administrative Agent’s gross negligence or willful misconduct (as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final and non-appealable decision).

(b) The Administrative Agent shall be fully justified in failing or refusing to take any action hereunder and under any other Credit Document (except actions expressly required to be taken by it hereunder or under the Credit Documents) unless it shall first be indemnified to its satisfaction by the Lenders pro rata against any and all liability, cost and expense that it may incur by reason of taking or continuing to take any such action.

(c) The agreements in this Section  12.07 shall survive the payment of all Obligations.

12.08 The Administrative Agent in its Individual Capacity . With respect to its obligation to make Loans, or issue or participate in Letters of Credit, under this Agreement, the Administrative Agent shall have the rights and powers specified herein for a “Lender” and may exercise the same rights and powers as though it were not performing the duties specified herein; and the term “Lender”, “Required Lenders”, “Majority Lenders”, “holders of Notes” or any similar terms shall, unless the context clearly otherwise indicates, include the Administrative Agent in its individual capacity. The Administrative Agent and its affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, and generally engage in any kind of banking, investment banking, trust or other business with, or provide debt financing, equity capital or other services (including financial advisory services) to, any Credit Party or any Affiliate of any Credit Party (or any Person engaged in a similar business with any Credit Party or any Affiliate thereof) as if they were not performing the duties specified herein, and may accept fees and other consideration from any Credit Party or any Affiliate of any Credit Party for services in connection with this Agreement and otherwise without having to account for the same to the Lenders.

12.09 Holders . The Administrative Agent may deem and treat the payee of any Note as the owner thereof for all purposes hereof unless and until a written notice of the assignment, transfer or endorsement thereof, as the case may be, shall have been filed with the Administrative Agent. Any request, authority or consent of any Person or entity who, at the time of making such request or giving such authority or consent, is the holder of any Note shall be conclusive and binding on any subsequent holder, transferee, assignee or endorsee, as the case may be, of such Note or of any Note or Notes issued in exchange therefor.

12.10 Resignation of the Administrative Agent . (a) The Administrative Agent may resign from the performance of all its functions and duties hereunder and/or under the other Credit Documents at any time by giving 30 Business Days’ prior written notice to the Lenders

 

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and, unless a Default or an Event of Default under Section 10.05 then exists, the U.S. Borrower. Any such resignation by the Administrative Agent hereunder shall also constitute its resignation (if applicable) as an Issuing Lender and Swingline Lender, in which case the resigning Administrative Agent (x) shall not be required to issue any further Letters of Credit or make any additional Swingline Loans hereunder and (y) shall maintain all of its rights as Issuing Lender or Swingline Lender, as the case may be, with respect to any Letter of Credit issued by it, or Swingline Loans made by it, prior to the date of such resignation. Such resignation shall take effect upon the appointment of a successor Administrative Agent pursuant to clauses (b) and (c) below or as otherwise provided below.

(b) Upon any such notice of resignation by the Administrative Agent, the Required Lenders shall appoint a successor Administrative Agent hereunder and/or under the other Credit Documents who shall be a commercial bank or trust company acceptable to the U.S. Borrower, which acceptance shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed ( provided that the U.S. Borrower’s approval shall not be required if an Event of Default then exists).

(c) If a successor Administrative Agent shall not have been so appointed within such 30 Business Day period, the Administrative Agent, with the consent of the U.S. Borrower (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, provided that the U.S. Borrower’s consent shall not be required if an Event of Default then exists), shall then appoint a successor Administrative Agent who shall serve as Administrative Agent hereunder and/or under the other Credit Documents until such time, if any, as the Required Lenders appoint a successor Administrative Agent as provided above.

(d) If no successor Administrative Agent has been appointed pursuant to clause (b) or (c) above by the 30th Business Day after the date such notice of resignation was given by the Administrative Agent, the Administrative Agent’s resignation shall become effective and the Required Lenders shall thereafter perform all the duties of the Administrative Agent hereunder and/or under any other Credit Document until such time, if any, as the Lenders appoint a successor Administrative Agent as provided above.

(e) Upon a resignation of the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section 12.10, the Administrative Agent shall remain indemnified to the extent provided in this Agreement and the other Credit Documents and the provisions of this Section 12 shall continue in effect for the benefit of the Administrative Agent for all of its actions and inactions while serving as the Administrative Agent.

12.11 Delivery of Information . The Administrative Agent shall not be required to deliver to any Lender originals or copies of any documents, instruments, notices, communications or other information received by the Administrative Agent from any Borrower, any Subsidiary, the Required Lenders, any Lender or any other Person under or in connection with this Agreement or any other Credit Document except (i) as specifically provided in this Agreement or any other Credit Document and (ii) as specifically requested from time to time in writing by any Lender with respect to a specific document, instrument, notice or other written communication received by and in the possession of the Administrative Agent at the time of receipt of such request and then only in accordance with such specific request.

 

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SECTION 13. Miscellaneous .

13.01 Payment of Expenses, etc. The Borrowers jointly and severally agree to: (i) whether or not the transactions herein contemplated are consummated, pay all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses of the Administrative Agent (including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and disbursements of White & Case LLP and local and foreign counsel) in connection with the negotiation, preparation, execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Credit Documents and the documents and instruments referred to herein and therein and of the Administrative Agent in connection with any amendment, waiver or consent relating hereto or thereto, and of the Administrative Agent in connection with its syndication efforts with respect to this Agreement; (ii) pay, upon presentation of invoices in reasonable detail, all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses of the Administrative Agent, each Issuing Lender and each of the Lenders in connection with the enforcement of the Credit Documents and the documents and instruments referred to therein (including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel) and the protection of the rights of the Administrative Agent, each Issuing Lender and each of the Lenders thereunder (including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel (including in-house counsel) for the Administrative Agent, each Issuing Lender and each of the Lenders); (iii) pay, upon presentation of invoices in reasonable detail, and hold each of the Administrative Agent, each Issuing Lender and each of the Lenders harmless from and against any and all present and future stamp, documentary, transfer, sales and use, value added, excise and other similar taxes with respect to the foregoing matters, the performance of any obligation under this Agreement or any other Credit Document or any payment thereunder, and save each of the Administrative Agent, each Issuing Lender and each of the Lenders harmless from and against any and all liabilities with respect to or resulting from any delay or omission (other than to the extent attributable to the Administrative Agent, such Issuing Lender or such Lender) to pay such taxes; and (iv) indemnify the Administrative Agent, each Issuing Lender and each Lender (in each case, solely in their respective capacities as Administrative Agent, Issuing Lender and Lender), their respective officers, directors, employees, representatives, advisors, trustees and agents from and hold each of them harmless against any and all liabilities, obligations (including removal or remedial actions), losses, damages, penalties, claims, actions, costs, expenses and disbursements incurred by, imposed on or assessed against any of them as a result of, or arising out of, or in any way related to, or by reason of, (a) any investigation, litigation or other proceeding (whether or not the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Lender or any Lender is a party thereto and whether or not any such investigation, litigation or other proceeding is between or among the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Lender, any Lender, any Credit Party or any third Person or otherwise) related to the entering into and/or performance of this Agreement or any other Document or the use of any Letter of Credit or the proceeds of any Loans hereunder or the Transaction or the consummation of any other transactions contemplated by any Document or the exercise or enforcement of any of their rights or remedies provided herein or in the other Credit Documents (but excluding any such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, claims, actions, costs, expenses and disbursements to the extent incurred by reason of the gross negligence or willful misconduct (as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final and non-appealable decision) of the Person to be indemnified), or (b) the actual or alleged presence of Hazardous Materials in the air, surface water or groundwater or on the surface or subsurface of any Real Property at any time owned, leased or operated by any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries, the Release, generation, storage, transportation, handling or disposal of Hazardous Materials at any location, whether or

 

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not owned, leased or operated by any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries, the non-compliance of any Real Property with any Environmental Laws or other applicable foreign, federal, state and local laws, regulations, and ordinances (including applicable permits thereunder) applicable to any Real Property, or any Environmental Claim in connection with or relating to any Credit Party, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their operations or activities or any Real Property at any time owned, leased or operated by any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries, in each case, including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel and independent consultants incurred in connection with any such investigation, litigation or other proceeding (but excluding any such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, claims, actions, costs, expenses and disbursements to the extent incurred by reason of the gross negligence or willful misconduct (as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final and non-appealable decision) of any Person indemnified hereby)). To the extent that the undertaking to indemnify, pay or hold harmless the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Lender or any Lender set forth in the preceding sentence may be unenforceable because it is violative of any law or public policy, the Borrowers jointly and severally hereby agree to make the maximum contribution to the payment and satisfaction of each of the indemnified liabilities which is permissible under applicable law.

13.02 Right of Setoff . In addition to any rights now or hereafter granted under applicable law or otherwise, and not by way of limitation of any such rights, upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent, each Issuing Lender and each Lender is hereby authorized at any time or from time to time, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind to any Credit Party or to any other Person, any such notice being hereby expressly waived, to set-off and to appropriate and apply any and all deposits (general or special) and any other Indebtedness at any time held or owing by the Administrative Agent, such Issuing Lender or such Lender (including, without limitation, by Affiliates, branches and agencies of the Administrative Agent, such Issuing Lender or such Lender wherever located) to or for the credit or the account of each Credit Party against and on account of the Obligations of such Credit Party, to the Administrative Agent, such Issuing Lender or such Lender under this Agreement or under any of the other Credit Documents, including, without limitation, all interests in Obligations purchased by such Lender pursuant to Section 13.04(b), all participations by any Lender in any Swingline Loans or Letters of Credit as required pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement and all other claims of any nature or description arising out of or connected with this Agreement or any other Credit Document, irrespective of whether or not the Administrative Agent, such Issuing Lender or such Lender shall have made any demand hereunder and although said Obligations shall be contingent or unmatured. Each Credit Party agrees that any Lender purchasing participations in one or more Letters of Credit issued, or Swingline Loans made, to it as required by the provisions of this Agreement, or purchasing participations as required by Section 13.04(b), may, to the fullest extent permitted by law, exercise all rights (including without limitation the right of setoff) with respect to such participations as fully as if such Lender is a direct creditor of such Credit Party with respect to such participations in the amount thereof.

13.03 Notices . (a) Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all notices and other communications provided for hereunder shall be in writing (including telegraphic, telex, facsimile or cable communication) and mailed, telegraphed, telexed, telecopied, cabled or delivered: if to any Credit Party, at the address specified opposite its signature below or in the other relevant Credit Documents; if to any Lender, at its address specified for such Lender on

 

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Schedule II; and if to the Administrative Agent, at its Notice Office; or, as to any Borrower or the Administrative Agent, at such other address as shall be designated by such party in a written notice to the other parties hereto and, as to each Lender, at such other address as shall be designated by such Lender in a written notice to the U.S. Borrower and the Administrative Agent. All such notices and communications shall be mailed, telegraphed, telexed, telecopied or cabled or sent by overnight courier, and shall be effective when received.

(b) Without in any way limiting the obligation of the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries to confirm in writing any telephonic notice permitted to be given hereunder, any Agent, the Swingline Lender (in the case of a Borrowing of Swingline Loans) or any Issuing Lender (in the case of the issuance of a Letter of Credit), as the case may be, may prior to receipt of written confirmation act without liability upon the basis of such telephonic notice, believed by the Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lender or such Issuing Lender in good faith to be from an Authorized Officer. In each such case, each of the Borrowers hereby waive the right to dispute the Administrative Agent’s, the Swingline Lender’s or such Issuing Lender’s record of the terms of such telephonic notice.

13.04 Benefit of Agreement . (a) This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the respective successors and assigns of the parties hereto; provided , however , no Borrower may assign or transfer any of its rights, obligations or interest hereunder or under any other Credit Document without the prior written consent of each of the Lenders and, provided further , that, although any Lender may (without the consent of any Borrower) transfer, assign or grant participations in its rights hereunder, such Lender shall remain a “Lender” for all purposes hereunder (and may not transfer or assign all or any portion of its Commitments or Loans hereunder except as provided in Section 13.04(b)) and the transferee, assignee or participant, as the case may be, shall not constitute a “Lender” hereunder and, provided further , that no Lender shall transfer or grant any participation under which the participant shall have rights to approve any amendment to or waiver of this Agreement or any other Credit Document except to the extent such amendment or waiver would (i) extend the final scheduled maturity of any Loan, Note, or Letter of Credit (unless such Letter of Credit is not extended beyond the Maturity Date) in which such participant is participating, or reduce the rate or extend the time of payment of interest or Fees thereon (except in connection with a waiver of applicability of any post-default increase in interest rates) or reduce the principal amount thereof, or increase the amount of the participant’s participation over the amount thereof then in effect (it being understood that a waiver of any Default or Event of Default or of a mandatory reduction in the Total Commitment or of a mandatory repayment of Loans shall not constitute a change in the terms of such participation, that an increase in any Commitment or Loan shall be permitted without the consent of any participant if the participant’s participation is not increased as a result thereof or (ii) consent to the assignment or transfer by any Borrower of any of its rights and obligations under this Agreement. In the case of any such participation, the participant shall not have any rights under this Agreement or any of the other Credit Documents (the participant’s rights against such Lender in respect of such participation to be those set forth in the agreement executed by such Lender in favor of the participant relating thereto) and all amounts payable by the Borrowers hereunder shall be determined as if such Lender had not sold such participation.

 

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(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Lender (or any Lender together with one or more other Lenders) may (x) assign all or a portion of its Revolving Loan Commitments (and related outstanding Obligations hereunder), and/or its Term Loan Commitments or, after the Delayed Borrowing Date, outstanding Term Loans to (i) its parent company and/or any affiliate of such Lender which is at least 50% owned by such Lender or its parent company, in each case which is an Eligible Transferee, (ii) one or more Lenders or (iii) in the case of any Lender that is a fund that is an Eligible Transferee and that invests in bank loans, any other fund that invests in bank loans and is managed by the same investment advisor as a Lender or by an Affiliate of such investment advisor or (y) assign all, or if less than all, a portion equal to at least (A) $5,000,000 in the aggregate for the assigning Lender or assigning Lenders, of such Revolving Loan Commitments (and related outstanding Obligations hereunder) and/or (B) $1,000,000 in the aggregate for the assigning Lender or assigning Lenders, of such Term Loan Commitments or, after the Delayed Borrowing Date, outstanding principal amount of Term Loans hereunder to one or more Eligible Transferees (treating (I) any fund that invests in bank loans and (II) any other fund that invests in bank loans and is managed by the same investment advisor as such fund or by an Affiliate of such investment advisor, as a single Eligible Transferee), each of which assignees shall become a party to this Agreement as a Lender by execution of an Assignment and Assumption Agreement, provided that (i) at such time Schedule I shall be deemed modified to reflect the Revolving Loan Commitments and/or Term Loan Commitments or, after the Delayed Borrowing Date, outstanding Term Loans, as the case may be, of such new Lender and of the existing Lenders, (ii) upon request of assigning or assignee Lender, and upon surrender of the old Notes (if any) or a lost Note(s) indemnity in form reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, new Notes will be issued, at the Borrowers’ expense, to such new Lender and to the assigning Lender, such new Notes to be in conformity with the requirements of Section 1.05 (with appropriate modifications) to the extent needed to reflect the revised Revolving Loan Commitments and/or Term Loan Commitments or, after the Delayed Borrowing Date, outstanding Term Loans, as the case may be, (iii) except in the case of assignments made by the Administrative Agent prior to the Syndication Date and as part of the primary syndication of the Loans and Commitments, the consent of the Administrative Agent and, so long as no Default or Event of Default then exists and is continuing, the Borrowers shall be required in connection with any such assignment pursuant to clause (y) of this Section 13.04(b) (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed), (iv) the consent of the Swingline Lender and each Issuing Lender shall be required in connection with any assignment of Revolving Loan Commitments pursuant to this Section 13.04(b) (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed), (v) unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, no Lender may assign any portion of its Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitment (or related outstanding Obligations of the Canadian Borrower hereunder) to any Person who is not a Canadian Resident and (vi) the Administrative Agent shall receive at the time of each such assignment, from the assigning or assignee Lender, unless waived by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion, the payment of a non-refundable assignment fee of $3,500 and, provided further , that such transfer or assignment will not be effective until recorded by the Administrative Agent on the Register pursuant to Section 13.17. To the extent of any assignment pursuant to this Section 13.04(b), the assigning Lender shall be relieved of its obligations hereunder with respect to its assigned Commitments and/or Term Loan Commitments or, after the Delayed Borrowing Date, outstanding Term Loans, as the case may be. At the time of each assignment pursuant to this Section 13.04(b) to a Person which is not already a Lender hereunder and which is not a United States person (as such term is defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code) for Federal income tax purposes, the respective assignee Lender shall, to the extent legally entitled to do so, provide to

 

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the U.S. Borrower and the Administrative Agent the appropriate Internal Revenue Service Forms (and, if applicable, a Section 4.04(b)(ii) Certificate) described in Section 4.04(b)(ii) to the extent such forms would provide a complete exemption from or reduction in United States withholding tax. At the time of each assignment of any portion of any Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitment (or related outstanding Obligations of the European Borrower hereunder), the assignee Lender shall make any declarations and representations required to be made pursuant to Section 13.25. To the extent that an assignment of all or any portion of a Lender’s Commitments and related outstanding Obligations pursuant to Section 1.13 or this Section 13.04(b) would, at the time of such assignment, result in increased costs under Section 1.10, 1.11, 2.05 or 4.04 (exclusive of increased costs owing pursuant to Section 4.04 as a result of assignments made at a time when an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing to a Person that is not a Canadian Resident at the time of the respective assignment) from those being charged by the respective assigning Lender prior to such assignment, then the Borrowers shall not be obligated to pay such increased costs (although the Borrowers, in accordance with and pursuant to the other provisions of this Agreement, shall be obligated to pay any other increased costs of the type described above resulting from changes after the date of the respective assignment). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained above, at any time after the termination of the Total Revolving Loan Commitment, if any Revolving Loans or Letters of Credit remain outstanding, assignments may be made as provided above, except that the respective assignment shall be of a portion of the outstanding Revolving Loans of the respective RL Lender and its participation in Letters of Credit and its obligation to make Mandatory Borrowings, although any such assignment effected after the termination of the Total Revolving Loan Commitment shall not release the assigning RL Lender from its obligations as a participant with respect to outstanding Letters of Credit or to fund its share of any Mandatory Borrowing (although the respective assignee may agree, as between itself and the respective assigning RL Lender, that it shall be responsible for such amounts).

(c) Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent or prohibit any Lender from pledging its Loans and Notes hereunder to a Federal Reserve Bank in support of borrowings made by such Lender from such Federal Reserve Bank and, with prior notification to the Administrative Agent (but without the consent of the Administrative Agent or any Borrower), any Lender which is a fund may pledge all or any portion of its Notes or Loans to its trustee or to a collateral agent or to another creditor providing credit or credit support to such Lender in support of its obligations to such trustee, such collateral agent or a holder of, or any other representative of a holder of, such obligations, or such other creditor, as the case may be. No pledge pursuant to this clause (c) shall release the transferor Lender from any of its obligations hereunder.

13.05 No Waiver; Remedies Cumulative . No failure or delay on the part of the Administrative Agent or any Lender in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder or under any other Credit Document and no course of dealing between any Credit Party and the Administrative Agent or Lender shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, power or privilege hereunder or under any other Credit Document preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege hereunder or thereunder. The rights and remedies herein expressly provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies which the Administrative Agent or any Lender would otherwise have. No notice to or demand on any Credit Party in any case shall entitle any Credit

 

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Party to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances or constitute a waiver of the rights of the Administrative Agent or any Lender to any other or further action in any circumstances without notice or demand.

13.06 Payments Pro Rata . (a) The Administrative Agent agrees that promptly after its receipt of each payment from or on behalf of any Credit Party in respect of any Obligations of such Credit Party, it shall, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, distribute such payment to the Lenders (other than any Lender that has consented in writing to waive its pro rata share of such payment) pro rata based upon their respective shares, if any, of the Obligations with respect to which such payment was received.

(b) Each of the Lenders agrees that, if it should receive any amount hereunder (whether by voluntary payment, by realization upon security, by the exercise of the right of setoff or banker’s lien, by counterclaim or cross action, by the enforcement of any right under the Credit Documents, or otherwise) which is applicable to the payment of the principal of, or interest on, the Loans, Unpaid Drawings or Fees, of a sum which with respect to the related sum or sums received by other Lenders is in a greater proportion than the total of such Obligation then owed and due to such Lender bears to the total of such Obligation then owed and due to all of the Lenders immediately prior to such receipt, then such Lender receiving such excess payment shall purchase for cash without recourse or warranty from the other Lenders an interest in the Obligations of the respective Credit Party to such Lenders in such amount as shall result in a proportional participation by all of the Lenders in such amount; provided that if all or any portion of such excess amount is thereafter recovered from such Lender, such purchase shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, but without interest.

(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the provisions of the preceding Sections 13.06(a) and (b) shall be subject to the express provisions of this Agreement which require, or permit, differing payments to be made to Non-Defaulting Lenders as opposed to Defaulting Lenders.

13.07 Calculations; Computations . (a) The financial statements to be furnished to the Lenders pursuant hereto shall be made and prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP consistently applied throughout the periods involved (except as set forth in the notes thereto or as otherwise disclosed in writing by the U.S. Borrower to the Lenders), provided that (i) except as otherwise specifically provided herein, all computations determining compliance with Section 9, including in each case definitions used therein, shall, in each case, utilize United States generally accepted accounting principles and policies in effect at the time of the preparation of, and in conformity with those used to prepare, the first annual consolidated audited financial statements of the U.S. Borrower delivered to the Lenders after the Effective Date pursuant to Section 8.01(b) (which financial statements shall be prepared giving effect to “fresh start” accounting principles and shall be reasonably consistent with the methodology used to prepare the Projections), (ii) to the extent expressly required pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, certain calculations shall be made on a Pro Forma Basis, and (iii) for purposes of determining compliance with any incurrence or expenditure tests set forth in Sections 8 and/or 9 (excluding Section 9.07 or 9.08), any amounts so incurred or expended (to the extent incurred or expended in a currency other than Dollars) shall be converted into Dollars on the basis of the exchange rates (as shown on Reuters ECB page 37 or, if same does not provide such exchange

 

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rates, on such other basis as is reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent) as in effect on the date of such incurrence or expenditure under any provision of any such Section that has an aggregate Dollar limitation provided for therein (and to the extent the respective incurrence or expenditure test regulates the aggregate amount outstanding at any time and it is expressed in terms of Dollars, all outstanding amounts originally incurred or spent in currencies other than Dollars shall be converted into Dollars on the basis of the exchange rates (as shown on Reuters ECB page 37 or, if same does not provide such exchange rates, on such other basis as is reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent) as in effect on the date of any new incurrence or expenditures made under any provision of any such Section that regulates the Dollar amount outstanding at any time).

13.08 Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction; Venue . (a) THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER CREDIT DOCUMENTS AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER AND THEREUNDER SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND BE GOVERNED BY THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. Any legal action or proceeding with respect to this Agreement or any other Credit Document may be brought in the courts of the State of New York or of the United States for the Southern District of New York, in each case located within the City of New York and, by execution and delivery of this Agreement, each Borrower hereby irrevocably accepts for itself and in respect of its property, generally and unconditionally, the jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts. Each Borrower hereby irrevocably designates, appoints and empowers CT Corporation System, with offices on the date hereof at 111 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York, 10011, as its authorized designee, appointee and agent to receive, accept and acknowledge for and on its behalf, and in respect of its property, service of any and all legal process, summons, notices and documents which may be served in any such action or proceeding. If for any reason such authorized designee, appointee and agent shall cease to be available to act as such, each Borrower agrees to designate a new authorized designee, appointee and agent in New York City on the terms and for the purposes of this provision reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent under this Agreement. Each Borrower hereby further irrevocably waives any claim that any such courts lack jurisdiction over such Borrower, and agrees not to plead or claim, in any legal action or proceeding with respect to this Agreement or any other Credit Document brought in any of the aforesaid courts, that any such court lacks jurisdiction over such Borrower. Each Borrower further irrevocably consents to the service of process in any such action or proceeding by the mailing of copies thereof by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, to such Borrower, as the case may be, at its address for notices pursuant to Section 13.03, such service to become effective 30 days after such mailing. Each Borrower hereby irrevocably waives any objection to such service of process and further irrevocably waives and agrees not to plead or claim in any action or proceeding commenced hereunder or under any other Credit Document that service of process was in any way invalid or ineffective. Nothing herein shall affect the right of the Administrative Agent or any Lender or the holder of any Note to serve process in any other manner permitted by law or to commence legal proceedings or otherwise proceed against any Borrower in any other jurisdiction.

(b) EACH BORROWER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION WHICH IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY OF THE AFORESAID ACTIONS OR PROCEEDINGS ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER CREDIT DOCUMENT

 

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BROUGHT IN THE COURTS REFERRED TO IN CLAUSE (a) ABOVE AND HEREBY FURTHER IRREVOCABLY WAIVES AND AGREES NOT TO PLEAD OR CLAIM IN ANY SUCH COURT THAT ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT HAS BEEN BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM.

13.09 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the different parties hereto on separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an original, but all of which shall together constitute one and the same instrument. A complete set of counterparts executed by all the parties hereto shall be lodged with each Borrower and the Administrative Agent.

13.10 Effectiveness . This Agreement shall become effective on the date (the “ Effective Date ”) on which each of the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders shall have signed a counterpart hereof (whether the same or different counterparts) and shall have delivered the same (including by way of facsimile or other electronic transmission) to the Administrative Agent at the Notice Office or at the office of the Administrative Agents’ counsel. The Administrative Agent will give the U.S. Borrower and each Lender prompt written notice of the occurrence of the Effective Date.

13.11 Headings Descriptive . The headings of the several sections and subsections of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not in any way affect the meaning or construction of any provision of this Agreement.

13.12 Amendment or Waiver; etc. (a) Except as expressly provided in Section 13.25(b), neither this Agreement nor any other Credit Document nor any terms hereof or thereof may be changed, waived, discharged or terminated unless such change, waiver, discharge or termination is in writing signed by the respective Credit Parties party thereto and the Required Lenders, provided that no such change, waiver, discharge or termination shall, without the consent of each Lender (with Obligations being directly affected thereby in the case of the following clause (i)), (i) extend the final scheduled maturity (or, in the case of any Commitment, final scheduled termination) of any Commitment, Loan, Note or extend the stated maturity of, or any reimbursement obligation with respect to, any Letter of Credit beyond the Maturity Date or extend the duration of any Interest Period beyond six months, or reduce the rate or amount or extend the time of payment of interest (other than as a result of any waiver of the applicability of any post-default increase in interest rates) or Fees thereon, or reduce the principal or face amount thereof (except to the extent paid in cash), (ii) amend, modify or waive any provision of this Section 13.12 (except for technical amendments with respect to additional extensions of credit pursuant to this Agreement which afford the protections to such additional extensions of credit of the type provided to the Term Loans and the Revolving Loan Commitments on the Effective Date), (iii) reduce the percentage specified in the definition of “Required Lenders” contained herein (it being understood that, with the consent of the Required Lenders, additional extensions of credit pursuant to this Agreement may be included in the determination of the Required Lenders on substantially the same basis as the extensions of Term Loans and Revolving Loan Commitments are included on the Effective Date), (iv) consent to the assignment or transfer by any Borrower of any of its rights and obligations under this Agreement or (v) release the U.S. Borrower’s Guaranty; provided further , that no such change, waiver, discharge or termination shall (s) amend Section 13.06 in a manner that would alter the pro rata sharing of payments

 

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required thereby, without the consent of each adversely affected Lender, (t) amend, modify or waive any condition precedent set forth in Section 6 with respect to the making of Revolving Loans, Swingline Loans or the issuance of Letters of Credit, without the written consent of the Majority Lenders holding Revolving Loan Commitments, (u) increase the Commitments of any Lender over the amount thereof then in effect without the consent of such Lender (it being understood that waivers or modifications of conditions precedent, covenants, Defaults or Events of Default or of a mandatory reduction in the Total Commitment shall not constitute an increase of the Commitment of any Lender, and that an increase in the available portion of any Commitment of any Lender as a result of any of the foregoing shall not constitute an increase in the Commitment of such Lender), (v) without the consent of each Issuing Lender affected thereby, amend, modify or waive any provision of Section 2 or alter its rights or obligations with respect to Letters of Credit, (w) without the consent of the Swingline Lender, alter its rights or obligations with respect to Swingline Loans, (x) without the consent of the Administrative Agent, amend, modify or waive any provision of Section 12 as same applies to the Administrative Agent or any other provision as same relates to the rights or obligations of the Administrative Agent, (y) except in cases where additional extensions of term loans and/or revolving loans are being afforded substantially the same treatment afforded to the Term Loans and Revolving Loan Commitments pursuant to this Agreement on the Effective Date, without the consent of the Majority Lenders of each Tranche which is being allocated a lesser prepayment, repayment or commitment reduction as a result of the actions described below, alter the required application of any prepayments or repayments (or commitment reduction), as between the various Tranches, pursuant to Section 4.01 or 4.02) (although the Required Lenders may waive, in whole or in part, any such prepayment, repayment or commitment reduction, so long as the application, as amongst the various Tranches, of any such prepayment, repayment or commitment reduction which is still required to be made is not altered) or (z) without the consent of the Majority Lenders of the respective Tranche affected thereby, amend the definition of “Majority Lenders” contained herein (it being understood that, with the consent of the Required Lenders, additional extensions of credit pursuant to this Agreement may be included in the determination of the Majority Lenders on substantially the same basis as the extensions of Loans and Commitments are included on the Effective Date).

(b) If, in connection with any proposed change, waiver, discharge or termination of or to any of the provisions of this Agreement as contemplated by clauses (i) through (iv), inclusive, of the first proviso to Section 13.12(a), the consent of the Required Lenders is obtained but the consent of one or more of such other Lenders whose consent is required is not obtained, then the U.S. Borrower shall have the right, so long as all non-consenting Lenders whose individual consent is required are treated as described in either clause (A) or (B) below, to either (A) replace each such non-consenting Lender or Lenders (or, at the option of the U.S. Borrower if the respective Lender’s consent is required with respect to less than all Tranches (or related Commitments), to replace only the respective Tranche or Tranches of Commitments (and related Obligations) and/or Loans of the respective non-consenting Lender which gave rise to the need to obtain such Lender’s individual consent) with one or more Replacement Lenders pursuant to Section 1.14 so long as at the time of such replacement, each such Replacement Lender consents to the proposed change, waiver, discharge or termination or (B) terminate the outstanding Commitments of such non-consenting Lender (if such Lender’s consent is required as a result of such Commitments), and/or repay outstanding Obligations under each Tranche of such Lender which gave rise to the need to obtain such Lender’s consent,

 

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in accordance with Sections 3.02(b) and/or 4.01, provided that, unless the Commitments which are terminated and Loans and other Obligations which are repaid pursuant to preceding clause (B) are immediately replaced in full at such time through the addition of new Lenders or the increase of the Commitments and/or outstanding Loans of existing Lenders (who in each case must specifically consent thereto), then in the case of any action pursuant to preceding clause (B), the Required Lenders (determined both (x) after giving effect to the proposed action and (y) as if the Commitments, Loans and related Obligations being terminated and/or repaid (and not replaced) were not outstanding) shall specifically consent thereto, provided further , that the U.S. Borrower shall not have the right to replace a Lender, terminate its Commitment or repay its Loans or other Obligations solely as a result of the exercise of such Lender’s rights (and the withholding of any required consent by such Lender) pursuant to the second proviso to Section 13.12(a).

13.13 Survival . All indemnities set forth herein including, without limitation, in Sections 1.11, 1.12, 2.05, 4.04, 12.07, 13.01 and 13.17, shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the making and repayment of the Loans and the other Obligations. All representations and warranties made hereunder and in any other Credit Document or other document delivered pursuant hereto or thereto or in connection herewith or therewith shall survive the execution and delivery hereof and thereof. Such representations and warranties have been or will be relied upon by the Administrative Agent, each Issuing Lender and each Lender, regardless of any investigation made by the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Lender or any Lender or on their behalf and notwithstanding that the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Lender or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default at the time of any Credit Event, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as any Loan or any other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied or any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding.

13.14 Domicile of Loans and Commitments . Each Lender may transfer and carry its Loans and/or Commitments at, to or for the account of any branch office, subsidiary or Affiliate of such Lender; provided that (x) unless an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, no Lender may transfer or carry any portion of its Canadian Facility Revolving Loan Commitment relating to its obligation to make or participate in extensions of credit hereunder to the Canadian Borrower (or related outstanding Obligations of the Canadian Borrower hereunder) to or for the account of any branch office, subsidiary or Affiliate that is not a Canadian Resident and (y) no Lender may transfer or carry any portion of its Euro Facility Revolving Loan Commitment relating to its obligation to make or participate in extensions of credit hereunder to the European Borrower (or related outstanding Obligations of the European Borrower hereunder) to or for the account of any branch office, subsidiary or affiliate that does not satisfy the requirements set forth in the proviso to the definition of “Eligible Transferee” contained herein. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, to the extent that a transfer of Loans pursuant to this Section 13.14 would, at the time of such transfer, result in increased costs under Section 1.10, 1.11, 2.05 or 4.04 from those being charged by the respective Lender prior to such transfer, then the Borrowers shall not be obligated to pay such increased costs (although the Borrowers shall be obligated to pay any other increased costs of the type described above resulting from changes after the date of the respective transfer).

 

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13.15 Confidentiality . (a) Each of the Lenders agrees that it will use its reasonable efforts not to disclose without the prior consent of the U.S. Borrower (other than to its directors, employees, auditors, counsel or other professional advisors, to affiliates or to another Lender if the Lender or such Lender’s holding or parent company in its sole discretion determines that any such party should have access to such information all of whom have been advised of the confidential nature of such information) any information with respect to the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries which is now or in the future furnished pursuant to this Agreement; provided that any Lender (and/or its directors, employees, auditors, counsel, other professional advisors and affiliates) may disclose any such information (a) as has become generally available to the public or to such Lender (and/or its directors, employees, auditors, counsel, other professional advisors and affiliates) by any Person other than the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries other than as a result of a breach of this Section 13.15, (b) as may be required or appropriate (x) in any report, statement or testimony submitted to any regulatory body having or claiming to have jurisdiction over such Lender (and/or its directors, employees, auditors, counsel, other professional advisors and affiliates) (including, without limitation, any self-regulatory authority such as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners) or to the Federal Reserve Board or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or similar organizations (whether in the United States or elsewhere) or their successors or (y) in connection with any request or requirement of any such regulatory body, (c) as may be required or appropriate in response to any summons or subpoena or in connection with any litigation or the exercise of any rights or remedies under any Credit Document, (d) to comply with any law, order, regulation or ruling applicable to such Lender (and/or its directors, employees, auditors, counsel, other professional advisors and affiliates), (e) to any creditor, swap or derivative counterparty or any prospective transferee or participant in connection with any contemplated transfer or participation of any of the Obligations or any interest therein by such Lender and (f) as reasonably required by any Person providing financing to such Lender ( provided that such Persons are advised of the confidential nature of such information and agree to keep such information confidential pursuant to the terms of this Section 13.15(a)); provided that such creditor, swap or derivative counterparty or prospective transferee or participant agrees to be bound by this Section 13.15 to the same extent as such Lender.

(b) Each Borrower hereby acknowledges and agrees that each Lender may share with any of its Affiliates or its investment advisors any information related to the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (including, without limitation, any nonpublic customer information regarding the creditworthiness of such entities), provided that such Persons shall be subject to the provisions of this Section 13.15 to the same extent as such Lender and shall only use such information in connection with matters relating to this Agreement.

(c) Each Borrower hereby represents and acknowledges that, to the best of its knowledge, neither any Agent nor any Lender, nor any employees or agents of, or other persons affiliated with, any Agent or any Lender, have directly or indirectly made or provided any statement (oral or written) to such Borrower or to any of its employees or agents, or other persons affiliated with or related to such Borrower (or, so far as such Borrower is aware, to any other person), as to the potential tax consequences of the Transaction.

13.16 Waiver of Jury Trial . EACH OF THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, THE OTHER CREDIT DOCUMENTS OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY.

 

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13.17 Register . The Borrowers hereby designate the Administrative Agent, and the Administrative Agent agrees, to serve as the Borrowers’ agent, solely for purposes of this Section 13.17, to maintain a register at one of its offices in New York, New York (the “ Register ”) on which it will record the Commitments from time to time of each of the Lenders, the Loans made by each of the Lenders and each repayment in respect of the principal amount of the Loans of each Lender. Failure to make any such recordation, or any error in such recordation shall not affect the Borrowers’ obligations in respect of such Loans. With respect to any Lender, the transfer of the Commitments of such Lender and the rights to the principal of, and interest on, any Loan made pursuant to such Commitments shall not be effective until such transfer is recorded on the Register maintained by the Administrative Agent with respect to ownership of such Commitments and/or Loans prior to such recordation all amounts owing to the transferor with respect to such Commitments and/or Loans shall remain owing to the transferor. The registration of an assignment or transfer of all or part of any Commitments and/or Loans shall be recorded by the Administrative Agent on the Register only upon the acceptance by the Administrative Agent of a properly executed and delivered Assignment and Assumption Agreement pursuant to Section 13.04(b). Coincident with the delivery of such an Assignment and Assumption Agreement to the Administrative Agent for acceptance and registration of assignment or transfer of all or part of a Commitment and/or Loan, or as soon thereafter as practicable, the assigning or transferor Lender shall surrender the Note evidencing such Commitment and/or Loan, and thereupon one or more new Notes in the same aggregate principal amount shall be issued to the assigning or transferor Lender and/or the new Lender. The Borrowers agree to indemnify the Administrative Agent from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities of whatsoever nature that may be imposed on, asserted against or incurred by the Administrative Agent in performing its duties under this Section 13.17.

13.18 English Language . This Agreement and all other Credit Documents shall be in the English language, except as required by applicable local law (in which event certified English translations thereof shall, upon the request of the Administrative Agent, be provided by the U.S. Borrower to the Administrative Agent). All documents, certificates, reports or notices to be delivered or communications to be given or made by any party hereto pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other Credit Document shall be in the English language or, if originally written in another language, shall, upon request of the Administrative Agent, be accompanied by an accurate English translation upon which the other parties hereto shall have the right to rely for all purposes of this Agreement and the other Credit Documents.

13.19 Powers of Attorney; etc . The U.S. Borrower is hereby authorized by, and on behalf of, the European Borrower and the Canadian Borrower to give Notices of Borrowing, Notices of Conversion and other notices and directions in connection with the extensions of credit and repayments thereof to be made pursuant to this Agreement by the European Borrower and the Canadian Borrower (including without limitation notices as to the application of proceeds of such extensions of credit). The European Borrower and the Canadian Borrower hereby grant to the U.S. Borrower an irrevocable power-of attorney, in each of the European Borrower’s name and the Canadian Borrower’s name, to take the actions contemplated above in this Section 13.19 and in the last sentence of Section 1.14 hereof. Furthermore, each of the

 

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European Borrower and the Canadian Borrower agrees that the Administrative Agent and the Lenders may at any time rely upon any notices, instructions or other information furnished by the U.S. Borrower.

13.20 Judgment Currency . (a) The Credit Parties’ obligations hereunder and under the other Credit Documents to make payments in the respective Applicable Currency (the “ Obligation Currency ”) shall not be discharged or satisfied by any tender or recovery pursuant to any judgment expressed in or converted into any currency other than the Obligation Currency, except to the extent that such tender or recovery results in the effective receipt by the Administrative Agent or the respective Lender of the full amount of the Obligation Currency expressed to be payable to the Administrative Agent or such Lender under this Agreement or the other Credit Documents. If for the purpose of obtaining or enforcing judgment against any Credit Party in any court or in any jurisdiction, it becomes necessary to convert into or from any currency other than the Obligation Currency (such other currency being hereinafter referred to as the “ Judgment Currency ”) an amount due in the Obligation Currency, the conversion shall be made, at the Euro Equivalent, Canadian Dollar Equivalent or the Dollar Equivalent thereof, as the case may be, and, in the case of other currencies, the rate of exchange (as quoted by the Administrative Agent or if the Administrative Agent does not quote a rate of exchange on such currency, by a known dealer in such currency designated by the Administrative Agent) determined, in each case, as of the day on which the judgment is given (such day being hereinafter referred to as the “ Judgment Currency Conversion Date ”).

(b) If there is a change in the rate of exchange prevailing between the Judgment Currency Conversion Date and the date of actual payment of the amount due, each Borrower covenants and agrees to pay, or cause to be paid, such additional amounts, if any (but in any event not a lesser amount), as may be necessary to ensure that the amount paid 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 Judgment Currency stipulated in the judgment or judicial award at the rate or exchange prevailing on the Judgment Currency Conversion Date.

For purposes of determining the Dollar Equivalent, the Euro Equivalent or the Canadian Dollar Equivalent or any other rate of exchange for this Section, such amounts shall include any premium and costs payable in connection with the purchase of the Obligation Currency.

13.21 Limitation on Additional Amounts . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Section 1.11, 1.12, 2.05 or 4.04 unless a Lender gives notice to the Borrowers that they are obligated to pay an amount under any such Section within 180 days after the later of (x) the date the Lender incurs the respective increased costs, Taxes, loss, expense or liability, reduction in amounts received or receivable or reduction in return on capital or (y) the date such Lender has actual knowledge of its incurrence of the respective increased costs, Taxes, loss, expense or liability, reductions in amounts received or receivable or reduction in return on capital, then such Lender shall only be entitled to be compensated for such amount by the Borrowers pursuant to said Section 1.11, 1.12, 2.05 or 4.04, as the case may be, to the extent the costs, Taxes, loss, expense liability, reduction in amounts received or receivable or reduction in return on capital are incurred or suffered on or after the date which occurs 180 days prior to such

 

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Lender giving notice to the Borrowers that it is obligated to pay the respective amounts pursuant to said Section 1.11, 1.12, 2.05 or 4.04. This Section 13.21 shall have no applicability to any Section of this Agreement other than said Section 1.11, 1.12, 2.05 or 4.04.

13.22 Citigroup Direct Website Communications . (a) Each Borrower hereby agrees that it will provide to the Administrative Agent all information, documents and other materials that it is obligated to furnish to the Administrative Agent pursuant to the Credit Documents, including, without limitation, all notices, requests, financial statements, financial and other reports, certificates and other information material, but excluding any such communication that (i) relates to a request for a new, or a conversion of an existing, Borrowing or other extension of credit (including any election of an interest rate or interest period relating thereto), (ii) relates to the payment of any principal or other amount due under this Agreement prior to the scheduled date therefore, (iii) provides notice of any Default under this Agreement or (iv) is required to be delivered to satisfy any condition precedent to the effectiveness of this Agreement and/or any borrowing or other extension of credit hereunder (all such non-excluded communications being referred to herein collectively as “ Communications ”), by transmitting the Communications in an electronic/soft medium in a format acceptable to the Administrative Agent to oploanswebadmin@citigroup.com . In addition, each Borrower agrees to continue to provide the Communications to the Administrative Agent in the manner specified in the Credit Documents but only to the extent requested by the Administrative Agent.

(b) Each Borrower further agrees that the Administrative Agent may make the Communications available to the Lenders by posting the Communications on Intralinks, Fixed Income Direct or a substantially similar electronic transmission systems (the “ Platform ”). Each Borrower acknowledges that the distribution of material through an electronic medium is not necessarily secure and that there are confidentiality and other risks associated with such distribution.

(c) THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE”. THE AGENT PARTIES (AS DEFINED BELOW) DO NOT WARRANT THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE COMMUNICATIONS, OR THE ADEQUACY OF THE PLATFORM AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR ERRORS OR OMISSIONS IN THE COMMUNICATIONS. NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD-PARTY RIGHTS OR FREEDOM FROM VIRUSES OR OTHER CODE DEFECTS, IS MADE BY THE AGENT PARTIES IN CONNECTION WITH THE COMMUNICATIONS OR THE PLATFORM. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, ADVISORS OR REPRESENTATIVES (COLLECTIVELY, THE “ AGENT PARTIES ”) HAVE ANY LIABILITY TO THE BORROWERS, ANY LENDER OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FOR DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DIRECT OR INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOSSES OR EXPENSES (WHETHER IN TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF THE BORROWERS’ OR THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT’S TRANSMISSION OF COMMUNICATIONS THROUGH THE INTERNET, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THE

 

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LIABILITY OF ANY AGENT PARTY IS FOUND IN A FINAL, NON-APPEALABLE JUDGMENT BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION TO HAVE RESULTED PRIMARILY FROM SUCH AGENT PARTY’S GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT.

The Administrative Agent agrees that the receipt of the Communications by the Administrative Agent at its e-mail address set forth above shall constitute effective delivery of the Communications to the Administrative Agent for purposes of the Credit Documents. Each Lender agrees that notice to it (as provided in the next sentence) specifying that the Communications have been posted to the Platform shall constitute effective delivery of the Communications to such Lender for purposes of the Credit Documents. Each Lender agrees (i) to notify the Administrative Agent in writing (including by electronic communication) from time to time of such Lender’s e-mail address to which the foregoing notice may be sent by electronic transmission and (ii) that the foregoing notice may be sent to such e-mail address.

Nothing herein shall prejudice the right of the Administrative Agent or any Lender to give any notice or other communication pursuant to any Credit Document in any other manner specified in such Credit Document.

13.23 Entire Agreement . This Agreement and the other Credit Documents constitute the entire contract between the parties relative to the subject matter hereof. Any previous agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof is superseded by this Agreement and the other Credit Documents; provided that any letter agreement relating to the subject matter hereof between any Borrower and a Lender shall remain effective in accordance with its terms. Nothing in this Agreement or in the other Credit Documents, expressed or implied, is intended to confer upon any party other than the parties hereto and thereto any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement or the other Credit Documents.

13.24 USA Patriot Act Notice . Each Lender hereby notifies each Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the USA Patriot Act (Title III of Pub.: 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)) (the “ Patriot Act ”), it is required to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each Borrower, which information includes the name of each Borrower and other information that will allow such Lender to identify each Borrower in accordance with the Patriot Act, and each Borrower agrees to provide such information from time to time to any Lender. In addition, the U.S. Borrower shall, following a request by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, provide all documentation and other information that the Administrative Agent or such Lender reasonably requests in order to comply with its ongoing obligations under any other applicable “know your customer” and/or anti-money laundering rules and regulations.

13.25 Special Provisions Regarding Dutch ASCS . (a) Each Euro Facility RL Lender makes the following declarations and representations to the European Borrower: (i) it is, on the date specified for such Euro Facility RL Lender pursuant to following clause (b), (x) a PMP, (y) exempted because it forms a restricted circle ( besloten kring ) with the European Borrower or (z) otherwise qualifies as a legal assignee hereunder under the laws of the Netherlands; (ii) it acknowledges that as a consequence it has no benefit from the (creditor) protection under the Dutch ASCS; and (iii) it has made its own credit assessment of the European Borrower.

 

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(b) Each declaration and representation set out in paragraph (a) above is made by each aforementioned Euro Facility RL Lender on the date of this Agreement (if a party hereto on such date) and by any future Euro Facility RL Lender on the date of its becoming a Euro Facility RL Lender; provided that the declaration and representation set out in paragraph (a) above shall not be required to be made by any Euro Facility RL Lender if, and to the extent that, on the date it becomes a Euro Facility RL Lender it is not a requirement under Dutch law that such Lender needs to be either (x) qualified as a PMP, (y) exempted because it forms a restricted circle ( besloten kring ) with the European Borrower or (z) otherwise qualified as a legal assignee hereunder under the laws of the Netherlands.

(c) If on the date on which a Subsidiary of the U.S. Borrower incorporated in the Netherlands accedes to this Agreement as the European Borrower, it is a requirement under Dutch law that each Euro Facility RL Lender needs to be either (x) qualified as a PMP, (y) exempted because it forms a restricted circle ( besloten kring ) with the European Borrower or (z) otherwise qualified as a legal assignee hereunder under the laws of the Netherlands, each declaration and representation set out in paragraph (a) above is made to such European Borrower incorporated in the Netherlands on such date by each of the then-current Euro Facility RL Lenders; provided that if any Euro Facility RL Lender cannot at such time make the declaration and representation as required above, then the U.S. Borrower shall replace the respective such Euro Facility RL Lender pursuant to Section 1.14 before the respective Subsidiary of the U.S. Borrower accedes as the European Borrower under this Agreement.

SECTION 14. U.S. Borrower’s Guaranty .

14.01 The U.S. Borrower’s Guaranty . In order to induce the Lenders to enter into this Agreement and to extend credit hereunder and to induce the Lenders or any of their respective Affiliates to enter into Interest Rate Protection Agreements or Other Hedging Agreements, and in recognition of the direct benefits to be received by the U.S. Borrower from the proceeds of the Loans and the issuance of the Letters of Credit, the U.S. Borrower hereby unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees, as primary obligor and not merely as surety the full and prompt payment when due, whether upon maturity, acceleration or otherwise, of any and all of the U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Obligations to the Guaranteed Creditors. If any or all of the U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Obligations to the Guaranteed Creditors becomes due and payable hereunder, the U.S. Borrower unconditionally promises to pay such indebtedness to the Guaranteed Creditors, on demand, together with any and all expenses which may be incurred by the Guaranteed Creditors in collecting any of the U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Obligations. This U.S. Borrower’s Guaranty is a guaranty of payment and not of collection. This U.S. Borrower’s Guaranty is a continuing one and all liabilities to which it applies or may apply under the terms hereof shall be conclusively presumed to have been created in reliance hereon. If any claim is ever made upon any Guaranteed Creditor for repayment or recovery of any amount or amounts received in payment or on account of any of the U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Obligations and any of the aforesaid payees repays all or part of said amount by reason of (i) any judgment, decree or order of any court or administrative body having jurisdiction over such payee or any of its property or (ii) any settlement or compromise of any such claim effected by such payee with any

 

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such claimant (including the European Borrower, the Canadian Borrower or any other U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Party), then and in such event the U.S. Borrower agrees that any such judgment, decree, order, settlement or compromise shall be binding upon the U.S. Borrower, notwithstanding any revocation of this U.S. Borrower’s Guaranty or any other instrument evidencing any liability of the European Borrower, the Canadian Borrower or any other U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Party, and the U.S. Borrower shall be and remain liable to the aforesaid payees hereunder for the amount so repaid or recovered to the same extent as if such amount had never originally been received by any such payee.

14.02 Bankruptcy . Additionally, the U.S. Borrower unconditionally and irrevocably, guarantees the payment of any and all of the U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Obligations to the Guaranteed Creditors whether or not due or payable by the European Borrower, the Canadian Borrower or any other U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Party upon the occurrence of any of the events specified in Section 10.05, and unconditionally promises to pay such indebtedness to the Guaranteed Creditors, or order, on demand.

14.03 Nature of Liability . The liability of the U.S. Borrower hereunder is exclusive and independent of any security for or other guaranty of the U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Obligations whether executed by the U.S. Borrower, any other guarantor or by any other party, and the liability of the U.S. Borrower hereunder is not affected or impaired by (a) any direction as to application of payment by the European Borrower, the Canadian Borrower or any other U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Party or any other party, or (b) any other continuing or other guaranty, undertaking or maximum liability of a guarantor or of any other party as to the U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Obligations, or (c) any payment on or in respect of any such other guaranty or undertaking, or (d) any dissolution, termination or increase, decrease or change in personnel by the European Borrower, the Canadian Borrower or any other U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Party or (e) any payment made to the Guaranteed Creditors on the U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Obligations which any such Guaranteed Creditor repays to the European Borrower, the Canadian Borrower or any other U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Party pursuant to court order in any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, moratorium or other debtor relief proceeding, and the U.S. Borrower waives any right to the deferral or modification of its obligations hereunder by reason of any such proceeding, or (f) any action or inaction of the type described in Section 14.05, or (g) the lack of validity or enforceability of any Credit Document or any other instrument relating thereto.

14.04 Independent Obligation . No invalidity, irregularity or unenforceability of all or any part of the U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Obligations or of any security therefor shall affect, impair or be a defense to this U.S. Borrower’s Guaranty, and this U.S. Borrower’s Guaranty shall be primary, absolute and unconditional notwithstanding the occurrence of any event or the existence of any other circumstances which might constitute a legal or equitable discharge of a surety or guarantor except payment in full in cash of the U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Obligations. The obligations of the U.S. Borrower hereunder are independent of the obligations of the European Borrower, the Canadian Borrower, any other U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Party, any other guarantor or any other party, and a separate action or actions may be brought and prosecuted against the U.S. Borrower whether or not action is brought against the European Borrower, the Canadian Borrower, any other U.S. Borrower Guaranteed party, any other guarantor or any other party and whether or not the European Borrower, the Canadian

 

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Borrower, any other U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Party, any other guarantor or any other party be joined in any such action or actions. The U.S. Borrower waives, to the full extent permitted by law, the benefit of any statute of limitations affecting its liability hereunder or the enforcement thereof. Any payment by the European Borrower, the Canadian Borrower or any other U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Party or other circumstance that operates to toll any statute of limitations as to the European Borrower, the Canadian Borrower or any other U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Party shall operate to toll the statute of limitations as to the U.S. Borrower.

14.05 Authorization . The U.S. Borrower authorizes the Guaranteed Creditors without notice or demand (except as shall be required by applicable statute and cannot be waived), and without affecting or impairing its liability hereunder, from time to time to:

(a) change the manner, place or terms of payment of, and/or change or extend the time of payment of, renew, increase, accelerate or alter, any of the U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Obligations (including any increase or decrease in the rate of interest thereon), any security therefor, or any liability incurred directly or indirectly in respect thereof, and this U.S. Borrower’s Guaranty made shall apply to the U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Obligations as so changed, extended, renewed, increased or altered;

(b) take and hold security for the payment of the U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Obligations and sell, exchange, release, impair, surrender, realize upon or otherwise deal with in any manner and in any order any property by whomsoever at any time pledged or mortgaged to secure, or howsoever securing, the U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Obligations or any liabilities (including any of those hereunder) incurred directly or indirectly in respect thereof or hereof, and/or any offset thereagainst;

(c) exercise or refrain from exercising any rights against the European Borrower, the Canadian Borrower, any other U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Party or others or otherwise act or refrain from acting;

(d) release or substitute any one or more endorsers, guarantors, the European Borrower, the Canadian Borrower, any other U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Party or other obligors;

(e) settle or compromise any of the U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Obligations, any security therefor or any liability (including any of those hereunder) incurred directly or indirectly in respect thereof or hereof, and may subordinate the payment of all or any part thereof to the payment of any liability (whether due or not) of the European Borrower, the Canadian Borrower or any other U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Party to their respective creditors other than the Guaranteed Creditors;

(f) apply any sums by whomsoever paid or howsoever realized to any liability or liabilities of the European Borrower, the Canadian Borrower or any other U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Party to the Guaranteed Creditors regardless of what liability or liabilities of the European Borrower, the Canadian Borrower or any other U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Party remain unpaid;

 

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(g) consent to or waive any breach of, or any act, omission or default under, this Agreement, any other Credit Document, any Interest Rate Protection Agreement or Other Hedging Agreement or any of the instruments or agreements referred to herein or therein, or otherwise amend, modify or supplement this Agreement, any other Credit Document, any Interest Rate Protection Agreement or Other Hedging Agreement or any of such other instruments or agreements; and/or

(h) take any other action that would, under otherwise applicable principles of common law, give rise to a legal or equitable discharge of the U.S. Borrower from its liabilities under this U.S. Borrower’s Guaranty.

14.06 Reliance . It is not necessary for the Guaranteed Creditors to inquire into the capacity or powers of the European Borrower, the Canadian Borrower or any other U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Party or the officers, directors, partners or agents acting or purporting to act on its or their behalf, and any U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Obligations made or created in reliance upon the professed exercise of such powers shall be guaranteed hereunder.

14.07 Subordination . Any of the indebtedness of the European Borrower, the Canadian Borrower or any other U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Party now or hereafter owing to the U.S. Borrower is hereby subordinated to the U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Obligations of the European Borrower, the Canadian Borrower or such other U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Party owing to the Guaranteed Creditors; and if the Administrative Agent so requests at a time when an Event of Default exists, all such indebtedness of the European Borrower, the Canadian Borrower or such other U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Party to the U.S. Borrower shall be collected, enforced and received by the U.S. Borrower for the benefit of the Guaranteed Creditors and be paid over to the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Guaranteed Creditors on account of the U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Obligations of the European Borrower, the Canadian Borrower or such other U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Party to the Guaranteed Creditors, but without affecting or impairing in any manner the liability of the U.S. Borrower under the other provisions of this U.S. Borrower’s Guaranty. Prior to the transfer by the U.S. Borrower of any note or negotiable instrument evidencing any of the indebtedness of the European Borrower, the Canadian Borrower or any other U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Party to the U.S. Borrower, the U.S. Borrower shall mark such note or negotiable instrument with a legend that the same is subject to this subordination. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the U.S. Borrower hereby agrees with the Guaranteed Creditors that it will not exercise any right of subrogation which it may at any time otherwise have as a result of this U.S. Borrower’s Guaranty (whether contractual, under Section 509 of the Bankruptcy Code or otherwise) until all U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Obligations have been irrevocably paid in full in cash.

14.08 Waiver . (a) The U.S. Borrower waives any right (except as shall be required by applicable statute and cannot be waived) to require any Guaranteed Creditor to (i) proceed against the European Borrower, the Canadian Borrower, any other U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Party, any other guarantor or any other party, (ii) proceed against or exhaust any security held from the European Borrower, the Canadian Borrower, any other U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Party, any other guarantor or any other party or (iii) pursue any other remedy in any Guaranteed Creditor’s power whatsoever. The U.S. Borrower waives any defense based on or arising out of any defense of the European Borrower, the Canadian Borrower, any other U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Party, any other guarantor or any other party, other than payment in full in

 

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cash of the U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Obligations, based on or arising out of the disability of the European Borrower, the Canadian Borrower, any other U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Party, any other guarantor or any other party, or the unenforceability of the U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Obligations or any part thereof from any cause, or the cessation from any cause of the liability of the European Borrower, the Canadian Borrower or any other U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Party, other than payment in full in cash of the U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Obligations. The Guaranteed Creditors may, at their election, foreclose on any security held by the Administrative Agent or any other Guaranteed Creditor by one or more judicial or nonjudicial sales, whether or not every aspect of any such sale is commercially reasonable (to the extent such sale is permitted by applicable law), or exercise any other right or remedy the Guaranteed Creditors may have against the European Borrower, the Canadian Borrower, any other U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Party or any other party, or any security, without affecting or impairing in any way the liability of the U.S. Borrower hereunder except to the extent the U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Obligations have been paid in full in cash. The U.S. Borrower waives any defense arising out of any such election by the Guaranteed Creditors, even though such election operates to impair or extinguish any right of reimbursement or subrogation or other right or remedy of the U.S. Borrower against the European Borrower, the Canadian Borrower, any other U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Party or any other party or any security.

(b) The U.S. Borrower waives all presentments, demands for performance, protests and notices, including, without limitation, notices of nonperformance, notices of protest, notices of dishonor, notices of acceptance of this U.S. Borrower’s Guaranty, and notices of the existence, creation or incurring of new or additional U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Obligations. The U.S. Borrower assumes all responsibility for being and keeping itself informed of the European Borrower’s, the Canadian Borrower’s and each other U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Party’s financial condition and assets, and of all other circumstances bearing upon the risk of nonpayment of the U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Obligations and the nature, scope and extent of the risks which the U.S. Borrower assumes and incurs hereunder, and agrees that the Guaranteed Creditors shall have no duty to advise the U.S. Borrower of information known to them regarding such circumstances or risks.

(c) Until such time as the U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Obligations have been paid in full in cash, the U.S. Borrower hereby waives all rights of subrogation which it may at any time otherwise have as a result of this U.S. Borrower’s Guaranty (whether contractual, under Section 509 of the Bankruptcy Code, or otherwise) to the claims of the Guaranteed Creditors against the European Borrower, the Canadian Borrower, any other U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Party or any other guarantor of the U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Obligations and all contractual, statutory or common law rights of reimbursement, contribution or indemnity from the European Borrower, the Canadian Borrower, any other U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Party or any other guarantor which it may at any time otherwise have as a result of this U.S. Borrower’s Guaranty.

(d) The U.S. Borrower warrants and agrees that each of the waivers set forth above is made with full knowledge of its significance and consequences and that if any of such waivers are determined to be contrary to any applicable law of public policy, such waivers shall be effective only to the maximum extent permitted by law.

 

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14.09 Payments . All payments made by the U.S. Borrower pursuant to this Section 14 shall be made in the respective Applicable Currency in which the U.S. Borrower Guaranteed Obligations are then due and payable. All payments made by the U.S. Borrower pursuant to this Section 14 will be made without setoff, counterclaim or other defense, and shall be subject to the provisions of Sections 4.03, 4.04 and 13.20.

* * * *

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused their duly authorized officers to execute and deliver this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

OWENS CORNING
By:  

/s/ Ralph A. Than

Name:   Ralph A. Than
Title:   Treasurer
By:  

/s/ Patrick Q. Davis

Name:   Patrick Q. Davis
Title:   Assistant Treasurer
CITIBANK, N.A.

Individually and as Administrative Agent

By:  

/s/ Svetoslov Nikov

Name:   Svetoslov Nikov
Title:   Vice President

 

Owens Corning Credit Agreement


CITIBANK N.A., CANADIAN BRANCH

        Individually and as Canadian Sub-Agent

By:  

/s/ Niyousha Zarinpour

Name:   Niyousha Zarinpour
Title:   Authorized Signer

 

Owens Corning Credit Agreement


SIGNATURE PAGE TO THE CREDIT

AGREEMENT DATED AS OF OCTOBER

31, 2006, AMONG OWENS CORNING,

THE LENDERS FROM TIME TO TIME

PARTY HERETO AND CITIBANK, N.A.,

AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

 

NAME OF INSTUTION:

Bank of America, N.A.

By:     

Name:

 

Title:

 

Bank of America, National Association,

(Canada Branch)

By:     

Name:

 

Title:

 

Goldman Sachs Credit Partnership

By:     

Name:

 

Title:

 

Morgan Stanley Bank

By:     

Name:

 

Title:

 

Wachovia Bank N.A.

By:     

Name:

 

Title:

 

The Bank of Nova Scotia

By:     

Name:

 

Title:

 

BMO Capital Markets Financing Inc.

By:     

Name:

 

Title:

 

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation

By:     

Name:

 

Title:

 

Fortis Capital Corp.

By:     

Name:

 

Title:

 
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
By:     

Name:

 

Title:

 

Calyon New York Branch

By:     

Name:

 

Title:

 

Fifth Third Bank

By:     

Name:

 

Title:

 

LaSalle Bank Midwest

By:     

Name:

 

Title:

 

Commerzbank AG

New York and Grand Cayman Branches

By:     

Name:

 

Title:

 

Mellon Bank, N.A.

By:     

Name:

 

Title:

 

National City Bank

By:     

Name:

 

Title:

 

PNC Bank, National Association

By:     

Name:

 

Title:

 

Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd.,

Chicago Branch

By:     

Name:

 

Title:

 

UBS Loan Finance LLC

By:     

Name:

 

Title:

 

Comerica Bank

By:     

Name:

 

Title:

 

U.S. Bank N.A.

By:     

Name:

 

Title:

 

KBC Bank, NV

By:     

Name:

 

Title:

 

The Northern Trust Company

By:     

Name:

 

Title:

 

Bank Hapoalim B.M.

By:     

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

Owens Corning Credit Agreement