Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 21, 2007

Registration No. 333-            

 


UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 


FORM S-4

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 


Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC

Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

see table of additional registrants

 


 

(State of Incorporation)   (Primary Standard Industrial   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
Delaware   Classification Code Number)   20-8720036
Delaware   2000   06-6704812

1 Old Bloomfield Avenue

Mt. Lakes, New Jersey 07046

(973) 541-6620

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrants’ principal executive offices)

 


M. Kelley Maggs

Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel

1 Old Bloomfield Avenue

Mt. Lakes, New Jersey 07046

(973) 541-6620

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

 


With a copy to:

John C. Ericson, Esq.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

425 Lexington Avenue

New York, New York 10017-3954

(212) 455-2000

 


Approximate date of commencement of proposed exchange offers: As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement is declared effective.

If the securities being registered on this form are being offered in connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with General Instruction G, please check the following box.   ¨

If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.   ¨

If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.   ¨

 


CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 
Title of Each Class of Securities to be Registered   Amount to be
Registered
  Proposed Maximum
Offering Price per
Note
  Proposed Maximum
Aggregate Offering
Price(1)
 

Amount of

Registration

Fee

9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015

  $325,000,000   100%   $325,000,000   $9,978

Guarantees of 9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015(2)

  N/A(3)   (3)   (3)   (3)

10  5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017

  $199,000,000   100%   $199,000,000   $6,109

Guarantees of 10  5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017(2)

  N/A(3)   (3)   (3)   (3)
 
 
(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee under Rule 457(f) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).
(2) See inside facing page for additional registrant guarantors.
(3) Pursuant to Rule 457(n) under the Securities Act, no separate filing fee is required for the guarantees.

The Registrants hereby amend this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrants shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until this Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 



Table of Contents

Table of Additional Registrant Guarantors

 

Exact Name of Registrant Guarantor as Specified in its Charter

  

State or other

Jurisdiction of
Incorporation

or Organization

  

IRS Employer

Identification
Number

  

Address, Including Zip Code

and Telephone Number,

Including Area Code, of

Registrant Guarantor’s

Principal Executive Offices

Pinnacle Foods Group LLC

   Delaware    94-3303521   

1 Old Bloomfield Avenue

Mt. Lakes, New Jersey 07046

(973) 541-6620

Pinnacle Foods International Corp.

   Delaware    26-1143457   

1 Old Bloomfield Avenue

Mt. Lakes, New Jersey 07046

(973) 541-6620


Table of Contents

The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell the securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED DECEMBER 21, 2007

P RELIMINARY P ROSPECTUS

LOGO

Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC

Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp.

Offers to Exchange

$325,000,000 aggregate principal amount of their 9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015 and $199,000,000 aggregate principal amount of their 10  5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017 (collectively, the “exchange notes”), each of which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), for any and all of their outstanding 9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015 and 10  5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017 (collectively, the “outstanding notes”), respectively (such transactions, collectively, the “exchange offers”).

 


We are conducting the exchange offers in order to provide you with an opportunity to exchange your unregistered notes for freely tradable notes that have been registered under the Securities Act.

The Exchange Offers:

 

   

We will exchange all outstanding notes that are validly tendered and not validly withdrawn for an equal principal amount of exchange notes that are freely tradable.

 

   

You may withdraw tenders of outstanding notes at any time prior to the expiration date of the exchange offers.

 

   

The exchange offers expire at 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on             , 2008, unless extended. We do not currently intend to extend the expiration date.

 

   

The exchange of outstanding notes for exchange notes in the exchange offers will not be a taxable event for United States federal income tax purposes.

 

   

The terms of the exchange notes to be issued in the exchange offers are substantially identical to the outstanding notes, except that the exchange notes will be freely tradable.

Results of the Exchange Offers:

 

   

The exchange notes may be sold in the over-the-counter-market, in negotiated transactions or through a combination of such methods. We do not plan to list the exchange notes on a national market.

All untendered outstanding notes will continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth in the outstanding notes and in the indentures. In general, the outstanding notes may not be offered or sold, unless registered under the Securities Act, except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. Other than in connection with the exchange offers, we do not currently anticipate that we will register the outstanding notes under the Securities Act.

 


See “ Risk Factors ” beginning on page 27 for a discussion of certain risks that you should consider before participating in the exchange offers.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of the exchange notes to be distributed in the exchange offers or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense .

The date of this prospectus is                     , 2007.


Table of Contents

Y ou should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. The prospectus may be used only for the purposes for which it has been published and no person has been authorized to give any information not contained herein. If you receive any other information, you should not rely on it. We are not making an offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page

Prospectus Summary

   1

Risk Factors

   27

Forward-Looking Statements

   40

Presentation of Financial Data

   41

The Transactions

   44

Use of Proceeds

   47

Capitalization

   48

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations

   49

Selected Consolidated Financial Information

   54

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   57

Industry

   98

Business

   100

Management

   114

Executive Compensation

   121

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners

   134

Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions

   135

Description of Other Indebtedness

   140

The Exchange Offers

   142

Description of Senior Notes

   152

Description of Senior Subordinated Notes

   207

Book-Entry, Settlement and Clearance

   266

Certain United States Federal Income Tax Consequences

   268

Certain ERISA Considerations

   269

Plan of Distribution

   271

Legal Matters

   272

Experts

   272

Where You Can Find More Information

   272

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

   F-1

 

i


Table of Contents

Market and Industry Data

We use a combination of customized (assembled at our request) Information Resources, Inc. (“IRI”) data and IRI syndicated databases. Unless we indicate otherwise, retail sales, market share, category and other industry data used throughout this prospectus for all categories and segments are U.S. IRI data for the 52-week period ended September 23, 2007, with the exception of the frozen pizza for one category, which is as of September 9, 2007, and Nielsen Company of Canada data for the 52-week period ended September 29, 2007. These data include retail sales in supermarkets with at least $2 million in total annual sales but exclude sales in mass merchandiser, club, drug, convenience or dollar stores. Retail sales are dollar sales estimated by IRI and represent the value of units sold through supermarket cash registers for the relevant period.

We view the frozen dinners and entrees category as consisting of single-serve full-calorie dinners and entrees and single-serve healthy dinners and entrees. We view the baking mixes and frostings category as consisting of the following segments: cake mix, brownie mix, ready-to-serve frostings, muffin mix, cookie mix, bar mix, frosting mix, quick bread, dessert kits, all other baking mix and all other frosting. We view the frozen breakfast category as consisting of breakfast entrees, savory breakfast handhelds, sweet breakfast handhelds, waffles, pancakes and French toast. We view the prepared seafood segment as consisting of the prepared fin, prepared non-fin without shrimp and prepared shrimp segments. References to the bagel category are to scannable bagels, consisting of the frozen, refrigerated and shelf-stable segments. We view syrup, canned meat and frozen pizza for one as distinct categories. When we refer to the core market of our Open Pit brand of barbecue sauce, such core market consists of the major metropolitan areas surveyed by IRI in Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, western Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Unless we indicate otherwise, all references to percentage changes reflect the comparison to the same period in the prior year.

Although we believe that this information is reliable, we cannot guarantee its accuracy and completeness, nor have we independently verified it. Where we so indicate, we obtain certain other market share and industry data from internal company surveys and management estimates based on these surveys and on our management’s knowledge of the industry. While we believe such internal company surveys and management estimates are reliable, no independent sources have verified such surveys and estimates. Although we are not aware of any misstatements regarding the industry data that we present in this prospectus, our estimates involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors, including those discussed under “Risk Factors” and “Forward-Looking Statements.”

We own a number of registered trademarks in the United States, Canada and other countries, including All Day Breakfast ® , American Recipes ® , Appian Way ® , Casa Brava ® , Casa Regina ® , Celeste ® , Chocolate Lovers ® , Country Kitchen ® , Duncan Hines ® , Fun Frosters ® , Grabwich ® , Great Starts ® , Grill Classics ® , Hawaiian Bowls ® , Hearty Bowls ® , Hearty Hero ® , Hungry-Man ® , Hungry-Man Sports Grill ® , Hungry-Man Steakhouse ® , It’s Good to be Full ® , Lender’s ® , Log Cabin ® , Lunch Bucket ® , Magic Mini’s ® , Milwaukee’s ® , Moist Deluxe ® , Mrs. Butterworth’s ® , Mrs. Paul’s ® , Open Pit ® , Oval’s ® , Signature Desserts ® , Simply Classic ® , Snack’mms ® , Stackers ® , Steakhouse Mix ® , Syrup Dunk’ers ® , Taste the Juicy Crunch ® , The Original TV Dinner ® , That’s The Best Tasting Pickle I Ever Heard ® , Treet ® , Van de Kamp’s ® and Vlasic ® . We protect our trademarks by obtaining registrations where appropriate and opposing any infringement in key markets. We also own a design trademark in the United States, Canada and other countries on the Vlasic stork. We manufacture and market certain of our frozen food products under the Swanson ® brand pursuant to two royalty-free, exclusive and perpetual licenses granted by Campbell Soup Company. We license, for use on frozen breakfast products, the Aunt Jemima ® trademark pursuant to a perpetual, royalty-free, license agreement with The Quaker Oats Company. We license in perpetuity the rights to use the trademarks Armour ® , Star ® and Armour Star ® on certain shelf-stable products from Smithfield Foods (as successor to ConAgra, Inc.). Solely for convenience, the trademarks, service marks and tradenames referred to in this prospectus are without the ® symbol, but such references are not intended to indicate, in any way, that we will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, our rights or the rights of the applicable licensors to these trademarks, service marks and tradenames.

 

ii


Table of Contents

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

This summary highlights key aspects of the information contained elsewhere in this prospectus and may not contain all of the information you should consider before investing in the notes. You should read this summary together with the entire prospectus, including the information presented under the heading “Risk Factors” and the more detailed information in the unaudited pro forma financial statements and the historical financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.

On February 10, 2007, Crunch Holding Corp. (“Crunch Holding”), our parent company, entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with Peak Holdings LLC (“Peak Holdings”), a Delaware limited liability company controlled by affiliates of The Blackstone Group, Peak Acquisition Corp. (“Peak Acquisition”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Peak Holdings, and Peak Finance LLC, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Peak Acquisition, providing for the acquisition of Crunch Holding. Immediately prior to the closing, Crunch Holding contributed all the outstanding shares of capital stock of its wholly owned subsidiary, Pinnacle Foods Group Inc., to a newly formed Delaware limited liability company (“Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC”). At the closing, Peak Acquisition merged with and into Crunch Holding, with Crunch Holding as the surviving corporation (the “Merger”), and Peak Finance LLC merged with and into Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC, with Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC as the surviving entity. As a result of the Merger, Crunch Holding became a wholly owned subsidiary of Peak Holdings. In October 2007, Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. was converted into a limited liability company and renamed Pinnacle Foods Group LLC.

Unless the context requires otherwise, in this prospectus, “Pinnacle,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refers to Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC, or “PFF”, and the entities that are its consolidated subsidiaries (including Pinnacle Foods Group LLC, or “PFG LLC”), which includes all of Pinnacle’s existing operations, after consummation of the Transactions described herein. References to the “Issuers” refer to Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC and Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp., the issuers of the notes. In addition, where the context so requires, we use the term “Predecessor” to refer to the historical financial results and operations of PFG LLC and its subsidiaries prior to the consummation of the Transactions described herein and the term “Successor” to refer to the historical financial results and operations of PFF and its subsidiaries after the consummation of the Transactions described herein.

See “Presentation of Financial Data” on page 41 for important information regarding the presentation of our financial data.

Our Company

We are a leading manufacturer, marketer and distributor of high-quality, branded food products (both dry foods and frozen foods). Our major brands hold leading market positions in their respective retail categories and enjoy high consumer awareness. The vast majority of our brands has been in existence for at least 50 years and penetrates 79% of U.S. households. Targeted consumer marketing, product innovation, experienced management and strategic acquisitions together have helped us create and grow a diverse brand portfolio. Our products are sold through a combination of a national sales broker, regional sales brokers and a direct sales force that reaches supermarkets, grocery wholesalers and distributors, convenience stores, super centers, mass merchandisers, drug stores, warehouse clubs, quick-serve restaurants and other alternative channels in the United States. We also have a growing presence in Canada and Mexico.

Dry Foods

Baking mixes and frostings. Our baking mixes and frostings product line consists primarily of Duncan Hines cake mixes, ready-to-serve frostings, brownie mixes, muffin mixes, baking kits and cookie mixes. Duncan Hines was introduced as a national brand in 1956 and, with a 19.3% share, is the number two brand in the $1.2 billion

 

 

1


Table of Contents

baking mixes and frostings category. Duncan Hines is positioned to appeal to the consumer who wants a “quality, good as homemade” baking product. During 2004, the Company acquired the rights to distribute the Duncan Hines brand in Canada, and since then we have expanded distribution of the brand in Canada. All Duncan Hines products are produced by contract manufacturers.

Pickles, peppers and relish. We offer a complete line of shelf-stable pickle, pepper and relish products that we market and distribute nationally, primarily under the Vlasic brand, and regionally under the Milwaukee’s and Wiejske Wyroby brands. Our Vlasic brand was introduced over 65 years ago, and we believe that the Vlasic brand, together with our trademark Vlasic stork, enjoy strong consumer awareness. Vlasic, with a 31.7% share, is the leading brand in the $486 million shelf-stable pickle segment of the $901 million shelf-stable pickles, peppers and relish category. We also distribute these products through foodservice and private label channels. In 2004, we launched the Vlasic brand in Canada and have attained a 10.6% share of the shelf-stable pickle segment.

Syrups and pancake mixes. Our syrup and pancake mixes product line consists primarily of products marketed under our Log Cabin and Mrs. Butterworth’s brands. Our syrup line consists of original, lite and sugar-free varieties. Log Cabin was introduced in 1888 and, with its cabin-shaped bottle and distinct maple flavor, appeals to a broad consumer base. Mrs. Butterworth’s was introduced in 1962 and, with its distinctive grandmother-shaped bottle and thick, rich and buttery flavor, appeals to families with children. In the $439 million table-syrup category, Mrs. Butterworth’s and Log Cabin hold the number two (10.3%) and number three (10.1%) market share positions, respectively, among branded syrups. We also distribute these products through the foodservice channel.

Canned meat. Our canned meat product line consists primarily of products marketed under the Armour brand. Armour was introduced in 1868 by Philip Danforth Armour for California gold miners. Armour is the number two branded product, with an 8.1% market share, in the $1.1 billion canned meat category and is the number one brand in the Vienna sausage, potted meat and sliced dried beef segments. We also distribute these products through the foodservice and private label channels.

Barbecue sauce. We market a complete line of barbecue sauce products under the Open Pit brand, which was introduced in 1955. Open Pit is a regional brand that competes primarily in the Midwest markets.

Frozen Foods

Frozen dinners. Our frozen dinners product line consists primarily of products sold in the United States and Canada under the Hungry-Man and Swanson brands. We also distribute these products through foodservice and private label channels. As a complement to these major brands, our frozen dinner offerings include Swanson pot pies. In Canada, we also distribute the Hungry-Man and Swanson brands along with Hungry-Man Express and Swanson Hearty Bowls. The Swanson brand enjoys a strong heritage, dating back over 50 years to its introduction of The Original TV Dinner ® in 1953. Swanson dinners have been recently re-launched and re-packaged as Swanson Classics to reinforce Swanson’s value proposition, which combines premium quality with an affordable price. Hungry-Man differentiates itself from the category by positioning towards male consumers who prefer larger, more satisfying portions. Our Hungry-Man and Swanson brands collectively represent the fourth largest player in the $2.1 billion single-serve, full-calorie dinners and entrees segment.

Frozen prepared seafood. Our frozen prepared seafood product line, marketed primarily under the Van de Kamp’s and Mrs. Paul’s brands, includes breaded and battered fish sticks and fish fillets, lightly breaded fish, breaded shrimp and specialty seafood items, such as crab cakes and clam strips. We use a dual-brand strategy to capitalize on the regional strengths of our brands. Both brands differentiate themselves from the category by offering products with enhanced freshness, due to the recently introduced “freshness pouch” that employs a “bag-in-box” strategy to protect against shrinkage and freezer burn. The Van de Kamp’s brand dates back to 1915, and the Mrs. Paul’s franchise began in the mid-1940s. These brands hold the number two (10.5%) and the

 

 

2


Table of Contents

number five (7.0%) market share positions among branded players, respectively, in the $602 million frozen prepared seafood category. We also distribute these products through foodservice and private label channels.

Frozen breakfast. Our frozen breakfast product line consists of waffles, pancakes, French toast, breakfast entrees, savory breakfast handhelds and sweet breakfast handhelds marketed under the Aunt Jemima brand. Beginning in May 2004, the Swanson Great Starts products were re-branded Aunt Jemima Great Starts, which allows us to leverage the combined size of our grain-based (waffles, pancakes and French toast) and protein-based (entrees and handhelds) frozen breakfast offerings. Aunt Jemima is positioned as a high-quality frozen breakfast brand that appeals to families with children. The Aunt Jemima brand was established over a century ago and, with an 10.6% share, is currently the number four brand in the $1.3 billion frozen breakfast category. We are the number two branded player in the $683 million frozen waffles, pancakes and French toast segment and the number two player in the $476 million frozen breakfast entrees and savory breakfast handhelds segment. We also distribute these products through foodservice and private label channels. In 2006, we launched Aunt Jemima frozen breakfast products in Canada and plan to continue expanding distribution.

Bagels. Our bagel product line consists primarily of Lender’s packaged bagels, which are distributed among all scannable sections of the grocery store (i.e., the frozen, refrigerated and fresh bread aisles). Founded in 1927, Lender’s ranks number three among branded scannable bagels, with a 12.3% share of the $588 million scannable bagel category. Additionally, the brand has the top market share in both refrigerated and frozen bagel sub-categories. We also distribute these products through the foodservice and private label channels.

Pizza. We market frozen pizza under the Celeste brand, which dates back to the 1940s. Celeste, with a 21.4% market share, is the number two brand in the $332 million full calorie pizza-for-one category and is sold primarily throughout the Northeast, Chicago, Florida and California. It is positioned as a homemade, authentic Italian meal at an affordable price.

 

 

3


Table of Contents

Competitive Strengths

We believe that our competitive strengths include the following:

Diverse Portfolio of Strong Iconic Brands with Leading Market Positions

We are a strong competitor in the food industry with $1.4 billion in net sales during 2006, a diverse portfolio of brands, and top-ranked products in our categories. We offer a broad mix of well-recognized food products that, we believe, consumers purchase largely independent of economic cycles. Consumer awareness of our brand histories combined with our national retail distribution help ensure that our brands maintain their iconic standing. Our long-standing brands maintain a number one or number two position in nine of the eleven categories in which we compete. We plan to drive further sales growth and pursue market share gains through product innovations and brand adjacencies that have been rolled out in 2007 and will continue into 2008 and beyond.

Diversity of Customers and Distribution Channels

We have strong representation in many U.S. food distribution channels and have a broad customer base. The diversity of our multiple-channel sales and distribution system enhances our financial results by allowing us to capitalize on growth trends within these distribution channels. In addition, this diversity reduces our dependence on any one of these channels. We continue to expand our distribution in alternative channels including dollar stores, club stores and mass merchandisers, as well as expanding our footprint in Canada and Mexico.

Strong Free Cash Flows

We have historically generated consistent cash flows, which we believe are driven by our established and diverse portfolio of brands and extensive distribution system. Additionally, we require both minimal capital expenditures and working capital. We also have significant tax deductible intangibles and federal net operating losses, which we believe will result in minimal cash taxes over the next several years. These characteristics lead to strong free cash flows that we believe will provide us an opportunity to reduce our leverage over time.

Proven Management Team and Board of Directors

Our Company is led by our CEO, Jeffrey Ansell, who spent 25 years at The Procter & Gamble Company (“P&G”), where he was a corporate officer from 2001 to 2006. His last assignment was President of The Iams Company, and prior to his position with The Iams Company, he was Vice President of P&G Baby Care North America and General Manager of Diaper Products Europe. Including his experience in P&G’s pet food business, 18 of Mr. Ansell’s 25 years at P&G were in the food and beverage space. President William Toler has over 20 years of consumer product experience with P&G, Reckitt & Colman, Campbell Soup Company and Nabisco. He was President of Sales at Campbell Soup Company and President North America for ICG Commerce, a procurement services company. Further, our senior management team is highly regarded in the food and beverage industry with significant experience in leadership roles. Collectively, the top six senior executives have an average of over 20 years of professional experience at large food and beverage companies. The team has a track record of delivering strong operating performance through brand-building initiatives and focusing on consistently achieving cost savings. Additionally, our team has been successful at acquiring and integrating companies.

In connection with the Merger, The Blackstone Group assembled an experienced team of industry executives to serve as directors on our Board of Directors. Chairman Roger Deromedi, who has nearly 30 years of experience in the food industry globally, has held the positions of CEO of Kraft Foods Inc. and President and CEO of Kraft Foods International. Joseph Jimenez, who has more than 20 years of industry experience, also sits

 

 

4


Table of Contents

on the Board. Mr. Jimenez’s experience includes former positions as EVP, President and CEO of Heinz Europe and President and CEO of Heinz North America.

Successful Track Record of Acquisitions and Integration

Since our acquisition of the VFI businesses in 2001 and the merger of Pinnacle and Aurora, we have streamlined our business, consolidated facilities, upgraded our warehousing and transportation network, rationalized SKUs and upgraded product quality. We believe we have the expertise to identify and integrate value-enhancing acquisitions. We acquired Armour in March 2006 and successfully integrated its significant business functions within 120 days. We will continue to evaluate potential opportunities to acquire businesses and products with leading market positions in adjacent categories with identifiable growth opportunities that leverage our existing infrastructure and capabilities.

 

 

5


Table of Contents

Strategy

We intend to profitably grow our business through the following strategic initiatives:

Build Brands Through a Better Balanced Business Model

We believe that a business model that more appropriately balances trade support and consumer advertising and marketing will strengthen our brands and enhance sales for us and our customers. Our overall combined trade and consumer marketing spending is planned to increase annually. However, we plan to slowly shift a portion of our funds that we have historically spent on trade support to targeted consumer advertising and marketing. Our strategy is to further drive demand for our brands through developing better consumer insight, which we believe will lead to more effective consumer advertising and will allow us to strategically target our additional consumer advertising and marketing spending. In order to optimize the advertising and consumer spending, we have hired three new advertising agencies to develop enhanced brand positionings, as well as more effective advertising and media placement.

Increase Innovation Capability and Successfully Launch New Items

We believe that our new product innovation will continue to drive incremental sales growth and market share gains. We are enhancing our new product execution through improved consumer testing and a more disciplined product launch model. We are also forming a Multi-Functional Innovation Team focused on creating new ideas to generate incremental sales and earnings through new platforms and expansion into adjacent categories. We expect this team will enhance our capability to develop a pipeline of ideas to drive organic growth.

Strengthen Sales Execution and Expand Channel Penetration

We are continuously upgrading our sales execution by leveraging our national sales broker relationship and our direct sales force representation and by identifying underserved markets. We intend to continue to grow our business with our largest customers through improved in-store promotions, innovative new product offerings and expanded distribution. We are pursuing new opportunities to expand our presence in alternative channels such as dollar stores, club stores and mass merchandisers. We also continue to develop our footprint in the foodservice channel, Canada and Mexico, where we believe there are significant opportunities for growth.

Sustain Focus on Supply Chain Cost Reduction and Operational Excellence

Since January 2005, we have made a sustained effort to close and consolidate facilities while rationalizing our warehouse and transportation network. In connection with these efforts, we have closed two plants and reduced the number of warehouses we utilize. We have been successful in reducing inventories, improving customer service metrics and lowering warehouse and transportation costs. We believe we can continue to drive cost efficiencies through a focus on:

 

   

reduction in raw materials and packaging costs through yield and purchasing program improvements;

 

   

continued reduction in manufacturing conversion costs through a reduction in overhead and direct and indirect labor costs through lean initiatives; and

 

   

continued reduction in warehousing and transportation costs through further warehouse consolidation and in-house transportation management.

 

 

6


Table of Contents

Evaluate Targeted Strategic Acquisition Opportunities

In addition to realizing organic revenue and earnings growth in our existing businesses and cost savings that leverage our current infrastructure, we will continue to evaluate targeted, value-enhancing acquisition opportunities that complement our current portfolio. These acquisitions will be evaluated using the following criteria:

 

   

brands with leading market positions and attractive and sustainable margins;

 

   

in adjacent or identifiable growth categories; and

 

   

allowing us to leverage existing capabilities in marketing, sales, manufacturing and/or logistics.

We have demonstrated our ability to identify and successfully integrate value-enhancing acquisitions, and we believe our capabilities are further enhanced with the support of The Blackstone Group and our Board of Directors.

 

 

7


Table of Contents

Our History

We have grown both organically and through a series of recent acquisitions:

 

Date  

Event

 

Selected Brands Acquired

2001  

•     Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation (our predecessor) formed by Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst Incorporated and CDM Investor Group LLC to acquire the North American business of Vlasic Foods International Inc.

 

•     Hungry-Man and Swanson

•     Vlasic

•     Open Pit

2003  

•     Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation acquired by the 2003 Sponsors

 
2004  

•     Merger of Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation with Aurora completed and surviving company renamed Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.

 

•     Duncan Hines

•     Van de Kamp’s and Mrs. Paul’s

•     Log Cabin and Mrs. Butterworth’s

•     Lender’s

•     Celeste

2006  

•     Acquired Armour Business

 

•     Armour

2007  

•     Crunch Holding Corp. acquired by The Blackstone Group

 

Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. was incorporated under Delaware law on June 19, 1998. Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC and Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp. were formed under Delaware law on March 5, 2007 and February 28, 2007, respectively, in connection with the Transactions described in this prospectus. Our principal executive offices are located at 1 Old Bloomfield Avenue, Mt. Lakes, New Jersey 07046. Our telephone number is (973) 541-6620.

Recent Developments

Reorganization of Subsidiaries

In order to simplify administrative matters and financial reporting and to place both frozen foods and dry foods under one entity, we consummated a reorganization of our subsidiaries in September 2007 (the “Reorganization”) whereby we formed Pinnacle Foods International Corp., a Delaware corporation (“PF International”) on September 26, 2007, as a subsidiary to Pinnacle Foods Corporation and as the parent of Pinnacle Foods (Canada) Corporation (“PF Canada”). In connection with the Reorganization, Pinnacle Foods Corporation contributed all of PF Canada’s shares to PF International. As a second step to our Reorganization, on September 30, 2007, two of our domestic operating subsidiaries, Pinnacle Foods Management Corporation (“PF Management”) and Pinnacle Foods Corporation, merged with and into Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. As a final step to the Reorganization, Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. was converted from a corporation into a limited liability company under Delaware law and renamed Pinnacle Foods Group LLC on October 1, 2007.

Repurchase of Senior Subordinated Notes

As of December 20, 2007, we had agreed to repurchase $51.0 million in aggregate principal amount of our senior subordinated notes. After all these repurchases are settled, we will have $199.0 million in aggregate principal amount of senior subordinated notes outstanding. As market conditions warrant, the Company and its subsidiaries, affiliates or significant shareholders (including The Blackstone Group L.P. and its affiliates) may from time to time repurchase additional debt securities issued by us, in privately negotiated or open market transactions, by tender offer or otherwise.

 

 

8


Table of Contents

The Transactions

On February 10, 2007, Crunch Holding Corp. (“Crunch Holding”), our parent company, entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with Peak Holdings LLC (“Peak Holdings”), a Delaware limited liability company controlled by affiliates of The Blackstone Group (“Blackstone”), Peak Acquisition Corp. (“Peak Acquisition”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Peak Holdings, and Peak Finance LLC, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Peak Acquisition, providing for the acquisition of Crunch Holding. Under the terms of Agreement and Plan of Merger, the purchase price for Crunch Holding was $2,162.5 million in cash plus an amount equal to the aggregate exercise prices of vested options less the amount of indebtedness of Crunch Holding and its subsidiaries outstanding immediately prior to the closing and certain transaction costs, subject to purchase price adjustments based on the balance of our working capital and indebtedness as of the closing. Pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, immediately prior to the closing, Crunch Holding contributed all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of its wholly owned subsidiary, Pinnacle Foods Group Inc., to a newly-formed Delaware limited liability company, Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC. At the closing, on April 2, 2007, Peak Acquisition merged with and into Crunch Holding, with Crunch Holding as the surviving corporation (the “Merger”), and Peak Finance LLC merged with and into Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC, with Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC as the surviving entity. As a result of the Merger, Crunch Holding became a wholly owned subsidiary of Peak Holdings.

Investment funds associated with Blackstone and certain members of management invested $422.2 million in our business as part of the Transactions (as defined below). As described below and in “Management—Equity Investment by Chairman and Executive Officers,” certain of our executive officers, directors and other members of management also participated in the equity of our business in connection with the Transactions. These executive officers, directors and other members of management are referred to in this prospectus as the “management participants.” Our chairman and our chief executive officer invested $3.0 million and $1.3 million, respectively, to acquire equity interests in Peak Holdings. In addition, each was awarded equity interests in Peak Holdings under our equity incentive plans, subject to future vesting conditions. Other members of our management team invested a total of $4.6 million in Peak Holdings and received equity incentive awards, subject to future vesting conditions. Investment funds and other entities associated with Blackstone and the management participants together are referred to as the “Equity Investors.” These funds were invested by the Equity Investors directly or indirectly in Peak Holdings, which caused these funds to be contributed through its direct and indirect subsidiaries to the Company. Other of our managers participate in the equity of our parent companies through equity ownership or option holdings.

In connection with the Merger, we repaid the indebtedness under our old senior secured credit facilities, repurchased Pinnacle’s outstanding 8.25% senior subordinated notes due 2013 (“8.25% notes”) tendered pursuant to a tender offer and consent solicitation (the “8.25% notes tender offer”), repaid certain other indebtedness and paid related fees and expenses.

The Merger, the repayment of indebtedness and the payment of related fees and expenses were financed with proceeds of $1,250.0 million in term loans under our new senior secured credit facilities, the issuance of the outstanding notes and the equity investment described above.

The Merger, the equity investment, the initial borrowings under our new senior secured credit facilities, the offering of the notes, the repayment of our old senior secured credit facilities, the 8.25% notes tender offer and the payment of related premiums, fees and expenses are collectively referred to in this prospectus as the “Transactions.”

 

 

9


Table of Contents

Ownership and Corporate Structure

The following chart shows a summary of our current organizational structure after giving effect to the Transactions. For further information, please see “Sources and Uses,” “Capitalization,” “The Transactions” and “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners.”

LOGO


(1) Consists of $422.2 million of common equity from the Equity Investors.

 

(2) The obligations under our new senior secured credit facilities are guaranteed by Peak Finance Holdings LLC and all of Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC’s existing and future direct and indirect wholly owned domestic subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions. The notes are guaranteed by all of Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC’s domestic subsidiaries, other than the co-issuer, Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp., that guarantee the obligations under our new senior secured credit facilities, subject to certain exceptions. See “Description of Other Indebtedness.”

 

 

10


Table of Contents
(3) Upon the closing of the Transactions, we entered into new senior secured credit facilities, consisting of a (a) $125.0 million revolving credit facility with a six-year maturity, upon which we drew $10.0 million on the closing date of the Transactions to fund working capital adjustments or expenses related to the Transactions and (b) $1,250.0 million term loan facility with a seven-year maturity, which was fully drawn on the closing date. As of September 30, 2007, there were $2.5 million of borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility.

 

(4) As of December 20, 2007, we had agreed to repurchase $51.0 million in aggregate principal amount of our senior subordinated notes. After all these repurchases are settled, we will have $199.0 million in aggregate principal amount of senior subordinated notes outstanding.

 

(5) Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC and Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp. are co-issuers of the notes. Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp. was formed solely to act as a co-issuer of the notes, has only nominal assets and does not conduct any operations. See “Description of Senior Notes” and “Description of Senior Subordinated Notes.”

 

 

11


Table of Contents

Sources and Uses

The sources and uses of the funds for the Transactions are shown in the table below:

 

(in millions)               

Sources

       

Uses

    

Existing cash

   $ 12.3   

Purchase price(4)

   $ 1,269.2

Senior secured credit facilities(1):

     

Repayment of existing indebtedness(5)

     889.7

Revolving credit facility

     10.0   

Fees and expenses(6)

     75.1

Term loan B facility

     1,250.0   

Tender fees for existing senior subordinated notes(7)

     35.5

Senior notes

     325.0      

Senior subordinated notes(2)

     250.0      

Common equity contribution(3)

     422.2      
                

Total Sources

   $ 2,269.5   

Total Uses

   $ 2,269.5
                

(1) Upon the closing of the Transactions, we entered into new senior secured credit facilities, consisting of a (a) $125.0 million revolving credit facility with a six-year maturity, upon which we drew $10.0 million on the closing date of the Transactions to fund working capital adjustments or expenses related to the Transactions and (b) $1,250.0 million term loan facility with a seven-year maturity, which was fully drawn on the closing date. As of September 30, 2007, there were $2.5 million of borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility. See “Description of Other Indebtedness.”

 

(2) As of December 20, 2007, we had agreed to repurchase $51.0 million in aggregate principal amount of our senior subordinated notes. After all these repurchases are settled, we will have $199.0 million in aggregate principal amount of senior subordinated notes outstanding.

 

(3) Represents equity contributed by the Equity Investors.

 

(4) Reflects the amount of total consideration paid to former holders of outstanding shares of Crunch Holding Corp.’s capital stock and holders of vested options to acquire Crunch Holding Corp.’s capital stock less the amount of $1.2 million of indebtedness of Crunch Holding Corp. and its subsidiaries outstanding immediately prior to the closing.

 

(5) Reflects the amount of our existing indebtedness repaid and consists of $476.0 million of borrowings under our old senior credit facilities, $394.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 8.25% notes, and $19.7 million of accrued and unpaid interest relating to indebtedness which was repaid in the Transactions.

 

(6) Reflects our fees and expenses associated with the Transactions, including fees paid to affiliates of Blackstone at the closing under the advisory agreement described under “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Advisory Agreement,” placement and other financing fees, advisory fees and other transaction costs.

 

(7) Reflects the tender premium and consent payment, but excludes accrued interest, in connection with the 8.25% notes tender offer. All of the 8.25% notes were validly tendered and accepted for payment in the 8.25% notes tender offer.

 

 

12


Table of Contents

The Blackstone Group

The Blackstone Group, or Blackstone, a global investment and advisory firm, was founded in 1985. The firm has raised more than $70 billion for alternative asset investing since its formation, of which over $36 billion has been for private equity investing. The Private Equity Group is currently investing its fifth general private equity fund with commitments of $21.7 billion, and has over 80 experienced professionals with broad sector expertise. Blackstone’s other core businesses include Real Estate Private Equity Investing, Corporate Debt Investing, Corporate Advisory Services, Restructuring and Reorganization Advisory Services, Funds of Hedge Funds, Proprietary Hedge Funds, Mutual Fund Management, and Private Placement Services to Alternative Investment Funds (through its Park Hill affiliates).

 

 

13


Table of Contents

The Exchange Offers

On April 2, 2007, we completed the private offering of the outstanding notes. In this prospectus, the term “outstanding notes” refers to the $325.0 million aggregate principal amount of 9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015 and the $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of 10  5 / 8 % of Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017 that were issued in the private offering as part of the Transactions on April 2, 2007. The term “exchange notes” refers to the 9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015 and the 10  5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017, as registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and the term “notes” refers collectively to the outstanding notes and the exchange notes.

 

General

In connection with the private offering, we entered into a registration rights agreement with the initial purchasers of the outstanding notes, in which we and the guarantors agreed, among other things, to deliver this prospectus to you and to complete the exchange offers within 360 days after the date of original issuance of the outstanding notes.

 

 

You are entitled to exchange in the exchange offers your outstanding notes for exchange notes, which are identical in all material respects to the outstanding notes except:

 

   

the exchange notes have been registered under the Securities Act;

 

   

the exchange notes are not entitled to any registration rights which are applicable to the outstanding notes under the registration rights agreement; and

 

   

certain additional interest rate provisions are no longer applicable.

 

The Exchange Offers

We are offering to exchange up to:

 

 

 

$325.0 million aggregate principal amount of 9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015, which have been registered under the Securities Act, for any and all outstanding 9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015; and

 

 

 

$199.0 million aggregate principal amount of 10  5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017, which have been registered under the Securities Act, for any and all outstanding 10  5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017.

 

 

You may only exchange outstanding notes in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000, in excess thereof.

 

 

Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of specified conditions, we will exchange the exchange notes for all respective outstanding notes that are validly tendered and not validly withdrawn prior to the expiration of the exchange offers. We will cause the exchange to be effected promptly after the expiration of the exchange offers.

 

 

Upon completion of the exchange offers, there may be no market for the outstanding notes and you may have difficulty selling them.

 

Resale:

Based on interpretations by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the “SEC,” set forth in no-action letters issued to

 

 

14


Table of Contents
 

third parties referred to below, we believe that you may resell or otherwise transfer exchange notes issued in the exchange offers without complying with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act, if:

 

   

you are acquiring the exchange notes in the ordinary course of your business;

 

   

you do not have an arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in a distribution of the exchange notes;

 

   

you are not an “affiliate” of the Issuers within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act; and

 

   

you are not engaged in, and do not intend to engage in, a distribution of the exchange notes.

 

 

If you are not acquiring the exchange notes in the ordinary course of your business, or if you are engaging in, intend to engage in, or have any arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in, a distribution of the exchange notes, or if you are our affiliate, then:

 

   

you cannot rely on the position of the staff of the SEC enunciated in Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc. (available June 5, 1991), Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation (available May 13, 1988), as interpreted in the SEC’s letter to Shearman & Sterling dated July 2, 1993, or similar no-action letters; and

 

   

in the absence of an exception from the position of the SEC stated in the first bullet point above, you must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale or other transfer of the exchange notes.

 

 

If you are a broker-dealer and receive exchange notes for your own account in exchange for outstanding notes that you acquired as a result of market-making or other trading activities, you must acknowledge that you will deliver a prospectus, as required by law, in connection with any resale or other transfer of the exchange notes that you receive in the exchange offers. See “Plan of Distribution.”

 

Expiration Date

The exchange offers will expire at 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on            , 2008, which is the     business day after the date of this prospectus, unless extended by us. We do not currently intend to extend the expiration date of the exchange offers.

 

Withdrawal

You may withdraw the tender of your outstanding notes at any time prior to the expiration date of the exchange offers. We will return to you any of your outstanding notes that are not accepted for any reason for exchange, without expense to you, promptly after the expiration or termination of the exchange offers.

 

 

15


Table of Contents

Interest on the Exchange Notes and the Outstanding Notes

Each exchange note will bear interest at the rate per annum set forth on the cover page of this prospectus from the most recent date to which interest has been paid on the outstanding notes. The interest on the senior notes and the senior subordinated notes will be payable on April 1 and October 1 of each year. No interest will be paid on outstanding notes following their acceptance for exchange.

 

Conditions to the Exchange Offers

The exchange offers are subject to customary conditions, which we may assert or waive. See “The Exchange Offers—Conditions to the Exchange Offers.”

 

Procedures for Tendering Outstanding Notes

If you wish to participate in the exchange offers, you must complete, sign and date the accompanying letter of transmittal, or a facsimile of the letter of transmittal, according to the instructions contained in this prospectus and the letter of transmittal. You must then mail or otherwise deliver the letter of transmittal, or a facsimile of the letter of transmittal, together with the outstanding notes and any other required documents, to the exchange agent at the address set forth on the cover page of the letter of transmittal. If you hold outstanding notes through The Depository Trust Company, or “DTC,” and wish to participate in the exchange offers for the outstanding notes, you must comply with the Automated Tender Offer Program procedures of DTC by which you will agree to be bound by the letter of transmittal. By signing, or agreeing to be bound by, the letter of transmittal, you will represent to us that, among other things:

 

   

you are acquiring the exchange notes in the ordinary course of your business;

 

   

you do not have an arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in a distribution of the exchange notes;

 

   

you are not an “affiliate” of the Issuers within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act; and

 

   

you are not engaged in, and do not intend to engage in, a distribution of the exchange notes.

 

 

If you are a broker-dealer and receive exchange notes for your own account in exchange for outstanding notes that you acquired as a result of market-making or other trading activities, you must represent to us that you will deliver a prospectus, as required by law, in connection with any resale or other transfer of such exchange notes.

 

 

If you are not acquiring the exchange notes in the ordinary course of your business, or if you are engaged in, or intend to engage in, or have an arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in, a distribution of the exchange notes, or if you are an affiliate of the Issuers, then you cannot rely on the positions and interpretations of the staff of the SEC and you must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale or other transfer of the exchange notes.

 

 

16


Table of Contents

Special Procedures for Beneficial Owners

If you are a beneficial owner of outstanding notes that are held in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee, and you wish to tender those outstanding notes in the exchange offers, you should contact such person promptly and instruct such person to tender those outstanding notes on your behalf.

 

Guaranteed Delivery Procedures

If you wish to tender your outstanding notes and your outstanding notes are not immediately available or you cannot deliver your outstanding notes, the letter of transmittal and any other documents required by the letter of transmittal or you cannot comply with the DTC procedures for book-entry transfer prior to the expiration date, then you must tender your outstanding notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth in this prospectus under “The Exchange Offers—Guaranteed Delivery Procedures.”

 

Effect on Holders of Outstanding Notes

In connection with the sale of the outstanding notes, we entered into registration rights agreement with the initial purchasers of the outstanding notes that grants the holders of outstanding notes registration rights. By consummating the exchange offers, we will have fulfilled most of our obligations under the registration rights agreement. Accordingly, upon consummation of the exchange offers, we will not be obligated to pay additional interest as described in the registration rights agreement. If you do not tender your outstanding notes in the exchange offers, you will continue to be entitled to all the rights and limitations applicable to the outstanding notes as set forth in the indentures, except we will not have any further obligation to you to provide for the registration of the outstanding notes under the registration rights agreement and we will not be obligated to pay additional interest as described in the registration rights agreement.

 

 

To the extent that outstanding notes are tendered and accepted in the exchange offers, the trading market for outstanding notes could be adversely affected.

 

Consequences of Failure to Exchange

All untendered outstanding notes will continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth in the outstanding notes and in the indentures. In general, the outstanding notes may not be offered or sold, unless registered under the Securities Act, except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. Other than in connection with the exchange offers, we do not currently anticipate that we will register the outstanding notes under the Securities Act.

 

Certain United States Federal Income Tax Consequences

The exchange of outstanding notes for exchange notes in the exchange offers will not be a taxable event for United States federal income tax purposes. See “Certain United States Federal Income Tax Consequences.”

 

 

17


Table of Contents

Use of Proceeds

We will not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of exchange notes in the exchange offers. See “Use of Proceeds.”

 

Exchange Agent

Wilmington Trust Company, whose address and telephone number are set forth in the section captioned “The Exchange Offers—Exchange Agent” of this prospectus, is the exchange agent for the exchange offers.

 

 

18


Table of Contents

The Exchange Notes

The summary below describes the principal terms of the exchange notes. Certain of the terms and conditions described below are subject to important limitations and exceptions. The “Description of Senior Notes” and the “Description of Senior Subordinated Notes” sections of this prospectus contain more detailed descriptions of the terms and conditions of the outstanding notes and the exchange notes, respectively. The exchange notes will have terms identical in all material respects to the outstanding notes, except that the exchange notes will not contain terms with respect to transfer restrictions, registration rights and additional interest for failure to fulfill certain of our obligations under the registration rights agreement.

 

Issuers

Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC which, as a result of the merger with Peak Finance LLC, assumed Peak Finance LLC’s obligations under the outstanding notes and related indentures, and Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp.

 

Securities

•     $325.0 million aggregate principal amount of 9  1 / 4 % senior notes due 2015 (the “senior notes”); and

 

 

•     $199.0 million aggregate principal amount of 10  5 / 8 % senior subordinated notes due 2017 (the “senior subordinated notes” and, together with the senior notes, the “exchange notes”).

 

Maturity

The senior notes will mature on April 1, 2015, and the senior subordinated notes will mature on April 1, 2017.

 

Interest Rate

The senior notes will bear interest at a rate of 9  1 / 4 % per annum. The senior subordinated notes will bear interest at a rate of 10  5 / 8 % per annum.

 

Interest Payment Dates

Interest on the senior notes and the senior subordinated notes will be payable on April 1 and October 1 of each year. Interest on the notes began to accrue from the issue date of the outstanding notes.

 

Ranking

The senior notes will be senior unsecured obligations of the Issuers and will:

 

   

rank senior in right of payment to all existing and future debt and other obligations that are, by their terms, expressly subordinated in right of payment to the senior notes, including the senior subordinated notes;

 

   

rank equally in right of payment to all existing and future senior debt and other obligations that are not, by their terms, expressly subordinated in right of payment to the senior notes; and

 

   

be effectively subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future secured debt (including obligations under the senior secured credit facilities), to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt, and be structurally subordinated to all obligations of each of our subsidiaries that is not a guarantor of the senior notes.

 

 

19


Table of Contents
 

The senior subordinated notes will be unsecured senior subordinated obligations of the Issuers and will:

 

   

be subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future senior debt, including the senior credit facilities and the senior notes;

 

   

rank equally in right of payment to all future senior subordinated debt;

 

   

be structurally subordinated to all obligations of each of our subsidiaries that is not a guarantor of the senior subordinated notes; and

 

   

rank senior in right of payment to all future debt and other obligations that are, by their terms, expressly subordinated in right of payment to the senior subordinated notes.

 

 

The exchange notes will be structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness of our subsidiaries who do not guarantee the exchange notes. As of September 30, 2007, (1) the outstanding notes and related guarantees ranked effectively junior to approximately $1,249.4 million of senior secured indebtedness, (2) the outstanding senior notes and related guarantees ranked senior to the $250.0 million of outstanding senior subordinated notes, (3) the outstanding senior subordinated notes and related guarantees ranked junior to approximately $1,574.4 million of senior indebtedness under the senior credit facilities and the outstanding senior notes and (4) we had an additional $110.5 million of unutilized capacity under our revolving credit facility (after giving effect to approximately $12.0 million of outstanding letters of credit and $2.5 million of borrowings under our revolving credit facility), all of which would be secured if borrowed. See “Description of Other Indebtedness.”

 

Guarantees

Each of our subsidiaries that guarantees the obligations under our senior credit facilities will initially jointly and severally and unconditionally guarantee the senior notes on a senior unsecured basis and the senior subordinated notes on a senior subordinated unsecured basis. The guarantees of the senior notes will rank equally with all other senior indebtedness of the guarantors. The guarantees of the senior subordinated notes will be subordinated to all senior indebtedness of the guarantors. None of our foreign subsidiaries or any future, non-wholly owned subsidiaries or receivables subsidiaries will guarantee the senior notes or the senior subordinated notes offered hereby. The only existing foreign subsidiary is Pinnacle Foods Corporation Canada, which accounted for approximately $67.6 million, or 4.7% of our net sales, and approximately $0.9 million, or less than 1%, of our net earnings, in each case for the year ended December 31, 2006, and $10.2 million, or less than 1%, of our total assets as of December 31, 2006. Pinnacle Foods Corporation Canada accounted for approximately $56.1 million, or 5.1% of our net sales, and approximately $2.0 million, or less than 1% of our

 

 

20


Table of Contents
 

net earnings, in each case for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, and $18.6 million, or less than 1% of our total assets as of September 30, 2007. Pinnacle Foods Corporation Canada is generally subject to the covenants in our new senior secured credit facilities and the indentures governing the notes but does not guarantee the senior secured credit facilities and will not guarantee the exchange notes.

 

Optional Redemption

At any time prior to April 1, 2011, the Issuers may redeem some or all of the senior notes for cash at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount plus an applicable make-whole premium (as described in “Description of Senior Notes—Optional Redemption”) plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. At any time on or after April 1, 2011, the Issuers may redeem some or all of the senior notes at the redemption prices listed under “Description of Senior Notes—Optional Redemption” plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.

 

 

At any time prior to April 1, 2012, the Issuers may redeem some or all of the senior subordinated notes for cash at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount plus an applicable make-whole premium (as described in “Description of Senior Subordinated Notes—Optional Redemption”) plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. At any time on or after April 1, 2012, the Issuers may redeem some or all of the senior subordinated notes at the redemption prices listed under “Description of Senior Subordinated Notes—Optional Redemption” plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.

 

Optional Redemption After Certain Equity Offerings

At any time prior to April 1, 2010, the Issuers may redeem up to 35% of the senior notes and up to 35% of the senior subordinated notes, in each case with proceeds that the Issuers or one of their parent companies raises in one or more equity offerings at redemption prices set forth in this prospectus so long as, in each such case, at least 50% of the aggregate principal amount of the exchange notes originally issued remain outstanding.

 

 

See “Description of Senior Notes—Optional Redemption” and “Description of Senior Subordinated Notes—Optional Redemption.”

 

Change of Control Offer

Upon the occurrence of a change of control, the Issuers will be required to offer to repurchase the exchange notes at 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the repurchase date. See “Description of Senior Notes—Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Change of Control” and “Description of Senior Subordinated Notes—Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Change of Control.”

 

Certain Indenture Provisions

The Issuers will issue the senior notes and the senior subordinated notes under separate indentures. The indentures governing the

 

 

21


Table of Contents
 

exchange notes contain covenants limiting the Issuers’ ability and the ability of their restricted subsidiaries to:

 

   

incur additional debt or issue certain preferred shares;

 

   

pay dividends on, repurchase or make distributions in respect of their capital stock or make other restricted payments;

 

   

make certain investments;

 

   

sell certain assets;

 

   

create liens;

 

   

consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of their assets;

 

   

enter into certain transactions with their affiliates; and

 

   

designate their subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries.

 

 

These covenants are subject to a number of important limitations and exceptions. During any period in which a series of exchange notes have Investment Grade Ratings from both Rating Agencies (each as defined) and no default has occurred and is continuing under the indentures, we will not be subject to many of the covenants. See “Description of Senior Notes—Certain Covenants” and “Description of Senior Subordinated Notes—Certain Covenants.”

 

No Prior Market; Listing

The exchange notes will generally be freely transferable (subject to certain restrictions discussed in “The Exchange Offers”) but will be a new issue of securities for which there will not initially be a market. Accordingly, there can be no assurance as to the development or liquidity of any market for the exchange notes. The initial purchasers in the private offering of the outstanding notes have advised us that they currently intend to make a market in the exchange notes, as permitted by applicable laws and regulations. However, they are not obligated to do so and may discontinue any such market-making activities at any time without notice. We do not intend to apply for a listing of the exchange notes on any securities exchange or automated dealer quotation system.

 

Use of Proceeds

We will not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the exchange notes in the exchange offers. See “Use of Proceeds.”

Risk Factors

Potential investors should carefully consider the risk factors set forth under “Risk Factors” and the other information contained in this prospectus before deciding to participate in the exchange offers.

 

 

22


Table of Contents

Summary Historical and Pro Forma Consolidated Financial and Other Data

The following tables set forth summary historical and pro forma consolidated financial and other data for the following periods: for PFF and its subsidiaries (referred to in the tables as the Successor) as of and for the three and six months ended September 30, 2007 and for PFG LLC and its subsidiaries (referred to in the tables as the Predecessor), for the period from January 1, 2007 to April 2, 2007, immediately prior to the consummation of the Transactions described herein, and for the three and nine months ended September 24, 2006, as of and for the years ended December 31, 2006 and December 25, 2005, the 52 weeks ended December 26, 2004, as of and for the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004 (the transition year), and as of and for the 36 weeks ended July 31, 2004 and the 5 weeks ended December 28, 2003.

The summary financial data for the six months ended September 30, 2007, for the period from January 1, 2007 to April 2, 2007, immediately prior to the consummation of the Transactions described herein, and for the nine months ended September 24, 2006 have been derived from our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The summary financial data as of and for the years ended December 31, 2006 and December 25, 2005, the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004 and the fiscal year ended July 31, 2004 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements and are qualified in their entirety by reference to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The statement of operations and other data below for the 52 weeks ended December 26, 2004 is unaudited, and represents the combination of our financial results for the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004 and the 36 weeks ended July 31, 2004, less the financial results for the 5 weeks ended December 28, 2003. Additionally, as the result of the inclusion of results from the Aurora businesses since the March 19, 2004 acquisition, these results are not indicative of what the financial results for the full 52 week year ended December 26, 2004 would have been if the acquisition had occurred as of December 29, 2003. Additionally, the statement of operations data for the 5 weeks ended December 28, 2003 is unaudited. In our opinion, the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as our audited consolidated financial statements and include all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the unaudited interim periods. The results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a full fiscal year.

The summary unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial data for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 is based on our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this prospectus, as adjusted to illustrate the estimated pro forma effects of the acquisition of the Armour Business and the Merger (including the preliminary application of purchase accounting) and related financing transactions, including the offering of the notes. The unaudited pro forma statement of operations gives effect to the acquisition of the Armour Business and the Transactions as if they had occurred on December 26, 2005 (the first date of fiscal 2006).

The pro forma adjustments are based upon available information and certain assumptions that we believe are reasonable. The summary unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial data are for informational purposes only and do not purport to represent what our results of operations or financial position actually would have been if the acquisition of the Armour Business and the Transactions had occurred at any date, and such data do not purport to project the results of operations for any future period.

You should read the information set forth below in conjunction with the information under “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations,” “Selected Consolidated Financial Information,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

 

23


Table of Contents
    Predecessor           Successor  
                                                                Pro forma  
    5 weeks
ended
December 28,
2003(1)
    36 weeks
ended
July 31,
2004
    21 weeks
ended
December 26,
2004
    52 weeks
ended
December 26,
2004(2)
    Fiscal year
ended
December 25,
2005
   

Nine

months ended
September 24,
2006(3)

    Fiscal year
ended
December 31,
2006
    January 1,
2007 to
April 2,
2007(4)
         

Six

months ended
September 30,
2007(5)

    Nine months
ended
September 30,
2007
 
                            (in thousands)                                

Statement of Operations Data:

                       

Net sales

  $ 49,658     $ 574,352     $ 511,190     $ 1,035,884     $ 1,255,735     $ 1,024,888     $ 1,442,256     $ 376,587         $ 718,680     $ 1,095,267  

Costs and expenses:

                       

Costs of products sold

    45,017       502,967       420,080       878,030       997,198       809,390       1,122,646       293,191           589,184       882,813  

Marketing and selling expenses

    6,499       57,910       53,588       104,999       101,159       74,278       103,550       34,975           59,556       94,531  

Administrative expenses

    2,879       32,258       15,216       44,595       40,242       39,090       52,447       17,714           26,121       42,405  

Research and development expenses

    234       2,436       1,459       3,661       3,625       2,887       4,037       1,437           1,922       3,359  

Goodwill impairment charge

    —         1,835       4,308       6,143       54,757       —         —         —             —         —    

Other expense (income), net

    11,870       38,096       5,680       31,906       31,836       9,664       14,186       51,042           11,252       66,037  
                                                                                   

Total costs and expenses

    66,499       635,502       500,331       1,069,334       1,228,817       935,309       1,296,866       398,359           688,035       1,089,145  
                                                                                   

Earnings (loss) before interest and taxes

    (16,841 )     (61,150 )     10,859       (33,450 )     26,918       89,579       145,390       (21,772 )         30,645       6,122  

Interest expense

    2,824       26,240       26,260       49,676       71,104       66,705       86,615       39,079           84,531       122,904  

Interest income

    2       320       120       438       584       872       1,247       486           791       —    
                                                                                   

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

    (19,663 )     (87,070 )     (15,281 )     (82,688 )     (43,602 )     23,746       60,022       (60,365 )         (53,095 )     (116,782 )
                                                                                   

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

    (3,364 )     (3,157 )     9,425       9,632       (426 )     20,136       26,098       6,284           16,751       24,024  
                                                                                   

Net earnings (loss)

  $ (16,299 )   $ (83,913 )   $ (24,706 )   $ (92,320 )   $ (43,176 )   $ 3,610     $ 33,924     $ (66,649 )       $ (69,846 )   $ (140,806 )
                                                                                   

Other Data (for the period):

                       

Capital expenditures

  $ 212     $ 9,826     $ 8,073     $ 17,687     $ 30,931     $ 15,633     $ 26,202     $ 5,027         $ 12,544     $ 17,571  

Depreciation and amortization

    1,496       24,570       17,068       40,142       39,088       31,647       42,187       10,163           29,930       44,190  

EBITDA(6)

    (15,345 )     (36,580 )     27,927       6,692       66,006       121,226       187,577       (11,609 )         60,575       50,312  
 

Cash Flow:

                       

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

  $ 12,351     $ 31,070     $ (2,488 )   $ 16,231     $ 64,747     $ 94,015     $ 161,563     $ 55,684         $ (17,084 )  

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

    (368,440 )     (1,058,781 )     (12,455 )     (702,796 )     (28,775 )     (202,612 )     (213,657 )     (5,027 )         (1,329,624 )  

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

    314,385       1,018,534       (20,639 )     683,510       (37,688 )     113,051       63,912       (46,293 )         1,348,053    

 

 

24


Table of Contents
     Predecessor         Successor
    

July 31,

2004

   December 26,
2004
   December 26,
2005
   December 31,
2006
  

September 24,

2006

        September 30,
2007
              

(in thousands)

              

Balance Sheet Data:

                    

Working capital(7)

   $ 81,524    $ 77,302    $ 84,517    $ 105,569    $ 112,407       $ 110,680

Total assets

     1,784,610      1,765,625      1,636,494      1,792,081      1,822,733         2,779,088

Total debt

     944,328      943,080      888,648      920,963      971,770         1,826,021

 

     Successor Pro Forma
     Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2007
     (in thousands)

Pro Forma Credit Statistics:

  

Cash interest expense(8)

   $ 119,344

(1) Represents the unaudited 5 weeks ended December 28, 2003.

 

(2) Represents the unaudited 52 weeks ended December 26, 2004.

 

(3) Represents the unaudited nine months ended September 24, 2006.

 

(4) Represents the unaudited period from January 1, 2007 to April 2, 2007.

 

(5) Represents the unaudited six months ended September 30, 2007.

 

(6) EBITDA, a measure used by management to measure operating performance, is defined as net earnings (loss) plus net interest expense, provision (benefit) for income taxes, and depreciation and amortization. EBITDA is not a recognized term under GAAP and does not purport to be an alternative to net earnings as a measure of operating performance or to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. Additionally, EBITDA is not intended to be a measure of free cash flow available for management’s discretionary use, as it does not consider certain cash requirements such as interest payments, income tax payments and debt service requirements. Our presentation of EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Management believes EBITDA is helpful in highlighting trends because EBITDA excludes the results of decisions that are outside the control of operating management and can differ significantly from company to company depending on long-term strategic decisions regarding capital structure, the tax jurisdictions in which companies operate and capital investments. Management compensates for the limitations of using non-GAAP financial measures by using them to supplement GAAP results to provide a more complete understanding of the factors and trends affecting the business than GAAP results alone.

Because not all companies use identical calculations, our presentation of EBITDA may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies.

 

 

25


Table of Contents

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of EBITDA to “Net earnings (loss),” the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, for each of the periods indicated.

 

   

Predecessor

          Successor  
                                    Pro Forma  
   

52 weeks

ended

December 26,

2004

   

Fiscal year

ended

December 25,

2005

    Nine months
ended
September 24,
2006
 

Fiscal year

ended

December 31,

2006

  January
1, 2007 to
April 2,
2007
          Six months
ended
September 30,
2007
    Nine months
ended
September 30,
2007
 
                    (in thousands)                        

Net earnings (loss)

  $ (92,320 )   $ (43,176 )   $ 3,610   $ 33,924   $ (66,649 )       $ (69,846 )   $ (140,806 )

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

    9,632       (426 )     20,136     26,098     6,284           16,751       24,024  

Interest expense (net)

    49,238       70,520       65,833     85,368     38,593           83,740       122,904  

Depreciation and amortization

    40,142       39,088       31,647     42,187     10,163           29,930       44,190  
                                                       

EBITDA

    6,692       66,006       121,226     187,577     (11,609 )         60,575       50,312  
                                                       

 

(7) Working capital is current assets less current liabilities, excluding notes payable, revolving credit facility borrowings and the current portion of long-term debt.

 

(8) Cash interest expense represents total interest expense less amortization of deferred financing costs.

 

 

26


Table of Contents

RISK FACTORS

Investing in the notes involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below, as well as other information contained in this prospectus, before participating in the exchange offers. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, financial condition, operating results or cash flow could be materially and adversely affected. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or not believed by us to be material may also negatively impact us.

Risks Related to the Exchange Offers

If you choose not to exchange your outstanding notes in the exchange offers, the transfer restrictions currently applicable to your outstanding notes will remain in force and the market price of your outstanding notes could decline.

If you do not exchange your outstanding notes for exchange notes in the exchange offers, then you will continue to be subject to the transfer restrictions on the outstanding notes as set forth in the offering memorandum distributed in connection with the private offering of the outstanding notes. In general, the outstanding notes may not be offered or sold unless they are registered or exempt from registration under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. Except as required by the registration rights agreement, we do not intend to register resales of the outstanding notes under the Securities Act. You should refer to “Prospectus Summary—The Exchange Offers” for information about how to tender your outstanding notes.

The tender of outstanding notes under the exchange offers will reduce the principal amount of the outstanding notes outstanding, which may have an adverse effect upon and increase the volatility of, the market price of the outstanding notes due to reduction in liquidity.

Your ability to transfer the exchange notes may be limited by the absence of an active trading market, and there is no assurance that any active trading market will develop for the exchange notes.

We are offering the exchange notes to the holders of the outstanding notes. The outstanding notes were offered and sold in April 2007 to institutional investors and are eligible for trading in the PORTAL market.

We do not intend to apply for a listing of the exchange notes on a securities exchange or on any automated dealer quotation system. There is currently no established market for the exchange notes, and we cannot assure you as to the liquidity of markets that may develop for the exchange notes, your ability to sell the exchange notes or the price at which you would be able to sell the exchange notes. If such markets were to exist, the exchange notes could trade at prices that may be lower than their principal amount or purchase price depending on many factors, including prevailing interest rates, the market for similar notes, our financial and operating performance and other factors. The initial purchasers in the private offering of the outstanding notes have advised us that they currently intend to make a market in the exchange notes, as permitted by applicable laws and regulations; however, the initial purchasers are not obligated to make a market in the exchanges notes, and they may discontinue their market making activities at any time without notice. In addition, such market making activity may be limited during the pendency of the exchange offers or the effectiveness of a shelf registration statement in lieu thereof. Therefore, we cannot assure you that an active market for the exchange notes will develop or, if developed, that it will continue. Historically, the market for non-investment grade debt has been subject to disruptions that have caused substantial volatility in the prices of securities similar to the notes. The market, if any, for the exchange notes may experience similar disruptions and any such disruptions may adversely affect the prices at which you may sell your exchange notes. In addition, subsequent to their initial issuance, the exchange notes may trade at a discount from their initial offering price, depending upon prevailing interest rates, the market for similar notes, our performance and other factors.

 

27


Table of Contents

Certain persons who participate in the exchange offers must deliver a prospectus in connection with resales of the exchange notes.

Based on interpretations of the staff of the SEC contained in Exxon Capital Holdings Corp. , SEC no-action letter (April 13, 1988), Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc. , SEC no-action letter (June 5, 1991) and Shearman & Sterling , SEC no-action letter (July 2, 1983), we believe that you may offer for resale, resell or otherwise transfer the exchange notes without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act. However, in some instances described in this prospectus under “Plan of Distribution,” certain holders of exchange notes will remain obligated to comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act to transfer the exchange notes. If such a holder transfers any exchange notes without delivering a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act or without an applicable exemption from registration under the Securities Act, such a holder may incur liability under the Securities Act. We do not and will not assume, or indemnify such a holder against, this liability.

Risks Related to Our Indebtedness

Our substantial leverage could adversely affect our ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations, limit our ability to react to changes in the economy or our industry, expose us to interest rate risk to the extent of our variable rate debt and prevent us from meeting our obligations under the notes.

We are highly leveraged. As of September 30, 2007, our total indebtedness was approximately $1,824.4 million, including the outstanding notes. We also had an additional $110.5 million available for borrowing under our revolving credit facility (after giving effect to approximately $12.0 million of outstanding letters of credit and $2.5 million in borrowings under our revolving credit facility). The following chart shows our level of indebtedness as of September 30, 2007:

 

     (in millions)

Senior secured credit facilities(1)

  

Revolving credit facility

   $ 2.5

Term loan B facility

     1,246.9

Senior notes

     325.0

Senior subordinated notes

     250.0
      

Total(2)

   $ 1,824.4
      

(1) Upon the closing of the Transactions, we entered into new senior secured credit facilities, consisting of a (a) $125.0 million revolving credit facility with a six-year maturity, upon which we drew $10.0 million on the closing date of the Transactions to fund working capital adjustments or expenses related to the Transactions and (b) $1,250.0 million term loan facility with a seven-year maturity, which was fully drawn on the closing date. As of September 30, 2007, there were $2.5 million in borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility. See “Description of Other Indebtedness.”

 

(2) Excludes capital lease obligations and notes payable of $1.6 million.

Our high degree of leverage could have important consequences for you, including:

 

   

requiring a substantial portion of cash flow from operations to be dedicated to the payment of principal and interest on our indebtedness, therefore reducing our ability to use our cash flow to fund our operations, capital expenditures and future business opportunities;

 

   

exposing us to the risk of increased interest rates because certain of our borrowings, including borrowings under our senior secured credit facilities. As of September 30, 2007, our total variable rate indebtedness was $1,249.4 million. An increase of 1.0% in the interest rates payable on our variable rate indebtedness would increase annual debt-service requirements by approximately $12.5 million;

 

   

making it more difficult for us to make payments on the notes;

 

28


Table of Contents
   

restricting us from making strategic acquisitions or causing us to make non-strategic divestitures;

 

   

limiting our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, product development, debt service requirements, acquisitions and general corporate or other purposes; and

 

   

limiting our ability to adjust to changing market conditions and placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors who are less highly leveraged.

Our pro forma cash interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 would have been $119.3 million.

Our debt agreements contain restrictions that limit our flexibility in operating our business.

Our new senior secured credit facilities and the indentures governing the notes contain various covenants that limit our ability to engage in specified types of transactions. These covenants limit our and our restricted subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things:

 

   

incur additional debt or issue certain preferred shares;

 

   

pay dividends on, repurchase or make distributions in respect of our capital stock or make other restricted payments;

 

   

make certain investments;

 

   

sell certain assets;

 

   

create liens on certain assets to secure debt;

 

   

consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets;

 

   

enter into certain transactions with our affiliates; and

 

   

designate our subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries.

A breach of any of these covenants could result in a default under our new senior secured credit facilities. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under our new senior secured credit facilities, the lenders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding under our new senior secured credit facilities to be immediately due and payable and terminate all commitments to extend further credit. If we were unable to repay those amounts, the lenders under our new senior secured credit facilities could proceed against the collateral granted to them to secure that indebtedness. If the lenders under our new senior secured credit facilities accelerate the repayment of borrowings, we cannot assure you that we will have sufficient assets to repay our new senior secured credit facilities as well as our unsecured indebtedness, including the notes. See “Description of Other Indebtedness.”

Despite our high indebtedness level, we and our subsidiaries may still be able to incur significant additional amounts of debt, which could further exacerbate the risks associated with our substantial indebtedness.

We and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future. The terms of the indentures governing the notes and the credit agreement governing our new senior secured credit facilities do not fully prohibit us or our subsidiaries from doing so. In addition, $110.5 million are available for borrowing under our revolving credit facility (after giving effect to approximately $12.0 million of outstanding letters of credit and $2.5 million in borrowings under our revolving credit facility). These borrowings and any other secured indebtedness permitted under our new senior secured credit facilities are effectively senior to the notes and the subsidiary guarantees. If new debt is added to our and our subsidiaries’ existing debt levels, the related risks that we now face would increase.

 

29


Table of Contents

Risks Related to Our Business

We face significant competition in our industry.

The food products business is highly competitive. Numerous brands and products compete for shelf space and sales, with competition based primarily on product quality, convenience, price, trade promotion, consumer promotion, brand recognition and loyalty, customer service and the ability to identify and satisfy emerging consumer preferences. We compete with a significant number of companies of varying sizes, including divisions or subsidiaries of larger companies. Many of these competitors have multiple product lines, substantially greater financial and other resources available to them and may have lower fixed costs and be substantially less leveraged than we are. We cannot assure you that we will be able to compete successfully with these companies. Competitive pressures or other factors could cause us to lose market share, which may require us to lower prices, increase marketing and advertising expenditures or increase the use of discounting or promotional campaigns, each of which would adversely affect our margins and could result in a decrease in our operating results and profitability. See “Business—Competition.”

We are vulnerable to fluctuations in the price and supply of food ingredients, packaging materials and freight.

The prices of the food ingredients, packaging materials and freight we use are subject to fluctuations in price attributable to, among other things, changes in crop size and government-sponsored agricultural and livestock programs. The sales prices to our customers are a delivered price. Therefore, changes in these prices could impact our gross margins. Our ability to pass along cost increases to customers is dependent upon competitive conditions and pricing methodologies employed in the various markets in which we compete.

We use significant quantities of sugar, cucumbers, flour, poultry, seafood, vegetable oils, shortening, meat, corn syrup and other agricultural products as well as corrugated fiberboard, glass and plastic packaging materials provided by third-party suppliers. We buy from a variety of producers and manufacturers, and alternate sources of supply are readily available. However, the supply and price are subject to market conditions and are influenced by other factors beyond our control, such as general economic conditions, unanticipated demand, problems in production or distribution, natural disasters, weather conditions during the growing and harvesting seasons, insects, plant diseases and fungi.

We generally do not have long-term contracts with our suppliers, and as a result they could increase prices significantly or fail to deliver. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could increase our costs and disrupt our operations.

If we lose one or more of our major customers, or if any of our major customers experience significant business interruption, our results of operations and our ability to service our indebtedness could be adversely affected.

We are dependent upon a limited number of large customers with substantial purchasing power for a significant percentage of our sales. Sales to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. represented 22%, 21%, 18%, and 18% of our consolidated net sales in fiscal 2006, fiscal 2005, the transition year and fiscal 2004, respectively. We do not have a long-term supply contract with any of our major customers. Our top ten customers accounted for approximately 57%, 56%, 53% and 50% of our net sales in fiscal 2006, fiscal 2005, the transition year and fiscal 2004, respectively. The loss of one or more major customers, a material reduction in sales to these customers as a result of competition from other food manufacturers or the occurrence of a significant business interruption of our customers’ operations would result in a decrease in our revenues, operating results and earnings and adversely affect our ability to service our indebtedness.

Termination of our material licenses would have a material adverse effect on our business.

We manufacture and market certain of our frozen food products under the Swanson brand pursuant to two royalty-free, exclusive and perpetual trademark licenses granted by Campbell Soup Company. The licenses give

 

30


Table of Contents

us the right to use certain Swanson trademarks both inside and outside of the United States in connection with the manufacture, distribution, marketing, advertising and promotion of frozen foods and beverages of any type except for frozen soup or broth. The licenses require us to obtain the prior written approval of Campbell Soup Company for the visual appearance and labeling of all packaging, advertising materials and promotions bearing the Swanson trademark. The licenses contain standard provisions, including those dealing with quality control and termination by Campbell Soup Company as well as assignment and consent. If we were to breach any material term of the licenses and not timely cure such breach, Campbell Soup Company could terminate the licenses.

We manufacture and market certain of our frozen breakfast products under the Aunt Jemima brand pursuant to a royalty-free, exclusive (as to frozen breakfast products only) and perpetual license granted by The Quaker Oats Company. The license gives us the right to use certain Aunt Jemima trademarks both inside and outside the United States in connection with the manufacture and sale of waffles, pancakes, French toast, pancake batter, biscuits, muffins, strudel, croissants and all other frozen breakfast products, excluding frozen cereal. The license requires us to obtain the approval of The Quaker Oats Company for any labels, packaging, advertising and promotional materials bearing the Aunt Jemima trademark. The license contains standard provisions, including those dealing with quality control and termination by The Quaker Oats Company as well as assignment and consent. If we were to breach any material term of the license and not timely cure such breach, The Quaker Oats Company could terminate the license.

In addition, as part of our acquisition of the Armour Business from The Dial Corporation, we received the assignment of a license agreement granting us an exclusive, royalty-bearing, perpetual license to use certain Armour trademarks. Under the license agreement, Smithfield Foods, as successor to ConAgra, Inc., the licensor, grants a license for the use of various Armour-related trademarks in conjunction with shelf-stable products within the United States. The shelf-stable products must be manufactured according to approved formulas and specifications, and new specifications must be approved by the licensor, with such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Proposed labels, packaging, advertising and promotional materials must first be submitted to the licensor for approval, with such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed. We are required to make annual royalty payments to the licensor equal to the greater of $250,000 or a percentage royalty based upon our annual net sales of the approved shelf-stable products. If we were to materially breach the license agreement, Smithfield Foods could terminate the license.

The loss of any of these licenses would have a material adverse effect on our business.

We may not be able to achieve all of our expected cost savings.

We have identified significant potential annual cost savings that are reflected in the financial ratio calculations set forth under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Debt—Covenant Compliance.” We cannot assure you, however, that we will continue to realize cost savings relating to efficiency measures we have already implemented, that we will be able to achieve our other expected cost savings opportunities, that any identified savings will be achieved in a timely manner or that other unexpected costs will not offset any savings we do achieve.

We may not achieve the cost savings we anticipate, and we may not continue to receive the benefits of the production and distribution efficiencies we implemented before the consummation of the Transactions. In addition, our cost savings and production and distribution efficiencies may be adversely affected by lower sales volumes.

Our failure to achieve our expected annual cost savings could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

31


Table of Contents

Loss of any of our current co-packing arrangements could decrease our sales and earnings and put us at a competitive disadvantage.

We rely upon co-packers for our Duncan Hines cake mixes, brownie mixes, specialty mixes and frosting products and a limited portion of our other manufacturing needs. We believe that there are a limited number of competent, high-quality co-packers in the industry, and if we were required to obtain additional or alternative co-packing agreements or arrangements in the future, we cannot assure you we will be able to do so on satisfactory terms or in a timely manner.

We may be subject to product liability claims should the consumption of any of our products cause injury, illness or death.

We sell food products for human consumption, which involves risks such as product contamination or spoilage, misbranding, product tampering and other adulteration of food products. Consumption of a misbranded, adulterated, contaminated or spoiled product may result in personal illness or injury. We could be subject to claims or lawsuits relating to an actual or alleged illness or injury, and we could incur liabilities that are not insured or exceed our insurance coverages. Even if product liability claims against us are not successful or fully pursued, these claims could be costly and time consuming and may require our management to spend time defending the claims rather than operating our business.

A product that has been actually or allegedly misbranded or becomes adulterated could result in product withdrawals or recalls, destruction of product inventory, negative publicity, temporary plant closings and substantial costs of compliance or remediation. Any of these events, including a significant product liability judgment against us, could result in a loss of demand for our food products, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Due to the seasonality of the business, our revenue and operating results may vary quarter to quarter.

Our sales and cash flows are affected by seasonal cyclicality. Sales of frozen foods, including seafood, tend to be marginally higher during the winter months, whereas sales of pickles, relishes and barbecue sauces tend to be higher in the spring and summer months and demand for Duncan Hines products tends to be higher around the Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. We pack the majority of our pickles during a season extending from May through September and also increase our Duncan Hines inventories at that time in advance of the selling season. As a result, our inventory levels tend to be higher during August, September and October, and thus we require more working capital during these months. If we are unable to obtain this working capital or if these seasonal fluctuations are greater than anticipated, there could be an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Our strategy of evaluating targeted acquisition opportunities may not be successful.

We may not be able to identify and complete acquisitions in the future, and our failure to identify and complete acquisitions could limit our ability to grow our business beyond our existing brands. In addition, we may require additional debt or equity financing for future acquisitions. Our strategy of evaluating targeted acquisition opportunities involves a number of risks, including the following:

 

   

we may not be able to find suitable businesses to acquire at affordable valuations or on other acceptable terms;

 

   

our acquisition of suitable businesses could be prohibited by U.S. or foreign antitrust laws; and

 

   

we may have to incur additional debt to finance future acquisitions, and no assurance can be given as to whether, and on what terms, such additional debt will be available.

 

32


Table of Contents

If we fail to successfully integrate any future acquisitions into our operations, our operating costs could increase and our operating margins, operating results and profitability may decrease.

If we do not successfully integrate acquisitions, we may not realize anticipated operating advantages and cost savings, which would reduce our anticipated operating margins, operating results and profitability. The integration of companies involves a number of risks, including:

 

   

demands on management related to the increase in our size after an acquisition;

 

   

the diversion of management’s attention from existing operations to the integration of acquired companies; and

 

   

difficulty in the hiring or the retention of key management personnel.

We may not be able to maintain the levels of operating efficiency that the acquired companies achieved separately. Successful integration of acquired operations will depend upon our ability to manage those operations and to eliminate redundant and excess costs. We may not be able to achieve the cost savings and other benefits that we would hope to achieve from acquisitions, which could cause our financial condition to deteriorate or result in an increase in our expenses or a reduction in our operating margins, thereby reducing our operating results and profitability.

Sales of our products are subject to changing consumer preferences, and our success depends upon our ability to predict, identify and interpret changes in consumer preferences and develop and offer new products rapidly enough to meet those changes.

Our success depends on our ability to predict, identify and interpret the tastes and dietary habits of consumers and to offer products that appeal to those preferences. There are inherent marketplace risks associated with new product or packaging introductions, including uncertainties about trade and consumer acceptance. If we do not succeed in offering products that consumers want to buy, our sales and market share will decrease, resulting in reduced profitability. A significant challenge for us is distinguishing among fads, mid-term trends and lasting changes in our consumer environment. If we are unable to accurately predict which shifts in consumer preferences will be long-lasting, or to introduce new and improved products to satisfy those preferences, our sales will decline. In addition, given the variety of backgrounds and identities of consumers in our consumer base, we must offer a sufficient array of products to satisfy the broad spectrum of consumer preferences. As such, we must be successful in developing innovative products across a multitude of product categories. Finally, if we fail to rapidly develop products in faster growing and more profitable categories, we could experience reduced demand for our products.

Our financial well-being could be jeopardized by unforeseen changes in our employees’ collective bargaining agreements or shifts in union policy.

We employ approximately 3,100 people, with approximately 55% of our employees unionized. We are a party to four collective bargaining agreements with the United Food and Commercial Workers Union. Although we consider our employee relations to generally be good, failure to extend or renew our collective bargaining agreements or a prolonged work stoppage or strike at any facility with union employees could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. In addition, we cannot assure you that upon the expiration of our existing collective bargaining agreements, new agreements will be reached without union action or that any such new agreements will be on terms wholly satisfactory to us.

We are subject to laws and regulations relating to protection of the environment, worker health and workplace safety. Costs to comply with these laws and regulations, or claims with respect to environmental, health and safety matters, could have a significant negative impact on our business.

Our operations are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment, including those governing the discharge of pollutants into the air and water, the management

 

33


Table of Contents

and disposal of solid and hazardous materials and wastes, employee exposure to hazards in the workplace and the cleanup of contaminated sites. We are required to obtain and comply with environmental permits for many of our operations, and sometimes we are required to install pollution control equipment or to implement operational changes to limit air emissions or wastewater discharges and/or decrease the likelihood of accidental releases of hazardous materials. We could incur substantial costs, including cleanup costs, civil or criminal fines or penalties and third-party claims for property damage or personal injury as a result of any violations of environmental laws and regulations, noncompliance with environmental permit conditions or contamination for which we may be responsible that is identified or that may occur in the future. Such costs may be material.

We cannot predict what environmental or health and safety legislation or regulations will be enacted in the future or how existing or future laws or regulations will be enforced, administered or interpreted. We also cannot predict the amount of future expenditures that may be required in order to comply with such environmental or health and safety laws or regulations or to respond to environmental claims. See “Business—Governmental, Legal and Regulatory Matters.”

Our operations are subject to FDA and USDA governmental regulation, and there is no assurance that we will be in compliance with all regulations.

Our operations are subject to extensive regulation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other national, state and local authorities. Specifically, we are subject to the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and regulations promulgated thereunder by the FDA. This comprehensive regulatory program governs, among other things, the manufacturing, composition and ingredients, packaging and safety of food. Under this program, the FDA regulates manufacturing practices for foods through its current “good manufacturing practices” regulations and specifies the recipes for certain foods. Our processing facilities and products are subject to periodic inspection by federal, state and local authorities. In addition, we must comply with similar laws in Canada. We seek to comply with applicable regulations through a combination of employing internal personnel to ensure quality-assurance compliance (for example, assuring that food packages contain only ingredients as specified on the package labeling) and contracting with third-party laboratories that conduct analyses of products for the nutritional-labeling requirements.

Failure by us to comply with applicable laws and regulations or maintain permits and licenses relating to our operations could subject us to civil remedies, including fines, injunctions, recalls or seizures, as well as potential criminal sanctions, which could result in increased operating costs resulting in a material adverse effect on our operating results and business. See “Business—Governmental, Legal and Regulatory Matters.”

Higher energy costs and other factors affecting the cost of producing, transporting and distributing our products could adversely affect our financial results.

Rising fuel and energy costs may have a significant impact on our costs of operations, including the manufacture, transport and distribution of our products. Fuel costs may fluctuate due to a number of factors outside our control, including government policy and regulation and weather conditions. Additionally, we may be unable to maintain favorable arrangements with respect to the costs of procuring raw materials, packaging, services and transporting products, which could result in increased expenses and adversely affect operations. If we are unable to hedge against such increases or raise the prices of our products to offset the changes, our results of operations could be adversely affected.

The consolidation trend among our customer base could adversely affect our profitability.

The consolidation trend is continuing in the retail grocery and foodservice industries, and mass merchandisers are gaining market share. As this trend among grocery retailers continues and our retail customers, including mass merchandisers, grow larger and become more sophisticated, these retailers may demand lower

 

34


Table of Contents

pricing and increased promotional programs from product suppliers. If our products are not selected by the retailers or if we fail to effectively respond to their demands, our sales and profitability could be adversely affected.

Litigation regarding our trademarks and any other proprietary rights may have a significant, negative impact on our business.

We consider our trademarks to be of significant importance in our business. Although we devote resources to the establishment and protection of our trademarks, we cannot assure you that the actions we have taken or will take in the future will be adequate to prevent violation of our trademark and proprietary rights by others or prevent others from seeking to block sales of our products as an alleged violation of their trademarks and proprietary rights. There can be no assurance that future litigation by or against us will not be necessary to enforce our trademark or proprietary rights or to defend ourselves against claimed infringement of the rights of others. Any future litigation of this type could result in adverse determinations that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. Our inability to use our trademarks and other proprietary rights could also harm our business and sales through reduced demand for our products and reduced revenues.

If we are unable to retain our key management personnel, our future performance may be impaired and our financial condition could suffer as a result.

Our success depends to a significant degree upon the continued contributions of senior management, certain of whom would be difficult to replace. On June 13, 2006, our Board of Directors appointed Jeffrey P. Ansell to succeed C. Dean Metropoulos as Chief Executive Officer of Pinnacle. Mr. Ansell’s employment commenced on July 5, 2006. Upon the completion of the Transactions, Mr. Metropoulos was succeeded as Chairman by Roger Deromedi, former Chief Executive Officer of Kraft Foods Inc. Departure by certain of our executive officers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. We do not maintain key-man life insurance on any of our executive officers. We cannot assure you that the services of such personnel will continue to be available to us.

We may not be able to utilize all of our net operating loss carryforwards.

If there is an unfavorable adjustment from an IRS examination (whether as a result of a change in law or IRS policy or otherwise) that reduces any of our net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”), our cash taxes payable may increase, which could significantly reduce our future cash flow and impact our ability to make interest payments on our indebtedness, including the notes. As of September 30, 2007, we had NOLs for U.S. federal income tax purposes of $859 million. These NOLs are subject to annual limitations under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. These limitations and/or our failure to generate sufficient taxable income may result in the expiration of the net operating loss carryforwards before they may be utilized.

Blackstone controls us and may have conflicts of interest with us or you in the future.

Investment funds associated with or designated by Blackstone own substantially all of our capital stock, on a fully-diluted basis, as a result of the Transactions. Blackstone has control over our decisions to enter into any corporate transaction and has the ability to prevent any transaction that requires the approval of shareholders regardless of whether noteholders believe that any such transactions are in their own best interests. For example, Blackstone could collectively cause us to make acquisitions that increase the amount of indebtedness that is secured or that is senior to the senior subordinated notes or to sell assets, which may impair our ability to make payments under the notes.

Additionally, Blackstone is in the business of making investments in companies and may from time to time acquire and hold interests in businesses that compete directly or indirectly with us. Blackstone may also pursue

 

35


Table of Contents

acquisition opportunities that may be complementary to our business and, as a result, those acquisition opportunities may not be available to us. So long as investment funds associated with or designated by Blackstone collectively continue to indirectly own a significant amount of our capital stock, even if such amount is less than 50%, Blackstone will continue to be able to strongly influence or effectively control our decisions.

Risks Related to the Notes

The following risks apply to the outstanding notes and will apply equally to the exchange notes.

The Issuers have no operations of their own, and PFG LLC may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our indebtedness, including the notes.

The Issuers have no operations of their own and derive substantially all of their revenue and cash flows from PFG LLC and its subsidiaries. The Issuers’ principal assets are the equity interests they hold in PFG LLC and its operating subsidiaries. As a result, the Issuers are dependent upon dividends and other payments from PFG LLC and its subsidiaries to generate the funds necessary to meet our outstanding debt service and other obligations.

Our ability to make scheduled payments on or to refinance our debt obligations depends on our financial condition and operating performance, which are subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to certain financial, business and other factors beyond our control. We cannot assure you that we will maintain a level of cash flows from operating activities sufficient to permit us to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness, including the notes.

If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay investments and capital expenditures, or to sell assets, seek additional capital or restructure or refinance our indebtedness, including the notes. These alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations. In the absence of such operating results and resources, we could face substantial liquidity problems and might be required to dispose of material assets or operations to meet our debt service and other obligations. Our new senior secured credit facilities and the indentures governing the notes restrict our ability to dispose of assets and use the proceeds from the disposition. We may not be able to consummate those dispositions or to obtain the proceeds which we could realize from them and these proceeds may not be adequate to meet any debt service obligations then due.

Your right to receive payments on each issue of notes is effectively junior to those lenders who have a security interest in our and our subsidiaries’ assets.

Our obligations under the notes and our guarantors’ obligations under their guarantees of the notes are unsecured, but our obligations under our senior secured credit facilities and each guarantor’s obligations under their respective guarantees of the senior secured credit facilities are secured by a security interest in substantially all of our domestic tangible and intangible assets, including the stock of our wholly owned U.S. subsidiaries and the assets and a portion of the stock of our non-U.S. subsidiaries. If we are declared bankrupt or insolvent, or if we default under our new senior secured credit facilities, the lenders could declare all of the funds borrowed thereunder, together with accrued interest, immediately due and payable. If we were unable to repay such indebtedness, the lenders could foreclose on the pledged assets to the exclusion of holders of the notes, even if an event of default exists under the indentures governing the notes at such time. Furthermore, if the lenders foreclose and sell the pledged equity interests in any subsidiary guarantor under the notes, then that guarantor will be released from its guarantee of the notes automatically and immediately upon such sale. In any such event, because the notes are not secured by any of our assets or the equity interests in subsidiary guarantors, it is possible that there would be no assets remaining from which your claims could be satisfied or, if any assets remained, they might be insufficient to satisfy your claims fully. See “Description of Other Indebtedness.”

As of September 30, 2007, as a result of the completion of the Transactions, we had $1,249.4 million of senior secured indebtedness, all of which was indebtedness under our senior secured credit facilities and which does not include availability of approximately $110.5 million under our revolving credit facility (after giving

 

36


Table of Contents

effect to approximately $12.0 million of outstanding letters of credit and $2.5 million in borrowings under our revolving credit facility), all of which would be secured if borrowed. The indentures governing the notes permit the incurrence of substantial additional indebtedness by us and our restricted subsidiaries in the future, including senior secured indebtedness.

Your right to receive payments on the senior subordinated notes is junior to the rights of the lenders under our senior secured credit facilities and all of our other senior debt and any of our future senior indebtedness.

The senior subordinated notes are general unsecured obligations that are junior in right of payment to all of our existing and future senior indebtedness. As a result of the completion of the Transactions, as of September 30, 2007, we had approximately $1,574.4 million of senior indebtedness. An additional $110.5 million is available to be drawn under our revolving credit facility (after giving effect to approximately $12.0 million of outstanding letters of credit and $2.5 million in borrowings under our revolving credit facility), all of which would be secured if borrowed.

We may not pay principal, premium, if any, interest or other amounts on account of the senior subordinated notes in the event of a payment default or certain other defaults in respect of certain of our senior indebtedness, including debt under the senior secured credit facilities, unless the senior indebtedness has been paid in full or the default has been cured or waived. In addition, in the event of certain other defaults with respect to the senior indebtedness, we may not be permitted to pay any amount on account of the senior subordinated notes for a designated period of time.

Because of the subordination provisions in the senior subordinated notes, in the event of our bankruptcy, liquidation or dissolution, our assets will not be available to pay obligations under the senior subordinated notes until we have made all payments in cash on our senior indebtedness. We cannot assure you that sufficient assets will remain after all these payments have been made to make any payments on the senior subordinated notes, including payments of principal or interest when due.

Claims of noteholders will be structurally subordinate to claims of creditors of all of our non-U.S. subsidiaries because they will not guarantee the notes.

The notes are not guaranteed by our non-U.S. subsidiaries. Accordingly, claims of holders of the notes are structurally subordinate to the claims of creditors of these non-guarantor subsidiaries, including trade creditors. All obligations of our non-guarantor subsidiaries will have to be satisfied before any of the assets of such subsidiaries would be available for distribution, upon a liquidation or otherwise to us or a guarantor of the notes.

On a pro forma basis after giving effect to the Transactions, the only existing foreign subsidiary will be Pinnacle Foods Corporation Canada, which accounted for approximately $67.6 million, or 4.7% of our net sales, and approximately $0.9 million, or less than 1%, of our net earnings, in each case for the year ended December 31, 2006, and $10.2 million, or less than 1%, of our total assets as of December 31, 2006. Pinnacle Foods Corporation Canada accounted for approximately $56.1 million, or 5.1% of our net sales, and approximately $2.0 million, or less than 1% of our net earnings, in each case for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, and $18.6 million, or less than 1% of our total assets as of September 30, 2007.

If we default on our obligations to pay our indebtedness, we may not be able to make payments on the notes.

Any default under the agreements governing our indebtedness, including a default under the new senior secured credit facilities, that is not waived by the required lenders, and the remedies sought by the holders of such indebtedness could make us unable to pay principal, premium, if any, and interest on the notes and substantially decrease the market value of the notes. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow and are otherwise unable to obtain funds necessary to meet required payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness, or if we otherwise fail to comply with the various covenants, including financial and operating covenants, in the instruments governing our indebtedness (including covenants in our new senior secured credit facilities and our indentures), we could be in default under the terms of the agreements governing

 

37


Table of Contents

such indebtedness, including our new senior secured credit facilities and the indentures. In the event of such default, the holders of such indebtedness could elect to declare all the funds borrowed thereunder to be due and payable, together with accrued and unpaid interest, the lenders under our senior secured credit facilities could elect to terminate their commitments thereunder, cease making further loans and institute foreclosure proceedings against our assets, and we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation. If our operating performance declines, we may in the future need to obtain waivers from the required lenders under our senior secured credit facilities to avoid being in default. If we breach our covenants under our senior secured credit facilities and seek a waiver, we may not be able to obtain a waiver from the required lenders. If this occurs, we would be in default under our new senior secured credit facilities, the lenders could exercise their rights, as described above, and we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation.

We may not be able to repurchase the notes upon a change of control.

Upon the occurrence of specific kinds of change of control events, we are required to offer to repurchase all notes outstanding at 101% of their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. The source of funds for any such purchase of the notes will be our available cash or cash generated from our subsidiaries’ operations or other sources, including borrowings, sales of assets or sales of equity. We may not be able to repurchase the notes upon a change of control because we may not have sufficient financial resources to purchase all of the notes that are tendered upon a change of control. Further, we are contractually restricted under the terms of our new senior secured credit facilities from repurchasing all of the notes tendered by holders upon a change of control. Accordingly, we may not be able to satisfy our obligations to purchase the notes unless we are able to refinance or obtain waivers under our new senior secured credit facilities. Our failure to repurchase the notes upon a change of control would cause a default under the indentures and a cross default under the new senior secured credit facilities. The new senior secured credit facilities also provide that a change of control will be a default that permits lenders to accelerate the maturity of borrowings thereunder. Any of our future debt agreements may contain similar provisions.

The lenders under the senior secured credit facility have the discretion to release the guarantors under the new senior secured credit facilities in a variety of circumstances, which will cause those guarantors to be released from their guarantees of the notes.

While any obligations under the senior secured credit facilities remain outstanding, any guarantee of the notes may be released without action by, or consent of, any holder of the notes or the trustee under the indentures, at the discretion of lenders under the senior secured credit facilities, if the guarantor is no longer a guarantor of obligations under the senior secured credit facilities or any other indebtedness. See “Description of Senior Notes” and “Description of Senior Subordinated Notes.” The lenders under the senior secured credit facilities have the discretion to release the guarantees under the senior secured credit facilities in a variety of circumstances. You will not have a claim as a creditor against any subsidiary that is no longer a guarantor of the notes, and the indebtedness and other liabilities, including trade payables, whether secured or unsecured, of those subsidiaries will effectively be senior to claims of noteholders.

Federal and state fraudulent transfer laws may permit a court to void the guarantees, and, if that occurs, you may not receive any payments on the notes.

Federal and state fraudulent transfer and conveyance statutes may apply to the issuance of the notes and the incurrence of the guarantees. Under federal bankruptcy law and comparable provisions of state fraudulent transfer or conveyance laws, which may vary from state to state, the notes or guarantees could be voided as a fraudulent transfer or conveyance if (1) we or any of the guarantors, as applicable, issued the notes or incurred the guarantees with the intent of hindering, delaying or defrauding creditors or (2) we or any of the guarantors, as applicable, received less than reasonably equivalent value or fair consideration in return for either issuing the notes or incurring the guarantees and, in the case of (2) only, one of the following is also true at the time thereof:

 

   

we or any of the guarantors, as applicable, were insolvent or rendered insolvent by reason of the issuance of the notes or the incurrence of the guarantees;

 

38


Table of Contents
   

the issuance of the notes or the incurrence of the guarantees left us or any of the guarantors, as applicable, with an unreasonably small amount of capital to carry on the business;

 

   

we or any of the guarantors intended to, or believed that we or such guarantor would, incur debts beyond our or such guarantor’s ability to pay as they mature; or

 

   

we or any of the guarantors was a defendant in an action for money damages, or had a judgment for money damages docketed against us or such guarantor if, in either case, after final judgment, the judgment is unsatisfied.

If a court were to find that the issuance of the notes or the incurrence of the guarantee was a fraudulent transfer or conveyance, the court could void the payment obligations under the notes or such guarantee or subordinate (or in the case of the senior subordinated notes, further subordinate) the notes or such guarantee to presently existing and future indebtedness of ours or of the related guarantor, or require the holders of the notes to repay any amounts received with respect to such guarantee. In the event of a finding that a fraudulent transfer or conveyance occurred, you may not receive any repayment on the notes. Further, the voidance of the notes could result in an event of default with respect to our and our subsidiaries’ other debt that could result in acceleration of such debt.

As a general matter, value is given for a transfer or an obligation if, in exchange for the transfer or obligation, property is transferred or an antecedent debt is secured or satisfied. A debtor will generally not be considered to have received value in connection with a debt offering if the debtor uses the proceeds of that offering to make a dividend payment or otherwise retire or redeem equity securities issued by the debtor.

We cannot be certain as to the standards a court would use to determine whether or not we or the guarantors were solvent at the relevant time or, regardless of the standard that a court uses, that the issuance of the guarantees would not be subordinated (or in the case of the senior subordinated notes, further subordinate) to our or any of our guarantors’ other debt. Generally, however, an entity would be considered solvent if, at the time it incurred indebtedness:

 

   

the sum of its debts, including contingent liabilities, was greater than the fair saleable value of all its assets; or

 

   

the present fair saleable value of its assets was less than the amount that would be required to pay its probable liability on its existing debts, including contingent liabilities, as they become absolute and mature; or

 

   

it could not pay its debts as they become due.

The trading price of the notes may be volatile.

The trading price of the notes could be subject to significant fluctuation in response to, among other factors, changes in our operating results, interest rates, the market for non-investment grade securities, general economic conditions and securities analysts’ recommendations regarding our securities.

 

39


Table of Contents

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus contains “forward-looking” statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Many of the statements appear, in particular, in the sections entitled “Prospectus Summary,” “Risk Factors,” “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Business.” Forward-looking statements identify prospective information. Important factors could cause actual results to differ, possibly materially, from those in the forward-looking statements. In some cases you can identify forward-looking statements by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “potential,” “should,” “will” and “would” or other similar words. You should read statements that contain these words carefully because they discuss our future priorities, goals, strategies, actions to improve business performance, market growth assumptions and expectations, future business opportunities, capital expenditures, financing needs, financial position and other information that is not historical information or state other “forward-looking” information.

There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus. Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements we make in this prospectus are set forth in this prospectus, including under the heading “Risk Factors.” As stated elsewhere in this prospectus, such risks, uncertainties and other important factors include, among others:

 

   

our substantial indebtedness;

 

   

competition;

 

   

fluctuations in price and supply of raw materials;

 

   

the loss of any of our major customers or suppliers;

 

   

loss or litigation of our intellectual property rights;

 

   

our ability to achieve cost savings;

 

   

our reliance on co-packers to meet our manufacturing needs;

 

   

product liability claims;

 

   

seasonality;

 

   

our ability to identify and integrate potential future acquisitions;

 

   

changes in demand for our products;

 

   

changes in our collective bargaining agreements or shifts in union policy;

 

   

changes in the cost of compliance with laws and regulations, including environmental laws and regulations;

 

   

difficulty in the hiring or the retention of key management personnel;

 

   

restrictions imposed on our business by the terms of our indebtedness; and

 

   

conflicts between the interests of our financial sponsor and the holders of the notes.

There may be other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by which, such performance or results will be achieved. Forward-looking information is based on information available at the time and/or management’s good faith belief with respect to future events, and is subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or

 

40


Table of Contents

results to differ materially from those expressed in the statements. The factors listed in the section captioned “Risk Factors,” as well as any other cautionary language in this prospectus, provide examples of risks, uncertainties and events that may cause our actual results to differ materially from the expectations we describe in our forward-looking statements. Before participating in the exchange offers, you should be aware that the occurrence of the events described in these risk factors and elsewhere in this prospectus could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial position.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statements are made. We assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking information except to the extent required by applicable securities laws. If we do update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect thereto or with respect to other forward-looking statements.

PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL DATA

Unless the context requires otherwise, in this prospectus, “Pinnacle,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refers to Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC, or “PFF”, and the entities that are its consolidated subsidiaries (including Pinnacle Foods Group LLC, or “PFG LLC”, formerly known as Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. or “PFGI”). References to the “Issuers” refer to Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC and Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp., the issuers of the outstanding notes. “Predecessor” refers to PFG LLC and its subsidiaries for the period prior to the consummation of the Transactions described herein and “Successor” refers to PFF and its subsidiaries subsequent to the consummation of the Transactions described herein.

On May 22, 2001, we acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of the North American business of Vlasic Foods International Inc. (“VFI”). The North American business consisted of the Hungry-Man and Swanson frozen dinners, Vlasic pickles, peppers and relish and Open Pit barbecue sauce businesses. Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation (“PFHC”) and Pinnacle Foods Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of PFHC, were each incorporated on March 29, 2001, but had no operations until the acquisition of the North American business of VFI.

On November 25, 2003, J.P. Morgan Partners, LLC, J.W. Childs Associates, L.P. and CDM Investor Group LLC (together with J.P. Morgan Partners, LLC and J.W. Childs Associates, L.P., the “2003 Sponsors”), together with certain of their affiliates, acquired our company (the “2003 Acquisition”). “2003 Predecessor” refers to PFHC and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis prior to the consummation of the 2003 Acquisition and “2003 Successor” refers to PFHC and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis subsequent to the 2003 Acquisition.

In March 2004, PFHC was merged with and into Aurora Foods Inc., and the surviving company was renamed Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.

In December 2004, we changed PFG LLC’s, (formerly known as Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. or “PFGI”) fiscal year end from July 31 to the last Sunday in December. In view of this change, this prospectus includes financial information for the years ended December 31, 2006 and December 25, 2005, the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004, which we refer to as the “transition year” throughout this report, and for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002. Information presented for the transition year is based on the information for the 21-week period ended December 26, 2004. Information for the corresponding 21 week period ended December 28, 2003 represents the combination of the 2003 Predecessor’s consolidated financial statements for the 16 weeks ended November 24, 2003 and 2003 Successor’s consolidated financial statements for the 5 week period ended December 28, 2003. Information presented for the fiscal year 2004 is based on the information for the 52-week period ended July 31, 2004 and is the combination of the 2003 Predecessor’s consolidated financial statements for the 16 weeks ended November 24, 2003 and 2003 Successor’s consolidated financial statements for the 36-week period ended July 31, 2004. We identify each fiscal year for PFG LLC in this prospectus

 

41


Table of Contents

according to the calendar year in which such fiscal year ends. For example, we refer to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 as “fiscal 2006,” the fiscal year ended December 25, 2005, as “fiscal 2005,” and the fiscal years ended July 31, 2004 and 2003 as “fiscal 2004” and “fiscal 2003,” respectively.

On March 1, 2006, the Company acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of the food products business (the “Armour Business”) of The Dial Corporation. This prospectus includes separate, stand-alone historical financial statements for the Armour Business, which present the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and direct revenues and direct operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, the nine-month period ended December 31, 2004 and the three-month period ended March 27, 2004. The SEC staff previously granted us relief from certain reporting requirements under Rule 3-05 of Regulation S-X and permission to instead file with the Securities and Exchange Commission an audited Statement of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed as of December 31, 2006 and 2005 and an audited Statement of Direct Revenues and Direct Operating Expenses of the Armour Business for each of the three years ended December 31, 2006 with related footnotes.

In view of the Transactions described herein, this prospectus includes financial information as of and for the Successor’s six months ended September 30, 2007, for the Predecessor’s period from January 1, 2007 to April 2, 2007, immediately prior to the consummation of the Transactions described herein, and for Predecessor’s nine months ended September 24, 2006.

 

42


Table of Contents

The following is a graphic representation of the financial information of our company included in this prospectus.

LOGO

 

43


Table of Contents

THE TRANSACTIONS

The Merger and Related Financings

On February 10, 2007, Crunch Holding Corp., our parent company, entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with Peak Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company controlled by affiliates of The Blackstone Group, Peak Acquisition Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of Peak Holdings, and Peak Finance LLC, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Peak Acquisition, providing for the acquisition of Crunch Holding. Under the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, the purchase price for Crunch Holding was $2,162.5 million in cash plus an amount equal to the aggregate exercise prices of vested options less the amount of indebtedness of Crunch Holding and its subsidiaries outstanding immediately prior to the closing and certain transaction costs, subject to purchase price adjustments based on the balance of our working capital and indebtedness as of the closing. Pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, immediately prior to the closing, Crunch Holding contributed all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of its wholly owned subsidiary, Pinnacle Foods Group LLC, to a newly-formed Delaware limited liability company, Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC. At the closing, on April 2, 2007, Peak Acquisition merged with and into Crunch Holding, with Crunch Holding as the surviving corporation, and Peak Finance LLC merged with and into Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC, with Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC as the surviving entity. As a result of the Merger, Crunch Holding became a wholly owned subsidiary of Peak Holdings.

Investment funds associated with Blackstone and certain members of management invested $422.2 million in our business as part of the Transactions. As described below and in “Management—Equity Investment by Chairman and Executive Officers,” certain of our executive officers, directors and other members of management also participated in the equity of our business in connection with the Transactions. These executive officers, directors and other members of management are referred to in this prospectus as the “management participants.” Our chairman and our chief executive officer invested $3.0 million and $1.3 million, respectively, to acquire equity interests in Peak Holdings. In addition, each was awarded equity interests in Peak Holdings under our equity incentive plans, subject to future vesting conditions. Other members of our management team invested a total of $4.6 million in Peak Holdings and received equity incentive awards, subject to future vesting conditions. These funds will be invested by the Equity Investors directly or indirectly in Peak Holdings, which caused these funds to be contributed through its direct and indirect subsidiaries to the Company. Other of our managers participate in the equity of our parent companies through equity ownership or option holdings.

In connection with the Merger, we repaid the indebtedness under our old senior secured credit facilities, repurchased our outstanding 8.25% notes pursuant to the 8.25% notes tender offer, repaid certain other indebtedness and paid related fees and expenses.

The Merger, the repayment of indebtedness and the payment of related fees and expenses were financed with proceeds of $1,250.0 million in term loans under our new senior secured credit facilities, the issuance of the outstanding notes and the equity investment described above.

 

44


Table of Contents

Ownership and Corporate Structure

The following chart shows a summary of our current organizational structure after giving effect to the Transactions. For further information, please see “Sources and Uses,” “Capitalization,” “The Transactions” and “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners.”

LOGO

 


(1) Consists of $422.2 million of common equity from the Equity Investors.

 

(2) The obligations under our new senior secured credit facilities are guaranteed by Peak Finance Holdings LLC and all of Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC’s existing and future direct and indirect wholly owned domestic subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions. The notes are guaranteed by all of Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC’s domestic subsidiaries, other than the co-issuer, Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp., that guarantee the obligations under our new senior secured credit facilities, subject to certain exceptions. See “Description of Other Indebtedness.”

 

45


Table of Contents
(3) Upon the closing of the Transactions, we entered into new senior secured credit facilities, consisting of a (a) $125.0 million revolving credit facility with a six-year maturity, upon which we drew $10.0 million on the closing date of the Transactions to fund working capital adjustments or expenses related to the Transactions and (b) $1,250.0 million term loan facility with a seven-year maturity, which was fully drawn on the closing date. As of September 30, 2007, there were $2.5 million of borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility.

 

(4) As of December 20, 2007, we had agreed to repurchase $51.0 million in aggregate principal amount of our senior subordinated notes. After all these repurchases are settled, we will have $199.0 million in aggregate principal amount of senior subordinated notes outstanding.

 

(5) Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC and Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp. are co-issuers of the notes. Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp. was formed solely to act as a co-issuer of the notes, has only nominal assets and does not conduct any operations. See “Description of Senior Notes” and “Description of Senior Subordinated Notes.”

 

46


Table of Contents

USE OF PROCEEDS

The exchange offers are intended to satisfy our obligations under the registration rights agreement that we entered into in connection with the private offering of the outstanding notes. We will not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the exchange notes in the exchange offers. As consideration for issuing the exchange notes as contemplated in this prospectus, we will receive in exchange a like principal amount of outstanding notes, the terms of which are identical in all material respects to the exchange notes, except that the exchange notes will not contain terms with respect to transfer restrictions or additional interest upon a failure to fulfill certain of our obligations under the registration rights agreement. The outstanding notes that are surrendered in exchange for the exchange notes will be retired and cancelled and cannot be reissued. As a result, the issuance of the exchange notes will not result in any increase or decrease in our capitalization.

 

47


Table of Contents

CAPITALIZATION

The following table summarizes our cash position and capitalization as of September 30, 2007. This table should be read in conjunction with the information included under the headings “The Transactions,” “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations,” “Selected Consolidated Financial Information,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Description of Other Indebtedness” and our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

    

As of

September 30,
2007

     (in millions)

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1.5
      

Debt:

  

New senior secured credit facilities(1):

  

Revolving credit facility

     2.5

Term loan B facility

     1,246.9

Senior notes

     325.0

Senior subordinated notes(2)

     250.0

Other

     1.6
      

Total debt

     1,826.0
      

Shareholders’ equity

     348.1
      

Total capitalization

   $ 2,174.1
      

(1) Upon the closing of the Transactions, we entered into new senior secured credit facilities, consisting of a (a) $125.0 million revolving credit facility with a six-year maturity, upon which we drew $10.0 million on the closing date of the Transactions to fund working capital adjustments or expenses related to the Transactions and (b) $1,250.0 million term loan facility with a seven-year maturity, which was fully drawn on the closing date. As of September 30, 2007, there were $2.5 million of borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility. See “Description of Other Indebtedness.”

 

(2) As of December 20, 2007, we had agreed to repurchase $51.0 million in aggregate principal amount of our senior subordinated notes. After all these repurchases are settled, we will have $199.0 million in aggregate principal amount of senior subordinated notes outstanding.

 

48


Table of Contents

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

The following unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of operations of Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC for the year ended December 31, 2006 is based on the audited consolidated financial statements of Pinnacle Foods Group LLC appearing elsewhere in this prospectus, as adjusted to illustrate the estimated pro forma effects of the acquisition of the Armour Business and the Merger and related financing transactions, including the offering of the notes. The following unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of operations of Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 is based on the Predecessor’s unaudited financial statements for the period from January 1, 2007 to April 1, 2007 and the Successor’s unaudited financial statements for the period from April 2, 2007 to September 30, 2007 appearing elsewhere in this prospectus, as adjusted to combine these financial statements of the Predecessor and the Successor on a historical basis and to illustrate the estimated pro forma effects of the Merger and related financing transactions, including the offering of the notes.

The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of operations of Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this prospectus, including “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

The unaudited condensed consolidated pro forma statement of operations gives effect to the acquisition of the Armour Business and the Transactions as if they had occurred on December 26, 2005 (the first date of fiscal 2006).

The Merger will be accounted for and is presented in the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of operations using the purchase method of accounting prescribed in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 141, “Business Combinations.” Under these standards, the excess of the purchase price over net assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. The unaudited pro forma adjustments are based upon available information and certain assumptions that we believe are reasonable. The preliminary allocation of the purchase price was based upon preliminary valuation and other data and the estimates and assumptions are subject to change, based on the finalization of the asset and liability valuation analyses.

The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to represent or be indicative of the consolidated results of operations that we would have reported had the acquisition of the Armour Business and the Transactions been completed as of the dates presented, and should not be taken as representative of our future consolidated results of operations.

 

49


Table of Contents

Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations

For the Year Ended December 31, 2006

(in thousands)

 

     As Reported
Year Ended
December 31,
2006
   Adjustments
for the Armour
Acquisition(a)
   Pro Forma for
the Armour
Acquisition
   Adjustments
for the
Transaction(b)
    Pro Forma for
the Armour
Acquisition
and the
Transaction(j)
 

Net sales

   $ 1,442,256    $ 29,794    $ 1,472,050    $ —       $ 1,472,050  
                                     

Costs and expenses

             

Cost of products sold

     1,122,646      25,090      1,147,736      642 (c),(d)     1,148,378  

Marketing and selling expenses

     103,550      1,273      104,823      —         104,823  

Administrative expenses

     52,447      84      52,531      (3,805 )(e)     48,726  

Research and development expenses

     4,037      70      4,107      —         4,107  

Other expense (income), net

     14,186      668      14,854      14,533 (f)     29,387  
                                     

Total costs and expenses

     1,296,866      27,185      1,324,051      11,370       1,335,421  
                                     

Earnings before interest and taxes

     145,390      2,609      147,999      (11,370 )     136,629  

Interest expense

     86,615      2,071      88,686      75,187 (g)     163,873  

Interest income

     1,247      —        1,247      (1,247 )(h)     —    
                                     

Earnings before income taxes

     60,022      538      60,560      (87,804 )     (27,244 )

Provision for income taxes

     26,098      82      26,180      5,053 (i)     31,233  
                                     

Net earnings (loss)

   $ 33,924    $ 456    $ 34,380    $ (92,857 )   $ (58,477 )
                                     

 

50


Table of Contents

Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007

(in thousands)

 

     As Reported
Predecessor
As Reported
January 1 to
April 2, 2007
   

As Reported
Successor

As reported
April 2 to
September 30,
2007

    Combined for
the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
2007
    Adjustments
for the
Transaction(b)
    Pro Forma
for the
Transactions
 

Net sales

   $ 376,587     $ 718,680     $ 1,095,267     $ —       $ 1,095,267  
                                        

Costs and expenses

          

Cost of products sold

     293,191       589,184       882,375       438 (c),(d)     882,813  

Marketing and selling expenses

     34,975       59,556       94,531       —         94,531  

Administrative expenses

     17,714       26,121       43,835       (1,430 )(e)     42,405  

Research and development expenses

     1,437       1,922       3,359       —         3,359  

Other expense (income), net

     51,042       11,252       62,294       3,743 (f)     66,037  
                                        

Total costs and expenses

     398,359       688,035       1,086,394       2,751       1,089,145  
                                        

Earnings (loss) before interest and taxes

     (21,772 )     30,645       8,873       (2,751 )     6,122  

Interest expense

     39,079       84,531       123,610       (706 )(g)     122,904  

Interest income

     486       791       1,277       (1,277 )(h)     —    
                                        

(Loss) earnings before income taxes

     (60,365 )     (53,095 )     (113,460 )     (3,322 )     (116,782 )

(Benefit) provision for income taxes

     6,284       16,751       23,035       989 (i)     24,024  
                                        

Net (loss) earnings

   $ (66,649 )   $ (69,846 )   $ (136,495 )   $ (4,311 )   $ (140,806 )
                                        

 

51


Table of Contents

Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC

Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations

(in thousands)

 

(a) Reflects the results of operations for the Armour Business from the beginning of fiscal 2006 through the date of merger, March 1, 2006, including pro forma adjustments related to the allocation of the purchase price and related financing of the acquisition of the Armour Business.

 

(b) The pro forma adjustments reflect our preliminary estimates of the purchase price allocation related to the Merger. The preliminary allocation of the purchase price was based upon preliminary valuation and other data and the estimates and assumptions are subject to change, based upon the finalization of the asset and liability valuation analyses.

The pro forma statement of operations data do not reflect the effects of all anticipated cost-savings and any related one-time costs to achieve those cost savings.

 

(c) Reflects the elimination of the amortization of the unrecognized actuarial gains of our postretirement benefit plan, offset by the elimination of the amortization of the unrecognized actuarial losses of our defined benefit pension plan as a result of the application of purchase accounting. The adjustment for fiscal 2006 and the nine months ended September 30, 2007 were as follows:

 

     Fiscal 2006     Nine Months
Ended
September 30,
2007

Post retirement benefit plan

   $ 338     $ 84

Defined benefit pension plan

     (122 )     —  
              

Total

   $ 216     $ 84
              

 

(d) Reflects the impact of increased depreciation expense of property, plant and equipment assets which were written up to fair value during the purchase price allocation to record the Transactions. The adjustments for fiscal 2006 and the nine months ended September 30, 2007 were $426 and $354, respectively.

 

(e) Reflects the net reduction in administrative expenses as a result of the termination of certain contracts with the 2003 Sponsors and other parties pursuant to the Merger and entering into a new advisory contract with Blackstone and an employment agreement with our new Chairman.

 

     Fiscal 2006     Nine Months
Ended
September 30,
2007
 

Termination of employment contract with our former chairman upon the closing of the Transactions

   $ 3,226     $ 807  

Termination of agreement with Fairmont Aviation(1)

     2,750       687  

Termination of operating lease agreement with Barrington Properties(2)

     104       26  

Termination of management agreement with the 2003 Sponsors

     750       250  
                

Subtotal reductions

     6,830       1,770  

New advisory services contract with Blackstone

     (2,500 )     (209 )

Employment contact with new Chairman upon the closing of the Transactions

     (525 )     (131 )
                

Net reductions in administrative expenses

   $ 3,805     $ 1,430  
                

  (1) Represents the termination of an agreement pursuant to which we use an aircraft owned by a company indirectly owned by our chairman upon closing of the Transactions. See note 14 of our audited consolidated financial statements.

 

  (2) Represents the termination of a lease agreement pursuant to which we lease office space owned by a party related to our chairman upon the closing of the Transactions. See note 14 of our audited consolidated financial statements.

 

52


Table of Contents
(f) Reflects the impact of increased amortization expense of intangible assets which were written up to fair value during the purchase price allocation to record the Transactions. The adjustments for fiscal 2006 and the nine months ended September 30, 2007 were $14,533 and $3,743, respectively.

 

(g) Reflects pro forma interest expense resulting from our new debt structure using the applicable LIBOR rates as follows:

 

     Fiscal 2006     Nine Months
Ended
September 30,
2007
 

Term loan facilities(1)

   $ 101,875     $ 76,406  

Senior notes(2)

     30,063       22,547  

Senior subordinated notes(3)

     26,563       19,922  

Commitment fees(4)

     625       469  
                

Total pro forma cash interest

     159,126       119,344  

Amortization of capitalized debt issuance costs(5)

     4,747       3,560  
                

Total pro forma interest

     163,873       122,904  

Less: historical interest expense

     (86,615 )     (123,610 )

Less: pro forma interest expense related to the financing of the Armour transaction(6)

     (2,071 )     —    
                

Total pro forma interest expense adjustment

   $ 75,187     $ (706 )
                
 
  (1) Reflects pro forma interest expense based on the $1,250,000 term loan facility at an assumed interest rate of LIBOR of 5.40% plus a margin of 2.75%. A 0.125% increase or decrease in the interest rate on the term loan facilities would increase or decrease our annual interest expense by $1,563.

 

  (2) Reflects pro forma interest expense at an interest rate of 9.25% per annum.

 

  (3) Reflects pro forma interest expense at an interest rate of 10.625% per annum.

 

  (4) Reflects pro forma commitment fees of 0.50% on an estimated $125 average available balance under the revolving credit facility.

 

  (5) Reflects non-cash amortization of capitalized debt issuance costs. These costs are expected to be amortized over the term of the related facilities.

 

  (6) Reflects pro forma interest expense on the debt used to finance the Armour transaction from the first day of fiscal 2006 through the date of merger (March 1, 2006).

 

(h) Reflects the elimination of historical interest income of $1,247 and $1,277 for fiscal 2006 and the nine months ended September 30, 2007, respectively.

 

(i) Reflects additional deferred income tax expense related to the amortization of goodwill for tax purposes in accordance with SFAS No. 141 “Business Combinations” and SFAS No. 109 “Accounting for Income Taxes.” The adjustments for fiscal 2006 and the nine months ended September 30, 2007 were $5,053 and $989, respectively.

 

(j) Pro forma depreciation and amortization for fiscal 2006 and the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $58,677 and $44,190, respectively. Depending upon our final purchase price allocation to plant assets, tradenames, customer contracts and relationships, or other identifiable intangible assets, depreciation and amortization expense could increase.

 

53


Table of Contents

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

In December 2004, the Board of Directors approved a change to PFG LLC’s fiscal year end from July 31 to the last Sunday in December. Accordingly, data for December 2004 presented in this prospectus relates to the period from August 1, 2004 to December 26, 2004, otherwise known as the transition year, and is referred to as the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004.

On November 25, 2003, J.P. Morgan Partners, LLC, J.W. Childs Associates, L.P. and CDM Investor Group LLC, together with certain of their affiliates, acquired our company (the “2003 Acquisition”). For purposes of identification and description, the Company is referred to as “2003 Predecessor” for the period prior to the 2003 Acquisition and “2003 Successor” for the period subsequent to the 2003 Acquisition.

PFG LLC is referred to as the “Predecessor” for the period prior to the consummation of the Transactions described herein and PFF is referred to as the “Successor” subsequent to the consummation of the Transactions described herein.

The following table sets forth selected historical consolidated financial and other operating data for the following periods:

 

   

for Successor and its subsidiaries as of and for the six months ended September 30, 2007;

 

   

for Predecessor and its subsidiaries for the period from January 1, 2007 to April 2, 2007, immediately prior to the consummation of the Transactions described herein, and for the nine months ended September 24, 2006, as of and for the years ended December 31, 2006 and December 25, 2005, as of and for the 52 weeks ended December 26, 2004, as of and for the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004, as of and for the 36 weeks ended July 31, 2004, and for the 5 weeks ended December 28, 2003; and

 

   

for the 2003 Predecessor, for the 16 weeks ended November 24, 2003 and as of and for the years ended July 31, 2003 and 2002.

The summary financial data as of and for the six months ended September 30, 2007, for the period from January 1, 2007 to April 2, 2007, immediately prior to the consummation of the Transactions described herein, and for the six and nine months ended September 24, 2006 have been derived from our unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. The summary financial data as of and for the years ended December 31, 2006 and December 25, 2005, the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004 and the fiscal years ended July 31, 2004 and 2003 have been derived from PFG LLC’s audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The summary financial data for the 52 weeks ended December 26, 2004 is unaudited, and represents the combination of our financial results for the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004 and the 36 weeks ended July 31, 2004, other than the financial results for the 5 weeks ended December 28, 2003. Additionally, as the result of the inclusion of results from the Aurora Business since the March 19, 2004 acquisition, these results are not indicative of what the financial results for the full 52 week year ended December 26, 2004 would have been if the acquisition had occurred as of December 29, 2003. The summary financial data for the five weeks ended December 28, 2003 are unaudited. The summary financial data is presented for the 16 weeks ended November 24, 2003. In our opinion, our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as our audited consolidated financial statements and include all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the unaudited interim periods. The results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a full fiscal year.

The selected financial data as of July 31, 2002 and for the fiscal year then ended have been derived from audited financial statements of the 2003 Predecessor.

 

54


Table of Contents

The selected financial data presented below should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the notes to those statements and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

    2003 Predecessor     2003 Successor/Predecessor     Successor  
    Fiscal
year
ended
July 31,
2002
    Fiscal
year
ended
July 31,
2003
    16 weeks
ended
November 24,
2003
    5 weeks
ended
December 28,
2003(1)
    36 weeks
ended
July 31,
2004
    21 weeks
ended
December 26,
2004
    52 weeks
ended
December 26,
2004(2)
    Fiscal year
ended
December 25,
2005
    Nine months
ended
September 24,
2006(3)
    Fiscal year
ended
December 31,
2006
    January 1,
2007
through
April 2,
2007(4)
    Six months
ended
September 30,
2007(5)
    Pro forma
Nine months
ended
September 30,
2007
 
    (in thousands)  

Statement of Operations Data:

                         

Net sales

  $ 574,456     $ 574,482     $ 181,379     $ 49,658     $ 574,352     $ 511,190     $ 1,035,884     $ 1,255,735     $ 1,024,888     $ 1,442,256     $ 376,587     $ 718,680     $ 1,095,267  

Costs and expenses:

                         

Cost of products sold

    452,145       447,527       134,233       45,017       502,967       420,080       878,030       997,198       809,390       1,122,646       293,191       589,184       882,813  

Marketing and selling expenses

    51,458       57,915       24,335       6,499       57,910       53,588       104,999       101,159       74,278       103,550       34,975       59,556       94,531  

Administrative expenses

    32,346       32,878       9,454       2,879       32,258       15,216       44,595       40,242       39,090       52,447       17,714       26,121       42,405  

Research and development expenses

    3,552       3,040       814       234       2,436       1,459       3,661       3,625       2,887       4,037       1,437       1,922       3,359  

Goodwill impairment charge

    —         1,550       —         —         1,835       4,308       6,143       54,757       —         —         —         —         —    

Other expense (income), net

    5,137       6,492       7,956       11,870       38,096       5,680       31,906       31,836       9,664       14,186       51,042       11,252       66,037  
                                                                                                       

Total costs and expenses

    544,638       549,402       176,792       66,499       635,502       500,331       1,069,334       1,228,817       935,309       1,296,866       398,359       688,035       1,089,143  

Earnings (loss) before interest and taxes

    29,818       25,080       4,587       (16,841 )     (61,150 )     10,859       (33,450 )     26,918       89,579       145,390       (21,772 )     30,645       6,122  

Interest expense

    14,513       11,592       9,310       2,824       26,240       26,260       49,676       71,104       66,705       86,615       39,079       84,531       122,904  

Interest income

    807       476       143       2       320       120       438       584       872       1,247       486       791       —    
                                                                                                       

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

    16,112       13,964       (4,580 )     (19,663 )     (87,070 )     (15,281 )     (82,688 )     (43,602 )     23,746       60,022       (60,365 )     (53,095 )     (116,782 )
                                                                                                       

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

    4,190       5,516       (1,506 )     (3,364 )     (3,157 )     9,425       9,632       (426 )     20,136       26,098       6,284       16,751       24,024  
                                                                                                       

Net earnings (loss)

  $ 11,922     $ 8,448     $ (3,074 )   $ (16,299 )   $ (83,913 )   $ (24,706 )   $ (92,320 )   $ (43,176 )   $ 3,610     $ 33,924     $ (66,649 )   $ (69,846 )   $ (140,870)  
                                                                                                       

Other Data (for the period):

                         

Capital expenditures

  $ 19,452     $ 8,787     $ 1,511     $ 212     $ 9,826     $ 8,073     $ 17,687     $ 30,931     $ 15,633     $ 26,202     $ 5,027     $ 12,544       17,571  

Depreciation and amortization

    21,231       22,948       6,136       1,496       24,570       17,068       40,142       39,088       31,647       42,187       10,163       29,930       44,190  

EBITDA(6)

            (36,580 )     27,927       6,692       66,006       121,226       187,577       (11,609 )     60,575       50,312  

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(7)

    2.01       2.10       NM       NM       NM       NM       NM       NM       1.35       1.68       NM       0.39    

Cash Flow:

                         

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

  $ 64,495     $ 32,951     $ (23,439 )   $ 12,351     $ 31,070     $ (2,488 )   $ 16,231     $ 64,747     $ 94,015     $ 161,563     $ 55,684     $ (17,084 )  

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

    (26,812 )     (8,795 )     (1,511 )     (368,440 )     (1,058,781 )     (12,455 )     (702,796 )     (28,775 )     (202,612 )     (213,657 )     (5,027 )     (1,329,624 )  

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

    9,885       (17,016 )     (262 )     314,385       1,018,534       (20,639 )     683,510       (37,688 )     113,051       63,912       (46,293 )     1,348,053    

 

55


Table of Contents
    2003 Predecessor   2003 Successor/Predecessor   Successor
   

July 31,

2002

 

July 31,

2003

 

July 31,

2004

  December 26,
2004
  December 26,
2005
  December 31,
2006
  September 24,
2006
  September 30,
2007
    (in thousands)

Balance Sheet Data:

               

Working capital(8)

  $ 109,264   $ 125,755   $ 81,524   $ 77,302   $ 84,517   $ 105,569   $ 112,407   $ 110,680

Total assets

    477,988     466,121     1,784,610     1,765,625     1,636,494     1,792,081     1,822,733     2,779,088

Total debt

    190,009     175,000     944,328     943,080     888,648     920,963     971,770     1,826,021

(1) Represents the unaudited 5 weeks ended December 28, 2005.

 

(2) Represents the unaudited 52 weeks ended December 26, 2004.

 

(3) Represents the unaudited nine months ended September 24, 2006.

 

(4) Represents the unaudited period from January 1, 2007 to April 2, 2007.

 

(5) Represents the unaudited six months ended September 30, 2007.

 

(6) EBITDA, a measure used by management to measure operating performance, is defined as net earnings (loss) plus net interest expense, provision (benefit) for income taxes, and depreciation and amortization. EBITDA is not a recognized term under GAAP and does not purport to be an alternative to net earnings as a measure of operating performance or to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. Additionally, EBITDA is not intended to be a measure of free cash flow available for management’s discretionary use, as it does not consider certain cash requirements such as interest payments, income tax payments and debt service requirements. Our presentation of EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Management believes EBITDA is helpful in highlighting trends because EBITDA excludes the results of decisions that are outside the control of operating management and can differ significantly from company to company depending on long-term strategic decisions regarding capital structure, the tax jurisdictions in which companies operate and capital investments. Management compensates for the limitations of using non-GAAP financial measures by using them to supplement GAAP results to provide a more complete understanding of the factors and trends affecting the business than GAAP results alone.

Because not all companies use identical calculations, our presentation of EBITDA may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies.

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of EBITDA to “Net earnings (loss),” the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, for each of the periods indicated.

 

    Predecessor     Successor  
   

52 weeks

ended

December 26,

2004

   

Fiscal year

ended

December 25,

2005

    Nine months
ended
September 24,
2006
 

Fiscal year

ended

December 31,

2006

  January 1,
2007 to
April 2,
2007
    Six months
ended
September 30,
2007
    Nine months
ended
September 30,
2007
 
    (in thousands)  

Net earnings (loss)

  $ (92,320 )   $ (43,176 )   $ 3,610   $ 33,924   $ (66,649 )   $ (69,846 )   $ (140,806 )

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

    9,632       (426 )     20,136     26,098     6,284       16,751       24,024  

Interest expense (net)

    49,238       70,520       65,833     85,368     38,593       83,740       122,904  

Depreciation and amortization

    40,142       39,088       31,647     42,187     10,163       29,930       44,190  
                                                   

EBITDA

    6,692       66,006       121,226     187,577     (11,609 )     60,575       50,312  
                                                   

 

(7) For purposes of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings consist of earnings (loss) before income taxes plus fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of (i) interest expense, including amortization of debt acquisition costs and (ii) one-third of rent expense, which management believes to be representative of the interest factor thereon.

“NM” means “not meaningful.” The 2003 Predecessor’s earnings for the 16 weeks ended November 24, 2003 were insufficient to cover fixed charges by $4.6 million. The 2003 Successor/Predecessor’s earnings for the period January 1 to April 2, 2007, fiscal 2005, the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004 and the 36 weeks ended July 31, 2004 were insufficient to cover fixed charges by $60.4 million, $43.6 million, $15.3 million and $87.1 million, respectively.

 

(8) Working capital is current assets less current liabilities, excluding notes payable, revolving credit facility borrowings and the current portion of long-term debt.

 

56


Table of Contents

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis of our results of operations and financial condition covers periods prior to the consummation of the Transactions and periods subsequent to the consummation of the Transactions. The discussion and analysis of historical periods prior to the consummation of the Transactions does not reflect the significant impact that the Transactions will have on us, including significantly increased leverage and liquidity requirements, new costs, as well as cost savings initiatives (and related costs) to be implemented in connection with the Transactions. You should read the following discussion of our results of operations and financial condition with the “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations,” “Selected Consolidated Financial Information” and the audited consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. This discussion contains forward-looking statements and involves numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those described in the “Risk Factors” section of this prospectus. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

Information presented as of and for the six and nine months ended September 30, 2007, for the period from January 1, 2007 to April 2, 2007, immediately prior to the consummation of the Transactions described herein, and for the nine months ended September 24, 2006 is based on our unaudited consolidated financial statements for those periods. Information presented for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006 and December 25, 2005 is based on our audited consolidated financial statements for those periods. Information presented for the 52-week period ended December 26, 2004 is based on our unaudited consolidated financial statements for that period. Information presented for the transition year is based on the information for the audited 21-week period ended December 26, 2004, and information for the corresponding 21-week period ended December 28, 2003 represents the combination of the 2003 Predecessor’s consolidated financial statements for the 16 weeks ended November 24, 2003 and 2003 Successor’s consolidated financial statements for the 5-week period ended December 28, 2003. Information presented for the fiscal year 2004 is for the 52-week period ended July 31, 2004 and is the combination of the 2003 Predecessor’s consolidated financial statements for the 16 weeks ended November 24, 2003 and the consolidated financial statements for the 36-week period ended July 31, 2004. These combinations represent what we believe is the most meaningful basis for comparison of the 52 weeks ended December 31, 2006, December 25, 2005 and December 26, 2004, and the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004 and December 28, 2003, although the presentation of the 52-week period ended December 26, 2004 is not in accordance with GAAP. We believe that these are the most meaningful bases for comparison because the customer base, products, manufacturing facilities and types of marketing programs were the same under the 2003 Predecessor as they are under the 2003 Successor. Also, the results for the 36 weeks ended July 31, 2004 and the 52 weeks ended December 26, 2004 include the results of operations of the Aurora Business from the date of acquisition, March 19, 2004. As a result of the change in ownership resulting from the 2003 Acquisition and the inclusion of results from the Aurora Business since the March 19, 2004 acquisition, these results are not indicative of what a full 52-week year would have been had the change in ownership or the acquisition of the Armour Business not occurred.

Where the context so requires, we use the term “Predecessor” to refer to the historical financial results and operations of PFG LLC and its subsidiaries prior to the consummation of the Transactions described herein and the term “Successor” to refer to the historical financial results and operations of PFF and its subsidiaries after the consummation of the Transactions described herein.

Overview

We are a leading producer, marketer and distributor of high quality, branded food products, the results of which are managed and reported in two operating segments: dry foods and frozen foods. The dry foods segment consists of the following product lines (brands): condiments (Vlasic, Open Pit), baking (Duncan Hines), syrup (Mrs. Butterworth’s and Log Cabin) and canned meat (Armour). The frozen foods segment consists of the following product lines (brands): frozen dinners (Swanson, Hungry-Man), frozen prepared seafood (Van de Kamp’s, Mrs. Paul’s), frozen breakfast (Aunt Jemima), bagels (Lenders), and other frozen products (Celeste, Chef’s Choice).

 

57


Table of Contents

Business Drivers and Measures

In operating our business and monitoring its performance, we pay attention to trends in the food manufacturing industry and a number of performance measures and operational factors. This discussion includes forward-looking statements that are based on our current expectations. See “Risk Factors” and “Forward- Looking Statements.”

Industry Factors

Our industry is characterized by the following general trends, as described in more detail in “Industry”:

 

   

Industry Growth. Growth in our industry is driven primarily by population and modest product sale price increases. Incremental growth is principally driven by product, packaging and process innovation.

 

   

Competition. The food products business is competitive. Numerous brands and products compete for shelf space and sales, with competition based primarily on product quality, convenience, price, trade promotion, consumer promotion, brand recognition and loyalty, customer service and the ability to identify and satisfy emerging consumer preferences. In order to maintain and grow our business, we must be able to react to these competitive pressures.

 

   

Consumer Tastes and Trends. Consumer trends, such as changing health trends and focus on convenience and products tailored for busy lifestyles, present both opportunities and challenges for our business. In order to maintain and grow our business, we must react to these trends by offering products that respond to evolving consumer needs.

 

   

Customer Consolidation. In recent years, our industry had been characterized by consolidation in the retail grocery and food service industries, with mass merchandisers gaining market share. This trend could increase customer concentration within the industry.

Revenue Factors

Our net sales are driven principally by the following factors:

 

   

Shipments , which change as a function of changes in volume and, to a lesser degree, changes in price; and

 

   

the costs that we deduct from shipments to reach net sales, which consist of:

 

   

Consumer coupon redemption expenses , are costs from the redemption of coupons we circulate as part of our marketing efforts.

 

   

Trade marketing expenses , which include the cost of temporary price reductions (“on sale” prices), promotional displays and advertising space in store circulars.

 

   

Slotting expenses , which are the costs of having certain retailers stock a new product, including amounts retailers charge for updating their warehousing systems, allocating shelf space and in-store systems set-up, among other things.

We give detailed information on these factors below under “—Results of Operations.”

Cost Factors

Our important costs include the following:

 

   

Raw materials , such as sugar, cucumbers, flour, poultry and seafood, among others, are available from numerous independent suppliers but are subject to price fluctuations due to a number of factors, including changes in crop size, federal and state agricultural programs, export demand, weather conditions and insects, among others. Overall, we have experienced general inflationary pressure in

 

58


Table of Contents
 

2007 consistent with the food industry, particularly in grains and the resulting protein feed and dairy costs. See “Raw Materials, Ingredients, Packaging and Production Costs.”

 

   

Packaging costs . Our broad array of products entails significant costs for packaging and is subject to fluctuations in the price of corrugated fiberboard, aluminum, glass and resin.

 

   

Freight and distribution. We use a combination of common carriers and inter-modal rail to transport our products from our manufacturing facilities to distribution centers and to deliver products to retailers from those centers. Our freight and distribution costs are influenced by fuel costs. See “Business—Marketing, Sales and Distribution.”

 

   

Advertising and other marketing expenses. We record expenses related to advertising and other consumer and trade-oriented marketing programs under “Marketing and selling expenses” in our consolidated financial statements. Our consumer advertising and marketing expenses have increased significantly in 2007 compared to 2006 as we implement our strategy of slowly shifting a portion of trade support spending to consumer advertising and marketing.

Working Capital

Our working capital is primarily driven by accounts receivable and inventories, which fluctuate throughout the year due to seasonality in both sales and production, as described in “—Seasonality.” We will continue to focus on reducing our working capital requirements while simultaneously maintaining our customer service levels and production needs. We have historically relied on internally generated cash flows to satisfy our working capital requirements.

Other Factors

Other factors that have influenced our results of operations and may do so in the future include:

 

   

Interest Expense. As a result of the Transactions, we have significant indebtedness. Although we expect to reduce our leverage over time, we expect interest expense to continue to be a significant component of our expenses. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources—Liquidity After the Transactions.”

 

   

Cash Taxes. We have significant tax-deductible intangibles and federal and state net operating losses, which we believe will result in minimal cash taxes in the next several years. We expect to continue to record non-cash provisions for deferred income taxes in the future. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to our Business—We may not be able to utilize all of our net operating loss carryforwards.”

 

   

Acquisitions and consolidations. We believe we have the expertise to identify and integrate value-enhancing acquisitions to further grow our business. In recent years we have successfully integrated acquisitions. We have, however, incurred significant costs in connection with integrating these businesses and streamlining our operations. See “—Recent Transactions” and “—Plant Consolidation.”

 

   

Impairment of Goodwill and Long-Lived Assets . We test our goodwill and intangible assets annually for impairment and have recorded impairment charges in recent years. The value of goodwill and intangibles from the preliminary allocation of purchase price from the Transactions is derived from our current business operating plans and is therefore susceptible to an adverse charge that could require an impairment charge. See “—Impairment of Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets.”

Seasonality

We experience seasonality in our sales and cash flows. Sales of frozen foods, including seafood, tend to be marginally higher during the winter months. Sales of pickles, relishes and barbecue sauces tend to be higher in the spring and summer months, and demand for Duncan Hines products tends to be higher around the Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. We pack the majority of our pickles during a season extending from May

 

59


Table of Contents

through September and also increase our Duncan Hines inventories at that time in advance of the selling season. As a result, our inventory levels are higher during August, September and October, and thus we require more working capital during those months. We are a seasonal net user of cash in the third quarter of the calendar year, which may require us to draw on the revolving credit commitments under our senior credit facilities.

Recent Transactions

On February 10, 2007, Crunch Holding Corp. (“Crunch Holding”), our parent company, entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with Peak Holdings LLC (“Peak Holdings”), a Delaware limited liability company controlled by affiliates of The Blackstone Group, Peak Acquisition Corp (“Peak Acquisition”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Peak Holdings, and Peak Finance LLC, providing for the acquisition of Crunch Holding. Under the terms of Agreement and Plan of Merger, the purchase price for Crunch Holding was $2,162.5 million in cash plus an amount equal to the aggregate exercise prices of vested options less the amount of indebtedness of Crunch Holding and its subsidiaries outstanding immediately prior to the closing and certain transaction costs, subject to purchase price adjustments based on the amount of our working capital and indebtedness as of the closing. At the closing, on April 2, 2007, Peak Acquisition merged with and into Crunch Holding, with Crunch Holding as the surviving corporation (the “Merger”), and Peak Finance LLC merged with and into Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC, with Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC as the surviving entity. As a result of the Merger, Crunch Holding became a wholly owned subsidiary of Peak Holdings. In connection with the Merger, we repaid the indebtedness under our existing senior secured credit facilities, repurchased Pinnacle’s outstanding 8.25% senior subordinated notes due 2013 pursuant to a tender offer and consent solicitation and paid related fees and expenses.

On March 1, 2006, we acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of the food products business (the “Armour Business”) of The Dial Corporation for $189.2 million in cash, including transaction expenses. The acquisition of the Armour Business complements our existing product lines that together are expected to provide growth opportunities and scale. The Armour Business is a leading manufacturer, distributor and marketer of products in the $1.0 billion canned meat category. Most of the products are produced at the manufacturing facility located in Ft. Madison, Iowa, which was acquired in the transaction. Products are sold under the Armour brand name as well as private label and co-pack arrangements. The Armour Business offers products in twelve of the fifteen segments within the canned meat category, including Vienna sausage, potted meat and sliced dried beef. The consolidated financial statements include the results of operations of the Armour Business beginning March 1, 2006.

On November 25, 2003, Aurora entered into a definitive agreement (amended on January 8, 2004) with Crunch Equity Holding, LLC that provided for a comprehensive restructuring transaction in which PFHC was merged with and into Aurora, with Aurora as the surviving entity. On March 19, 2004, this restructuring was completed and the surviving company was renamed Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. We collectively refer to the restructuring, the financing thereof and the other related transactions as the “Aurora Merger.” Our consolidated financial statements include the results of operations of the Aurora businesses beginning March 19, 2004. The brands we acquired in the Aurora Merger include Duncan Hines, Aunt Jemima, Log Cabin, Mrs. Butterworth’s, Van de Kamp’s, Mrs. Paul’s, Lender’s and Celeste.

As part of the Aurora acquisition, we embarked on a substantial restructuring program, including a plant restructuring, warehouse consolidation and sales force integration, which affected our results in 2004 and 2005.

On November 24, 2003, PFHC and Crunch Equity Holding, LLC consummated a merger (the “2003 Acquisition”).

Our sales and earnings have increased significantly over the last two years as we have realized the benefits of our acquisitions and our various product and cost savings initiatives, as more fully discussed in the following pages. Comparing 2006 to 2004, our net sales have increased $406.4 million, or 39%, to $1,442.3 million earnings before interest and taxes have increased $178.9 million and net earnings increased $126.2 million.

 

60


Table of Contents

Plant Consolidation

Omaha, Nebraska Production Facility

During the six months ended September 30, 2007, fiscal 2006, fiscal 2005, the transition year and fiscal 2004, we recorded restructuring charges totaling less than $0.1 million, $2.7 million, $1.3 million, $3.9 million and $11.8 million, respectively, pertaining to our decision to permanently close the Omaha, Nebraska production facility. These charges are recorded as a component of “Other expense (income), net” in our consolidated statement of operations and are reported in the frozen foods segment. The closure was part of our plan of consolidating and streamlining production activities after the Aurora Merger. These charges were recorded in accordance with SFAS No. 112, “Employers Accounting for Postemployment Benefits,” SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment and Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” and SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities.” In determining such charges, we made estimates and judgments surrounding the amounts ultimately to be paid and received for the actions we have taken.

Production from the Omaha plant, which manufactured Swanson frozen entree retail products and frozen foodservice products, has been relocated to our Fayetteville, Arkansas and Jackson, Tennessee production facilities. Activities related to the final closure of the plant were completed in the first quarter of 2005 and resulted in the elimination of 411 positions. We entered into an agreement of purchase and sale as of January 1, 2007 to sell this facility for $2.5 million. On February 27, 2007, however, the City of Omaha decided to exercise its right of first refusal to purchase this facility. During the second quarter of 2007, this facility was sold for $2.2 million.

In order to estimate the costs related to our restructuring efforts, management made its best estimates of the most likely expected outcomes of the significant activities to accomplish the restructuring. These estimates principally related to charges for asset impairment for the owned facility in Omaha, employee severance costs to be paid, and other plant shutdown and relocation costs. The most significant of these estimated costs related to the asset impairment of the Omaha facility, which was based upon the net book value of the assets that were not being transferred, less the cash flows from production until shutdown and a reasonable salvage value for the land, building and equipment to be sold. We initially recorded a charge of $7.4 million during fiscal 2004 for the impairment of these assets, which was our best estimate of the impairment charge at the time. We had planned to transfer equipment with a net book value of approximately $9.7 million to other production locations, primarily in Fayetteville, Arkansas and Jackson, Tennessee. Due to the delay in closing the Omaha plant and the need to have production up and running in the Fayetteville plant, we were unable to transfer certain equipment with a net book value of $6.2 million and instead incurred capital expenditures to purchase, build and modify the necessary equipment in Fayetteville. In addition to the impairment charge initially recorded in fiscal 2004, we evaluated the remaining property, plant and equipment as well as existing offers to sell the plant and equipment, and recorded an additional impairment charge of $2.6 million in the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004. During the third quarter of 2006, we lowered the carrying value of the plant and equipment and recorded an additional impairment charge totaling $2.5 million.

The severance costs, which include continuation of employee benefits for salaried employees, total $2.6 million. As of December 31, 2006, all of the severance costs had been paid.

The costs associated with transferring certain assets to the Fayetteville and Jackson facilities along with the costs necessary to shut down the Omaha facility were included in other restructuring costs as they are incurred.

Erie, Pennsylvania Production Facility

During fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005, we recorded restructuring charges totaling $1.4 million and $5.9 million, respectively, pertaining to our decision to permanently close the Erie, Pennsylvania production facility. The charges are recorded as a component of “Other expense (income), net” in our consolidated statement of operations and are reported in the frozen foods segment. The closure was part of our continuing plan to

 

61


Table of Contents

streamline production activities. These charges were recorded in accordance with SFAS No. 112, “Employers Accounting for Postemployment Benefits” and SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities.” In determining such charges, we made certain estimates and judgments surrounding the amounts ultimately to be paid and received for the actions we have taken.

Production from the Erie plant, which manufactures Mrs. Paul’s and Van de Kamp’s frozen prepared seafood products and Aunt Jemima frozen breakfast products, has been relocated primarily to our Jackson, Tennessee production facility. Activities related to the closure of the plant were completed in 2006 and resulted in the elimination of approximately 290 positions. Employee termination activities commenced in July 2005 and were substantially completed by the end of the first quarter of 2006.

In order to estimate the costs related to our restructuring efforts, management made its best estimates of the most likely expected outcomes of the significant activities to accomplish the restructuring. These estimates principally related to charges for employee severance and related costs to be paid and other plant shutdown and relocation costs. The employee related costs, which include severance and other benefits, total $0.9 million. As of December 31, 2006, all of the severance costs had been paid.

We transferred equipment with a net book value of approximately $3 million to other production locations, primarily in Jackson, Tennessee. The remaining property, plant and equipment was evaluated as to recoverability. Based on an estimate of future cash flows over the remaining useful life of the assets, depreciation expense has been accelerated on the remaining asset value and resulted in additional depreciation expense of $0.5 million during the fiscal 2006 and $4.8 million during fiscal 2005. No further depreciation expense on these assets will be recorded. During the third quarter of 2006 and based upon current offers, we lowered the carrying value of the plant and equipment and recorded an impairment charge totaling $0.3 million. In the fourth quarter of 2006, the plant and any remaining equipment was sold for its carrying value, and no additional gain or loss was recorded.

Mattoon, Illinois Production Facility

On April 21, 2005, we made and announced our decision effective May 9, 2005 to shut down one of our bagel production lines at our Mattoon, Illinois facility, which produces our Lender’s Bagels. In connection with the shutdown of the production line, we have terminated 28 full-time and seven part-time employees. A portion of the assets that were used in the bagel line will be utilized in other production areas. In accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment and Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” we recorded a non-cash charge of $0.9 million related to the asset impairment of the bagel line, which has been recorded as a component of “Other expense (income), net” in the consolidated statement of operations for fiscal 2005 and reported in the frozen foods segment. We expect that any costs associated with the removal of the assets would be offset from the proceeds received from the sale of those assets.

As of September 30, 2007, we had an accrued restructuring liability of $0.4 million, all of which related to the severance costs from the acquisition of the Armour Food Business. We expect all of these costs to be paid during the next twelve months.

Impairment of Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets

In October 2004, we decided to discontinue producing products under the Chef’s Choice tradename. In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” we prepared a discounted cash flow analysis which indicated that the book value of the assets related to the Chef’s Choice reporting unit exceeded its estimated fair value and that a goodwill impairment had occurred. In addition, as a result of the goodwill analysis, we assessed whether there had been an impairment of our long-lived assets in accordance with SFAS No. 144. We concluded that the book value of the assets related to the Chef’s Choice products were higher than their expected undiscounted future cash flows and that an impairment had occurred.

 

62


Table of Contents

Accordingly, we recorded non-cash impairment charges in the Chef’s Choice reporting unit of $4.8 million in fiscal 2004. The charges included $1.8 million of goodwill impairment, $1.7 million impairment of amortizable intangibles (recipes) and $1.3 million of fixed asset write-downs.

Additionally, in connection with our annual impairment test in accordance with SFAS No. 142, it was determined that due to lower than expected future sales, the carrying value of the tradename for the Avalon Bay product was impaired. We recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $1.3 million in fiscal 2004 related to the write-down of the tradename value.

During the transition year, we changed our method of accounting for goodwill and intangible assets by changing the time of year the annual impairment test is performed from July 31st (the last day of our old fiscal year) to the last Sunday of December (the last day of our new fiscal year). The annual evaluation performed as of December 26, 2004 resulted in a $4.3 million non-cash impairment charge related to the goodwill in our bagels reporting unit ($2.7 million) and dinners reporting unit ($1.6 million), both of which are in the frozen foods segment. The impairment charges adjusted the carrying value of the segment’s goodwill to its implied fair value. During the transition year, we experienced higher costs in our bagels and frozen dinners business units and expect these higher costs to continue into the future. In addition, as a result of the impairment charges, we assessed whether there had been an impairment of our tradenames in accordance with SFAS No. 142. We concluded that the book value of the Lender’s tradename asset was higher than its fair value and that an impairment had occurred. Accordingly, we recorded a non-cash charge in the frozen foods segment during the transition year related to the write-down to fair value of the tradename of less than $0.1 million, which is recorded in the “Other expense (income), net” line item of our consolidated statement of operations. Further, we assessed whether there had been an impairment of our long-lived assets in the bagels and frozen dinners reporting units and determined that the undiscounted cash flows were sufficient to recover the carrying value of such long-lived assets.

In 2005, we experienced difficulties and delays in transferring the frozen prepared seafood production from the Erie, Pennsylvania facility to the Jackson, Tennessee facility. Due to the delays caused by the difficulties encountered, we forecasted significantly reduced sales of frozen prepared seafood products in 2006 and thereafter. Due to the reduced sales and corresponding projected decline in cash flows, we concluded that the intangible assets related to the frozen prepared seafood reporting unit had been impaired. These impairments included goodwill ($44.9 million) and tradenames ($18.1 million). We have included these charges, which are recorded in the frozen foods segment, in the consolidated statement of operations for fiscal 2005. The tradename impairment is recorded as part of the “Other expense (income), net” line item.

Additionally, in 2005, we experienced higher than expected costs, including trade marketing spending and material costs, in the pizza reporting unit, from which we are not expecting relief in the near term. Due to the higher costs, we concluded that all the goodwill related to the pizza reporting unit has been impaired and recorded a charge in the amount of $9.9 million on our consolidated statement of operations for fiscal 2005. This charge is reported in the frozen foods segment of the business.

In the fourth quarter of 2005, we reassessed the long-term growth rate of sales of the products under the Lender’s brand. We concluded that the growth rates were less than anticipated in the prior year and that a further impairment of the tradename asset had occurred. As a result of the decline, we have recognized an impairment in the Lender’s tradename in the amount of $1.1 million. The charge is recorded in the “Other expense (income), net” line item on our consolidated statements of operations and is reported in the frozen foods segment.

In the fourth quarter of 2006, we reassessed the long-term growth rate of sales of the products under the Aunt Jemima brand. Due to increased competition, management reduced the expected future growth rates and as a result, recorded an impairment of the tradename asset in the amount of $2.7 million. The charge is recorded in the “Other expense (income), net” line item on our consolidated statements of operations and is reported in the frozen foods segment.

 

63


Table of Contents

Items Affecting Comparability

In fiscal 2004, our earnings (loss) before interest and taxes were negatively impacted by certain items. These items included the following:

 

   

In December 2003 and March 2004, we incurred charges totaling $18.4 million for non-cash equity compensation for ownership units of Crunch Equity Holding, LLC issued to CDM Investor Group LLC, which is controlled by members of PFG LLC’s management.

 

   

Subsequent to the 2003 Acquisition and Aurora Merger, we incurred non-cash charges to earnings totaling $39.5 million related to the increase in the fair value of inventory acquired.

 

   

In April 2004, we made and announced our decision to permanently close our Omaha, Nebraska production facility, as part of our plan of consolidating and streamlining production activities after the Aurora Merger. During fiscal 2004, we incurred $11.8 million of charges pertaining to the closure.

 

   

In October 2004, we decided to discontinue producing products under the Chef’s Choice tradename, which is reported under our frozen foods segment. In connection with this decision, we recorded in fiscal 2004 non-cash impairment charges totaling $4.8 million related to goodwill ($1.8 million), amortizable intangibles ($1.7 million), and fixed assets ($1.3 million).

 

   

We recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $1.3 million for the write-down of the Avalon Bay tradename due to lower than expected future sales.

 

   

In November 2003, we also recorded an additional impairment charge of $1.3 million (which reduced the balance to $0) related to the carrying value of the tradename for the King’s Hawaiian business.

During the transition year, our earnings (loss) before interest and taxes were negatively impacted by certain items. These items included the following:

 

   

We incurred $3.9 million of charges pertaining to the closure of the Omaha, Nebraska production facility.

 

   

We recorded non-cash impairment charges to goodwill and tradenames totaling $4.3 million and less than $0.1 million, respectively. The write-downs were the result of higher than expected costs in the bagels and frozen dinners business units.

During fiscal 2005, our earnings (loss) before interest and taxes were negatively impacted by certain items. These items included:

 

   

We incurred $1.3 million of charges pertaining to the closure of the Omaha, Nebraska production facility.

 

   

In April 2005, we announced plans to shut down a production line in our Mattoon, Illinois production facility and incurred a non-cash charge for an impairment write down of fixed assets totaling $0.9 million.

 

   

In April 2005, we announced plans to permanently close the Erie, Pennsylvania production facility and incurred charges totaling $5.9 million pertaining to employee severance and related costs and other plant closing costs. These charges were included in the results of operations for fiscal 2005 and are recorded in “Other expense (income), net” in the consolidated statement of operations. Additionally, in connection with the closure of the Erie, Pennsylvania plant, we recorded $4.8 million of accelerated depreciation expense, which is recorded in cost of products sold in the consolidated statement of operations.

 

   

Our earnings were impacted by non-cash impairment charges to goodwill and tradenames totaling $54.8 million and $19.3 million, respectively. The write-downs were primarily the result of significantly reduced sales forecasted for 2006 and thereafter in the frozen prepared seafood reporting unit caused by the difficulties and delays in transferring production from our Erie, Pennsylvania facility

 

64


Table of Contents
 

to our Jackson, Tennessee facility, as well as higher than expected trade marketing spending and material costs in our pizza reporting unit.

During fiscal 2006, our earnings (loss) before interest and taxes were negatively impacted by certain items:

 

   

We recorded charges totaling $4.1 million in connection with the closure and plant consolidation costs related to closing the Omaha, Nebraska and Erie, Pennsylvania production facilities. These costs, which were part of our plan of consolidating and streamlining production activities after the Aurora Merger, are discussed below under the heading “—Plant Consolidation.”

 

   

We recorded a charge of $4.8 million related to increase in the fair market value of inventories acquired in the Armour Business.

 

   

We recorded non-cash equity compensation of $1.4 million for certain ownership units of Crunch Equity Holdings, LLC issued to CDM Investor Group LLC, which is controlled by members of PFG LLC’s management in connection with the Armour acquisition.

 

   

We recorded non-cash equity compensation of $1.9 million related to stock options granted to employees of PFG LLC and accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment (Revised 2004),” which was adopted at the start of fiscal 2006.

 

   

Due to increased competition in the frozen breakfast category, management evaluated the expected future growth rates of the Aunt Jemima branded sales and as a result, recorded a non-cash impairment of the tradename asset in the amount of $2.7 million.

Additionally, in the continuing effort to revitalize our brands, we introduced several new products during the first quarter of 2005 and incurred a substantially higher level of slotting expenses and a higher level of coupon expenses. These high levels of expense did not continue throughout the remainder of 2005. During fiscal 2006, our product introductions returned to more normal levels and were significantly less than the prior year and consequently our slotting and coupon expense was less. Both slotting and coupon expenses are deducted from shipments (as discussed below) in arriving at net sales in our consolidated statement of operations.

We have substantially completed the integration of the Armour Business acquired in the first quarter of 2006. Through the Aurora Merger in 2004 and the acquisition of the Armour Business, we have enhanced our existing product offerings and launched dozens of new offerings.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, our earnings (loss) before interest and taxes were negatively impacted by certain items. These items included:

 

   

On April 2, 2007, immediately prior to the consummation of the Transactions, we incurred $49.1 million of merger-related costs relating to the Transactions. The costs included $35.5 million related to the cash tender offer for the Predecessor’s 8.25% senior subordinated notes, $12.9 million related to the termination of certain of the Predecessor’s contracts, and $0.7 million related to payroll taxes.

 

   

Also on April 2, 2007, immediately prior to the consummation of the Transactions, all of our outstanding stock options vested and we exercised our option to purchase at fair value all of the shares of common stock to be acquired by exercise of options held by employees pursuant to our Stock Option Plan. As a result, we incurred a charge of $8.4 million for stock compensation expense.

 

   

In the nine months ended September 30, 2007, we recorded a charge of $40.2 million related to the flow through of the increase in the fair market value of inventories acquired in the Transactions.

During the nine months ended September 24, 2006, our earnings (loss) before interest and taxes were negatively impacted by certain items. These items included:

 

   

In the nine months ended September 24, 2006, we recorded a charge of $4.8 million related to the flow through of the increase in the fair market value of inventories acquired in the Armour Business.

 

65


Table of Contents
   

In the nine months ended September 24, 2006, we recorded non-cash equity compensation of $1.4 million for certain ownership units of Crunch Equity Holdings, LLC issued to CDM Investor Group LLC, which is controlled by certain members of PFG LLC’s management in connection with the Armour acquisition.

 

   

The nine months ended September 24, 2006 were impacted by plant consolidation costs totaling $4.0 million related to the closing the Omaha, Nebraska and Erie, Pennsylvania production facilities. These costs, which were part of our plan of consolidating and streamlining production activities after the Aurora Merger, are discussed above under the heading “Plant Consolidation.”

Results of Operations

The discussion below for each of the comparative periods is based upon net sales. We determine net sales in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. We calculate our net sales by deducting trade marketing, slotting and consumer coupon redemption expenses from shipments. “Shipments” means gross sales less cash discounts, returns and “non-marketing” allowances. We calculate gross sales by multiplying the published list price of each product by the number of units of that product sold.

The discussion below for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 is based on the combination of the Predecessor’s consolidated financial results for the period from January 1, 2007 to April 2, 2007 and the Successor’s consolidated financial results for the period from April 2, 2007 to September 30, 2007. These combinations represent what we believe is the most meaningful basis for comparison of the current year with the corresponding period of the prior year, although the combination is not in accordance with GAAP. We believe that this is the most meaningful basis for comparison because the customer base, products, manufacturing facilities and types of marketing programs were the same under the Predecessor as they are under Successor.

The discussion below for the 21 weeks ended December 28, 2003 is based on the combination of the 2003 Predecessor’s consolidated financial results for the 16-week period ended November 24, 2003 and our consolidated financial results for the 5 weeks ended December 28, 2003. This combination represents what we believe is the most meaningful basis for comparison of the transition year with the corresponding period of the prior year, although the combination is not in accordance with GAAP. We believe that this is the most meaningful basis for comparison because the customer base, products, manufacturing facilities and types of marketing programs were the same under the 2003 Predecessor as they are under 2003 Successor. Also, the results for the transition year include the results of operations of the Aurora businesses for the period after we acquired them on March 19, 2004.

Additionally, the discussion below of the fiscal year ended December 26, 2004 is based on our unaudited consolidated financial statements for the 52 weeks ended December 26, 2004 and is provided for comparison purposes only.

Shipments is a non-GAAP financial measure. We include it in our management’s discussion and analysis because we believe that it is a relevant financial performance indicator for our company as it measures the increase or decrease in our revenues caused by shipping more or less physical case volume multiplied by our published list prices. It is also a measure used by our management to evaluate our revenue performance. This measure is not recognized in accordance with GAAP and should not be viewed as an alternative to GAAP measures of performance.

 

66


Table of Contents

The following table reconciles shipments to net sales for the consolidated company, the dry foods segment and the frozen foods segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and the nine months ended September 24, 2006, fiscal 2006, fiscal 2005 and the corresponding 52 weeks ended December 26, 2004 as well as the transition year ended December 26, 2004 and the corresponding 21 weeks ended December 28, 2003.

For the nine months ended,

 

    Dry Foods   Frozen Foods   Consolidated
    September 30,
2007
  September 24,
2006
  September 30,
2007
  September 24,
2006
  September 30,
2007
  September 24,
2006

Shipments

  $ 795.9   $ 742.0   $ 665.0   $ 650.6   $ 1,460.9   $ 1,392.6

Less: Aggregate trade marketing and consumer coupon redemption expenses

    175.4     186.5     171.9     164.0     347.3     350.5

Less: Slotting expense

    6.8     6.3     11.5     10.9     18.3     17.2
                                   

Net sales

  $ 613.7   $ 549.2   $ 481.6   $ 475.7   $ 1,095.3   $ 1,024.9
                                   

For the fiscal year ended:

 

    Dry Foods   Frozen Foods   Consolidated
    52 weeks
ended
December 26,
2004
 

Fiscal

2005

 

Fiscal

2006

  52 weeks
ended
December 26,
2004
 

Fiscal

2005

 

Fiscal

2006

  52 weeks
ended
December 26,
2004
 

Fiscal

2005

 

Fiscal

2006

Shipments

  $ 672.1   $ 826.4   $ 1,077.5   $ 789.6   $ 929.5   $ 879.5   $ 1,461.7   $ 1,755.9   $ 1,957.0

Less: Aggregate trade marketing and consumer coupon redemption expenses

    185.7     221.6     273.7     213.4     243.0     222.4     399.1     464.6     496.1

Less: Slotting expense

    12.5     19.8     6.2     14.2     15.8     12.4     26.7     35.6     18.6
                                                     

Net sales

  $ 473.9   $ 585.0   $ 797.6   $ 562.0   $ 670.7   $ 644.7   $ 1,035.9   $ 1,255.7   $ 1,442.3
                                                     

For the 21 weeks ended:

 

     Dry Foods    Frozen Foods    Consolidated
    

December 28,

2003

  

December 26,

2004

  

December 28,

2003

  

December 26,

2004

  

December 28,

2003

  

December 26,

2004

Shipments

   $ 106.2    $ 340.8    $ 186.0    $ 389.9    $ 292.2    $ 730.7

Less: Aggregate trade marketing and consumer coupon redemption expenses

     20.1      95.6      37.0      111.8      57.1      207.4

Less: Slotting expense

     3.2      5.2      0.9      6.9      4.1      12.1
                                         

Net sales

   $ 82.9    $ 240.0    $ 148.1    $ 271.2    $ 231.0    $ 511.2
                                         

 

67


Table of Contents

Consolidated Statements of Operations

The following tables set forth statement of operations data expressed in dollars and as a percentage of net sales. In accordance with GAAP, the results for fiscal 2006 only include the results of operations of the Armour Business from the date of the acquisition, March 1, 2006, through the end of the period. Additionally, the discussion below of the fiscal year ended December 26, 2004 is based on our unaudited consolidated financial statements for the 52 weeks ended December 26, 2004 and is provided for comparison purposes only.

 

     Nine months ended  
     September 30, 2007     September 24, 2006  

Net sales

   $ 1,095.3    100.0 %   $ 1,024.9    100.0 %

Costs and expenses:

          

Cost of products sold

     882.4    80.6 %     809.4    79.0 %

Marketing and selling expenses

     94.5    8.6 %     74.3    7.2 %

Administrative expenses

     43.8    4.0 %     39.1    3.8 %

Research and development expenses

     3.4    0.3 %     2.9    0.3 %

Other expense (income), net

     62.3    5.7 %     9.6    0.9 %
                          

Total costs and expenses

     1,086.4    99.2 %     935.3    91.3 %
                          

(Loss) earnings before interest and taxes

   $ 8.9    0.8 %   $ 89.6    8.7 %
                          

 

    21 weeks ended     Fiscal year ended  
    December 28,
2003(1)
    December 26,
2004
    December 26,
2004(2)
    December 25,
2005
    December 31,
2006
 
    (millions)  

Net Sales

  $ 231.0     100.0 %   $ 511.2   100.0 %   $ 1,035.9     100.0 %   $ 1,255.7   100.0 %   $ 1,442.3   100.0 %

Cost and expenses:

                   

Cost of products sold

    179.3     77.6 %     420.0   82.2 %     878.1     84.8 %     997.2   79.4 %     1,122.6   77.8 %

Marketing and selling expenses

    30.8     13.3 %     53.6   10.5 %     105.0     10.1 %     101.2   8.1 %     103.6   7.2 %

Administrative expenses

    12.3     5.3 %     15.2   3.0 %     44.6     4.3 %     40.2   3.2 %     52.4   3.6 %

Research and development expenses

    1.1     0.5 %     1.5   0.3 %     3.7     0.4 %     3.6   0.3 %     4.1   0.3 %

Goodwill impairment charge

        0.0 %     4.3   0.8 %     6.1     0.6 %     54.8   4.4 %        

Other expense (income), net

    19.8     8.6 %     5.7   1.1 %     31.9     3.1 %     31.8   2.5 %     14.2   1.0 %
                                                               

Total cost and expenses

  $ 243.3     105.3 %   $ 500.3   97.9 %   $ 1,069.4     103.2 %   $ 1,228.8   97.9 %   $ 1,296.9   89.9 %
                                                               

Earnings (loss) before interest and taxes

  $ (12.2 )   (5.3 )%   $ 10.9   2.1 %   $ (33.5 )   (3.2 )%   $ 26.9   2.1 %   $ 145.4   10.1 %

(1) Represents the combined 21 weeks ended December 28, 2003.

 

(2) Represents the unaudited 52 weeks ended December 26, 2004.

 

68


Table of Contents
     Nine months ended  
     September 30,
2007
    September 24,
2006
 

Net sales:

    

Dry foods

   $ 613.7     $ 549.2  

Frozen foods

     481.6       475.7  
                

Total

   $ 1,095.3     $ 1,024.9  
                

Earnings (loss) before interest and taxes:

    

Dry foods

   $ 62.2     $ 75.5  

Frozen foods

     10.2       28.2  

Unallocated corporate expenses

     (63.5 )     (14.1 )
                

Total

   $ 8.9     $ 89.6  
                

Depreciation and amortization:

    

Dry foods

   $ 20.1     $ 15.8  

Frozen foods

     20.0       15.8  
                

Total

   $ 40.1     $ 31.6  
                

 

    

December 28,

2003(1)

   

December 26,

2004

   

December 26,

2004(2)

   

December 25,

2005

   

December 31,

2006

 

Net Sales:

          

Dry foods

   $ 82.9     $ 240.0     $ 473.7     $ 585.0     $ 797.6  

Frozen foods

     148.1       271.2       562.0       670.7       644.7  
                                        

Total

   $ 231.0     $ 511.2     $ 1,035.9     $ 1,255.7     $ 1,442.3  
                                        

Earnings (loss) before interest and taxes:

          

Dry foods

   $ 7.4     $ 38.5     $ 46.7     $ 95.0     $ 121.7  

Frozen foods

     4.7       (22.6 )     (57.1 )     (51.6 )     43.5  

Unallocated corporate expense

     (24.4 )     (5.0 )     (23.1 )     (16.5 )     (19.8 )
                                        

Total

   $ (12.3 )   $ 10.9     $ (33.5 )   $ 26.9     $ 145.4  
                                        

Depreciation and amortization:

          

Dry foods

   $ 2.6     $ 6.3     $ 13.8     $ 14.0     $ 21.2  

Frozen foods

     5.0       10.8       26.4       25.1       21.0  
                                        

Total

   $ 7.6     $ 17.1     $ 40.2     $ 39.1     $ 42.2  
                                        

(1) Represents the combined 21 weeks ended December 28, 2003.

 

(2) Represents the unaudited 52 weeks ended December 26, 2004.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 24, 2006

Net sales . Shipments in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 were $1,460.9 million, an increase of $68.3 million, or 4.9%, compared to shipments in the nine months ended September 24, 2006 of $1,392.6 million. The Armour acquisition resulted in $41.1 million of increased shipments. All other businesses increased $27.2 million. Net sales in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 were $1,095.3 million, an increase of $70.4 million, or 6.9%, compared to net sales in the nine months ended September 24, 2006 of $1,024.9 million. The Armour acquisition resulted in $36.8 million of increased net sales. Net sales of all other businesses increased $33.6 million, which was the result of an increase in shipments of $27.2 million and a $6.4 million decrease in aggregate trade marketing and consumer coupon redemption expenses and slotting expenses.

Dry foods: Shipments in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 were $795.9 million, an increase of $53.9 million, or 7.3%, compared to shipments in the nine months ended September 24, 2006. The Armour

 

69


Table of Contents

acquisition resulted in $41.1 million of increased shipments. The increase in our remaining businesses was due to increases in our syrup and Vlasic product line sales. Aggregate trade marketing and consumer coupon redemption expenses decreased $10.6 million. The Armour acquisition resulted in $4.2 million of increased aggregate trade marketing and consumer coupon redemption expenses. Of the remaining businesses, aggregate trade marketing and consumer coupon redemption expenses decreased $14.8 million. As a result, dry foods net sales increased $64.5 million, of which $36.8 million of the increase resulted from the sales of products related to the acquisition of the Armour business. The net sales of the remaining businesses increased $27.7 million, or 6.4%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, led by our Vlasic and syrup product lines, and principally due to decreased aggregate trade marketing and consumer coupon redemption expenses.

Frozen foods: Shipments in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 were $665.0 million, an increase of $14.4 million, or 2.2%, compared to shipments in the nine months ended September 24, 2006. The increase was driven by our Canada and seafood business sales. Last year, seafood sales were depressed by finished product supply issues attributed to the delayed start-up of a new production line. Aggregate trade and consumer coupon redemption expenses increased $8.5 million, the result of higher spending in the seafood business, as well as slotting expenses for our new Swanson Classics products. As a result, frozen foods net sales increased $5.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007.

Cost of products sold . Our cost of products sold was $882.4 million, or 80.6% of net sales, in the nine months ended September 30, 2007, versus cost of products sold of $809.4 million, or 79.0% of net sales, in the nine months ended September 24, 2006. Included in the cost of products sold for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 were $40.2 million related to post-acquisition sales of inventories written up to fair value at the date of the Transactions and $1.2 million of stock compensation expense also related to the Transactions. The products acquired in the Armour business resulted in an additional $17.9 million of cost of products sold in the nine months ended September 30, 2007. Included in the cost of products sold for the Armour business for the nine months ended September 24, 2006 was $4.8 million related to post-acquisition sales of inventories written up to fair value at the date of the Armour acquisition. For the remaining businesses, cost of products sold was 76.0% of net sales, or a 1.3 percentage point improvement. The principal driver of the improved cost of products sold as a percent of net sales rate was a decrease in aggregate trade marketing and consumer coupon redemption expenses that are classified as reductions to net sales. The change in these costs accounted for 1.0 percentage points of lower costs in 2007. Additionally, reduced freight and distribution expenses accounted for a 0.9 percentage point improvement, although this improvement is net of $2.6 million of expenses incurred in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and $1.6 million of expenses incurred in the nine months ended September 24, 2006 in connection with a realignment of our distributor network. The balance of the change was principally due to commodity cost increases, partially offset by productivity improvements.

Marketing and selling expenses . Marketing and selling expenses were $94.5 million, or 8.6% of net sales, in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to $74.3 million, or 7.2% of net sales, in the nine months ended September 24, 2006. Included in the expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $2.9 million of stock compensation expense related to the acceleration of the vesting in the Predecessor’s stock options as a result of the Transactions. The acquisition of the Armour business contributed $2.9 million of an increase for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The remaining increase was principally due to higher advertising expense of $11.8 million, primarily in our seafood, syrups, and Hungry-Man businesses. The balance of the increase was due to higher marketing and selling overhead expense.

Administrative expenses . Administrative expenses were $43.8 million, or 4.0% of net sales, in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to $39.1 million, or 3.8% of net sales, in the nine months ended September 24, 2006. Included in the expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $3.9 million of stock compensation expense related to the acceleration of the vesting in the Predecessor’s stock options as a result of the Transactions. In addition, certain executive severance expenses of $0.8 million and other expenses of $0.3 million were incurred in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 related to the Transactions. Included in the expenses for the nine months ended September 24, 2006 was $0.7 million of expense related to transition

 

70


Table of Contents

services incurred in connection with the Armour acquisition. The balance of the increase in 2007 was due to higher personnel costs related to capability building initiatives.

Research and development expenses . Research and development expenses were $3.4 million, or 0.3% of net sales, in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared with $2.9 million, or 0.3% of net sales, in the nine months ended September 24, 2006. Included in the expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $0.3 million of stock compensation expense related to the acceleration of the vesting in the Predecessor’s stock options as a of the result Transactions.

Other expense (income), net . The following table shows other expense (income), net:

 

     Nine months ended
     September 30,
2007
    September 24,
2006
     In thousands

Other expense (income), net consists of:

    

Restructuring and impairment charges

   $ 59     $ 4,008

Amortization of intangibles/other assets

     13,219       5,504

Merger-related costs

     49,129    

Royalty expense (income), net and other

     (113 )     152
              

Total other expense (income), net

   $ 62,294     $ 9,664
              

Included in the expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $49.1 million of merger costs related to the Transactions (see note 6 to our consolidated financial statements for that period included in this prospectus). These costs included $35.5 million related to the cash tender offer for the Predecessor’s 8  1 / 4 % Senior Subordinated Notes, $12.9 million related to the termination of certain of the Predecessor’s contracts, and $0.7 million related to payroll taxes. Amortization was $13.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 as compared to $5.5 million in the nine months ended September 24, 2006. The 2007 expense includes additional amortization related to the increase in value of our definite-lived intangible assets as a result of the preliminary purchase price allocation of the Transactions. For the nine months ended September 24, 2006, restructuring and impairment charges totaled $4.0 million and consisted of $2.7 million of costs related to the closure of our Omaha, Nebraska frozen food facility and $1.3 million of costs related to the closure of our Erie, Pennsylvania frozen food facility, as discussed above under “Plant Consolidations.”

Earnings (loss) before interest and taxes . Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) decreased $80.7 million to $8.9 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from $89.6 million in EBIT in the nine months ended September 24, 2006. Included in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 is $8.4 million of stock compensation expense and $49.1 million of merger costs (see note 6 to our consolidated financial statements for that period), both related to the Transactions. The merger costs of $49.1 million are included in the unallocated corporate expenses. Also included in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 are costs of products sold related to post-acquisition sales of inventories written up to fair value at the date of the Transactions of $40.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2007, and $4.8 million related to post-acquisition sales of inventories written up to fair value at the date of the Armour acquisition in the nine months ended September 24, 2006. Amortization expense was $13.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 as compared to $5.5 million in the nine months ended September 24, 2006. The 2007 expense includes additional amortization related to the increase in value of the definite-lived intangible assets as a result of the preliminary purchase price allocation of the Transactions. The earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) decrease resulted from a $13.3 million decrease in dry foods EBIT, a $18.0 million decrease in frozen foods EBIT, and a $49.4 million increase in unallocated corporate expenses.

Dry foods : Dry foods EBIT decreased $13.3 million, or 17.6%, in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 to $62.2 million from $75.5 million in the nine months ended September 24, 2006 and included a $15.9 million increase related to the acquisition of the Armour business. Included in the Armour results is a $4.8

 

71


Table of Contents

million charge related to post-acquisition sales of inventories written up to fair value at the date of the Armour acquisition in the nine months ended September 24, 2006. In addition, the nine months ended September 30, 2007 included a $28.5 million charge related to post-acquisition sales of inventories written up to fair value at the date of the Transactions and $5.0 million of stock compensation expense also related to the Transactions. The balance of the dry foods EBIT increased $4.3 million, which includes $1.9 million of additional amortization related to the increase in value of our definite-lived intangible assets as a result of the preliminary purchase price allocation of the Transactions. The remaining increase was driven by $14.8 million of decreased aggregate trade marketing and consumer coupon redemption expenses and increased sales volume. These favorable factors were somewhat offset by increased cost of products sold and higher advertising expense.

Frozen foods : Frozen foods EBIT decreased by $18.0 million, or 63.8%, in the nine months ended September 30, 2007, to $10.2 million from $28.2 million in the nine months ended September 24, 2006, and included $3.3 million of stock compensation expense related to the Transactions. In addition, the nine months ended September 30, 2007 included a $11.7 million charge related to post-acquisition sales of inventories written up to fair value at the date of the Transactions. Amortization expense was $7.3 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 as compared to $1.7 million in the nine months ended September 24, 2006. The 2007 expense includes additional amortization related to the increase in value of the definite-lived intangible assets as a result of the preliminary purchase price allocation of the Transactions. For the nine months ended September 24, 2006, restructuring and impairment charges totaled $4.0 million and consisted of $2.7 million of costs related to the closure of our Omaha, Nebraska frozen food facility and $1.3 million of costs related to the closure of our Erie, Pennsylvania frozen food facility. The balance of the frozen foods EBIT decreased by $1.2 million and was principally driven by increases in marketing spending, mainly for trade promotions and slotting expense, both of which are recorded as reductions from net sales, and higher advertising expense, most of which was in the seafood business. Somewhat offsetting the increased marketing spending was the favorable impact of lower costs of products sold resulting from lower freight and storage expense and favorable production mix, as well as the impact of higher sales volumes.

Interest expense, net . Interest expense, net was $103.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2007, compared to $65.8 million in the nine months ended September 24, 2006. Included in the interest expense, net, amount was $1.5 million and $(2.4) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and the nine months ended September 24, 2006, respectively, recorded from gains and (losses) on interest rate swap agreements. We utilize interest rate swap agreements to reduce the potential exposure to interest rate movements and to achieve a desired proportion of variable versus fixed rate debt. Any gains or losses realized on the interest rate swap agreements not designated as hedges under SFAS 133 are recorded as an adjustment to interest expense. Our 2007 interest rate swaps are designated as hedges under SFAS 133, and included in Other Comprehensive Income in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was a $(7.3) million loss resulting from the mark-to-market of these swaps . Also included in the interest expense, net, in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 are a charge of $24.1 million for the unamortized portion of the deferred financing costs and a credit of $5.2 million for the unamortized portion of the original issue premium, both related to the redemption of the Predecessor’s debt. Excluding the impact of the interest rate swaps and the items in the previous sentence, the increase in interest expense, net, of $41.6 million was the result of $24.3 million attributed to higher average bank debt levels, $2.3 million attributed to higher interest rates on our bank borrowings, $12.0 million attributed to higher debt levels and interest rates ($7.4 million due to higher levels and $4.6 million due to higher rates) and $3.3 million attributed to higher amortization of debt issue costs resulting principally from the bridge financing in connection with the Transactions, partially offset by $0.4 million in higher interest income.

Provision for income taxes . The effective tax rate was (20.3)% in the nine months ended September 30, 2007, compared to 84.8% in the nine months ended September 24, 2006. We maintain a full valuation allowance against net deferred tax assets excluding indefinite lived intangible assets, and the difference between the statutory rate and the effective rate is primarily due to the change in the valuation allowance for the nine month period. Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for the differences between the book and tax bases of certain goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets.

 

72


Table of Contents

Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2006 (53 Weeks) Compared to the Fiscal Year Ended December 25, 2005 (52 Weeks)

Net sales. Shipments in the year ended December 31, 2006 were $1,957.0 million, an increase of $201.1 million, compared to shipments in the year ended December 25, 2005 of $1,755.9 million. The Armour acquisition resulted in $217.7 million of increased shipments. All other businesses were down $16.6 million, principally driven by decreases in sales of our Swanson and Hungry-Man frozen dinner business and our seafood business sales (as described below). Net sales in the year ended December 31, 2006 were $1,442.3 million, an increase of $186.6 million, compared to net sales in the year ended December 25, 2005 of $1,255.7 million. The Armour acquisition resulted in $180.8 million of increased net sales. Net sales of all other businesses increased $5.8 million, which was the result of the decline in shipments of $16.6 million offset by a $22.4 million decrease in aggregate trade marketing and consumer coupon redemption expenses and slotting expenses.

Dry foods: Shipments in the year ended December 31, 2006 were $1,077.5 million, an increase of $251.1 million. The acquired Armour business increased shipments $217.7 million. The increase in our remaining businesses was due to increases in our Duncan Hines, private label, Canada, and syrup product line sales. Aggregate trade marketing and consumer coupon redemption expenses increased $38.5 million. The Armour acquisition resulted in $36.9 million of increased aggregate trade marketing and consumer coupon redemption expenses. On the remaining businesses, aggregate trade marketing and consumer coupon redemption expenses increased $1.6 million. As a result, dry foods net sales increased $212.6 million, of which $180.8 million of the increase resulted from the sales of products related to the acquisition of the Armour business. The net sales of the remaining businesses increased $31.8 million, or 5.4%, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, principally due to higher product shipments.

Frozen foods: Shipments in the year ended December 31, 2006 were $879.5 million, a decrease of $50.0 million. The change was driven by a $34.2 million decrease in our Swanson and Hungry-Man frozen dinner business, resulting from a reduction of unprofitable trade promotions. In addition, our seafood business sales were down $26.7 million, resulting from finished product supply issues attributed to the delayed start-up of a new production line in Jackson, Tennessee in connection with the Erie plant closure, which occurred in the first quarter of 2006. The balance of the change was driven by increases in our Celeste and frozen foodservice product line sales. Aggregate trade marketing and consumer coupon redemption expenses and slotting expenses decreased $24.0 million, the result of lower trade marketing, principally in Swanson trade promotions referenced above, and new product launch activity in 2006. As a result, frozen foods net sales decreased $26.0 million, again resulting from sales declines in the Swanson and Hungry-Man frozen dinner business and the seafood business.

Cost of products sold. Our cost of products sold was $1,122.6 million, or 77.8% of net sales, in the year ended December 31, 2006, versus cost of products sold of $997.2 million, or 79.4% of net sales, in the year ended December 25, 2005, a 1.6 percentage point improvement. The products acquired in the Armour acquisition resulted in an additional $157.6 million of cost of products sold for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, including additional costs of $4.8 million related to post-acquisition sales of inventories written up to fair value at the date of the Armour acquisition. For the remaining businesses, cost of products sold was 76.5% of net sales, or a 2.9 percentage point improvement. The principal driver of the improved cost of products sold as a percent of net sales rate was reduced freight and distribution expenses, accounting for a 1.3 percentage point improvement. Additionally, there was a decline in aggregate trade marketing (including the slotting mentioned above) and consumer coupon redemption expenses which are reduced to calculate net sales. The change in these costs accounted for 0.9 percentage points of the improvement.

Marketing and selling expenses. Marketing and selling expenses were $103.6 million, or 7.2% of net sales, in the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to $101.2 million, or 8.1% of net sales, in the year ended December 25, 2005. The acquisition of the Armour Business contributed $3.5 million of the increase for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006. On the remaining businesses, the change was due to lower advertising expense of $10.1 million, primarily in our seafood and Duncan Hines businesses, partially offset by increased other consumer focused marketing programs of $2.7 million. Selling related expenses increased by $5.3 million, resulting from increased product sales, as well as higher management incentive plan expense.

 

73


Table of Contents

Administrative expenses. Administrative expenses were $52.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to $40.2 million in the year ended December 25, 2005. The acquisition of the Armour Business contributed $4.0 million of an increase for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006. Included in administrative expenses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 was $1.4 million for the non-cash stock compensation charge related to the ownership units of Crunch Equity Holding, LLC issued to CDM Investor Group LLC in connection with the acquisition of the Armour Business recorded in the first quarter, as well as $1.3 million of stock option expense in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R), which was adopted at the beginning of 2006. In addition, we resumed the payment of the management fees to our existing equity investors beginning in the second quarter of 2006, in accordance with Amendment No. 2 to our senior secured credit facilities, which were $0.8 million in 2006 compared to zero in 2005. In the fiscal year ended December 25, 2005, a $1.5 million favorable adjustment to our bad debt reserve was recorded resulting from improvements in our accounts receivable aging $(1.0 million) and cash collections of previously written off accounts $(0.5 million). The balance of the increase resulted principally from increased management incentive bonuses in 2006 due to 100% attainment of certain performance targets compared to approximately a 30% of target management incentive plan expense in 2005.

Research and development expenses. Research and development expenses were $4.1 million, or 0.3% of net sales, in the year ended December 31, 2006 compared with $3.6 million, or 0.3% of net sales, in the year ended December 25, 2005.

Goodwill impairment charge. Goodwill impairment charges, which are discussed above under “—Impairment of Goodwill and Other Long-lived Assets,” were $54.8 million in the year ended December 25, 2005. Of the total charge in fiscal 2005, which was recorded in the frozen foods segment, $44.9 million related to the impairment of the frozen prepared seafood reporting unit and $9.9 million related to the impairment of the pizza reporting unit.

Other expense (income), net. The following table shows other expense (income), net:

 

     Successor  
    

Fiscal year

ended

December 31,

2006

   

Fiscal year

ended

December 25,

2005

 

Other expense (income), net consists of:

    

Restructuring and intangible asset impairment charges

   $ 6,787     $ 27,278  

Amortization of intangibles/other assets

     7,415       4,814  

Merger related costs

     —         (101 )

Royalty income and other

     (16 )     (155 )
                

Total other expense (income), net

   $ 14,186     $ 31,836  
                

Other expense was $14.2 million in the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to $31.8 million in the year ended December 25, 2005. For the year ended December 31, 2006, plant restructuring and impairment charges totaled $4.1 million and consisted of $1.4 million of costs related to the closure of our Erie, Pennsylvania frozen food facility, and $2.7 million of plant consolidation expense related to the closure of our Omaha, Nebraska frozen food facility, all of which are discussed above under “—Plant Consolidation.” Also included in the fiscal 2006 activity were tradename impairment charges, which are discussed above under “—Impairment of Goodwill and Other Long-lived Assets,” of $2.7 million related to the Aunt Jemima brand. In addition, $7.4 million of amortization expense was incurred in the year ended December 31, 2006, an increase of $2.6 million as compared to $4.8 million in the year ended December 25, 2005, mainly due to the acquisition of the Armour business.

For the year ended December 25, 2005, plant restructuring and impairment charges totaled $8.0 million and consisted of $5.8 million of costs related to the closure of our Erie, Pennsylvania frozen food facility, a $0.9 million asset impairment charge for the shutdown of a production line at our Mattoon, Illinois facility, and

 

74


Table of Contents

$1.3 million of plant consolidation expense related to the closure of our Omaha, Nebraska frozen food facility, all of which are discussed above under “—Plant Consolidation.” Trade name impairment charges, which are discussed above under “—Impairment of Goodwill and Other Long-lived Assets,” were $19.3 million in fiscal 2005, consisting of a $10.4 million charge related to the Mrs. Paul’s brand, $7.8 million charge related to the Van de Kamp’s brand and $1.1 million related to the Lender’s brand. The balance of the 2005 activity relate to royalty income and other miscellaneous credits received in the year.

Earnings (loss) before interest and taxes. Earnings (loss) before interest and taxes (EBIT) increased $118.5 million to $145.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2006 from $26.9 million in the year ended December 25, 2005. This increase resulted from a $95.1 million increase in frozen foods EBIT (primarily due to the large write-off of goodwill in intangible assets in 2006), a $26.7 million increase in dry foods EBIT, and a $3.3 million increase in unallocated corporate expenses. The increase in unallocated corporate expenses is principally related to $1.4 million for the non-cash stock compensation charge related to the ownership units of Crunch Equity Holding, LLC issued to CDM Investor Group LLC in connection with the acquisition of the Armour Business recorded in the first quarter, as well as $1.9 million of stock option expense in accordance with the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R).

Dry foods: Dry foods EBIT increased $26.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2006 and included $12.8 million related to the acquisition of the Armour Business. The Armour results were reduced by a $4.8 million non-cash charge related to post-acquisition sales of inventories written up to fair value at the date of the acquisition. The balance of the dry foods EBIT increased $13.9 million, principally driven by lower marketing spending related to fewer new product introductions, mainly in slotting and consumer coupon redemption expense, which are recorded as reductions from net sales. In addition, freight and storage costs decreased as a result of the reorganization of our warehousing network.

Frozen foods: Frozen foods EBIT increased by $95.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2006. In 2006, we recorded $0.6 million of accelerated depreciation expense and a charge of $1.4 million related to asset impairment and plant consolidation expense from the closure of the Erie, Pennsylvania frozen foods facility and impairment charges and plant consolidation expense totaling $2.7 million from the closure of the Omaha, Nebraska frozen foods facilities. Additionally, in 2006 we recorded a tradename impairment charge of $2.7 million related to the Aunt Jemima brand. In 2005, we recorded $4.8 million of accelerated depreciation expense related to the closure of the Erie, Pennsylvania frozen food facility and a charge of $7.1 million related to the plant consolidation expense from the closure of the Omaha, Nebraska ($1.3 million) and Erie, Pennsylvania ($5.8 million) frozen foods facilities. Impairment charges, principally for goodwill and tradenames, totaling $75.0 million were also recorded in fiscal 2005. The impairment charges consisted of a $54.8 million charge for goodwill impairment for the frozen prepared seafood reporting unit ($44.9 million) and pizza reporting unit ($9.9 million), a $19.3 million impairment charge to tradenames for Mrs. Paul’s ($10.4 million), Van de Kamp’s ($7.8 million) and Lender’s ($1.1 million) and a $0.9 million asset impairment write down for the shutdown of a production line at our Mattoon, Illinois facility. The balance of our frozen foods EBIT increased $15.7 million, principally driven by lower marketing spending in 2006, mainly in slotting and trade marketing expense related to fewer new product introductions, which are recorded as reductions from net sales, and lower advertising expense. Partially offsetting the declines in marketing spending was the unfavorable impact of lower sales volumes and the unfavorable mix impact of a shift to lower margin product sales.

Interest expense, net. Interest expense, net was $85.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2006, compared to $70.5 million in the year ended December 25, 2005. Included in the net interest expense amount was $(0.9) million and $4.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 and the year ended December 25, 2005, respectively, recorded from gains and (losses) on interest rate swap agreements. We utilize interest rate swap agreements to reduce the potential exposure to interest rate movements and to achieve a desired proportion of variable versus fixed rate debt. Any gains or losses realized on the interest rate swap agreements are recorded as an adjustment to interest expense. Excluding the impact of the interest rate swaps, the increase in interest expense of $9.3 million was the result of $6.2 million attributed to higher interest rates on our bank borrowings,

 

75


Table of Contents

$1.9 million attributed to higher average bank debt levels resulting from the borrowings to fund the Armour acquisition less prepayments of our bank borrowings and $1.1 million attributed to higher amortization of debt issue costs resulting from the Armour acquisition as well as the impact of our prepayments of our bank borrowings.

Provision for income taxes. The effective tax rate was 43.5% in the year ended December 31, 2006, compared to (1.0)% in the year ended December 25, 2005. We maintain a full valuation allowance against net deferred tax assets, excluding indefinite- lived intangible assets, and the effective rate difference is primarily due to the change in the valuation allowance for the fiscal year. Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for the differences between the book and tax bases of certain goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets. A deferred tax charge was recorded both in 2005 and 2004 for amortization recognized for tax purposes related to indefinite lived intangibles.

Under Internal Revenue Code Section 382, Aurora is a loss corporation. Section 382 of the Code places limitations on our ability to use Aurora’s net operating loss carry-forward to offset our income. The annual net operating loss limitation is approximately $13 to 15 million subject to other rules and restrictions. See note 11 to our audited consolidated financial statements.

Fiscal Year Ended December 25, 2005 Compared to the Fiscal Year Ended December 26, 2004

Net sales. Shipments in the year ended December 25, 2005 were $1,755.9 million, an increase of $294.2 million, compared to shipments in the year ended December 26, 2004 of $1,461.7 million. Of the increase, $255.4 million was related to the fact that 2005 includes 12 months of activity for the former Aurora brands compared to 2004, which includes activity related to the former Aurora brands only since the Aurora Merger on March 19, 2004. Subsequent references in this discussion to this situation are referred to as “the effect of the Aurora Merger.” Net sales in the year ended December 25, 2005 were $1,255.7 million, an increase of $219.8 million, compared to net sales in the year ended December 26, 2004 of $1,035.9 million. Of the increase, $167.2 million was due to the effect of the Aurora Merger. The Aurora brands required a higher level of trade spending than our legacy brands.

Dry foods: Shipments in the year ended December 25, 2005 were $826.4 million, an increase of $154.3 million. $113.6 million of the increase was related to the effect of the Aurora Merger. The balance of the change was driven by increases in our Duncan Hines, pickle and syrup product line sales. Aggregate trade and consumer coupon redemption expenses increased $43.2 million, of which $38.9 million related to the effect of the Aurora Merger. As a result, dry foods net sales increased $111.1 million, of which $74.7 million was related to the effect of the Aurora Merger. The balance of the change was driven by increases in our Duncan Hines and syrup product line sales.

Frozen foods: Shipments in the year ended December 25, 2005 were $929.5 million, an increase of $139.9 million. Of the increase, $137.0 million was related to the effect of the Aurora Merger. The balance of the change was driven by increases in our Swanson, Aunt Jemima, and seafood product line sales. Aggregate trade and consumer coupon redemption expenses increased $31.2 million, of which $47.1 million of the increase related to the effect of the Aurora Merger, partially offset by lower trade and consumer coupon redemption expenses in the fourth quarter of 2005 on the legacy Aurora brands driven by changes in the timing of marketing programs during the year. As a result, frozen foods net sales were $670.7 million, an increase of $108.7 million, with $90.0 million of the increase related to the effect of the Aurora Merger. The balance of the change was driven by increases in our Aunt Jemima and Swanson product line sales.

Cost of products sold. Our cost of products sold was $997.2 million, or 79.4% of net sales in the year ended December 25, 2005, versus cost of products sold of $878.1 million, or 84.8% of net sales in the year ended December 26, 2004. The effect of the Aurora Merger resulted in an additional $127.8 million of cost of products sold in the year ended December 25, 2005. Cost of products sold during the year ended December 26, 2004 include additional non-cash costs of $18.1 million and $13.2 million related to post-merger sales of inventories

 

76


Table of Contents

written up to fair value at the date of the 2003 Acquisition and the Aurora Merger, respectively. Cost of products sold during the year ended December 25, 2005 was affected by the additional costs resulting from the reorganization of our warehousing network and the related movement of products to the new warehousing network. In addition to these costs, this percentage is also affected by changes in our aggregate trade and consumer coupon redemption expenses which are reduced from shipments to calculate net sales.

Marketing and selling expenses. Marketing and selling expenses were $101.2 million, or 8.1% of net sales, in the year ended December 25, 2005 compared to $105.0 million, or 10.1% of net sales, in the year ended December 26, 2004. The effect of the Aurora Merger contributed an additional $20.8 million of costs for the year ended December 25, 2005. The balance of the change was due to decreased selling and marketing overhead expense, primarily from lower package design costs, as well as lower advertising expense.

Administrative expenses. Administrative expenses were $40.2 million in the year ended December 25, 2005 compared to $44.6 million in the year ended December 26, 2004. The decrease relates primarily to the shutdown of the Aurora headquarters office in St. Louis, which was closed in May 2004, and contributed $2.8 million of expense in the year ended December 26, 2004.

Research and development expenses. Research and development expenses were $3.6 million, or 0.3% of net sales, in the year ended December 25, 2005 compared with $3.7 million, or 0.4% of net sales, in the year ended December 26, 2004.

Goodwill impairment charge. Goodwill impairment charges, which are discussed above under “—Impairment of Goodwill and Other Long-lived Assets,” were $54.8 million in the year ended December 25, 2005. Of the total charge in fiscal 2005, which was recorded entirely in the frozen foods segment, $44.9 million related to the impairment of the frozen prepared seafood reporting unit and $9.9 million related to the impairment of the pizza reporting unit. Goodwill impairment charges were $6.1 million in the year ended December 26, 2004. Of the total charge in the year ended December 26, 2004, which was recorded in the frozen foods segment, $1.8 million related to the impairment of the Chef’s Choice goodwill entirely as a result of our decision to discontinue producing products under the Chef’s Choice tradename, $1.6 million related to the frozen dinners reporting unit and $2.7 million related to the bagels reporting unit.

Other expense (income), net. Other expense was $31.8 million in the year ended December 25, 2005 compared to $31.9 million in the year ended December 26, 2004. Included in “Other expense (income), net” for the year ended December 26, 2004 was $8.8 million of 2003 Acquisition related expenses, consisting primarily of $7.4 million of non-cash equity related compensation expense and $1.4 million of retention benefits payments. Also, a $12.7 million impairment charge and $3.0 million for plant consolidation expense, both related to the closure of our Omaha, Nebraska frozen food facility, were recorded in the year ended December 26, 2004. Additionally, restructuring and impairment charges totaling $4.3 million were recorded in the year ended December 26, 2004. The restructuring and impairment charges consisted of a $3.0 million impairment charge related to the Chef’s Choice brand, including $1.7 million of amortizable intangibles (recipes) and $1.3 million of fixed asset write-downs, and a $1.3 million impairment charge related to the Avalon Bay tradename.

For the year ended December 25, 2005, restructuring and impairment charges totaled $27.2 million and included $5.8 million of costs related to the closure of our Erie, Pennsylvania frozen food facility, a $0.9 million asset impairment charge for the shutdown of a production line at our Mattoon, Illinois facility, and $1.3 million of plant consolidation expense related to the closure of our Omaha, Nebraska frozen food facility, all of which are discussed above under Plant Consolidation. Also included in the fiscal 2005 activity were tradename impairment charges, which are discussed above under “—Impairment of Goodwill and Other Long-lived Assets,” of $19.3 million, consisting of a $10.4 million charge related to the Mrs. Paul’s brand, $7.8 million charge related to the Van de Kamp’s brand and $1.1 million related to the Lender’s brand. In addition, $4.8 million of amortization expense was incurred in the year ended December 25, 2005 compared to $3.5 in the year ended December 26, 2004. The increased amortization was primarily related to the effect of the Aurora Merger.

 

77


Table of Contents

Earnings (loss) before interest and taxes. Earnings (loss) before interest and taxes (EBIT) increased $60.4 million to $26.9 million in the year ended December 25, 2005 from a loss of ($33.5) million in EBIT in the year ended December 26, 2004. This increase resulted from a $5.5 million increase in frozen foods EBIT (in spite of the impairments to intangible assets and goodwill), a $48.3 million increase in dry foods EBIT, and a $6.6 million decrease in unallocated corporate expenses. The decrease in the unallocated corporate expenses was principally related to $8.8 million of 2003 Acquisition-related expenses in the year ended December 26, 2004, consisting primarily of $7.4 million of non-cash equity-related compensation expense and $1.4 million of retention benefit payments. In addition, the year ended December 25, 2005 includes $1.8 million of employee severance expense.

Dry foods: Dry foods EBIT increased $48.3 million in the year ended December 25, 2005 and includes $9.9 million related to the effect of the Aurora Merger. The increase in EBIT also includes the impact of the $7.2 million non-cash charge recorded in the year ended December 26, 2004 related to post-acquisition sales of inventories written up to fair value at the date of the Aurora Merger, which includes $1.8 million in the first quarter and $5.4 million in the second quarter. The year ended December 26, 2004 also includes additional cost of products sold of $17.0 million related to post-merger sales of inventories written up to fair value at the date of the 2003 Acquisition. In addition, $2.4 million of amortization expense was incurred in the year ended December 25, 2005 compared to $1.3 million in the year ended December 26, 2004. The increased amortization was primarily related to the effect of the Aurora Merger. The balance of the dry foods EBIT increased $15.2 million, primarily due to increased sales volume, resulting from additional case volume in our Duncan Hines and pickles product lines. Partially offsetting these increased sales are increases in our cost of products sold expense related to the reorganization of our warehousing network and increased slotting and trade promotion expenses.

Frozen foods: Frozen foods EBIT increased by $5.5 million in the year ended December 25, 2005 and includes $5.2 million related to the effect of the Aurora Merger. Restructuring and impairment charges totaling $74.9 million were recorded in fiscal 2005. In 2005, we also recorded $4.8 million of accelerated depreciation expense related to the closure of the Erie, Pennsylvania frozen food facility and a charge of $7.1 million related to the plant consolidation expense from the closure of the Omaha, Nebraska ($1.3 million) and Erie, Pennsylvania ($5.8 million) frozen foods facilities. The restructuring and impairment charges consisted of a $54.8 million charge for goodwill impairment for the frozen prepared seafood reporting unit ($44.9 million) and pizza reporting unit ($9.9 million), a $19.3 million impairment charge to tradenames for Mrs. Paul’s ($10.4 million), Van de Kamp’s ($7.8 million) and Lender’s ($1.1 million) and a $0.9 million asset impairment write down for the shutdown of a production line at our Mattoon, Illinois facility.

The year ended December 26, 2004 includes additional costs of $1.2 million related to post-merger sales of inventories written up to fair value at the date of the 2003 Acquisition. The increase in EBIT also includes the impact of the $6.0 million non-cash charge recorded in the year ended December 26, 2004 related to post-acquisition sales of inventories written up to fair value at the date of the Aurora Merger. Additionally, the results for the year ended December 26, 2004 included a charge of $12.7 million related to the closure of the Omaha, Nebraska frozen foods facility as well as $8.7 million of consolidation expense and accelerated depreciation expense related to the closure of the Omaha facility. Restructuring and impairment charges totaling $10.4 million were also recorded in the year ended December 26, 2004. The restructuring and impairment charges consisted of a $1.8 million charge related to the impairment of the Chef’s Choice goodwill, $1.6 million charge related to the impairment of the frozen dinners reporting unit goodwill, $2.7 million charge related to the impairment of the bagels reporting unit goodwill, $3.0 million impairment charge related to the Chef’s Choice brand (including $1.7 million of amortizable intangibles (recipes) and $1.3 million of fixed asset write-downs), and a $1.3 million impairment charge related to the Avalon Bay tradename.

Additionally, the corporate overhead expense allocated to frozen foods was $1.7 million higher for the year ended December 26, 2004, related to the continued operation of the Aurora headquarters office in St. Louis, which was closed in May 2004. The balance of our frozen foods EBIT increased $46.4 million, principally driven

 

78


Table of Contents

by $29.6 million lower marketing spending in the fourth quarter of 2005, mainly in slotting and trade promotions and consumer coupon redemption expense, which are recorded as reductions from net sales, and lower advertising expense. An additional $16.5 million increase occurred in the first nine months of 2005 resulting from an increase in sales volume offset by increased cost of products sold expense related to the reorganization of our warehousing network as well as partially increased slotting and trade promotion expenses.

Interest expense, net. Interest expense, net was $70.5 million in the year ended December 25, 2005 compared to $49.2 million in the year ended December 26, 2004. The increase in interest expense, net is partially related to the change in capital structure, which occurred as a result of the Aurora Merger. In addition, we experienced higher average interest rates on our senior debt as well as mark-to-market adjustments on our interest rate swaps. We utilize interest rate swap agreements to reduce the potential exposure to interest rate movements and to achieve a desired proportion of variable versus fixed rate debt. Any gains or losses realized on the interest rate swap agreements are recorded as an adjustment to interest expense. During the year ended December 25, 2005, we recorded a gain on the interest rate swap contracts totaling $4.7 million. During the year ended December 26, 2004, we recorded a gain on the value of the interest rate swaps totaling $7.3 million.

Provision for income taxes. The effective tax rate was (1.0)% in the year ended December 25, 2005, compared to (11.7%) in the year ended December 26, 2004. We maintain a full valuation allowance against net deferred tax assets excluding indefinite lived intangible assets, and the effective rate difference is primarily due to the change in the valuation allowance for the year. Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for the differences between the book and tax bases of certain goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets. A deferred tax charge was recorded both in 2005 and 2004 for amortization recognized for tax purposes related to indefinite lived intangibles.

Under Internal Revenue Code Section 382, Aurora is a loss corporation. Section 382 of the Code places limitations on our ability to use Aurora’s net operating loss carry-forward to offset our income. The annual net operating loss limitation is approximately $13 to 15 million subject to other rules and restrictions. See note 11 to our audited consolidated financial statements.

Transition Year Ended December 26, 2004 Compared to Twenty-One Weeks Ended December 28, 2003

The discussion below of the 21 weeks ended December 28, 2003 is based on the combination of the 2003 Predecessor’s consolidated financial statements for the 16 weeks ended November 24, 2003 and PFG LLC’s consolidated financial statements for the 5-week period ended December 28, 2003. We believe that this is the most meaningful basis for comparison because the customer base, products, manufacturing facilities and types of marketing programs were the same under the 2003 Predecessor as they are under PFG LLC. Also, the discussion below for the transition year ended December 26, 2004 includes the results of operations of the Aurora businesses.

Net sales. Shipments in the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004 were $730.7 million, an increase of $438.5 million, compared to shipments in the 21 weeks ended December 28, 2003 of $292.2 million. $434.3 million of the increase was related to the Aurora Merger. Net sales in the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004 were $511.2 million, an increase of $280.2 million, compared to net sales in the 21 weeks ended December 28, 2003 of $231.0 million, $286.5 million of the increase was related to the Aurora Merger, whose brands required a higher level of spending than the historical Pinnacle brands.

Dry foods: Shipments in the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004 were $340.8 million, an increase of $234.6 million, of which $227.5 million was related to the Aurora Merger. The balance of the increase was due to additional case volume of 5.0% in our core Vlasic product line. Aggregate trade and consumer coupon redemption expenses increased $77.5 million, of which $72.4 million was related to the Aurora Merger. As a result, dry foods net sales increased $157.1 million, of which $155.0 million was related to the Aurora Merger and net sales of the existing Vlasic and Open Pit businesses increased $2.1 million, or 2.5%, for the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004.

 

79


Table of Contents

Frozen foods: Shipments in the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004 were $389.9 million, an increase of $203.9 million. The Aurora Merger accounted for $206.8 million of the increase partially offset by a $3.4 million decrease in our Swanson product line sales. Aggregate trade and consumer coupon redemption expenses increased $80.8 million, of which $75.1 million was related to the Aurora Merger. As a result, frozen foods net sales increased $123.1 million, of which $131.7 million was related to the Aurora Merger. Net sales of the existing Swanson and King’s Hawaiian businesses decreased $8.6 million, or 5.8%, in the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004.

Cost of products sold. Our cost of products sold was $420.0 million, or 82.2% of net sales, in the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004, versus cost of products sold of $179.3 million, or 77.6% of net sales, in the 21 weeks ended December 28, 2003. The Aurora Merger resulted in $235.3 million of cost of products sold in the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004. The balance of cost of products sold was $184.7 million, or 82.2% of net sales, in the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004. The main driver of increased cost of product sold, as a percentage of net sales, is the additional costs resulting from the reorganization of our warehousing network and the related movement of product to the new warehousing network as well as higher year-over-year commodity costs (chicken, beef, and cheese). In addition to these costs, this percentage is also affected by changes in our aggregate trade and consumer coupon redemption expenses which are reduced to calculate net sales. The 21 weeks ended December 28, 2003 year includes additional costs of $8.2 million related to post-merger sales of inventories written up to fair value at the date of the 2003 Acquisition.

Marketing and selling expenses. Marketing and selling expenses were $53.6 million, or 10.5% of net sales, in the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004 compared to $30.8 million, or 13.3% of net sales, in the 21 weeks ended December 28, 2003. The Aurora Merger contributed $35.8 million of the increase for the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004. The balance of the change was due to lower advertising expense of $10.8 million, primarily on our Swanson and Vlasic businesses, and decreased selling overhead expense.

Administrative expenses. Administrative expenses were $15.2 million, or 3.0% of net sales, in the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004 compared to $12.3 million, or 5.3% of net sales, in the 21 weeks ended December 28, 2003. The principal driver of the $2.9 million increase was higher overhead expense related to the Aurora Merger. Offsetting the increase in higher overhead expenses was the reduction of accrued liabilities for the management incentive plan.

Research and development expenses. Research and development expenses were $1.5 million, or 0.3% of net sales, in the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004 compared with $1.1 million, or 0.5% of net sales, in the 21 weeks ended December 28, 2003.

Goodwill impairment charge. Goodwill impairment charges was $4.3 million in the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004. There were no goodwill impairment charges in the 21 weeks ended December 28, 2003. Of the total charge in the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004, which was recorded in the frozen foods segment, $1.6 million related to the dinners reporting unit and $2.7 million related to the bagels reporting unit.

Other expense (income). Other expense was $5.7 million in the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004 as compared to $19.8 million in the 21 weeks ended December 28, 2003. This decrease was related to $18.4 million of 2003 Acquisition related expenses in the 21 weeks ended December 28, 2003, consisting primarily of $11.0 million of non-cash equity-related compensation expense, $4.9 million of 2003 Predecessor stock option expense, $1.7 million of change in control payments, and $0.8 million of retention benefit payments. Additionally, a $1.3 million charge related to an impairment of the King’s Hawaiian tradename was recorded in the 21 weeks ended December 28, 2003. Restructuring and impairment charges totaled $3.9 million during the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004 consisted of (i) $2.6 million of asset impairment write-downs related to the Omaha, Nebraska frozen food facility discussed above, (ii) $1.2 million of plant consolidation expense related to the announced closure of our Omaha, Nebraska frozen food facility, and (iii) less than $0.1 million impairment charge related to the Lender’s tradename. In addition, $1.8 million of additional amortization expense was

 

80


Table of Contents

incurred in the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004 compared to the 21 weeks ended December 28, 2003 (see note 6 to our audited consolidated financial statements), primarily related to the amortizable intangible assets acquired in the Aurora Merger.

Earnings (loss) before interest and taxes. Earnings (loss) before interest and taxes (EBIT) increased $23.2 million to earnings of $10.9 million in the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004 from a loss of $12.3 million in EBIT in the 21 weeks ended December 28, 2003. This increase resulted from a $27.3 million decrease in frozen foods EBIT, a $31.1 million increase in dry foods EBIT, and a $19.4 million decrease in unallocated corporate expenses. The decrease in the unallocated corporate expenses was principally related to $18.4 million of 2003 Acquisition related expenses in the 21 weeks ended December 28, 2003, consisting primarily of $11.0 million of non-cash equity related compensation expense, $4.9 million of 2003 Predecessor stock option expense, $1.7 million of change in control payments, and $0.8 million of retention benefit payments. Additionally, based upon results through December 2004, we have reduced accrued liabilities for the management incentive plan.

Dry foods: Dry foods EBIT increased $31.1 million in the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004, a $24.9 million increase in EBIT was related to the Aurora Merger. The 21 weeks ended December 28, 2003 includes additional cost of products sold of $5.5 million related to post-Merger sales of inventories written up to fair value at the date of the 2003 Acquisition. Dry foods EBIT increased $0.6 million due to lower advertising expenses and increased sales volume, resulting from additional case volume of 5.0% in our core Vlasic product line. Partially offsetting these increases were increased cost of products sold expense related to the reorganization of our warehousing network and increased trade promotion expenses.

Frozen foods: Frozen foods EBIT decreased by $27.3 million in the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004, $16.7 million of the decline was related to the Aurora Merger, including a $2.7 million impairment of the bagels product line goodwill. During the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004, we recorded a net expense of $4.5 million related to the announced closure of our Omaha, Nebraska frozen food facility. The net expense was the result of $2.6 million of asset impairment, $1.4 million of accelerated depreciation, $1.2 million of other plant consolidation expenses, and $0.7 million curtailment gain related to the postretirement benefit program. Additionally, a non-cash impairment charge of $1.6 million related to frozen dinner goodwill and a favorable adjustment of $1.6 million to our medical liability reserves were recorded in the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004. In the 21 weeks ended December 28, 2003, a non-cash impairment charge of $1.3 million related to the King’s Hawaiian intangible assets was recorded. The 21 weeks ended December 28, 2003 also include additional costs of products sold of $2.7 million related to post-merger sales of inventories written up to fair value at the date of the 2003 Acquisition. The balance of our frozen foods EBIT decreased $10.1 million due to increased cost of products sold expense related to the reorganization of our warehousing network, increased coupon and trade promotion expenses, partially offset by lower advertising expenses.

Interest expense, net. Interest expense, net was $26.1 million in the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004, compared to $12.0 million in the 21 weeks ended December 28, 2003. Comparison of interest expense is not meaningful due to the change in capital structure after the 2003 Acquisition and the Aurora Merger. Included in the interest expense, net, amount for the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004 was $0.3 million recorded from gains on interest rate swap agreements. We utilize interest rate swap agreements to reduce the potential exposure to interest rate movements and to achieve a desired proportion of variable versus fixed rate debt. Any gains or losses realized on the interest rate swap agreements are recorded as an adjustment to interest expense.

Provision for income taxes. The effective tax rate was (61.7%) in the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004, compared to 20.1% in the 21 weeks ended December 28, 2003. We maintain a full valuation allowance against net deferred tax assets excluding indefinite lived intangible assets, and the effective rate difference is due to the change in the valuation allowance for the 21-week period. Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for the differences between the book and tax bases of certain goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets. A deferred tax charge was recorded the 21-week period ended December 26, 2004 for amortization recognized for tax purposes related to indefinite-lived intangibles.

 

81


Table of Contents

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our cash flows are seasonal. Typically we are a net user of cash in the third quarter of the calendar year (i.e., the quarter ending in September) and a net generator of cash over the balance of the year.

Our principal liquidity requirements have been, and we expect will be, for working capital and general corporate purposes, including capital expenditures and debt service. Capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $27.0 million in 2007. We have historically satisfied our liquidity requirements with internally generated cash flows and availability under our revolving credit facilities.

Management expects our cash flows from operations, combined with availability under our new revolving credit facilities, to provide sufficient liquidity to fund our current obligations, projected working capital requirements, restructuring obligations and capital spending for a period that includes the next twelve months.

As a result of the Transactions, we are highly leveraged. As of September 30, 2007, our total indebtedness was $1,826 million, including the outstanding notes. We also had an additional $110.5 million available for borrowing under our revolving credit facility (after giving effect to approximately $12.0 million of outstanding letters of credit and $2.5 million in borrowings under our revolving credit facility). Our liquidity requirements are significant, primarily due to debt service requirements.

As market conditions warrant, we and our major equity holders, including Blackstone and its affiliates, may from time to time repurchase debt securities issued by us, in privately negotiated or open market transactions, by tender offer or otherwise.

Cash Flows

Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 Compared to September 24, 2006

Net cash used in operating activities for the Successor was $17.1 million for the period from April 2, 2007 to September 30, 2007, which was the result of our net loss of $69.8 million, partially offset by $54.1 million in non-cash charges, and an increase in working capital of $1.3 million. The increase in working capital and the net loss were both impacted by a $40.2 million charge related to the write-up of inventories to the fair value at the date of the Transactions. Total inventories increased by $53.5 million, both because of the write-up of inventories and a build-up of inventory in anticipation of seasonal increases in demand in our pickle and baking businesses. Also benefiting working capital were typical seasonal increases to accounts payable ($7.6 million) as well as accrued liabilities ($13.6 million). The increase in accrued liabilities was primarily driven by the increase in accrued interest expense on our senior notes and senior subordinated notes, which is paid on October 1, 2007. Offsetting the increases in accounts payable and accrued liabilities was a reduction in accrued trade marketing expense ($12.3 million), which is a result of seasonally lower sales and lower trade spending rates.

Net cash provided by operating activities for the Predecessor was $55.7 million for the period from January 1, 2007 to April 2, 2007, which was the result of net loss of $66.6 million, partially offset by non-cash charges of $50.3 million, and a decrease in working capital of $72.1 million. The decrease in working capital was primarily the result of (a) a $53.5 million increase in accrued liabilities, mostly as a result of the accrual of $49.1 million of merger expenses related to the Transactions, (b) a $20.0 million decrease in inventories that was due to the sell-down of the seasonal inventory build-up from December 2006 and (c) a $14.3 million increase in accounts payable. The increase in accounts payable at the end of the period primarily related to the normal seasonal slowdown at our production facilities in December 2006 as well as optimizing our freight payment system. The increase in accrued liabilities and accounts payable and the decrease in inventories were offset by an $18.3 million increase in accounts receivable that relates to higher sales as well as the timing of when those sales occurred. The aging of accounts receivable has remained unchanged from December. All other working capital accounts generated $2.6 million of cash, primarily the result of higher accrued trade marketing.

 

82


Table of Contents

Net cash provided by operating activities for the Predecessor was $94.0 million for the nine months ended September 24, 2006, which was the result of net earnings of $3.6 million, non-cash charges of $66.2 million and a decrease in working capital of $24.2 million. The decrease in working capital was primarily the result of a $21.5 million decrease in inventories that was due to the sell-down of the seasonal inventory build-up from December 2005 and management’s concerted effort to reduce the level of inventories while maintaining customer service levels, as well as a $21.1 million increase in accrued liabilities. The increase in accrued liabilities primarily related to accrued interest expense, which was caused by the timing of interest payments on our debt, as well accrued payroll liabilities. The decrease in inventories was offset by a $26.7 million increase in accounts receivable that relates to higher sales, principally related to the Armour acquisition, as well as the timing of when those sales occurred. The aging of accounts receivable has remained unchanged from December. All other working capital accounts generated $8.2 million of cash, primarily the result of higher accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

Net cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 totaled $1,334.7 million and included $1,319.3 million for the Transactions as well as $17.6 million for capital expenditures ($5.0 million for the Predecessor and $12.6 million for the Successor). Additionally, the Successor received $2.2 million from the sale of the Omaha, Nebraska facility. Net cash used in investing activities was $202.6 million for the nine months ended September 24, 2006 and included $187.0 million in consideration paid for the Armour Business and $15.6 million for capital expenditures.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $1,301.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. This primarily related to the borrowings for the Transactions, which were $1,250.0 million under the term loan under the senior secured credit facilities and $575.0 million for the senior notes and senior subordinated notes, as well as $420.3 million in net equity contributions. These funds were offset by repayments of the Predecessor’s long-term debt totaling $915.2 million and Successor’s debt acquisition costs of $39.8 million. Net cash provided by financing activities was $113.1 million during the nine months ended September 24, 2006 and principally included proceeds to fund the acquisition of the Armour Business. These proceeds included $143.0 million in proceeds from the Predecessor’s senior secured credit facilities and $40.0 million in equity contributions. These proceeds were offset primarily by $60.0 million in repayments of the term loan, $3.8 million in debt acquisition costs and $6.7 million decline in bank overdrafts.

Statements of Cash Flows for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2006

Net cash provided from operating activities was $161.6 million and $64.7 million for fiscal 2006 and 2005, respectively. Net cash provided by operating activities during fiscal 2006 was principally the result of $122.6 million in net earnings excluding non-cash items and a decrease in working capital of $39.0 million. The decrease in working capital was primarily the result of a $33.8 million decrease in inventories that was due to management’s concerted effort to reduce the level of inventories while maintaining customer service levels. The decrease in inventories was offset by a $9.3 million increase in accounts receivable that relates to higher sales, principally related to the Armour acquisition as well as the timing of when those sales occurred. The aging of accounts receivable has remained unchanged from December 2005. All other working capital accounts generated $14.5 million of cash, primarily the result of higher accounts payable and accrued liabilities at December 31, 2006 compared with December 25, 2005.

Net cash provided by operating activities during fiscal 2005 was principally the result of $78.7 million in net earnings excluding non-cash items, which was partially offset by an increase of $13.9 million in net working capital accounts. The increase in working capital included a $35.1 million decrease in inventories that was a result of a sell-down of the high inventory levels from December 2004. The cash provided by the reduction in inventory levels was offset by a $32.1 million decrease in accounts payable and a $13.2 million decrease in accrued trade marketing expense.

Net cash used in investing activities was $213.7 million and $28.8 million for fiscal 2006 and 2005, respectively. Net cash used in investing activities during fiscal 2006 includes $189.2 million for consideration

 

83


Table of Contents

paid for the Armour Business and $26.2 million for capital expenditures less $1.7 million received from the sale of the Erie, Pennsylvania production facility. Net cash used in investing activities during fiscal 2005 includes $30.9 million for capital expenditures less $1.6 million received from the settlement of the working capital adjustment from the 2003 Acquisition as well as $0.6 million related to the sale of idle equipment from our Omaha facility.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $63.9 million during fiscal 2006, which principally included proceeds to fund the acquisition of the Armour Business. These proceeds included $143.0 million in proceeds from the senior secured credit facilities and $40.0 million in equity contributions. These proceeds were offset primarily by $110.0 million in repayments of the term loan, $3.8 million in debt acquisition costs and $5.8 million decline in bank overdrafts. Net cash used by financing activities was $37.7 million for fiscal 2005. The usage was driven by $4.1 million of scheduled quarterly payments and $50.0 million in prepayments of our senior term loan credit facility. The payments were offset by an increase in bank overdrafts of $6.4 million and a $10.0 million equity contribution from Crunch Holding Corp. The equity contribution was the result of employee purchases of shares under the 2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan discussed in note 5 to our consolidated financial statements.

The net of all activities resulted in an increase in cash of $11.8 million in fiscal 2006 and a decrease in cash by $1.7 million during fiscal 2005.

Statements of Cash Flows for the Fiscal Year Ended December 25, 2005

The following information regarding cash flows for the fiscal year ended December 26, 2004 is provided for comparison purposes only and is unaudited.

Net cash provided from operating activities was $64.7 million and $16.2 million for fiscal 2005 and 2004, respectively. Net cash provided by operating activities during fiscal 2005 was principally the result of $78.7 million in net earnings excluding non-cash items, which was partially offset by an increase of $13.9 million in net working capital accounts. The increase in working capital included a $35.1 million decrease in inventories that was a result of the sell-down of the high inventory levels from December 2004. The cash provided by the reduction in inventory levels was offset by a $32.1 million decrease in accounts payable and a $13.2 million decrease in accrued trade marketing expense. In fiscal 2004, net cash used in operations was driven by a $28.9 million decrease in working capital, principally increases in accounts payable of $47.9 million and decreases in accounts receivable of $16.7 million. These increases were offset by increases in inventories of $20.0 million and decreases in accrued trade marketing expenses of $25.3 million. Offsetting the cash provided from the decline in working capital was $12.6 million in net loss excluding non-cash items.

Net cash used in investing activities was $28.8 million and $703.2 million for fiscal 2005 and 2004, respectively. Net cash used in investing activities during fiscal 2005 includes $30.9 million for capital expenditures less $1.6 million received from the settlement of the working capital adjustment from the 2003 Acquisition as well as $0.6 million related to the sale of idle equipment from our Omaha facility. Net cash used in investing activities during fiscal 2004 includes activities related to the Aurora Merger, mainly consideration paid of $663.8 million and transaction costs of $19.3 million. Additionally, during fiscal 2004, we paid $17.7 million for capital expenditures as well as $1.9 million to reacquire an exclusive license to distribute Duncan Hines products in Canada.

Net cash used by financing activities was $37.7 million for fiscal 2005. The usage was driven by $4.1 million of scheduled quarterly payments and $50.0 million in prepayments of our senior term loan credit facility. The payments were offset by an increase in bank overdrafts of $6.4 million and a $10.0 million equity contribution from Crunch Holding Corp. The equity contribution was the result of employee purchases of shares under the 2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan discussed in note 5 to our consolidated financial statements. Net cash provided by financing activities during fiscal 2004 was $683.9 million, which was primarily related to the Aurora Merger and included $425.0 million in proceeds from the senior credit facility, $201.0 million in senior

 

84


Table of Contents

subordinated note proceeds and $95.3 million in equity contributions. The proceeds were offset by $19.6 million in debt acquisition costs, $14.0 million in payments on our revolving credit facility and $2.7 million in scheduled quarterly payments of our senior term loan credit facility.

The net of all activities resulted in a decrease in cash by $1.7 million and $3.0 million during fiscal 2005 and 2004, respectively.

Statements of Cash Flows for the Transition Year Ended December 26, 2004

The following information regarding cash flows for the 21-week period ended December 28, 2003 is provided for comparison purposes only and is unaudited.

Net cash used in operating activities was $2.5 million and $11.1 million for the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004 and December 28, 2003, respectively. Net cash used in operating activities during the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004 was principally the result of an increase in working capital, which included a $23.0 million increase in inventories for the seasonal build and a $7.7 million increase in accounts receivable as well as a $19.0 million increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The increase in accrued liabilities primarily relate to higher accrued bond interest and higher accrued trade marketing expenses and coupon costs. In the 21 weeks ended December 28, 2003, net cash used in operations was $11.1 million and was driven by a $21.1 million increase in working capital, principally related to the seasonal increase in inventories and higher accrued trade marketing expenses.

Net cash used in investing activities was $12.4 million and $369.9 million for the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004 and December 28, 2003, respectively. Net cash used in investing activities during the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004 includes $8.1 million for capital expenditures, $1.9 million for the reacquisition of an exclusive license to distribute Duncan Hines product in Canada, and $2.3 million for the payment of costs associated with the Aurora Merger, which were previously accrued as of the date of acquisition. Net cash used in investing activities during the 21 weeks ended December 28, 2003 includes activities related to the 2003 Acquisition, mainly consideration paid of $368.2 million. Additionally, $1.7 million for capital expenditures was included in the 21 weeks ended December 28, 2003.

Net cash used by financing activities was $20.6 million for the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004. The usage was driven by a $16.4 million decline in bank overdrafts, $2.8 million of debt acquisition costs, as well as the scheduled quarterly payments of our senior term loan credit facility of $1.4 million. Net cash provided by financing activities was $314.1 million during the 21 weeks ended December 28, 2003. The 2003 Predecessor senior credit facility term loan of $175.0 million was paid off, and debt acquisition costs were $21.2 million. Cash inflows consisted of equity contribution of $180.3 million, long-term bank borrowing of $120.0 million, borrowing under our bank revolver of $21.5 million, and issuance of senior subordinated notes of $200.0 million. Additionally, we repaid $7.5 million of the revolver borrowings and there was a $4.1 million decline in bank overdrafts.

The net of all activities resulted in a decrease in cash by $35.5 million and $66.9 million during the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004 and December 28, 2003, respectively.

Statements of Cash Flows for the Fiscal Year Ended July 31, 2004

In the 2003 Predecessor’s 16-week period ending November 24, 2003 of fiscal 2004, cash usage as a result of operations was $23.4 million, and in PFG LLC’s 36-week period ending July 31, 2004, cash generated as a result of operations was $31.0 million, for a net cash increase as a result of operations for the 52 week combined period ended July 31, 2004 of $7.6 million. The cash increase from operations is due to net earnings excluding non-cash charges/credits and the impact of the flow through of the write-up of inventories to fair value of $39.5 million and increased working capital of $21.1 million, principally due to increased inventories partially offset by lower receivables and increased accounts payable.

 

85


Table of Contents

Capital expenditures were $11.3 million, primarily for process improvement, cost savings and maintenance capital.

In fiscal 2004, bank overdrafts increased by $11.3 million resulting from the timing of checks clearing the bank.

The other significant activities in our cash flow for fiscal 2004 relate to the 2003 Acquisition and Aurora Merger. The 2003 Acquisition consideration paid was $361.1 million, the 2003 Acquisition costs were $7.2 million, the 2003 Predecessor senior credit facility term loan of $175.0 million was paid off, and debt acquisition costs were $21.2 million. Cash inflows consisted of equity contribution of $179.8 million, long-term bank borrowing of $120.0 million, borrowing under our bank revolver of $21.5 million, and issuance of senior subordinated notes of $200.0 million. Since the 2003 Acquisition, we have repaid $21.5 million of the revolver borrowings. The Aurora Merger consideration paid was $888.9 million (including $225.1 million relating to the exchange of Aurora senior subordinated notes for equity interest in Crunch Equity Holding, LLC), transaction costs paid were $17.0 million, and debt acquisition costs were $16.6 million. Cash inflows consisted of the equity contribution to PFIG of $320.4 million (including $225.1 million relating to the exchange of Aurora senior subordinated notes for equity interest in Crunch Equity Holding, LLC), term loan borrowings under the senior secured credit facilities of $425.0 million and gross proceeds from the February 2004 issuance of additional 8.25% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013.

In addition, cash flows from financing activities reflected the regularly scheduled quarterly repayment of the term loan of $1.4 million.

The net of all activities resulted in a decrease in cash by $34.3 million in fiscal 2004.

Debt

New Senior Secured Credit Facilities

Our new senior secured credit facilities entered into in connection with the Transactions provide senior secured financing of $1,375.0 million, consisting of: (i) a $1,250.0 million term loan facility; and (ii) a $125.0 million revolving credit facility. The new senior secured credit facilities also provide us with the option to raise incremental credit facilities subject to certain limitations.

The revolving credit facility includes borrowing capacity available for (i) letters of credit and (ii) for short-term borrowings referred to as the swingline borrowings.

Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC, which is referred to in this section as the Borrower, is the borrower under the new senior secured credit facilities.

All obligations under the new senior secured credit facilities are unconditionally guaranteed by Peak Finance Holdings LLC and, subject to certain exceptions, each of our existing and future domestic wholly-owned subsidiaries.

Borrowings under the term loan facility and the revolving credit facility bear interest, at our option, at a rate equal to a margin over either (a) a base rate or (b) a LIBOR rate. The margin is initially 1.75%, in the case of base rate loans, and 2.75%, in the case of LIBOR rate loans.

The applicable margin for borrowings under both the term loan facility and the revolving credit facility may be reduced subject to our attaining certain leverage ratios.

In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal under the new senior secured credit facilities, we are required to pay a commitment fee to the lenders under the revolving credit facility in respect of the unutilized

 

86


Table of Contents

commitments thereunder. The initial commitment fee rate is 0.50% per annum. The commitment fee rate may be reduced subject to our attaining certain leverage ratios. We are also required to pay customary letter of credit fees.

The new senior secured credit facilities are subject to amortization and prepayment requirements and contain the covenants, events of default and other provisions described under “Description of Other Indebtedness.”

Covenant Compliance

The following is a discussion of the financial covenants contained in our debt agreements.

Senior Secured Credit Facilities

Our new senior secured credit facilities contain a number of covenants that, among other things, restrict, subject to certain exceptions, the ability of the Borrower and its restricted subsidiaries to:

 

   

incur additional indebtedness and make guarantees;

 

   

create liens on assets;

 

   

engage in mergers or consolidations;

 

   

sell assets;

 

   

pay dividends and distributions or repurchase our capital stock;

 

   

make investments, loans and advances, including acquisitions;

 

   

repay the Senior Subordinated Notes or enter into certain amendments thereof; and

 

   

engage in certain transactions with affiliates.

The new senior secured credit facilities also contain certain customary affirmative covenants and events of default.

Senior Notes and Senior Subordinated Notes

Additionally, on April 2, 2007, we issued the Senior Notes and the Senior Subordinated Notes. The Senior Notes are general unsecured obligations of the Issuers, effectively subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future secured indebtedness of the Issuers, and guaranteed on a full, unconditional, joint and several basis by our wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries. The Senior Subordinated Notes are general unsecured obligations of the Issuers, subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future senior indebtedness of the Company, and guaranteed on a full, unconditional, joint and several basis by our wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries.

The indentures governing the Senior Notes and Senior Subordinated Notes limit our (and most or all of our subsidiaries') ability to, subject to certain exceptions:

 

   

incur additional debt or issue certain preferred shares;

 

   

pay dividends on or make other distributions in respect of our capital stock or make other restricted payments;

 

   

make certain investments;

 

   

sell certain assets;

 

   

create liens on certain assets to secure debt;

 

87


Table of Contents
   

consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets;

 

   

enter into certain transactions with our affiliates; and

 

   

designate our subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries.

Subject to certain exceptions, the indentures governing the notes permit us and our restricted subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness, including secured indebtedness.

Pursuant to the terms of the new senior secured credit facilities, if at any time, there are borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility in an aggregate amount greater than $10.0 million, we are required to maintain a ratio of consolidated total senior secured debt to Consolidated EBITDA for the most recently concluded four consecutive fiscal quarters (the “Senior Secured Leverage Ratio”) starting at a maximum of 7.00:1 at September 30, 2007 and stepping down over time to 4.00:1 on March 31, 2011. Consolidated total senior secured debt is defined under the new senior secured credit facilities as aggregate consolidated secured indebtedness of the Company less the aggregate amount of all unrestricted cash and cash equivalents. In addition, under the new senior secured credit facilities and the indentures governing the Senior Notes and Senior Subordinated Notes, our ability to engage in activities such as incurring additional indebtedness, making investments and paying dividends is tied to the Senior Secured Leverage Ratio, in the case of the new senior secured credit facilities, or to the ratio of Consolidated EBITDA, as defined, to fixed charges for the most recently concluded four consecutive fiscal quarters or the Senior Secured Leverage Ratio, in the case of the Senior Notes and the Senior Subordinated Notes.

Consolidated EBITDA is defined as earnings (loss) before interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) further adjusted to exclude non-cash items, non-recurring items and other adjustment items permitted in calculating covenant compliance under the new senior secured credit facilities and the indentures governing the Senior Notes and Senior Subordinated Notes. We believe that the inclusion of supplementary adjustments to EBITDA applied in presenting Consolidated EBITDA is appropriate to provide additional information to investors to demonstrate compliance with our financial covenants.

Consolidated EBITDA does not represent net loss or earnings or cash flow from operations as those terms are defined by Generally Accepted Accounting Principals (“GAAP”) and does not necessarily indicate whether cash flows will be sufficient to fund cash needs. In particular, the definitions of Consolidated EBITDA in the new senior secured credit facilities and the indentures allow us to add back certain non-cash, extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring charges that are deducted in calculating net loss or earnings. However, these are expenses that may recur, vary greatly and are difficult to predict. While Consolidated EBITDA and similar measures are frequently used as measures of operations and the ability to meet debt service requirements, Consolidated EBITDA is not necessarily comparable to other similarly titled captions of other companies due to the potential inconsistencies in the method of calculation.

Our ability to meet the covenants specified above in future periods will depend on events beyond our control, and we cannot assure you that we will meet those ratios. A breach of any of these covenants in the future could result in a default under, or an inability to undertake certain activities in compliance with, the new senior secured credit facilities and the indentures governing the Senior Notes and Senior Subordinated Notes, at which time the lenders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding under the new senior secured credit facilities to be immediately due and payable. Any such acceleration would also result in a default under the indentures governing the Senior Notes and Senior Subordinated Notes.

 

88


Table of Contents

The following table provides a reconciliation from our net (loss) earnings to EBITDA and Consolidated EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the nine months ended September 24, 2006 and fiscal year ended December 31, 2006. The terms and related calculations are defined in the new senior secured credit facilities and the indentures governing the Senior Notes and Senior Subordinated Notes.

 

    Predecessor     Successor     Combined     Predecessor   Predecessor
   

January 1, 2007
Through

April 2,

2007

    April 2, 2007
Through
September 30,
2007
    Nine Months
Ended
September 30,
2007
    Nine Months
Ended
September 24,
2006
  Fiscal Year
Ended
December 31,
2006
    (in thousands)

Net (loss) earnings

  $ (66,649 )   $ (69,846 )   $ (136,495 )   $ 3,610   $ 33,924

Interest expense, net

    38,593       83,740       122,333       65,833     85,368

Income tax expense

    6,284       16,751       23,035       20,136     26,098

Depreciation and amortization

    10,163       29,930       40,093       31,647     42,187
                                   

EBITDA (unaudited)

  $ (11,609 )   $ 60,575       48,966       121,226     187,577
                     

Non-cash items(a)

        52,618       10,535     13,523

Non-recurring items(b)

        52,061       3,937     4,040

Other adjustment items(c)

        2,447       4,706     4,706

Net cost savings projected to be realized as a result of initiatives taken(d)

        8,987       17,723     23,775
                   

Consolidated EBITDA (unaudited)

      $ 165,079     $ 158,127   $ 233,621
                   

Last twelve months Consolidated EBITDA (unaudited)

      $ 240,573      
           
(a) Non-cash items are comprised of the following:

 

    Combined   Predecessor   Predecessor  
    Nine Months
Ended
September 30,
2007
  Nine Months
Ended
September 24,
2006
  Fiscal Year
Ended
December 31,
2006
 
    (in thousands)  

Effects of adjustments related to the application of purchase accounting(1)

  $ 40,203   $ 4,760   $ 4,760  

Non-cash compensation charges(2)

    9,181     2,635     3,315  

Unrealized losses or (gains) resulting from hedging activities(3)

    3,234     280     (112 )

Impairment charges or asset write-offs(4)

    —       2,780     5,480  

Other non-cash charges

    —       80     80  
                   

Total non-cash items

  $ 52,618   $ 10,535   $ 13,523  
                   
 
  (1) For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, represents $40.2 million of expense related to the write-up to fair market value of inventories acquired as a result of the Transactions. For the nine months ended September 24, 2006 and fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, represents $4.8 million related to the write-up to fair market value of inventories acquired in the Armour acquisition.

 

  (2) For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the nine months ended September 24, 2006 and fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, represents non-cash compensation charges related to the granting of equity awards.

 

  (3) For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the nine months ended September 24, 2006 and fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, represents non-cash gains and losses resulting from mark-to-market adjustments of obligations under natural gas and foreign exchange swap contacts.

 

  (4)

For the nine months ended September 24, 2006, represents $2.8 million for non-cash asset impairment charges related to the Erie, Pennsylvania and Omaha, Nebraska production facilities, which were

 

89


Table of Contents
 

subsequently sold. In addition to the asset impairment charges recorded during the nine months ended September 24, 2006, fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 includes a $2.7 million non-cash asset impairment charge related to a write-down of the Aunt Jemima tradename.

 

(b) Non-recurring items are comprised of the following:

 

    Combined   Predecessor   Predecessor
    Nine Months
Ended
September 30,
2007
  Nine Months
Ended
September 24,
2006
  Fiscal Year
Ended
December 31,
2006
    (in thousands)

Expenses in connection with an acquisition or other non-recurring merger costs(1)

  $ 49,430   $ 2,709   $ 2,731

Restructuring charges, integration costs and other business optimization expenses(2)

    2,631     1,228     1,309
                 

Total non-recurring items

  $ 52,061   $ 3,937   $ 4,040
                 
 
  (1) For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, represents $49.4 million of expenses incurred in connection with the Transactions and represents: $35.5 million related to the cash tender offer for the Predecessor’s 8.25% notes; $12.9 million related to the termination of certain Predecessor contracts with our former Chairman and affiliates of our former Chairman; and $1.0 million of other costs. For the nine months ended September 24, 2006 and fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, the amount relates principally to costs in connection with the Armour acquisition and represents the sum of: $1.3 million of unabsorbed manufacturing overhead related to reductions of Armour finished product inventories following the acquisition; $0.7 million of costs incurred under a transition services agreement in excess of management’s estimate of the internal costs to provide such services; $0.4 million of expenses of the Crunch Equity Voting Trust payable by us principally as a result of the Armour acquisition; and $0.3 million in excess costs from shipping inventory between the seller’s warehouses and our warehouses as a result of the acquisition.

 

  (2) For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, represents $2.6 million of expenses incurred to consolidate certain portions of our distribution network. For the nine months ended September 24, 2006 and fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, the charges represent costs incurred relating to the closure of our Omaha, Nebraska and Erie, Pennsylvania production facilities and the relocation of production to our Fayetteville, Arkansas and Jackson, Tennessee production facilities.

 

(c) Other adjustment items are comprised of the following:

 

    Combined   Predecessor   Predecessor
    Nine Months
Ended
September 30,
2007
  Nine Months
Ended
September 24,
2006
  Fiscal Year
Ended
December 31,
2006
    (in thousands)

Management, monitoring, consulting and advisory fees(1)

  $ 1,667   $ —     $ —  

Accruals established as a result of the Transactions(2)

    780     —       —  

Armour EBITDA prior to the March 1, 2006 acquisition

    —       4,338     4,338

Other

    —       368     368
                 

Total other adjustments

  $ 2,447   $ 4,706   $ 4,706
                 
 
  (1) For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, represents management/advisory fees paid to Blackstone.

 

  (2) For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, represents executive severance costs incurred in connection with the Transactions.

 

90


Table of Contents
(d) Net cost savings projected to be realized as a result of initiatives taken:

 

    Combined   Predecessor   Predecessor
    Nine Months
Ended
September 30,
2007
  Nine Months
Ended
September 24,
2006
  Fiscal Year
Ended
December 31,
2006
    (in thousands)

Productivity initiatives in our manufacturing facilities, freight and distribution systems and purchasing programs(1)

  $ 6,801   $ 12,769   $ 16,900

Termination of contracts with our former Chairman and affiliates of our former Chairman(2)

    2,186     4,954     6,875
                 

Total net cost savings projected to be realized as a result of initiatives taken

  $ 8,987   $ 17,723   $ 23,775
                 
 
  (1) For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the nine months ended September 24, 2006 and fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, represents net cost savings projected to be realized as a result of specified actions taken or initiated, net of the amount of actual benefits realized. Such savings primarily relate to productivity initiatives in our manufacturing facilities, our freight and distribution systems, and our purchasing programs.

 

  (2) For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the nine months ended September 24, 2006 and fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, represents the reduction in expenses as a result of the termination of our former Chairman’s employment agreement as well as contracts with affiliates of our former Chairman, net of the expense of our new Chairman.

Our covenant requirements and actual ratios for the twelve months ended September 30, 2007 are as follows:

 

     Covenant
Requirement
   Actual Ratio

Senior Secured Credit Facilities

     

Senior Secured Leverage Ratio(1)

   *    5.19:1

Total Leverage Ratio(2)

   Not applicable    7.58:1

Senior Notes and Senior Subordinated Notes(3)

     

Minimum Consolidated EBITDA to fixed charges ratio required to incur additional debt pursuant to ratio provisions(4)

   2.00:1    1.57:1

  * Under the terms of the new senior secured credit facilities, during the quarter ended September 30, 2007, we were not subject to the financial covenant requirements as our borrowings under the revolving credit facility during such quarter did not exceed $10.0 million.

 

(1) Pursuant to the terms of the new senior secured credit facilities, if at any time, there are borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility in an aggregate amount greater than $10.0 million, we are required to maintain a consolidated total senior secured debt to Consolidated EBITDA ratio for the most recently concluded four consecutive fiscal quarters (the “Senior Secured Leverage Ratio”) starting at a maximum of 7.00:1 at September 30, 2007 and stepping down over time to 4.00:1 on March 31, 2011. Consolidated total senior secured debt is defined as the aggregate consolidated secured indebtedness of the Company less the aggregate amount of all unrestricted cash and cash equivalents.

 

(2) The Total Leverage Ratio is used to determine the applicable rate under the new senior secured credit facilities. The Total Leverage Ratio is calculated by dividing consolidated total debt less the aggregate amount of all unrestricted cash and cash equivalents to Consolidated EBITDA.

 

(3)

Our ability to incur additional debt and make certain restricted payments under the indentures governing the Senior Notes and Senior Subordinated Notes, subject to specified exceptions, is tied to a Consolidated EBITDA to fixed charges ratio of at least 2.0:1, except that we may incur certain debt and make certain

 

91


Table of Contents
 

restricted payments and certain permitted investments without regard to the ratio, such as our ability to (i) incur up to $1,600.0 million under credit facilities (as of September 30, 2007, we had $1,246.9 million in outstanding term loans and an unused balance of $110.5 million under the revolving credit facility), (ii) incur up to $150.0 million under the general exception to the debt covenant, (iii) make investments in similar businesses having an aggregate fair market value not to exceed 3.0% of our total assets, (iv) make additional investments having an aggregate fair market value not to exceed 4.0% of our total assets and (v) make other restricted payments in an aggregate amount not to exceed 2.0% of our total assets.

 

(4) Fixed charges is defined in the indentures governing the Senior Notes and Senior Subordinated Notes as (i) consolidated interest expense (excluding specified items) plus consolidated capitalized interest less consolidated interest income plus (ii) cash dividends and distributions paid on preferred stock or disqualified stock.

Inflation

Prior to 2005, inflation had not had a significant effect on us as we have been successful in mitigating the effects of inflation with cost reduction and productivity programs. Beginning 2005 and continuing into 2007, we experienced higher energy and commodity costs in production and higher fuel surcharges for product delivery. Although we have no such expectation, severe increases in inflation could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Contractual Commitments

The table below provides information on our contractual commitments as of September 30, 2007:

 

     Total   

Less Than

1 Year

   1-3 Years    3-5 Years   

After

5 Years

     (in thousands)

Long-term debt(1)

   $ 1,821,875    $ 12,500    $ 25,000    $ 25,000    $ 1,759,375

Projected interest payments on long term debt(2)

     1,117,650      157,863      312,670      308,595      338,522

Operating lease obligations

     20,108      5,307      9,836      4,342      623

Capital lease obligations

     225      133      67      25      —  

Purchase obligations(3)

     306,493      244,175      58,918      3,400      —  

Postretirement medical benefits

     10,790      77      149      196      10,368

Pension benefits

     5,969      650      2,000      2,000      1,319

Other long-term obligations(4)

     837      837      —        —        —  
                                  
   $ 3,283,947    $ 421,542    $ 408,640    $ 343,558    $ 2,110,207
                                  

(1) Long-term debt at face value includes scheduled principal repayments and excludes interest payments.

 

(2) The total projected interest payments on long-term debt are based upon borrowings and interest rates as of September 30, 2007. The interest rate on variable rate debt is subject to changes beyond our control and may result in actual interest expense and payments differing from the amounts above.

 

(3) The amounts indicated in this line primarily reflect future contractual payments, including certain take-or-pay arrangements entered into as part of the normal course of business. The amounts do not include obligations related to other contractual purchase obligations that are not take-or-pay arrangements. Such contractual purchase obligations are primarily purchase orders at fair value that are part of normal operations and are reflected in historical operating cash flow trends. Purchase obligations also include trade and consumer promotion and advertising commitments. We do not believe such purchase obligations will adversely affect our liquidity position.

 

(4) Other long-term obligations relate to the Omaha restructuring plan and severance costs related to the Aurora transaction and the acquisition of the Armour Business.

 

92


Table of Contents

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of September 30, 2007, we did not have any off-balance sheet obligations.

Quantitative And Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We may utilize derivative financial instruments to enhance our ability to manage risks, including interest rate, commodities and foreign currency, which exist as part of ongoing business operations. We do not enter into contracts for speculative purposes, nor are we a party to any leveraged derivative instrument. We monitor the use of derivative financial instruments through regular communication with senior management and the utilization of written guidelines.

We rely primarily on bank borrowings to meet our funding requirements. We utilize interest rate swap agreements or other derivative instruments to reduce the potential exposure to interest rate movements and to achieve a desired proportion of variable versus fixed rate debt. We will recognize the amounts that we pay or receive on hedges related to debt as an adjustment to interest expense.

Prior to the consummation of the Transactions, we entered into interest rate swap agreements with counterparties, including JP Morgan Chase Bank, to effectively change a portion of the floating rate payments on our senior secured credit facilities into fixed rate payments. One swap agreement terminated on January 2, 2007. The other swap agreement terminates on November 25, 2009 and has a notional amount of $450.0 million. Interest payments determined under the swap agreement are based on the notional amounts. Floating interest rate payments to be received under the swap are based on U.S. Dollar LIBOR, which is substantially the same basis for determining the floating rate payments on the senior secured credit facilities. After the consummation of the Transactions, we entered into a new interest rate swap agreement and an interest rate collar agreement. The interest rate swap agreement terminates on April 2, 2012 and has a notational amount of $976,250. The interest rate collar agreement was terminated as part of the Transactions at a cost of $2.5 million. As of September 30, 2007, the fair value of the interest rate swap contract was a loss of $7,250, which is recorded in the Other long-term liabilities account on our consolidated balance sheet. For the six months ending September 30, 2007, a loss of $7,250 was recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ($7,250, net of income taxes).

We also entered into various natural gas swap transactions with JP Morgan Chase Bank to lower our exposure to the price of natural gas. As of September 30, 2007, the trades in effect mature in December 2007 and have various notional quantities of MMBTU’s (million BTU’s) per month. We will pay a fixed price ranging from $7.11 to $8.42 per MMBTU, with monthly settlements.

We entered into various foreign currency exchange transactions with JP Morgan Chase Bank to lower our exposure to the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Canadian dollar. Each agreement was based upon a notional amount in Canadian dollars, which is expected to approximate a portion of the amount of our Canadian subsidiary’s U.S. dollar denominated purchases for the month.

The above swaps were not designated as hedges pursuant to SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.”

We utilize irrevocable standby letters of credit with one-year renewable terms to satisfy workers’ compensation self-insurance security deposit requirements. The contract value of the outstanding standby letter of credit as of September 30, 2007 was $9.5 million, which approximates fair value. As of September 30, 2007, we also utilized letters of credit in connection with the purchase of raw materials in the amount of $2.5 million, which approximates fair value.

We are exposed to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the other parties to derivative financial instruments. All counterparties are at least “A” rated by Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s. Accordingly, we do not anticipate non-performance by the counterparties. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts

 

93


Table of Contents

receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value. The estimated fair value of the senior secured credit facilities bank debt and the 8  1 / 4 % senior subordinated notes that are classified as long term debt on our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2006, was approximately its carrying value.

Raw Materials, Ingredients, Packaging and Production Costs

We purchase agricultural products, meat, poultry, other raw materials and packaging supplies from growers, commodity processors, other food companies and packaging manufacturers using a combination of purchase orders and various short-term and long-term supply arrangements.

We have entered into various natural gas swap transactions with JP Morgan Chase Bank to lower our exposure to the price of natural gas. As of September 30, 2007, the trades in effect mature in December 2007 and have various notional quantities of MMBTU’s per month. We pay a fixed price ranging from $7.11 to $8.42 per MMBTU, with monthly settlements. These swaps were not designed as hedges pursuant to SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.”

While all of our materials are available from numerous independent suppliers, raw materials are subject to fluctuations in price attributable to a number of factors, including changes in crop size, federal and state agricultural programs, export demand, weather conditions during the growing and harvesting seasons, insects, plant diseases and fungi. Although we enter into advance commodities purchase agreements from time to time, increases in raw material costs could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. We do not engage in speculative transactions nor hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes.

Accounting Policies and Pronouncements

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles requires the use of judgment, estimates and assumptions. We make such subjective determinations after careful consideration of our historical performance, management’s experience, current economic trends and events and information from outside sources. Inherent in this process is the possibility that actual results could differ from these estimates and assumptions for any particular period.

Our significant accounting policies are detailed in note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006. The following areas are the most important and require the most difficult, subjective judgments.

Revenue recognition. Revenue consists of sales of our frozen food and dry food products. We recognize revenue from product sales upon shipment to our customers, at which point title and risk of loss are transferred and the selling price is fixed or determinable. Shipment completes the revenue-earning process, as an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the price is fixed and collectibility is reasonably assured. We estimate discounts and product return allowances and record them as a reduction of sales in the same period that the revenue is recognized.

Trade and consumer promotional expenses. We offer various sales incentive programs to retailers and consumers. We record consumer incentive and trade promotion costs as a reduction of revenues in the year in which we offer these programs. The recognition of expense for these programs involves the exercise of judgment related to performance and redemption estimates that we base on historical experience and other factors. Actual expenses may differ if the level of redemption rates and performance vary from estimates. We also record slotting fees, which refers to payments to retailers to obtain shelf placement for new and existing product introductions. We reduce revenues for the amount of slotting estimated to each customer in full at the time of the first shipment of the new product to that customer.

 

94


Table of Contents

Inventories. We state inventories at the lower of average cost or market. In determining market value, we provide allowances to adjust the carrying value of our inventories to the lower of cost or net realizable value, including any costs to sell or dispose. Appropriate consideration is given to obsolescence, excessive inventory levels, product deterioration and other factors in evaluating net realizable value. These adjustments are estimates, which could vary significantly from actual requirements if future economic conditions, customer inventory levels or competitive conditions differ from expectations.

Goodwill and indefinite-lived tradenames. We follow SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” in evaluating the carrying value of goodwill and tradenames, which are indefinite lived intangible assets. At September 30, 2007, the carrying value of goodwill, based upon the preliminary purchase price allocation in connection with the Transactions, was $877.6 million. Goodwill was assigned to our frozen foods segment in the amount of $337.3 million and to our dry foods segment in the amount of $540.3 million. At September 30, 2007, the carrying value of the tradenames, based upon the preliminary purchase price allocation, was $1,084.5 million. The tradenames were assigned to our frozen foods segment in the amount of $283.5 million and to our dry foods segment in the amount of $801.0 million. The goodwill and tradenames arose in connection with the Transactions. The tradenames represent the fair value of the brands used in our retail products. The goodwill, which is allocated to reporting units (one level below our reportable segments), represents the excess of the aggregate purchase price over the fair value of the identifiable net assets. We performed valuations of the reporting units acquired in the transactions and allocated goodwill based upon the respective contribution to the excess purchase price.

We evaluate, on at least an annual basis in December, the carrying amount of goodwill and indefinite-lived tradenames to determine whether current events and circumstances indicate that such carrying amount may no longer be recoverable. We measure recoverability of the carrying value of these assets by comparison with discounted cash flows attributable to the tradename or the reporting unit to which the goodwill relates. In determining the amount of the impairment charges, if any, we compare the estimated fair value of a tradename or reporting unit to its estimated book value. In estimating the fair value, we primarily use the income approach, which utilizes forecasted discounted cash flows to estimate the fair value. If the carrying value of a tradename exceeds its fair value at the time of the evaluation, we would charge the shortfall to earnings. In measuring the amount of the goodwill impairment, we made a hypothetical allocation of the estimated fair value of the reporting units to the tangible and intangible assets (other than goodwill) within the respective reporting units using the same rules for determining fair value and allocation under SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations” as we would use if it were an original purchase price allocation. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value at the time of the evaluation, we would compare the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill to its carrying amount and any shortfall would be charged to earnings. Assumptions underlying fair value estimates are subject to risks and uncertainties. In our recent impairment tests, we forecasted cash flows for five years plus a terminal year and assumed a discount rate of 11%. Such cash flows for each of the five years and terminal year assume growth rates that average between 0.6% and 6.5%, which are determined based upon our expectations for each of the individual reporting units.

Pensions and retiree medical benefits. We provide pension and post-retirement benefits to certain employees and retirees. Determining the costs associated with such benefits depends on various actuarial assumptions, including discount rates, expected return on plan assets, compensation increases, turnover rates and health care trend rates. Independent actuaries, in accordance with GAAP, perform the required calculations to determine expense. We generally accumulate actual results that differ from the actuarial assumptions and amortize such results over future periods.

Insurance reserves. We are self-insured and retain liabilities under our worker’s compensation insurance policy. An independent, third-party actuary estimates the outstanding retained-insurance liabilities by projecting incurred losses to their ultimate liability and subtracting amounts paid-to-date to obtain the remaining liabilities. We base actuarial estimates of ultimate liability on actual incurred losses, estimates of incurred but not yet

 

95


Table of Contents

reported losses—based on historical information from both us and the industry—and the projected costs to resolve these losses. Retained-insurance liabilities may differ based on new events or circumstances that might materially impact the ultimate cost to settle these losses.

Income taxes. We record income taxes based on the amounts that are refundable or payable in the current year, and we include results of any difference between generally accepted accounting principles and U.S. tax reporting that we record as deferred tax assets or liabilities. We review our deferred tax assets for recovery. A valuation allowance is established when the Company believes that it is more likely than not that some portion of its deferred tax assets will not be realized. Changes in valuation allowances from period to period are included in our tax provision in the period of change. Assessment of the appropriate amount and classification of income taxes is dependent on several factors, including estimates of the timing and realization of deferred income tax assets and the timing of income tax payments. Actual collections and payments may differ from these estimates as a result of changes in tax laws as well as unanticipated future transactions impacting related income tax balances.

Stock-based compensation. We adopted SFAS No. 123(R) using the modified prospective transition method, which requires the application of the accounting standard as of December 26, 2005, the first day of our fiscal year 2006. Our consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2006 reflect the impact of SFAS No. 123(R). In accordance with the modified prospective transition method, our consolidated financial statements for prior periods have not been restated to reflect, and do not include the impact of SFAS No. 123(R). Stock-based compensation expense related to employee stock options for fiscal 2006 as a result of adopting SFAS No. 123(R) was $1.9 million, or $1.9 million net of tax. In addition, we recorded $1.4 million (with no related tax impact) for stock-based compensation expense in fiscal 2006 for certain ownership units of Crunch Equity Holding, LLC that were issued to CDM Investor Group LLC, which is controlled by certain members of PFG LLC’s management (see discussion below). There was no stock-based compensation expense recognized during fiscal 2005.

SFAS No. 123(R) requires companies to estimate the fair value of stock-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense using the straight-line method over the requisite service periods in our consolidated statement of operations. Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), we accounted for stock-based awards to employees and directors using the intrinsic value method in accordance with APB No. 25 as allowed under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (“SFAS No. 123”). Under the intrinsic value method, no stock-based compensation expense had been recognized in our consolidated statement of operations, other than as related to certain ownership units of Crunch Equity Holding, LLC that were issued to CDM Investor Group LLC.

We continue to use the lattice-binomial option-pricing model (“lattice-binomial model”) as our method of valuation for stock-based awards, which was previously used for our pro forma information required under SFAS No. 123. Since our stock is not publicly traded, the determination of fair value of stock-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is based upon estimates of enterprise value as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. The estimated enterprise value is based upon forecasted cash flows for five years plus a terminal year and an assumed discount rate. The other variables used to determine fair value of stock-based payment awards include, but are not limited to the expected stock price volatility of a group of industry comparable companies over the term of the awards, and actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors. Option-pricing models were developed for use in estimating the value of traded options that have no vesting or hedging restrictions and are fully transferable. Because our employee stock options have certain characteristics that are significantly different from traded options, and because changes in the subjective assumptions can materially affect the estimated value, in management’s opinion, the existing valuation models may not provide an accurate measure of the fair value of our employee stock options. Although the fair value of employee stock options is determined in accordance with SFAS

 

96


Table of Contents

No. 123(R) and Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 (“SAB No. 107”) using an option-pricing model, that value may not be indicative of the fair value observed in a willing buyer/willing seller market transaction.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes: An Interpretation of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”). This interpretation clarifies SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes , to indicate a criterion that an individual tax position would have to meet for some or all of the benefit of that position to be recognized in an entity’s financial statements. We adopted FIN 48 on January 1, 2007. As a result of adoption, we recognized a charge of $0.3 million to the January 1, 2007 retained earnings balance and $1.1 million increase to goodwill related to the Transactions. As of January 1, 2007, after the implementation of FIN 48, our liability for unrecognized tax benefits was $2.3 million, excluding liabilities for interest and penalties. The amount, if recognized, that would impact the Predecessor’s effective tax rate was $0.3 million. Our liability for unrecognized tax benefits as of September 30, 2007 is $1.4 million, reflecting a reduction of $0.9 million resulting from the expiration of certain statutes of limitation. The amount, if recognized, that would impact the effective tax rate as of September 30, 2007 was zero. The entire amount of the liability for unrecognized tax benefits is classified as a long-term liability. See note 16 to our consolidated financial statements at September 30, 2007 and for the applicable periods ended September 24, 2006 and September 30, 2007 for additional information.

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statements of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “ Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”). This Standard defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. We are assessing what impact, if any, adoption of this statement would have on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

The FASB also issued in September 2006 Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158, “ Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans—an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R)”, (“SFAS No. 158”) . This Standard requires recognition of the funded status of a benefit plan in the statement of financial position. The Standard also requires recognition in accumulated other comprehensive income certain gains and losses that arise during the period but are deferred under pension accounting rules, as well as modifies the timing of reporting and adds certain disclosures. SFAS No. 158 provides recognition and disclosure elements to be effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2007 and measurement elements to be effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008. Effective upon the consummation of the Transactions, we adopted the recognition and disclosure elements of SFAS No. 158.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Liabilities” (“SFAS No. 159”). SFAS No. 159 provides companies with an option to report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value, and establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between companies that choose different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We are assessing what impact, if any, adoption of this statement would have on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

 

97


Table of Contents

INDUSTRY

The U.S. food manufacturing industry has historically been characterized by relatively stable sales growth based on modest price and population increases. In recent years, food manufacturers have capitalized on an increasing desire by households, particularly dual-income, single-family and active-lifestyle consumers, for convenience and variety by introducing innovative, high-quality food products and complete meal solutions. Food manufacturers have also taken advantage of the growing trends toward away-from-home eating by increasing their sales to the foodservice channel, which supplies restaurants, schools, hospitals and other institutions. We believe these trends will continue to represent growth opportunities for food manufacturers.

In recent years, our industry has been characterized by consolidation in the retail grocery and food service industries, with mass merchandisers gaining market share.

Dry Foods

Baking mixes and frostings. The baking mixes and frostings category, which has historically exhibited stable consumption, had approximately $1.2 billion in retail sales during the 52-week period ended September 2007, a decrease of 2.9% from 2006. The baking mixes and frostings category primarily consists of the following five key product segments, with the corresponding retail sales volume percentages: cake mix (24.0%), ready-to-serve frostings (19.1%), brownie mix (18.0%), muffin mix (16.2%) and cookie mix (5.2%). Our Duncan Hines brand competes in all five of these segments. The remaining 17.5% of the retail sales volume is in smaller product segments such as dessert mixes, quick breads and specialty mixes.

Pickles, peppers and relish. The shelf-stable pickles, peppers and relish category had approximately $901 million of retail sales during the 52-week period ended September 2007, an increase of 0.1% from the prior year period. Shelf-stable pickles is the largest segment of the category, with $486 million in retail sales, followed by peppers ($301 million) and relish ($113 million). Our Vlasic brand competes in all three of these segments. Of retail shelf-stable pickle segment sales, approximately 71.2% represented sales of branded pickles, and the remaining 28.8% represented sales of private label pickles.

Syrup. The syrup category had $439 million in retail sales during the 52-week period ended September 2007, representing a 1% increase compared to the prior year period. The syrup category consists of four major brands—Aunt Jemima, Mrs. Butterworth’s (our brand), Log Cabin (our brand) and Eggo—as well as numerous private label and regional brands. Market share is driven largely by pricing, as the syrup consumer is generally price sensitive. Of retail syrup category sales, approximately 81.9% represents sales of branded syrup, and the remaining 18.1% represents sales of private label syrup.

Canned Meat. The canned meat category consists of canned chili, chunk meat, Vienna sausages, luncheon meat, and sloppy joes and stew, comprising 30.6%, 14.2%, 8.2%, 8.2%, 8.2% and 6.2% of the category, respectively during the 52-week period ended September 2007. The remaining 24.4% of retail sales volume is in smaller segments such as hash, hot dog sauce, potted meat, sliced dried beef, meat spreads, chicken & dumplings, corned and roast beef, sausage meats and other canned meat. This category had $1.1 billion in retail sales, a decline of 3.2% over the prior year period. Through our Armour brand, we compete in twelve of the fifteen segments within the canned meat category.

Frozen Foods

Frozen dinners and entrees. The frozen dinners and entrees category had $3.8 billion in retail sales during the 52-week period ended September 2007, an increase of 2.3% over the prior year period. Through our Hungry-Man and Swanson Dinners brands, we compete in the $2.1 billion single-serve, full-calorie dinners and entrees segment of this category, which decreased 0.1% as compared to the prior year period.

 

98


Table of Contents

Frozen prepared seafood. The frozen prepared seafood category consists of “fin products,” such as pollock and salmon, and “non-fin products,” primarily shrimp. This category had approximately $602 million in retail sales during the 52-week period ended September 2007. The frozen prepared seafood category increased by 1.9% over the prior year period. Our Mrs. Paul’s and Van de Kamp’s brands compete in this category.

Frozen breakfast. The frozen breakfast category consists of the frozen waffles, pancakes, French toast, breakfast entrees, savory breakfast handhelds and sweet breakfast handhelds segments. This category had $1.3 billion in retail sales during the 52-week period ended September 2007, an increase of 3.8% over the prior year period, driven primarily by an increased focus on new product innovation and new entrants to the category. Through our Aunt Jemima brand, we compete in all five segments.

Bagels. The scannable bagel category consists of the frozen bagels, refrigerated bagels and fresh bagels segments, comprising 8.0%, 9.0% and 83.0% of the category, respectively, during the 52-week period ended September 2007. The scannable bagel category had retail sales of $588 million, a decrease of 0.4% over the prior year period. Our Lender’s brand competes in all three segments. Frozen bagel market sales have declined 10.4%, while the refrigerated and fresh bagel market sales have increased 1.0% and 0.6%, respectively. The decline in frozen bagel sales is driven by consumers replacing frozen bagel purchases with purchases of fresh bagels and other, more innovative frozen breakfast products. As a result, retailers have reduced shelf space and distribution for frozen bagels, further contributing to the decline in the frozen bagel segment.

Pizza. The frozen pizza category had $2.7 billion in retail sales during the 52-week period ended September 2007, an increase of 5.0% from the prior year period. Through our Celeste brand, we compete in the $332 million full calorie pizza-for-one segment.

 

99


Table of Contents

BUSINESS

We are a leading manufacturer, marketer and distributor of high-quality, branded food products (both dry and frozen foods). Our major brands are among the leading brands in their respective retail categories and enjoy high consumer awareness. The vast majority of our brands has been in existence for at least 50 years and penetrates 79% of U.S. households. Targeted consumer marketing, product innovation, experienced management and strategic acquisitions have helped us create and grow a diverse brand portfolio. Our products are sold through a combination of a national sales broker, regional sales brokers and a direct sales force that reaches supermarkets, grocery wholesalers and distributors, convenience stores, super centers, mass merchandisers, drug stores, warehouse clubs, quick-serve restaurants and other alternative channels in the United States. We also have a growing presence in Canada and Mexico.

Our Products

Dry Foods

Baking mixes and frostings. Our baking mixes and frostings product line consists primarily of Duncan Hines cake mixes, ready-to-serve frostings, brownie mixes, muffin mixes, baking kits and cookie mixes. Duncan Hines was introduced as a national brand in 1956 and, with a 19.3% share, is the number two brand in the $1.2 billion baking mixes and frostings category. Duncan Hines is positioned to appeal to the consumer who wants a “quality, good as homemade” baking product. During 2004, the Company acquired the rights to distribute the Duncan Hines brand in Canada, and since then we have expanded distribution of the brand in Canada. All Duncan Hines products are produced by contract manufacturers.

Pickles, peppers and relish. We offer a complete line of shelf-stable pickle, pepper and relish products that we market and distribute nationally, primarily under the Vlasic brand, and regionally under the Milwaukee’s and Wiejske Wyroby brands. Our Vlasic brand was introduced over 65 years ago, and we believe that the Vlasic brand, together with our trademark Vlasic stork, enjoy strong consumer awareness. Vlasic, with a 31.7% share, is the leading brand in the $486 million shelf-stable pickle segment of the $901 million shelf-stable pickles, peppers and relish category. We also distribute these products through foodservice and private label channels. In 2004, we launched the Vlasic brand in Canada and have attained a 10.6% share of the shelf-stable pickle segment.

Syrups and pancake mixes. Our syrup and pancake mixes product line consists primarily of products marketed under our Log Cabin and Mrs. Butterworth’s brands. Our syrup line consists of original, lite and sugar-free varieties. Log Cabin was introduced in 1888 and, with its cabin-shaped bottle and distinct maple flavor, appeals to a broad consumer base. Mrs. Butterworth’s was introduced in 1962 and, with its distinctive grandmother-shaped bottle and thick, rich and buttery flavor, appeals to families with children. In the $439 million table-syrup category, Mrs. Butterworth’s and Log Cabin hold the number two (10.3%) and number three (10.1%) market share positions, respectively, among branded syrups. We also distribute these products through the foodservice channel.

Canned meat. Our canned meat product line consists primarily of products marketed under the Armour brand. Armour was introduced in 1868 by Philip Danforth Armour for California gold miners. Armour is the number two branded product, with an 8.1% marked share, in the $1.1 billion canned meat category and is the number one brand in the Vienna sausage, potted meat and sliced dried beef segments. We also distribute these products through the foodservice and private label channels.

Barbecue sauce. We market a complete line of barbecue sauce products under the Open Pit brand, which was introduced in 1955. Open Pit is a regional brand that competes primarily in the Midwest markets.

 

100


Table of Contents

Frozen Foods

Frozen dinners. Our frozen dinners product line consists primarily of products sold in the United States and Canada under the Hungry-Man and Swanson brands. We also distribute these products through foodservice and private label channels. As a complement to these major brands, our frozen dinner offerings include Swanson pot pies. In Canada, we also distribute the Hungry-Man and Swanson brands along with Hungry-Man Express and Swanson Hearty Bowls. The Swanson brand enjoys a strong heritage, dating back over 50 years to its introduction of The Original TV Dinner ® in 1953. Swanson dinners have been recently re-launched and re-packaged as Swanson Classics to reinforce Swanson’s value proposition, which combines premium quality with an affordable price. Hungry-Man differentiates itself from the category by positioning towards male consumers who prefer larger, more satisfying portions. Our Hungry-Man and Swanson brands collectively represent the fourth largest player in the $2.1 billion single-serve, full-calorie dinners and entrees segment.

Frozen prepared seafood. Our frozen prepared seafood product line, marketed primarily under the Van de Kamp’s and Mrs. Paul’s brands, includes breaded and battered fish sticks and fish fillets, lightly breaded fish, breaded shrimp and specialty seafood items, such as crab cakes and clam strips. We use a dual-brand strategy to capitalize on the regional strengths of our brands. Both brands differentiate themselves from the category by offering products with enhanced freshness, due to the recently introduced “freshness pouch” that employs a “bag-in-box” strategy to protect against shrinkage and freezer burn. The Van de Kamp’s brand dates back to 1915, and the Mrs. Paul’s franchise began in the mid-1940s. These brands hold the number two (10.5%) and the number five (7.0%) market share positions among branded players, respectively, in the $602 million frozen prepared seafood category. We also distribute these products through foodservice and private label channels.

Frozen breakfast. Our frozen breakfast product line consists of waffles, pancakes, French toast, breakfast entrees, savory breakfast handhelds and sweet breakfast handhelds marketed under the Aunt Jemima brand. Beginning in May 2004, the Swanson Great Starts products were re-branded Aunt Jemima Great Starts, which allows us to leverage the combined size of our grain-based (waffles, pancakes and French toast) and protein-based (entrees and handhelds) frozen breakfast offerings. Aunt Jemima is positioned as a high-quality frozen breakfast brand that appeals to families with children. The Aunt Jemima brand was established over a century ago and, with an 10.6% share, is currently the number four brand in the $1.3 billion frozen breakfast category. We are the number two branded player in the $683 million frozen waffles, pancakes and French toast segment and the number two player in the $476 million frozen breakfast entrees and savory breakfast handhelds segments. We also distribute these products through foodservice and private label channels. In 2006, we launched Aunt Jemima frozen breakfast products in Canada and plan to continue expanding distribution.

Bagels. Our bagel product line consists primarily of Lender’s packaged bagels, which are distributed among all scannable sections of the grocery store (i.e., the frozen, refrigerated and fresh bread aisles). Founded in 1927, Lender’s ranks number three among branded scannable bagels, with a 12.3% share of the $588 million scannable bagel category. Additionally, the brand has the top market share in both refrigerated and frozen bagel sub-categories. We also distribute these products through the foodservice and private label channels.

Pizza. We market frozen pizza under the Celeste brand, which dates back to the 1940s. Celeste, with a 21.4% market share, is the number two brand in the $332 million full calorie pizza-for-one category and is sold primarily throughout the Northeast, Chicago, Florida and California. It is positioned as a homemade, authentic Italian meal at an affordable price.

Our History

On May 22, 2001, Pinnacle acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of the North American business of Vlasic Foods International Inc. (“VFI”). The North American business consisted of the Swanson and Hungry-Man frozen food, Vlasic pickles, peppers and relish and Open Pit barbecue sauce businesses. PFHC and Pinnacle were each incorporated on March 29, 2001 but had no operations until the acquisition of the North American business of VFI.

 

101


Table of Contents

Crunch Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation indirectly owned by J.P. Morgan Partners, LLC, J.W. Childs Associates, L.P. and CDM Investor Group LLC, acquired PFHC on November 25, 2003.

On November 25, 2003, Aurora entered into a definitive agreement with Crunch Equity Holding, LLC. The definitive agreement provided for a comprehensive restructuring transaction in which PFHC was merged with and into Aurora, with Aurora surviving the merger, following the filing and confirmation of a pre-negotiated bankruptcy reorganization case with respect to Aurora under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. On December 8, 2003, Aurora and its subsidiary, Sea Coast Foods, Inc., filed their petitions for reorganization with the Bankruptcy Court. On February 20, 2004, the First Amended Joint Reorganization Plan of Aurora Foods Inc. and Sea Coast Foods, Inc., as modified, dated February 17, 2004, was confirmed by order of the Bankruptcy Court. This restructuring transaction was completed on March 19, 2004, and the surviving company was renamed Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.

On March 1, 2006, the Company acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of the food products business (the “Armour Business”) of The Dial Corporation for $189.2 million in cash. The acquisition of the Armour Business complemented the Company’s existing product lines that together provide growth opportunities and scale. The Armour Business is a leading manufacturer, distributor and marketer of products in the $1.0 billion canned meat category. For the year ended December 31, 2005, the Armour Business had net sales of approximately $225 million. The Armour Business offers products in twelve of the fifteen segments within the canned meat category and maintains the leading market position in the Vienna sausage, potted meat and sliced beef categories. The business also includes meat spreads, chili, luncheon meat, corned and roast beef hash, beef stew and Lunch Bucket ® meals. The majority of the products are produced at the manufacturing facility located in Ft. Madison, Iowa, which was acquired in the transaction. Products are sold under the Armour brand name as well as private label and certain co-pack arrangements.

On February 10, 2007, Crunch Holding Corp., our parent company, entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with Peak Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company controlled by affiliates of The Blackstone Group, Peak Acquisition Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of Peak Holdings and Peak Finance LLC, providing for the acquisition of Crunch Holding Corp. The acquisition was completed on April 2, 2007.

Our Competitive Strengths

We believe that our competitive strengths include the following:

Diverse Portfolio of Strong Iconic Brands with Leading Market Positions

We are a strong competitor in the food industry with $1.4 billion in net sales during 2006, a diverse portfolio of brands, and top-ranked products in our categories. We offer a broad mix of well-recognized food products that, we believe, consumers purchase largely independent of economic cycles. Consumer awareness of our brand histories combined with our national retail distribution help ensure that our brands maintain their iconic standing. Our long-standing brands maintain a number one or number two position in eight of the eleven categories in which we compete. We plan to drive further sales growth and pursue market share gains through product innovations and brand adjacencies that have been rolled out in 2007 and will continue into 2008 and beyond.

 

102


Table of Contents

The following table outlines the leadership position of our major brands in their respective categories for the 52-week period ended September 2007:

 

Category

   Category
size
  

Major brands

   Market
position(1)
   Market
share
 
     (in millions)                 

Shelf-stable pickles, peppers and relish

   $ 901    Vlasic    #1    20.3 %

Baking mixes and frostings

   $ 1,250    Duncan Hines    #2    19.3 %

Canned meat

   $ 1,069    Armour    #2    8.1 %

Table syrups

   $ 439    Log Cabin    #3    10.1 %
      Mrs. Butterworth’s    #2    10.3 %

Frozen prepared seafood

   $ 602    Van de Kamp’s    #2    10.5 %
      Mrs. Paul’s    #5    7.0 %

Frozen full calorie pizza-for-one

   $ 332    Celeste    #2    21.4 %

Barbecue sauce(2)

   $ 50    Open Pit    #2    17.4 %

Frozen waffles, pancakes and French toast

   $ 683    Aunt Jemima    #2    10.9 %

Frozen breakfast entrees/savory handhelds/sweet handhelds

   $ 476    Aunt Jemima    #2    13.8 %

Bagels

   $ 588    Lender’s    #3    12.3 %

Frozen dinners(3)

   $ 2,077    Hungry-Man    #4    8.7 %
      Swanson    #9    1.9 %

(1) Market position among branded players.

 

(2) Market position in the core markets of the major metropolitan areas surveyed by IRI in Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, western Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

 

(3) Single-serve, full-calorie frozen dinners and entrees.

Diversity of Customers and Distribution Channels

We have strong representation in many U.S. food distribution channels and have a broad customer base. The diversity of our multiple-channel sales and distribution system enhances our financial results by allowing us to capitalize on growth trends within these distribution channels. In addition, this diversity reduces our dependence on any one of these channels. We continue to expand our distribution in alternative channels including dollar stores, club stores and mass merchandisers, as well as expanding our footprint in Canada and Mexico.

Strong Free Cash Flows

We have historically generated consistent cash flows, which we believe are driven by our established and diverse portfolio of brands and extensive distribution system. Additionally, we require both minimal capital expenditures and working capital. We also have significant tax deductible intangibles and federal net operating losses, which we believe will result in minimal cash taxes over the next several years. These characteristics lead to strong free cash flows that we believe will provide us an opportunity to reduce our leverage over time.

Proven Management Team and Board of Directors

Our Company is led by CEO, Jeffrey Ansell, who spent 25 years at The Procter & Gamble Company (“P&G”), where he was a corporate officer from 2001 to 2006. His last assignment was President of The Iams Company, and prior to his position with The Iams Company, he was Vice President of P&G Baby Care North America and General Manager of Diaper Products Europe. Including his experience in P&G’s pet food business, 18 of Mr. Ansell’s 25 years at P&G were in the food and beverage space. President William Toler has over 20 years of consumer product experience with P&G, Reckitt & Colman, Campbell Soup Company and Nabisco. He was President of Sales at Campbell Soup Company and President North America for ICG Commerce, a procurement services company. Further, our senior management team is highly regarded in the food and beverage industry with significant experience in leadership roles. Collectively, the top six senior executives have

 

103


Table of Contents

an average of over 20 years of professional experience at large food and beverage companies. The team has a track record of delivering strong operating performance through brand-building initiatives and focusing on consistently achieving cost savings. Additionally, our team has been successful at acquiring and integrating companies.

In connection with the Merger, The Blackstone Group assembled an experienced team of industry executives to serve as directors on our Board of Directors. Chairman Roger Deromedi, who has nearly 30 years of experience in the food industry globally, has held the positions of CEO of Kraft Foods Inc. and President and CEO of Kraft Foods International. Joseph Jimenez, who has more than 20 years of industry experience, also sits on the board. Mr. Jimenez’s experience includes former positions as EVP, President and CEO of Heinz Europe and President and CEO of Heinz North America.

Successful Track Record of Acquisitions and Integration

Since our acquisition of the VFI businesses in 2001 and the merger of Pinnacle and Aurora, we have streamlined our business, consolidated facilities, upgraded our warehousing and transportation network, rationalized SKUs and upgraded product quality. We believe we have the expertise to identify and integrate value-enhancing acquisitions. We acquired Armour in March 2006 and successfully integrated its significant business functions within 120 days. We will continue to evaluate potential opportunities to acquire businesses and products with leading market positions in adjacent categories with identifiable growth opportunities that leverage our existing infrastructure and capabilities.

Our Strategy

We intend to profitably grow our business through the following strategic initiatives:

Build Brands through a Better Balanced Business Model

We believe that a business model that more appropriately balances trade support and consumer advertising and marketing will strengthen our brands and enhance sales for us and our customers. Our overall combined trade and consumer marketing spending is planned to increase annually. However, we plan to slowly shift a portion of our funds that we have historically spent on trade support to targeted consumer advertising and marketing. Our strategy is to further drive demand for our brands through developing better consumer insight, which we believe will lead to more effective consumer advertising and will allow us to strategically target our additional consumer advertising and marketing spending. In order to optimize the advertising and consumer spending, we have hired three new advertising agencies to develop enhanced brand positionings, as well as more effective advertising and media placement.

Increase Innovation Capability and Successfully Launch New Items

We believe that our new product innovation will continue to drive incremental sales growth and market share gains. We are enhancing our new product execution through improved consumer testing and a more disciplined product launch model. We are also forming a Multi-Functional Innovation Team focused on creating new ideas to generate incremental sales and earnings through new platforms and expansion into adjacent categories. We expect this team will enhance our capability to develop a pipeline of ideas to drive organic growth.

Strengthen Sales Execution and Expand Channel Penetration

We are continuously upgrading our sales execution by leveraging our national sales broker relationship and our direct sales force representation and by identifying underserved markets. We intend to continue to grow our business with our largest customers through improved in-store promotions, innovative new product offerings and

 

104


Table of Contents

expanded distribution. We are pursuing new opportunities to expand our presence in alternative channels such as dollar stores, club stores and mass merchandisers. We also continue to develop our footprint in the foodservice channel, Canada and Mexico, where we believe there are significant opportunities for growth.

Sustain Focus on Supply Chain Cost Reduction and Operational Excellence

Since January 2005, we have made a sustained effort to close and consolidate facilities while rationalizing our warehouse and transportation network. In connection with these efforts, we have closed three plants and fourteen warehouses. We have been successful in reducing inventories, improving customer service metrics and lowering warehouse and transportation costs. We believe we can continue to drive cost efficiencies through a focus on:

 

   

reduction in raw materials and packaging costs through yield and purchasing program improvements;

 

   

continued reduction in manufacturing conversion costs through a reduction in overhead and direct and indirect labor costs through lean initiatives; and

 

   

continued reduction in warehousing and transportation costs through further warehouse consolidation and in-house transportation management.

Evaluate Targeted Strategic Acquisition Opportunities

In addition to realizing organic revenue and earnings growth in our existing businesses and cost savings that leverage our current infrastructure, we will continue to evaluate targeted, value-enhancing acquisition opportunities that complement our current portfolio. These acquisitions will be evaluated using the following criteria:

 

   

brands with leading market positions and attractive and sustainable margins;

 

   

in adjacent or identifiable growth categories; and

 

   

allowing us to leverage existing capabilities in marketing, sales, manufacturing and/or logistics.

We have demonstrated our ability to identify and successfully integrate value-enhancing acquisitions, and we believe our capabilities are further enhanced with the support of Blackstone and our Board of Directors.

Marketing, Sales and Distribution

Our marketing programs consist of advertising, consumer promotions and trade promotions. Our advertising consists of television, newspaper and magazine advertising aimed at increasing consumer awareness and trial of our brands. Consumer promotions include free trial offers, targeted coupons and on-package offers to generate trial usage and increase purchasing frequency. Our trade promotions and slotting focus on obtaining retail feature and display support, discounting to achieve optimum retail product prices and securing retail shelf space. We continue to shift our marketing efforts toward building long-term brand equity through consumer advertising and trial generation promotions rather than through trade spending.

We sell a majority of our products in the United States through one national broker with whom we have a long-term working relationship. In Canada, we use two brokers to distribute the majority of our products. We employ other brokers for the foodservice, military, club and convenience channels. We manage our brokers through our company employees in regional sales offices located in Arkansas and Ontario, Canada. Through this managed broker network, our products reach all traditional classes of trade, including supermarkets, grocery wholesalers and distributors, convenience stores, super centers, mass merchandisers, drug stores, convenience warehouse clubs, quick-serve restaurants and other alternative channels in the United States.

Due to the different demands of distribution for frozen, refrigerated and shelf-stable products, we maintain separate distribution systems. Our frozen product warehouse and distribution network consists of 19 locations.

 

105


Table of Contents

Frozen products are distributed by means of three owned and operated warehouses at our Fayetteville, Arkansas, Mattoon, Illinois, and Jackson, Tennessee plants. In addition, we utilize five distribution centers and three consignment distribution centers in the United States and two distribution centers in Canada, all of which are owned and operated by third-party logistics providers. We currently ship frozen products from two specialty locations which provide special packaging and from two co-packers of finished goods. We also maintain inventory in two overflow warehouses. Vlasic refrigerated pickles are distributed directly from cold storage warehouses at our pickle manufacturing facilities. Our dry product warehouse and distribution network consists of 12 locations. Dry foods products are distributed through a system of ten distribution sites in the United States, which include four warehouses that are owned and operated by us in Imlay City, Michigan, Millsboro, Delaware, St. Elmo, Illinois and Ft. Madison, Iowa, as well as six other locations which are owned and operated by third-party logistics providers. We also distribute dry products from one leased distribution center in Canada and maintain one overflow warehouse for dry products. In each third-party operated location, the provider receives, handles and stores products. Our distribution system uses a combination of common carrier trucking and inter-modal rail transport. We believe that the sales and distribution network is scalable and has the capacity to support substantial increases in volume.

Research and Development

Our Product Development and Technical Services team currently consists of 27 full-time employees focused on product-quality improvements, product creation, package development, regulatory compliance, quality assurance and tracking consumer feedback. For fiscal 2006, fiscal 2005, the transition year and fiscal 2004, our research and development expenditures totaled $4.0 million, $3.6 million, $1.5 million and $3.3 million, respectively. We are also forming a Multi-Functional Innovation Team focused on creating new ideas that are expected to generate incremental sales and earnings through new platforms and expansion into adjacent categories.

Ingredients and Packaging

We believe that the ingredients and packaging used to produce our products are readily available through multiple sources. Our ingredients typically account for approximately 41% of our annual cost of products sold, and primarily include sugar, cucumbers, flour, poultry, seafood, vegetable oils, shortening, meat, corn syrup and other agricultural products. Our packaging costs, primarily for aluminum, glass jars, plastic trays, corrugated fiberboard and plastic packaging materials, typically account for approximately 20% of our annual cost of products sold.

Manufacturing and Facilities

We own and operate the following seven manufacturing and warehouse facilities:

 

Facility location   Principal products   Facility size
Fayetteville, Arkansas   Frozen dinners and entrees   335,000 square feet
Imlay City, Michigan   Pickles, peppers, relish   344,000 square feet
Millsboro, Delaware   Pickles, peppers, relish   460,000 square feet
Jackson, Tennessee  

Frozen breakfast, frozen pizza,

frozen prepared seafood

  302,000 square feet
Mattoon, Illinois   Bagels, frozen breakfast   215,000 square feet
St. Elmo, Illinois   Syrup, barbecue sauce   250,000 square feet
Ft. Madison, Iowa   Canned meat   450,000 square feet

On April 7, 2004, we announced our decision to permanently close our 275,000-square foot production facility in Omaha, Nebraska as part of our plan of consolidating and streamlining production activities after the Aurora Merger. Production from the Omaha plant, which manufactured Swanson frozen entree retail products and frozen foodservice products, was relocated to our Fayetteville, Arkansas and Jackson, Tennessee production

 

106


Table of Contents

facilities. Activities related to the closure of the plant were completed in the first quarter of 2005 and resulted in the elimination of 411 positions in Omaha. We entered into an agreement of purchase and sale as of January 1, 2007 to sell this facility for $2.5 million. On February 27, 2007, however, the City of Omaha decided to exercise its right of first refusal to purchase this facility for the same purchase price. The sale of this facility was consummated during the second quarter of 2007.

On April 29, 2005, we announced our decision to permanently close our Erie, Pennsylvania production facility, as part of our plan of consolidating and streamlining production activities after the Aurora Merger. Production from the Erie plant, which manufactured Mrs. Paul’s and Van de Kamp’s frozen prepared seafood products and Aunt Jemima frozen breakfast products, was relocated primarily to our Jackson, Tennessee production facility. Activities related to the closure of the plant were completed in the first quarter of 2006, and the facility was sold in December 2006.

We have entered into co-packing (third-party manufacturing) agreements with several manufacturers for certain of our finished products. We believe that our manufacturing facilities, together with our co-packing agreements, provide us with sufficient capacity to accommodate our planned internal growth. Our co-packed finished products include our Duncan Hines product line, Aunt Jemima breakfast sandwich product line and certain seafood products. All of our Duncan Hines cake mix, brownie mix, specialty mix and frosting production equipment, including co-milling, blending and packaging equipment, is located at the contract manufacturers’ facilities. The current Duncan Hines co-packing agreement will expire in June 2015.

We lease office space in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey (our corporate headquarters); Cherry Hill, New Jersey; Lewisburg, Pennsylvania; Fayetteville, Arkansas; and Mississauga, Ontario, under operating leases expiring in July 2012, May 2011, November 2007 and November 2010, respectively. In connection with the Transactions, the lease for office space in Greenwich, Connecticut has been terminated.

Customers

Sales of our products to Wal-Mart and its affiliates approximated 22% of our consolidated net sales in fiscal 2006, 21% in fiscal 2005, 18% in the transition year and 18% in fiscal 2004. Our top ten customers accounted for approximately 57% of our net sales in fiscal 2006, 56% in fiscal 2005, 53% in the transition year and 50% in fiscal 2004. We believe that our concentration of business with our largest customers is representative of the food industry. The specific timing of significant customers’ merchandising activities for our products can impact quarterly sales and operating results when making year-to-year comparisons.

Competition

We face competition in each of our product lines. We compete with producers of similar products on the basis of, among other things, product quality, convenience, price, brand recognition and loyalty, customer service, effective advertising and promotional activities and the ability to identify and satisfy emerging consumer preferences. We compete with a significant number of companies of varying sizes, including divisions, subdivisions or subsidiaries of much larger companies with more substantial financial and other resources available to them. Our ability to grow our business may be impacted by the relative effectiveness of, and competitive response to, new product efforts, product innovation and new advertising and promotional activities. In addition, from time to time, we may experience margin pressure in certain markets as a result of competitors’ pricing practices or as a result of price increases for the ingredients used in our products. Although we compete in a highly competitive industry for representation in the retail food and foodservice channels, we believe that our brand strength in our various markets has resulted in a strong competitive position.

 

107


Table of Contents

Our most significant competitors for our products are:

 

Our Products

 

Competitor

Frozen dinner products

  Nestle, ConAgra and Heinz

Pickles and peppers products

  Claussen, B&G Foods, Inc. and Mt. Olive

Baking products

  General Mills and J.M. Smucker Co.

Syrup products

  The Quaker Oats Company and Kellogg’s

Seafood products

  Gorton’s and Seapak

Frozen breakfast products

  Kellogg’s, General Mills and Jimmy Dean (Sara Lee)

Bagel products

  Weston and Sara Lee

Canned meat

  ConAgra and Hormel

Trademarks and Patents

We own a number of registered trademarks in the United States, Canada and other countries, including All Day Breakfast ® , American Recipes ® , Appian Way ® , Casa Brava ® , Casa Regina ® , Celeste ® , Chocolate Lovers ® , Country Kitchen ® , Duncan Hines ® , Fun Frosters ® , Grabwich ® , Great Starts ® , Grill Classics ® , Hawaiian Bowls ® , Hearty Bowls ® , Hearty Hero ® , Hungry-Man ® , Hungry-Man Sports Grill ® , Hungry-Man Steakhouse ® , It’s Good to be Full ® , Lender’s ® , Log Cabin ® , Lunch Bucket ® , Magic Mini’s ® , Milwaukee’s ® , Moist Deluxe ® , Mrs. Butterworth’s ® , Mrs. Paul’s ® , Open Pit ® , Oval’s ® , Signature Desserts ® , Simply Classic ® , Snack’mms ® , Stackers ® , Steakhouse Mix ® , Syrup Dunk’ers ® , Taste the Juicy Crunch ® , The Original TV Dinner ® , That’s The Best Tasting Pickle I Ever Heard ® , Treet ® , Van de Kamp’s ® , and Vlasic ® . We protect our trademarks by obtaining registrations where appropriate and opposing any infringement in key markets. We also own a design trademark in the United States, Canada and other countries on the Vlasic stork.

We manufacture and market certain of our frozen food products under the Swanson brand pursuant to two royalty-free, exclusive and perpetual trademark licenses granted by Campbell Soup Company. The licenses give us the right to use certain Swanson trademarks both inside and outside of the United States in connection with the manufacture, distribution, marketing, advertising and promotion of frozen foods and beverages of any type except for frozen soup or broth. The licenses require us to obtain the prior written approval of Campbell Soup Company for the visual appearance and labeling of all packaging, advertising materials and promotions bearing the Swanson trademark. The licenses contain standard provisions, including those dealing with quality control and termination by Campbell Soup Company as well as assignment and consent. If we were to breach any material term of the licenses and not timely cure such breach, Campbell Soup Company could terminate the licenses.

We manufacture and market certain of our frozen breakfast products under the Aunt Jemima brand pursuant to a royalty-free, exclusive (as to frozen breakfast products only) and perpetual license granted by The Quaker Oats Company. The license gives us the right to use certain Aunt Jemima trademarks both inside and outside the United States in connection with the manufacture and sale of waffles, pancakes, French toast, pancake batter, biscuits, muffins, strudel, croissants and all other frozen breakfast products, excluding frozen cereal. The license requires us to obtain the approval of The Quaker Oats Company for any labels, packaging, advertising and promotional materials bearing the Aunt Jemima trademark. The license contains standard provisions, including those dealing with quality control and termination by The Quaker Oats Company as well as assignment and consent. If we were to breach any material term of the license and not timely cure such breach, The Quaker Oats Company could terminate the license.

In addition, as part of our acquisition of the Armour Business from The Dial Corporation, we received the assignment of a license agreement granting us an exclusive, royalty bearing, perpetual license to use certain Armour trademarks. Under the license agreement, Smithfield Foods, as successor to ConAgra, Inc., the licensor, grants us a license for the use of various Armour-related trademarks in conjunction with shelf-stable products within the United States. The shelf-stable products must be manufactured according to approved formulas and

 

108


Table of Contents

specifications, and new specifications must be approved by the licensor, with such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Proposed labels, packaging, advertising and promotional materials must first be submitted to the licensor for approval, with such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed. We are required to make annual royalty payments to the licensor equal to the greater of $250,000 or a percentage royalty based upon our annual net sales of the approved shelf-stable products. If we were to materially breach the license agreement, Smithfield Foods could terminate the license. We maintain Armour-related registrations in many other countries.

We consider our intellectual property rights to be among our most valuable assets. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business—Termination of our material licenses would have a material adverse effect on our business.”

Although we own a number of patents covering manufacturing processes, we do not believe that our business depends on any one of these patents to a material extent.

Employees

We employ approximately 3,100 people with approximately 55% of our employees unionized. We consider our employee relations to be generally good. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business—Our financial well-being could be jeopardized by unforeseen changes in our employees’ collective bargaining agreements or shifts in union policy.”

Governmental, Legal And Regulatory Matters

Food Safety and Labeling

We are subject to the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and regulations promulgated thereunder by the Food and Drug Administration. This comprehensive and evolving regulatory program governs, among other things, the manufacturing, composition and ingredients, labeling, packaging and safety of food. In addition, the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990 prescribes the format and content of certain information required to appear on the labels of food products. We are also subject to regulation by certain other governmental agencies, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Our operations and products are also subject to state and local regulation, including the registration and licensing of plants, enforcement by state health agencies of various state standards and the registration and inspection of facilities. Enforcement actions for violations of federal, state and local regulations may include seizure and condemnation of products, cease and desist orders, injunctions or monetary penalties. We believe that our facilities and practices are sufficient to maintain compliance with applicable government regulations, although there can be no assurances in this regard.

Federal Trade Commission

We are subject to certain regulations by the Federal Trade Commission. Advertising of our products is subject to such regulation pursuant to the Federal Trade Commission Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

Employee Safety Regulations

We are subject to certain health and safety regulations, including regulations issued pursuant to the Occupational Safety and Health Act. These regulations require us to comply with certain manufacturing, health and safety standards to protect our employees from accidents.

 

109


Table of Contents

Environmental Regulation

We are subject to a number of federal, state and local laws and other requirements relating to the protection of the environment and the safety and health of personnel and the public. These requirements relate to a broad range of our activities, including:

 

   

the discharge of pollutants into the air and water;

 

   

the identification, generation, storage, handling, transportation, disposal, record-keeping, labeling and reporting of, and emergency response in connection with, hazardous materials (including asbestos) associated with our operations;

 

   

noise emissions from our facilities; and

 

   

safety and health standards, practices and procedures that apply to the workplace and the operation of our facilities.

In order to comply with these requirements, we may need to spend substantial amounts of money and other resources from time to time to (i) construct or acquire new equipment, (ii) acquire or amend permits to authorize facility operations, (iii) modify, upgrade or replace existing and proposed equipment and (iv) clean up or decommission our facilities or other locations to which our wastes have been sent. For example, some of our baking facilities are required to obtain air emissions permits and to install bag filters. Many of our facilities discharge wastewater into municipal treatment works, and may be required to pre-treat the wastewater and/or to pay surcharges. Some of our facilities use and store in tanks large quantities of materials, such as sodium chloride and ammonia, that could cause environmental damage if accidentally released. We use some hazardous materials in our operations, and we generate and dispose of hazardous wastes as a conditionally exempt small quantity generator. Our capital and operating budgets include costs and expenses associated with complying with these laws. If we do not comply with environmental requirements that apply to our operations, regulatory agencies could seek to impose civil, administrative and/or criminal liabilities, as well as seek to curtail our operations. Under some circumstances, private parties could also seek to impose civil fines or penalties for violations of environmental laws or recover monetary damages, including those relating to property damage or personal injury.

Many of our plants were in operation before current environmental laws and regulations were enacted. Our predecessors have in the past had to remediate soil and/or groundwater contamination at a number of locations, including petroleum contamination caused by leaking underground storage tanks which they removed, and we may be required to do so again in the future. We have sold or are in the process of selling a number of plants where we have discontinued operations, and it is possible that future renovations or redevelopment at these facilities might reveal additional contamination that may need to be addressed. Although the remediation of contamination that was undertaken in the past by our predecessors has been routine, we cannot assure you that future remediation costs will not be material. The presence of hazardous materials at our facilities or at other locations to which we have sent hazardous wastes for treatment or disposal, may expose us to potential liabilities associated with the cleanup of contaminated soil and groundwater under federal or state “Superfund” statutes. Under the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended (“CERCLA”), owners and operators of facilities from which there has been a release or threatened release of hazardous materials, together with those who have transported or arranged for the transportation or disposal of those materials, are liable for (i) the costs of responding to and remediating that release and (ii) the restoration of natural resources damaged by any such release. Under CERCLA and similar state statutes, liability for the entire cost of cleaning up the contaminated site can, subject to certain exceptions, be imposed upon any such party regardless of the lawfulness of the activities that led to the contamination.

We have not incurred, nor do we anticipate incurring, material expenditures made in order to comply with current environmental laws or regulations. We are not aware of any environmental liabilities that we would expect to have a material adverse effect on our business. However, discovery of additional contamination for which we are responsible, the enactment of new laws and regulations, or changes in how existing requirements are enforced could require us to incur additional costs for compliance or subject us to unexpected liabilities.

 

110


Table of Contents

Seasonality

Our sales and cash flows are affected by seasonal cyclicality. Sales of frozen foods, including seafood, tend to be marginally higher during the winter months. Sales of pickles, relishes and barbecue sauces tend to be higher in the spring and summer months and demand for Duncan Hines products tends to be higher around the Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. We pack the majority of our pickles during a season extending from May through September and also increase our Duncan Hines inventories at that time in advance of the selling season. As a result, our inventory levels tend to be higher during August, September and October, and thus we require more working capital during these months.

Insurance

We maintain general liability and product liability, property, worker’s compensation, director and officer and other insurance in amounts and on terms that we believe are customary for companies similarly situated. In addition, we maintain excess insurance where we reasonably believe it is cost effective.

Legal Proceedings

Employee Litigation—Indemnification of US Cold Storage

On March 21, 2002, an employee at the Omaha, Nebraska facility, died as the result of an accident while operating a forklift at a Company-leased warehouse facility. OSHA conducted a full investigation and determined that the death was the result of an accident and found no violations by us. On March 18, 2004, the estate of the deceased filed suit in District Court of Sarpy County, Nebraska, Case No: CI 04-391, against us, the owner of the forklift and the leased warehouse, the manufacturer of the forklift and the distributor of the forklift. We, having been the deceased’s employer, were named as a defendant for worker’s compensation subrogation purposes only.

On May 18, 2004, we received notice from defendant, US Cold Storage, the owner of the leased warehouse, requesting that we accept the tender of defense for US Cold Storage in this case in accordance with the indemnification provision of the warehouse lease. The request has been submitted to our insurance carrier for evaluation, and we have been advised that the indemnification provision is not applicable in this matter and that we should have no liability under that provision. Therefore, we believe that resolution of such matters will not result in a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

R2 appeal in Aurora bankruptcy

Prior to its bankruptcy filing, Aurora entered into an agreement with its pre-petition lending group compromising the amount of certain fees due under its senior bank facilities (the “October Amendment”). One of the members of the bank group (R2 Top Hat, Ltd.) challenged the enforceability of the October Amendment during Aurora’s bankruptcy by filing an adversary proceeding in U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Delaware, and by objecting to confirmation. The Bankruptcy Court rejected the lender’s argument and confirmed Aurora’s plan of reorganization. The lender then appealed from those orders of the Bankruptcy Court. In December 2006, the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware filed its Memorandum and Order affirming both (a) the February 20, 2004 Order of the Bankruptcy Court confirming debtor’s First Amended Joint Reorganization Plan, and (b) the February 27, 2004 Order of the Bankruptcy Court granting debtor’s motion for summary judgment and dismissing the adversary proceeding. R2 Top Hat, Ltd. has recently filed its Notice of Appeal to the 3 rd Circuit Court of Appeals. On March 23, 2007, the Company and R2 Top Hat, Ltd. participated in court-ordered mediation. The settlement demand made by R2 Top Hat, Ltd. at the mediation was $7.5 million. The Company did not counter and no settlement was reached. The case will continue to proceed through the appeal process with the parties preparing briefs and records for the Court of Appeals. It is too early to predict the outcome of the appeals. Included in our accrued liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet is $20.1 million for this claim, which was assumed by us in the Aurora Merger.

 

111


Table of Contents

State of Illinois v. City of St. Elmo and Aurora Foods Inc.

We are a defendant in an action filed by the State of Illinois regarding our St. Elmo facility. Prior to the Aurora Merger, the Illinois Attorney General filed a complaint in County Court, Fayette County, Illinois seeking a restraining order prohibiting further discharges by the City of St. Elmo from its publicly-owned wastewater treatment facility in violation of Illinois law and enjoining us from discharging our industrial waste into the City’s treatment facility. The complaint also asked for fines and penalties associated with the City’s discharge from its treatment facility and our alleged operation of our production facility without obtaining a state environmental operating permit. Management believes the remedial actions it has taken to date and is continuing to implement will minimize any fines and penalties associated with this matter.

On August 30, 2004, an Interim Consent Order signed by all parties was signed and entered by the judge in the case whereby, in addition to a number of actions required of the City, we agreed to provide monthly discharge monitoring reports to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for six months and were allowed to continue discharging effluent to the City of St. Elmo. In September 2004, we met with representatives from the State of Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the State Attorney General’s Office and separately with the City of St. Elmo to inform them that we intended to install a pre-treatment system at our St. Elmo facility during the fourth quarter of 2004 and first quarter of 2005. The pre-treatment system is now fully operational.

The State Attorney General had originally proposed a penalty of $168,000 together with a consent decree. We responded listing the actions we had taken and related costs since acquiring the Aurora Business. On November 25, 2007, this matter was settled for $30,000.

We continue to discharge our effluent to the City. By letter dated February 7, 2007, the City informed us that its sewage facility had been taken off of restricted status by the State. We will vigorously defend any future effort to prevent us from discharging our industrial wastewater to the City.

American Cold Storage—North America, L.P. v. P.F. Distribution, LLC and Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.

On June 26, 2005, we were served with a Summons and Complaint in the above matter, which was filed in the Circuit Court of Madison County, Tennessee. American Cold Storage (“ACS”) operates a frozen storage warehouse and distribution facility (the “Facility”) located in Madison County, Tennessee, near our Jackson, Tennessee plant. In April 2004, we entered into discussions with ACS to utilize the Facility. Terms were discussed, but no contract was ever signed. Shortly after shipping product to the Facility, we discovered that the Facility was incapable of properly handling the discussed volume of product and began reducing its shipments to the Facility. The original complaint seeks damages not to exceed $1.5 million, together with associated costs. On May 3, 2006, our attorney received notice from counsel for ACS that it was increasing its damage claim in the suit from $1.5 million to $5.5 million. ACS will be required to provide specifics justifying the increase through ongoing discovery and the deposition of the President of ACS which was previously scheduled. It is too early to determine the likely outcome of this litigation. The discovery phase of the case has begun and we intend to vigorously defend against this claim. We have made an offer to settle the claim and have reserved the amount on our consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2007. We believe that resolution of such matters will not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

112


Table of Contents

Gilster Mary Lee Corporation v. Pinnacle Foods

In September 2006, Gilster Mary Lee Corporation (“Gilster”), the primary co-packer of our Duncan Hines products, filed suit against us alleging that monies were due to Gilster from us for a warehouse/handling fee under an existing contract. While certain of these fees are required by the contract, the calculation of the fees is the issue in dispute. Although the parties have initiated settlement discussions, it is uncertain, at this time, if any settlement is likely. The case is in the discovery stage. We intend to vigorously defend against the warehouse/handling fee claim, but feel that we have adequately reserved for any potential claim that may ultimately become due under the contract. We believe that resolution of such matters will not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. However, if our relationship with Gilster were to deteriorate, there could be a material impact on our business. See “Risk Factors—Loss of any of our current co-packing arrangements could decrease our sales and earnings and put us at a competitive disadvantage.”

 

113


Table of Contents

MANAGEMENT

Executive Officers and Directors

Our executive officers and directors are as follows:

 

Name

   Age   

Position

Roger Deromedi

   54   

Chairman of the Board and Director

Jeffrey P. Ansell

   48   

Chief Executive Officer and Director

William Toler

   48   

President and Director

Craig Steeneck

   49   

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Michael J. Cramer

   54   

Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer

William Darkoch

   56   

Executive Vice President-Supply Chain and Operations

M. Kelley Maggs

   55   

Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel

Lynne M. Misericordia

   44   

Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary

John F. Kroeger

   52   

Vice President, Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretary

Joseph Jimenez

   47   

Director

Prakash A. Melwani

   49   

Director

Shervin Korangy

   32   

Director

Jason Giordano

   29   

Director

Roger Deromedi was appointed Executive Chairman of the Board effective April 2, 2007 and is a Director. Prior thereto, Mr. Deromedi served as Chief Executive Officer of Kraft Foods Inc. from December 2003 to June 2006. Prior to that, he was co-CEO, Kraft Foods Inc. and President and Chief Executive Officer, Kraft Foods International since 2001. He was President and Chief Executive Officer of Kraft Foods International from 1999 to 2001. Previously, Mr. Deromedi was Group Vice President, Kraft Foods International and President, Asia Pacific. Before that, he served as Executive Vice President, Kraft Foods International and President, Western Europe, Kraft Jacobs Suchard, based in Zurich, Switzerland. Earlier, he had been Executive Vice President and Area Director, France, Iberia and Benelux, based in Paris, France. Prior to moving to Europe, Mr. Deromedi held a variety of management positions in Kraft USA, including Executive Vice President and General Manager of Kraft’s Cheese Division and Executive Vice President and General Manager of the company’s Specialty Products Division. In 1988, he moved to Kraft from General Foods as Vice President Corporate Development, where he also served as Vice President of Marketing for Kraft USA’s Grocery Products Division and Retail Cheese Division. Mr. Deromedi joined General Foods in 1977 and held various marketing positions in the Beverage Division and Maxwell House Coffee Division.

Jeffrey P. Ansell was appointed Chief Executive Officer effective July 5, 2006 and is a Director. Prior thereto, Mr. Ansell was a Corporate Officer at The Procter & Gamble Company (“P&G”), where he worked for 25 years. Most recently, he was Global President of P&G’s Pet Health and Nutrition business (IAMS) beginning in 1999 when The Iams Company was acquired by P&G. Prior to that, Mr. Ansell was Vice President, General Manager of Procter & Gamble’s North America Baby Care business (Pampers and Luvs), and General Manager of P&G’s European Baby Care business, based in Germany. Mr. Ansell began his career in Brand Management in P&G’s Food Division in 1981, and held marketing leadership positions on brands such as Pringles, Sunny Delight and Folgers. Including pet food, Mr. Ansell spent 18 of his 25 years at P&G in the food and beverage space.

William Toler has been our President since July 2005 and is a Director. Prior to that, Mr. Toler held the position of Executive Vice President, Sales since March 19, 2004. Mr. Toler previously provided consulting services to Aurora and oversaw its sales department from June 2003 to March 2004. Mr. Toler was previously President of North America for ICG Commerce, a procurement services company. Before ICG Commerce, Mr. Toler was President of Campbell Sales Company from 1995 to 2000. At Campbell Sales Company, he was responsible for $4 billion in sales, including Campbell Soup Company’s flagship soup brands Condensed,

 

114


Table of Contents

Chunky and Select, V-8 beverages, and Prego and Pace sauces. He joined Campbell Sales Company from Nabisco, where he was Vice President, Sales and Integrated Logistics from 1992 to 1995. Prior to Nabisco, he was Vice President/National Sales Manager for Reckitt & Colman from 1989 to 1992. Mr. Toler began his career at Procter & Gamble, where he worked from 1981 to 1989; his last responsibility at Procter & Gamble was Eastern division manager of Health and Beauty Care.

Craig Steeneck has been our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since July 2007. From June 2005 to July 2007, Mr. Steeneck served as Executive Vice President, Operations Finance & Systems. From April 2003 to June 2005, Mr. Steeneck served as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer of Cendant Timeshare Resorts Group. From March 2001 to April 2003, Mr. Steeneck served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Resorts Condominiums International, a subsidiary of Cendant. From October 1999 to February 2001, he was the Chief Financial Officer of International Home Foods. Mr. Steeneck is also a Certified Public Accountant in the State of New Jersey.

Michael J. Cramer has been our Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer since March 19, 2004. From 1998 to 2004, Mr. Cramer served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Southwest Sports Group, LLC, and Southwest Sports Realty, LP and as part of those duties, he served at various times as President of the Texas Rangers Baseball Club and Dallas Stars Hockey Team. Prior to joining Southwest Sports Group in 1998, Mr. Cramer was affiliated with each of the platforms C. Dean Metropoulos and his team managed since 1987. In that capacity, he served as Executive Vice President and as a member of the Board of Directors of International Home Foods Inc.; Executive Vice President and General Counsel of The Morningstar Group Inc. and Executive Vice President of Administration and General Counsel of Stella Foods, Inc. Prior to that time, he was engaged in the private practice of law for several years in Wisconsin.

William Darkoch has been our Executive Vice President, Supply Chain and Operations since August 2005. Prior to joining PFG LLC, Mr. Darkoch was employed with Novartis Consumer Health, Inc. from September 2004 to August 2005 where he was the Senior Vice President & Global Head of Product Supply, Manufacturing & Logistics—OTC. Prior to that, Mr. Darkoch was employed at Reckitt Benckiser, Inc. for twenty years in various roles, the last of which was Senior Vice President-The Americas, Product Supply where he was responsible for total product supply chain management.

M. Kelley Maggs has been our Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since Pinnacle’s inception in 2001. He has also been associated with affiliates of CDM Investor Group LLC for the past fourteen years. Prior to his involvement with Pinnacle, Mr. Maggs held the same position with International Home Foods Inc. from November 1996 to December 2000. From 1993 to 1996, Mr. Maggs was employed with Stella Foods, Inc. as Vice President and General Counsel. Prior to that time, he was engaged in the private practice of law in Virginia and New York.

Lynne M. Misericordia has been our Senior Vice President and Treasurer since Pinnacle’s inception in 2001. Ms. Misericordia previously held the position of Treasurer with International Home Foods Inc. from November 1996 to December 2000. Before that, Ms. Misericordia was employed by Wyeth from August 1985 to November 1996 and held various financial positions.

John F. Kroeger has been our Vice President and Assistant General Counsel since joining the Company in November 2001. In addition, Mr. Kroeger was also the Vice President of Human Resources from 2004 through 2006. From January 2001 to October 2001, Mr. Kroeger was the Vice President and General Counsel of Anadigics, Inc., a NASDAQ semiconductor company. From August 1998 until December 2000, Mr. Kroeger was Vice President and Assistant General Counsel at International Home Foods, Inc. Mr. Kroeger has also held general management and legal positions with leading companies in the chemical, pharmaceutical and petroleum-refining industries.

Joseph Jimenez is a Director. Mr. Jimenez is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Novartis Pharma A.G. From July 2002 to May 2006, Mr. Jimenez was the Executive Vice President of the H.J. Heinz Company and was

 

115


Table of Contents

President and CEO of Heinz Europe. Prior to that, he was President and CEO of Heinz North America from November 1998 to June 2002. In 1993, he joined ConAgra Grocery Products. At ConAgra, Mr. Jimenez directed the marketing for Orville Redenbacher Popcorn and ethnic foods company LaChoy/Rosarita as Vice President, Orville Redenbacher/Swiss Miss Food Company as Senior Vice President, and Wesson/Peter Pan Food Company as President. Mr. Jimenez has more than 20 years of experience in the food industry, starting at the Clorox Company where he worked from 1984 to 1993 and advanced from Brand Assistant to Group Marketing Manager in the Dressings and Sauces Division. Mr. Jimenez also oversaw the launch of Hidden Valley Ranch Salad Dressing. While at Heinz and Clorox, Mr. Jimenez oversaw the following segments: Pickles (Heinz), BBQ Sauces (Heinz, KC Masterpiece and Jack Daniels), Heinz food service and Heinz Canada. He serves as a Director of Blue Nile, an internet retailer, where he is Chairman of the Compensation Committee and a member of the Audit Committee.

Prakash A. Melwani is a Director. In May 2003, Mr. Melwani joined Blackstone as a Senior Managing Director in its private equity group. He is also a member of Blackstone’s private equity investment committee. Prior to joining Blackstone, Mr. Melwani was a founder, in 1988, of Vestar Capital Partners and served as its Chief Investment Officer. Prior to that, Mr. Melwani was with the management buyout group at The First Boston Corporation and with N.M. Rothschild & Sons in Hong Kong and London. Mr. Melwani is also a member of the boards of directors of Aspen Insurance Limited, Kosmos Energy, The Asia Tigers Fund, Inc. and The India Fund, Inc.

Shervin Korangy is a Director. Mr. Korangy is a Principal in Blackstone’s private equity group. Mr. Korangy has focused on consumer products, energy, financial services and industrial related investments and has been involved in Blackstone’s investments in Graham Packaging and United Biscuits. Prior to joining the private equity group, Mr. Korangy was a managing director in Blackstone’s restructuring & reorganization group, where he served as advisor to clients on a number of business restructurings, including AT&T Corp., Audio Visual Services Corp., Best Products, Cable & Wireless, The Caldor Corporation, Camelot Music, Goodyear Tire & Rubber, JPS Textile Group, Koll Real Estate, Motorola, Net Serviços de Comunicação, Paragon Trade Brands, RCN Corporation, Safelite Glass Corp., Wherehouse Entertainment and Williams Communications. Mr. Korangy received a BS in Economics from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Jason Giordano is a Director. Mr. Giordano is an Associate in the private equity group at Blackstone. Since joining Blackstone in 2006, Mr. Giordano has been involved in the execution of the firm’s investment in HealthMarkets and in analyzing investment opportunities across various industries. Before joining Blackstone, Mr. Giordano was an associate at Bain Capital where he evaluated and executed global private equity investments in a wide range of industries. Prior to that, he worked in investment banking at Goldman, Sachs & Co. focused on Communications, Media and Entertainment clients. Mr. Giordano received an AB from Dartmouth College, and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Equity Investment by Chairman and Executive Officers

Our chairman, chief executive officer and other senior management invested $9.1 million to acquire equity interests in Peak Holdings in the form of Class A-2 Units of Peak Holdings. In addition, each was awarded non-voting profits interest units in Peak Holdings under our equity incentive plans described in “Executive Compensation—Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Elements of Compensation,” subject to future vesting conditions.

Each of these members of management executed a management unit subscription agreement, a form of which is attached as Exhibit 10.17 to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. Under these agreements, the executives have the right to put their Class A-2 Units and any vested profits interest units to Peak Holdings for a price at least equal to their fair market value if their employment terminates due to disability or death prior to the earlier of an initial public offering of Peak Holdings or a change of control of Peak Holdings. The agreements also contain terms that allow Peak Holdings or Blackstone at its option to purchase from

 

116


Table of Contents

executives the Class A-2 Units and any recently vested profits interest units if the executive engages in activity competing with our company or if the executive is terminated due to death or disability, a termination without cause or constructive termination (other than, in such case, the Class A-2 Units, unless the executive has engaged in activity competing with our company), a termination for cause or a voluntary termination of their employment. Should Peak Holdings or Blackstone elect to exercise their purchase rights under the agreements, the price per unit will depend on the nature of the executive’s termination of employment.

Employment Agreements

In connection with the Transactions, on April 2, 2007, Crunch Holding Corp., one of our parent companies, entered into substantially similar employment agreements with each of Jeffrey P. Ansell, William Darkoch, Craig Steeneck and William Toler that govern the terms of each executive’s employment. The term of employment commenced on April 2, 2007 and ends on April 2, 2012 (with the exception of Mr. Darkoch’s, which expires on April 2, 2010); provided , however, that commencing with April 2, 2012 and on each April 2nd thereafter, the employment term shall be automatically extended for an additional one-year period unless the Company or the executive provides the other party 60 days’ prior notice before the next extension date that the employment term will not be so extended. The agreements are terminable by either party at any time; provided that an executive must give no less than 30 days’ notice prior to a resignation.

Each employment agreement sets forth the executive’s annual base salary, which will be subject to discretionary annual increases upon review by the Board of Directors, and states that the executive will be eligible to earn an annual bonus as a percentage of salary with respect to each fiscal year (with a target percentage of between 75% and 150% or, in the case of Mr. Ansell, between 100% and 200%), based upon the extent to which annual performance targets established by the Board of Directors are achieved. The annual bonus, if any, shall be paid to executive within two and one-half (2.5) months after the end of the applicable fiscal year. The current salary for Mr. Ansell for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2007 is $750,000, which will be reviewed by the Board of Directors at least annually and may be increased in their sole discretion. The current salary for Mr. Steeneck for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2007 is $410,000, which will be reviewed by the Board of Directors at least annually and may be increased in their sole discretion. The current salary for Mr. Toler for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2007 is $425,000, which will be reviewed by the Board of Directors at least annually and may be increased in their sole discretion. The current salary for Mr. Darkoch for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2007 is $310,000, which will be reviewed by the Board of Directors at least annually and may be increased in their sole discretion, provided that Mr. Darkoch will be eligible for an increase to $325,000, effective April 2, 2008, and to $350,000, effective April 2, 2009, in each case based on his performance.

Pursuant to each employment agreement, if an executive’s employment terminates for any reason, the executive is entitled to receive (i) any base salary and unused vacation accrued through the date of termination; (ii) any annual bonus earned, but unpaid, as of the date of termination, (iii) reimbursement of any unreimbursed business expenses properly incurred by the executive; (iv) such employee benefits, if any, as to which the executive may be entitled under our employee benefit plans (the payments and benefits described in (i) through (iv) being “accrued rights”).

If an executive’s employment is terminated by us without “cause” (as defined below) (other than by reason of death or disability) or if the executive resigns as a result of a “constructive termination” (as defined below) (each a “qualifying termination”), the executive is entitled to (i) the accrued rights; (ii) a pro rata portion of a target annual bonus based upon the percentage of the fiscal year that shall have elapsed through the date of the executive’s termination of employment; (iii) subject to compliance with certain confidentiality, non-competition and non-solicitation covenants contained in his employment agreement and execution of a general release of claims on behalf of the Company, an amount equal to the product of (x) one (one-and-a-half in the case of Jeffrey P. Ansell) and (y) the sum of (A) the executive’s base salary and (B) the executive’s target annual bonus amount, which shall be payable to the executive in equal installments in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll

 

117


Table of Contents

practices; and (iv) continued coverage under our group health plans until the earlier of (A) one year (eighteen months in the case of Jeffrey P. Ansell) from the executive’s date of termination of employment with the Company and (B) the date the executive is or becomes eligible for comparable coverage under health, life and disability plans of another employer.

For purposes of these agreements, “cause” is defined as (A) the executive’s continued failure substantially to perform his material duties under executive’s employment (other than as a result of total or partial incapacity due to physical or mental illness) following notice by the Company to the executive of such failure and 30 days within which to cure; (B) theft or embezzlement of Company property; (C) dishonesty in the performance of manager’s duties resulting in material harm to the Company; (D) any act on the part of executive that constitutes a felony under the laws of the United States or any state thereof ( provided , that if a executive is terminated for any action described in this clause (D) and the executive is never indicted in respect of such action, then the burden of establishing that such action occurred will be on the Company in respect of any proceeding related thereto between the parties and the standard of proof will be clear and convincing evidence (and if the Company fails to meet that standard, the Company will reimburse the executive for his reasonable legal fees in connection with that proceeding)); (E) the executive’s willful material misconduct in connection with his duties to the Company or any act or omission which is materially injurious to the financial condition or business reputation of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, or (F) the executive’s breach of the provisions of the non-competition clause of these agreements. No act will be deemed to be “willful” if conducted in good faith with a reasonable belief that the conduct was in the best interests of the Company.

For purposes of these agreements, “constructive termination” is defined as (A) the failure of the Company to pay or cause to be paid the executive’s base salary or annual bonus (if any) when due; (B) a reduction in the executive’s base salary or target bonus opportunity percentage of base salary (excluding any change in value of equity incentives or a reduction in base salary affecting substantially all similarly situated executives by the same percentage of base salary); (C) any substantial and sustained diminution in the executive’s duties, authority or responsibilities as of April 2, 2007; (D) a relocation of the executive’s primary work location more than 50 miles without his prior written consent; (E) the failure to assign the executive’s employment agreement to a successor, and the failure of such successor to assume that employment agreement, in any public offering or change of control (each as defined in the Securityholders Agreement, dated April 2, 2007, described under “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Securityholders Agreement of Peak Holdings LLC”); (F) a Company notice to the executive of the Company’s election not to extend the employment term; or, solely in the case of Jeffrey P. Ansell, (G) a failure to elect or reelect or the removal as a member of the board of directors; provided , that none of these events will constitute constructive termination unless the Company fails to cure the event within 30 days after notice is given by the executive specifying in reasonable detail the event which constitutes constructive termination; provided , further, that constructive termination will cease to exist for an event on the 60 th day following the later of its occurrence or the executive’s knowledge thereof, unless the executive has given the Company notice thereof prior to such date.

In the event of an executive’s termination of employment that is not a qualifying termination or a termination due to death or disability, he will only be entitled to the accrued rights (as defined above).

For information with respect to potential payments to the named executive officers pursuant to their employment agreements upon termination or change of control, see footnote (c) to the tables set forth under “—Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control.”

Each of the agreements also contains non-competition provisions that limit the executive’s ability to engage in activity competing with our company for one year (or, in the case of Mr. Ansell, 18 months) after termination of employment.

Copies of these employment agreements are attached as Exhibits 10.1 through 10.4 to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

 

118


Table of Contents

Director Service Agreement

In connection with the Transactions, on April 2, 2007, Crunch Holding Corp. entered into a director service agreement with Roger Deromedi that governs the terms of his services to the Company. The term of the agreement commenced on April 2, 2007 and ends on April 2, 2012; provided , however, that commencing on April 2, 2012 and on each April 2nd thereafter, the agreement term shall be extended for an additional one-year period unless the Company or Mr. Deromedi provides the other party 60 days’ prior notice before the next extension date that the term will not be so extended. This agreement is terminable by either party at any time; provided that Mr. Deromedi must give no less than 30 days’ notice prior to a resignation.

The director service agreement sets forth Mr. Deromedi’s annual fee of $300,000, which is payable in regular installments and states that Mr. Deromedi will be eligible to earn an annual bonus as a percentage of his annual fee with respect to each fiscal year (with a target percentage of 66.7%), based upon the sole discretion of the Board of Directors.

Pursuant to Mr. Deromedi’s agreement, if his services are terminated due to death or disability, he is entitled to receive (i) any base salary accrued through the date of termination, (ii) any annual bonus earned, but unpaid, as of the date of the termination; and (iii) reimbursement of any unreimbursed business expenses properly incurred by the director prior to the date of termination (the payments described in (i) through (iii) being “accrued rights”).

Pursuant to the director service agreement, if Mr. Deromedi is terminated by us without “cause,” as defined under “—Employment Agreements,” or as a result of a constructive termination (as defined below), he is entitled to: (i) the accrued rights and (ii) subject to compliance with certain confidentiality, non-competition and non-solicitation covenants contained in his director service agreement and execution of a general release of claims on behalf of the Company, an amount equal to (x) one multiplied by (y) the sum of the annual base salary plus his target annual bonus, which shall be payable to him in equal installments in accordance with our normal payroll practices.

For purposes of Mr. Deromedi’s agreement, “constructive termination” means (A) the failure by us to pay or cause to be paid his annual compensation or annual bonus, if any, when due; (B) a reduction in his annual compensation (excluding any change in value of equity incentives or a reduction affecting substantially all senior managers); or (C) a material reduction or a material increase in his duties and responsibilities; provided , that none of these events constitutes constructive termination unless we fail to cure the event within 30 days after written notice is given by him specifying in reasonable detail the event that constitutes the constructive termination; provided , further, that constructive termination will cease to exist for an event on the 60 th day following the later of its occurrence or his knowledge thereof, unless he has given us written notice thereof prior to such date.

If Mr. Deromedi’s services are terminated by us for “cause” or if he resigns for reasons other than as a result of a constructive termination, he will only be entitled to receive his accrued rights.

Mr. Deromedi’s agreement also contains non-competition provisions that limit his ability to engage in activity competing with our company for six months after termination of his services.

A copy of Mr. Deromedi’s agreement is filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

 

119


Table of Contents

Compensation of Directors

Prior to the Transactions

Prior to the Transactions, our directors who were also our employees or employees of our 2003 Sponsors received no additional compensation for their services as director. Those directors who were not employees of us or our 2003 Sponsors were paid (1) an annual retainer of $25,000 to be paid quarterly in arrears and (2) an annual option grant of 10,000 options with a one-year vesting period. We also reimbursed our non-employee directors for reasonable expenses incurred to attend meetings of our board of directors or its committees.

The table below sets forth information regarding compensation for the year ended December 31, 2006 for our directors who were not also employees of us or our 2003 Sponsors.

 

Name (a)

  

Fees Earned or Paid

in Cash

($)

   Option Awards
($) (b)
  

All Other

Compensation
($)

  

Total

($)

Terry Peets

   $ 25,000    $ 3,200       $ 28,200

David R. Jessick

     25,000      3,200         28,200

(a) As of December 31, 2006, Messrs. Peets and Jessick each had outstanding options to purchase 30,000 shares of the Crunch Holding Corp.’s common stock. The options had an exercise price of $1.00 per share and are fully vested.

 

(b) Stock Awards and Stock Option Grants were valued in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123R. The assumptions used in the valuation are discussed in Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2006. The grant date fair value of the options is set forth in this column.

 

Following the Transactions

Our directors who are also our employees or employees of Blackstone receive no additional compensation for their services as directors. Joseph Jimenez does not currently receive compensation for his services as a director.

Director Independence

We have not made a determination that any of our directors is independent under the applicable standards of the New York Stock Exchange or any other standard. Because our securities are not listed on any stock exchange or inter-dealer quotation system, we are not subject to the independence standards of any such exchange or quotation system.

 

120


Table of Contents

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Compensation Program Objectives and Design

Our primary objective in establishing our comprehensive compensation program is to recruit, attract, retain and properly incent high-level talent to work for and ultimately add value to our company for the benefit of our shareholders.

Each element of the overall comprehensive program (discussed in greater detail below) is intended to be competitive with similar elements offered both locally and nationally by other like-size employers and competitors, and the elements taken together are intended to present a comprehensive competitive program to accomplish the objectives noted in the introductory paragraph.

We designed most of the major elements of our comprehensive compensation program by development of initial thoughts and ideas from our senior management team, consisting of our Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary and Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel, and consultation with other members of our senior management. Additional input and suggested objectives were received from representatives of our major shareholders and outside, independent service providers. Major compensation elements are reviewed annually by our senior management.

After receipt of the input noted and development of final draft plans, such plans were (and in the case of annual bonus plans, are annually) presented to our Compensation Committee. Prior to the Transactions, the Compensation Committee was made up of representatives of three of the Predecessor’s shareholders representatives, CCMP Capital Advisors LLC, J.W. Childs Associates L.P. and C. Dean Metropoulos. Since the completion of the Transactions, the Compensation Committee now includes Directors Prakash Melwani, a Senior Managing Director of Blackstone, Joseph Jimenez, Shervin Korangy, a Director of Blackstone, and Chairman of the Board Roger Deromedi. None of these members is a current or former officer or employee of our company. We are parties to certain transactions with Blackstone described in “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions” below. Neither Mr. Metropoulos nor Mr. Deromedi participated in Compensation Committee discussions involving their compensation.

The Compensation Committee comments on and ultimately adopts the major compensation programs.

In the cases of Mr. Metropoulos, the former Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, and N. Michael Dion, the former Chief Financial Officer, certain elements of compensation were granted to them by the shareholders and the Board of Directors of the Predecessor when the Predecessor was formed in November of 2003. These elements included the ability to receive certain incented units of the Predecessor’s ultimate parent entity, tied to attainment of certain returns to the shareholders as well as other elements not generally available to other executives.

Our compensation program is designed to reward performance by our company’s executives, which in turn creates value for our company’s shareholders. Performance is reviewed annually for both our company’s executives and our company as a whole. Our Compensation Committee reviews and approves annual compensation elements such as bonus plan attainment, and our company’s full Board of Directors reviews full year earnings and management performance by our company’s executives. The Board as a whole also approves our company’s annual budgets, which include certain elements of the compensation program such as annual bonuses and annual merit increases, if any, for our company’s executives.

In short, if value is not added to our company annually, certain of the elements of the compensation program are not paid, i.e., annual bonuses and annual base compensation increases.

The compensation program is not intended to reward only short-term or annual performance, however. It is also intended to reward long-term company performance. Therefore, employee equity programs, which are discussed in more detail below, are key elements of the compensation program.

 

121


Table of Contents

Elements of Compensation

For the period ending December 31, 2006, our company had five principal elements which made up its compensation program. They are:

 

   

Base salary and potential annual merit adjustment

   

Bonus plan (MIP or “Management Incentive Plan”)

   

Employee equity plans

   

Severance, change of control and other termination-related programs

   

401(k) and other benefits

As noted above, C. Dean Metropoulos and N. Michael Dion had other equity program incentives and other elements of compensation that were enacted by the Predecessor’s Board and its shareholders that were not available to other executives of our company and were not noted in the listing above. Additionally, upon completion of the Transactions, our company continued to offer similar programs, with the exception of the stock purchase program described under “Equity programs” below.

The following is a brief discussion of each principal element of compensation.

 

  (a) Base salary. Base salaries are set for all executive officers of our company by the Chief Executive Officer of our company with approval of the Compensation Committee. Base salaries are intended to compensate the executive officers and all other salaried employees for their basic services performed for our company on an annual basis. All salaried employees are paid bi-weekly in equal increments. In setting base salaries, our company takes into account the employee’s experience, the functions and responsibilities of the job, salaries for similar positions within the community and for competitive positions in the food industry generally and any other factor relevant to that particular job. We attempt to pay in the middle range for each job but do not limit ourselves to this. In determining applicable salaries, we also consult with outside consultants and recruiters, senior members of our management team who have contacts and experience at other relevant companies, board members and shareholder employment related personnel. Base salaries may be adjusted annually and, in certain circumstances, adjusted mid-year to deal with competitive pressures or changes in job responsibilities.

 

  (b) Bonus plan (MIP). We use our MIP plans to incent our eligible employees on an annual basis. The MIP plans, together with base salary and basic benefits (other than 401(k)) are considered short-term compensation programs. In setting these short-term programs, we also consider the equity plans and their value. These equity plans or long-term plans are discussed below. Our MIP plans are intended to reward executives and other eligible employees for achieving annual profit and operational goals. Generally under all three such existing programs (one for Sales personnel, one for Food Service personnel and one for all other executives and eligible employees), our EBITDA target, which is approved annually by the Board of Directors, is a major component, and individual goals or “MBO’s” account for the balance. We consider the specific EBITDA targets applicable to the MIP plans to be confidential commercial and financial information, the disclosure of which could result in competitive harm to us. However, we believe that each of these targets, while difficult to attain, is reasonably attainable if we achieve our planned performance and growth objectives over the period applicable to the MIP plans. Senior management of our company decides who is eligible to participate in the MIP plans and what the terms of the plans are, including what an employee’s bonus potential is. All jobs at our company have grade levels attached to them, and these grade levels have target bonus levels assigned to them. The full Board of Directors must approve the bonus pool contained in the annual budget; the Compensation Committee must approve actual payment of bonuses pursuant to the MIP plans and must specifically consider and approve the bonuses to the named senior executive officers. All bonuses are equal to a preset percentage of a person’s salary with minimum and maximum payout if certain targets are attained. Bonuses are payable, once approved, shortly after our company’s audit by our company’s independent accounting firm is completed but prior to March 15th of the year following the bonus year in order to prevent such payments from being deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

122


Table of Contents
  (c) Equity programs.

 

     Prior to the Transactions. The Predecessor had two long-term incentive programs: The Crunch Holding Corp. stock option plan (“SOP”) and the Crunch Holding Corp. stock purchase plan (“SPP”). We do not have a defined benefit program. Prior to the Transactions, the SOP benefited approximately 230 salaried employees. The Predecessor’s SOP (the “2004 SOP Plan”) was created in 2004 by the Board of Directors and was authorized to issue 29,600,000 options of Crunch Holding Corp. The intention in creating and offering the plan was that eligible employees who were to receive options under the plan would be incented side by side with our company’s shareholders to create long-term value for our company. The strike price for the options granted originally was the equivalent of the original investor’s price paid per share. This strike price was reviewed not less than annually by our company. Generally under the 2004 SOP Plan, 2/3 of the options vested ratably over 3 years. The final 1/3 vested either upon a change of control or similar event, if an internal rate of return of 15% per annum was attained by our sponsors, or upon the expiration of seven years from the original grant date, whichever occurred first. Vesting terminated upon an employee’s termination but in most cases a terminated employee could purchase his vested shares within 90 days of termination. Such terminated employee could, if he chose, share in the future growth in value that he helped create. Prior to the Transactions, Mr. Metropoulos had the sole authority to grant options to employees of our company (other than to himself and Mr. Dion) but formed an options committee to review and approve such grants. Notwithstanding the vesting schedule noted below, when Mr. Jeffrey P. Ansell was hired in July of 2006 to assume the Chief Executive Officer position, certain of his options, i.e., the first 2/9ths, were vested as of the date of hire with normal vesting thereafter. Further, per his agreement, Mr. Ansell was granted 500,000 additional options which were fully vested when he purchased 500,000 shares of our company’s stock in November of 2006.

 

     The second long-term incentive plan that the Predecessor provided for its executives and other eligible employees was the SPP, under which 15,000,000 shares of Crunch Holding Corp. were authorized to be purchased. In 2005, the SPP was made available to all salaried employees who were eligible to receive options pursuant to the SOP. The eligible employees purchased 10,482,971 shares of Crunch Holding Corp., including 500,000 by Jeffrey Ansell pursuant to his employment agreement signed in July 2006. We believe this plan allowed employees to align their interests with our company’s shareholders in creating value long-term. Together, the two noted equity plans were intended to foster long-term growth for our company and provide a means of creating financial security for our senior executives.

 

    

Following the Transactions. We have two long-term incentive plans: the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan and the 2007 Unit Plan (collectively, the “2007 Equity Plans”). We continue not to have a defined benefit program. The 2007 Equity Plans are designed to promote our interests by providing eligible persons with the opportunity to acquire a proprietary interest in our company as an incentive for them to remain in our service. The total percentage of equity to be reserved for issuance under the 2007 Equity Plans is 10% of the total equity of Crunch Holding Corp. The Stock Incentive Plan includes approximately 175 salaried employees and is authorized to issue up to 20,000 options to purchase shares of Crunch Holding Corp. common stock. All options granted under the plan must be awarded with a strike price that is no less than the fair market value of a share of Crunch Holding Corp. common stock on the date of the grant. Under the 2007 Unit Plan, 45 management employees were given the opportunity to invest in our company through the purchase of Class A-2 Units in our parent, Peak Holdings LLC. In addition, each manager who so invested was awarded profits interests in Peak Holdings LLC in the form of Class B-1, Class B-2 and Class B-3 Units (collectively, “PIUs”). Generally 25% of the options and PIUs will vest ratably over five years. Fifty percent of the options and PIU’s vest ratably over five years depending on if annual or cumulative EBITDA targets are met. The final 25% of the options and PIUs granted under the 2007 Equity Plans vest either on a change of control or similar event, if a 20% annual internal rate of return (or, if the event occurs (x) on or before the first anniversary of the closing date of the Transactions, a 40% annual internal rate of return or (y) after the first anniversary of the closing date of the Transactions but on or before the second anniversary of the closing date of the Transactions, a 30% annual internal rate of return) is attained by Blackstone. Under both plans, vesting

 

123


Table of Contents
 

terminates upon an employee’s termination, but in most cases a terminated employee may purchase his vested shares within 90 days of termination. Under these plans, the executives have the right to put their Class A-2 Units, any vested PIUs and any shares held as a result of the exercise of any option to Peak Holdings or Crunch Holding Corp., as the case may be, for a price at least equal to their fair market value if their employment terminates due to disability or death prior to the earlier of an initial public offering or change of control of Peak Holdings or Crunch Holding Corp., as the case may be. The plans contain terms that allow Peak Holdings or Crunch Holding Corp., as the case may be, at its option to purchase from executives the Class A-2 Units, any recently vested PIUs and any shares held as a result of the exercise of any option if the executive engages in activity competing with our company or if the executive is terminated due to death or disability, a termination without cause or constructive termination (in the case of the Unit Plan other than the Class A-2 Units, unless the executive has engaged in activity competing with our company), a termination for cause or a voluntary termination of employment. Should Peak Holdings or Blackstone elect to exercise its purchase rights under the agreements, the price per unit will depend on the nature of the executive’s termination of employment. Equity awards under both plans are granted based on recommendations of various members of senior management to an internal company committee.

 

     We are also contemplating an employee stock purchase plan, which will entitle certain employees to purchase equity of Crunch Holding Corp.

 

  (d) Severance, change of control and other termination-related programs. We generally have two forms of post-termination compensation—the use of change of control language in employment letters or agreements and basic severance plan provisions. Each of these two forms of compensation are necessary in our opinion to help attract and retain qualified top quality executives. In addition, we believe that we benefit from such plans as they help to insure continuity of management. Without these plans, and in the event of a possible or actual change in control, certain executives may feel the need to find other employment before they were forced to leave after a change of control event. With such plans in place, we believe that there will be more stability with our senior executives, allowing for more efficient operation of our company and the creation of additional value for our company and our shareholders. At present, we have only one type of change of control provision in our existing employment agreements and letter agreements with our various members of management. This provision essentially provides that, unless the applicable executive is retained in his or her job following a change in control with the same or similar duties, responsibilities, compensation and location of job, the executive may terminate his or her employment and receive a change of control payment.

Further, we maintain a severance plan which is intended to be somewhere in the middle in terms of value to employees when compared against companies of similar size, location and industry type. The severance plan provides a weekly severance based upon the employee’s total years of service with our company, with minimums of four weeks pay for new hires and up to 16 weeks pay for executives at higher levels. All executives of our company who do not have change of control provisions applicable to them are eligible for the benefits of the severance plan.

 

  (e) 401(k) and other benefits. We provide various other benefits and compensation-related programs to executives and other salaried employees, which allow us to provide a full and comprehensive compensation package. This full package of compensation elements is key to our company’s objectives to attract, retain and incent high-quality employees. The elements of our company’s compensation program not otherwise discussed above are:

 

  (i) A 401(k) program wherein our company matches up to 50% of employee contributions, up to a maximum company contribution of 3% of the employee’s pay (up to the I.R.S. annual covered compensation limit);
  (ii) Medical and dental insurance for which our company pays 70% of the premiums;
  (iii) Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance paid for by our company; and
  (iv) Long-Term Disability and Short-Term Disability insurance, paid for by our company.

 

124


Table of Contents

In establishing and providing the plans noted above, our company uses outside 401(k) and benefits consultants for medical and 401(k) plan design. Each of the outside consultants provides not less than annual advice about the plan designs for similar manufacturing companies across the United States and in the communities where our company is located. As with other elements of compensation, our company strives to provide competitive benefits to attract quality executives. Based on our general perception of the market and while we have not identified specific companies, we believe that the benefits noted in this section generally are at the 50th percentile of all similarly situated manufacturers and competitors with exceptions made where we believe necessary based on the communities where our company is located.

 

  (g) Executive compensation as a package of compensation elements. In summary, we have developed our various elements of compensation for our executives with the view that each element complements the rest of the elements of the compensation program. Most importantly, we provide a total program that allows us to attain the objectives set forth above. If any of the elements were missing, we do not believe we could attain our objectives. While we do not have a fixed policy that an incoming executive must receive a certain salary, a certain bonus amount, a certain amount of equity, etc., each of the elements is critical to providing a competitive compensation package to executives. Therefore, although no predetermined amount is set, we are careful to give adequate weight to short-term compensation vs. long-term compensation, and no one decision is made with regard to one element of compensation without considering the impact upon the other elements and ultimately the objectives we wish to achieve.

Summary Compensation Table

The following table provides summary information concerning compensation paid or accrued by us to or on behalf of our named executive officers for fiscal 2006, for services rendered to us during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.

 

Name and Principal Position

  Year  

Salary

($)

  Bonus
($)
   

Stock
Awards

($)

    Option
Awards(a)
($)
  Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)
  All Other
Compensation
($)
   

Total

($)

C. Dean Metropolous(b)

Chairman and Director

  2006   $ 2,000,000   $ —       $ 1,202,750 (c)   $ —     $ 1,000,000   $ 225,890 (f)   $ 4,428,640

Jeffrey P. Ansell(d)

Chief Executive Officer and Director

  2006     283,846     84,000 (e)     —         630,499     300,000     6,849 (g)     1,305,194

N. Michael Dion

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer(h)

  2006     450,000     —         120,275 (c)     —       200,000     5,086 (g)     775,361

Michael J. Cramer

Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer

  2006     415,541     —         —         178,678     272,825     7,428 (g)     874,472

Craig Steeneck

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer(i)

  2006     367,404     —         —         106,656     325,625     7,140 (g)     806,825

William Toler

President and Director

  2006     405,394     —         —         132,132     252,750     5,676 (g)     795,952

William Darkoch

Executive Vice President-Supply Chain and Operations

  2006     273,641     —         —         69,604     186,550     7,952 (g)     537,747

(a) Stock Awards and Stock Option Grants were valued in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123R. The assumptions used in the valuation are discussed in note 5 to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2006.

 

125


Table of Contents
(b) In addition to serving as Chairman of the Board, Mr. C.D. Metropoulos also served as Chief Executive Officer through July 5, 2006.

 

(c) In connection with the financing and acquisition of the Armour Foods Business, Mr. C.D. Metropoulos and Mr. Dion, together with our other former shareholders, purchased 39,600 Class A units of Crunch Equity Holding LLC, PFGI’s ultimate parent at the time, for $39.6 million. In return for the investment in Class A units, Mr. C.D. Metropoulos and Mr. Dion also received 2,926.32 fully vested Class C, 2,238.25 fully vested Class D and 2,356.05 fully vested Class E units at an aggregate price of $400,000. In accordance with SFAS 123R, the Class C, D and E units were assigned a value of $1,815,000. Accordingly, we recorded a compensation charge of $1,415,000. Mr. C.D. Metropoulos and Mr. Dion received 85% and 8.5%, respectively, of the units granted to CDM Investor Group LLC, one of our former shareholders. The remaining 6.5% of the units were granted to an individual who is not an employee of our company.

 

(d) Mr. Ansell was appointed Chief Executive Officer on July 5, 2006.

 

(e) At the start of employment, Mr. Ansell received a $60,000 sign-on bonus as well as a $24,000 relocation bonus.

 

(f) For Mr. C.D. Metropoulos, “All other compensation” includes items provided under his employment agreement with Pinnacle. For 2006, “All other compensation” includes the following: $144,602 for accounting and tax services provided for Mr. C.D. Metropoulos, $40,250 for personal use of vehicles that we provided, $32,062 for club dues, contributions made by the Company to Mr. C.D. Metropoulos’ 401(k) account and group life insurance in excess of $50,000.

 

(g) For Messrs. Ansell, Dion, Steeneck, Cramer, Toler and Darkoch, “All other compensation” for 2006 includes contributions made by the Company to the individuals’ 401(k) accounts and group life insurance in excess of $50,000.

 

(h) Mr. N. Michael Dion is no longer with the Company.

 

(i) Mr. Craig Steeneck assumed the Chief Financial Officer role of the Company on July 1, 2007.

Grants of Plan-Based Awards for 2006

The following table provides supplemental information relating to grants of plan-based awards to help explain information provided above in our Summary Compensation Table.

 

          Estimated Future Payouts Under
Non-Equity Incentive Plan
Awards
 

All Other Stock
Awards: Number
of Shares of
Stock or Units
(#)

   

All Other
Option

Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options

(#)

 

Exercise or
Base Price
of Option
Awards

($/Sh)

 

Grant Date Fair

Value of
Stock and
Option

Awards
($)

Name

  Grant Date   Threshold
($)
 

Target

($)

   

Maximum

($)

       

C. Dean Metropolous

    3/01/06   $0     $1,000,000     —     (a )   —       —       —  

Jeffrey P. Ansell

    7/05/06   $200,000     $300,000 (b)   $450,000(b)   —       3,500,000   $ 1.00   $ 1,330,000
  11/10/06           500,000   $ 1.00     190,000

N. Michael Dion

    3/01/06   $0   $ 200,000     —     (a )   —       —       —  

Craig Steeneck

    1/15/06   $0   $ 275,625     $367,500   —       500,000   $ 1.00     190,000
    4/15/06           75,000   $ 1.00     28,500
    7/15/06           75,000   $ 1.00     28,500
  10/15/06           50,000   $ 1.00     19,000

William Toler

  10/15/06   $0   $ 202,750     $405,500   —       175,000   $ 1.00     66,500

William Darkoch

    1/15/06   $0   $ 136,550     $273,100   —       200,000   $ 1.00     76,000
  10/15/06         —       200,000   $ 1.00     76,000

Michael J. Cramer

  10/15/06   $0   $ 207,825     $311,738   —       50,000   $ 1.00     19,000

(a) In connection with the financing and acquisition of the Armour Foods Business, Mr. C.D. Metropoulos and Mr. Dion, together with our other former shareholders, purchased 39,600 Class A units of LLC, PFGI’s ultimate parent at the time, for $39.6 million. In return for the investment in Class A units, Mr. C.D. Metropoulos and Mr. Dion also received 2,926.32 fully vested Class C, 2,238.25 fully vested Class D and 2,356.05 fully vested Class E units at an aggregate price of $400,000. In accordance with SFAS 123R, the Class C, D and E units were assigned a value of $1,815,000. Accordingly, we recorded a compensation charge of $1,415,000. Mr. C.D. Metropoulos and Mr. Dion received 85% and 8.5%, respectively, of the units granted to CDM Investor Group LLC, one of our former shareholders. The remaining 6.5% of the units were granted to an individual who is not an employee of our company.

 

(b) Mr. Ansell was appointed Chief Executive Officer on July 5, 2006, and the target and maximum amounts for Mr. Ansell set forth in this table are pro-rated to reflect the amounts that would have applied for a future half-year period.

 

126


Table of Contents

Outstanding Equity Awards at 2006 Fiscal Year End

The following table provides information regarding outstanding awards made to our named executive officers as of our most recent fiscal year end.

 

     Option Awards

Name

  

Number of

Securities
Underlying
Unexercised

Options

(#)

Exercisable

  

Number of

Securities
Underlying

Unexercised
Options

(#)

Unexercisable

   

Equity Incentive

Plan Awards:
Number of Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned Options

(#)

   Option Exercise Price
($)
  

Option Expiration

Date

C. Dean Metropolous

   —      —       —        —      —  

Jeffrey P. Ansell

   777,777    2,722,223 (a)   —      $ 1.00    7/05/2016
   500,000    —          $ 1.00    11/10/2016

N. Michael Dion

   —      —       —        —      —  

Craig Steeneck

   222,222    777,778 (b)      $ 1.00    7/15/2015
   —      500,000 (b)      $ 1.00    1/15/2016
   —      75,000 (b)   —      $ 1.00    4/15/2016
   —      75,000 (b)      $ 1.00    7/15/2016
   —      50,000 (b)      $ 1.00    10/15/2016

William Toler

   733,333    916,667 (c)      $ 1.00    3/22/2014
   38,888    136,112 (c)   —      $ 1.00    7/15/2015
   —      175,000 (c)      $ 1.00    10/15/2016

William Darkoch

   177,777    622,223 (d)   —      $ 1.00    10/15/2015
   —      200,000 (d)      $ 1.00    1/15/2016
   —      200,000 (d)      $ 1.00    10/15/2016

Michael J. Cramer

   1,111,111    1,388,889

50,000


(e)

(e)


  —      $

$

1.00

1.00

   03/19/2004
10/15/2006

(a) Mr. Ansell’s unexercisable options vest as follows: in fiscal 2007 – 777,778; in fiscal 2008 – 777,778; and in fiscal 2013 – 1,166,667.

 

(b) Mr. Steeneck’s unexercisable options vest as follows: in fiscal 2007 – 377,776; in fiscal 2008 – 377,779; in fiscal 2009 – 155,556, in fiscal 2012 – 333,333; and in fiscal 2013 – 233,334.

 

(c) Mr. Toler’s unexercisable options vest as follows: in fiscal 2007 – 444,444; in fiscal 2008 – 77,778; in fiscal 2009 – 38,889, in fiscal 2011 – 550,000, in fiscal 2012 – 58,334; and in fiscal 2013 – 58,334.

 

(d) Mr. Darkoch’s unexercisable options vest as follows: in fiscal 2007 – 266,666; in fiscal 2008 – 266,666; in fiscal 2009 – 88,890; in fiscal 2012 – 266,667; and in fiscal 2013 – 133,334.

 

(e) Mr. Cramer’s unexercisable options vest as follows: in fiscal 2007 – 566,667; in fiscal 2008 – 11,111, in fiscal 2009 – 11,111, in fiscal 2011 – 833,333, in fiscal 2013 – 16,667.

Option Exercises and Stock Vested in 2006

The following table provides information regarding the amounts received by our named executive officers upon exercise of options or similar instruments or the vesting of stock or similar instruments during our most recent fiscal year.

 

     Stock Awards

Name

  

Number of Shares
Acquired on Vesting

(#)

   

Value Realized
on Vesting

($)

C. Dean Metropoulos

   (a )   $ 1,202,750

N. Michael Dion

   (a )     120,275

(a)

In connection with the financing and acquisition of the Armour Foods Business, Mr. C.D. Metropoulos and Mr. Dion, together with our other former shareholders, purchased 39,600 Class A units of Crunch Equity

 

127


Table of Contents
 

Holding LLC, PFGI’s ultimate parent at the time, for $39.6 million. In return for the investment in Class A units, Mr. C.D. Metropoulos and Mr. Dion also received 2,926.32 fully vested Class C, 2,238.25 fully vested Class D and 2,356.05 fully vested Class E units at an aggregate price of $400,000. In accordance with SFAS 123R the Class C, D and E units were assigned a value of $1,815,000. Accordingly, we recorded a compensation charge of $1,415,000. Mr. C.D. Metropoulos and Mr. Dion received 85% and 8.5%, respectively, of the units granted to CDM Investor Group LLC, one of our former shareholders. The remaining 6.5% of the units were granted to an individual, who is not an employee of our company.

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation for 2006

None of our named executive officers are currently in a nonqualified deferred compensation plan.

Pension Benefits for 2006

None of our named executive officers are currently in a defined benefit plan sponsored by us or our subsidiaries or affiliates.

Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards for 2006

Employment Agreements in 2006

As of December 31, 2006, the following employment agreements with our named executive officers were in place:

Dean Metropoulos

The material terms of Mr. Metropoulos’ employment agreement with us included an annual base salary of $2,000,000. In addition, Mr. Metropoulos was eligible for an annual bonus of up to $1,000,000. During Mr. Metropoulos’ employment, we provided to him the use of a company paid vehicle, country club membership, income tax and accounting services, office rent and secretarial support. Mr. Metropoulos’ employment agreement contained provisions for a post-employment payment in certain instances, which is described more fully later in this section. If it were determined that any payment to Mr. Metropoulos would be subject to any tax, other than income tax (“Excise Tax”), then we were obligated to pay to Mr. Metropoulos an additional payment (“Gross-up Payment”) in an amount such that he retained, after payment of all taxes and all interest and penalties with respect thereto, an amount of the Gross-up Payment equal to the Excess Tax imposed upon the payment. Notwithstanding, in connection with the acquisition of Crunch Holding Corp. by Peak Holdings LLC, Mr. Metropoulos entered into an amendment to his employment agreement in which he agreed to waive his rights to any gross-up payment payable in connection with the consummation of the acquisition by Peak Holdings. Mr. Metropoulos’ employment agreement was to expire in November 2007. In addition to Mr. Metropoulos’ employment agreement and in accordance with Section 2.3(b) of the Amended and Restated Members’ Agreement for Crunch Equity Holding LLC dated March 19, 2004, so long as Mr. Metropoulos was the Management Manager, he was entitled to determine the payment of annual compensation to, and the reimbursement of expenses for office space, furniture, supplies, administration, telecommunications and other customary provisions and travel (including costs with respect to airplane) incurred by any of the CDM Investor Group LLC’s executives (which included Mr. Dion) (provided, that Mr. C.D. Metropoulos was not entitled to determine the amount of his annual compensation) in an amount not to exceed $8.0 million in any fiscal year.

Jeffrey P. Ansell

The material terms of Mr. Ansell’s prior employment agreement with us included an annual base salary of $600,000 (“Annual Base Salary”). In addition, Mr. Ansell was eligible for an annual bonus of up to 100% of his Annual Base Salary upon the achievement of target performance criteria as established by Pinnacle’s Compensation Committee (“Target Bonus”). Mr. Ansell was also entitled to receive an additional annual bonus of up to 50% of his Annual Base Salary based upon the achievement of additional performance criteria beyond

 

128


Table of Contents

the criteria set for the Target Bonus, with the additional criteria also to be established by Pinnacle’s Compensation Committee (“Stretch Bonus”). Mr. Ansell received a signing bonus of $60,000 and was entitled to an anniversary bonus of $60,000 payable one year from the date his employment commences. Upon Mr. Ansell’s employment with us, he received a grant of 3.5 million stock options (the “Initial Grant”) pursuant to the terms and conditions of the 2004 Stock Option Plan (the “Option Plan”). The options were granted with an exercise price of $1.00 per share and, except as mentioned below, were generally subject to the terms and conditions of the Option Plan. The Initial Grant was as of the date employment commences and provided for vesting as follows: 2/9th vesting upon the date employment commences, 2/9th vesting on the 1st anniversary of employment, 2/9th on the second anniversary and all other vesting per the Option Plan. In addition, Mr. Ansell was entitled to receive an additional grant of stock options (not to exceed 500,000) pursuant to the Option Plan in such number of stock options as equaled the number of shares of common stock that he purchased under the 2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, all of which vest immediately. Mr. Ansell purchased 500,000 shares of common stock under the 2004 Stock Purchase Plan in November 2006.

N. Michael Dion

The material terms of Mr. Dion’s employment agreement with us included an annual base salary of $450,000. In addition, Mr. Dion was eligible for an annual target bonus of up to $200,000. Mr. Dion’s employment agreement contained provisions for a postemployment payment in certain instances, which is described more fully later in this section. If it were determined that any payment to Mr. Dion would be subject to any tax, other than income tax (“Excise Tax”), then we were obligated to pay to Mr. Dion an additional payment (“Gross-up Payment”) in an amount such that he retains, after payment of all taxes and all interest and penalties with respect thereto, an amount of the Gross-up Payment equal to the Excess Tax imposed upon the payment. Mr. Dion’s employment agreement was to expire in November 2007.

Craig Steeneck

The material terms of Mr. Steeneck’s employment arrangement with us included an initial annual base salary of $362,500, which was subject to an annual review by the Company. Subsequently, Mr. Steeneck’s annual base salary was increased to $367,500. In addition, Mr. Steeneck was eligible for a target bonus of 75% (100% maximum) of his base salary. Mr. Steeneck’s employment arrangement contained provisions for a post-employment payment in certain instances, the value of which payments are set forth under “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control.” At the inception of employment, Mr. Steeneck’s arrangement entitled him to receive 1,000,000 options to acquire shares of common stock of Crunch Holding Corp. Additionally, the arrangement stipulated additional option grants of 500,000, 75,000 and 75,000 on or around December 31, 2005, March 31, 2006 and June 20, 2006, respectively. Mr. Steeneck also received 50,000 options on October 15, 2006.

William Toler

The material terms of Mr. Toler’s employment arrangement with us included an initial annual base salary of $350,000, which was subject to an annual review by us. Subsequently, Mr. Toler’s annual base salary was increased to $405,500. In addition, Mr. Toler was eligible for a target bonus of 50% (100% maximum) of his base salary. Mr. Toler’s employment arrangement contained provisions for a post-employment payment in certain instances, the value of which payments are set forth under “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control.” Mr. Toler’s employment arrangement entitled him to receive options to acquire shares of common stock of Crunch Holding Corp. in an amount comparable to other senior executives at his level in our company.

Michael J. Cramer

The material terms of Mr. Cramer’s employment arrangement with us included an annual base salary of $415,650, which was subject to an annual review by the Company. In addition, Mr. Cramer was eligible for a target bonus of 50% (100% maximum) of his base salary.

 

129


Table of Contents

New Employment Agreements

In connection with the Transactions, on April 2, 2007, Crunch Holding Corp. entered into substantially similar employment agreements with each of Jeffrey P. Ansell, William Darkoch, Craig Steeneck and William Toler that govern the terms of each executive’s employment. Information regarding these employment agreements is provided under “Management—Employment Agreements.”

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

The following tables show the estimated amount of potential cash severance payable to each of the named executive officers, as well as the estimated value of continuing benefits, based on compensation and benefit levels in effect on December 31, 2006, assuming the executive’s employment terminated effective December 31, 2006. Due to the numerous factors involved in estimating these amounts, the actual value of benefits and amounts to be paid can only be determined upon an executive’s termination of employment.

In the tables below, the value of the accelerated stock options was based upon a fair value of our company’s common stock of $1.53 per share at December 31, 2006. The value of accelerated stock options does not include unvested stock options that would vest upon a change of control only if certain internal rate of return targets were met because such targets had not been met as of December 31, 2006. The value of the health and welfare benefits in the tables below was estimated at $1,000 per month.

C. Dean Metropolous (a)

 

    

Voluntary

Termination

   Involuntary
Termination
Without
Cause
   Termination
For Cause
   Involuntary
Termination
For Good
Reason
   Change In
Control
   Disability    Death

Cash Severance

   $ —      $ 6,000,000    $ —      $ 6,000,000    $ 6,000,000    $ 6,000,000    $ —  

Acceleration of Stock Options

     —        —        —        —        —        —        —  

Health and Welfare Benefits

     —        24,000      —        24,000      24,000      24,000      —  

Other Benefits

     —        750,000      —        750,000      750,000      750,000      —  
                                                

Total

   $ —      $ 6,774,000    $ —      $ 6,774,000    $ 6,774,000    $ 6,774,000    $ —  
                                                

Jeffery P. Ansell (c)

 

    

Voluntary

Termination

   Involuntary
Termination
Without
Cause
   Termination
For Cause
   Involuntary
Termination
For Good
Reason
   Change In
Control
   Disability    Death

Cash Severance

   $ —      $ 1,000,000    $ —      $ 1,000,000    $ —      $ 1,000,000    $ —  

Acceleration of Stock Options

     —        206,111      —        206,111      824,445      206,111      —  

Health and Welfare Benefits

     —        12,000      —        12,000      —        12,000      —  
                                                

Total

   $ —      $ 1,218,111    $ —      $ 1,218,111    $ 824,445    $ 1,218,111    $ —  
                                                

 

130


Table of Contents

N. Michael Dion (b)

 

    

Voluntary

Termination

   Involuntary
Termination
Without
Cause
   Termination
For Cause
   Involuntary
Termination
For Good
Reason
   Change
In
Control
   Disability    Death

Cash Severance

   $ —      $ 975,000    $ —      $ 975,000    $ —      $ 975,000    $ —  

Acceleration of Stock Options

     —        —        —        —        —        —        —  

Health and Welfare
Benefits

     —        18,000      —        18,000      —        18,000      —  
                                                

Total

   $ —      $ 993,000    $ —      $ 993,000    $ —      $ 993,000    $ —  
                                                

Craig Steeneck (c)

 

    

Voluntary
Termination

   Involuntary
Termination
Without
Cause
   Termination
For Cause
   Involuntary
Termination
For Good
Reason
   Change In
Control
   Disability    Death

Cash Severance

   $ —      $ 321,500    $ —      $ 321,500    $ —      $ —      $ —  

Acceleration of Stock Options

     —        —        —        —        482,889      —        —  

Health and Welfare Benefits

     —        —        —        —        —        —        —  
                                                

Total

   $ —      $ 321,500    $ —      $ 321,500    $ 482,889    $ —      $ —  
                                                

William Toler (c)

 

    

Voluntary

Termination

   Involuntary
Termination
Without
Cause
   Termination
For Cause
   Involuntary
Termination
For Good
Reason
   Change In
Control
   Disability    Death

Cash Severance

   $ —      $ 608,000    $ —      $ 608,000    $ —      $ —      $ —  

Acceleration of Stock Options

     —        —        —        —        297,390      —        —  

Health and Welfare Benefits

     —        12,000      —        12,000      —        —        —  
                                                

Total

   $ —      $ 620,000    $ —      $ 620,000    $ 297,390    $ —      $ —  
                                                

William Darkoch (c)

 

    

Voluntary

Termination

   Involuntary
Termination
Without
Cause
   Termination
For Cause
   Involuntary
Termination
For Good
Reason
   Change In
Control
   Disability    Death

Cash Severance

   $ —      $ 136,821    $ —      $ 136,821    $ —      $ —      $ —  

Acceleration of Stock Options

     —        —        —        —        329,778      —        —  

Health and Welfare Benefits

     —        —        —        —        —        —        —  
                                                

Total

   $ —      $ 136,821    $ —      $ 136,821    $ 329,778    $ —      $ —  
                                                

 

131


Table of Contents

(a) Mr. Metropoulos’ employment terminated upon the consummation of the Transactions. Upon his termination, Mr. Metropoulos received a severance payment in the amount of $6,551,000, as well as health and welfare benefits for 24 months.

 

(b) Mr. Dion’s employment terminated on June 30, 2007. Upon his termination, Mr. Dion received a severance payment in the amount of $750,000, as well as health and welfare benefits for 18 months.

 

(c) In accordance with Mr. Ansell’s, Mr. Steeneck’s, Mr. Toler’s and Mr. Darkoch’s employment agreements entered into in connection with the Transactions, their potential payments upon termination or change of control would be as follows as of September 30, 2007:

 

   

In the case of an involuntary termination without cause or an involuntary termination for good reason, the amount of the payment would be as follows: Mr. Ansell – $2,268,000; Mr. Steeneck – $729,500, Mr. Toler – $755,750; and Mr. Darkoch – $584,500.

 

   

In the case of a voluntary termination, a termination for cause, death or disability, the amount of the payment would be as follows: Mr. Ansell – $0; Mr. Steeneck – $0, Mr. Toler – $0; and Mr. Darkoch – $0.

 

   

In the case of a change in control, the payments would be as follows: Mr. Ansell – $1,269,563; Mr. Steeneck – $434,473, Mr. Toler – $462,685; and Mr. Darkoch – $310,338. These change in control payments do not include unvested PIUs that would vest upon a change of control only if certain internal rate of return targets were met, to the extent that those targets had not been met as of September 30, 2007.

Michael J. Cramer

Michael J. Cramer’s employment arrangement does not include any special provision for a post-employment payment. Therefore, in the event Mr. Cramer’s employment is terminated other than for cause, any post-employment payment would be paid under our existing severance plan. For employees at Mr. Cramer’s level, the severance benefit would be 16 weeks of compensation, which includes base salary only. The severance amount is currently estimated at $128,000.

Severance Arrangements

Certain of our executive officers, including Messrs. Ansell, Darkoch, Steeneck and Toler, entered into employment agreements in connection with the Transactions, which agreements provide, among other things, for each executive’s rights upon a termination of employment. We believe that reasonable and appropriate severance and change in control benefits are appropriate in order to be competitive in our executive retention efforts. These benefits should reflect the fact that it may be difficult for such executives to find comparable employment within a short period of time. We also believe that these types of agreements are appropriate and customary in situations such as the Transactions wherein the executives have made significant personal investments in the Company and that investment is generally illiquid for a significant period of time. Finally, we believe formalized severance and change in control arrangements are common benefits offered by employers competing for similar senior executive talent. Information regarding applicable payments under such agreements for the named executive officers is provided under “—Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” and “Management—Employment Agreements.”

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

Former Compensation Committee

The members of the Compensation Committee as of December 31, 2006 were C. Dean Metropoulos, Stephen P. Murray and John W. Childs.

 

132


Table of Contents

Mr. Metropoulos was the Chairman of Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. from March 19, 2004 until the consummation of the Transactions and was the Chief Executive Officer of Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. from March 19, 2004 until July 5, 2006. However, Mr. Metropoulos did not participate in discussions involving his own compensation. Prior to the consummation of the Transactions, we were parties to certain transactions with Mr. Metropoulos described in “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Related Person Transactions Prior to the Transactions,” which descriptions are incorporated herein by reference.

Current Compensation Committee

The current members of our Compensation Committee are Prakash Melwani, a Senior Managing Director of Blackstone, Joseph Jimenez, Shervin Korangy, a Director of Blackstone, and Chairman of the Board Roger Deromedi. None of these members is a current or former officer or employee of our company. We are parties to certain transactions with Blackstone described in “Certain Relationship and Related Person Transactions” section below. Mr. Deromedi does not participate in Compensation Committee discussions regarding his own compensation.

 

133


Table of Contents

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS

The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of the Class A-1 and Class A-2 Units of our ultimate parent company, Peak Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as of September 30, 2007 for (i) each individual or entity known by us to own beneficially more than 5% of the Class A-1 Units or Class A-2 Units of Peak Holdings LLC, (ii) each of our named executive officers, (iii) each of our directors and (iv) all of our directors and our executive officers as a group. The Class A-1 Units and the Class A-2 Units have equal voting rights. For additional information about the equity investment by certain members of our senior management, see “Management—Equity Investment by Chairman and Executive Officers.”

The amounts and percentages of shares beneficially owned are reported on the basis of SEC regulations governing the determination of beneficial ownership of securities. Under SEC rules, a person is deemed to be a “beneficial owner” of a security if that person has or shares voting power or investment power, which includes the power to dispose of or to direct the disposition of such security. A person is also deemed to be a beneficial owner of any securities of which that person has a right to acquire beneficial ownership within 60 days. Securities that can be so acquired are deemed to be outstanding for purposes of computing such person’s ownership percentage, but not for purposes of computing any other person’s percentage. Under these rules, more than one person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of the same securities and a person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of securities as to which such person has no economic interest.

Except as otherwise indicated in the footnotes below, each of the beneficial owners has, to our knowledge, sole voting and investment power with respect to the indicated Class A-1 Units and Class A-2 Units. Unless otherwise noted, the address of each beneficial owner of Class A-1 Units is 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017, and the address of each beneficial owner of Class A-2 Units is c/o Pinnacle Foods Group LLC, 1 Old Bloomfield Avenue, Mt. Lakes, New Jersey 07046.

 

Title of Class

  

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner

  

Amount and Nature of

Beneficial Ownership

   Percent  

A-1

  

Blackstone Funds(1)

   414,178,549    98 %

A-2

  

Jeffrey P. Ansell

   1,350,000    *  

A-2

  

Craig Steeneck

   575,000    *  

A-2

  

William Toler(2)

   699,003    *  

A-2

  

William Darkoch

   325,000    *  

A-2

  

Roger K. Deromedi(3)

   3,000,000    *  

A-2

  

Joseph Jimenez

   250,000    *  

A-2

  

Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (nine persons)

   7,138,056    1.7 %

* Less than one percent

 

(1) Reflects beneficial ownership of 376,790,140 Class A-1 Units held by Blackstone Capital Partners V L.P., 22,270,893 Class A-1 Units held by Blackstone Capital Partners V-AC L.P., 12,989,425 Class A-1 Units held by Blackstone Family Investment Partnership V L.P., 1,216,966 Class A-1 Units held by Blackstone Family Investment Partnership V-A L.P. and 911,125 Class A-1 Units held by Blackstone Participation Partnership V L.P. (collectively, the “Blackstone Funds”). The general partner of all Blackstone Funds is Blackstone Management Associates V L.L.C. BMA V L.L.C. is the sole member of Blackstone Management Associates V L.L.C. Blackstone Holdings III L.P. is the managing member and majority in interest owner of BMA V L.L.C. Blackstone Holdings III L.P. is indirectly controlled by The Blackstone Group L.P. and is owned, directly or indirectly, by Blackstone professionals and The Blackstone Group L.P.

 

(2) Mr. Toler individually holds 318,000 Class A-2 Units. The remaining units listed are held by Pensco Trust Co. as custodian for Mr. Toler’s retirement account.

 

(3) All of the units are held in a revocable trust for the benefit of Mr. Deromedi.

 

134


Table of Contents

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS

Securityholders Agreement of Peak Holdings LLC

In connection with the Transactions, Peak Holdings LLC, our ultimate parent company, entered into a securityholders agreement with the Equity Investors.

Under the securityholders agreement, each of the securityholders of Peak Holdings LLC agrees to take all necessary actions to cause the persons designated by Blackstone to be elected to the boards of directors of Peak Holdings LLC and each of its subsidiaries, including our company. The parties also agree to vote the securities of Peak Holdings LLC and its subsidiaries, including our company, as Blackstone directs in connection with the merger or consolidation of Peak Holdings LLC, the sale of all or substantially all its assets, the amendment of its organizational documents and certain other matters.

The securityholders agreement also restricts transfers by employee holders of securities of Peak Holdings LLC from transferring those securities prior to the earliest of a qualified public offering, a change of control and the seventh anniversary of the closing of the Transactions (the “lapse date”), subject to exceptions, and grants Peak Holdings LLC a right of first refusal in connection with sales by employee holders on or after the lapse date and before a public offering by Peak Holdings LLC. The securityholders agreement also gives employee holders customary tag-along rights with respect to sales of securities held by Blackstone and gives Blackstone customary drag-along rights in connection with a change of control, subject in certain instances to a minimum threshold of sales by Blackstone.

The agreement grants Blackstone demand registration rights with respect to the securities of Peak Holdings LLC and grants all securityholders certain piggyback registration rights. The agreement contains customary indemnification provisions in connection with any such registration. A copy of the agreement is attached as Exhibit 10.15 to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

For additional information about the equity investment by certain members of our senior management in connection with the Transactions, see “Management—Equity Investment by Chairman and Executive Officers.”

Securityholders Agreement of Crunch Holding Corp.

In connection with the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan described under “Executive Compensation—Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Elements of Compensation,” Crunch Holding Corp., the immediate subsidiary of Peak Holdings LLC, entered into a securityholders agreement with Peak Holdings LLC and the employee shareholders of Crunch Holding Corp. from time to time.

Under the securityholders agreement, each of the shareholders of Crunch Holding Corp. agrees to take all necessary actions to cause the persons designated by Peak Holdings LLC to be elected to the boards of directors of Crunch Holding Corp. and each of its subsidiaries, including our company. The parties also agree to vote the securities of Crunch Holding Corp. and its subsidiaries, including our company, as Peak Holdings LLC directs in connection with the merger or consolidation of Crunch Holding Corp., the sale of all or substantially all its assets, the amendment of its organizational documents and certain other matters.

The securityholders agreement also restricts transfers by employee holders of securities of Crunch Holdings Corp. from transferring those securities prior to the earliest of a qualified public offering, a change of control and the seventh anniversary of the closing of the Transactions (the “lapse date”), subject to exceptions, and grants Crunch Holding Corp. a right of first refusal in connection with sales by employee holders on or after the lapse date and before a public offering by Crunch Holding Corp. The securityholders agreement also gives Blackstone and Peak Holdings LLC customary drag-along rights in connection with a change of control. A copy of the agreement is attached as Exhibit 10.18 to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

 

135


Table of Contents

Advisory Agreement

At the closing of the Transactions, we and one or more of our parent companies entered into a transaction and advisory fee agreement with an affiliate of Blackstone pursuant to which such entity or its affiliates will provide certain strategic and structuring advice and assistance to us. In addition, under this agreement, affiliates of Blackstone will provide certain monitoring, advisory and consulting services to us for an aggregate annual management fee equal to $2.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, and the greater of $2.5 million or 1.0% of adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the credit agreement governing our new senior secured credit facilities) for each year thereafter. Affiliates of Blackstone also received reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them or their affiliates in connection with the Transactions prior to the closing date and in connection with the provision of services pursuant to the agreement. In addition, pursuant to such agreement, an affiliate of Blackstone also received transaction fees, which amount is contained within the $74.0 million of fees and expenses discussed under “Prospectus Summary—Sources and Uses,” in connection with services provided by Blackstone and its affiliates related to the Transactions. The agreement includes customary exculpation and indemnification provisions in favor of Blackstone and its affiliates. A copy of this agreement is attached as Exhibit 10.7 to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

Upon a change of control in our ownership, a sale of all of our assets, or an initial public offering of our equity, and in recognition of facilitation of such change of control, asset sale or public offering by affiliates of Blackstone, these affiliates of Blackstone may elect to receive, in lieu of annual payments of the management fee, a single lump sum cash payment equal to the then-present value of all then-current and future management fees payable under this agreement. The lump sum payment would only be payable to the extent that it is permitted under the indentures and other agreements governing our indebtedness.

Supplier Costs

Graham Packaging, which is owned by affiliates of Blackstone, supplies packaging for some of our products. Purchases from Graham Packaging were $6.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007.

Debt and Interest Expense

As of September 2007, $44.9 million of our senior secured term loan was owed to Blackstone Advisors L.P., an affiliate of Blackstone, for the period April 2, 2007 to September 30, 2007, fees and interest expense recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for debt owed to Blackstone Advisors L.P. totaled $1.4 million.

Tax Sharing Agreement

On November 25, 2003, we entered into a tax sharing agreement with Crunch Holding Corp. which provided that we will file U.S. federal income tax returns with Crunch Holding Corp. on a consolidated basis. This agreement further provided that we make distributions to Crunch Holding Corp., and Crunch Holding Corp. makes contributions to us, such that we incurred the expense for taxes generated by our business on the same basis as if we did not file consolidated tax returns. Aurora and its wholly owned subsidiary, Sea Coast, became party to the tax sharing agreement on March 19, 2004.

Related Person Transactions Prior to the Transactions

Office Lease Space

Prior to the Transactions, we leased office space owned by Barrington Properties, LLC, which is an affiliate of C. Dean Metropoulos, our former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. In fiscal 2006, fiscal 2005, the transition year and fiscal 2004, total rent paid under this lease was $104,000, $101,000, $39,000 and $162,000, respectively. The lease required us to make leasehold improvements of approximately $318,000. The building,

 

136


Table of Contents

which included the office space leased by a subsidiary of PFGI, was sold by the owner on January 12, 2004. The lease was amended to reflect that the subsidiary moved to a different building in Greenwich, Connecticut also owned by Barrington Properties, LLC. The lease amendment ran through May 31, 2010. This agreement was terminated in connection with the Transactions.

Airplane

In March 2004, our former subsidiary, Pinnacle Foods Management Corporation, entered into an agreement with Fairmont Aviation, LLC, an affiliate of C. Dean Metropoulos, our Chairman and former Chief Executive Officer, whereby Fairmont Aviation, LLC agreed to provide us with use of an aircraft. Subject to each parties’ termination rights, the agreement was scheduled to terminate in March 2010 and could be renewed on a month-to-month basis thereafter. In connection with the use of this aircraft, we paid net operating expenses of $2,750,000 in fiscal 2006, $2,750,000 in fiscal 2005, $1,146,000 in the transition year and $1,543,000 in the thirty-six weeks ended July 31, 2004. This agreement was terminated in connection with the Transactions.

Member’s Agreement

In connection with the Aurora Merger, “2003 Sponsors” and the Crunch Equity Voting Trust (the “Bondholders Trust”) entered into an amended and restated members’ agreement of Crunch Equity Holding, LLC, one of the shareholders of PFGI prior to the Transactions (the “Members’ Agreement”). The Members’ Agreement, among other matters:

 

   

restricted the transfer of units of Crunch Equity Holding, LLC, subject to certain exceptions, and provided that all transferees must become a party to the Members’ Agreement;

 

   

provided for a board of managers of Crunch Equity Holding, LLC and a board of directors of Crunch Holding Corp. and Pinnacle Foods Corporation consisting of nine directors;

 

   

required each member of Crunch Equity Holding, LLC to vote all their shares for the election of the persons nominated as managers as provided above;

 

   

provided for a compensation committee and an audit committee, each consisting of at least three managers;

 

   

prohibited Crunch Equity Holding, LLC or any of its subsidiaries from taking certain actions, subject to carve outs provided in the Members’ Agreement, without the prior approval of the members of the board of managers affiliated with each of JPMP and JWC so long as in each case the members affiliated with the applicable 2003 Sponsor owns at least 25% of the Class A units owned by such party at the consummation of the Aurora Merger;

 

   

required the consent of CDM to any changes to the terms of the Class B, C, D or E units or any amendment to Crunch Equity Holding, LLC’s governance documents that would adversely affect CDM in a manner different from any other member;

 

   

required the consent of the Bondholders Trust to amend Crunch Equity Holding, LLC’s governance documents for so long as the Bondholders Trust holds at least 5% of the issued and outstanding units;

 

   

contained rights of certain unit holders to participate in transfers of Class A and Class B units by the 2003 Sponsors to third parties;

 

   

contained a right of first refusal by Crunch Equity Holding, LLC with respect to transfers of Class A and Class B units by members other than Bondholders Trust, and if Crunch Equity Holding, LLC did not exercise such right, grant the non-transferring members (other than Bondholders Trust) a right of first refusal;

 

   

granted the 2003 Sponsors and Crunch Equity Holding, LLC a right of first offer with respect to transfers of interests by members of Bondholders Trust;

 

137


Table of Contents
   

granted the members certain preemptive rights;

 

   

required the consent of each of the 2003 Sponsors to effect a sale of Crunch Equity Holding, LLC, Aurora or Pinnacle Foods Corporation;

 

   

if CDM did not consent to (i) a sale of Crunch Equity Holding, LLC or Aurora or (ii) a liquidation in connection with a required initial public offering, granted JPMP and JWC, in the case of clause (i), and Bondholders Trust, in the case of clause (ii), the right to purchase all of CDM units at a purchase price equal to the product of (x) $10.75 million and (y) a percentage (which is not greater than 100%) representing the percentage on original investment of the capital returned to JPMP, JWC and the Bondholders Trust in connection with such transaction; and

 

   

if any of C. Dean Metropoulos, N. Michael Dion, Evan Metropoulos or Louis Pellicano voluntarily resigned from Aurora without good reason (as defined in his respective employment agreement) and other than as a result of disability (as defined in his employment agreement), granted Crunch Equity Holding, LLC, Pinnacle or Aurora the option to purchase the portion of CDM units reflecting such individual’s ownership in CDM (i) if such resignation was on or before November 25, 2004, at a purchase price equal to $10.75 million multiplied by such individual’s ownership percentage in CDM and (ii) if such resignation was after November 25, 2004 but on or before November 25, 2005, at a purchase price equal to the greater of (x) $10.75 million multiplied by such individual’s ownership percentage in CDM and (y) fair market value (without regard to any minority or illiquidity discounts).

The Members’ Agreement would terminate upon the sale, dissolution or liquidation of Crunch Equity Holding, LLC. This agreement was terminated in connection with the Transactions.

Former Sponsor Management, Fee and Registration Rights Agreements

In connection with the acquisition of Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation (“PFHC”) in November 2003, PFHC entered into a management agreement with JPMP and an affiliate of JWC whereby JPMP and the affiliate provided us with financial advisory and other services. Additionally, we entered into an agreement with CDM Capital LLC, an affiliate of CDM, whereby CDM received a fee in exchange for advisory services. These arrangements with the 2003 Sponsors also contained standard indemnification provisions by us of the 2003 Sponsors and upon the closing date of the Aurora Merger, PFGI assumed all of PFHC’s rights and obligations under the management and fee arrangements. In connection with the Aurora Merger, Crunch Holding Corp. entered into a registration rights agreement with members of Crunch Equity Holding, LLC. Pursuant to this agreement, affiliates of JPMP, affiliates of JWC, CDM and Bondholders Trust each received demand registration rights. These agreements were terminated in connection with the Transactions.

Indemnity Agreement

In connection with the Aurora Merger, we entered into an indemnity agreement with the Bondholders Trust. Pursuant to the indemnity agreement, the Bondholders Trust was required to reimburse us in respect of losses resulting from liabilities other than those (a) reserved against on the balance sheet of Aurora delivered to Crunch Equity Holding, LLC pursuant to the agreement between Aurora and Crunch Equity Holding, LLC, dated November 25, 2003 (the “Merger Agreement”) (or not required under GAAP to be so reserved against), (b) entered into in the ordinary course of business, and (c) disclosed as of November 25, 2003; and claims by third parties which would give rise to a breach of any of the representations or warranties of Aurora set forth in the Merger Agreement.

The Bondholders Trust was not required to reimburse us for the first $1 million of such losses (subject to upward adjustment of up to $14 million depending on the level of Aurora’s net debt at closing) and its aggregate reimbursement obligation was not to exceed $30 million. Any claims for indemnification must have been made by us prior to the first anniversary of the closing date of the Aurora Merger. The Bondholders Trust could have satisfied its indemnification obligations by delivering Class A units (valued at $1,000 per unit) to Crunch Equity

 

138


Table of Contents

Holding, LLC for cancellation or by paying cash. The indemnity agreement was amended and restated on May 4, 2004 to provide that the $30 million cap be increased as further provided therein to the extent we were obligated to pay amounts in excess of $6.85 million to any prepetition lender in connection with the R2 Top Hat, Ltd. appeal described in “Business—Legal Proceedings—R2 appeal in Aurora bankruptcy.” This agreement was terminated in connection with the Transactions.

Senior Secured Credit Facilities

JPMorgan Chase & Co. or one of its affiliates was a lender under our former senior secured credit facilities. J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. was an initial purchaser of the senior subordinated notes and both J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and JPMorgan Chase & Co. were affiliates of JPMP Capital Corp., which owned approximately 25% of our Predecessor’s outstanding capital stock (on a fully diluted basis) and had the right under the Members’ Agreement to appoint three of our directors. JPMP Capital Corp. was an affiliate of J.P. Morgan Partners, LLC. Steven P. Murray, a partner of J.P. Morgan Partners, LLC, Kevin G. O’Brien, a principal of J.P. Morgan Partners, LLC, and Terry Peets, an advisor to J.P. Morgan Partners LLC, served as three of our directors. The senior secured credit facilities were paid off in connection with the Transactions.

Financial Instruments

We entered into transactions for derivative financial instruments with JPMorgan Chase Bank to lower our exposure to interest rates, foreign currency, and natural gas prices. We incurred and paid $1.8 million for the settlement of foreign exchange swaps and natural gas swaps during fiscal 2006. We received total net cash received for the settlement of interest rate swaps, foreign exchange swaps, and natural gas swaps totaling $6.9 million during fiscal 2005, $0.2 million during the transition year and $3.5 million during the 36 weeks ended July 31, 2004. JPMorgan Chase Bank ceased to be a related person following the Transactions.

Expenses of Major Shareholder

As part of the Aurora Merger, we agreed to pay certain fees of the Bondholders Trust, which owned approximately 43% of Crunch Equity Holding, LLC. The Bondholders Trust primarily consisted of holders of Aurora’s senior subordinated notes, which elected to receive equity interests in Crunch Equity Holding, LLC as consideration in the Aurora Merger. We recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations fees on behalf of the Bondholder Trust totaling $0.4 million in each of the fiscal years 2006 and 2005. This agreement was terminated in connection with the Transactions.

 

139


Table of Contents

DESCRIPTION OF OTHER INDEBTEDNESS

Overview

In connection with the Transactions, we entered into new senior secured credit facilities with Lehman Commercial Paper Inc., as administrative agent, collateral agent and swing line lender, Lehman Brothers Inc., as joint lead arranger and joint bookrunner, Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P., as syndication agent, joint lead arranger and joint bookrunner, and the lenders from time to time party thereto.

The senior secured credit facilities provide senior secured financing of $1,375.0 million, consisting of:

 

   

a $1,250.0 million term loan facility, and

 

   

a $125.0 million revolving credit facility.

Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC, which is referred to in this section as the “Borrower,” is the borrower under the senior secured credit facilities. The revolving credit facility includes borrowing capacity available for letters of credit and for short-term borrowings referred to as the swing line borrowings. In addition, the new senior secured credit facilities also provided us with the option to raise incremental credit facilities, subject to certain limitations.

Interest Rate and Fees

Borrowings under the term loan facility and the revolving credit facility bear interest, at our option, at a rate equal to a margin over either (a) a base rate determined by reference to the higher of (1) the prime lending rate as set forth on the British Banking Association Telerate Page 5 and (2) the federal funds effective rate plus 1 / 2 of 1% or (b) a LIBOR rate determined by reference to the costs of funds for deposits in the currency of such borrowing for the interest period relevant to such borrowing adjusted for certain additional costs. The margin is initially 1.75%, in the case of base rate loans, and 2.75%, in the case of LIBOR rate loans.

The applicable margin for borrowings under both the term loan facility and the revolving credit facility may be reduced subject to our attaining certain leverage ratios.

In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal under the senior secured credit facilities, we are required to pay a commitment fee to the lenders under the revolving credit facility in respect of the unutilized commitments thereunder. The initial commitment fee rate is 0.50% per annum. The commitment fee rate may be reduced subject to our attaining certain leverage ratios. We are also required to pay customary letter of credit fees.

Prepayments

The senior secured credit agreement requires us to prepay outstanding term loans, subject to certain exceptions, with:

 

   

50% (which percentage will be reduced to 25% and 0% subject to our attaining certain leverage ratios) of our annual excess cash flow;

 

   

if the Borrower’s leverage ratio is greater than 3.25 to 1.00, 100% of the net cash proceeds of all non-ordinary course asset sales or other dispositions of property by the Borrower and its restricted subsidiaries (including insurance and condemnation proceeds, subject to de minimis thresholds), if we do not reinvest those net cash proceeds in assets to be used in our business or to make certain other permitted investments (a) within 15 months of the receipt of such net cash proceeds or (b) if we commit to reinvest such net cash proceeds within 15 months of the receipt thereof, within 180 days of the date of such commitment; and

 

   

100% of the net proceeds of any incurrence of debt by the Borrower or any of its restricted subsidiaries, other than debt permitted under the new senior secured credit facilities.

 

140


Table of Contents

Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, each lender under the term loan facility has the right to reject its pro rata share of mandatory prepayments described above, in which case we may retain the amounts so rejected.

The foregoing mandatory prepayments will be applied to installments of the term loan facility in direct order of maturity.

We may voluntarily repay outstanding loans under the senior secured credit facilities at any time without premium or penalty, other than customary “breakage” costs with respect to LIBOR loans.

Amortization

Commencing on September 30, 2007, we are required to repay installments on the loans under the term loan facility in quarterly installments in aggregate annual amounts equal to 1.00% of their funded total principal amount for the first six years and nine months, with the remaining amount payable on the date that is seven years from the date of the closing of the senior secured credit facilities.

Principal amounts outstanding under the revolving credit facility will be due and payable in full at maturity, six years from the date of the closing of the senior secured credit facilities.

Guarantee and Security

All obligations under the senior secured credit agreement are unconditionally guaranteed by Peak Finance Holdings LLC and, subject to certain exceptions, each of our existing and future domestic wholly-owned subsidiaries.

All obligations under the senior secured credit facilities, and the guarantees of those obligations, are secured by substantially all the following assets of the Borrower and each guarantor, subject to certain exceptions:

 

   

a pledge of 100% of the capital stock of the Borrower, 100% of the capital stock of each subsidiary guarantor and 65% of the capital stock of each of our wholly owned foreign subsidiaries that are directly owned by us or one of the guarantors; and

 

   

subject to customary exceptions, a security interest in, and mortgages on, substantially all tangible and intangible assets of the Borrower and each guarantor, excluding certain classes of assets for which obtaining a security interest or perfection thereof would require considerable expense.

Certain Covenants and Events of Default

The senior secured credit agreement contains a number of covenants that, among other things, restrict, subject to certain exceptions, the ability of the Borrower and its restricted subsidiaries to:

 

   

incur additional indebtedness, make guarantees and enter into hedging arrangements;

 

   

create liens on assets;

 

   

enter into sale and leaseback transactions;

 

   

engage in mergers or consolidations;

 

   

sell assets;

 

   

pay dividends and distributions or repurchase our capital stock;

 

   

make investments, loans and advances, including acquisitions;

 

   

repay the senior subordinated notes or enter into certain amendments thereof; and

 

   

engage in certain transactions with affiliates.

The new senior secured credit facilities also contain certain customary affirmative covenants and events of default.

 

141


Table of Contents

THE EXCHANGE OFFERS

General

The Issuers hereby offer to exchange a like principal amount of exchange notes for any or all outstanding notes on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this prospectus and accompanying letter of transmittal. We refer to the offers as the “exchange offers.” You may tender some or all of your outstanding notes pursuant to the exchange offers.

As of the date of this prospectus, $325.0 million aggregate principal amount of 9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015 and $199.0 million aggregate principal amount of 10  5 / 8 Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017 are outstanding. This prospectus, together with the letter of transmittal, is first being sent to all holders of outstanding notes known to us on or about                     , 2007. The Issuers’ obligation to accept outstanding notes for exchange pursuant to the exchange offers is subject to certain conditions set forth under “—Conditions to the Exchange Offers” below. The Issuers currently expect that each of the conditions will be satisfied and that no waivers will be necessary.

Purpose and Effect of the Exchange Offers

We entered into a registration rights agreement with the initial purchasers of the outstanding notes in which we agreed, under certain circumstances, to file a registration statement relating to offers to exchange the outstanding notes for exchange notes. We also agreed to use our reasonable best efforts to cause this registration statement to be declared effective and to cause the exchange offers to be consummated within 360 days after the issue date of the outstanding notes. The exchange notes will have terms substantially identical to the terms of the outstanding notes, except that the exchange notes will not contain terms with respect to transfer restrictions or additional interest upon a failure to fulfill certain of our obligations under the registration rights agreement. The outstanding notes were issued on April 2, 2007.

Under the circumstances set forth below, we will use our reasonable best efforts to cause the SEC to declare effective a shelf registration statement with respect to the resale of the outstanding notes within the time periods specified in the registration rights agreement and to keep the shelf registration statement effective for two years or such shorter period ending when all outstanding notes or exchange notes covered by the statement have been sold in the manner set forth and as contemplated in the statement or to the extent that the applicable provisions of Rule 144(k) under the Securities Act are amended or revised. These circumstances include:

 

   

if applicable law or interpretations of the staff of the SEC do not permit the Issuers to effect the exchange offers;

 

   

if for any other reason the exchange offers are not consummated within 360 days of the issue date of the outstanding notes;

 

   

any initial purchaser requests in writing to the Issuers within 30 days after the consummation of the exchange offers with respect to outstanding notes that are not eligible to be exchanged for exchange notes in the exchange offers and held by it following the consummation of the exchange offers; or

 

   

if any holder of the outstanding notes that participates in the exchange offers does not receive exchange notes that may be sold without restriction under state and federal laws in exchange for its tendered outstanding notes (other than due solely to the status of such holder as an affiliate of any Issuer) and notifies the Issuers within 30 days after becoming aware of restrictions.

Under recent amendments to Rule 144 that will become effective on February 15, 2008, Rule 144(k) will be removed, and non-affiliates will be permitted to sell outstanding notes pursuant to Rule 144 one year after acquiring them from the Issuers. After we have been subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), for 90 days, this one-year period will be reduced to six months.

 

142


Table of Contents

If we fail to comply with certain obligations under the registration rights agreement, we will be required to pay additional interest to holders of the outstanding notes and the exchange notes required to be registered on a shelf registration statement.

Each holder of outstanding notes that wishes to exchange their outstanding notes for exchange notes in the exchange offers will be required to make the following written representations:

 

   

any exchange notes to be received by such holder will be acquired in the ordinary course of its business;

 

   

such holder has no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution (within the meaning of the Securities Act) of the exchange notes in violation of the provisions of the Securities Act;

 

   

such holder is not an affiliate of any Issuer, as defined by Rule 405 of the Securities Act, or if it is an affiliate, it will comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act to the extent applicable; and

 

   

it is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, a distribution of exchange notes.

Each broker dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account in exchange for outstanding notes, where the broker dealer acquired the outstanding notes 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 exchange notes. Please see “Plan of Distribution.”

Resale of Exchange Notes

Based on interpretations by the staff of the SEC as set forth in no-action letters issued to third parties referred to below, we believe that you may resell or otherwise transfer exchange notes issued in the exchange offers without complying with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, if:

 

   

you are acquiring the exchange notes in your ordinary course of business;

 

   

you do not have an arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in a distribution of the exchange notes;

 

   

you are not an affiliate of any Issuer as defined by Rule 405 of the Securities Act; and

 

   

you are not engaged in, and do not intend to engage in, a distribution of the exchange notes.

If you are an affiliate of any Issuer, or are engaging in, or intend to engage in, or have any arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in, a distribution of the exchange notes, or are not acquiring the exchange notes in the ordinary course of your business, then:

 

   

you cannot rely on the position of the staff of the SEC enunciated in Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc . (available June 5, 1991), Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation (available May 13, 1988), as interpreted in the SEC’s letter to Shearman & Sterling dated July 2, 1993, or similar no-action letters; and

 

   

in the absence of an exception from the position stated immediately above, you must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of the exchange notes.

This prospectus may be used for an offer to resell, for the resale or for other retransfer of exchange notes only as specifically set forth in this prospectus. With regard to broker dealers, only broker dealers that acquired the outstanding notes as a result of market making activities or other trading activities may participate in the exchange offers. Each broker dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account in exchange for outstanding notes where such outstanding notes 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 the exchange notes. Please read “Plan of Distribution” for more details regarding the transfer of exchange notes.

 

143


Table of Contents

Terms of the Exchange Offers

On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this prospectus and in the accompanying letter of transmittal, we will accept for exchange in the exchange offers outstanding notes that are validly tendered and not validly withdrawn prior to the expiration date. Outstanding notes may only be tendered in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess of $2,000. We will issue $2,000 principal amount or an integral multiple of $1,000 of exchange notes in exchange for a corresponding principal amount of outstanding notes surrendered in the exchange offers.

The form and terms of the exchange notes will be substantially identical to the form and terms of the outstanding notes, except that the exchange notes will not contain terms with respect to transfer restrictions or additional interest upon a failure to fulfill certain of our obligations under the registration rights agreement. The exchange notes will evidence the same debt as the outstanding notes. The exchange notes will be issued under and entitled to the benefits of the same indentures under which the outstanding notes were issued. The exchange notes and the outstanding notes that are senior notes will constitute a single class for all purposes under the indenture governing the senior notes, and the exchange notes and outstanding notes that are senior subordinated notes will constitute a single class under the indenture governing the senior subordinated notes. For a description of the indentures, please see “Description of Senior Notes” and “Description of Senior Subordinated Notes.”

On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this prospectus and the accompanying letter of transmittal, the guarantors of the outstanding notes offer to issue new guarantees with respect to all exchange notes issued in the exchange offers. Throughout this prospectus, unless the context otherwise requires and whether so expressed or not, references to the “exchange offers” include the guarantors’ offer to exchange the new guarantees for the old guarantees, references to the “exchange notes” include the related new guarantees and references to the “outstanding notes” include the related old guarantees.

The exchange offers are not conditioned upon any minimum aggregate principal amount of outstanding notes being tendered for exchange.

As of the date of this prospectus, $325.0 million aggregate principal amount of 9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes and $199.0 million aggregate principal amount of 10  5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes are outstanding. This prospectus and a letter of transmittal are being sent to all registered holders of outstanding notes. There will be no fixed record date for determining registered holders of outstanding notes entitled to participate in the exchange offers.

We intend to conduct the exchange offers in accordance with the provisions of the registration rights agreement, the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations of the SEC. Outstanding notes that are not tendered for exchange in the exchange offers will remain outstanding and continue to accrue interest and will be entitled to the rights and benefits that such holders have under the indentures relating to such holders’ outstanding notes, except for any rights under the registration rights agreement that by their terms terminate upon the consummation of the exchange offers.

We will be deemed to have accepted for exchange properly tendered outstanding notes when we have given oral (promptly confirmed in writing) or written notice of the acceptance to the exchange agent. The exchange agent will act as agent for the tendering holders for the purposes of receiving the exchange notes from us and delivering exchange notes to holders. Subject to the terms of the registration rights agreement, we expressly reserve the right to amend or terminate the exchange offers and to refuse to accept notes due to the failure of any of the conditions specified below under “—Conditions to the Exchange Offers”.

Holders who tender outstanding notes in the exchange offers will not be required to pay brokerage commissions or fees or, subject to the instructions in the letter of transmittal, transfer taxes with respect to the exchange of outstanding notes. We will pay all charges and expenses, other than certain applicable taxes described below, in connection with the exchange offers. It is important that you read “—Fees and Expenses” below for more details regarding fees and expenses incurred in the exchange offers.

 

144


Table of Contents

Expiration Date, Extensions and Amendments

As used in this prospectus, the term “expiration date” means 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on                     , 2008 which is the 20th business day after the date of this prospectus. However, if we, in our sole discretion, extend the period of time for which the exchange offers are open, the term “expiration date” will mean the latest time and date to which we shall have extended the expiration of the exchange offers.

To extend the period of time during which the exchange offers are open, we will notify the exchange agent of any extension by oral (promptly confirmed in writing) or written notice, followed by notification to the registered holders of the outstanding notes no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the business day after the previously scheduled expiration date.

We reserve the right, in our sole discretion:

 

   

to delay accepting for exchange any outstanding notes (only if we amend or extend the applicable exchange offers);

 

   

to extend the exchange offers or to terminate the exchange offers and to refuse to accept outstanding notes not previously accepted if any of the conditions set forth below under “—Conditions to the Exchange Offers” has not been satisfied, by giving oral or written notice of such delay, extension or termination to the exchange agent; and

 

   

subject to the terms of the registration rights agreement, to amend the terms of the exchange offers in any manner.

Any delay in acceptance, extension, termination or amendment will be followed as promptly as practicable by oral or written notice to the registered holders of the outstanding notes. If we amend the exchange offers in a manner that we determine to constitute a material change, including the waiver of a material condition, we will promptly disclose the amendment by press release or other public announcement as required by Rule 14e-1(d) of the Exchange Act and will extend the offer period if necessary so that at least five business days remain in the offer following notice of the material change.

Conditions to the Exchange Offers

Despite any other term of the exchange offers, we will not be required to accept for exchange, or to issue exchange notes in exchange for, any outstanding notes, and we may terminate or amend the exchange offers as provided in this prospectus before accepting any outstanding notes for exchange, if:

 

   

the exchange offers, or the making of any exchange by a holder of outstanding notes, violate any applicable law or interpretation of the staff of the SEC;

 

   

any action or proceeding shall have been instituted or threatened in any court or by any governmental agency that might materially impair our ability to proceed with the exchange offers, or any material adverse development shall have occurred in any existing action or proceeding with respect to us; or

 

   

all governmental approvals shall not have been obtained, which approvals we deem necessary for the consummation of the exchange offers.

In addition, we will not be obligated to accept for exchange the outstanding notes of any holder that has not made to us:

 

   

the representations described under “—Purpose and Effect of the Exchange Offers” and “—Procedures for Tendering Outstanding Notes”; and

 

   

any other representations as may be reasonably necessary under applicable SEC rules, regulations, or interpretations to make available to us an appropriate form for registration of the exchange notes under the Securities Act.

 

145


Table of Contents

We expressly reserve the right at any time or at various times to extend the period of time during which the exchange offers are open. Consequently, we may delay acceptance of any outstanding notes by notice, by press release or other public announcement as required by Rule 14e-1(d) of the Exchange Act of such extension to their holders. During any such extensions, all outstanding notes previously tendered will remain subject to the exchange offers, and we may accept them for exchange. We will return any outstanding notes that we do not accept for exchange for any reason without expense to their tendering holder promptly after the expiration or termination of the exchange offers.

We expressly reserve the right to amend or terminate the exchange offers and to reject for exchange any outstanding notes not previously accepted for exchange upon the occurrence of any of the conditions of the exchange offers specified above. We will give notice by press release or other public announcement as required by Rule 14e-1(d) of the Act of any extension, amendment, non-acceptance or termination to the holders of the outstanding notes. In the case of any extension, such notice will be issued no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the business day after the previously scheduled expiration date.

These conditions are for our sole benefit, and we may assert them regardless of the circumstances that may give rise to them so long as such circumstances do not arise due to our action or inaction or waive them in whole or in part at any or at various times in our sole discretion. If we fail at any time to exercise any of the foregoing rights, this failure will not constitute a waiver of such right. Each such right will be deemed an ongoing right that we may assert at any time or at various times.

Approvals

Other than the registration of the notes under the Securities Act and the qualification of the Trustee and the indentures governing the notes under the Trust Indenture Act, there are no federal or state regulatory requirements that must be complied with prior to the commencement of the exchange offers.

Procedures for Tendering Outstanding Notes

Only a holder of outstanding notes may tender its outstanding notes in the exchange offers. To tender outstanding notes in the exchange offers, a holder must comply with either of the following:

 

   

complete, sign and date the letter of transmittal or a facsimile of the letter of transmittal, have the signature on the letter of transmittal guaranteed if required by the letter of transmittal and mail or deliver such letter of transmittal or facsimile to the exchange agent prior to the expiration date; or

 

   

comply with DTC’s Automated Tender Offer Program procedures described below.

In addition, prior to the expiration date, either:

 

   

the exchange agent must receive outstanding notes along with the letter of transmittal; or

 

   

the exchange agent must receive a timely confirmation of book-entry transfer of outstanding notes into the exchange agent’s account at DTC according to the procedure for book-entry transfer described below or a properly transmitted “agent’s message,” as defined below; or

 

   

the holder must comply with the guaranteed delivery procedures described below.

To be tendered effectively, the exchange agent must receive any physical delivery of the letter of transmittal and other required documents at the address set forth below under “—Exchange Agent” prior to the expiration date.

A tender to us that is not withdrawn prior to the expiration date constitutes an agreement between us and the tendering holder upon the terms and subject to the conditions described in this prospectus and in the letter of transmittal.

 

146


Table of Contents

The method of delivery of outstanding notes, letter of transmittal and all other required documents to the exchange agent is at the holder’s election and risk. Rather than mail these items, we recommend that holders use an overnight or hand delivery service. In all cases, holders should allow sufficient time to assure timely delivery to the exchange agent before the expiration date. Holders should not send letters of transmittal or certificates representing outstanding notes to us. Holders may request that their respective brokers, dealers, commercial banks, trust companies or other nominees effect the above transactions for them.

If you are a beneficial owner whose outstanding notes are held in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company, or other nominee who wishes to participate in the exchange offers, you should promptly contact such party and instruct such person to tender outstanding notes on your behalf.

You must make these arrangements or follow these procedures before completing and executing the letter of transmittal and delivering the outstanding notes.

Signatures on the letter of transmittal or a notice of withdrawal, as the case may be, must be guaranteed by a member firm of a registered national securities exchange or of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., a commercial bank or trust company having an office or correspondent in the U.S. or another “eligible guarantor institution” within the meaning of Rule 17A(d)-15 under the Exchange Act unless the outstanding notes surrendered for exchange are tendered:

 

   

by a registered holder of the outstanding notes who has not completed the box entitled “Special Registration Instructions” or “Special Delivery Instructions” on the letter of transmittal; or

 

   

for the account of an eligible guarantor institution.

If the applicable letter of transmittal is signed by a person other than the registered holder of any outstanding notes listed on the outstanding notes, such outstanding notes must be endorsed or accompanied by a properly completed bond power. The bond power must be signed by the registered holder as the registered holder’s name appears on the outstanding notes, and an eligible guarantor institution must guarantee the signature on the bond power.

If the applicable letter of transmittal or any certificates representing outstanding notes or bond powers are signed by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers of corporations, or others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, those persons should also indicate when signing and, unless waived by us, they should also submit evidence satisfactory to us of their authority to so act.

Any financial institution that is a participant in DTC’s system may use DTC’s Automated Tender Offer Program to tender. Participants in the program may, instead of physically completing and signing the letter of transmittal and delivering it to the exchange agent, electronically transmit their tender of outstanding notes in the exchange offers by causing DTC to transfer their outstanding notes to the exchange agent in accordance with DTC’s Automated Tender Offer Program procedures for transfer. DTC will then send an agent’s message to the exchange agent. The term “agent’s message” means a message transmitted by DTC, received by the exchange agent and forming part of the book-entry confirmation, that states that:

 

   

DTC has received an express acknowledgment from a participant in its Automated Tender Offer Program that is tendering outstanding notes that are the subject of the book-entry confirmation;

 

   

the participant has received and agrees to be bound by the terms of the letter of transmittal or, in the case of an agent’s message relating to guaranteed delivery, such participant has received and agrees to be bound by the applicable notice of guaranteed delivery; and

 

   

we may enforce that agreement against such participant.

 

147


Table of Contents

Acceptance of Exchange Notes

In all cases, we will promptly issue exchange notes for outstanding notes that we have accepted for exchange under the applicable exchange offer only after the exchange agent timely receives:

 

   

outstanding notes or a timely book-entry confirmation of such outstanding notes into the exchange agent’s account at the applicable book-entry transfer facility; and

 

   

a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal and all other required documents or a properly transmitted agent’s message.

By tendering outstanding notes pursuant to the applicable exchange offer, you will represent to us that, among other things:

 

   

you are not our affiliate or an affiliate of any guarantor within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act;

 

   

you do not have an arrangement or understanding with any person or entity to participate in a distribution of the exchange notes; and

 

   

you are acquiring the exchange notes in the ordinary course of your business.

In addition, each broker dealer that is to receive exchange notes for its own account in exchange for outstanding notes must represent that such outstanding notes were acquired by that broker dealer as a result of market making activities or other trading activities and must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus that meets the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of the exchange notes. The applicable 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 Securities Act. See “Plan of Distribution.”

We will interpret the terms and conditions of the exchange offers, including the letters of transmittal and the instructions to the letters of transmittal, and will resolve all questions as to the validity, form, eligibility, including time of receipt, and acceptance of outstanding notes tendered for exchange. Our determinations in this regard will be final and binding on all parties. We reserve the absolute right to reject any and all tenders of any particular outstanding notes not properly tendered or to not accept any particular outstanding notes if the acceptance might, in our or our counsel’s judgment, be unlawful. We also reserve the absolute right to waive any defects or irregularities as to any tender of any particular outstanding notes prior to the expiration date.

Unless waived, any defects or irregularities in connection with tenders of outstanding notes for exchange must be cured within such reasonable period of time as we determine. Neither we, the exchange agent, nor any other person will be under any duty to give notification of any defect or irregularity with respect to any tender of outstanding notes for exchange, nor will any of them incur any liability for any failure to give notification. Any outstanding notes received by the exchange agent that are not properly tendered and as to which the irregularities have not been cured or waived will be returned by the exchange agent to the tendering holder, unless otherwise provided in the applicable letter of transmittal, promptly after the expiration date.

Book-Entry Delivery Procedures

Promptly after the date of this prospectus, the exchange agent will establish an account with respect to the outstanding notes at DTC as the book-entry transfer facility, for purposes of the exchange offers. Any financial institution that is a participant in the book-entry transfer facility’s system may make book-entry delivery of the outstanding notes by causing the book-entry transfer facility to transfer those outstanding notes into the exchange agent’s account at the facility in accordance with the facility’s procedures for such transfer. To be timely, book-entry delivery of outstanding notes requires receipt of a confirmation of a book-entry transfer, a “book-entry confirmation,” prior to the expiration date. In addition, although delivery of outstanding notes may be effected through book-entry transfer into the exchange agent’s account at the applicable book-entry transfer facility, the applicable letter of transmittal or a manually signed facsimile thereof, together with any required signature

 

148


Table of Contents

guarantees and any other required documents, or an “agent’s message,” as defined above, in connection with a book-entry transfer, must, in any case, be delivered or transmitted to and received by the exchange agent at its address set forth on the cover page of the letter of transmittal prior to the expiration date to receive exchange notes for tendered outstanding notes, or the guaranteed delivery procedure described below must be complied with. Tender will not be deemed made until such documents or an agent’s message are received by the exchange agent. Delivery of documents to the applicable book-entry transfer facility does not constitute delivery to the exchange agent.

Guaranteed Delivery Procedures

If you wish to tender your outstanding notes but your outstanding notes are not immediately available or you cannot deliver your outstanding notes, the letter of transmittal or any other required documents to the exchange agent or comply with the applicable procedures under DTC’s Automatic Tender Offer Program prior to the expiration date, you may still tender if:

 

   

the tender is made through an “eligible guarantor institution” within the meaning of Rule 17A(d)-15 under the Exchange Act;

 

   

prior to the expiration date, the exchange agent receives from such eligible guarantor institution either: (i) a properly completed and duly executed notice of guaranteed delivery, by facsimile transmission, mail or hand delivery or (ii) a properly transmitted agent’s message and notice of guaranteed delivery that (a) sets forth your name and address, the certificate number(s) of such outstanding notes and the principal amount of outstanding notes tendered; (b) states that the tender is being made by that notice of guaranteed delivery; and (c) guarantees that, within three New York Stock Exchange trading days after the expiration date, the letter of transmittal, or facsimile thereof, together with the outstanding notes or a book-entry confirmation, and any other documents required by the letter of transmittal, will be deposited by the eligible guarantor institution with the exchange agent; and

 

   

the exchange agent receives the properly completed and executed letter of transmittal or facsimile thereof, as well as certificate(s) representing all tendered outstanding notes in proper form for transfer or a book-entry confirmation of transfer of the outstanding notes into the exchange agent’s account at DTC, and all other documents required by the letter of transmittal within three New York Stock Exchange trading days after the expiration date.

Upon request, the exchange agent will send to you a notice of guaranteed delivery if you did not receive one and you wish to tender your notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedures.

Withdrawal Rights

Except as otherwise provided in this prospectus, you may withdraw your tender of outstanding notes at any time prior to 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date. For a withdrawal to be effective:

 

   

the exchange agent must receive a written notice, which may be by telegram, telex, facsimile or letter, of withdrawal; or

 

   

you must comply with the appropriate procedures of DTC’s Automated Tender Offer Program system;

Any notice of withdrawal must:

 

   

specify the name of the person who tendered the outstanding notes to be withdrawn;

 

   

identify the outstanding notes to be withdrawn, including the certificate numbers and principal amount of the outstanding notes; and

 

   

where certificates for outstanding notes have been transmitted, specify the name in which such outstanding notes were registered, if different from that of the withdrawing holder.

 

149


Table of Contents

If certificates for outstanding notes have been delivered or otherwise identified to the exchange agent, then, prior to the release of such certificates, you must also submit:

 

   

the serial numbers of the particular certificates to be withdrawn; and

 

   

a signed notice of withdrawal with signatures guaranteed by an eligible guarantor institution unless your are an eligible guarantor institution.

If outstanding notes have been tendered pursuant to the procedures for book-entry transfer described above, any notice of withdrawal must specify the name and number of the account at the applicable book-entry transfer facility to be credited with the withdrawn outstanding notes and otherwise comply with the procedures of the facility. We will determine all questions as to the validity, form, and eligibility, including time of receipt of notices of withdrawal, and our determination will be final and binding on all parties. Any outstanding notes so withdrawn will be deemed not to have been validly tendered for exchange for purposes of the exchange offers. Any outstanding notes that have been tendered for exchange but that are not exchanged for any reason will be returned to their holder, without cost to the holder, or, in the case of book-entry transfer, the outstanding notes will be credited to an account at the applicable book-entry transfer facility, promptly after withdrawal, rejection of tender or termination of the applicable exchange offers. Properly withdrawn outstanding notes may be retendered by following the procedures described under “—Procedures for Tendering Outstanding Notes” above at any time on or prior to the expiration date.

Exchange Agent

Wilmington Trust Company has been appointed as the exchange agent for the exchange offers. Wilmington Trust Company also acts as trustee under the indentures governing the notes. You should direct all executed letters of transmittal and all questions and requests for assistance with respect to tendering procedures, requests for additional copies of this prospectus or of the letters of transmittal, and requests for notices of guaranteed delivery to the exchange agent addressed as follows:

 

By Registered or Certified Mail:   By Facsimile Transmission:   By Overnight Courier or Hand Delivery:

Wilmington Trust Company

Corporate Capital Markets

1100 North Market Street

Rodney Square North

Wilmington, DE 19890-1626

Attn: Alisha Clendaniel

 

302 - 636 - 4139

 

To Confirm by Telephone:

 

302 - 636 - 6470

 

Wilmington Trust Company

Corporate Capital Markets

1100 North Market Street

Rodney Square North

Wilmington, DE 19890-1626

Attn: Alisha Clendaniel

Telephone: 302 - 636 - 6470     Telephone: 302 - 636 - 6470

If you deliver the letter of transmittal to an address other than the one set forth above or transmit instructions via facsimile other than the one set forth above, that delivery or those instructions will not be effective.

Fees and Expenses

The registration rights agreement provides that we will bear all expenses in connection with the performance of our obligations relating to the registration of the exchange notes and the conduct of the exchange offers. These expenses include registration and filing fees, accounting and legal fees and printing costs, among others. We will pay the exchange agent reasonable and customary fees for its services and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. We will also reimburse brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for customary mailing and handling expenses incurred by them in forwarding this prospectus and related documents to their clients that are holders of outstanding notes and for handling or tendering for such clients.

We have not retained any dealer manager in connection with the exchange offers and will not pay any fee or commission to any broker, dealer, nominee or other person, other than the exchange agent, for soliciting tenders of outstanding notes pursuant to the exchange offers.

 

150


Table of Contents

Accounting Treatment

We will record the exchange notes in our accounting records at the same carrying value as the outstanding notes, which is the aggregate principal amount as reflected in our accounting records on the date of exchange. Accordingly, we will not recognize any gain or loss for accounting purposes upon the consummation of the exchange offers. We will record the expenses of the exchange offers as incurred.

Transfer Taxes

We will pay all transfer taxes, if any, applicable to the exchanges of outstanding notes under the exchange offers. The tendering holder, however, will be required to pay any transfer taxes, whether imposed on the registered holder or any other person, if:

 

   

certificates representing outstanding notes for principal amounts not tendered or accepted for exchange are to be delivered to, or are to be issued in the name of, any person other than the registered holder of outstanding notes tendered;

 

   

tendered outstanding notes are registered in the name of any person other than the person signing the letter of transmittal; or

 

   

a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the exchange of outstanding notes under the exchange offers.

If satisfactory evidence of payment of such taxes is not submitted with the letter of transmittal, the amount of such transfer taxes will be billed to that tendering holder.

Holders who tender their outstanding notes for exchange will not be required to pay any transfer taxes. However, holders who instruct us to register exchange notes in the name of, or request that outstanding notes not tendered or not accepted in the exchange offers be returned to, a person other than the registered tendering holder will be required to pay any applicable transfer tax.

Consequences of Failure to Exchange

If you do not exchange your outstanding notes for exchange notes under the exchange offers, your outstanding notes will remain subject to the restrictions on transfer of such outstanding notes as set forth in the legend printed on the outstanding notes as a consequence of the issuance of the outstanding notes pursuant to the exemptions from, or in transactions not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.

In general, you may not offer or sell your outstanding notes unless they are registered under the Securities Act or if the offer or sale is exempt from registration under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. Except as required by the registration rights agreement, we do not intend to register resales of the outstanding notes under the Securities Act.

Other

Participating in the exchange offers is voluntary, and you should carefully consider whether to accept. You are urged to consult your financial and tax advisors in making your own decision on what action to take.

We may in the future seek to acquire untendered outstanding notes in open market or privately negotiated transactions, through subsequent exchange offers or otherwise. We have no present plans to acquire any outstanding notes that are not tendered in the exchange offers or to file a registration statement to permit resales of any untendered outstanding notes.

 

151


Table of Contents

DESCRIPTION OF SENIOR NOTES

General

Certain terms used in this description are defined under the subheading “Certain Definitions.” In this description, (i) the terms “ we ,” “ our ” and “ us ” each refer to the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries, (ii) the term “ Company ” refers only to Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC (and its successors in interest) and not to any of its Subsidiaries, (iii) the term “ Finance Co. ” refers only to Pinnacle Foods Finance Corporation (and its successors in interest) and not to any of its Subsidiaries and (iv) the term “ Issuers ” refers only to the Company and Finance Co. and not to any of their Subsidiaries.

The Issuers issued $325 million in aggregate principal amount of 9  1 / 4 % senior notes due 2015 (the “ Senior Notes ”) under an indenture dated April 2, 2007 (the “ Indenture ”) among the Issuers, the Guarantors and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee (the “ Trustee ”). The Senior Notes were issued in a private transaction that was not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act. The Issuers will issue the exchange notes described in this prospectus under the Indenture. Except as set forth herein, the terms of the Senior Notes will be substantially identical and include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act.

The following description is only a summary of the material provisions of the Indenture, does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the provisions of those agreements, including the definitions therein of certain terms used below. We urge you to read the Indenture because it, and not this description, will define your rights as Holders of the Senior Notes. A copy of the Indenture has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. You may also request copies of the Indenture at our address set forth under “Prospectus Summary.”

Brief Description of Senior Notes

The Senior Notes:

 

   

are unsecured senior obligations of the Issuers;

 

   

are pari passu in right of payment with all existing and future Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers (including borrowings under the Senior Credit Facilities);

 

   

are effectively subordinated to all secured Indebtedness of the Issuers (including borrowings under the Senior Credit Facilities) to the extent of the value of the assets securing that Indebtedness;

 

   

are senior in right of payment to any existing and future Subordinated Indebtedness (including the Senior Subordinated Notes) of the Issuers; and

 

   

are initially guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by each Restricted Subsidiary that guarantees the Senior Credit Facilities.

Guarantees

The Guarantors, as primary obligors and not merely as sureties, guarantee, jointly and severally irrevocably and unconditionally, on an unsecured senior basis, the performance and full and punctual payment when due, whether at maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, of all obligations of the Issuers under the Indenture and the Senior Notes, whether for payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest or Additional Interest in respect of the Senior Notes, expenses, indemnification or otherwise, on the terms set forth in the Indenture by having executed the Indenture.

Each of the Issuers’ Restricted Subsidiaries (other than as detailed below) initially guarantees the Senior Notes. Each of the Guarantees of the Senior Notes is a general unsecured obligation of each Guarantor and ranks

 

152


Table of Contents

pari passu in right of payment with all existing and future Senior Indebtedness of each such entity, is effectively subordinated to all secured Indebtedness of each such entity and ranks senior in right of payment to all existing and future Subordinated Indebtedness (including the Senior Subordinated Notes) of each such entity. The Senior Notes are structurally subordinated to Indebtedness and other liabilities of Subsidiaries of the Issuers that do not Guarantee the Senior Notes.

Not all of the Issuers’ Subsidiaries Guarantee the Senior Notes. In the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization of any of these non-guarantor Subsidiaries, the non-guarantor Subsidiaries will pay the holders of their debt and their trade creditors before they will be able to distribute any of their assets to the Issuers. None of our Foreign Subsidiaries, non-Wholly Owned Subsidiaries or Receivables Subsidiaries (subject to certain limited exceptions) will guarantee the Senior Notes. The only Subsidiary of the Company that does not initially guarantee the Senior Notes is Pinnacle Foods Corporation Canada, which accounted for approximately $67.6 million, or 4.7%, of our net sales and approximately $0.9 million, or less than 1%, of our net earnings, in each case for the year ended December 31, 2006, and $10.2 million, or less than 1.0%, of our total assets as of December 31, 2006. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, Pinnacle Foods Canada accounted for approximately $56.1 million, or 5.1%, of our net sales and approximately $2.0 million, or less than 1.0%, of our net earnings, in each case for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, and as of September 30, 2007, Pinnacle Foods Corporation Canada accounted for approximately $18.6 million, or less than 1%, of our total assets.

The obligations of each Guarantor under its Guarantee are limited as necessary to prevent the Guarantee from constituting a fraudulent conveyance under applicable law.

Any entity that makes a payment under its Guarantee will be entitled upon payment in full of all guaranteed obligations under the Indenture to a contribution from each other Guarantor in an amount equal to such other Guarantor’s pro rata portion of such payment based on the respective net assets of all the Guarantors at the time of such payment determined in accordance with GAAP.

If a Guarantee were rendered voidable, it could be subordinated by a court to all other indebtedness (including guarantees and other contingent liabilities) of the Guarantor, and, depending on the amount of such indebtedness, a Guarantor’s liability on its Guarantee could be reduced to zero. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Notes—Federal and state fraudulent transfer laws may permit a court to void the guarantees, and, if that occurs, you may not receive any payments on the notes.”

Each Guarantee by a Guarantor provides by its terms that it will be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged upon:

(1)(a) any sale, exchange or transfer (by merger or otherwise) of (i) the Capital Stock of such Guarantor (including any sale, exchange or transfer), after which the applicable Guarantor is no longer a Restricted Subsidiary or (ii) all or substantially all the assets of such Guarantor, in each case made in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Indenture;

(b) the release or discharge of the guarantee by such Guarantor of Indebtedness under the Senior Credit Facilities or such other guarantee that resulted in the creation of such Guarantee, except a discharge or release by or as a result of payment under such guarantee;

(c) the designation of any Restricted Subsidiary that is a Guarantor as an Unrestricted Subsidiary in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Indenture; or

(d) the exercise by the Issuers of their legal defeasance option or covenant defeasance option as described under “Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance” or the discharge of the Issuers’ obligations under the Indenture in accordance with the terms of the Indenture; and

(2) such Guarantor delivering to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent provided for in the Indenture relating to such transaction have been complied with.

 

153


Table of Contents

Holding Company Structure

The Company is a holding company for its Subsidiaries, with no material operations of its own and only limited assets. Accordingly, the Company is dependent upon the distribution of the earnings of its Subsidiaries, whether in the form of dividends, advances or payments on account of intercompany obligations, to service its debt obligations. Finance Co. is a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Company that has been created to be a co-issuer of the Senior Notes. Finance Co. does not own, and is not expected to own, any significant assets.

Ranking

The payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Senior Notes and the payment of any Guarantee rank pari passu in right of payment to all Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers or the relevant Guarantor, as the case may be, including the obligations of the Issuers and such Guarantor under the Senior Credit Facilities. However, the Senior Notes and the Guarantees are effectively subordinated in right of payment to all of the Issuers’ and the Guarantors’ existing and future Secured Indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing such Secured Indebtedness. As of September 30, 2007, we had $1,249.4 million of Secured Indebtedness outstanding, consisting entirely of borrowings under the Senior Credit Facilities. As of September 30, 2007, we also had an additional $110.5 million of unused borrowing capacity available under the revolving portion of the Senior Credit Facilities (after granting effect to approximately $12.0 million of outstanding letters of credit and $2.5 million of borrowings under our revolving credit facility), all of which would be secured if borrowed, and an option to raise incremental credit facilities under our Senior Credit Facilities, subject to certain limitations.

Although the Indenture contains limitations on the amount of additional Indebtedness that the Issuers and the Restricted Subsidiaries may incur, under certain circumstances the amount of such Indebtedness could be substantial. See “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock.”

Paying Agent and Registrar for the Senior Notes

The Issuers will maintain one or more paying agents for the Senior Notes in the Borough of Manhattan, City of New York. The initial paying agent for the Senior Notes is the Trustee.

The Company will also maintain one or more registrars with offices in the Borough of Manhattan, City of New York and a transfer agent, including one with offices in the Borough of Manhattan, City of New York. The initial registrar and transfer agent for the Senior Notes is the Trustee. The registrar will maintain a register reflecting ownership of the Senior Notes outstanding from time to time and the transfer agent will make payments on and facilitate transfer of Senior Notes on behalf of the Issuers.

The Issuers may change the paying agents, the registrars or the transfer agents without prior notice to the Holders. The Company or any of its Subsidiaries may act as a paying agent, registrar or transfer agent.

Transfer and Exchange

A Holder may transfer or exchange Senior Notes in accordance with the Indenture. The registrar and the Trustee may require a Holder to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents in connection with a transfer of Senior Notes. Holders will be required to pay all taxes due on transfer. The Issuers will not be required to transfer or exchange any Senior Note selected for redemption or tendered (and not withdrawn) for repurchase with a Change of Control Offer or an Asset Sale Offer. Also, the Issuers will not be required to transfer or exchange any Senior Note for a period of 15 days before a selection of Senior Notes to be redeemed. The registered Holder of a Senior Note will be treated as the owner of such Senior Note for all purposes.

 

154


Table of Contents

Principal, Maturity and Interest

The Issuers issued Senior Notes with an aggregate principal amount of $325 million. The Senior Notes will mature on April 1, 2015. Subject to compliance with the covenant described below under the caption “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock,” the Issuers may issue additional Senior Notes under the Indenture from time to time (“ Additional Senior Notes ”). The Senior Notes offered by the Issuers and any Additional Senior Notes subsequently issued under the Indenture will be treated as a single class for all purposes under the Indenture, including waivers, amendments, redemptions and offers to purchase. Unless the context requires otherwise, references to “Senior Notes” for all purposes of the Indenture and this “Description of Senior Notes” include any Additional Senior Notes that are actually issued.

Interest on the Senior Notes accrues at the rate of 9  1 / 4 % per annum and is payable semi-annually in arrears on each April 1 and October 1, commencing on October 1, 2007, to the Holders of Senior Notes of record on the immediately preceding March 15 and September 15. Interest on the Senior Notes accrues from the most recent date to which interest has been paid. Interest on the Senior Notes will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months.

Principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Senior Notes will be payable at the office or agency of the Issuers maintained for such purpose within the City and State of New York or, at the option of the Issuers, payment of interest may be made by check mailed to the Holders of the Senior Notes at their respective addresses set forth in the register of Holders; provided that all payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest with respect to the Senior Notes represented by one or more global notes registered in the name of or held by DTC or its nominee will be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by the Holder or Holders thereof. Until otherwise designated by the Issuers, the Issuers’ office or agency in New York is the office of the Trustee maintained for such purpose.

Additional Interest

Additional Interest may accrue on the Senior Notes in certain circumstances pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement. All references in the Indenture, in any context, to any interest or other amount payable on or with respect to the Senior Notes shall be deemed to include any Additional Interest pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement.

Mandatory Redemption; Offers to Purchase; Open Market Purchases

The Issuers are not required to make any mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Senior Notes. However, under certain circumstances, the Issuers may be required to offer to purchase Senior Notes as described under the caption “Repurchase at the Option of Holders.” The Issuers and their Affiliates may at any time and from time to time purchase Senior Notes in the open market or otherwise.

Optional Redemption

Except as set forth below, the Issuers will not be entitled to redeem the Senior Notes at their option prior to April 1, 2011.

At any time prior to April 1, 2011, the Issuers may redeem all or a part of the Senior Notes, upon notice as described under “Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Selection and Notice”, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of Senior Notes redeemed plus the Applicable Premium as of, and accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the date of redemption (the “ Redemption Date ”), subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date.

On and after April 1, 2011, the Issuers may redeem the Senior Notes, in whole or in part, upon notice as described under “Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Selection and Notice”, at the redemption prices

 

155


Table of Contents

(expressed as percentages of principal amount of the Senior Notes to be redeemed) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the Redemption Date, subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on April 1 of each of the years indicated below:

 

Year

   Percentage

2011

   104.625%

2012

   102.313%

2013 and thereafter

   100.000%

In addition, until April 1, 2010, the Issuers may, at their option, redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes issued by them at a redemption price equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, plus a premium equal to the rate per annum on the Senior Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the Redemption Date, subject to the right of Holders of Senior Notes of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date, with the net cash proceeds received by it from one or more Equity Offerings; provided that (i) at least 50% of the aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes originally issued under the Indenture remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of each such redemption; and (ii) each such redemption occurs within 90 days of the date of closing of each such Equity Offering.

Any notice of any optional redemption may be given prior to the completion thereof, and any such redemption or notice may, at the Issuers’ discretion, be subject to one or more conditions precedent, including, but not limited to, the completion of an Equity Offering or other corporate transaction. So long as any Senior Notes are listed on an exchange, and to the extent required by such exchange, the Issuers will notify such exchange of any such notice of redemption. In addition, the Issuers will notify the exchange of the principal amount of Senior Notes outstanding following any partial redemption of such Senior Notes.

If the Issuers redeem less than all of the outstanding Senior Notes, the Trustee shall select the Senior Notes to be redeemed in the manner described under “Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Selection and Notice.”

Repurchase at the Option of Holders

Change of Control

The Senior Notes provide that if a Change of Control occurs, unless the Issuers have previously or concurrently mailed a redemption notice with respect to all the outstanding Senior Notes as described under “Optional Redemption,” the Issuers will make an offer to purchase all of the Senior Notes pursuant to the offer described below (the “ Change of Control Offer ”) at a price in cash (the “ Change of Control Payment ”) equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the date of purchase, subject to the right of Holders of the Senior Notes of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date. Within 30 days following any Change of Control, the Issuers will send notice of such Change of Control Offer by first-class mail, with a copy to the Trustee, to each Holder of Senior Notes to the address of such Holder appearing in the security register or otherwise in accordance with the procedures of DTC, with a copy to the Trustee, with the following information:

(1) that a Change of Control Offer is being made pursuant to the covenant entitled “Change of Control,” and that all Senior Notes properly tendered pursuant to such Change of Control Offer will be accepted for payment by the Issuers;

(2) the purchase price and the purchase date, which will be no earlier than 30 days nor later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed (the “ Change of Control Payment Date ”);

(3) that any Senior Note not properly tendered will remain outstanding and continue to accrue interest;

 

156


Table of Contents

(4) that unless the Issuers default in the payment of the Change of Control Payment, all Senior Notes accepted for payment pursuant to the Change of Control Offer will cease to accrue interest on the Change of Control Payment Date;

(5) that Holders electing to have any Senior Notes purchased pursuant to a Change of Control Offer will be required to surrender such Senior Notes, with the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” on the reverse of such Senior Notes completed, to the paying agent specified in the notice 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 tendered Senior Notes and their election to require the Issuers to purchase such Senior Notes, provided that the paying agent receives, not later than the close of business on the expiration date of the Change of Control Offer, a telegram, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the Holder of the Senior Notes, the principal amount of Senior Notes tendered for purchase, and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing its tendered Senior Notes, or a specified portion thereof, and its election to have such Senior Notes purchased;

(7) that if the Issuers are redeeming less than all of the Senior Notes, the Holders of the remaining Senior Notes will be issued new Senior Notes and such new Senior Notes will be equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Senior Notes surrendered. The unpurchased portion of the Senior Notes must be equal to at least $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 thereafter;

(8) if such notice is mailed prior to the occurrence of a Change of Control, stating that the Change of Control Offer is conditional on the occurrence of such Change of Control; and

(9) the other instructions, as determined by us, consistent with the covenant described hereunder, that a Holder must follow.

The Issuers will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent such laws or regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of Senior Notes pursuant to a Change of Control Offer. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of the Indenture, the Issuers will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached their obligations described in the Indenture by virtue thereof.

On the Change of Control Payment Date, the Issuers will, to the extent permitted by law,

(1) accept for payment all Senior Notes issued by them or portions thereof properly tendered pursuant to the Change of Control Offer,

(2) deposit with the paying agent an amount equal to the aggregate Change of Control Payment in respect of all Senior Notes or portions thereof so tendered, and

(3) deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Trustee for cancellation the Senior Notes so accepted together with an Officer’s Certificate to the Trustee stating that such Senior Notes or portions thereof have been tendered to and purchased by the Issuers.

The Senior Credit Facilities provide, and future credit agreements or other agreements relating to Senior Indebtedness to which the Issuers become a party may provide, that certain change of control events with respect to the Issuers would constitute a default thereunder (including a Change of Control under the Indenture). If we experience a change of control that triggers a default under our Senior Credit Facilities, we could seek a waiver of such default or seek to refinance our Senior Credit Facilities. In the event we do not obtain such a waiver or refinance the Senior Credit Facilities, such default could result in amounts outstanding under our Senior Credit Facilities being declared due and payable and cause a Receivables Facility to be wound-down.

Our ability to pay cash to the Holders of Senior Notes following the occurrence of a Change of Control may be limited by our then-existing financial resources. Therefore, sufficient funds may not be available when necessary to make any required repurchases.

 

157


Table of Contents

The Change of Control purchase feature of the Senior Notes may in certain circumstances make more difficult or discourage a sale or takeover of us and, thus, the removal of incumbent management. The Change of Control purchase feature is a result of negotiations between the Initial Purchasers and us. We have no present intention to engage in a transaction involving a Change of Control, although it is possible that we could decide to do so in the future. Subject to the limitations discussed below, we could, in the future, enter into certain transactions, including acquisitions, refinancings or other recapitalizations, that would not constitute a Change of Control under the Indenture, but that could increase the amount of indebtedness outstanding at such time or otherwise affect our capital structure or credit ratings. Restrictions on our ability to incur additional Indebtedness are contained in the covenants described under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock” and “Certain Covenants—Liens.” Such restrictions in the Indenture can be waived only with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Senior Notes then outstanding. Except for the limitations contained in such covenants, however, the Indenture does not contain any covenants or provisions that may afford Holders of the Senior Notes protection in the event of a highly leveraged transaction.

The Issuers will not be required to make a Change of Control Offer following a Change of Control if 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 the Indenture applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by us and purchases all Senior Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn under such Change of Control Offer. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, a Change of Control Offer may be made in advance of a Change of Control, conditional upon such Change of Control, if a definitive agreement is in place for the Change of Control at the time of making of the Change of Control Offer.

The definition of “Change of Control” includes a disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any Person. Although there is a limited body of case law interpreting the phrase “substantially all,” there is no precise established definition of the phrase under applicable law. Accordingly, in certain circumstances there may be a degree of uncertainty as to whether a particular transaction would involve a disposition of “all or substantially all” of the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. As a result, it may be unclear as to whether a Change of Control has occurred and whether a Holder of Senior Notes may require the Issuers to make an offer to repurchase the Senior Notes as described above.

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

Asset Sales

The Indenture provides that the Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to consummate, directly or indirectly, an Asset Sale, unless:

(1) the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, receives consideration at the time of such Asset Sale at least equal to the fair market value of the assets sold or otherwise disposed of; and

(2) except in the case of a Permitted Asset Swap, at least 75% of the consideration therefor received by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, is in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents; provided that the amount of:

(a) any liabilities (as shown on the Company’s or such Restricted Subsidiary’s most recent balance sheet or in the footnotes thereto or, if incurred or increased subsequent to the date of such balance sheet, such liabilities that would have been shown on the Company’s or such Restricted Subsidiary’s balance sheet or in the footnotes thereto if such incurrence or increase had taken place on the date of such balance sheet, as determined by the Company) of the Company or such Restricted

 

158


Table of Contents

Subsidiary, other than liabilities that are by their terms subordinated to the Senior Notes, that are assumed by the transferee of any such assets and for which the Company and all of its Restricted Subsidiaries have been validly released by all creditors in writing,

(b) any securities received by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary from such transferee that are converted by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary into cash (to the extent of the cash received) within 180 days following the closing of such Asset Sale, and

(c) any Designated Non-cash Consideration received by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary in such Asset Sale having an aggregate fair market value, taken together with all other Designated Non-cash Consideration received pursuant to this clause (c) that is at that time outstanding, not to exceed 5.0% of Total Assets at the time of the receipt of such Designated Non-cash Consideration, with the fair market value of each item of Designated Non-cash Consideration being measured at the time received and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value,

shall be deemed to be cash for purposes of this provision and for no other purpose.

Within 450 days after the receipt of any Net Proceeds of any Asset Sale, the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, at its option, may apply the Net Proceeds from such Asset Sale,

(1) to permanently reduce:

(a) Obligations under the Senior Credit Facilities, and to correspondingly reduce commitments with respect thereto;

(b) Obligations under Senior Indebtedness that is secured by a Lien, which Lien is permitted by the Indenture, and to correspondingly reduce commitments with respect thereto;

(c) Obligations under other Senior Indebtedness (and to correspondingly reduce commitments with respect thereto), provided that to the extent the Issuers reduce Obligations under Senior Indebtedness other than the Senior Notes, the Issuers shall equally and ratably reduce Obligations under the Senior Notes as provided under “Optional Redemption,” through open-market purchases (to the extent such purchases are at or above 100% of the principal amount thereof) or by making an offer (in accordance with the procedures set forth below for an Asset Sale Offer) to all Holders to purchase their Senior Notes at 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus the amount of accrued but unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, on the amount of Senior Notes that would otherwise be prepaid; or

(d) Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor, other than Indebtedness owed to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary; or

(2) to make (a) an Investment in any one or more businesses, provided that if such business is not a Restricted Subsidiary, such Investment is in the form of the acquisition of Capital Stock and results in the Company or another of its Restricted Subsidiaries, as the case may be, owning an amount of the Capital Stock of such business such that it constitutes a Restricted Subsidiary, (b) an Investment in properties, (c) capital expenditures or (d) acquisitions of other assets, that, in each of clauses (a), (b), (c) and (d), are used or useful in a Similar Business or replace the businesses, properties and/or assets that are the subject of such Asset Sale;

provided that, in the case of clause (2) above, a binding commitment shall be treated as a permitted application of the Net Proceeds from the date of such commitment so long as the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary enters into such commitment with the good faith expectation that such Net Proceeds will be applied to satisfy such commitment within 180 days of such commitment (an “ Acceptable Commitment ”) and, in the event any Acceptable Commitment is later cancelled or terminated for any reason before the Net Proceeds are applied in connection therewith, the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary enters into another Acceptable Commitment

 

159


Table of Contents

(a “ Second Commitment ”) within 180 days of such cancellation or termination; provided further that if any Second Commitment is later cancelled or terminated for any reason before such Net Proceeds are applied, then such Net Proceeds shall constitute Excess Proceeds.

Any Net Proceeds from any Asset Sale that are not invested or applied as provided and within the time period set forth in the first sentence of the preceding paragraph will be deemed to constitute “ Excess Proceeds .” When the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $25.0 million, the Issuers shall make an offer to all Holders of the Senior Notes and, if required by the terms of any Indebtedness that is pari passu with the Senior Notes (“ Pari Passu Indebtedness ”), to the holders of such Pari Passu Indebtedness (an “ Asset Sale Offer ”), to purchase the maximum aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness that is at least $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 thereafter, that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds at an offer price in cash equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof (or accreted value, if less), plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the date fixed for the closing of such offer, in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Indenture. The Issuers will commence an Asset Sale Offer with respect to Excess Proceeds within ten Business Days after the date that Excess Proceeds exceed $25.0 million by mailing the notice required pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, with a copy to the Trustee. The Issuers may satisfy the foregoing obligations with respect to any Net Proceeds from an Asset Sale by making an Asset Sale Offer with respect to such Net Proceeds prior to the expiration of the relevant 450 days or with respect to Excess Proceeds of $25.0 million or less.

To the extent that the aggregate amount of Senior Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness tendered pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer is less than the Excess Proceeds, the Issuers may use any remaining Excess Proceeds for general corporate purposes, subject to other covenants contained in the Indenture. If the aggregate amount payable in respect of Senior Notes or the Pari Passu Indebtedness surrendered by such holders thereof exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the Issuers shall select the Senior Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness to be purchased on a pro rata basis to the extent practicable or otherwise in accordance with the procedures of the DTC based on the accreted value or principal amount of the Senior Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness tendered. Upon completion of any such Asset Sale Offer, the amount of Excess Proceeds shall be reset to zero.

Pending the final application of any Net Proceeds pursuant to this covenant, the holder of such Net Proceeds may apply such Net Proceeds temporarily to reduce Indebtedness outstanding under a revolving credit facility or otherwise invest such Net Proceeds in any manner not prohibited by the Indenture.

The Issuers will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent such laws or regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of the Senior Notes pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of the Indenture, the Issuers will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations described in the Indenture by virtue thereof.

Selection and Notice

If the Issuers are redeeming less than all of the Senior Notes issued by them at any time, the Trustee will select the Senior Notes to be redeemed (a) if the Senior Notes are listed on any national securities exchange, in compliance with the requirements of the principal national securities exchange on which the Senior Notes are listed, (b) on a pro rata basis to the extent practicable or, if a pro rata basis is not practicable for any reason, by lot or by such other method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate, or (c) by lot or such other similar method in accordance with the procedures of the DTC.

Notices of purchase or redemption shall be mailed by first-class mail, postage prepaid, at least 30 but not more than 60 days before the purchase or redemption date to each Holder of Senior Notes at such Holder’s registered address or otherwise in accordance with the procedures of DTC, except that redemption notices

 

160


Table of Contents

may be mailed more than 60 days prior to a redemption date if the notice is issued in connection with a defeasance of the Senior Notes or a satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture. If any Senior Note is to be purchased or redeemed in part only, any notice of purchase or redemption that relates to such Senior Note shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof that has been or is to be purchased or redeemed.

The Issuers will issue a new Senior Note in a principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the original Senior Note in the name of the Holder upon cancellation of the original Senior Note. Senior Notes called for redemption become due on the date fixed for redemption, subject to the satisfaction of any conditions to an optional redemption. On and after the redemption date, interest ceases to accrue on Senior Notes or portions thereof called for redemption, subject to the satisfaction of any conditions to an optional redemption.

Certain Covenants

Set forth below are summaries of certain covenants contained in the Indenture. If on any date following the Issue Date (i) the Senior Notes have Investment Grade Ratings from both Rating Agencies, and (ii) no Default has occurred and is continuing under the Indenture then, beginning on that day (the occurrence of the events described in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii) being collectively referred to as a “ Covenant Suspension Event ”) the covenants specifically listed under the following captions in this “Description of Senior Notes” section of this prospectus are not applicable to the Senior Notes (collectively, the “ Suspended Covenants ”):

(1) “Repurchase at the Option of Holders”;

(2) “—Limitation on Restricted Payments”;

(3) “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock”;

(4) clause (4) of the first paragraph of “—Merger, Consolidation or Sale of All or Substantially All Assets”;

(5) “—Transactions with Affiliates”;

(6) “—Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries”; and

(7) “—Limitation on Guarantees of Indebtedness by Restricted Subsidiaries.”

During any period that the foregoing covenants have been suspended, the Company may not designate any of its Subsidiaries as Unrestricted Subsidiaries pursuant to the second sentence of the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary.”

If and while the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries are not subject to the Suspended Covenants, the holders of Senior Notes will be entitled to substantially less covenant protection. In the event that the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries are not subject to the Suspended Covenants under the Indenture for any period of time as a result of the foregoing, and on any subsequent date (the “ Reversion Date ”) one or both of the Rating Agencies withdraw their Investment Grade Rating or downgrade the rating assigned to the Senior Notes below an Investment Grade Rating, then the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries will thereafter again be subject to the Suspended Covenants under the Indenture with respect to future events. The period of time between the Suspension Date and the Reversion Date is referred to in this description as the “Suspension Period.” The Guarantees of the Guarantors will be suspended during the Suspension Period. Additionally, upon the occurrence of a Covenant Suspension Event, the amount of Excess Proceeds from Asset Sales shall be reset to zero.

During any Suspension Period, the Company will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, enter into any Sale and Lease-Back Transaction; provided , however , that the Company or any Restricted

Subsidiary may enter into a Sale and Lease-Back Transaction if (i) the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary could have incurred a Lien to secure the Indebtedness attributable to such Sale and Leaseback Transaction

 

161


Table of Contents

pursuant to “—Liens” below without equally and ratably securing the Senior Notes pursuant to the covenant described under such covenant; and (ii) the consideration received by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary in that Sale and Lease-Back Transaction is at least equal to the fair market value of the property sold and otherwise complies with “—Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset Sales” above; provided , further , that the provisions of this paragraph shall cease to apply on and subsequent to the Reversion Date following such Suspension Period.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of any such reinstatement, no action taken or omitted to be taken by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries prior to such reinstatement will give rise to a Default or Event of Default under the Indenture with respect to the Senior Notes; provided that (1) with respect to Restricted Payments made after such reinstatement, the amount of Restricted Payments made will be calculated as though the limitations contained in the covenant described below under the caption “—Limitation on Restricted Payments” had been in effect prior to, but not during, the Suspension Period; and (2) all Indebtedness incurred, or Disqualified Stock issued, during the Suspension Period will be deemed to have been incurred or issued pursuant to clause (3) of the second paragraph of “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock.”

There can be no assurance that the Senior Notes will ever achieve or maintain Investment Grade Ratings.

Limitation on Restricted Payments

The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly:

(I) declare or pay any dividend or make any payment or distribution on account of the Company’s, or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries’, Equity Interests, including any dividend or distribution payable in connection with any merger or consolidation other than:

(a) dividends or distributions by the Company payable solely in Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company; or

(b) dividends or distributions by a Restricted Subsidiary so long as, in the case of any dividend or distribution payable on or in respect of any class or series of securities issued by a Restricted Subsidiary other than a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary, the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary receives at least its pro rata share of such dividend or distribution in accordance with its Equity Interests in such class or series of securities;

(II) purchase, redeem, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value any Equity Interests of the Company or any direct or indirect parent of the Company, including in connection with any merger or consolidation;

(III) make any principal payment on, or redeem, repurchase, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value in each case, prior to any scheduled repayment, sinking fund payment or maturity, any Subordinated Indebtedness, other than:

(a) Indebtedness permitted under clauses (7) and (8) of the second paragraph of the covenant described under “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock”; or

(b) the purchase, repurchase or other acquisition of Subordinated Indebtedness purchased in anticipation of satisfying a sinking fund obligation, principal installment or final maturity, in each case due within one year of the date of purchase, repurchase or acquisition; or

(IV) make any Restricted Investment (all such payments and other actions set forth in clauses (I) through (IV) above (other than any exception thereto contained in clauses (I) through (IV)) being collectively referred to as “ Restricted Payments ”), unless, at the time of such Restricted Payment:

(1) no Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a consequence thereof;

 

162


Table of Contents

(2) immediately after giving effect to such transaction on a pro forma basis, the Company could incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in the first paragraph of the covenant described under “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock” (the “ Fixed Charge Coverage Test ”); and

(3) such Restricted Payment, together with the aggregate amount of all other Restricted Payments made by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries after the Issue Date (including Restricted Payments permitted by clauses (1), (2) (with respect to the payment of dividends on Refunding Capital Stock (as defined below) pursuant to clause (b) thereof only), (6)(c), (9) and (14) of the next succeeding paragraph, but excluding all other Restricted Payments permitted by the next succeeding paragraph), is less than the sum of (without duplication):

(a) 50% of the Consolidated Net Income of the Company for the period (taken as one accounting period) beginning January 1, 2007, to the end of the Company’s recently ended fiscal quarter for which internal financial statements are available at the time of such Restricted Payment, or, in the case such Consolidated Net Income for such period is a deficit, minus 100% of such deficit; plus

(b) 100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds and the fair market value of marketable securities or other property received by the Company since immediately after the Issue Date (other than net cash proceeds to the extent such net cash proceeds have been used to incur Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock pursuant to clause (12)(a) of the second paragraph of “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock”) from the issue or sale of:

(i)(A) Equity Interests of the Company, excluding cash proceeds and the fair market value of marketable securities or other property received from the sale of:

(x) Equity Interests to members of management, directors or consultants of the Company, any direct or indirect parent company of the Company and the Company’s Subsidiaries after the Issue Date to the extent such amounts have been applied to Restricted Payments made in accordance with clause (4) of the next succeeding paragraph; and

(y) Designated Preferred Stock;

and (B) to the extent such net cash proceeds are actually contributed to the Company, Equity Interests of the Company’s direct or indirect parent companies (excluding contributions of the proceeds from the sale of Designated Preferred Stock of such companies or contributions to the extent such amounts have been applied to Restricted Payments made in accordance with clause (6) of the next succeeding paragraph); or

(ii) debt securities of the Company that have been converted into or exchanged for such Equity Interests of the Company;

provided , however , that this clause (b) shall not include the proceeds from (W) Refunding Capital Stock (as defined below), (X) Equity Interests or convertible debt securities of the Company sold to a Restricted Subsidiary, (Y) Disqualified Stock or debt securities that have been converted into Disqualified Stock or (Z) Excluded Contributions; plus

(c) 100% of the aggregate amount of cash and the fair market value of marketable securities or other property contributed to the capital of the Company following the Issue Date (other than (i) net cash proceeds to the extent such net cash proceeds have been used to incur Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock pursuant to clause (12)(a) of the second paragraph of “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock”), (ii) contributions from a Restricted Subsidiary and (iii) any Excluded Contributions; plus

(d) 100% of the aggregate amount received in cash and the fair market value of marketable securities or other property received by means of:

(i) the sale or other disposition (other than to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary) of Restricted Investments made by the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries and repurchases and

 

163


Table of Contents

redemptions of such Restricted Investments from the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries and repayments of loans or advances, and releases of guarantees, which constitute Restricted Investments by the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries, in each case after the Issue Date; or

(ii) the sale (other than to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary) of the stock of an Unrestricted Subsidiary or a distribution from an Unrestricted Subsidiary (other than in each case to the extent the Investment in such Unrestricted Subsidiary was made by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to clause (7) of the next succeeding paragraph or to the extent such Investment constituted a Permitted Investment) or a dividend from an Unrestricted Subsidiary after the Issue Date; plus

(e) in the case of the redesignation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary after the Issue Date, the fair market value of the Investment in such Unrestricted Subsidiary (which, if the fair market value of such Investment shall exceed $25.0 million, shall be set forth in writing by an Independent Financial Advisor), at the time of the redesignation of such Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary to the extent the Investment in such Unrestricted Subsidiary was made by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to clause (7) of the next succeeding paragraph or to the extent such Investment constituted a Permitted Investment.

The foregoing provisions will not prohibit:

(1) the payment of any dividend within 60 days after the date of declaration thereof, if at the date of declaration such payment would have complied with the provisions of the Indenture;

(2)(a) the redemption, repurchase, retirement or other acquisition of any Equity Interests (“ Treasury Capital Stock ”) or Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company or any Equity Interests of any direct or indirect parent company of the Company in exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale (other than to a Restricted Subsidiary) of, Equity Interests of the Company or any direct or indirect parent company of the Company to the extent contributed to the Company (in each case, other than any Disqualified Stock and any Excluded Contributions) (“ Refunding Capital Stock ”) and (b) if immediately prior to the retirement of Treasury Capital Stock, the declaration and payment of dividends thereon was permitted under clause (6) of this paragraph, the declaration and payment of dividends on the Refunding Capital Stock (other than Refunding Capital Stock the proceeds of which were used to redeem, repurchase, retire or otherwise acquire any Equity Interests of any direct or indirect parent company of the Company) in an aggregate amount per year no greater than the aggregate amount of dividends per annum that were declarable and payable on such Treasury Capital Stock immediately prior to such retirement;

(3) the defeasance, redemption, repurchase or other acquisition or retirement of Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary made by exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale of, new Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, which is incurred in compliance with “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock” so long as:

(a) the principal amount (or accreted value) of such new Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount of (or accreted value, if applicable), plus any accrued and unpaid interest on, the Subordinated Indebtedness being so redeemed, repurchased, acquired or retired for value, plus the amount of any reasonable premium (including reasonable tender premiums), defeasance costs and any reasonable fees and expenses incurred in connection with the issuance of such new Indebtedness;

(b) such new Indebtedness is subordinated to the Senior Notes or the applicable Guarantee at least to the same extent as such Subordinated Indebtedness so purchased, exchanged, redeemed, repurchased, acquired or retired for value;

(c) such new Indebtedness has a final scheduled maturity date equal to or later than the final scheduled maturity date of the Subordinated Indebtedness being so redeemed, repurchased, acquired or retired; and

 

164


Table of Contents

(d) such new Indebtedness has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater than the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Subordinated Indebtedness being so redeemed, repurchased, acquired or retired;

(4) a Restricted Payment to pay for the repurchase, retirement or other acquisition or retirement for value of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company or any of its direct or indirect parent companies held by any future, present or former employee, director or consultant of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of its direct or indirect parent companies pursuant to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement; provided , however , that the aggregate Restricted Payments made under this clause (4) do not exceed in any calendar year $15.0 million (which shall increase to $30.0 million subsequent to the consummation of an underwritten public Equity Offering by the Company or any direct or indirect parent entity of the Company) (with unused amounts in any calendar year being carried over to succeeding calendar years subject to a maximum (without giving effect to the following proviso) of $20.0 million in any calendar year (which shall increase to $40.0 million subsequent to the consummation of an underwritten public Equity Offering by the Company or any direct or indirect parent corporation of the Company)); provided further that such amount in any calendar year may be increased by an amount equal to:

(a) the cash proceeds from the sale of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company and, to the extent contributed to the Company, Equity Interests of any of the Company’s direct or indirect parent companies, in each case to members of management, directors or consultants of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of its direct or indirect parent companies that occurs after the Issue Date, to the extent the cash proceeds from the sale of such Equity Interests are not Excluded Contributions and have not otherwise been applied to the payment of Restricted Payments by virtue of clause (3) of the preceding paragraph; plus

(b) the cash proceeds of key man life insurance policies received by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary after the Issue Date; less

(c) the amount of any Restricted Payments previously made with the cash proceeds described in clauses (a) and (b) of this clause (4);

and provided further that cancellation of Indebtedness owing to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary from members of management of the Company, any of the Company’s direct or indirect parent companies or any of the Company’s Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with a repurchase of Equity Interests of the Company or any of its direct or indirect parent companies will not be deemed to constitute a Restricted Payment for purposes of this covenant or any other provision of the Indenture;

(5) the declaration and payment of dividends to holders of any class or series of Disqualified Stock of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or any class or series of Preferred Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary issued in accordance with the covenant described under “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock” to the extent such dividends are included in the definition of “Fixed Charges”;

(6)(a) the declaration and payment of dividends to holders of any class or series of Designated Preferred Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) issued by the Company after the Issue Date;

(b) the declaration and payment of dividends to a direct or indirect parent company of the Company, the proceeds of which will be used to fund the payment of dividends to holders of any class or series of Designated Preferred Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of such parent corporation issued after the Issue Date, provided that the amount of dividends paid pursuant to this clause (b) shall not exceed the aggregate amount of cash actually contributed to the Company from the sale of such Designated Preferred Stock; or

(c) the declaration and payment of dividends on Refunding Capital Stock that is Preferred Stock in excess of the dividends declarable and payable thereon pursuant to clause (2) of this paragraph;

 

165


Table of Contents

provided , however , in the case of each of (a) and (c) of this clause (6), that for the most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date of issuance of such Designated Preferred Stock or the declaration of such dividends on Refunding Capital Stock that is Preferred Stock, after giving effect to such issuance or declaration on a pro forma basis, the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis would have had a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of at least 2.00 to 1.00;

(7) Investments in Unrestricted Subsidiaries having an aggregate fair market value, taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (7) that are at the time outstanding, without giving effect to the sale of an Unrestricted Subsidiary to the extent the proceeds of such sale do not consist of cash or marketable securities, not to exceed the greater of $30.0 million and 1.5% of Total Assets at the time of such Investment (with the fair market value of each Investment being measured at the time made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value);

(8) repurchases of Equity Interests deemed to occur upon exercise of stock options or warrants if such Equity Interests represent a portion of the exercise price of such options or warrants;

(9) the declaration and payment of dividends on the Company’s common stock (or the payment of dividends to any direct or indirect parent entity to fund a payment of dividends on such entity’s common stock), following the first public offering of the Company’s common stock or the common stock of any of its direct or indirect parent companies after the Issue Date, of up to 6% per annum of the net cash proceeds received by or contributed to the Company in or from any such public offering, other than public offerings with respect to the Company’s common stock registered on Form S-8 and other than any public sale constituting an Excluded Contribution;

(10) Restricted Payments that are made with Excluded Contributions;

(11) other Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount taken together with all other Restricted Payments made pursuant to this clause (11) not to exceed 2.0% of Total Assets at the time made;

(12) distributions or payments of Receivables Fees;

(13) any Restricted Payment made in connection with the Transaction and the fees and expenses related thereto or made to fund amounts owed to Affiliates (including dividends to any direct or indirect parent of the Company to fund such payment), in each case to the extent permitted by the covenant described under “—Transactions with Affiliates”;

(14) the repurchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement for value of any Subordinated Indebtedness in accordance with the provisions similar to those described under the captions “Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Change of Control” and “Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset Sales”; provided that all Senior Notes validly tendered by Holders in connection with a Change of Control Offer or Asset Sale Offer, as applicable, have been repurchased, redeemed or acquired for value;

(15) the declaration and payment of dividends or distributions by the Company to, or the making of loans to, any direct or indirect parent in amounts required for any direct or indirect parent companies to pay, in each case without duplication,

(a) franchise and excise taxes and other fees, taxes and expenses required to maintain their corporate existence;

(b) so long as the Company is treated as a pass-through entity of which such direct or indirect parent is owner, member or a partner (directly or through entities that are pass-through entities), or is a member of a consolidated or combined group that includes such direct or indirect parent, federal, state and local income taxes, to the extent such income taxes are attributable to the income of the Company and its Subsidiaries; provided, that in each case the amount of such payments in any fiscal year does

 

166


Table of Contents

not exceed the amount that the Company and its Subsidiaries would be required to pay in respect of federal, state and local taxes for such fiscal year were the Company and its Subsidiaries (to the extent described above) members of a consolidated or combined group of which the Company was the common parent;

(c) customary salary, bonus and other benefits payable to officers and employees of any direct or indirect parent company of the Company to the extent such salaries, bonuses and other benefits are attributable to the ownership or operation of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(d) general corporate operating and overhead costs and expenses of any direct or indirect parent company of the Company to the extent such costs and expenses are attributable to the ownership or operation of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries; and

(e) fees and expenses other than to Affiliates of the Company related to any unsuccessful equity or debt offering of such parent entity; and

(16) the distribution, by dividend or otherwise, of shares of Capital Stock of, or Indebtedness owed to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary by, Unrestricted Subsidiaries (other than Unrestricted Subsidiaries, the primary assets of which are cash and/or Cash Equivalents);

provided , however , that at the time of, and after giving effect to, any Restricted Payment permitted under clauses (11) and (16), no Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a consequence thereof.

As of the Issue Date, all of the Company’s Subsidiaries (other than Finance Co.) were Restricted Subsidiaries. The Company will not permit any Unrestricted Subsidiary to become a Restricted Subsidiary except pursuant to the last sentence of the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary.” For purposes of designating any Restricted Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, all outstanding Investments by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries (except to the extent repaid) in the Subsidiary so designated will be deemed to be Restricted Payments in an amount determined as set forth in the last sentence of the definition of “Investment.” Such designation will be permitted only if a Restricted Payment in such amount would be permitted at such time, whether pursuant to the first paragraph of this covenant or under clause (7), (10) or (11) of the second paragraph of this covenant, or pursuant to the definition of “Permitted Investments,” and if such Subsidiary otherwise meets the definition of an Unrestricted Subsidiary. Unrestricted Subsidiaries will not be subject to any of the restrictive covenants set forth in the Indenture.

Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock

The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, issue, assume, guarantee or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable, contingently or otherwise (collectively, “ incur ” and collectively, an “ incurrence ”) with respect to any Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness) and the Company will not issue any shares of Disqualified Stock and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to issue any shares of Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock; provided , however , that the Company may incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness) or issue shares of Disqualified Stock, and any Restricted Subsidiary may incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness), issue shares of Disqualified Stock and issue shares of Preferred Stock, if the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio on a consolidated basis for the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries’ most recently ended four fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date on which such additional Indebtedness is incurred or such Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock is issued would have been at least 2.00 to 1.00, determined on a pro forma basis (including a pro forma application of the net proceeds therefrom), as if the additional Indebtedness had been incurred, or the Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock had been issued, as the case may be, and the application of proceeds therefrom had occurred at the beginning of such four-quarter period.

The foregoing limitations will not apply to:

(1) the incurrence of Indebtedness under Credit Facilities by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and the issuance and creation of letters of credit and bankers’ acceptances thereunder (with

 

167


Table of Contents

letters of credit and bankers’ acceptances being deemed to have a principal amount equal to the face amount thereof), up to an aggregate principal amount of $1,600.0 million outstanding at any one time;

(2) the incurrence by the Company and any Guarantor of Indebtedness represented by (a) the Senior Notes (including any Guarantee) and the exchange notes and related guarantees to be issued in exchange for Senior Notes and the Guarantees pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement (other than any Additional Senior Notes) and (b) the Senior Subordinated Notes issued on the Issue Date (including any guarantee thereof) and the exchange notes and related exchange guarantees to be issued in exchange for the Senior Subordinated Notes and the guarantees thereof pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement;

(3) Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries in existence on the Issue Date (other than Indebtedness described in clauses (1) and (2));

(4) Indebtedness (including Capitalized Lease Obligations), Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock incurred by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, to finance the purchase, lease or improvement of property (real or personal) or equipment that is used or useful in a Similar Business, whether through the direct purchase of assets or the Capital Stock of any Person owning such assets in an aggregate principal amount, together with any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof and all other Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock and/or Preferred Stock issued and outstanding under this clause (4) not to exceed 4.0% of Total Assets at any time outstanding; so long as such Indebtedness exists at the date of such purchase, lease or improvement, or is created within 270 days thereafter;

(5) Indebtedness incurred by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries constituting reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit issued in the ordinary course of business, including letters of credit in respect of workers’ compensation claims, or other Indebtedness with respect to reimbursement type obligations regarding workers’ compensation claims; provided , that upon the drawing of such letters of credit or the incurrence of such Indebtedness, such obligations are reimbursed within 30 days following such drawing or incurrence;

(6) Indebtedness arising from agreements of the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries providing for indemnification, adjustment of purchase price or similar obligations, in each case, incurred or assumed in connection with the disposition of any business, assets or a Subsidiary, other than guarantees of Indebtedness incurred by any Person acquiring all or any portion of such business, assets or a Subsidiary for the purpose of financing such acquisition; provided , however , that such Indebtedness is not reflected on the balance sheet of the Company, or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (contingent obligations referred to in a footnote to financial statements and not otherwise reflected on the balance sheet will not be deemed to be reflected on such balance sheet for purposes of this clause (6));

(7) Indebtedness of the Company to a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that any such Indebtedness owing to a Restricted Subsidiary that is not Finance Co. or a Guarantor is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Senior Notes; provided further that any subsequent issuance or transfer of any Capital Stock or any other event which results in any Restricted Subsidiary ceasing to be a Restricted Subsidiary or any other subsequent transfer of any such Indebtedness (except to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary) shall be deemed, in each case, to be an incurrence of such Indebtedness;

(8) Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary; provided that if a Guarantor or Finance Co. incurs such Indebtedness to a Restricted Subsidiary that is neither Finance Co. or a Guarantor, such Indebtedness is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Senior Notes, in the case of Finance Co., or the Guarantee of the Senior Notes, in the case of such Guarantor; provided further that any subsequent transfer of any such Indebtedness (except to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary) shall be deemed, in each case, to be an incurrence of such Indebtedness not permitted by this clause;

(9) shares of Preferred Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary issued to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary; provided that any subsequent issuance or transfer of any Capital Stock or any other event which results in any such Restricted Subsidiary ceasing to be a Restricted Subsidiary or any other subsequent

 

168


Table of Contents

transfer of any such shares of Preferred Stock (except to the Company or another of its Restricted Subsidiaries) shall be deemed in each case to be an issuance of such shares of Preferred Stock not permitted by this clause;

(10) Hedging Obligations (excluding Hedging Obligations entered into for speculative purposes) for the purpose of limiting interest rate risk with respect to any Indebtedness permitted to be incurred pursuant to “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock,” exchange rate risk or commodity pricing risk;

(11) obligations in respect of performance, bid, appeal and surety bonds and completion guarantees provided by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

(12)(a) Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock of the Company and Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary equal to 200% of the net cash proceeds received by the Company since immediately after the Issue Date from the issue or sale of Equity Interests of the Company or cash contributed to the capital of the Company (in each case, other than proceeds of an Excluded Contribution or from the issue or sale of Disqualified Stock or sales of Equity Interests to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) as determined in accordance with clauses (3)(b) and (3)(c) of the first paragraph of “—Limitation on Restricted Payments” to the extent such net cash proceeds or cash have not been applied pursuant to such clauses to make Restricted Payments or to make other Investments, payments or exchanges pursuant to the second paragraph of “—Limitation on Restricted Payments” or to make Permitted Investments (other than Permitted Investments specified in clauses (1) and (3) of the definition thereof) and (b) Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock of the Company and Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary not otherwise permitted hereunder in an aggregate principal amount or liquidation preference, which when aggregated with the principal amount and liquidation preference of all other Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock then outstanding and incurred pursuant to this clause (12)(b), does not at any one time outstanding exceed $150.0 million (it being understood that any Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock incurred pursuant to this clause (12)(b) shall cease to be deemed incurred or outstanding for purposes of this clause (12)(b) but shall be deemed incurred for the purposes of the first paragraph of this covenant from and after the first date on which the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary could have incurred such Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock under the first paragraph of this covenant without reliance on this clause (12)(b));

(13) the incurrence by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock which serves to refund or refinance any Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock incurred as permitted under the first paragraph of this covenant and clauses (2), (3), (4) and (12) above, this clause (13) and clause (14) below or any Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock issued to so refund or refinance such Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock including additional Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock incurred to pay premiums (including reasonable tender premiums), defeasance costs and fees in connection therewith (the “ Refinancing Indebtedness ”) prior to its respective maturity; provided , however , that such Refinancing Indebtedness:

(a) has a final maturity date later than the final maturity date of, and has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity at the time such Refinancing Indebtedness is incurred which is not less than the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of, the Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock being refunded or refinanced,

(b) to the extent such Refinancing Indebtedness refinances (i) Indebtedness subordinated or pari passu to the Senior Notes or any Guarantee thereof, such Refinancing Indebtedness is subordinated or pari passu to the Senior Notes or the Guarantee at least to the same extent as the Indebtedness being refinanced or refunded or (ii) Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, such Refinancing Indebtedness must be Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, respectively, and

 

169


Table of Contents

(c) shall not include:

(i) Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of a Subsidiary of the Company that is not a Guarantor (other than Finance Co.) that refinances Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of the Company; or

(ii) Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of a Subsidiary of the Company that is not a Guarantor (other than Finance Co.) that refinances Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of Finance Co. or a Guarantor;

and provided further that subclause (a) of this clause (13) will not apply to any refunding or refinancing of any Secured Indebtedness;

(14) Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of (x) the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary incurred to finance an acquisition or (y) Persons that are acquired by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary or merged into the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary in accordance with the terms of the Indenture; provided, that after giving effect to such acquisition or merger, either

(a) the Company would be permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Test; or

(b) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries is equal to or greater than immediately prior to such acquisition or merger;

(15) 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, provided that such Indebtedness is extinguished within five Business Days of its incurrence;

(16) Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries supported by a letter of credit issued pursuant to any Credit Facilities, in a principal amount not in excess of the stated amount of such letter of credit;

(17)(a) any guarantee by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of Indebtedness or other obligations of any Restricted Subsidiary so long as the incurrence of such Indebtedness incurred by such Restricted Subsidiary is permitted under the terms of the Indenture, or

(b) any guarantee by a Restricted Subsidiary of Indebtedness of the Company; provided that such guarantee is incurred in accordance with the covenant described below under “—Limitation on Guarantees of Indebtedness by Restricted Subsidiaries”;

(18) Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries consisting of (i) the financing of insurance premiums or (ii) take-or-pay obligations contained in supply arrangements in each case, incurred in the ordinary course of business;

(19) Indebtedness issued by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to current or former officers, directors and employees thereof, their respective estates, spouses or former spouses, in each case to finance the purchase or redemption of Equity Interests of the Company or any direct or indirect parent company of the Company to the extent described in clause (4) of the second paragraph under the caption “—Limitation on Restricted Payments”;

(20) Indebtedness of Foreign Subsidiaries of the Issuers incurred not to exceed at any one time outstanding and together with any other Indebtedness incurred under this clause (20) $50.0 million (it being understood that any Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (20) shall cease to be deemed to incurred or outstanding for purposes of this clause (20) but shall be deemed incurred for the purposes of the first paragraph of this covenant from and after the first date on which such Foreign Subsidiary could have incurred such Indebtedness under the first paragraph of this covenant without reliance on this clause (20);

(21) customer deposits and advance payments received in the ordinary course of business from customers for goods purchased in the ordinary course of business;

 

170


Table of Contents

(22) Indebtedness owed on a short-term basis of no longer than 30 days to banks and other financial institutions incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries with such banks or financial institutions that arises in connection with ordinary banking arrangements to manage cash balances of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(23) Indebtedness incurred by a Restricted Subsidiary in connection with bankers’ acceptances, discounted bills of exchange or the discounting or factoring of receivables for credit management purposes, in each case incurred or undertaken in the ordinary course of business on arm’s length commercial terms on a recourse basis; and

(24) Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries consisting of (i) the financing of insurance premiums or (ii) take-or-pay obligations contained in supply arrangements in each case, incurred in the ordinary course of business.

For purposes of determining compliance with this covenant:

(1) in the event that an item of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock (or any portion thereof) meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of permitted Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock described in clauses (1) through (24) above or is entitled to be incurred pursuant to the first paragraph of this covenant, the Company, in its sole discretion, will classify or reclassify such item of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock (or any portion thereof) and will only be required to include the amount and type of such Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock in one of the above clauses or under the first paragraph of this covenant; provided , that all Indebtedness outstanding under the Credit Facilities on the Issue Date will be treated as incurred on the Issue Date under clause (1) of the preceding paragraph; and

(2) at the time of incurrence, the Company will be entitled to divide and classify an item of Indebtedness in more than one of the types of Indebtedness described in the first and second paragraphs above.

Accrual of interest or dividends, the accretion of accreted value, the accretion or amortization of original issue discount and the payment of interest or dividends in the form of additional Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, as the case may be, of the same class will not be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock for purposes of this covenant.

For purposes of determining compliance with any U.S. dollar-denominated restriction on the incurrence of Indebtedness, the U.S. dollar-equivalent principal amount of Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency shall be calculated based on the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date such Indebtedness was incurred, in the case of term debt, or first committed, in the case of revolving credit debt; provided that if such Indebtedness is incurred to refinance other Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency, and such refinancing would cause the applicable U.S. dollar-denominated restriction to be exceeded if calculated at the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date of such refinancing, such U.S. dollar-denominated restriction shall be deemed not to have been exceeded so long as the principal amount of such refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount of such Indebtedness being refinanced.

The principal amount of any Indebtedness incurred to refinance other Indebtedness, if incurred in a different currency from the Indebtedness being refinanced, shall be calculated based on the currency exchange rate applicable to the currencies in which such respective Indebtedness is denominated that is in effect on the date of such refinancing.

The Indenture provides that neither Issuer will, and the Company will not permit any Guarantor to, directly or indirectly, incur any Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness) that is subordinated or junior in right of payment to any Indebtedness of such Issuer or such Guarantor, as the case may be, unless such Indebtedness is

 

171


Table of Contents

expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Senior Notes or such Guarantor’s Guarantee to the extent and in the same manner as such Indebtedness is subordinated to other Indebtedness of such Issuer or such Guarantor, as the case may be.

The Indenture does not treat (1) unsecured Indebtedness as subordinated or junior to Secured Indebtedness merely because it is unsecured or (2) Senior Indebtedness as subordinated or junior to any other Senior Indebtedness merely because it has a junior priority with respect to the same collateral.

Liens

The Issuers will not, and the Company will not permit any Guarantor to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien (except Permitted Liens) that secures obligations under any Indebtedness or any related Guarantee, on any asset or property of the Issuers or any Guarantor, or any income or profits therefrom, or assign or convey any right to receive income therefrom, unless:

(1) in the case of Liens securing Subordinated Indebtedness, the Senior Notes and related Guarantees are secured by a Lien on such property, assets or proceeds that is senior in priority to such Liens; or

(2) in all other cases, the Senior Notes or the Guarantees are equally and ratably secured, except that the foregoing shall not apply to (a) Liens securing the Senior Notes and the related Guarantees, (b) Liens securing Indebtedness permitted to be incurred under Credit Facilities, including any letter of credit facility relating thereto, that was permitted by the terms of the Indenture to be incurred pursuant to clause (1) of the second paragraph under “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock” and (c) Liens securing Indebtedness under Credit Facilities permitted to be incurred under the covenant described above under “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock”; provided that, with respect to Liens securing Indebtedness permitted under this subclause (c), at the time of incurrence and after giving pro forma effect thereto, the Consolidated Secured Debt Ratio would be no greater than 5.0 to 1.0.

Merger, Consolidation or Sale of All or Substantially All Assets

The Company

The Company may not consolidate or merge with or into or wind up into (whether or not the Company is the surviving corporation), or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties or assets, in one or more related transactions, to any Person unless:

(1) the Company is the surviving entity or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than the Company) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition will have been made is a Person organized or existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of organization of the Company or the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia, or any territory thereof (such Person, as the case may be, being herein called the “ Successor Company ”); provided , that in the case where the surviving Person is not a corporation, a co-obligor of the Senior Notes is a corporation;

(2) the Successor Company, if other than the Company, expressly assumes all the obligations of the Company under the Senior Notes pursuant to supplemental indentures or other documents or instruments;

(3) immediately after such transaction, no Default exists;

(4) immediately after giving pro forma effect to such transaction and any related financing transactions, as if such transactions had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period,

(a) the Successor Company or the Company would be permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Test, or

(b) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Successor Company, the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries would be equal to or greater than the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries immediately prior to such transaction;

 

172


Table of Contents

(5) each Guarantor, unless it is the other party to the transactions described above, in which case clause (1)(b) of the third succeeding paragraph shall apply, shall have by supplemental indenture confirmed that its Guarantee shall apply to such Person’s obligations under the Indenture, the Senior Notes and the Registration Rights Agreement; and

(6) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger or transfer and such supplemental indentures, if any, comply with the Indenture.

The Successor Company will succeed to, and be substituted for the Company under the Indenture, the Guarantees and the Senior Notes, as applicable. Notwithstanding the foregoing clauses (3) and (4),

(1) any Restricted Subsidiary may consolidate with or merge into or transfer all or part of its properties and assets to the Company, and

(2) the Company may merge with an Affiliate of the Company solely for the purpose of reorganizing the Company in the United States and any state thereof, the District of Columbia or any territory thereof, so long as the amount of Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries is not increased thereby.

The Guarantors

Subject to certain limitations described in the Indenture governing release of a Guarantee upon the sale, disposition or transfer of a guarantor, no Guarantor will, and the Company will not permit any Guarantor to, consolidate or merge with or into or wind up into (whether or not the Guarantor is the surviving person), or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties or assets, in one or more related transactions, to any Person unless:

(1)(a) such Guarantor is the surviving entity or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than such Guarantor) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition will have been made is a Person organized or existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of organization of such Guarantor, as the case may be, or the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia, or any territory thereof (such Guarantor or such Person, as the case may be, being herein called the “ Successor Person ”);

(b) the Successor Person, if other than such Guarantor, expressly assumes all the obligations of such Guarantor under the Indenture and such Guarantor’s related Guarantee pursuant to supplemental indentures or other documents or instruments;

(c) immediately after such transaction, no Default exists; and

(d) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and Opinion of Counsel stating that such consolidation, merger or transfer and such supplemental indentures, if any, comply with the Indenture; or

(2) the transaction is made in compliance with the covenant described under “Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset Sales.”

Subject to certain limitations described in the Indenture, the Successor Person will succeed to, and be substituted for, such Guarantor under the Indenture and such Guarantor’s Guarantee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Guarantor may (i) merge into or transfer all or part of its properties and assets to another Guarantor or either Issuers, (ii) merge with an Affiliate of the Company solely for the purpose of reincorporating the Guarantor in the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia or any territory thereof or (iii) convert into a corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability corporation or trust organized or existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of organization of such Guarantor.

 

173


Table of Contents

Finance Co.

Finance Co. may not, directly or indirectly, consolidate or merge with or into or wind up into (whether or not Finance Co. is the surviving corporation), or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of Finance Co.’s properties or assets, in one or more related transactions, to any Person unless:

(1)(a) concurrently therewith, a corporate Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Company organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia or any territory thereof (which may be the continuing Person as a result of such transaction) expressly assumes all the obligations of Finance Co. under the Senior Notes, pursuant to supplemental indentures or other documents or instruments in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, and the Registration Rights Agreement if the exchange offers contemplated therein have not been consummated or if the Issuers continue to have an obligation to file or maintain the effectiveness of a shelf registration statement as provided under such agreement; or

(b) after giving effect thereto, at least one obligor on the Senior Notes shall be a corporation organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia or any territory thereof;

(2) immediately after such transaction, no Default or Event of Default will have occurred and be continuing; and

(3) Finance Co. shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger or transfer and such supplemental indenture, if any, comply with the Indenture.

Transactions with Affiliates

The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, make any payment to, or sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its properties or assets to, or purchase any property or assets from, or enter into or make or amend any transaction, contract, agreement, understanding, loan, advance or guarantee with, or for the benefit of, any Affiliate of the Company (each of the foregoing, an “ Affiliate Transaction ”) involving aggregate payments or consideration in excess of $10.0 million, unless:

(1) such Affiliate Transaction is on terms that are not materially less favorable to the Company or its relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those that would have been obtained in a comparable transaction by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary with an unrelated Person on an arm’s-length basis; and

(2) the Company delivers to the Trustee with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate payments or consideration in excess of $20.0 million, a resolution adopted by the majority of the board of directors of the Company approving such Affiliate Transaction and set forth in an Officer’s Certificate certifying that such Affiliate Transaction complies with clause (1) above.

The foregoing provisions will not apply to the following:

(1) transactions between or among the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(2) Restricted Payments permitted by the provisions of the Indenture described above under the covenant “—Limitation on Restricted Payments” and the definition of “Permitted Investments”;

(3) the payment of management, consulting, monitoring and advisory fees and related expenses to the Investors pursuant to the Sponsor Management Agreement (plus any unpaid management, consulting, monitoring and advisory fees and related expenses accrued in any prior year) and the termination fees pursuant to the Sponsor Management Agreement, or any amendment thereto so long as any such amendment is not more disadvantageous in the good faith judgment of the Company to the Holders when, take as a whole, compared to the Sponsor Management Agreement in effect on the Issue Date;

 

174


Table of Contents

(4) the payment of reasonable and customary fees paid to, and indemnities provided for the benefit of, current or former officers, directors, employees or consultants of the Company, any of its direct or indirect parent companies or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(5) transactions in which the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, as the case may be, delivers to the Trustee a letter from an Independent Financial Advisor stating that such transaction is fair to the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary from a financial point of view or stating that the terms are not materially less favorable to the Company or its relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those that would have been obtained in a comparable transaction by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary with an unrelated Person on an arm’s-length basis;

(6) any agreement as in effect as of the Issue Date, or any amendment thereto (so long as any such amendment is not disadvantageous to the Holders when taken as a whole as compared to the applicable agreement as in effect on the Issue Date);

(7) the existence of, or the performance by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of its obligations under the terms of, any stockholders agreement (including any registration rights agreement or purchase agreement related thereto) to which it is a party as of the Issue Date and any similar agreements which it may enter into thereafter; provided , however , that the existence of, or the performance by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of obligations under any future amendment to any such existing agreement or under any similar agreement entered into after the Issue Date shall only be permitted by this clause (7) to the extent that the terms of any such amendment or new agreement are not otherwise disadvantageous to the Holders when taken as a whole;

(8) the Transaction and the payment of all fees and expenses related to the Transaction, in each case as contemplated by the Offering Memorandum;

(9) transactions with customers, clients, suppliers, or purchasers or sellers of goods or services, in each case in the ordinary course of business and otherwise in compliance with the terms of the Indenture which are fair to the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, in the reasonable determination of the board of directors of the Company or the senior management thereof, or are on terms at least as favorable as might reasonably have been obtained at such time from an unaffiliated party;

(10) the issuance of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company to any Permitted Holder or to any director, officer, employee or consultant of the Company, any of its direct or indirect parent companies or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(11) sales of accounts receivable, or participations therein, in connection with any Receivables Facility;

(12) payments by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to any of the Investors made for any financial advisory, financing, underwriting or placement services or in respect of other investment banking activities, including, without limitation, in connection with acquisitions or divestitures which payments are approved by a majority of the board of directors of the Company in good faith;

(13) payments or loans (or cancellation of loans) to employees or consultants of the Company, any of its direct or indirect parent companies or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and employment agreements, stock option plans and other similar arrangements with such employees or consultants which, in each case, are approved by the Company in good faith; and

(14) investments by the Investors in securities of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (and the payment of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Investors in connection therewith) so long as (i) the investment is being offered generally to other investors on the same or more favorable terms and (ii) the investment constitutes less than 5% of the proposed or outstanding issue amount of such class of securities.

 

175


Table of Contents

Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries

The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors to, directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or consensual restriction on the ability of any such non-Guarantor Restricted Subsidiary to:

(1)(a) pay dividends or make any other distributions to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries on its Capital Stock or with respect to any other interest or participation in, or measured by, its profits, or

(b) pay any Indebtedness owed to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(2) make loans or advances to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; or

(3) sell, lease or transfer any of its properties or assets to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries,

except (in each case) for such encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason of:

(a) contractual encumbrances or restrictions in effect on the Issue Date, including pursuant to the Senior Credit Facilities and the related documentation, Hedging Obligations and the indenture governing the Senior Subordinated Notes and the related documentation;

(b) the Indenture and the Senior Notes;

(c) purchase money obligations for property acquired in the ordinary course of business that impose restrictions of the nature discussed in clause (3) above on the property so acquired;

(d) applicable law or any applicable rule, regulation or order;

(e) any agreement or other instrument of a Person acquired by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in existence at the time of such acquisition or at the time it merges with or into the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or assumed in connection with the acquisition of assets from such Person (but, in any such case, not created in contemplation thereof), which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person and its Subsidiaries, or the property or assets of the Person and its Subsidiaries, so acquired or the property or assets so assumed;

(f) contracts for the sale of assets, including customary restrictions with respect to a Subsidiary of the Company pursuant to an agreement that has been entered into for the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the Capital Stock or assets of such Subsidiary;

(g) Secured Indebtedness otherwise permitted to be incurred pursuant to the covenants described under “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock” and “—Liens” that limit the right of the debtor to dispose of the assets securing such Indebtedness;

(h) restrictions on cash or other deposits or net worth imposed by customers under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business;

(i) other Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of Foreign Subsidiaries permitted to be incurred subsequent to the Issue Date pursuant to the provisions of the covenant described under “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock”;

(j) customary provisions in joint venture agreements and other agreements or arrangements relating solely to such joint venture;

(k) customary provisions contained in leases, licenses or similar agreements, including with respect to intellectual property and other agreements, in each case, entered into in the ordinary course of business;

(l) any encumbrances or restrictions of the type referred to in clauses (1), (2) and (3) above imposed by any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings of the contracts, instruments or obligations referred to in

 

176


Table of Contents

clauses (a) through (k) above; provided that such amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings are, in the good faith judgment of the Company, no more restrictive with respect to such encumbrance and other restrictions taken as a whole than those prior to such amendment, modification, restatement, renewal, increase, supplement, refunding, replacement or refinancing; and

(m) restrictions created in connection with any Receivables Facility that, in the good faith determination of the Company are necessary or advisable to effect such Receivables Facility.

Limitation on Guarantees of Indebtedness by Restricted Subsidiaries

The Company will not permit any of its Wholly Owned Subsidiaries that are Restricted Subsidiaries and non-Wholly Owned Subsidiaries if such non-Wholly Owned Subsidiaries guarantee other capital market debt securities, other than Finance Co. or a Guarantor, to guarantee the payment of any Indebtedness (or any interest on such Indebtedness) of either Issuer or any other Guarantor unless:

(1) such Restricted Subsidiary within 30 days executes and delivers a supplemental indenture to the Indenture providing for a Guarantee by such Restricted Subsidiary, except if such Indebtedness is by its express terms subordinated in right of payment to the Senior Notes or such Guarantor’s Guarantee, any such guarantee by such Restricted Subsidiary with respect to such Indebtedness shall be subordinated in right of payment to such Restricted Subsidiary’s Guarantee substantially to the same extent as such Indebtedness is subordinated to the Senior Notes; and

(2) such Restricted Subsidiary waives and will not in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any rights of reimbursement, indemnity or subrogation or any other rights against the Company or any other Restricted Subsidiary as a result of any payment by such Restricted Subsidiary under its Guarantee,

provided , that this covenant shall not be applicable to any guarantee of any Restricted Subsidiary that existed at the time such Person became a Restricted Subsidiary and was not incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary.

Reports and Other Information

Notwithstanding that the Company may not be subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act or otherwise report on an annual and quarterly basis on forms provided for such annual and quarterly reporting pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC, the Indenture will require the Company to file with the SEC (and make available to the Trustee and Holders of the Senior Notes (without exhibits), without cost to any Holder, within 15 days after it files them with the SEC) from and after the Issue Date,

(1) within 90 days (or any other time period then in effect under the rules and regulations of the Exchange Act with respect to the filing of a Form 10-K by a non-accelerated filer) after the end of each fiscal year, annual reports on Form 10-K, or any successor or comparable form, containing the information required to be contained therein, or required in such successor or comparable form;

(2) within 45 days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year, reports on Form 10-Q containing all quarterly information that would be required to be contained in Form 10-Q, or any successor or comparable form;

(3) promptly from time to time after the occurrence of an event required to be therein reported, such other reports on Form 8-K, or any successor or comparable form; and

(4) any other information, documents and other reports which the Company would be required to file with the SEC if it were subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act;

in each case, in a manner that complies in all material respects with the requirements specified in such form; provided that the Company shall not be so obligated to file such reports with the SEC if the SEC does not permit

 

177


Table of Contents

such filing, in which event the Company will make available such information to prospective purchasers of Senior Notes, in addition to providing such information to the Trustee and the Holders of the Senior Notes, in each case within 15 days after the time the Company would be required to file such information with the SEC, if it were subject to Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. In addition, to the extent not satisfied by the foregoing, the Company will agree that, for so long as any Senior Notes are outstanding, it will furnish to Holders and to securities analysts and prospective investors, upon their request, the information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act.

In the event that any direct or indirect parent company of the Company becomes a guarantor of the Senior Notes, the Indenture will permit the Company to satisfy its obligations in this covenant with respect to financial information relating to the Company by furnishing financial information relating to such parent; provided that the same is accompanied by consolidating information that explains in reasonable detail the differences between the information relating to such parent, on the one hand, and the information relating to the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a standalone basis, on the other hand.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, such requirements shall be deemed satisfied prior to the commencement of the exchange offers or the effectiveness of the shelf registration statement described in the Registration Rights Agreement by (1) the filing with the SEC of the exchange offer registration statement or shelf registration statement (or any other similar registration statement), and any amendments thereto, with such financial information that satisfies Regulation S-X of the Securities Act, subject to exceptions consistent with the presentation of financial information in the Offering Memorandum, or (2) by posting on its website or providing to the Trustee within 15 days of the time periods after the Company would have been required to file annual and interim reports with the SEC, the financial information (including a “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section) that would be required to be included in such reports, subject to exceptions consistent with the presentation of financial information in the Offering Memorandum.

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company will not be deemed to have failed to comply with any of its obligations hereunder for purposes of clause (3) under “Events of Default and Remedies” until at least 120 days after the date any report hereunder is due.

Events of Default and Remedies

The Indenture provides that each of the following is an Event of Default:

(1) default in payment when due and payable, upon redemption, acceleration or otherwise, of principal of, or premium, if any, on the Senior Notes;

(2) default for 30 days or more in the payment when due of interest or Additional Interest on or with respect to the Senior Notes;

(3) failure by either Issuer or any Guarantor for 60 days after receipt of written notice given by the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 30% in principal amount of outstanding Senior Notes to comply with any of its obligations, covenants or agreements (other than a default referred to in clauses (1) and (2) above) contained in the Indenture or the Senior Notes;

(4) default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there is issued or by which there is secured or evidenced any Indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or the payment of which is guaranteed by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, other than Indebtedness owed to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary, whether such Indebtedness or guarantee now exists or is created after the issuance of the Senior Notes, if both:

(a) such default either results from the failure to pay any principal of such Indebtedness at its stated final maturity (after giving effect to any applicable grace periods) or relates to an obligation

 

178


Table of Contents

other than the obligation to pay principal of any such Indebtedness at its stated final maturity and results in the holder or holders of such Indebtedness causing such Indebtedness to become due prior to its stated maturity; and

(b) the principal amount of such Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other such Indebtedness in default for failure to pay principal at stated final maturity (after giving effect to any applicable grace periods), or the maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregate $25.0 million or more at any one time outstanding;

(5) failure by any Issuer or any Significant Subsidiary (or any group of Subsidiaries that together would constitute a Significant Subsidiary) to pay final judgments aggregating in excess of $25.0 million, which final judgments remain unpaid, undischarged and unstayed for a period of more than 60 days after such judgment becomes final, and in the event such judgment is covered by insurance, an enforcement proceeding has been commenced by any creditor upon such judgment or decree which is not promptly stayed;

(6) certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency with respect to any Issuer or any Significant Subsidiary (or any group of Subsidiaries that together would constitute a Significant Subsidiary); or

(7) the Guarantee of any Significant Subsidiary shall for any reason cease to be in full force and effect or be declared null and void or any responsible officer of any Guarantor that is a Significant Subsidiary, as the case may be, denies that it has any further liability under its Guarantee or gives notice to such effect, other than by reason of the termination of the Indenture or the release of any such Guarantee in accordance with the Indenture.

If any Event of Default (other than of a type specified in clause (6) above) occurs and is continuing under the Indenture, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 30% in principal amount of the then total outstanding Senior Notes may declare the principal, premium, if any, interest and any other monetary obligations on all the then outstanding Senior Notes to be due and payable immediately.

Upon the effectiveness of such declaration, such principal and interest will be due and payable immediately. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an Event of Default arising under clause (6) of the first paragraph of this section, all outstanding Senior Notes will become due and payable without further action or notice. The Indenture provides that the Trustee may withhold from the Holders notice of any continuing Default, except a Default relating to the payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest, if it determines that withholding notice is in their interest. In addition, the Trustee has no obligation to accelerate the Senior Notes if in the best judgment of the Trustee acceleration is not in the best interests of the Holders of the Senior Notes.

The Indenture provides that the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Senior Notes by notice to the Trustee may on behalf of the Holders of all of the Senior Notes waive any existing Default and its consequences under the Indenture (except a continuing Default in the payment of interest on, premium, if any, or the principal of any Senior Note held by a non-consenting Holder) and rescind any acceleration with respect to the Senior Notes and its consequences (except if such rescission would conflict with any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction). In the event of any Event of Default specified in clause (4) above, such Event of Default and all consequences thereof (excluding any resulting payment default, other than as a result of acceleration of the Senior Notes) shall be annulled, waived and rescinded, automatically and without any action by the Trustee or the Holders, if within 20 days after such Event of Default arose:

(1) the Indebtedness or guarantee that is the basis for such Event of Default has been discharged; or

(2) holders thereof have rescinded or waived the acceleration, notice or action (as the case may be) giving rise to such Event of Default; or

(3) the default that is the basis for such Event of Default has been cured.

Subject to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the duties of the Trustee thereunder, in case an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers

 

179


Table of Contents

under the Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders of the Senior Notes unless the Holders have offered to the Trustee indemnity or security reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee against any loss, liability or expense. Except to enforce the right to receive payment of principal, premium (if any) or interest when due, no Holder of a Senior Note may pursue any remedy with respect to the Indenture or the Senior Notes unless:

(1) such Holder has previously given the Trustee notice that an Event of Default is continuing;

(2) Holders of at least 30% in principal amount of the total outstanding Senior Notes have requested the Trustee to pursue the remedy;

(3) Holders of the Senior Notes have offered the Trustee security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee against any loss, liability or expense;

(4) the Trustee has not complied with such request within 60 days after the receipt thereof and the offer of security or indemnity; and

(5) Holders of a majority in principal amount of the total outstanding Senior Notes have not given the Trustee a direction inconsistent with such request within such 60-day period.

Subject to certain restrictions, under the Indenture the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the total outstanding Senior Notes are given the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or of exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee. The Trustee, however, may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or the Indenture or that the Trustee determines is unduly prejudicial to the rights of any other Holder of a Senior Note or that would involve the Trustee in personal liability.

The Indenture provides that the Issuers are required to deliver to the Trustee annually a statement regarding compliance with the Indenture, and the Issuers are required, within 20 Business Days, upon becoming aware of any Default, to deliver to the Trustee a statement specifying such Default.

No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders

No director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of any Issuer or any Guarantor (other than the Issuers and the Guarantors) or any of their parent companies shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuers or the Guarantors under the Senior Notes, the 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 Senior Notes waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Senior 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.

Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

The obligations of the Issuers and the Guarantors under the Indenture will terminate (other than certain obligations) and will be released upon payment in full of all of the Senior Notes. The Issuers may, at their option and at any time, elect to have all of their obligations discharged with respect to the Senior Notes and have each Guarantor’s obligation discharged with respect to its Guarantee (“ Legal Defeasance ”) and cure all then existing Events of Default except for:

(1) the rights of Holders of Senior Notes to receive payments in respect of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Senior Notes when such payments are due solely out of the trust created pursuant to the Indenture;

(2) the Issuers’ obligations with respect to Senior Notes concerning issuing temporary Senior Notes, registration of such Senior Notes, mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Senior Notes and the maintenance of an office or agency for payment and money for security payments held in trust;

 

180


Table of Contents

(3) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee, and the Issuers’ obligations in connection therewith; and

(4) the Legal Defeasance provisions of the Indenture.

In addition, the Issuers may, at their option and at any time, elect to have their obligations and those of each Guarantor released with respect to certain covenants that are described in the Indenture (“ Covenant Defeasance ”) and thereafter any omission to comply with such obligations shall not constitute a Default with respect to the Senior Notes. In the event Covenant Defeasance occurs, certain events (not including bankruptcy, receivership, rehabilitation and insolvency events pertaining to the Issuers) described under “Events of Default and Remedies” will no longer constitute an Event of Default with respect to the Senior Notes.

In order to exercise either Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance with respect to the Senior Notes:

(1) the Issuers must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, in trust, for the benefit of the Holders of the Senior Notes, cash in U.S. dollars, U.S. dollar-denominated Government Securities, or a combination thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants, to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest due on the Senior Notes on the stated maturity date or on the redemption date, as the case may be, of such principal, premium, if any, or interest on such Senior Notes and the Issuers must specify whether such Senior Notes are being defeased to maturity or to a particular redemption date;

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

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

(b) since the issuance of the Senior Notes, there has been a change in the applicable U.S. federal income tax law,

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

(3) in the case of Covenant Defeasance, the Issuers shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that, subject to customary assumptions and exclusions, the Holders of the Senior Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to such 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 (other than that resulting from borrowing funds to be applied to make such deposit and any similar and simultaneous deposit relating to other Indebtedness and, in each case, the granting of Liens in connection therewith) shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit;

(5) such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under the Senior Credit Facilities, the Senior Subordinated Notes or the indenture pursuant to which the Senior Subordinated Notes were issued or any other material agreement or instrument (other than the Indenture) to which any Issuer or any Guarantor is a party or by which any Issuer or any Guarantor is bound (other than that resulting from any borrowing of funds to be applied to make the deposit required to effect such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance and any similar and simultaneous deposit relating to other Indebtedness, and the granting of Liens in connection therewith);

 

181


Table of Contents

(6) the Issuers shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that, as of the date of such opinion and subject to customary assumptions and exclusions following the deposit, the trust funds will not be subject to the effect of Section 547 of Title 11 of the United States Code;

(7) the Issuers shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate stating that the deposit was not made by the Issuers with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding any creditors of any Issuer or any Guarantor or others; and

(8) the Issuers shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel (which Opinion of Counsel may be subject to customary assumptions and exclusions) each stating that all conditions precedent provided for or relating to the Legal Defeasance or the Covenant Defeasance, as the case may be, have been complied with.

Satisfaction and Discharge

The Indenture will be discharged and will cease to be of further effect as to all Senior Notes, when either:

(1) all Senior Notes theretofore authenticated and delivered, except lost, stolen or destroyed Senior Notes which have been replaced or paid and Senior Notes for whose payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust, have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or

(2)(a) all Senior Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation have become due and payable by reason of the making of a notice of redemption or otherwise, will become due and payable within one year or are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Issuers and any Issuer or any Guarantor have irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust solely for the benefit of the Holders of the Senior Notes, cash in U.S. dollars, U.S. dollar-denominated 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 Senior Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation for principal, premium, if any, and accrued interest to the date of maturity or redemption;

(b) no Default (other than that resulting from borrowing funds to be applied to make such deposit or any similar and simultaneous deposit relating to other Indebtedness and the granting of Liens in connection therewith) with respect to the Indenture or the Senior Notes shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit or shall occur as a result of such deposit and such deposit will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under the Senior Credit Facilities, Senior Subordinated Notes (or the indenture governing the Senior Subordinated Notes) or any other material agreement or instrument (other than the Indenture) to which any Issuer or any Guarantor is a party or by which any Issuer or any Guarantor is bound (other than resulting from any borrowing of funds to be applied to make such deposit and any similar and simultaneous deposit relating to other Indebtedness and the granting of Liens in connection therewith);

(c) the Issuers have paid or caused to be paid all sums payable by it under the Indenture; and

(d) the Issuers have delivered irrevocable instructions to the Trustee to apply the deposited money toward the payment of the Senior Notes at maturity or the redemption date, as the case may be.

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

Amendment, Supplement and Waiver

Except as provided in the next two succeeding paragraphs, the Indenture, any Guarantee and the Senior Notes may be amended or supplemented with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Senior Notes then outstanding, including consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or

 

182


Table of Contents

tender offer or exchange offer for, Senior Notes, and any existing Default or compliance with any provision of the Indenture or the Senior Notes issued thereunder may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Senior Notes, other than Senior Notes beneficially owned by the Issuers or their Affiliates (including consents obtained in connection with a purchase of or tender offer or exchange offer for the Senior Notes).

The Indenture provides that, without the consent of each affected Holder of Senior Notes, an amendment or waiver may not, with respect to any Senior Notes held by a non-consenting Holder:

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

(2) reduce the principal of or change the fixed final maturity of any such Senior Note or alter or waive the provisions with respect to the redemption of such Senior Notes (other than provisions relating to the covenants described above under the caption “Repurchase at the Option of Holders”);

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

(4) waive a Default in the payment of principal of or premium, if any, or interest on the Senior Notes, except a rescission of acceleration of the Senior Notes by the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration, or in respect of a covenant or provision contained in the Indenture or any Guarantee which cannot be amended or modified without the consent of all Holders;

(5) make any Senior Note payable in money other than that stated therein;

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

(7) make any change in these amendment and waiver provisions;

(8) impair the right of any Holder to receive payment of principal of, or interest on such Holder’s Senior Notes on or after the due dates therefor or to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to such Holder’s Senior Notes;

(9) make any change to or modify the ranking of the Senior Notes that would adversely affect the Holders; or

(10) except as expressly permitted by the Indenture, modify the Guarantees of any Significant Subsidiary in any manner adverse to the Holders of the Senior Notes.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Issuers, any Guarantor (with respect to a Guarantee or the Indenture to which it is a party) and the Trustee may amend or supplement the Indenture and any Guarantee or Senior Notes without the consent of any Holder;

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

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

(3) to comply with the covenant relating to mergers, consolidations and sales of assets;

(4) to provide for the assumption of the Issuers’ or any Guarantor’s obligations to the Holders;

(5) to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the Holders or that does not adversely affect the legal rights under the Indenture of any such Holder;

(6) to add covenants for the benefit of the Holders or to surrender any right or power conferred upon any Issuer or any Guarantor;

(7) to comply with requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the qualification of the Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act;

 

183


Table of Contents

(8) to evidence and provide for the acceptance and appointment under the Indenture of a successor Trustee thereunder pursuant to the requirements thereof;

(9) to provide for the issuance of exchange notes or private exchange notes, which are identical to exchange notes except that they are not freely transferable;

(10) to add a Guarantor under the Indenture;

(11) to conform the text of the Indenture, the Guarantees or the Senior Notes to any provision of this “Description of Senior Notes” to the extent that such provision in this “Description of Senior Notes” was intended to be a verbatim recitation of a provision of the Indenture, the Guarantees or Senior Notes; or

(12) to make any amendment to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the transfer and legending of Senior Notes as permitted by the Indenture, including, without limitation to facilitate the issuance and administration of the Senior Notes; provided , however , that (i) compliance with the Indenture as so amended would not result in Senior Notes being transferred in violation of the Securities Act or any applicable securities law and (ii) such amendment does not materially and adversely affect the rights of Holders to transfer Senior Notes.

The consent of the Holders is not necessary under the Indenture to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment. It is sufficient if such consent approves the substance of the proposed amendment.

Notices

Notices given by publication will be deemed given on the first date on which publication is made and notices given by first-class mail, postage prepaid, will be deemed given five calendar days after mailing.

Concerning the Trustee

The Indenture contains certain limitations on the rights of the Trustee thereunder, should it become a creditor of any Issuer, to obtain payment of claims in certain cases, or to realize on certain property received in respect of any such claim as security or otherwise. The Trustee is permitted to engage in other transactions; however, if it acquires any conflicting interest it must eliminate such conflict within 90 days, apply to the SEC for permission to continue or resign.

The Indenture provides that the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Senior Notes will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the Trustee, subject to certain exceptions. The Indenture provides that in case an Event of Default shall occur (which shall not be cured), the Trustee will be required, in the exercise of its power, to use the degree of care of a prudent person in the conduct of his own affairs. Subject to such provisions, the Trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at the request of any Holder of the Senior Notes, unless such Holder shall have offered to the Trustee security and indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee against any loss, liability or expense.

Governing Law

The Indenture, the Senior Notes and any Guarantee are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

Certain Definitions

Set forth below are certain defined terms used in the Indenture. For purposes of the Indenture, unless otherwise specifically indicated, the term “consolidated” with respect to any Person refers to such Person consolidated with its Restricted Subsidiaries, and excludes from such consolidation any Unrestricted Subsidiary as if such Unrestricted Subsidiary were not an Affiliate of such Person.

 

184


Table of Contents

Acquired Indebtedness ” means, with respect to any specified Person,

(1) Indebtedness of any other Person existing at the time such other Person is merged with or into or became a Restricted Subsidiary of such specified Person, including Indebtedness incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person merging with or into or becoming a Restricted Subsidiary of such specified Person; and

(2) Indebtedness secured by a Lien encumbering any asset acquired by such specified Person.

Additional Interest ” means all additional interest then owing pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement.

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” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with”), as used with respect to any Person, shall mean 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.

Applicable Premium ” means, with respect to any Senior Note on any Redemption Date, the greater of:

(1) 1.0% of the principal amount of such Senior Note; and

(2) the excess, if any, of (a) the present value at such Redemption Date of (i) the redemption price of such Senior Note at April 1, 2011 (such redemption price being set forth in the table appearing above under the caption “Optional Redemption”), plus (ii) all required interest payments due on such Senior Note through April 1, 2011 (excluding accrued but unpaid interest to the Redemption Date), computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate plus 50 basis points; over (b) the principal amount of such Senior Note.

Asset Sale ” means:

(1) the sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition, whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions, of property or assets (including by way of a Sale and Lease-Back Transaction) of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (each referred to in this definition as a “disposition”); or

(2) the issuance or sale of Equity Interests of any Restricted Subsidiary (other than Preferred Stock of Restricted Subsidiaries issued in compliance with the covenant described under “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock”), whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions;

in each case, other than:

(a) any disposition of Cash Equivalents or Investment Grade Securities or obsolete or worn out equipment in the ordinary course of business or any disposition of inventory or goods (or other assets) no longer used in the ordinary course of business;

(b) the disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company in a manner permitted pursuant to the provisions described above under “Certain Covenants—Merger, Consolidation or Sale of All or Substantially All Assets” or any disposition that constitutes a Change of Control pursuant to the Indenture;

(c) the making of any Restricted Payment or Permitted Investment that is permitted to be made, and is made, under the covenant described above under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Restricted Payments”;

(d) any disposition of assets or issuance or sale of Equity Interests of any Restricted Subsidiary in any transaction or series of transactions with an aggregate fair market value of less than $10.0 million;

 

185


Table of Contents

(e) any disposition of property or assets or issuance of securities by a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company to the Company or by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company to another Restricted Subsidiary of the Company;

(f) to the extent allowable under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, any exchange of like property (excluding any boot thereon) for use in a Similar Business;

(g) the lease, assignment or sub-lease of any real or personal property in the ordinary course of business;

(h) any issuance or sale of Equity Interests in, or Indebtedness or other securities of, an Unrestricted Subsidiary;

(i) foreclosures, condemnation or any similar action on assets or the granting of Liens not prohibited by the Indenture;

(j) sales of accounts receivable, or participations therein, in connection with any Receivables Facility;

(k) the sale or discount of inventory, accounts receivable or notes receivable in the ordinary course of business or the conversion of accounts receivable to notes receivable;

(l) any financing transaction with respect to property built or acquired by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary after the Issue Date, including Sale and Lease-Back Transactions and asset securitizations permitted by the Indenture;

(m) the licensing or sub-licensing of intellectual property or other general intangibles in the ordinary course of business, other than the licensing of intellectual property on a long-term basis;

(n) any surrender or waiver of contract rights or the settlement, release or surrender of contract rights or other litigation claims in the ordinary course of business; and

(o) any sale to the Industrial Development Board of the City of Jackson, Tennessee in connection with a Sale and Leaseback Transaction that does not result in the recognition of the sale or the asset transfer in accordance with GAAP, or any similar transaction.

Asset Sale Offer” has the meaning set forth in the fourth paragraph under “Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset Sales.”

board of directors ” means with respect to a corporation, the board of directors of the corporation, and with respect to any other Person, the board or committee of such Person, or board of directors of the general partner or general manager of such Person serving a similar function.

Business Day ” means each day which is not a Legal Holiday.

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 or membership interests (whether general or limited); 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.

Capitalized Lease Obligation ” means, at the time any determination thereof is to be made, the amount of the liability in respect of a capital lease that would at such time be required to be capitalized and reflected as a liability on a balance sheet (excluding the footnotes thereto) prepared in accordance with GAAP.

 

186


Table of Contents

Capitalized Software Expenditures ” means, for any period, the aggregate of all expenditures (whether paid in cash or accrued as liabilities) by a Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries during such period in respect of purchased software or internally developed software and software enhancements that, in conformity with GAAP, are or are required to be reflected as capitalized costs on the consolidated balance sheet of a Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries.

Cash Equivalents ” means:

(1) United States dollars;

(2) euro, or any national currency of any participating member state of the EMU; and local currencies held by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries from time to time in the ordinary course of business;

(3) securities issued or directly and fully and unconditionally guaranteed or insured by the U.S. government or any agency or instrumentality thereof the securities of which are unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation of such government with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition;

(4) certificates of deposit, time deposits and eurodollar time deposits with maturities of one year or less from the date of acquisition, bankers’ acceptances with maturities not exceeding one year and overnight bank deposits, in each case with any commercial bank having capital and surplus of not less than $500.0 million in the case of U.S. banks and $100.0 million (or the U.S. dollar equivalent as of the date of determination) in the case of non-U.S. banks;

(5) repurchase obligations for underlying securities of the types described in clauses (3), (4) and (8) entered into with any financial institution meeting the qualifications specified in clause (4) above;

(6) commercial paper rated at least P-1 by Moody’s or at least A-1 by S&P and in each case maturing within 24 months after the date of creation thereof and Indebtedness or Preferred Stock issued by a Person with a rating of “A” or higher by S&P or “A2” or higher by Moody’s with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition;

(7) marketable short-term money market and similar securities having a rating of at least P-2 or A-2 from either Moody’s or S&P, respectively (or, if at any time neither Moody’s nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another Rating Agency) and in each case maturing within 24 months after the date of creation thereof;

(8) readily marketable direct obligations issued by any state, commonwealth or territory of the United States or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof having an Investment Grade Rating from either Moody’s or S&P with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition;

(9) Indebtedness or Preferred Stock issued by Persons with a rating of “A” or higher from S&P or “A2” or higher from Moody’s with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition;

(10) Investments with average maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition in money market funds rated AAA- (or the equivalent thereof) or better by S&P or Aaa3 (or the equivalent thereof) or better by Moody’s; and

(11) investment funds investing 95% of their assets in securities of the types described in clauses (1) through (10) above.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Cash Equivalents shall include amounts denominated in currencies other than those set forth in clauses (1) and (2) above, provided that such amounts are converted into any currency listed in clauses (1) and (2) as promptly as practicable and in any event within ten Business Days following the receipt of such amounts.

 

187


Table of Contents

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

(1) the sale, lease or transfer, in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any Person other than a Permitted Holder; or

(2) the Company becomes aware of (by way of a report or any other filing pursuant to Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, proxy, vote, written notice or otherwise) the acquisition by any Person or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or Section 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act, or any successor provision), including any group acting for the purpose of acquiring, holding or disposing of securities (within the meaning of Rule 13d-5(b)(1) under the Exchange Act), other than the Permitted Holders, in a single transaction or in a related series of transactions, by way of merger, consolidation or other business combination or purchase of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, or any successor provision) of 50% or more of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Company or any of its direct or indirect parent companies holding directly or indirectly 100% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Company.

Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization Expense ” means with respect to any Person for any period, the total amount of depreciation and amortization expense, including the amortization of deferred financing fees, debt issuance costs, commissions, fees and expenses and Capitalized Software Expenditures of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period on a consolidated basis and otherwise determined in accordance with GAAP.

Consolidated Interest Expense ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, without duplication, the sum of:

(1) consolidated interest expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, to the extent such expense was deducted (and not added back) in computing Consolidated Net Income (including (a) amortization of original issue discount resulting from the issuance of Indebtedness at less than par, (b) all commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit or bankers acceptances, (c) non-cash interest payments (but excluding any non-cash interest expense attributable to the movement in the mark to market valuation of Hedging Obligations or other derivative instruments pursuant to GAAP), (d) the interest component of Capitalized Lease Obligations, and (e) net payments, if any, made (less net payments, if any, received) pursuant to interest rate Hedging Obligations with respect to Indebtedness, and excluding (t) the accretion or any expense resulting from the discounting of any Indebtedness in connection with the application of purchase accounting in connection with the Transaction or any acquisition, (u) penalties and interest relating to taxes, (v) any Additional Interest and any “additional interest” with respect to the Senior Subordinated Notes or other Securities, (w) amortization of deferred financing fees, debt issuance costs, commissions, fees and expenses, (x) any expensing of bridge, commitment and other financing fees, (y) commissions, discounts, yield and other fees and charges (including any interest expense) related to any Receivables Facility and (z) any accretion or accrued interest of discounted liabilities); plus

(2) consolidated capitalized interest of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued; less

(3) interest income for such period.

For purposes of this definition, interest on a Capitalized Lease Obligation shall be deemed to accrue at an interest rate reasonably determined by such Person to be the rate of interest implicit in such Capitalized Lease Obligation in accordance with GAAP.

 

188


Table of Contents

Consolidated Net Income ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the aggregate of the Net Income, of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, on a consolidated basis, and otherwise determined in accordance with GAAP; provided , however , that, without duplication,

(1) any after-tax effect of extraordinary, non-recurring or unusual gains or losses (less all fees and expenses relating thereto) or expenses (including relating to the Transaction to the extent incurred on or prior to April 1, 2008), severance, relocation costs and curtailments or modifications to pension and post-retirement employee benefit plans shall be excluded,

(2) the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles and changes as a result of the adoption or modification of accounting policies during such period shall be excluded,

(3) any after-tax effect of income (loss) from disposed, abandoned or discontinued operations and any net after-tax gains or losses on disposal of disposed, abandoned, transferred, closed or discontinued operations shall be excluded,

(4) any after-tax effect of gains or losses (less all fees and expenses relating thereto) attributable to asset dispositions or abandonments or the sale or other disposition of any Capital Stock of any Person other than in the ordinary course of business shall be excluded,

(5) the Net Income for such period of any Person that is not a Subsidiary, or is an Unrestricted Subsidiary, or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting, shall be excluded; provided that Consolidated Net Income of the Company shall be increased by the amount of dividends or distributions or other payments that are actually paid in cash (or to the extent converted into cash) to the referent Person or a Restricted Subsidiary thereof in respect of such period,

(6) solely for the purpose of determining the amount available for Restricted Payments under clause (3)(a) of the first paragraph of “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Restricted Payments,” the Net Income for such period of any Restricted Subsidiary (other than any Guarantor) shall be excluded to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by that Restricted Subsidiary of its Net Income is not at the date of determination permitted without any prior governmental approval (which has not been obtained) or, directly or indirectly, by the operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule, or governmental regulation applicable to that Restricted Subsidiary or its stockholders, unless such restriction with respect to the payment of dividends or similar distributions has been legally waived; provided, that Consolidated Net Income of the Company will be increased by the amount of dividends or other distributions or other payments actually paid in cash (or to the extent converted into cash or Cash Equivalents) to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary thereof in respect of such period, to the extent not already included therein,

(7) effects of adjustments (including the effects of such adjustments pushed down to the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries) in the inventory, property and equipment, software, goodwill, other intangible assets and in process research and development, deferred revenue and debt line items in such Person’s consolidated financial statements pursuant to GAAP resulting from the application of purchase accounting in relation to the Transaction or any consummated acquisition or the amortization or write-off of any amounts thereof, net of taxes, shall be excluded,

(8) any after-tax effect of income (loss) from the early extinguishment of (i) Indebtedness, (ii) Hedging Obligations or (iii) other derivative instruments shall be excluded,

(9) any impairment charge or asset write-off or write-down, including impairment charges or asset write-offs or write-downs related to intangible assets, long-lived assets or investments in debt and equity securities or as a result of a change in law or regulation, in each case, pursuant to GAAP, and the amortization of intangibles arising pursuant to GAAP shall be excluded,

(10) any non-cash compensation charge or expense, including any such charge arising from grants of stock appreciation or similar rights, stock options, restricted stock or other rights, and any cash charges

 

189


Table of Contents

associated with the rollover, acceleration or payout of Equity Interests by management of the Company or any of its direct or indirect parent companies in connection with the Transactions, shall be excluded,

(11) any fees and expenses incurred during such period, or any amortization thereof for such period, in connection with any acquisition, Investment, Asset Sale, issuance or repayment of Indebtedness, issuance of Equity Interests, refinancing transaction or amendment or modification of any debt instrument (in each case, including any such transaction consummated prior to the Issue Date and any such transaction undertaken but not completed) and any charges or non-recurring merger costs incurred during such period as a result of any such transaction shall be excluded,

(12) accruals and reserves that are established or adjusted within twelve months after the Issue Date that are so required to be established as a result of the Transaction in accordance with GAAP shall be excluded, and

(13) the following items shall be excluded:

(a) any net unrealized gain or loss (after any offset) resulting in such period from Hedging Obligations and the application of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133; and

(b) any net unrealized gain or loss (after any offset) resulting in such period from currency translation gains or losses related to currency remeasurements of Indebtedness (including any net loss or gain resulting from hedge agreements for currency exchange risk).

In addition, to the extent not already included in the Consolidated Net Income of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, Consolidated Net Income shall include the amount of proceeds received from (i) business interruption insurance (or, so long as the Company has made a determination that there exists reasonable evidence that such amount will in fact be reimbursed by the insurer and only to the extent that such amount is (a) not denied by the applicable carrier in writing within 180 days and (b) in fact reimbursed within 365 days of the date of such evidence (with a deduction for any amount so added back to the extent denied by the applicable carrier in writing within 180 days or not so reimbursed within 365 days)) and (ii) reimbursements of any expenses and charges that are covered by indemnification or other reimbursement provisions in connection with any Permitted Investment or any sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition of assets permitted under the Indenture.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, for the purpose of the covenant described under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Restricted Payments” only (other than clause (3)(d) of the first paragraph thereof), there shall be excluded from Consolidated Net Income any income arising from any sale or other disposition of Restricted Investments made by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, any repurchases and redemptions of Restricted Investments from the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, any repayments of loans and advances which constitute Restricted Investments by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, any sale of the stock of an Unrestricted Subsidiary or any distribution or dividend from an Unrestricted Subsidiary, in each case only to the extent such amounts increase the amount of Restricted Payments permitted under such covenant pursuant to clause (3)(d) of the first paragraph thereof.

Consolidated Secured Debt Ratio ” as of any date of determination means, the ratio of (1) Consolidated Total Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries that is secured by Liens as of the end of the most recent fiscal period for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date on which such event for which such calculation is being made shall occur, less the aggregate amount of cash and Cash Equivalents held by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries at such date to (2) the Company’s EBITDA for the most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date on which such event for which such calculation is being made shall occur, in each case with such pro forma adjustments to Consolidated Total Indebtedness and EBITDA as are appropriate and consistent with the pro forma adjustment provisions set forth in the definition of Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio.

 

190


Table of Contents

Consolidated Total Indebtedness ” means, as at any date of determination, an amount equal to the sum of (1) the aggregate amount of all outstanding Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis consisting of Indebtedness for borrowed money, Obligations in respect of Capitalized Lease Obligations and debt obligations evidenced by promissory notes and similar instruments (and excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, all obligations relating to Receivables Facilities) and (2) the aggregate amount of all outstanding Disqualified Stock of the Company and all Preferred Stock of its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, with the amount of such Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock equal to the greater of their respective voluntary or involuntary liquidation preferences and maximum fixed repurchase prices, in each case determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP. For purposes hereof, the “maximum fixed repurchase price” of any Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock that does not have a fixed repurchase price shall be calculated in accordance with the terms of such Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock as if such Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock were purchased on any date on which Consolidated Total Indebtedness shall be required to be determined pursuant to the Indenture, and if such price is based upon, or measured by, the fair market value of such Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, such fair market value shall be determined reasonably and in good faith by the Company.

Contingent Obligations ” means, with respect to any Person, any obligation of such Person guaranteeing any leases, dividends or other obligations that do not constitute Indebtedness (“ 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,

(1) to purchase any such primary obligation or any property constituting direct or indirect security therefor,

(2) to advance or supply funds

(a) for the purchase or payment of any such primary obligation, or

(b) 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

(3) to purchase property, securities or services primarily for the purpose of assuring the owner of any such primary obligation of the ability of the primary obligor to make payment of such primary obligation against loss in respect thereof.

Credit Facilities ” means, with respect to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, one or more debt facilities, including the Senior Credit Facilities, or other financing arrangements (including, without limitation, commercial paper facilities or indentures) providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, letters of credit or other long-term indebtedness, including any notes, mortgages, guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements executed in connection therewith, and any amendments, supplements, modifications, extensions, renewals, restatements or refundings thereof and any indentures or credit facilities or commercial paper facilities that replace, refund or refinance any part of the loans, notes, other credit facilities or commitments thereunder, including any such replacement, refunding or refinancing facility or indenture that increases the amount permitted to be borrowed thereunder or alters the maturity thereof ( provided that such increase in borrowings is permitted under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock”) or adds Restricted Subsidiaries as additional borrowers or guarantors thereunder and whether by the same or any other agent, lender or group of lenders.

Default ” means any event that is, or with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both would be, an Event of Default.

Designated Non-cash Consideration ” means the fair market value of non-cash consideration received by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary in connection with an Asset Sale that is so designated as Designated Non-cash Consideration pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate, setting forth the basis of such valuation, executed by

 

191


Table of Contents

the principal financial officer of the Company, less the amount of cash or Cash Equivalents received in connection with a subsequent sale of or collection on such Designated Non-cash Consideration.

Designated Preferred Stock ” means Preferred Stock of the Company or any parent corporation thereof (in each case other than Disqualified Stock) that is issued for cash (other than to a Restricted Subsidiary or an employee stock ownership plan or trust established by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) and is so designated as Designated Preferred Stock, pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate executed by the principal financial officer of the Company or the applicable parent corporation thereof, as the case may be, on the issuance date thereof, the cash proceeds of which are excluded from the calculation set forth in clause (3) of the first paragraph of “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Restricted Payments.”

Disqualified Stock ” means, with respect to any Person, any Capital Stock of such Person which, by its terms, or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is putable or exchangeable, or upon the happening of any event, matures or is mandatorily redeemable (other than solely as a result of a change of control or asset sale) pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof (other than solely as a result of a change of control or asset sale), in whole or in part, in each case prior to the date 91 days after the earlier of the maturity date of the Senior Notes or the date the Senior Notes are no longer outstanding; provided , however , that if such Capital Stock is issued to any plan for the benefit of employees of the Company or its Subsidiaries or by any such plan to such employees, such Capital Stock shall not constitute Disqualified Stock solely because it may be required to be repurchased by the Company or its Subsidiaries in order to satisfy applicable statutory or regulatory obligations.

EBITDA ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period

(1) increased (without duplication) by the following, in each case to the extent deducted in determining Consolidated Net Income for such period:

(a) provision for taxes based on income or profits or capital, including, without limitation, state, franchise and similar taxes (such as the Pennsylvania capital tax) and foreign withholding taxes of such Person paid or accrued during such period deducted (and not added back) in computing Consolidated Net Income; plus

(b) Fixed Charges of such Person for such period (including (x) net losses or Hedging Obligations or other derivative instruments entered into for the purpose of hedging interest rate risk, (y) bank fees and (z) costs of surety bonds in connection with financing activities, in each case, to the extent included in Fixed Charges), together with items excluded from the definition of “Consolidated Interest Expense” pursuant to clauses (1)(t) through (z) thereof to the extent the same were deducted (and not added back) in calculating such Consolidated Net Income; plus

(c) Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization Expense of such Person for such period to the extent the same were deducted (and not added back) in computing Consolidated Net Income; plus

(d) any expenses or charges (other than depreciation or amortization expense) related to any Equity Offering, Permitted Investment, acquisition, disposition, recapitalization or the incurrence of Indebtedness permitted to be incurred by the Indenture (including a refinancing thereof) (whether or not successful), including (i) such fees, expenses or charges related to the offering of the Senior Notes, the Senior Subordinated Notes and the Credit Facilities and (ii) any amendment or other modification of the Senior Notes or the Senior Subordinated Notes, and, in each case, deducted (and not added back) in computing Consolidated Net Income; plus

(e) the amount of any restructuring charges, integration costs or other business optimization expenses or reserves deducted (and not added back) in such period in computing Consolidated Net Income, including any one-time costs incurred in connection with acquisitions after the Issue Date and costs related to the closure and/or consolidation of facilities; plus

 

192


Table of Contents

(f) any other non-cash charges reducing Consolidated Net Income for such period ( provided, that if any such non-cash charges represent an accrual or reserve for potential cash items in any future period, the cash payment in respect thereof in such future period shall be subtracted from EBITDA to such extent, and excluding amortization of a prepaid cash item that was paid in a prior period); plus

(g) the amount of any minority interest expense consisting of Subsidiary income attributable to minority equity interests of third parties in any non-Wholly Owned Subsidiary deducted (and not added back) in such period in calculating Consolidated Net Income; plus

(h) the amount of management, monitoring, consulting and advisory fees (including termination fees) and related indemnities and expenses paid or accrued in such period under the Sponsor Management Agreement or otherwise to the Investors to the extent otherwise permitted under “Certain Covenants—Transactions with Affiliates”(and similar fess paid by the Company or its Affiliates to investors in the Company or its Affiliates prior to the Issue Date) and deducted (and not added back) in such period in computing Consolidated Net Income; plus

(i) the amount of net cost savings projected by the Company in good faith to be realized as a result of specified actions taken or initiated during or prior to such period (calculated on a pro forma basis as though such cost savings had been realized on the first day of such period), net of the amount of actual benefits realized during such period from such actions; provided , that (x) such cost savings are reasonably identifiable and factually supportable, (y) such actions have been or are taken no later than 36 months after the Issue Date and (z) the aggregate amount of cost savings added pursuant to this clause (i) shall not exceed $30.0 million for any four consecutive quarter period (which adjustments may be incremental to pro forma cost savings adjustments made pursuant to the definition of “Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio”); plus

(j) the amount of loss or discount on sale of Receivables and related assets to the Receivables Subsidiary in connection with a Receivables Facility; plus

(k) any net loss from disposed or discontinued operations;

(l) any costs or expense incurred by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement or any stock subscription or shareholder agreement, to the extent that such cost or expenses are funded with cash proceeds contributed to the capital of the Company or net cash proceeds of an issuance of Equity Interest of the Company (other than Disqualified Stock) solely to the extent that such net cash proceeds are excluded from the calculation set forth in clause (3) of the first paragraph under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Restricted Payments”; and

(2) decreased by (without duplication) (a) non-cash gains increasing Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period, excluding any non-cash gains to the extent they represent the reversal of an accrual or reserve for a potential cash item that reduced EBITDA in any prior period and (b) any net income from disposed or discontinued operations;

(3) increased or decreased by (without duplication), as applicable, any adjustments resulting from the application of FASB Interpretation No. 45 (Guarantees).

EMU ” means economic and monetary union as contemplated in the Treaty on European Union.

Equity Interests ” means Capital Stock and all warrants, options or other rights to acquire Capital Stock, but excluding any debt security that is convertible into, or exchangeable for, Capital Stock.

Equity Offering ” means any public or private sale of common stock or Preferred Stock of the Company or any of its direct or indirect parent companies (excluding Disqualified Stock), other than:

(1) public offerings with respect to the Company’s or any direct or indirect parent company’s common stock registered on Form S-8;

 

193


Table of Contents

(2) issuances to any Subsidiary of the Company; and

(3) any such public or private sale that constitutes an Excluded Contribution.

euro ” means the single currency of participating member states of the EMU.

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

Excluded Contribution ” means net cash proceeds, marketable securities or Qualified Proceeds received by the Company from

(1) contributions to its common equity capital, and

(2) the sale (other than to a Subsidiary of the Company or to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement of the Company) of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock and Designated Preferred Stock) of the Company,

in each case designated as Excluded Contributions pursuant to an officer’s certificate executed by the principal financial officer of the Company on the date such capital contributions are made or the date such Equity Interests are sold, as the case may be, which are excluded from the calculation set forth in clause (3) of the first paragraph under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Restricted Payments.”

fair market value ” means, with respect to any asset or liability, the fair market value of such asset or liability as determined by the Company in good faith; provided that if the fair market value is equal to or exceeds $25.0 million, such determination shall be made by the board of directors of the Company in good faith.

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the ratio of EBITDA of such Person for such period to the Fixed Charges of such Person for such period. In the event that the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary incurs, assumes, guarantees, redeems, retires or extinguishes any Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness incurred under any revolving credit facility unless such Indebtedness has been permanently repaid and has not been replaced) or issues or redeems Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock subsequent to the commencement of the period for which the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is being calculated but prior to or simultaneously with the event for which the calculation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is made (the “ Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Calculation Date ”), then the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such incurrence, assumption, guarantee, redemption, retirement or extinguishment of Indebtedness, or such issuance or redemption of Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period.

For purposes of making the computation referred to above, Investments, acquisitions, dispositions, mergers, consolidations and disposed operations (as determined in accordance with GAAP) that have been made by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries during the four-quarter reference period or subsequent to such reference period and on or prior to or simultaneously with the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Calculation Date shall be calculated on a pro forma basis assuming that all such Investments, acquisitions, dispositions, mergers, consolidations and disposed operations, including the Transactions (and the change in any associated fixed charge obligations and the change in EBITDA resulting therefrom) had occurred on the first day of the four-quarter reference period. If since the beginning of such period any Person that subsequently became a Restricted Subsidiary or was merged with or into the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries since the beginning of such period shall have made any Investment, acquisition, disposition, merger, consolidation or disposed operation that would have required adjustment pursuant to this definition, then the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect thereto for such period as if such Investment, acquisition, disposition, merger, consolidation or disposed operation had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period.

 

194


Table of Contents

For purposes of this definition, whenever pro forma effect is to be given to a transaction, the pro forma calculations shall be made in good faith by a responsible financial or accounting officer of the Company (and may include, for the avoidance of doubt, cost savings and operating expense reductions resulting from such Investment, acquisition, merger or consolidation (including the Transaction) which is being given pro forma effect that have been or are expected to be realized). If any Indebtedness bears a floating rate of interest and is being given pro forma effect, the interest on such Indebtedness shall be calculated as if the rate in effect on the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Calculation Date had been the applicable rate for the entire period (taking into account any Hedging Obligations applicable to such Indebtedness). Interest on a Capitalized Lease Obligation shall be deemed to accrue at an interest rate reasonably determined by a responsible financial or accounting officer of the Company to be the rate of interest implicit in such Capitalized Lease Obligation in accordance with GAAP. For purposes of making the computation referred to above, interest on any Indebtedness under a revolving credit facility computed on a pro forma basis shall be computed based upon the average daily balance of such Indebtedness during the applicable period except as set forth in the first paragraph of this definition. Interest on Indebtedness that may optionally be determined at an interest rate based upon a factor of a prime or similar rate, a eurocurrency interbank offered rate, or other rate, shall be deemed to have been based upon the rate actually chosen, or, if none, then based upon such optional rate chosen as the Company may designate. Any such pro forma calculation may include adjustments appropriate, in the reasonable determination of the Issuers as set forth in an Officer’s Certificate, to reflect all adjustments included in the calculation of pro forma adjusted EBITDA as set forth in footnote 3 to the “Summary Historical and Pro Forma Consolidated Financial and Other Data” under “Summary” in the Offering Memorandum to the extent such adjustments, without duplication, continue to be applicable to such four-quarter period.

Fixed Charge Coverage Test ” has the meaning set forth in clause (2) of the first paragraph under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Restricted Payments.”

Fixed Charges ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the sum of:

(1) Consolidated Interest Expense of such Person for such period;

(2) all cash dividends or other distributions paid (excluding items eliminated in consolidation) on any series of Preferred Stock during such period; and

(3) all cash dividends or other distributions paid (excluding items eliminated in consolidation) on any series of Disqualified Stock during such period.

Foreign Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, any Restricted Subsidiary of such Person that is not organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia, or any territory thereof and any Restricted Subsidiary of such Foreign Subsidiary.

GAAP ” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States which are in effect on the Issue Date.

Government Securities ” means securities that are:

(1) direct obligations of the United States of America for the timely payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged; or

(2) obligations of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America the timely payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of America,

which, in either case, are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuers thereof, and shall also include a depository receipt issued by a bank (as defined in Section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act), as custodian with respect to any such Government Securities or a specific payment of principal of or interest on any such Government Securities held by such custodian for the account of the holder of such depository receipt; provided that (except

 

195


Table of Contents

as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depository receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the Government Securities or the specific payment of principal of or interest on the Government Securities evidenced by such depository receipt.

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 letters of credit and reimbursement agreements in respect thereof), of all or any part of any Indebtedness or other obligations.

Guarantee ” means the guarantee by any Guarantor of the Issuers’ Obligations under the Indenture.

Guarantor ” means the Company and each Restricted Subsidiary that Guarantees the Senior Notes in accordance with the terms of the Indenture.

Hedging Obligations ” means, with respect to any Person, the obligations of such Person under any interest rate swap agreement, interest rate cap agreement, interest rate collar agreement, commodity swap agreement, commodity cap agreement, commodity collar agreement, foreign exchange contract, currency swap agreement or similar agreement providing for the transfer or mitigation of interest rate or currency risks either generally or under specific contingencies.

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

Indebtedness ” means, with respect to any Person, without duplication:

(1) any indebtedness (including principal and premium) of such Person, whether or not contingent:

(a) in respect of borrowed money;

(b) evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments or letters of credit or bankers’ acceptances (or, without duplication, reimbursement agreements in respect thereof);

(c) representing the balance deferred and unpaid of the purchase price of any property (including Capitalized Lease Obligations), except (i) any such balance that constitutes an obligation in respect of a commercial letter of credit, a trade payable or similar obligation to a trade creditor, in each case accrued in the ordinary course of business and (ii) any earn-out obligations until such obligation becomes a liability on the balance sheet of such Person in accordance with GAAP and if not paid after becoming due and payable;

(d) representing any Hedging Obligations; or

(e) during a Suspension Period only, obligations of the lessee for rental payments in respect of Sale and Lease-back Transactions in an amount equal to the present value of such obligations during the remaining term of the lease using a discount rate equal to the rate of interest implicit in such transaction determined in accordance with GAAP,

if and to the extent that any of the foregoing Indebtedness (other than letters of credit and Hedging Obligations) would appear as a liability upon a balance sheet (excluding the footnotes thereto) of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP; provided , that Indebtedness of any direct or indirect parent of the Company appearing upon the balance sheet of the Company solely by reason of push-down accounting under GAAP shall be excluded;

(2) to the extent not otherwise included, any obligation by such Person to be liable for, or to pay, as obligor, guarantor or otherwise, on the obligations of the type referred to in clause (1) of a third Person (whether or not such items would appear upon the balance sheet of such obligor or guarantor), other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business; and

 

196


Table of Contents

(3) to the extent not otherwise included, the obligations of the type referred to in clause (1) of a third Person secured by a Lien on any asset owned by such first Person, whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by such first Person, but only to the extent of the fair market value of the assets subject to such Lien;

provided , however , that notwithstanding the foregoing, Indebtedness shall be deemed not to include (a) Contingent Obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business or (b) obligations under or in respect of Receivables Facilities.

Independent Financial Advisor ” means an accounting, appraisal, investment banking firm or consultant to Persons engaged in Similar Businesses of nationally recognized standing that is, in the good faith judgment of the Company, qualified to perform the task for which it has been engaged.

Initial Purchasers ” means Lehman Brothers Inc. and Goldman, Sachs & Co.

Investment Grade Rating ” means a rating equal to or higher than Baa3 (or the equivalent) by Moody’s and BBB- (or the equivalent) by S&P, or an equivalent rating by any other Rating Agency.

Investment Grade Securities ” means:

(1) securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the United States government or any agency or instrumentality thereof (other than Cash Equivalents);

(2) debt securities or debt instruments with an Investment Grade Rating, but excluding any debt securities or instruments constituting loans or advances among the Company and its Subsidiaries;

(3) investments in any fund that invests exclusively in investments of the type described in clauses (1) and (2) which fund may also hold immaterial amounts of cash pending investment or distribution; and

(4) corresponding instruments in countries other than the United States customarily utilized for high quality investments.

Investments ” means, with respect to any Person, all investments by such Person in other Persons (including Affiliates) in the form of loans (including guarantees), advances or capital contributions (excluding accounts receivable, trade credit, advances to customers, commission, travel and similar advances to officers and employees, in each case made in the ordinary course of business), purchases or other acquisitions for consideration of Indebtedness, Equity Interests or other securities issued by any other Person and investments that are required by GAAP to be classified on the balance sheet (excluding the footnotes) of the Company in the same manner as the other investments included in this definition to the extent such transactions involve the transfer of cash or other property. For purposes of the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary” and the covenant described under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Restricted Payments”:

(1) “Investments” shall include the portion (proportionate to the Company’s equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the fair market value of the net assets of a Subsidiary of the Company at the time that such Subsidiary is designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided , however , that upon a redesignation of such Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary, the Company shall be deemed to continue to have a permanent “Investment” in an Unrestricted Subsidiary in an amount (if positive) equal to:

(a) the Company’s “Investment” in such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation; less

(b) the portion (proportionate to the Company’s equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the fair market value of the net assets of such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation; and

(2) any property transferred to or from an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be valued at its fair market value at the time of such transfer.

 

197


Table of Contents

The amount of any Investment outstanding at any time shall be the original cost of such Investment, reduced by any dividend, distribution, interest payment, return of capital, repayment or other amount received in cash by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary in respect of such Investment.

Investors ” means The Blackstone Group and each of its Affiliates but not including, however, any portfolio companies of any of the foregoing.

Issue Date ” means April 2, 2007.

Issuers ” has the meaning set forth in the first paragraph under “General.”

Legal Holiday ” means a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which commercial banking institutions are not required to be open in the State of New York.

Lien ” means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien (statutory or otherwise), pledge, hypothecation, charge, security interest, preference, priority 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; provided that in no event shall an operating lease be deemed to constitute a Lien.

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

Net Income ” means, with respect to any Person, the net income (loss) of such Person, determined in accordance with GAAP and before any reduction in respect of Preferred Stock dividends.

Net Proceeds ” means the aggregate cash proceeds received by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of any Asset Sale, including any cash received upon the sale or other disposition of any Designated Non-cash Consideration received in any Asset Sale, net of the direct costs relating to such Asset Sale and the sale or disposition of such Designated Non-cash Consideration, including legal, accounting and investment banking fees, and brokerage and sales commissions, any relocation expenses incurred as a result thereof, taxes paid or payable as a result thereof (after taking into account any available tax credits or deductions and any tax sharing arrangements), amounts required to be applied to the repayment of principal, premium, if any, and interest on Senior Indebtedness required (other than required by clause (1) of the second paragraph of “Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset Sales”) to be paid as a result of such transaction and any deduction of appropriate amounts to be provided by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries as a reserve in accordance with GAAP against any liabilities associated with the asset disposed of in such transaction and retained by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries after such sale or other disposition thereof, including pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities and liabilities related to environmental matters or against any indemnification obligations associated with such transaction.

Obligations ” means any principal, interest (including any interest accruing subsequent to the filing of a petition in bankruptcy, reorganization or similar proceeding at the rate provided for in the documentation with respect thereto, whether or not such interest is an allowed claim under applicable state, federal or foreign law), penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements (including reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit and banker’s acceptances), damages and other liabilities, and guarantees of payment of such principal, interest, penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other liabilities, payable under the documentation governing any Indebtedness.

Offering Memorandum ” means the offering memorandum, dated March 21, 2007, relating to the initial private offering of the Notes.

Officer ” means the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, any Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President or Vice President, the Treasurer or the Secretary of any Issuer.

 

198


Table of Contents

Officer’s Certificate ” means a certificate signed on behalf of any Issuer by an Officer of any Issuer, who must be the principal executive officer, the principal financial officer, the treasurer or the principal accounting officer of each of the Issuers, that meets the requirements set forth in the Indenture.

Opinion of Counsel ” means a written opinion from legal counsel who is acceptable to the Trustee. The counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Issuers.

Permitted Asset Swap ” means the concurrent purchase and sale or exchange of Related Business Assets or a combination of Related Business Assets and cash or Cash Equivalents between the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and another Person; provided , that any cash or Cash Equivalents received must be applied in accordance with the covenant described under “Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset Sales.”

Permitted Holders ” means each of the Investors and members of management of the Company (or its direct or indirect parent companies) on the Issue Date who are holders of Equity Interests of the Company (or any of its direct or indirect parent companies) and any group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or Section 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act or any successor provision) of which any of the foregoing are members; provided that, in the case of such group and without giving effect to the existence of such group or any other group, such Investors and members of management, collectively, have beneficial ownership of more than 50% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Company or any of its direct or indirect parent companies.

Permitted Investments ” means:

(1) any Investment in the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(2) any Investment in cash and Cash Equivalents or Investment Grade Securities;

(3) any Investment by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in a Person that is engaged in a Similar Business if as a result of such Investment:

(a) such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary; or

(b) such Person, in one transaction or a series of related transactions, is merged or consolidated with or into, or transfers or conveys substantially all of its assets to, or is liquidated into, the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary,

and, in each case, any Investment held by such Person; provided, that such Investment was not acquired by such Person in contemplation of such acquisition, merger, consolidation or transfer;

(4) any Investment in securities or other assets, including earnouts, not constituting cash, Cash Equivalents or Investment Grade Securities and received in connection with an Asset Sale made pursuant to the provisions described under “Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset Sales” or any other disposition of assets not constituting an Asset Sale;

(5) any Investment existing on the Issue Date;

(6) any Investment acquired by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries:

(a) in exchange for any other Investment or accounts receivable held by the Company or any such Restricted Subsidiary in connection with or as a result of a bankruptcy, workout, reorganization or recapitalization of the issuer of such other Investment or accounts receivable; or

(b) as a result of a foreclosure by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries with respect to any secured Investment or other transfer of title with respect to any secured Investment in default;

(7) Hedging Obligations permitted under clause (10) of the covenant described in “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock”;

 

199


Table of Contents

(8) any Investment in a Similar Business having an aggregate fair market value, taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (8) that are at that time outstanding, not to exceed 3.0% of Total Assets at the time of such Investment (with the fair market value of each Investment being measured at the time made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value);

(9) Investments the payment for which consists of Equity Interests (exclusive of Disqualified Stock) of the Company, or any of its direct or indirect parent companies; provided , however , that such Equity Interests will not increase the amount available for Restricted Payments under clause (3) of the first paragraph under the covenant described in “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Restricted Payments”;

(10) guarantees of Indebtedness permitted under the covenant described in “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock”;

(11) any transaction to the extent it constitutes an Investment that is permitted and made in accordance with the provisions of the second paragraph of the covenant described under “Certain Covenants—Transactions with Affiliates” (except transactions described in clauses (2), (5) and (9) of such paragraph);

(12) Investments consisting of purchases and acquisitions of inventory, supplies, material or equipment;

(13) additional Investments having an aggregate fair market value, taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (13) that are at that time outstanding (without giving effect to the sale of an Unrestricted Subsidiary to the extent the proceeds of such sale do not consist of cash or marketable securities), not to exceed 4.0% of Total Assets at the time of such Investment (with the fair market value of each Investment being measured at the time made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value);

(14) Investments relating to a Receivables Subsidiary that, in the good faith determination of the Company are necessary or advisable to effect any Receivables Facility or any repurchase in connection therewith;

(15) advances to, or guarantees of Indebtedness of, employees not in excess of $10.0 million outstanding at any one time, in the aggregate;

(16) loans and advances to officers, directors and employees for business-related travel expenses, moving expenses and other similar expenses, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business or consistent with past practices or to fund such Person’s purchase of Equity Interests of the Company or any direct or indirect parent company thereof; and

(17) advances, loans or extensions of trade credit in the ordinary course of business by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.

Permitted Liens ” means, with respect to any Person:

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

(2) Liens imposed by law, such as carriers’, warehousemen’s and mechanics’ Liens, in each case for sums not yet overdue for a period of more than 30 days or being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings or other Liens arising out of judgments or awards against such Person with respect to which such Person shall then be proceeding with an appeal or other proceedings for review if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of such Person in accordance with GAAP;

 

200


Table of Contents

(3) Liens for taxes, assessments or other governmental charges not yet overdue for a period of more than 30 days or payable or subject to penalties for nonpayment or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted, if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of such Person in accordance with GAAP;

(4) Liens in favor of issuers of performance and surety bonds or bid bonds or with respect to other regulatory requirements or letters of credit issued pursuant to the request of and for the account of such Person in the ordinary course of its business;

(5) minor survey exceptions, minor encumbrances, easements or reservations of, or rights of others for, licenses, rights-of-way, sewers, electric lines, telegraph and telephone lines and other similar purposes, or zoning or other restrictions as to the use of real properties or Liens incidental, to the conduct of the business of such Person or to the ownership of its properties which were not incurred in connection with Indebtedness and which do not in the aggregate materially adversely affect the value of said properties or materially impair their use in the operation of the business of such Person;

(6) Liens securing Indebtedness permitted to be incurred pursuant to clause (4), (12) or (20) of the second paragraph under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock”; provided , that Liens securing Indebtedness permitted to be incurred pursuant to clause (20) extend only to assets of Foreign Subsidiaries;

(7) Liens existing on the Issue Date;

(8) Liens on property or shares of stock or other assets of a Person at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary; provided , however , such Liens are not created or incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person becoming such a Subsidiary; provided , further , however , that such Liens may not extend to any other property or assets owned by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(9) Liens on property or other assets at the time the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary acquired the property or such other assets, including any acquisition by means of a merger or consolidation with or into the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided , however , that such Liens are not created or incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such acquisition; provided , further , however , that the Liens may not extend to any other property owned by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(10) Liens securing Indebtedness or other obligations of a Restricted Subsidiary owing to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary permitted to be incurred in accordance with the covenant described under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock”;

(11) Liens securing Hedging Obligations so long as related Indebtedness is, and is permitted to be under the Indenture, secured by a Lien on the same property securing such Hedging Obligations;

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

(13) leases, subleases, licenses or sublicenses granted to others in the ordinary course of business which do not materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and do not secure any Indebtedness;

(14) Liens arising from Uniform Commercial Code financing statement filings regarding operating leases entered into by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

(15) Liens in favor of any Issuer or any Guarantor;

(16) Liens on equipment of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries granted in the ordinary course of business to the Company’s clients;

 

201


Table of Contents

(17) Liens on accounts receivable and related assets incurred in connection with a Receivables Facility;

(18) Liens to secure any refinancing, refunding, extension, renewal or replacement (or successive refinancing, refunding, extensions, renewals or replacements) as a whole, or in part, of any Indebtedness secured by any Lien referred to in the foregoing clauses (6), (7), (8) and (9); provided , however , that (a) such new Lien shall be limited to all or part of the same property that secured the original Lien (plus improvements on such property), and (b) the Indebtedness secured by such Lien at such time is not increased to any amount greater than the sum of (i) the outstanding principal amount or, if greater, committed amount of the Indebtedness described under clauses (6), (7), (8) and (9) at the time the original Lien became a Permitted Lien under the Indenture, and (ii) an amount necessary to pay any fees and expenses, including premiums, related to such refinancing, refunding, extension, renewal or replacement;

(19) deposits made in the ordinary course of business to secure liability to insurance carriers;

(20) other Liens securing obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business which obligations do not exceed $30.0 million at any one time outstanding;

(21) Liens securing judgments for the payment of money not constituting an Event of Default under clause (5) under the caption “Events of Default and Remedies” so long as such Liens are adequately bonded and any appropriate legal proceedings that may have been duly initiated for the review of such judgment have not been finally terminated or the period within which such proceedings may be initiated has not expired;

(22) Liens 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 in the ordinary course of business;

(23) Liens (i) of a collection bank arising under Section 4-210 of the Uniform Commercial Code on items in the course of collection, (ii) attaching to commodity trading accounts or other commodity brokerage accounts incurred in the ordinary course of business, and (iii) in favor of banking institutions arising as a matter of law encumbering deposits (including the right of set-off) and which are within the general parameters customary in the banking industry;

(24) Liens deemed to exist in connection with Investments in repurchase agreements permitted under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock”; provided that such Liens do not extend to any assets other than those that are the subject of such repurchase agreement;

(25) Liens encumbering reasonable customary initial deposits and margin deposits and similar Liens attaching to commodity trading accounts or other brokerage accounts incurred in the ordinary course of business and not for speculative purposes; and

(26) Liens that are contractual rights of set-off (i) relating to the establishment of depository relations with banks not given in connection with the issuance of Indebtedness, (ii) relating to pooled deposit or sweep accounts of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to permit satisfaction of overdraft or similar obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries or (iii) relating to purchase orders and other agreements entered into with customers of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business; and

(27) during a Suspension Period only, Liens securing Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness that is secured equally and ratably with (or on a basis subordinated to) the Senior Notes), and Indebtedness represented by Sale and Leaseback Transactions in an amount not to exceed 15% of Total Assets at any one time outstanding.

For purposes of this definition, the term “Indebtedness” shall be deemed to include interest on such Indebtedness.

 

202


Table of Contents

Person ” means any individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, association, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, government or any agency or political subdivision thereof or any other entity.

Preferred Stock ” means any Equity Interest with preferential rights of payment of dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution, or winding up.

Qualified Proceeds ” means the fair market value of assets that are used or useful in, or Capital Stock of any Person engaged in, a Similar Business.

Rating Agencies ” means Moody’s and S&P or if Moody’s or S&P or both shall not make a rating on the Senior Notes publicly available, a nationally recognized statistical rating agency or agencies, as the case may be, selected by any issuer which shall be substituted for Moody’s or S&P or both, as the case may be.

Receivables Facility ” means any of one or more receivables financing facilities as amended, supplemented, modified, extended, renewed, restated or refunded from time to time, the Obligations of which are non-recourse (except for customary representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities made in connection with such facilities) to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than a Receivables Subsidiary) pursuant to which the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries sells its accounts receivable to either (a) a Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary or (b) a Receivables Subsidiary that in turn sells its accounts receivable to a Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary.

Receivables Fees ” means distributions or payments made directly or by means of discounts with respect to any accounts receivable or participation interest therein issued or sold in connection with, and other fees paid to a Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary in connection with, any Receivables Facility.

Receivables Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary formed for the purpose of, and that solely engages only in one or more Receivables Facilities and other activities reasonably related thereto.

Registration Rights Agreement ” means the Registration Rights Agreement with respect to the Senior Notes dated as of the Issue Date, among the Issuers, the Guarantors and the Initial Purchasers.

Related Business Assets ” means assets (other than cash or Cash Equivalents) used or useful in a Similar Business, provided that any assets received by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary in exchange for assets transferred by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary shall not be deemed to be Related Business Assets if they consist of securities of a Person, unless upon receipt of the securities of such Person, such Person would become a Restricted Subsidiary.

Restricted Investment ” means an Investment other than a Permitted Investment.

Restricted Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, at any time, any direct or indirect Subsidiary of such Person (including any Foreign Subsidiary) that is not then an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided , however , that upon an Unrestricted Subsidiary ceasing to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary, such Subsidiary shall be included in the definition of “Restricted Subsidiary.” Unless otherwise indicated in this “Description of Senior Notes,” all references to Restricted Subsidiaries shall mean Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company, including, without limitation, Finance Co.

S&P ” means Standard & Poor’s, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., and any successor to its rating agency business.

Sale and Lease-Back Transaction ” means any arrangement providing for the leasing by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of any real or tangible personal property, which property has been or is to be sold or transferred by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary to a third Person in contemplation of such leasing.

 

203


Table of Contents

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

Secured Indebtedness ” means any Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries secured by a Lien.

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

Senior Credit Facilities ” means the Credit Facility under the Credit Agreement to be entered into as of the Issue Date by and among the Company, the lenders party thereto in their capacities as lenders thereunder and Lehman Commercial Paper Inc., as Administrative Agent, including any guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements executed in connection therewith, and any amendments, supplements, modifications, extensions, renewals, restatements, refundings or refinancings thereof and any indentures or credit facilities or commercial paper facilities with banks or other institutional lenders or investors that replace, refund or refinance any part of the loans, notes, other credit facilities or commitments thereunder, including any such replacement, refunding or refinancing facility or indenture that increases the amount borrowable thereunder or alters the maturity thereof ( provided that such increase in borrowings is permitted under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock” above).

Senior Indebtedness ” means:

(1) all Indebtedness of any Issuer or any Guarantor outstanding under the Senior Credit Facilities or Senior Notes and related Guarantees (including interest accruing on or after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy or similar proceeding or for reorganization of any Issuer or any Guarantor (at the rate provided for in the documentation with respect thereto, regardless of whether or not a claim for post-filing interest is allowed in such proceedings)), and any and all other fees, expense reimbursement obligations, indemnification amounts, penalties, and other amounts (whether existing on the Issue Date or thereafter created or incurred) and all obligations of any Issuer or any Guarantor to reimburse any bank or other Person in respect of amounts paid under letters of credit, acceptances or other similar instruments;

(2) all Hedging Obligations (and guarantees thereof) owing to a Lender (as defined in the Senior Credit Facilities) or any Affiliate of such Lender (or any Person that was a Lender or an Affiliate of such Lender at the time the applicable agreement giving rise to such Hedging Obligation was entered into); provided , that such Hedging Obligations are permitted to be incurred under the terms of the Indenture;

(3) any other Indebtedness of any Issuer or any Guarantor permitted to be incurred under the terms of the Indenture, unless the instrument under which such Indebtedness is incurred expressly provides that it is on a parity with or subordinated in right of payment to the Senior Subordinated Notes or any related Guarantee; and

(4) all Obligations with respect to the items listed in the preceding clauses (1), (2) and (3); provided , however , that Senior Indebtedness shall not include:

(a) any obligation of such Person to the Issuers or any of their Subsidiaries;

(b) any liability for federal, state, local or other taxes owed or owing by such Person;

(c) any accounts payable or other liability to trade creditors arising in the ordinary course of business;

(d) any Indebtedness or other Obligation of such Person which is subordinate or junior in any respect to any other Indebtedness or other Obligation of such Person; or

(e) that portion of any Indebtedness which at the time of incurrence is incurred in violation of the Indenture.

Senior Subordinated Notes ” means the $250.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the Issuers’ 10  5 / 8 % senior subordinated notes due 2017 issued on the Issue Date and any Additional Senior Subordinated Notes, as defined in “Description of Senior Subordinated Notes—Principal, Maturity and Interest.”

 

204


Table of Contents

Significant Subsidiary ” means any Restricted 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 Issue Date.

Similar Business ” means any business conducted or proposed to be conducted by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on the Issue Date and any reasonable extension thereof or any business that is similar, reasonably related, incidental or ancillary thereto.

Sponsor Management Agreement ” means the management agreement between certain of the management companies associated with the Sponsor and the Issuers.

Subordinated Indebtedness ” means, with respect to the Senior Notes,

(1) any Indebtedness of any Issuer which is by its terms subordinated in right of payment to the Senior Notes, and

(2) any Indebtedness of any Guarantor which is by its terms subordinated in right of payment to the Guarantee of such entity of the Senior Notes.

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person:

(1) any corporation, association, or other business entity (other than a partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or similar 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) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time of determination owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof or is consolidated under GAAP with such Person at such time; and

(2) any partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or similar entity of which

(x) more than 50% of the capital accounts, distribution rights, total equity and voting interests or general or limited partnership interests, as applicable, are owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof whether in the form of membership, general, special or limited partnership or otherwise, and

(y) such Person or any Restricted Subsidiary of such Person is a controlling general partner or otherwise controls such entity.

Total Assets ” means the total assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, as shown on the most recent balance sheet of the Company or such other Person as may be expressly stated.

Transaction ” means the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement, the issuance of the Senior Notes, the Senior Subordinated Notes and borrowings under the Senior Credit Facilities as in effect on the Issue Date and the refinancing of debt in existence on the Issue Date, including the tender offer and consent solicitation of the 8.25% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 issued by Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.

Transaction Agreement ” means the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of February 10, 2007, among Crunch Holding Corp., Peak Holdings LLC, Peak Acquisition Corp. and Peak Finance LLC.

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 three Business Days prior to the date the applicable notice of redemption is given (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 April 1, 2011.

Trust Indenture Act ” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (15 U.S.C. §§77aaa-777bbbb).

 

205


Table of Contents

Unrestricted Subsidiary ” means:

(1) any Subsidiary of the Company which at the time of determination is an Unrestricted Subsidiary (as designated by the Company, as provided below); and

(2) any Subsidiary of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

The Company may designate any Subsidiary of the Company (including any existing Subsidiary and any newly acquired or newly formed Subsidiary) to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary unless such Subsidiary or any of its Subsidiaries owns any Equity Interests or Indebtedness of, or owns or holds any Lien on, any property of, the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company (other than solely any Subsidiary of the Subsidiary to be so designated); provided that

(1) any Unrestricted Subsidiary must be an entity of which the Equity Interests entitled to cast at least a majority of the votes that may be cast by all Equity Interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or Persons performing a similar function are owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company;

(2) such designation complies with the covenants described under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Restricted Payments”; and

(3) each of:

(a) the Subsidiary to be so designated; and

(b) its Subsidiaries

has not at the time of designation, and does not thereafter, create, incur, issue, assume, guarantee or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable with respect to any Indebtedness pursuant to which the lender has recourse to any of the assets of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary.

The Company may designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that, immediately after giving effect to such designation, no Default shall have occurred and be continuing and either:

(1) the Company could incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Test; or

(2) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries would be equal to or greater than such ratio for the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries immediately prior to such designation, in each case on a pro forma basis taking into account such designation.

Any such designation by the Company shall be notified by any Issuer to the Trustee by promptly filing with the Trustee a copy of the resolution of the board of directors of the Company or any committee thereof giving effect to such designation and an Officer’s Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the foregoing provisions.

Voting Stock ” of any 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.

Weighted Average Life to Maturity ” means, when applied to any Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, as the case may be, at any date, the quotient obtained by dividing:

(1) the sum of the products of the number of years from the date of determination to the date of each successive scheduled principal payment of such Indebtedness or redemption or similar payment with respect to such Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock multiplied by the amount of such payment; by

(2) the sum of all such payments.

Wholly-Owned Subsidiary ” of any Person means a Subsidiary of such Person, 100% of the outstanding Equity Interests of which (other than directors’ qualifying shares) shall at the time be owned by such Person or by one or more Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries of such Person.

 

206


Table of Contents

DESCRIPTION OF SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES

General

Certain terms used in this description are defined under the subheading “Certain Definitions.” In this description, (i) the terms “ we ,” “ our ” and “ us ” each refer to the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries, (ii) the term “ Company ” refers only to Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC (and its successors in interest) and not to any of its Subsidiaries, (iii) the term “ Finance Co. ” refers only to Pinnacle Foods Finance Corporation (and its successors in interest) and not to any of its Subsidiaries and (iv) the term “ Issuers ” refers only to the Company and Finance Co. and not to any of their Subsidiaries.

The Issuers issued $250 million in aggregate principal amount of 10  5 / 8 % senior subordinated notes due 2017 (the “ Senior Subordinated Notes ”) under an indenture to be dated April 2, 2007 (the “ Indenture ”) among the Issuers, the Guarantors and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee (the “ Trustee ”). The Senior Subordinated Notes were issued in a private transaction that is not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act. The issuers will issue the exchange notes described in this prospectus under the Indenture. Except as set forth herein, the terms of the Senior Subordinated Notes will be substantially identical and include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act.

The following description is only a summary of the material provisions of the Indenture, does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the provisions of those agreements, including the definitions therein of certain terms used below. We urge you to read the Indenture because it, and not this description, will define your rights as Holders of the Senior Subordinated Notes. A copy of the Indenture has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. You may also request copies of the Indenture at our address set forth under “Prospectus Summary.”

Brief Description of Senior Subordinated Notes

The Senior Subordinated Notes:

 

   

are unsecured senior subordinated obligations of the Issuers;

 

   

are subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers (including borrowings under the Senior Credit Facilities and the Senior Notes);

 

   

are senior in right of payment to any existing and future Subordinated Indebtedness of the Issuers; and

 

   

are initially guaranteed on an unsecured senior subordinated basis by each Restricted Subsidiary that guarantees the Senior Credit Facilities.

Guarantees

The Guarantors, as primary obligors and not merely as sureties, guarantee, jointly and severally irrevocably and unconditionally, on an unsecured senior subordinated basis, the performance and full and punctual payment when due, whether at maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, of all obligations of the Issuers under the Indenture and the Senior Subordinated Notes, whether for payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest or Additional Interest in respect of the Senior Subordinated Notes, expenses, indemnification or otherwise, on the terms set forth in the Indenture by having executed the Indenture.

Each of the Issuers’ Restricted Subsidiaries (other than as detailed below) initially guarantees the Senior Subordinated Notes. Each of the Guarantees of the Senior Subordinated Notes is a general unsecured obligation of each Guarantor and is subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future Senior Indebtedness of each such entity, including its guarantees of the Senior Credit Facilities and the Senior Notes. The Senior Subordinated Notes are structurally subordinated to Indebtedness and other liabilities of Subsidiaries of the Issuers that do not Guarantee the Senior Subordinated Notes.

 

207


Table of Contents

Not all of the Issuers’ Subsidiaries Guarantee the Senior Subordinated Notes. In the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization of any of these non-guarantor Subsidiaries, the non-guarantor Subsidiaries will pay the holders of their debt and their trade creditors before they will be able to distribute any of their assets to the Issuers. None of our Foreign Subsidiaries, non-Wholly Owned Subsidiaries or Receivables Subsidiaries (subject to certain limited exceptions) guarantee the Senior Subordinated Notes. The only Subsidiary of the Company that does not initially guarantee the Senior Subordinated Notes is Pinnacle Foods Corporation Canada, which accounted for approximately $67.6 million, or 4.7%, of our net sales and approximately $0.9 million, or less than 1%, of our net earnings, in each case for the year ended December 31, 2006, and $10.2 million, or less than 1.0%, of our total assets as of December 31, 2006. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, Pinnacle Foods Corporation Canada accounted for approximately $56.1 million, or 5.1%, of our net sales and approximately $2.0 million, or less than 1%, of our net earnings, in each case for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, and as of September 30, 2007, Pinnacle Foods Corporation Canada accounted for approximately $18.6 million, or less than 1%, of our total assets.

The obligations of each Guarantor under its Guarantee are limited as necessary to prevent the Guarantee from constituting a fraudulent conveyance under applicable law.

Any entity that makes a payment under its Guarantee will be entitled upon payment in full of all guaranteed obligations under the Indenture to a contribution from each other Guarantor in an amount equal to such other Guarantor’s pro rata portion of such payment based on the respective net assets of all the Guarantors at the time of such payment determined in accordance with GAAP.

If a Guarantee were rendered voidable, it could be subordinated by a court to all other indebtedness (including guarantees and other contingent liabilities) of the Guarantor, and, depending on the amount of such indebtedness, a Guarantor’s liability on its Guarantee could be reduced to zero. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Notes or this Offering—Federal and state fraudulent transfer laws may permit a court to void the guarantees, and, if that occurs, you may not receive any payments on the notes.”

Each Guarantee by a Guarantor provides by its terms that it will be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged upon:

(1) (a) any sale, exchange or transfer (by merger or otherwise) of (i) the Capital Stock of such Guarantor (including any sale, exchange or transfer), after which the applicable Guarantor is no longer a Restricted Subsidiary or (ii) all or substantially all the assets of such Guarantor, in each case made in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Indenture;

(b) the release or discharge of the guarantee by such Guarantor of Indebtedness under the Senior Credit Facilities or such other guarantee that resulted in the creation of such Guarantee, except a discharge or release by or as a result of payment under such guarantee;

(c) the designation of any Restricted Subsidiary that is a Guarantor as an Unrestricted Subsidiary in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Indenture; or

(d) the exercise by the Issuers of their legal defeasance option or covenant defeasance option as described under “Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance” or the discharge of the Issuers’ obligations under the Indenture in accordance with the terms of the Indenture; and

(2) such Guarantor delivering to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent provided for in the Indenture relating to such transaction have been complied with.

Holding Company Structure

The Company is a holding company for its Subsidiaries, with no material operations of its own and only limited assets. Accordingly, the Company is dependent upon the distribution of the earnings of its Subsidiaries, whether in the form of dividends, advances or payments on account of intercompany obligations, to service its

 

208


Table of Contents

debt obligations. Finance Co. is a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Company that has been created to be a co-issuer of the Senior Subordinated Notes. Finance Co. does not own, and is not expected to own, any significant assets.

Ranking

The payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Senior Subordinated Notes and the payment of any Guarantee is subordinated to the prior payment in cash in full of all Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers or the relevant Guarantor, as the case may be, including the obligations of the Issuers and such Guarantor under the Senior Credit Facilities and the Senior Notes. The Senior Subordinated Notes and the Guarantees are subordinated in right of payment to all of the Issuers’ and the Guarantors’ existing and future Senior Indebtedness and effectively subordinated to all of the Issuers’ and the Guarantors’ existing and future Secured Indebtedness, including their obligations under the Senior Credit Facilities, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such Indebtedness. As of September 30, 2007, we had $1,574.4 million of Senior Indebtedness (of which $1,249.4 million was Secured Indebtedness) outstanding, consisting entirely of borrowings under the Senior Credit Facilities and the Senior Notes. As of September 30, 2007, we had an additional $110.5 million of unused borrowing capacity available under the revolving portion of the Senior Credit Facilities (after giving effect to approximately $12.0 million of outstanding letters of credit and $2.5 million of borrowings under our revolving credit facility), all of which would be secured if borrowed, and an option to raise incremental credit facilities under our Senior Credit Facilities, subject to certain limitations.

Although the Indenture contains limitations on the amount of additional Indebtedness that the Issuers and the Restricted Subsidiaries may incur, under certain circumstances the amount of such Indebtedness could be substantial. See “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock.”

Paying Agent and Registrar for the Senior Subordinated Notes

The Issuers will maintain one or more paying agents for the Senior Subordinated Notes in the Borough of Manhattan, City of New York. The initial paying agent for the Senior Subordinated Notes is the Trustee.

The Company will also maintain one or more registrars with offices in the Borough of Manhattan, City of New York and a transfer agent, including one with offices in the Borough of Manhattan, City of New York. The initial registrar and transfer agent for the Senior Subordinated Notes is the Trustee. The registrar will maintain a register reflecting ownership of the Senior Subordinated Notes outstanding from time to time and the transfer agent will make payments on and facilitate transfer of Senior Subordinated Notes on behalf of the Issuers.

The Issuers may change the paying agents, the registrars or the transfer agents without prior notice to the Holders. The Company or any of its Subsidiaries may act as a paying agent, registrar or transfer agent.

Subordination of the Senior Subordinated Notes

Only Indebtedness of the Issuers or a Guarantor that is Senior Indebtedness ranks senior to the Senior Subordinated Notes and the Guarantees in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture. The Senior Subordinated Notes and Guarantees rank pari passu in all respects with all other Senior Subordinated Indebtedness of the Issuers and the relevant Guarantor, respectively.

We agreed in the Indenture that the Issuers and the Guarantors will not incur any Indebtedness that is subordinate or junior in right of payment to the Senior Indebtedness of such Person, unless such Indebtedness is Senior Subordinated Indebtedness of the applicable Person or is expressly subordinated in right of payment to Senior Subordinated Indebtedness of such Person. The Indenture does not treat (i) unsecured Indebtedness as subordinated or junior to Secured Indebtedness merely because it is unsecured or (ii) Senior Indebtedness as subordinated or junior to any other Senior Indebtedness merely because it has a junior priority with respect to the same collateral.

 

209


Table of Contents

Neither the Issuers nor any Guarantor is permitted to pay principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the Senior Subordinated Notes (or pay any other Obligations relating to the Senior Subordinated Notes, including Additional Interest, fees, costs, expenses, indemnities and rescission or damage claims) or make any deposit pursuant to the provisions described under “Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance” or “Satisfaction and Discharge” below and may not purchase, redeem or otherwise retire any Senior Subordinated Notes (collectively, “ pay the Senior Subordinated Notes ”) other than in the form of Permitted Junior Securities if either of the following occurs (a “ Payment Default ”):

(1) any Obligation on any Designated Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers is not paid in full in cash when due (after giving effect to any applicable grace period); or

(2) any other default on Designated Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers occurs and the maturity of such Designated Senior Indebtedness is accelerated in accordance with its terms;

unless, in either case, the Payment Default has been cured or waived and any such acceleration has been rescinded or such Designated Senior Indebtedness has been discharged or paid in full in cash. Regardless of the foregoing, the Issuers are permitted to pay the Senior Subordinated Notes if the Issuers and the Trustee receive written notice approving such payment from the Representatives of all Designated Senior Indebtedness with respect to which the Payment Default has occurred and is continuing.

During the continuance of any default (other than a Payment Default) (a “ Non-Payment Default ”) with respect to any Designated Senior Indebtedness pursuant to which the maturity thereof may be accelerated without further notice (except such notice as may be required to effect such acceleration) or the expiration of any applicable grace periods, the Issuers are not permitted to pay the Senior Subordinated Notes (except in the form of Permitted Junior Securities) for a period (a “ Payment Blockage Period ”) commencing upon the receipt by the Trustee (with a copy to the Issuers) of written notice (a “ Blockage Notice ”) of such Non-Payment Default from the Representative of such Designated Senior Indebtedness specifying an election to effect a Payment Blockage Period and ending 179 days thereafter. The Payment Blockage Period will end earlier if such Payment Blockage Period is terminated:

(1) by written notice to the Trustee and the Issuers from the Person or Persons who gave such Blockage Notice;

(2) because the default giving rise to such Blockage Notice is cured, waived or otherwise no longer continuing; or

(3) because such Designated Senior Indebtedness has been discharged or repaid in full in cash.

Notwithstanding the provisions described above, unless the holders of such Designated Senior Indebtedness or the Representative of such Designated Senior Indebtedness have accelerated the maturity of such Designated Senior Indebtedness, the Issuers and related Guarantors are permitted to resume paying the Senior Subordinated Notes after the end of such Payment Blockage Period. The Senior Subordinated Notes shall not be subject to more than one Payment Blockage Period in any consecutive 360-day period irrespective of the number of defaults with respect to Designated Senior Indebtedness during such period; provided that if any Blockage Notice is delivered to the Trustee by or on behalf of the holders of Designated Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers (other than the holders of Indebtedness under the Senior Credit Facilities), a Representative of holders of Indebtedness under the Senior Credit Facilities may give another Blockage Notice within such period. However, in no event may the total number of days during which any Payment Blockage Period or Periods on the Senior Subordinated Notes is in effect exceed 179 days in the aggregate during any consecutive 360-day period, and there must be at least 181 days during any consecutive 360-day period during which no Payment Blockage Period is in effect. Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, no default that existed or was continuing on the date of delivery of any Blockage Notice to the Trustee will be, or be made, the basis for a subsequent Blockage Notice unless such default has been waived for a period of not less than 90 days (it being acknowledged that any subsequent action, or any breach of any financial covenants during the period after the date of delivery of a Blockage Notice, that, in

 

210


Table of Contents

either case, would give rise to a Non-Payment Default pursuant to any provisions under which a Non-Payment Default previously existed or was continuing shall constitute a new Non-Payment Default for this purpose).

In the event of any payment or distribution of the assets of the Issuers upon a total or partial liquidation or dissolution or reorganization of or similar proceeding relating to the Issuers or their property:

(1) the holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers will be entitled to receive payment in full in cash of such Senior Indebtedness before the Holders of the Senior Subordinated Notes are entitled to receive any payment;

(2) until the Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers is paid in full in cash, any payment or distribution to which Holders of the Senior Subordinated Notes would be entitled but for the subordination provisions of the Indenture will be made to holders of such Senior Indebtedness as their interests may appear, except that Holders of Senior Subordinated Notes may receive Permitted Junior Securities; and

(3) if a distribution is made to Holders of the Senior Subordinated Notes that, due to the subordination provisions, should not have been made to them, such Holders of the Senior Subordinated Notes will be required to hold it in trust for the holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers and pay it over to them as their interests may appear.

The subordination and payment blockage provisions described above will not prevent a Default from occurring under the Indenture upon the failure of the Issuers to pay interest or principal with respect to the Senior Subordinated Notes when due by their terms. If payment of the Senior Subordinated Notes is accelerated because of an Event of Default, the Issuers must promptly notify the holders of Designated Senior Indebtedness or the Representative of such Designated Senior Indebtedness of the acceleration. So long as there shall remain outstanding any Senior Indebtedness under the Senior Credit Facilities, a Blockage Notice may be given only by the administrative agent thereunder unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the requisite lenders named therein. If any Designated Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers is outstanding, neither the Issuers nor any Guarantor may pay the Senior Subordinated Notes until five Business Days after the Representatives of all the issuers of such Designated Senior Indebtedness receive notice of such acceleration and, thereafter, may pay the Senior Subordinated Notes only if the Indenture otherwise permits payment at that time.

Each Guarantor’s obligations under its Guarantee are senior subordinated obligations of that Guarantor. As such, the rights of Holders to receive payment pursuant to such Guarantee are subordinated in right of payment to the rights of holders of Senior Indebtedness of such Guarantor. The terms of the subordination and payment blockage provisions described above with respect to the Issuers’ obligations under the Senior Subordinated Notes apply equally to the obligations of such Guarantor under its Guarantee.

A Holder by its acceptance of Senior Subordinated Notes agrees to be bound by such provisions and authorizes and expressly directs the Trustee, on its behalf, to take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate the subordination provided for in the Indenture and appoints the Trustee its attorney-in-fact for such purpose.

By reason of the subordination provisions contained in the Indenture, in the event of a liquidation or insolvency proceeding, creditors of the Issuers or a Guarantor who are holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers or such Guarantor, as the case may be, may recover more, ratably, than the Holders of the Senior Subordinated Notes, and creditors who are not holders of Senior Indebtedness may recover less, ratably, than holders of Senior Indebtedness and may recover more, ratably, than the Holders of the Senior Subordinated Notes.

The terms of the subordination provisions described above will not apply to payments from money or the proceeds of Government Securities held in trust by the Trustee for the payment of principal of and interest on the Senior Subordinated Notes pursuant to the provisions described under “Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance” or “Satisfaction and Discharge,” if the foregoing subordination provisions were not violated at the time the applicable amounts were deposited in trust pursuant to such provisions.

 

211


Table of Contents

Transfer and Exchange

A Holder may transfer or exchange Senior Subordinated Notes in accordance with the Indenture. The registrar and the Trustee may require a Holder to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents in connection with a transfer of Senior Subordinated Notes. Holders will be required to pay all taxes due on transfer. The Issuers will not be required to transfer or exchange any Senior Subordinated Note selected for redemption or tendered (and not withdrawn) for repurchase with a Change of Control Offer or an Asset Sale Offer. Also, the Issuers will not be required to transfer or exchange any Senior Subordinated Note for a period of 15 days before a selection of Senior Subordinated Notes to be redeemed. The registered Holder of a Senior Subordinated Note will be treated as the owner of such Senior Subordinated Note for all purposes.

Principal, Maturity and Interest

The Issuers issued Senior Subordinated Notes with an aggregate principal amount of $250 million. The Senior Subordinated Notes will mature on April 1, 2017. Subject to compliance with the covenant described below under the caption “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock,” the Issuers may issue additional Senior Subordinated Notes under the Indenture from time to time (“ Additional Senior Subordinated Notes ”). The Senior Subordinated Notes offered by the Issuers and any Additional Senior Subordinated Notes subsequently issued under the Indenture will be treated as a single class for all purposes under the Indenture, including waivers, amendments, redemptions and offers to purchase. Unless the context requires otherwise, references to “Senior Subordinated Notes” for all purposes of the Indenture and this “Description of Senior Subordinated Notes” include any Additional Senior Subordinated Notes that are actually issued.

Interest on the Senior Subordinated Notes accrues at the rate of 10  5 / 8 % per annum and is payable semi-annually in arrears on each April 1 and October 1, commencing on October 1, 2007, to the Holders of Senior Subordinated Notes of record on the immediately preceding March 15 and September 15. Interest on the Senior Subordinated Notes accrues from the most recent date to which interest has been paid. Interest on the Senior Subordinated Notes will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months.

Principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Senior Subordinated Notes will be payable at the office or agency of the Issuers maintained for such purpose within the City and State of New York or, at the option of the Issuers, payment of interest may be made by check mailed to the Holders of the Senior Subordinated Notes at their respective addresses set forth in the register of Holders; provided that all payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest with respect to the Senior Subordinated Notes represented by one or more global notes registered in the name of or held by DTC or its nominee will be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by the Holder or Holders thereof. Until otherwise designated by the Issuers, the Issuers’ office or agency in New York is the office of the Trustee maintained for such purpose.

Additional Interest

Additional Interest may accrue on the Senior Subordinated Notes in certain circumstances pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement. All references in the Indenture, in any context, to any interest or other amount payable on or with respect to the Senior Subordinated Notes shall be deemed to include any Additional Interest pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement.

Mandatory Redemption; Offers to Purchase; Open Market Purchases

The Issuers are not required to make any mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Senior Subordinated Notes. However, under certain circumstances, the Issuers may be required to offer to purchase Senior Subordinated Notes as described under the caption “Repurchase at the Option of Holders.” The Issuers and their Affiliates may at any time and from time to time purchase Senior Subordinated Notes in the open market or otherwise.

 

212


Table of Contents

Optional Redemption

Except as set forth below, the Issuers are not entitled to redeem the Senior Subordinated Notes at their option prior to April 1, 2012.

At any time prior to April 1, 2012, the Issuers may redeem all or a part of the Senior Subordinated Notes, upon notice as described under “Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Selection and Notice”, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of Senior Subordinated Notes redeemed plus the Applicable Premium as of, and accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the date of redemption (the “ Redemption Date ”), subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date.

On and after April 1, 2012, the Issuers may redeem the Senior Subordinated Notes, in whole or in part, upon notice as described under “Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Selection and Notice”, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount of the Senior Subordinated Notes to be redeemed) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the Redemption Date, subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on April 1 of each of the years indicated below:

 

Year

   Percentage  

2012

   105.313 %

2013

   103.542 %

2014

   101.771 %

2015 and thereafter

   100.000 %

In addition, until April 1, 2010, the Issuers may, at their option, redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of Senior Subordinated Notes issued by them at a redemption price equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, plus a premium equal to the rate per annum on the Senior Subordinated Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the Redemption Date, subject to the right of Holders of Senior Subordinated Notes of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date, with the net cash proceeds received by it from one or more Equity Offerings; provided that (i) at least 50% of the aggregate principal amount of Senior Subordinated Notes originally issued under the Indenture remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of each such redemption; and (ii) each such redemption occurs within 90 days of the date of closing of each such Equity Offering.

Any notice of any optional redemption may be given prior to the completion thereof, and any such redemption or notice may, at the Issuers’ discretion, be subject to one or more conditions precedent, including, but not limited to, the completion of an Equity Offering or other corporate transaction. So long as any Senior Subordinated Notes are listed on an exchange, and to the extent required by such exchange, the Issuers will notify such exchange of any such notice of redemption. In addition, the Issuers will notify the exchange of the principal amount of Senior Subordinated Notes outstanding following any partial redemption of such Senior Subordinated Notes.

If the Issuers redeem less than all of the outstanding Senior Subordinated Notes, the Trustee shall select the Senior Subordinated Notes to be redeemed in the manner described under “Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Selection and Notice.”

 

213


Table of Contents

Repurchase at the Option of Holders

Change of Control

The Senior Subordinated Notes provide that if a Change of Control occurs, unless the Issuers have previously or concurrently mailed a redemption notice with respect to all the outstanding Senior Subordinated Notes as described under “Optional Redemption,” the Issuers will make an offer to purchase all of the Senior Subordinated Notes pursuant to the offer described below (the “ Change of Control Offer ”) at a price in cash (the “ Change of Control Payment ”) equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the date of purchase, subject to the right of Holders of the Senior Subordinated Notes of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date. Within 30 days following any Change of Control, the Issuers will send notice of such Change of Control Offer by first- class mail, with a copy to the Trustee, to each Holder of Senior Subordinated Notes to the address of such Holder appearing in the security register or otherwise in accordance with the procedures of DTC, with a copy to the Trustee, with the following information:

(1) that a Change of Control Offer is being made pursuant to the covenant entitled “Change of Control,” and that all Senior Subordinated Notes properly tendered pursuant to such Change of Control Offer will be accepted for payment by the Issuers;

(2) the purchase price and the purchase date, which will be no earlier than 30 days nor later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed (the “ Change of Control Payment Date ”);

(3) that any Senior Subordinated Note not properly tendered will remain outstanding and continue to accrue interest;

(4) that unless the Issuers default in the payment of the Change of Control Payment, all Senior Subordinated Notes accepted for payment pursuant to the Change of Control Offer will cease to accrue interest on the Change of Control Payment Date;

(5) that Holders electing to have any Senior Subordinated Notes purchased pursuant to a Change of Control Offer will be required to surrender such Senior Subordinated Notes, with the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” on the reverse of such Senior Subordinated Notes completed, to the paying agent specified in the notice 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 tendered Senior Subordinated Notes and their election to require the Issuers to purchase such Senior Subordinated Notes, provided that the paying agent receives, not later than the close of business on the expiration date of the Change of Control Offer, a telegram, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the Holder of the Senior Subordinated Notes, the principal amount of Senior Subordinated Notes tendered for purchase, and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing its tendered Senior Subordinated Notes, or a specified portion thereof, and its election to have such Senior Subordinated Notes purchased;

(7) that if the Issuers are redeeming less than all of the Senior Subordinated Notes, the Holders of the remaining Senior Subordinated Notes will be issued new Senior Subordinated Notes and such new Senior Subordinated Notes will be equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Senior Subordinated Notes surrendered. The unpurchased portion of the Senior Subordinated Notes must be equal to at least $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 thereafter;

(8) if such notice is mailed prior to the occurrence of a Change of Control, stating that the Change of Control Offer is conditional on the occurrence of such Change of Control; and

(9) the other instructions, as determined by us, consistent with the covenant described hereunder, that a Holder must follow.

The Issuers will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent such laws or regulations are applicable in connection with

 

214


Table of Contents

the repurchase of Senior Subordinated Notes pursuant to a Change of Control Offer. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of the Indenture, the Issuers will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached their obligations described in the Indenture by virtue thereof.

On the Change of Control Payment Date, the Issuers will, to the extent permitted by law,

(1) accept for payment all Senior Subordinated Notes issued by them or portions thereof properly tendered pursuant to the Change of Control Offer,

(2) deposit with the paying agent an amount equal to the aggregate Change of Control Payment in respect of all Senior Subordinated Notes or portions thereof so tendered, and

(3) deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Trustee for cancellation the Senior Subordinated Notes so accepted together with an Officer’s Certificate to the Trustee stating that such Senior Subordinated Notes or portions thereof have been tendered to and purchased by the Issuers.

The Senior Credit Facilities and the Senior Notes prohibit or limit, and future credit agreements or other agreements relating to Senior Indebtedness to which the Issuers become a party may prohibit or limit, the Issuers from purchasing any Senior Subordinated Notes as a result of a Change of Control. In the event a Change of Control occurs at a time when the Issuers are prohibited from purchasing the Senior Subordinated Notes, the Issuers could seek the consent of their lenders and the holders of Senior Indebtedness to permit the purchase of the Senior Subordinated Notes or could attempt to refinance the borrowings that contain such prohibition. If the Issuers do not obtain such consent or repay such borrowings, the Issuers will remain prohibited from purchasing the Senior Subordinated Notes. In such case, the Issuers’ failure to purchase tendered Senior Subordinated Notes would constitute an Event of Default under the Indenture. If, as a result thereof, a default occurs with respect to any Senior Indebtedness, the subordination provisions in the Indenture would restrict payments to the Holders of Senior Subordinated Notes under certain circumstances. The Senior Credit Facilities provide that certain change of control events with respect to the Issuers would constitute a default thereunder (including a Change of Control under the Indenture). If we experience a change of control that triggers a default under our Senior Credit Facilities, we could seek a waiver of such default or seek to refinance our Senior Credit Facilities. In the event we do not obtain such a waiver or refinance the Senior Credit Facilities, such default could result in amounts outstanding under our Senior Credit Facilities being declared due and payable and cause a Receivables Facility to be wound-down.

Our ability to pay cash to the Holders of Senior Subordinated Notes following the occurrence of a Change of Control may be limited by our then-existing financial resources. Therefore, sufficient funds may not be available when necessary to make any required repurchases.

The Change of Control purchase feature of the Senior Subordinated Notes may in certain circumstances make more difficult or discourage a sale or takeover of us and, thus, the removal of incumbent management. The Change of Control purchase feature is a result of negotiations between the Initial Purchasers and us. We have no present intention to engage in a transaction involving a Change of Control, although it is possible that we could decide to do so in the future. Subject to the limitations discussed below, we could, in the future, enter into certain transactions, including acquisitions, refinancings or other recapitalizations, that would not constitute a Change of Control under the Indenture, but that could increase the amount of indebtedness outstanding at such time or otherwise affect our capital structure or credit ratings. Restrictions on our ability to incur additional Indebtedness are contained in the covenants described under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock” and “Certain Covenants—Liens.” Such restrictions in the Indenture can be waived only with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Senior Subordinated Notes then outstanding. Except for the limitations contained in such covenants, however, the Indenture does not contain any covenants or provisions that may afford Holders of the Senior Subordinated Notes protection in the event of a highly leveraged transaction.

 

215


Table of Contents

The Issuers will not be required to make a Change of Control Offer following a Change of Control if 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 the Indenture applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by us and purchases all Senior Subordinated Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn under such Change of Control Offer. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, a Change of Control Offer may be made in advance of a Change of Control, conditional upon such Change of Control, if a definitive agreement is in place for the Change of Control at the time of making of the Change of Control Offer.

The definition of “Change of Control” includes a disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any Person. Although there is a limited body of case law interpreting the phrase “substantially all,” there is no precise established definition of the phrase under applicable law. Accordingly, in certain circumstances there may be a degree of uncertainty as to whether a particular transaction would involve a disposition of “all or substantially all” of the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. As a result, it may be unclear as to whether a Change of Control has occurred and whether a Holder of Senior Subordinated Notes may require the Issuers to make an offer to repurchase the Senior Subordinated Notes as described above.

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

Asset Sales

The Indenture provides that the Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to consummate, directly or indirectly, an Asset Sale, unless:

(1) the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, receives consideration at the time of such Asset Sale at least equal to the fair market value of the assets sold or otherwise disposed of; and

(2) except in the case of a Permitted Asset Swap, at least 75% of the consideration therefor received by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, is in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents; provided that the amount of:

(a) any liabilities (as shown on the Company’s or such Restricted Subsidiary’s most recent balance sheet or in the footnotes thereto or, if incurred or increased subsequent to the date of such balance sheet, such liabilities that would have been shown on the Company’s or such Restricted Subsidiary’s balance sheet or in the footnotes thereto if such incurrence or increase had taken place on the date of such balance sheet, as determined by the Company) of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, other than liabilities that are by their terms subordinated to the Senior Subordinated Notes, that are assumed by the transferee of any such assets and for which the Company and all of its Restricted Subsidiaries have been validly released by all creditors in writing,

(b) any securities received by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary from such transferee that are converted by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary into cash (to the extent of the cash received) within 180 days following the closing of such Asset Sale, and

(c) any Designated Non-cash Consideration received by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary in such Asset Sale having an aggregate fair market value, taken together with all other Designated Non-cash Consideration received pursuant to this clause (c) that is at that time outstanding, not to exceed 5.0% of Total Assets at the time of the receipt of such Designated Non-cash Consideration, with the fair market value of each item of Designated Non-cash Consideration being measured at the time received and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value,

shall be deemed to be cash for purposes of this provision and for no other purpose.

 

216


Table of Contents

Within 450 days after the receipt of any Net Proceeds of any Asset Sale, the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, at its option, may apply the Net Proceeds from such Asset Sale,

(1) to permanently reduce:

(a) Obligations under Senior Indebtedness, and to correspondingly reduce commitments with respect thereto;

(b) Obligations under other Senior Subordinated Indebtedness (and to correspondingly reduce commitments with respect thereto), provided that to the extent the Issuers reduce Obligations under Senior Indebtedness other than the Senior Notes, the Issuers shall equally and ratably reduce Obligations under the Senior Subordinated Notes as provided under “Optional Redemption,” through open-market purchases (to the extent such purchases are at or above 100% of the principal amount thereof) or by making an offer (in accordance with the procedures set forth below for an Asset Sale Offer) to all Holders to purchase their Senior Subordinated Notes at 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus the amount of accrued but unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, on the amount of Senior Subordinated Notes that would otherwise be prepaid; or

(c) Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor, other than Indebtedness owed to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary; or

(2) to make (a) an Investment in any one or more businesses, provided that if such business is not a Restricted Subsidiary, such Investment is in the form of the acquisition of Capital Stock and results in the Company or another of its Restricted Subsidiaries, as the case may be, owning an amount of the Capital Stock of such business such that it constitutes a Restricted Subsidiary, (b) an Investment in properties, (c) capital expenditures or (d) acquisitions of other assets, that, in each of clauses (a), (b), (c) and (d), are used or useful in a Similar Business or replace the businesses, properties and/or assets that are the subject of such Asset Sale;

provided that, in the case of clause (2) above, a binding commitment shall be treated as a permitted application of the Net Proceeds from the date of such commitment so long as the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary enters into such commitment with the good faith expectation that such Net Proceeds will be applied to satisfy such commitment within 180 days of such commitment (an “ Acceptable Commitment ”) and, in the event any Acceptable Commitment is later cancelled or terminated for any reason before the Net Proceeds are applied in connection therewith, the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary enters into another Acceptable Commitment (a “ Second Commitment ”) within 180 days of such cancellation or termination; provided further that if any Second Commitment is later cancelled or terminated for any reason before such Net Proceeds are applied, then such Net Proceeds shall constitute Excess Proceeds.

Any Net Proceeds from any Asset Sale that are not invested or applied as provided and within the time period set forth in the first sentence of the preceding paragraph will be deemed to constitute “ Excess Proceeds .” When the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $25.0 million, the Issuers shall make an offer to all Holders of the Senior Subordinated Notes and, if required by the terms of any Indebtedness that is pari passu with the Senior Subordinated Notes (“ Pari Passu Indebtedness ”), to the holders of such Pari Passu Indebtedness (an “ Asset Sale Offer ”), to purchase the maximum aggregate principal amount of the Senior Subordinated Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness that is at least $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 thereafter, that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds at an offer price in cash equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof (or accreted value, if less), plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the date fixed for the closing of such offer, in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Indenture. The Issuers will commence an Asset Sale Offer with respect to Excess Proceeds within ten Business Days after the date that Excess Proceeds exceed $25.0 million by mailing the notice required pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, with a copy to the Trustee. The Issuers may satisfy the foregoing obligations with respect to any Net Proceeds from an Asset Sale by making an Asset Sale Offer with respect to such Net Proceeds prior to the expiration of the relevant 450 days or with respect to Excess Proceeds of $25.0 million or less.

 

217


Table of Contents

To the extent that the aggregate amount of Senior Subordinated Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness tendered pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer is less than the Excess Proceeds, the Issuers may use any remaining Excess Proceeds for general corporate purposes, subject to other covenants contained in the Indenture. If the aggregate amount payable in respect of Senior Subordinated Notes or the Pari Passu Indebtedness surrendered by such holders thereof exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the Issuers shall select the Senior Subordinated Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness to be purchased on a pro rata basis to the extent practicable or otherwise in accordance with the procedures of the DTC based on the accreted value or principal amount of the Senior Subordinated Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness tendered. Upon completion of any such Asset Sale Offer, the amount of Excess Proceeds shall be reset to zero.

Pending the final application of any Net Proceeds pursuant to this covenant, the holder of such Net Proceeds may apply such Net Proceeds temporarily to reduce Indebtedness outstanding under a revolving credit facility or otherwise invest such Net Proceeds in any manner not prohibited by the Indenture.

The Issuers will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent such laws or regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of the Senior Subordinated Notes pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of the Indenture, the Issuers will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations described in the Indenture by virtue thereof.

The Senior Credit Facilities and the Senior Notes prohibit or limit, and future credit agreements or other agreements relating to Senior Indebtedness to which the Issuers become a party may prohibit or limit, the Issuers from purchasing any Senior Subordinated Notes pursuant to this Asset Sales covenant. In the event the Issuers are prohibited from purchasing the Senior Subordinated Notes, the Issuers could seek the consent of their lenders and the holders of Senior Indebtedness to the purchase of the Senior Subordinated Notes or could attempt to refinance the borrowings that contain such prohibition. If the Issuers do not obtain such consent or repay such borrowings, they will remain prohibited from purchasing the Senior Subordinated Notes. In such case, the Issuers’ failure to purchase tendered Senior Subordinated Notes would constitute an Event of Default under the Indenture. If, as a result thereof, a default occurs with respect to any Senior Indebtedness, the subordination provisions in the Indenture would restrict payments to the Holders of the Senior Subordinated Notes under certain circumstances.

Selection and Notice

If the Issuers are redeeming less than all of the Senior Subordinated Notes issued by them at any time, the Trustee will select the Senior Subordinated Notes to be redeemed (a) if the Senior Subordinated Notes are listed on any national securities exchange, in compliance with the requirements of the principal national securities exchange on which the Senior Subordinated Notes are listed, (b) on a pro rata basis to the extent practicable or, if a pro rata basis is not practicable for any reason, by lot or by such other method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate, or (c) by lot or such other similar method in accordance with the procedures of the DTC.

Notices of purchase or redemption shall be mailed by first-class mail, postage prepaid, at least 30 but not more than 60 days before the purchase or redemption date to each Holder of Senior Subordinated Notes at such Holder’s registered address or otherwise in accordance with the procedures of DTC, 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 Senior Subordinated Notes or a satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture. If any Senior Subordinated Note is to be purchased or redeemed in part only, any notice of purchase or redemption that relates to such Senior Subordinated Note shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof that has been or is to be purchased or redeemed.

The Issuers will issue a new Senior Subordinated Note in a principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the original Senior Subordinated Note in the name of the Holder upon cancellation of the original

 

218


Table of Contents

Senior Subordinated Note. Senior Subordinated Notes called for redemption become due on the date fixed for redemption, subject to the satisfaction of any conditions to an optional redemption. On and after the redemption date, interest ceases to accrue on Senior Subordinated Notes or portions thereof called for redemption, subject to the satisfaction of any conditions to an optional redemption.

Certain Covenants

Set forth below are summaries of certain covenants contained in the Indenture. If on any date following the Issue Date (i) the Senior Subordinated Notes have Investment Grade Ratings from both Rating Agencies, and (ii) no Default has occurred and is continuing under the Indenture then, beginning on that day (the occurrence of the events described in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii) being collectively referred to as a “ Covenant Suspension Event ”) the covenants specifically listed under the following captions in this “Description of Senior Subordinated Notes” section of this prospectus are not applicable to the Senior Subordinated Notes (collectively, the “ Suspended Covenants ”):

(1) “Repurchase at the Option of Holders”;

(2) “—Limitation on Restricted Payments”;

(3) “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock”;

(4) clause (4) of the first paragraph of “—Merger, Consolidation or Sale of All or Substantially All Assets”;

(5) “—Transactions with Affiliates”;

(6) “—Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries”;

(7) “—Limitation on Guarantees of Indebtedness by Restricted Subsidiaries”; and

(8) “—Limitations on Layering.”

During any period that the foregoing covenants have been suspended, the Company may not designate any of its Subsidiaries as Unrestricted Subsidiaries pursuant to the second sentence of the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary.”

If and while the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries are not subject to the Suspended Covenants, the holders of Senior Subordinated Notes will be entitled to substantially less covenant protection. In the event that the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries are not subject to the Suspended Covenants under the Indenture for any period of time as a result of the foregoing, and on any subsequent date (the “ Reversion Date ”) one or both of the Rating Agencies withdraw their Investment Grade Rating or downgrade the rating assigned to the Senior Subordinated Notes below an Investment Grade Rating, then the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries will thereafter again be subject to the Suspended Covenants under the Indenture with respect to future events. The period of time between the Suspension Date and the Reversion Date is referred to in this description as the “Suspension Period.” The Guarantees of the Guarantors will be suspended during the Suspension Period. Additionally, upon the occurrence of a Covenant Suspension Event, the amount of Excess Proceeds from Asset Sales shall be reset to zero.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of any such reinstatement, no action taken or omitted to be taken by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries prior to such reinstatement will give rise to a Default or Event of Default under the Indenture with respect to the Senior Subordinated Notes; provided that (1) with respect to Restricted Payments made after such reinstatement, the amount of Restricted Payments made will be calculated as though the limitations contained in the covenant described below under the caption “—Limitation on Restricted Payments” had been in effect prior to, but not during, the Suspension Period; and (2) all Indebtedness incurred, or Disqualified Stock issued, during the Suspension Period will be deemed to have been incurred or issued pursuant to clause (3) of the second paragraph of “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock.”

 

219


Table of Contents

There can be no assurance that the Senior Subordinated Notes will ever achieve or maintain Investment Grade Ratings.

Limitation on Restricted Payments

The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly:

(I) declare or pay any dividend or make any payment or distribution on account of the Company’s, or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries’, Equity Interests, including any dividend or distribution payable in connection with any merger or consolidation other than:

(a) dividends or distributions by the Company payable solely in Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company; or

(b) dividends or distributions by a Restricted Subsidiary so long as, in the case of any dividend or distribution payable on or in respect of any class or series of securities issued by a Restricted Subsidiary other than a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary, the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary receives at least its pro rata share of such dividend or distribution in accordance with its Equity Interests in such class or series of securities;

(II) purchase, redeem, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value any Equity Interests of the Company or any direct or indirect parent of the Company, including in connection with any merger or consolidation;

(III) make any principal payment on, or redeem, repurchase, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value in each case, prior to any scheduled repayment, sinking fund payment or maturity, any Subordinated Indebtedness, other than:

(a) Indebtedness permitted under clauses (7) and (8) of the second paragraph of the covenant described under “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock”; or

(b) the purchase, repurchase or other acquisition of Subordinated Indebtedness purchased in anticipation of satisfying a sinking fund obligation, principal installment or final maturity, in each case due within one year of the date of purchase, repurchase or acquisition; or

(IV) make any Restricted Investment

(all such payments and other actions set forth in clauses (I) through (IV) above (other than any exception thereto contained in clauses (I) through (IV)) being collectively referred to as “ Restricted Payments ”), unless, at the time of such Restricted Payment:

(1) no Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a consequence thereof;

(2) immediately after giving effect to such transaction on a pro forma basis, the Company could incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in the first paragraph of the covenant described under “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock” (the “ Fixed Charge Coverage Test ”); and

(3) such Restricted Payment, together with the aggregate amount of all other Restricted Payments made by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries after the Issue Date (including Restricted Payments permitted by clauses (1), (2) (with respect to the payment of dividends on Refunding Capital Stock (as defined below) pursuant to clause (b) thereof only), (6)(c), (9) and (14) of the next succeeding paragraph, but excluding all other Restricted Payments permitted by the next succeeding paragraph), is less than the sum of (without duplication):

(a) 50% of the Consolidated Net Income of the Company for the period (taken as one accounting period) beginning January 1, 2007, to the end of the Company’s recently ended fiscal quarter for which

 

220


Table of Contents

internal financial statements are available at the time of such Restricted Payment, or, in the case such Consolidated Net Income for such period is a deficit, minus 100% of such deficit; plus

(b) 100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds and the fair market value of marketable securities or other property received by the Company since immediately after the Issue Date (other than net cash proceeds to the extent such net cash proceeds have been used to incur Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock pursuant to clause (12)(a) of the second paragraph of “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock”) from the issue or sale of:

(i)    (A) Equity Interests of the Company, excluding cash proceeds and the fair market value of marketable securities or other property received from the sale of:

(x) Equity Interests to members of management, directors or consultants of the Company, any direct or indirect parent company of the Company and the Company’s Subsidiaries after the Issue Date to the extent such amounts have been applied to Restricted Payments made in accordance with clause (4) of the next succeeding paragraph; and

(y) Designated Preferred Stock;

and (B) to the extent such net cash proceeds are actually contributed to the Company, Equity Interests of the Company’s direct or indirect parent companies (excluding contributions of the proceeds from the sale of Designated Preferred Stock of such companies or contributions to the extent such amounts have been applied to Restricted Payments made in accordance with clause (6) of the next succeeding paragraph); or

(ii) debt securities of the Company that have been converted into or exchanged for such Equity Interests of the Company;

provided , however , that this clause (b) shall not include the proceeds from (W) Refunding Capital Stock (as defined below), (X) Equity Interests or convertible debt securities of the Company sold to a Restricted Subsidiary, (Y) Disqualified Stock or debt securities that have been converted into Disqualified Stock or (Z) Excluded Contributions; plus

(c) 100% of the aggregate amount of cash and the fair market value of marketable securities or other property contributed to the capital of the Company following the Issue Date (other than (i) net cash proceeds to the extent such net cash proceeds have been used to incur Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock pursuant to clause (12)(a) of the second paragraph of “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock”), (ii) contributions from a Restricted Subsidiary and (iii) any Excluded Contributions; plus

(d) 100% of the aggregate amount received in cash and the fair market value of marketable securities or other property received by means of:

(i) the sale or other disposition (other than to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary) of Restricted Investments made by the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries and repurchases and redemptions of such Restricted Investments from the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries and repayments of loans or advances, and releases of guarantees, which constitute Restricted Investments by the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries, in each case after the Issue Date; or

(ii) the sale (other than to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary) of the stock of an Unrestricted Subsidiary or a distribution from an Unrestricted Subsidiary (other than in each case to the extent the Investment in such Unrestricted Subsidiary was made by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to clause (7) of the next succeeding paragraph or to the extent such Investment constituted a Permitted Investment) or a dividend from an Unrestricted Subsidiary after the Issue Date; plus

(e) in the case of the redesignation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary after the Issue Date, the fair market value of the Investment in such Unrestricted Subsidiary (which, if the

 

221


Table of Contents

fair market value of such Investment shall exceed $25.0 million, shall be set forth in writing by an Independent Financial Advisor), at the time of the redesignation of such Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary to the extent the Investment in such Unrestricted Subsidiary was made by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to clause (7) of the next succeeding paragraph or to the extent such Investment constituted a Permitted Investment.

The foregoing provisions will not prohibit:

(1) the payment of any dividend within 60 days after the date of declaration thereof, if at the date of declaration such payment would have complied with the provisions of the Indenture;

(2) (a) the redemption, repurchase, retirement or other acquisition of any Equity Interests (“ Treasury Capital Stock ”) or Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company or any Equity Interests of any direct or indirect parent company of the Company in exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale (other than to a Restricted Subsidiary) of, Equity Interests of the Company or any direct or indirect parent company of the Company to the extent contributed to the Company (in each case, other than any Disqualified Stock and any Excluded Contributions) (“ Refunding Capital Stock ”) and (b) if immediately prior to the retirement of Treasury Capital Stock, the declaration and payment of dividends thereon was permitted under clause (6) of this paragraph, the declaration and payment of dividends on the Refunding Capital Stock (other than Refunding Capital Stock the proceeds of which were used to redeem, repurchase, retire or otherwise acquire any Equity Interests of any direct or indirect parent company of the Company) in an aggregate amount per year no greater than the aggregate amount of dividends per annum that were declarable and payable on such Treasury Capital Stock immediately prior to such retirement;

(3) the defeasance, redemption, repurchase or other acquisition or retirement of Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary made by exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale of, new Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, which is incurred in compliance with “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock” so long as:

(a) the principal amount (or accreted value) of such new Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount of (or accreted value, if applicable), plus any accrued and unpaid interest on, the Subordinated Indebtedness being so redeemed, repurchased, acquired or retired for value, plus the amount of any reasonable premium (including reasonable tender premiums), defeasance costs and any reasonable fees and expenses incurred in connection with the issuance of such new Indebtedness;

(b) such new Indebtedness is subordinated to the Senior Subordinated Notes or the applicable Guarantee at least to the same extent as such Subordinated Indebtedness so purchased, exchanged, redeemed, repurchased, acquired or retired for value;

(c) such new Indebtedness has a final scheduled maturity date equal to or later than the final scheduled maturity date of the Subordinated Indebtedness being so redeemed, repurchased, acquired or retired; and

(d) such new Indebtedness has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater than the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Subordinated Indebtedness being so redeemed, repurchased, acquired or retired;

(4) a Restricted Payment to pay for the repurchase, retirement or other acquisition or retirement for value of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company or any of its direct or indirect parent companies held by any future, present or former employee, director or consultant of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of its direct or indirect parent companies pursuant to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement; provided , however , that the aggregate Restricted Payments made under this clause (4) do not exceed in any calendar year $15.0 million (which shall increase to $30.0 million subsequent to the consummation of an underwritten public Equity Offering by the Company or any direct or indirect parent entity of the Company)

 

222


Table of Contents

(with unused amounts in any calendar year being carried over to succeeding calendar years subject to a maximum (without giving effect to the following proviso) of $20.0 million in any calendar year (which shall increase to $40.0 million subsequent to the consummation of an underwritten public Equity Offering by the Company or any direct or indirect parent corporation of the Company)); provided further that such amount in any calendar year may be increased by an amount equal to:

(a) the cash proceeds from the sale of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company and, to the extent contributed to the Company, Equity Interests of any of the Company’s direct or indirect parent companies, in each case to members of management, directors or consultants of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of its direct or indirect parent companies that occurs after the Issue Date, to the extent the cash proceeds from the sale of such Equity Interests are not Excluded Contributions and have not otherwise been applied to the payment of Restricted Payments by virtue of clause (3) of the preceding paragraph; plus

(b) the cash proceeds of key man life insurance policies received by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary after the Issue Date; less

(c) the amount of any Restricted Payments previously made with the cash proceeds described in clauses (a) and (b) of this clause (4);

and provided further that cancellation of Indebtedness owing to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary from members of management of the Company, any of the Company’s direct or indirect parent companies or any of the Company’s Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with a repurchase of Equity Interests of the Company or any of its direct or indirect parent companies will not be deemed to constitute a Restricted Payment for purposes of this covenant or any other provision of the Indenture;

(5) the declaration and payment of dividends to holders of any class or series of Disqualified Stock of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or any class or series of Preferred Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary issued in accordance with the covenant described under “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock” to the extent such dividends are included in the definition of “Fixed Charges”;

(6)   (a) the declaration and payment of dividends to holders of any class or series of Designated Preferred Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) issued by the Company after the Issue Date;

(b) the declaration and payment of dividends to a direct or indirect parent company of the Company, the proceeds of which will be used to fund the payment of dividends to holders of any class or series of Designated Preferred Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of such parent corporation issued after the Issue Date, provided that the amount of dividends paid pursuant to this clause (b) shall not exceed the aggregate amount of cash actually contributed to the Company from the sale of such Designated Preferred Stock; or

(c) the declaration and payment of dividends on Refunding Capital Stock that is Preferred Stock in excess of the dividends declarable and payable thereon pursuant to clause (2) of this paragraph;

provided , however , in the case of each of (a) and (c) of this clause (6), that for the most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date of issuance of such Designated Preferred Stock or the declaration of such dividends on Refunding Capital Stock that is Preferred Stock, after giving effect to such issuance or declaration on a pro forma basis, the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis would have had a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of at least 2.00 to 1.00;

(7) Investments in Unrestricted Subsidiaries having an aggregate fair market value, taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (7) that are at the time outstanding, without giving effect to the sale of an Unrestricted Subsidiary to the extent the proceeds of such sale do not consist of cash or marketable securities, not to exceed the greater of $30.0 million and 1.5% of Total Assets at the time of such Investment (with the fair market value of each Investment being measured at the time made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value);

 

223


Table of Contents

(8) repurchases of Equity Interests deemed to occur upon exercise of stock options or warrants if such Equity Interests represent a portion of the exercise price of such options or warrants;

(9) the declaration and payment of dividends on the Company’s common stock (or the payment of dividends to any direct or indirect parent entity to fund a payment of dividends on such entity’s common stock), following the first public offering of the Company’s common stock or the common stock of any of its direct or indirect parent companies after the Issue Date, of up to 6% per annum of the net cash proceeds received by or contributed to the Company in or from any such public offering, other than public offerings with respect to the Company’s common stock registered on Form S-8 and other than any public sale constituting an Excluded Contribution;

(10) Restricted Payments that are made with Excluded Contributions;

(11) other Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount taken together with all other Restricted Payments made pursuant to this clause (11) not to exceed 2.0% of Total Assets at the time made;

(12) distributions or payments of Receivables Fees;

(13) any Restricted Payment made in connection with the Transaction and the fees and expenses related thereto or made to fund amounts owed to Affiliates (including dividends to any direct or indirect parent of the Company to fund such payment), in each case to the extent permitted by the covenant described under “—Transactions with Affiliates”;

(14) the repurchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement for value of any Subordinated Indebtedness in accordance with the provisions similar to those described under the captions “Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Change of Control” and “Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset Sales”; provided that all Senior Subordinated Notes validly tendered by Holders in connection with a Change of Control Offer or Asset Sale Offer, as applicable, have been repurchased, redeemed or acquired for value;

(15) the declaration and payment of dividends or distributions by the Company to, or the making of loans to, any direct or indirect parent in amounts required for any direct or indirect parent companies to pay, in each case without duplication,

(a) franchise and excise taxes and other fees, taxes and expenses required to maintain their corporate existence;

(b) so long as the Company is treated as a pass-through entity of which such direct or indirect parent is owner, member or a partner (directly or through entities that are pass-through entities), or is a member of a consolidated or combined group that includes such direct or indirect parent, federal, state and local income taxes, to the extent such income taxes are attributable to the income of the Company and its Subsidiaries; provided, that in each case the amount of such payments in any fiscal year does not exceed the amount that the Company and its Subsidiaries would be required to pay in respect of federal, state and local taxes for such fiscal year were the Company and its Subsidiaries (to the extent described above) members of a consolidated or combined group of which the Company was the common parent;

(c) customary salary, bonus and other benefits payable to officers and employees of any direct or indirect parent company of the Company to the extent such salaries, bonuses and other benefits are attributable to the ownership or operation of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(d) general corporate operating and overhead costs and expenses of any direct or indirect parent company of the Company to the extent such costs and expenses are attributable to the ownership or operation of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries; and

(e) fees and expenses other than to Affiliates of the Company related to any unsuccessful equity or debt offering of such parent entity; and

 

224


Table of Contents

(16) the distribution, by dividend or otherwise, of shares of Capital Stock of, or Indebtedness owed to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary by, Unrestricted Subsidiaries (other than Unrestricted Subsidiaries, the primary assets of which are cash and/or Cash Equivalents);

provided , however , that at the time of, and after giving effect to, any Restricted Payment permitted under clauses (11) and (16), no Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a consequence thereof.

As of the Issue Date, all of the Company’s Subsidiaries (other than Finance Co.) were Restricted Subsidiaries. The Company will not permit any Unrestricted Subsidiary to become a Restricted Subsidiary except pursuant to the last sentence of the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary.” For purposes of designating any Restricted Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, all outstanding Investments by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries (except to the extent repaid) in the Subsidiary so designated will be deemed to be Restricted Payments in an amount determined as set forth in the last sentence of the definition of “Investment.” Such designation will be permitted only if a Restricted Payment in such amount would be permitted at such time, whether pursuant to the first paragraph of this covenant or under clause (7), (10) or (11) of the second paragraph of this covenant, or pursuant to the definition of “Permitted Investments,” and if such Subsidiary otherwise meets the definition of an Unrestricted Subsidiary. Unrestricted Subsidiaries will not be subject to any of the restrictive covenants set forth in the Indenture.

Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock

The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, issue, assume, guarantee or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable, contingently or otherwise (collectively, “ incur ” and collectively, an “ incurrence ”) with respect to any Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness) and the Company will not issue any shares of Disqualified Stock and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to issue any shares of Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock; provided , however , that the Company may incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness) or issue shares of Disqualified Stock, and any Restricted Subsidiary may incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness), issue shares of Disqualified Stock and issue shares of Preferred Stock, if the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio on a consolidated basis for the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries’ most recently ended four fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date on which such additional Indebtedness is incurred or such Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock is issued would have been at least 2.00 to 1.00, determined on a pro forma basis (including a pro forma application of the net proceeds therefrom), as if the additional Indebtedness had been incurred, or the Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock had been issued, as the case may be, and the application of proceeds therefrom had occurred at the beginning of such four-quarter period.

The foregoing limitations will not apply to:

(1) the incurrence of Indebtedness under Credit Facilities by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and the issuance and creation of letters of credit and bankers’ acceptances thereunder (with letters of credit and bankers’ acceptances being deemed to have a principal amount equal to the face amount thereof), up to an aggregate principal amount of $1,600.0 million outstanding at any one time;

(2) the incurrence by the Company and any Guarantor of Indebtedness represented by (a) the Senior Subordinated Notes (including any Guarantee) and the exchange notes and related guarantees to be issued in exchange for Senior Subordinated Notes and the Guarantees pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement (other than any Additional Senior Subordinated Notes) and (b) the Senior Notes issued on the Issue Date (including any guarantee thereof) and the exchange notes and related exchange guarantees to be issued in exchange for the Senior Notes and the guarantees thereof pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement;

(3) Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries in existence on the Issue Date (other than Indebtedness described in clauses (1) and (2));

 

225


Table of Contents

(4) Indebtedness (including Capitalized Lease Obligations), Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock incurred by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, to finance the purchase, lease or improvement of property (real or personal) or equipment that is used or useful in a Similar Business, whether through the direct purchase of assets or the Capital Stock of any Person owning such assets in an aggregate principal amount, together with any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof and all other Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock and/or Preferred Stock issued and outstanding under this clause (4) not to exceed 4.0% of Total Assets at any time outstanding; so long as such Indebtedness exists at the date of such purchase, lease or improvement, or is created within 270 days thereafter;

(5) Indebtedness incurred by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries constituting reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit issued in the ordinary course of business, including letters of credit in respect of workers’ compensation claims, or other Indebtedness with respect to reimbursement type obligations regarding workers’ compensation claims; provided , that upon the drawing of such letters of credit or the incurrence of such Indebtedness, such obligations are reimbursed within 30 days following such drawing or incurrence;

(6) Indebtedness arising from agreements of the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries providing for indemnification, adjustment of purchase price or similar obligations, in each case, incurred or assumed in connection with the disposition of any business, assets or a Subsidiary, other than guarantees of Indebtedness incurred by any Person acquiring all or any portion of such business, assets or a Subsidiary for the purpose of financing such acquisition; provided , however , that such Indebtedness is not reflected on the balance sheet of the Company, or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (contingent obligations referred to in a footnote to financial statements and not otherwise reflected on the balance sheet will not be deemed to be reflected on such balance sheet for purposes of this clause (6));

(7) Indebtedness of the Company to a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that any such Indebtedness owing to a Restricted Subsidiary that is not Finance Co. or a Guarantor is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Senior Subordinated Notes; provided further that any subsequent issuance or transfer of any Capital Stock or any other event which results in any Restricted Subsidiary ceasing to be a Restricted Subsidiary or any other subsequent transfer of any such Indebtedness (except to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary) shall be deemed, in each case, to be an incurrence of such Indebtedness;

(8) Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary; provided that if a Guarantor or Finance Co. incurs such Indebtedness to a Restricted Subsidiary that is neither Finance Co. or a Guarantor, such Indebtedness is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Senior Notes, in the case of Finance Co., or the Guarantee of the Senior Subordinated Notes, in the case of such Guarantor; provided further that any subsequent transfer of any such Indebtedness (except to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary) shall be deemed, in each case, to be an incurrence of such Indebtedness not permitted by this clause;

(9) shares of Preferred Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary issued to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary; provided that any subsequent issuance or transfer of any Capital Stock or any other event which results in any such Restricted Subsidiary ceasing to be a Restricted Subsidiary or any other subsequent transfer of any such shares of Preferred Stock (except to the Company or another of its Restricted Subsidiaries) shall be deemed in each case to be an issuance of such shares of Preferred Stock not permitted by this clause;

(10) Hedging Obligations (excluding Hedging Obligations entered into for speculative purposes) for the purpose of limiting interest rate risk with respect to any Indebtedness permitted to be incurred pursuant to “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock,” exchange rate risk or commodity pricing risk;

(11) obligations in respect of performance, bid, appeal and surety bonds and completion guarantees provided by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

 

226


Table of Contents

(12)(a) Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock of the Company and Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary equal to 200% of the net cash proceeds received by the Company since immediately after the Issue Date from the issue or sale of Equity Interests of the Company or cash contributed to the capital of the Company (in each case, other than proceeds of an Excluded Contribution or from the issue or sale of Disqualified Stock or sales of Equity Interests to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) as determined in accordance with clauses (3)(b) and (3)(c) of the first paragraph of “—Limitation on Restricted Payments” to the extent such net cash proceeds or cash have not been applied pursuant to such clauses to make Restricted Payments or to make other Investments, payments or exchanges pursuant to the second paragraph of “—Limitation on Restricted Payments” or to make Permitted Investments (other than Permitted Investments specified in clauses (1) and (3) of the definition thereof) and (b) Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock of the Company and Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary not otherwise permitted hereunder in an aggregate principal amount or liquidation preference, which when aggregated with the principal amount and liquidation preference of all other Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock then outstanding and incurred pursuant to this clause (12)(b), does not at any one time outstanding exceed $150.0 million (it being understood that any Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock incurred pursuant to this clause (12)(b) shall cease to be deemed incurred or outstanding for purposes of this clause (12)(b) but shall be deemed incurred for the purposes of the first paragraph of this covenant from and after the first date on which the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary could have incurred such Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock under the first paragraph of this covenant without reliance on this clause (12)(b));

(13) the incurrence by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock which serves to refund or refinance any Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock incurred as permitted under the first paragraph of this covenant and clauses (2), (3), (4) and (12) above, this clause (13) and clause (14) below or any Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock issued to so refund or refinance such Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock including additional Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock incurred to pay premiums (including reasonable tender premiums), defeasance costs and fees in connection therewith (the “ Refinancing Indebtedness ”) prior to its respective maturity; provided , however , that such Refinancing Indebtedness:

(a) has a final maturity date later than the final maturity date of, and has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity at the time such Refinancing Indebtedness is incurred which is not less than the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of, the Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock being refunded or refinanced,

(b) to the extent such Refinancing Indebtedness refinances (i) Indebtedness subordinated or pari passu to the Senior Subordinated Notes or any Guarantee thereof, such Refinancing Indebtedness is subordinated or pari passu to the Senior Subordinated Notes or the Guarantee at least to the same extent as the Indebtedness being refinanced or refunded or (ii) Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, such Refinancing Indebtedness must be Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, respectively, and

(c) shall not include:

(i) Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of a Subsidiary of the Company that is not a Guarantor (other than Finance Co.) that refinances Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of the Company; or

(ii) Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of a Subsidiary of the Company that is not a Guarantor (other than Finance Co.) that refinances Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of Finance Co. or a Guarantor;

and provided further that subclause (a) of this clause (13) will not apply to any refunding or refinancing of any Senior Indebtedness;

 

227


Table of Contents

(14) Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of (x) the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary incurred to finance an acquisition or (y) Persons that are acquired by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary or merged into the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary in accordance with the terms of the Indenture; provided, that after giving effect to such acquisition or merger, either

(a) the Company would be permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Test; or

(b) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries is equal to or greater than immediately prior to such acquisition or merger;

(15) 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, provided that such Indebtedness is extinguished within five Business Days of its incurrence;

(16) Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries supported by a letter of credit issued pursuant to any Credit Facilities, in a principal amount not in excess of the stated amount of such letter of credit;

(17) (a) any guarantee by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of Indebtedness or other obligations of any Restricted Subsidiary so long as the incurrence of such Indebtedness incurred by such Restricted Subsidiary is permitted under the terms of the Indenture, or

(b) any guarantee by a Restricted Subsidiary of Indebtedness of the Company; provided that such guarantee is incurred in accordance with the covenant described below under “—Limitation on Guarantees of Indebtedness by Restricted Subsidiaries”;

(18) Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries consisting of (i) the financing of insurance premiums or (ii) take-or-pay obligations contained in supply arrangements in each case, incurred in the ordinary course of business;

(19) Indebtedness issued by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to current or former officers, directors and employees thereof, their respective estates, spouses or former spouses, in each case to finance the purchase or redemption of Equity Interests of the Company or any direct or indirect parent company of the Company to the extent described in clause (4) of the second paragraph under the caption “—Limitation on Restricted Payments”;

(20) Indebtedness of Foreign Subsidiaries of the Issuers incurred not to exceed at any one time outstanding and together with any other Indebtedness incurred under this clause (20) $50.0 million (it being understood that any Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (20) shall cease to be deemed to incurred or outstanding for purposes of this clause (20) but shall be deemed incurred for the purposes of the first paragraph of this covenant from and after the first date on which such Foreign Subsidiary could have incurred such Indebtedness under the first paragraph of this covenant without reliance on this clause (20);

(21) customer deposits and advance payments received in the ordinary course of business from customers for goods purchased in the ordinary course of business;

(22) Indebtedness owed on a short-term basis of no longer than 30 days to banks and other financial institutions incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries with such banks or financial institutions that arises in connection with ordinary banking arrangements to manage cash balances of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(23) Indebtedness incurred by a Restricted Subsidiary in connection with bankers’ acceptances, discounted bills of exchange or the discounting or factoring of receivables for credit management purposes, in each case incurred or undertaken in the ordinary course of business on arm’s length commercial terms on a recourse basis; and

 

228


Table of Contents

(24) Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries consisting of (i) the financing of insurance premiums or (ii) take-or-pay obligations contained in supply arrangements in each case, incurred in the ordinary course of business.

For purposes of determining compliance with this covenant:

(1) in the event that an item of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock (or any portion thereof) meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of permitted Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock described in clauses (1) through (24) above or is entitled to be incurred pursuant to the first paragraph of this covenant, the Company, in its sole discretion, will classify or reclassify such item of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock (or any portion thereof) and will only be required to include the amount and type of such Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock in one of the above clauses or under the first paragraph of this covenant; provided , that all Indebtedness outstanding under the Credit Facilities on the Issue Date will be treated as incurred on the Issue Date under clause (1) of the preceding paragraph; and

(2) at the time of incurrence, the Company will be entitled to divide and classify an item of Indebtedness in more than one of the types of Indebtedness described in the first and second paragraphs above.

Accrual of interest or dividends, the accretion of accreted value, the accretion or amortization of original issue discount and the payment of interest or dividends in the form of additional Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, as the case may be, of the same class will not be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock for purposes of this covenant.

For purposes of determining compliance with any U.S. dollar-denominated restriction on the incurrence of Indebtedness, the U.S. dollar-equivalent principal amount of Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency shall be calculated based on the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date such Indebtedness was incurred, in the case of term debt, or first committed, in the case of revolving credit debt; provided that if such Indebtedness is incurred to refinance other Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency, and such refinancing would cause the applicable U.S. dollar-denominated restriction to be exceeded if calculated at the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date of such refinancing, such U.S. dollar-denominated restriction shall be deemed not to have been exceeded so long as the principal amount of such refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount of such Indebtedness being refinanced.

The principal amount of any Indebtedness incurred to refinance other Indebtedness, if incurred in a different currency from the Indebtedness being refinanced, shall be calculated based on the currency exchange rate applicable to the currencies in which such respective Indebtedness is denominated that is in effect on the date of such refinancing.

Liens

The Issuers will not, and the Company will not permit any Guarantor to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien (except Permitted Liens) that secures obligations under any Indebtedness ranking pari passu with or subordinated to the Senior Subordinated Notes or any related Guarantee, on any asset or property of the Issuers or any Guarantor, or any income or profits therefrom, or assign or convey any right to receive income therefrom, unless:

(1) in the case of Liens securing Subordinated Indebtedness, the Senior Subordinated Notes and related Guarantees are secured by a Lien on such property, assets or proceeds that is senior in priority to such Liens; or

(2) in all other cases, the Senior Subordinated Notes or the Guarantees are equally and ratably secured, except that the foregoing shall not apply to (a) Liens securing the Senior Subordinated Notes and the related Guarantees and (b) Liens securing Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers or any Guarantor.

 

229


Table of Contents

Merger, Consolidation or Sale of All or Substantially All Assets

The Company

The Company may not consolidate or merge with or into or wind up into (whether or not the Company is the surviving corporation), or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties or assets, in one or more related transactions, to any Person unless:

(1) the Company is the surviving entity or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than the Company) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition will have been made is a Person organized or existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of organization of the Company or the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia, or any territory thereof (such Person, as the case may be, being herein called the “ Successor Company ”); provided , that in the case where the surviving Person is not a corporation, a co-obligor of the Senior Subordinated Notes is a corporation;

(2) the Successor Company, if other than the Company, expressly assumes all the obligations of the Company under the Senior Subordinated Notes pursuant to supplemental indentures or other documents or instruments;

(3) immediately after such transaction, no Default exists;

(4) immediately after giving pro forma effect to such transaction and any related financing transactions, as if such transactions had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period,

(a) the Successor Company or the Company would be permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Test, or

(b) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Successor Company, the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries would be equal to or greater than the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries immediately prior to such transaction;

(5) each Guarantor, unless it is the other party to the transactions described above, in which case clause (1)(b) of the third succeeding paragraph shall apply, shall have by supplemental indenture confirmed that its Guarantee shall apply to such Person’s obligations under the Indenture, the Senior Subordinated Notes and the Registration Rights Agreement; and

(6) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger or transfer and such supplemental indentures, if any, comply with the Indenture.

The Successor Company will succeed to, and be substituted for the Company under the Indenture, the Guarantees and the Senior Subordinated Notes, as applicable. Notwithstanding the foregoing clauses (3) and (4),

(1) any Restricted Subsidiary may consolidate with or merge into or transfer all or part of its properties and assets to the Company, and

(2) the Company may merge with an Affiliate of the Company solely for the purpose of reorganizing the Company in the United States and any state thereof, the District of Columbia or any territory thereof, so long as the amount of Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries is not increased thereby.

 

230


Table of Contents

The Guarantors

Subject to certain limitations described in the Indenture governing release of a Guarantee upon the sale, disposition or transfer of a guarantor, no Guarantor will, and the Company will not permit any Guarantor to, consolidate or merge with or into or wind up into (whether or not the Guarantor is the surviving Person), or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties or assets, in one or more related transactions, to any Person unless:

(1)   (a) such Guarantor is the surviving entity or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than such Guarantor) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition will have been made is a Person organized or existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of organization of such Guarantor, as the case may be, or the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia, or any territory thereof (such Guarantor or such Person, as the case may be, being herein called the “ Successor Person ”);

(b) the Successor Person, if other than such Guarantor, expressly assumes all the obligations of such Guarantor under the Indenture and such Guarantor’s related Guarantee pursuant to supplemental indentures or other documents or instruments;

(c) immediately after such transaction, no Default exists; and

(d) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and Opinion of Counsel stating that such consolidation, merger or transfer and such supplemental indentures, if any, comply with the Indenture; or

(2) the transaction is made in compliance with the covenant described under “Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset Sales.”

Subject to certain limitations described in the Indenture, the Successor Person will succeed to, and be substituted for, such Guarantor under the Indenture and such Guarantor’s Guarantee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Guarantor may (i) merge into or transfer all or part of its properties and assets to another Guarantor or either Issuers, (ii) merge with an Affiliate of the Company solely for the purpose of reincorporating the Guarantor in the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia or any territory thereof or (iii) convert into a corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability corporation or trust organized or existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of organization of such Guarantor.

Finance Co.

Finance Co. may not, directly or indirectly, consolidate or merge with or into or wind up into (whether or not Finance Co. is the surviving corporation), or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of Finance Co.’s properties or assets, in one or more related transactions, to any Person unless:

(1)   (a) concurrently therewith, a corporate Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Company organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia or any territory thereof (which may be the continuing Person as a result of such transaction) expressly assumes all the obligations of Finance Co. under the Senior Subordinated Notes, pursuant to supplemental indentures or other documents or instruments in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, and the Registration Rights Agreement if the exchange offers contemplated therein have not been consummated or if the Issuers continue to have an obligation to file or maintain the effectiveness of a shelf registration statement as provided under such agreement; or

(b) after giving effect thereto, at least one obligor on the Senior Subordinated Notes shall be a corporation organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia or any territory thereof;

(2) immediately after such transaction, no Default or Event of Default will have occurred and be continuing; and

 

231


Table of Contents

(3) Finance Co. shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger or transfer and such supplemental indenture, if any, comply with the Indenture.

Transactions with Affiliates

The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, make any payment to, or sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its properties or assets to, or purchase any property or assets from, or enter into or make or amend any transaction, contract, agreement, understanding, loan, advance or guarantee with, or for the benefit of, any Affiliate of the Company (each of the foregoing, an “ Affiliate Transaction ”) involving aggregate payments or consideration in excess of $10.0 million, unless:

(1) such Affiliate Transaction is on terms that are not materially less favorable to the Company or its relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those that would have been obtained in a comparable transaction by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary with an unrelated Person on an arm’s-length basis; and

(2) the Company delivers to the Trustee with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate payments or consideration in excess of $20.0 million, a resolution adopted by the majority of the board of directors of the Company approving such Affiliate Transaction and set forth in an Officer’s Certificate certifying that such Affiliate Transaction complies with clause (1) above.

The foregoing provisions will not apply to the following:

(1) transactions between or among the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(2) Restricted Payments permitted by the provisions of the Indenture described above under the covenant “—Limitation on Restricted Payments” and the definition of “Permitted Investments”;

(3) the payment of management, consulting, monitoring and advisory fees and related expenses to the Investors pursuant to the Sponsor Management Agreement (plus any unpaid management, consulting, monitoring and advisory fees and related expenses accrued in any prior year) and the termination fees pursuant to the Sponsor Management Agreement, or any amendment thereto so long as any such amendment is not more disadvantageous in the good faith judgment of the Company to the Holders when, take as a whole, compared to the Sponsor Management Agreement in effect on the Issue Date;

(4) the payment of reasonable and customary fees paid to, and indemnities provided for the benefit of, current or former officers, directors, employees or consultants of the Company, any of its direct or indirect parent companies or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(5) transactions in which the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, as the case may be, delivers to the Trustee a letter from an Independent Financial Advisor stating that such transaction is fair to the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary from a financial point of view or stating that the terms are not materially less favorable to the Company or its relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those that would have been obtained in a comparable transaction by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary with an unrelated Person on an arm’s-length basis;

(6) any agreement as in effect as of the Issue Date, or any amendment thereto (so long as any such amendment is not disadvantageous to the Holders when taken as a whole as compared to the applicable agreement as in effect on the Issue Date);

(7) the existence of, or the performance by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of its obligations under the terms of, any stockholders agreement (including any registration rights agreement or purchase agreement related thereto) to which it is a party as of the Issue Date and any similar agreements which it may enter into thereafter; provided , however , that the existence of, or the performance by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of obligations under any future amendment to any such existing agreement or under any similar agreement entered into after the Issue Date shall only be permitted by this clause (7) to the extent that the terms of any such amendment or new agreement are not otherwise disadvantageous to the Holders when taken as a whole;

 

232


Table of Contents

(8) the Transaction and the payment of all fees and expenses related to the Transaction, in each case as contemplated by the Offering Memorandum;

(9) transactions with customers, clients, suppliers, or purchasers or sellers of goods or services, in each case in the ordinary course of business and otherwise in compliance with the terms of the Indenture which are fair to the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, in the reasonable determination of the board of directors of the Company or the senior management thereof, or are on terms at least as favorable as might reasonably have been obtained at such time from an unaffiliated party;

(10) the issuance of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company to any Permitted Holder or to any director, officer, employee or consultant of the Company, any of its direct or indirect parent companies or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(11) sales of accounts receivable, or participations therein, in connection with any Receivables Facility;

(12) payments by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to any of the Investors made for any financial advisory, financing, underwriting or placement services or in respect of other investment banking activities, including, without limitation, in connection with acquisitions or divestitures which payments are approved by a majority of the board of directors of the Company in good faith;

(13) payments or loans (or cancellation of loans) to employees or consultants of the Company, any of its direct or indirect parent companies or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and employment agreements, stock option plans and other similar arrangements with such employees or consultants which, in each case, are approved by the Company in good faith; and

(14) investments by the Investors in securities of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (and the payment of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Investors in connection therewith) so long as (i) the investment is being offered generally to other investors on the same or more favorable terms and (ii) the investment constitutes less than 5% of the proposed or outstanding issue amount of such class of securities.

Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries

The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors to, directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or consensual restriction on the ability of any such non-Guarantor Restricted Subsidiary to:

(1)   (a) pay dividends or make any other distributions to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries on its Capital Stock or with respect to any other interest or participation in, or measured by, its profits, or

(b) pay any Indebtedness owed to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(2) make loans or advances to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; or

(3) sell, lease or transfer any of its properties or assets to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries,

except (in each case) for such encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason of:

(a) contractual encumbrances or restrictions in effect on the Issue Date, including pursuant to the Senior Credit Facilities and the related documentation, Hedging Obligations and the indenture governing the Senior Notes and the related documentation;

(b) the Indenture and the Senior Subordinated Notes;

(c) purchase money obligations for property acquired in the ordinary course of business that impose restrictions of the nature discussed in clause (3) above on the property so acquired;

(d) applicable law or any applicable rule, regulation or order;

 

233


Table of Contents

(e) any agreement or other instrument of a Person acquired by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in existence at the time of such acquisition or at the time it merges with or into the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or assumed in connection with the acquisition of assets from such Person (but, in any such case, not created in contemplation thereof), which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person and its Subsidiaries, or the property or assets of the Person and its Subsidiaries, so acquired or the property or assets so assumed;

(f) contracts for the sale of assets, including customary restrictions with respect to a Subsidiary of the Company pursuant to an agreement that has been entered into for the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the Capital Stock or assets of such Subsidiary;

(g) Secured Indebtedness otherwise permitted to be incurred pursuant to the covenants described under “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock” and “—Liens” that limit the right of the debtor to dispose of the assets securing such Indebtedness;

(h) restrictions on cash or other deposits or net worth imposed by customers under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business;

(i) other Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of Foreign Subsidiaries permitted to be incurred subsequent to the Issue Date pursuant to the provisions of the covenant described under “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock”;

(j) customary provisions in joint venture agreements and other agreements or arrangements relating solely to such joint venture;

(k) customary provisions contained in leases, licenses or similar agreements, including with respect to intellectual property and other agreements, in each case, entered into in the ordinary course of business;

(l) any encumbrances or restrictions of the type referred to in clauses (1), (2) and (3) above imposed by any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings of the contracts, instruments or obligations referred to in clauses (a) through (k) above; provided that such amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings are, in the good faith judgment of the Company, no more restrictive with respect to such encumbrance and other restrictions taken as a whole than those prior to such amendment, modification, restatement, renewal, increase, supplement, refunding, replacement or refinancing; and

(m) restrictions created in connection with any Receivables Facility that, in the good faith determination of the Company are necessary or advisable to effect such Receivables Facility.

Limitation on Guarantees of Indebtedness by Restricted Subsidiaries

The Company will not permit any of its Wholly Owned Subsidiaries that are Restricted Subsidiaries and non-Wholly Owned Subsidiaries if such non-Wholly Owned Subsidiaries guarantee other capital market debt securities, other than Finance Co. or a Guarantor, to guarantee the payment of any Indebtedness (or any interest on such Indebtedness) of either Issuer or any other Guarantor unless:

(1) such Restricted Subsidiary within 30 days executes and delivers a supplemental indenture to the Indenture providing for a Guarantee by such Restricted Subsidiary, provided that (a) if such Indebtedness is by its express terms subordinated in right of payment to the Senior Subordinated Notes or such Guarantor’s Guarantee, any such guarantee by such Restricted Subsidiary with respect to such Indebtedness shall be subordinated in right of payment to such Restricted Subsidiary’s Guarantee substantially to the same extent as such Indebtedness is subordinated to the Senior Subordinated Notes and (b) if the Senior Subordinated Notes or such Guarantor’s Guarantee are subordinated in right of payment to such Indebtedness, the

 

234


Table of Contents

Guarantee under the supplemental indenture shall be subordinated to such Restricted Subsidiary’s guarantee with respect to such Indebtedness substantially to the same extent as the Senior Subordinated Notes are subordinated to such Indebtedness; and

(2) such Restricted Subsidiary waives and will not in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any rights of reimbursement, indemnity or subrogation or any other rights against the Company or any other Restricted Subsidiary as a result of any payment by such Restricted Subsidiary under its Guarantee,

provided , that this covenant shall not be applicable to any guarantee of any Restricted Subsidiary that existed at the time such Person became a Restricted Subsidiary and was not incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary.

Limitation on Layering

The Indenture provides that neither Issuer will, and the Company will not permit any Guarantor to, directly or indirectly, incur any Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness) that is subordinate in right of payment to any Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers or such Guarantor, as the case may be, unless such Indebtedness is either:

(1) equal in right of payment with the Senior Subordinated Notes or such Guarantor’s Guarantee of the Senior Subordinated Notes, as the case may be; or

(2) expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Senior Subordinated Notes or such Guarantor’s Guarantee of the Senior Subordinated Notes, as the case may be.

The Indenture will not treat (1) unsecured Indebtedness as subordinated or junior to Secured Indebtedness merely because it is unsecured or (2) Senior Indebtedness as subordinated or junior to any other Senior Indebtedness merely because it has a junior priority with respect to the same collateral.

Reports and Other Information

Notwithstanding that the Company may not be subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act or otherwise report on an annual and quarterly basis on forms provided for such annual and quarterly reporting pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC, the Indenture will require the Company to file with the SEC (and make available to the Trustee and Holders of the Senior Subordinated Notes (without exhibits), without cost to any Holder, within 15 days after it files them with the SEC) from and after the Issue Date,

(1) within 90 days (or any other time period then in effect under the rules and regulations of the Exchange Act with respect to the filing of a Form 10-K by a non-accelerated filer) after the end of each fiscal year, annual reports on Form 10-K, or any successor or comparable form, containing the information required to be contained therein, or required in such successor or comparable form;

(2) within 45 days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year, reports on Form 10-Q containing all quarterly information that would be required to be contained in Form 10-Q, or any successor or comparable form;

(3) promptly from time to time after the occurrence of an event required to be therein reported, such other reports on Form 8-K, or any successor or comparable form; and

(4) any other information, documents and other reports which the Company would be required to file with the SEC if it were subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act;

in each case, in a manner that complies in all material respects with the requirements specified in such form; provided that the Company shall not be so obligated to file such reports with the SEC if the SEC does not permit such filing, in which event the Company will make available such information to prospective purchasers of

 

235


Table of Contents

Senior Subordinated Notes, in addition to providing such information to the Trustee and the Holders of the Senior Subordinated Notes, in each case within 15 days after the time the Company would be required to file such information with the SEC, if it were subject to Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. In addition, to the extent not satisfied by the foregoing, the Company will agree that, for so long as any Senior Subordinated Notes are outstanding, it will furnish to Holders and to securities analysts and prospective investors, upon their request, the information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act.

In the event that any direct or indirect parent company of the Company becomes a guarantor of the Senior Subordinated Notes, the Indenture will permit the Company to satisfy its obligations in this covenant with respect to financial information relating to the Company by furnishing financial information relating to such parent; provided that the same is accompanied by consolidating information that explains in reasonable detail the differences between the information relating to such parent, on the one hand, and the information relating to the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a standalone basis, on the other hand.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, such requirements shall be deemed satisfied prior to the commencement of the exchange offers or the effectiveness of the shelf registration statement described in the Registration Rights Agreement by (1) the filing with the SEC of the exchange offer registration statement or shelf registration statement (or any other similar registration statement), and any amendments thereto, with such financial information that satisfies Regulation S-X of the Securities Act, subject to exceptions consistent with the presentation of financial information in the Offering Memorandum, or (2) by posting on its website or providing to the Trustee within 15 days of the time periods after the Company would have been required to file annual and interim reports with the SEC, the financial information (including a “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section) that would be required to be included in such reports, subject to exceptions consistent with the presentation of financial information in the Offering Memorandum.

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company will not be deemed to have failed to comply with any of its obligations hereunder for purposes of clause (3) under “Events of Default and Remedies” until at least 120 days after the date any report hereunder is due.

Events of Default and Remedies

The Indenture provides that each of the following is an Event of Default:

(1) default in payment when due and payable, upon redemption, acceleration or otherwise, of principal of, or premium, if any, on the Senior Subordinated Notes (whether or not prohibited by the subordination provisions of the Indenture);

(2) default for 30 days or more in the payment when due of interest or Additional Interest on or with respect to the Senior Subordinated Notes (whether or not prohibited by the subordination provisions of the Indenture);

(3) failure by either Issuer or any Guarantor for 60 days after receipt of written notice given by the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 30% in principal amount of outstanding Senior Subordinated Notes to comply with any of its obligations, covenants or agreements (other than a default referred to in clauses (1) and (2) above) contained in the Indenture or the Senior Subordinated Notes;

(4) default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there is issued or by which there is secured or evidenced any Indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or the payment of which is guaranteed by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, other than Indebtedness owed to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary, whether such Indebtedness or guarantee now exists or is created after the issuance of the Senior Subordinated Notes, if both:

(a) such default either results from the failure to pay any principal of such Indebtedness at its stated final maturity (after giving effect to any applicable grace periods) or relates to an obligation other than the obligation to pay principal of any such Indebtedness at its stated final maturity and

 

236


Table of Contents

results in the holder or holders of such Indebtedness causing such Indebtedness to become due prior to its stated maturity; and

(b) the principal amount of such Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other such Indebtedness in default for failure to pay principal at stated final maturity (after giving effect to any applicable grace periods), or the maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregate $25.0 million or more at any one time outstanding;

(5) failure by any Issuer or any Significant Subsidiary (or any group of Subsidiaries that together would constitute a Significant Subsidiary) to pay final judgments aggregating in excess of $25.0 million, which final judgments remain unpaid, undischarged and unstayed for a period of more than 60 days after such judgment becomes final, and in the event such judgment is covered by insurance, an enforcement proceeding has been commenced by any creditor upon such judgment or decree which is not promptly stayed;

(6) certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency with respect to any Issuer or any Significant Subsidiary (or any group of Subsidiaries that together would constitute a Significant Subsidiary); or

(7) the Guarantee of any Significant Subsidiary shall for any reason cease to be in full force and effect or be declared null and void or any responsible officer of any Guarantor that is a Significant Subsidiary, as the case may be, denies that it has any further liability under its Guarantee or gives notice to such effect, other than by reason of the termination of the Indenture or the release of any such Guarantee in accordance with the Indenture.

If any Event of Default (other than of a type specified in clause (6) above) occurs and is continuing under the Indenture, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 30% in principal amount of the then total outstanding Senior Subordinated Notes may declare the principal, premium, if any, interest and any other monetary obligations on all the then outstanding Senior Subordinated Notes to be due and payable immediately; provided, however, that so long as any Indebtedness permitted to be incurred under the Indenture as part of the Senior Credit Facilities shall be outstanding, no such acceleration shall be effective until the earlier of:

(1) acceleration of any such Indebtedness under the Senior Credit Facilities; or

(2) five Business Days after the giving of written notice of such acceleration to the Issuers and the administrative agent under the Senior Credit Facilities.

Upon the effectiveness of such declaration, such principal and interest will be due and payable immediately. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an Event of Default arising under clause (6) of the first paragraph of this section, all outstanding Senior Subordinated Notes will become due and payable without further action or notice. The Indenture provides that the Trustee may withhold from the Holders notice of any continuing Default, except a Default relating to the payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest, if it determines that withholding notice is in their interest. In addition, the Trustee has no obligation to accelerate the Senior Subordinated Notes if in the best judgment of the Trustee acceleration is not in the best interests of the Holders of the Senior Subordinated Notes.

The Indenture provides that the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Senior Subordinated Notes by notice to the Trustee may on behalf of the Holders of all of the Senior Subordinated Notes waive any existing Default and its consequences under the Indenture (except a continuing Default in the payment of interest on, premium, if any, or the principal of any Senior Subordinated Note held by a non-consenting Holder) and rescind any acceleration with respect to the Senior Subordinated Notes and its consequences (except if such rescission would conflict with any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction). In the event of any Event of Default specified in clause (4) above, such Event of Default and all consequences thereof (excluding any resulting payment default, other than as a result of acceleration of the Senior Subordinated Notes) shall be annulled, waived and rescinded, automatically and without any action by the Trustee or the Holders, if within 20 days after such Event of Default arose:

(1) the Indebtedness or guarantee that is the basis for such Event of Default has been discharged; or

 

237


Table of Contents

(2) holders thereof have rescinded or waived the acceleration, notice or action (as the case may be) giving rise to such Event of Default; or

(3) the default that is the basis for such Event of Default has been cured.

Subject to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the duties of the Trustee thereunder, in case an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers under the Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders of the Senior Subordinated Notes unless the Holders have offered to the Trustee indemnity or security reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee against any loss, liability or expense. Except to enforce the right to receive payment of principal, premium (if any) or interest when due, no Holder of a Senior Subordinated Note may pursue any remedy with respect to the Indenture or the Senior Subordinated Notes unless:

(1) such Holder has previously given the Trustee notice that an Event of Default is continuing;

(2) Holders of at least 30% in principal amount of the total outstanding Senior Subordinated Notes have requested the Trustee to pursue the remedy;

(3) Holders of the Senior Subordinated Notes have offered the Trustee security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee against any loss, liability or expense;

(4) the Trustee has not complied with such request within 60 days after the receipt thereof and the offer of security or indemnity; and

(5) Holders of a majority in principal amount of the total outstanding Senior Subordinated Notes have not given the Trustee a direction inconsistent with such request within such 60-day period.

Subject to certain restrictions, under the Indenture the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the total outstanding Senior Subordinated Notes are given the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or of exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee. The Trustee, however, may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or the Indenture or that the Trustee determines is unduly prejudicial to the rights of any other Holder of a Senior Subordinated Note or that would involve the Trustee in personal liability.

The Indenture provides that the Issuers are required to deliver to the Trustee annually a statement regarding compliance with the Indenture, and the Issuers are required, within 20 Business Days, upon becoming aware of any Default, to deliver to the Trustee a statement specifying such Default.

No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders

No director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of any Issuer or any Guarantor (other than the Issuers and the Guarantors) or any of their parent companies shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuers or the Guarantors under the Senior Subordinated Notes, the 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 Senior Subordinated Notes waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Senior Subordinated 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.

Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

The obligations of the Issuers and the Guarantors under the Indenture will terminate (other than certain obligations) and will be released upon payment in full of all of the Senior Subordinated Notes. The Issuers may, at their option and at any time, elect to have all of their obligations discharged with respect to the Senior

 

238


Table of Contents

Subordinated Notes and have each Guarantor’s obligation discharged with respect to its Guarantee (“ Legal Defeasance ”) and cure all then existing Events of Default except for:

(1) the rights of Holders of Senior Subordinated Notes to receive payments in respect of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Senior Subordinated Notes when such payments are due solely out of the trust created pursuant to the Indenture;

(2) the Issuers’ obligations with respect to Senior Subordinated Notes concerning issuing temporary Senior Subordinated Notes, registration of such Senior Subordinated Notes, mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Senior Subordinated Notes and the maintenance of an office or agency for payment and money for security payments held in trust;

(3) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee, and the Issuers’ obligations in connection therewith; and

(4) the Legal Defeasance provisions of the Indenture.

In addition, the Issuers may, at their option and at any time, elect to have their obligations and those of each Guarantor released with respect to certain covenants that are described in the Indenture (“ Covenant Defeasance ”) and thereafter any omission to comply with such obligations shall not constitute a Default with respect to the Senior Subordinated Notes. In the event Covenant Defeasance occurs, certain events (not including bankruptcy, receivership, rehabilitation and insolvency events pertaining to the Issuers) described under “Events of Default and Remedies” will no longer constitute an Event of Default with respect to the Senior Subordinated Notes.

In order to exercise either Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance with respect to the Senior Subordinated Notes:

(1) the Issuers must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, in trust, for the benefit of the Holders of the Senior Subordinated Notes, cash in U.S. dollars, U.S. dollar-denominated Government Securities, or a combination thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants, to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest due on the Senior Subordinated Notes on the stated maturity date or on the redemption date, as the case may be, of such principal, premium, if any, or interest on such Senior Subordinated Notes and the Issuers must specify whether such Senior Subordinated Notes are being defeased to maturity or to a particular redemption date;

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

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

(b) since the issuance of the Senior Subordinated Notes, there has been a change in the applicable U.S. federal income tax law,

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

(3) in the case of Covenant Defeasance, the Issuers shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that, subject to customary assumptions and exclusions, the Holders of the Senior Subordinated Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to such 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;

 

239


Table of Contents

(4) no Default (other than that resulting from borrowing funds to be applied to make such deposit and any similar and simultaneous deposit relating to other Indebtedness and, in each case, the granting of Liens in connection therewith) shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit;

(5) such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under the Senior Credit Facilities, the Senior Notes or the indenture pursuant to which the Senior Notes were issued or any other material agreement or instrument (other than the Indenture) to which any Issuer or any Guarantor is a party or by which any Issuer or any Guarantor is bound (other than that resulting from any borrowing of funds to be applied to make the deposit required to effect such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance and any similar and simultaneous deposit relating to other Indebtedness, and the granting of Liens in connection therewith);

(6) the Issuers shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that, as of the date of such opinion and subject to customary assumptions and exclusions following the deposit, the trust funds will not be subject to the effect of Section 547 of Title 11 of the United States Code;

(7) the Issuers shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate stating that the deposit was not made by the Issuers with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding any creditors of any Issuer or any Guarantor or others; and

(8) the Issuers shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel (which Opinion of Counsel may be subject to customary assumptions and exclusions) each stating that all conditions precedent provided for or relating to the Legal Defeasance or the Covenant Defeasance, as the case may be, have been complied with.

Satisfaction and Discharge

The Indenture will be discharged and will cease to be of further effect as to all Senior Subordinated Notes, when either:

(1) all Senior Subordinated Notes theretofore authenticated and delivered, except lost, stolen or destroyed Senior Subordinated Notes which have been replaced or paid and Senior Subordinated Notes for whose payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust, have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or

(2)    (a) all Senior Subordinated Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation have become due and payable by reason of the making of a notice of redemption or otherwise, will become due and payable within one year or are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Issuers and any Issuer or any Guarantor have irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust solely for the benefit of the Holders of the Senior Subordinated Notes, cash in U.S. dollars, U.S. dollar-denominated 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 Senior Subordinated Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation for principal, premium, if any, and accrued interest to the date of maturity or redemption;

(b) no Default (other than that resulting from borrowing funds to be applied to make such deposit or any similar and simultaneous deposit relating to other Indebtedness and the granting of Liens in connection therewith) with respect to the Indenture or the Senior Subordinated Notes shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit or shall occur as a result of such deposit and such deposit will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under the Senior Credit Facilities, Senior Notes (or the indenture governing the Senior Notes) or any other material agreement or instrument (other than the Indenture) to which any Issuer or any Guarantor is a party or by which any Issuer or any Guarantor is bound (other than resulting from any borrowing of funds to be applied to make such deposit and any similar and simultaneous deposit relating to other Indebtedness and the granting of Liens in connection therewith);

 

240


Table of Contents

(c) the Issuers have paid or caused to be paid all sums payable by it under the Indenture; and

(d) the Issuers have delivered irrevocable instructions to the Trustee to apply the deposited money toward the payment of the Senior Subordinated Notes at maturity or the redemption date, as the case may be.

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

Amendment, Supplement and Waiver

Except as provided in the next two succeeding paragraphs, the Indenture, any Guarantee and the Senior Subordinated Notes may be amended or supplemented with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Senior Subordinated Notes then outstanding, including consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, Senior Subordinated Notes, and any existing Default or compliance with any provision of the Indenture or the Senior Subordinated Notes issued thereunder may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Senior Subordinated Notes, other than Senior Subordinated Notes beneficially owned by the Issuers or their Affiliates (including consents obtained in connection with a purchase of or tender offer or exchange offer for the Senior Subordinated Notes).

The Indenture provides that, without the consent of each affected Holder of Senior Subordinated Notes, an amendment or waiver may not, with respect to any Senior Subordinated Notes held by a non-consenting Holder:

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

(2) reduce the principal of or change the fixed final maturity of any such Senior Subordinated Note or alter or waive the provisions with respect to the redemption of such Senior Subordinated Notes (other than provisions relating to the covenants described above under the caption “Repurchase at the Option of Holders”);

(3) reduce the rate of or change the time for payment of interest on any Senior Subordinated Note;

(4) waive a Default in the payment of principal of or premium, if any, or interest on the Senior Subordinated Notes, except a rescission of acceleration of the Senior Subordinated Notes by the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Senior Subordinated Notes and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration, or in respect of a covenant or provision contained in the Indenture or any Guarantee which cannot be amended or modified without the consent of all Holders;

(5) make any Senior Subordinated Note payable in money other than that stated therein;

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

(7) make any change in these amendment and waiver provisions;

(8) impair the right of any Holder to receive payment of principal of, or interest on such Holder’s Senior Subordinated Notes on or after the due dates therefor or to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to such Holder’s Senior Subordinated Notes;

(9) make any change in the subordination provisions thereof that would adversely affect the Holders; or

(10) except as expressly permitted by the Indenture, modify the Guarantees of any Significant Subsidiary in any manner adverse to the Holders of the Senior Subordinated Notes.

 

241


Table of Contents

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Issuers, any Guarantor (with respect to a Guarantee or the Indenture to which it is a party) and the Trustee may amend or supplement the Indenture and any Guarantee or Senior Subordinated Notes without the consent of any Holder;

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

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

(3) to comply with the covenant relating to mergers, consolidations and sales of assets;

(4) to provide for the assumption of the Issuers’ or any Guarantor’s obligations to the Holders;

(5) to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the Holders or that does not adversely affect the legal rights under the Indenture of any such Holder;

(6) to add covenants for the benefit of the Holders or to surrender any right or power conferred upon any Issuer or any Guarantor;

(7) to comply with requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the qualification of the Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act;

(8) to evidence and provide for the acceptance and appointment under the Indenture of a successor Trustee thereunder pursuant to the requirements thereof;

(9) to provide for the issuance of exchange notes or private exchange notes, which are identical to exchange notes except that they are not freely transferable;

(10) to add a Guarantor under the Indenture;

(11) to conform the text of the Indenture, the Guarantees or the Senior Subordinated Notes to any provision of this “Description of Senior Subordinated Notes” to the extent that such provision in this “Description of Senior Subordinated Notes” was intended to be a verbatim recitation of a provision of the Indenture, the Guarantees or Senior Subordinated Notes; or

(12) to make any amendment to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the transfer and legending of Senior Subordinated Notes as permitted by the Indenture, including, without limitation to facilitate the issuance and administration of the Senior Subordinated Notes; provided , however , that (i) compliance with the Indenture as so amended would not result in Senior Subordinated Notes being transferred in violation of the Securities Act or any applicable securities law and (ii) such amendment does not materially and adversely affect the rights of Holders to transfer Senior Subordinated Notes.

The consent of the Holders is not necessary under the Indenture to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment. It is sufficient if such consent approves the substance of the proposed amendment.

Notices

Notices given by publication will be deemed given on the first date on which publication is made and notices given by first- class mail, postage prepaid, will be deemed given five calendar days after mailing.

Concerning the Trustee

The Indenture contains certain limitations on the rights of the Trustee thereunder, should it become a creditor of any Issuer, to obtain payment of claims in certain cases, or to realize on certain property received in respect of any such claim as security or otherwise. The Trustee is permitted to engage in other transactions; however, if it acquires any conflicting interest it must eliminate such conflict within 90 days, apply to the SEC for permission to continue or resign.

 

242


Table of Contents

The Indenture provides that the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Senior Subordinated Notes will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the Trustee, subject to certain exceptions. The Indenture provides that in case an Event of Default shall occur (which shall not be cured), the Trustee will be required, in the exercise of its power, to use the degree of care of a prudent person in the conduct of his own affairs. Subject to such provisions, the Trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at the request of any Holder of the Senior Subordinated Notes, unless such Holder shall have offered to the Trustee security and indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee against any loss, liability or expense.

Governing Law

The Indenture, the Senior Subordinated Notes and any Guarantee are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

Certain Definitions

Set forth below are certain defined terms used in the Indenture. For purposes of the Indenture, unless otherwise specifically indicated, the term “consolidated” with respect to any Person refers to such Person consolidated with its Restricted Subsidiaries, and excludes from such consolidation any Unrestricted Subsidiary as if such Unrestricted Subsidiary were not an Affiliate of such Person.

Acquired Indebtedness ” means, with respect to any specified Person,

(1) Indebtedness of any other Person existing at the time such other Person is merged with or into or became a Restricted Subsidiary of such specified Person, including Indebtedness incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person merging with or into or becoming a Restricted Subsidiary of such specified Person; and

(2) Indebtedness secured by a Lien encumbering any asset acquired by such specified Person.

Additional Interest ” means all additional interest then owing pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement.

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” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with”), as used with respect to any Person, shall mean 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.

Applicable Premium ” means, with respect to any Senior Subordinated Note on any Redemption Date, the greater of:

(1) 1.0% of the principal amount of such Senior Subordinated Note; and

(2) the excess, if any, of (a) the present value at such Redemption Date of (i) the redemption price of such Senior Subordinated Note at April 1, 2012 (such redemption price being set forth in the table appearing above under the caption “Optional Redemption”), plus (ii) all required interest payments due on such Senior Subordinated Note through April 1, 2012 (excluding accrued but unpaid interest to the Redemption Date), computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate plus 50 basis points; over (b) the principal amount of such Senior Subordinated Note.

 

243


Table of Contents

Asset Sale ” means:

(1) the sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition, whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions, of property or assets (including by way of a Sale and Lease-Back Transaction) of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (each referred to in this definition as a “disposition”); or

(2) the issuance or sale of Equity Interests of any Restricted Subsidiary (other than Preferred Stock of Restricted Subsidiaries issued in compliance with the covenant described under “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock”), whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions;

in each case, other than:

(a) any disposition of Cash Equivalents or Investment Grade Securities or obsolete or worn out equipment in the ordinary course of business or any disposition of inventory or goods (or other assets) no longer used in the ordinary course of business;

(b) the disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company in a manner permitted pursuant to the provisions described above under “Certain Covenants—Merger, Consolidation or Sale of All or Substantially All Assets” or any disposition that constitutes a Change of Control pursuant to the Indenture;

(c) the making of any Restricted Payment or Permitted Investment that is permitted to be made, and is made, under the covenant described above under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Restricted Payments”;

(d) any disposition of assets or issuance or sale of Equity Interests of any Restricted Subsidiary in any transaction or series of transactions with an aggregate fair market value of less than $10.0 million;

(e) any disposition of property or assets or issuance of securities by a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company to the Company or by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company to another Restricted Subsidiary of the Company;

(f) to the extent allowable under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, any exchange of like property (excluding any boot thereon) for use in a Similar Business;

(g) the lease, assignment or sub-lease of any real or personal property in the ordinary course of business;

(h) any issuance or sale of Equity Interests in, or Indebtedness or other securities of, an Unrestricted Subsidiary;

(i) foreclosures, condemnation or any similar action on assets or the granting of Liens not prohibited by the Indenture;

(j) sales of accounts receivable, or participations therein, in connection with any Receivables Facility;

(k) the sale or discount of inventory, accounts receivable or notes receivable in the ordinary course of business or the conversion of accounts receivable to notes receivable;

(l) any financing transaction with respect to property built or acquired by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary after the Issue Date, including Sale and Lease-Back Transactions and asset securitizations permitted by the Indenture;

(m) the licensing or sub-licensing of intellectual property or other general intangibles in the ordinary course of business, other than the licensing of intellectual property on a long-term basis;

(n) any surrender or waiver of contract rights or the settlement, release or surrender of contract rights or other litigation claims in the ordinary course of business; and

 

244


Table of Contents

(o) any sale to the Industrial Development Board of the City of Jackson, Tennessee in connection with a Sale and Leaseback Transaction that does not result in the recognition of the sale or the asset transfer in accordance with GAAP, or any similar transaction.

Asset Sale Offer ” has the meaning set forth in the fourth paragraph under “Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset Sales.”

board of directors ” means with respect to a corporation, the board of directors of the corporation, and with respect to any other Person, the board or committee of such Person, or board of directors of the general partner or general manager of such Person serving a similar function.

Business Day ” means each day which is not a Legal Holiday.

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 or membership interests (whether general or limited); 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.

Capitalized Lease Obligation ” means, at the time any determination thereof is to be made, the amount of the liability in respect of a capital lease that would at such time be required to be capitalized and reflected as a liability on a balance sheet (excluding the footnotes thereto) prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Capitalized Software Expenditures ” means, for any period, the aggregate of all expenditures (whether paid in cash or accrued as liabilities) by a Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries during such period in respect of purchased software or internally developed software and software enhancements that, in conformity with GAAP, are or are required to be reflected as capitalized costs on the consolidated balance sheet of a Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries.

Cash Equivalents ” means:

(1) United States dollars;

(2) euro, or any national currency of any participating member state of the EMU; and local currencies held by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries from time to time in the ordinary course of business;

(3) securities issued or directly and fully and unconditionally guaranteed or insured by the U.S. government or any agency or instrumentality thereof the securities of which are unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation of such government with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition;

(4) certificates of deposit, time deposits and eurodollar time deposits with maturities of one year or less from the date of acquisition, bankers’ acceptances with maturities not exceeding one year and overnight bank deposits, in each case with any commercial bank having capital and surplus of not less than $500.0 million in the case of U.S. banks and $100.0 million (or the U.S. dollar equivalent as of the date of determination) in the case of non-U.S. banks;

(5) repurchase obligations for underlying securities of the types described in clauses (3), (4) and (8) entered into with any financial institution meeting the qualifications specified in clause (4) above;

 

245


Table of Contents

(6) commercial paper rated at least P-1 by Moody’s or at least A-1 by S&P and in each case maturing within 24 months after the date of creation thereof and Indebtedness or Preferred Stock issued by a Person with a rating of “A” or higher by S&P or “A2” or higher by Moody’s with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition;

(7) marketable short-term money market and similar securities having a rating of at least P-2 or A-2 from either Moody’s or S&P, respectively (or, if at any time neither Moody’s nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another Rating Agency) and in each case maturing within 24 months after the date of creation thereof;

(8) readily marketable direct obligations issued by any state, commonwealth or territory of the United States or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof having an Investment Grade Rating from either Moody’s or S&P with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition;

(9) Indebtedness or Preferred Stock issued by Persons with a rating of “A” or higher from S&P or “A2” or higher from Moody’s with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition;

(10) Investments with average maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition in money market funds rated AAA- (or the equivalent thereof) or better by S&P or Aaa3 (or the equivalent thereof) or better by Moody’s; and

(11) investment funds investing 95% of their assets in securities of the types described in clauses (1) through (10) above.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Cash Equivalents shall include amounts denominated in currencies other than those set forth in clauses (1) and (2) above, provided that such amounts are converted into any currency listed in clauses (1) and (2) as promptly as practicable and in any event within ten Business Days following the receipt of such amounts.

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

(1) the sale, lease or transfer, in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any Person other than a Permitted Holder; or

(2) the Company becomes aware of (by way of a report or any other filing pursuant to Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, proxy, vote, written notice or otherwise) the acquisition by any Person or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or Section 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act, or any successor provision), including any group acting for the purpose of acquiring, holding or disposing of securities (within the meaning of Rule 13d-5(b)(1) under the Exchange Act), other than the Permitted Holders, in a single transaction or in a related series of transactions, by way of merger, consolidation or other business combination or purchase of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, or any successor provision) of 50% or more of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Company or any of its direct or indirect parent companies holding directly or indirectly 100% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Company.

Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization Expense ” means with respect to any Person for any period, the total amount of depreciation and amortization expense, including the amortization of deferred financing fees, debt issuance costs, commissions, fees and expenses and Capitalized Software Expenditures of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period on a consolidated basis and otherwise determined in accordance with GAAP.

Consolidated Interest Expense ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, without duplication, the sum of:

(1) consolidated interest expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, to the extent such expense was deducted (and not added back) in computing Consolidated Net Income (including (a) amortization of original issue discount resulting from the issuance of Indebtedness at less than par, (b) all

 

246


Table of Contents

commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit or bankers acceptances, (c) non-cash interest payments (but excluding any non-cash interest expense attributable to the movement in the mark to market valuation of Hedging Obligations or other derivative instruments pursuant to GAAP), (d) the interest component of Capitalized Lease Obligations, and (e) net payments, if any, made (less net payments, if any, received) pursuant to interest rate Hedging Obligations with respect to Indebtedness, and excluding (t) the accretion or any expense resulting from the discounting of any Indebtedness in connection with the application of purchase accounting in connection with the Transaction or any acquisition, (u) penalties and interest relating to taxes, (v) any Additional Interest and any “additional interest” with respect to the Senior Subordinated Notes or other Securities, (w) amortization of deferred financing fees, debt issuance costs, commissions, fees and expenses, (x) any expensing of bridge, commitment and other financing fees, (y) commissions, discounts, yield and other fees and charges (including any interest expense) related to any Receivables Facility and (z) any accretion or accrued interest of discounted liabilities); plus

(2) consolidated capitalized interest of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued; less

(3) interest income for such period.

For purposes of this definition, interest on a Capitalized Lease Obligation shall be deemed to accrue at an interest rate reasonably determined by such Person to be the rate of interest implicit in such Capitalized Lease Obligation in accordance with GAAP.

Consolidated Net Income ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the aggregate of the Net Income, of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, on a consolidated basis, and otherwise determined in accordance with GAAP; provided , however , that, without duplication,

(1) any after-tax effect of extraordinary, non-recurring or unusual gains or losses (less all fees and expenses relating thereto) or expenses (including relating to the Transaction to the extent incurred on or prior to April 1, 2008), severance, relocation costs and curtailments or modifications to pension and post-retirement employee benefit plans shall be excluded,

(2) the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles and changes as a result of the adoption or modification of accounting policies during such period shall be excluded,

(3) any after-tax effect of income (loss) from disposed, abandoned or discontinued operations and any net after-tax gains or losses on disposal of disposed, abandoned, transferred, closed or discontinued operations shall be excluded,

(4) any after-tax effect of gains or losses (less all fees and expenses relating thereto) attributable to asset dispositions or abandonments or the sale or other disposition of any Capital Stock of any Person other than in the ordinary course of business shall be excluded,

(5) the Net Income for such period of any Person that is not a Subsidiary, or is an Unrestricted Subsidiary, or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting, shall be excluded; provided that Consolidated Net Income of the Company shall be increased by the amount of dividends or distributions or other payments that are actually paid in cash (or to the extent converted into cash) to the referent Person or a Restricted Subsidiary thereof in respect of such period,

(6) solely for the purpose of determining the amount available for Restricted Payments under clause (3)(a) of the first paragraph of “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Restricted Payments,” the Net Income for such period of any Restricted Subsidiary (other than any Guarantor) shall be excluded to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by that Restricted Subsidiary of its Net Income is not at the date of determination permitted without any prior governmental approval (which has not been obtained) or, directly or indirectly, by the operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule, or governmental regulation applicable to that

 

247


Table of Contents

Restricted Subsidiary or its stockholders, unless such restriction with respect to the payment of dividends or similar distributions has been legally waived; provided, that Consolidated Net Income of the Company will be increased by the amount of dividends or other distributions or other payments actually paid in cash (or to the extent converted into cash or Cash Equivalents) to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary thereof in respect of such period, to the extent not already included therein,

(7) effects of adjustments (including the effects of such adjustments pushed down to the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries) in the inventory, property and equipment, software, goodwill, other intangible assets and in process research and development, deferred revenue and debt line items in such Person’s consolidated financial statements pursuant to GAAP resulting from the application of purchase accounting in relation to the Transaction or any consummated acquisition or the amortization or write-off of any amounts thereof, net of taxes, shall be excluded,

(8) any after-tax effect of income (loss) from the early extinguishment of (i) Indebtedness, (ii) Hedging Obligations or (iii) other derivative instruments shall be excluded,

(9) any impairment charge or asset write-off or write-down, including impairment charges or asset write-offs or write-downs related to intangible assets, long-lived assets or investments in debt and equity securities or as a result of a change in law or regulation, in each case, pursuant to GAAP, and the amortization of intangibles arising pursuant to GAAP shall be excluded,

(10) any non-cash compensation charge or expense, including any such charge arising from grants of stock appreciation or similar rights, stock options, restricted stock or other rights, and any cash charges associated with the rollover, acceleration or payout of Equity Interests by management of the Company or any of its direct or indirect parent companies in connection with the Transactions, shall be excluded,

(11) any fees and expenses incurred during such period, or any amortization thereof for such period, in connection with any acquisition, Investment, Asset Sale, issuance or repayment of Indebtedness, issuance of Equity Interests, refinancing transaction or amendment or modification of any debt instrument (in each case, including any such transaction consummated prior to the Issue Date and any such transaction undertaken but not completed) and any charges or non-recurring merger costs incurred during such period as a result of any such transaction shall be excluded,

(12) accruals and reserves that are established or adjusted within twelve months after the Issue Date that are so required to be established as a result of the Transaction in accordance with GAAP shall be excluded, and

(13) the following items shall be excluded:

(a) any net unrealized gain or loss (after any offset) resulting in such period from Hedging Obligations and the application of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133; and

(b) any net unrealized gain or loss (after any offset) resulting in such period from currency translation gains or losses related to currency remeasurements of Indebtedness (including any net loss or gain resulting from hedge agreements for currency exchange risk).

In addition, to the extent not already included in the Consolidated Net Income of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, Consolidated Net Income shall include the amount of proceeds received from (i) business interruption insurance (or, so long as the Company has made a determination that there exists reasonable evidence that such amount will in fact be reimbursed by the insurer and only to the extent that such amount is (a) not denied by the applicable carrier in writing within 180 days and (b) in fact reimbursed within 365 days of the date of such evidence (with a deduction for any amount so added back to the extent denied by the applicable carrier in writing within 180 days or not so reimbursed within 365 days)) and (ii) reimbursements of any expenses and charges that are covered by indemnification or other reimbursement provisions in connection with any Permitted Investment or any sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition of assets permitted under the Indenture.

 

248


Table of Contents

Notwithstanding the foregoing, for the purpose of the covenant described under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Restricted Payments” only (other than clause (3)(d) of the first paragraph thereof), there shall be excluded from Consolidated Net Income any income arising from any sale or other disposition of Restricted Investments made by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, any repurchases and redemptions of Restricted Investments from the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, any repayments of loans and advances which constitute Restricted Investments by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, any sale of the stock of an Unrestricted Subsidiary or any distribution or dividend from an Unrestricted Subsidiary, in each case only to the extent such amounts increase the amount of Restricted Payments permitted under such covenant pursuant to clause (3)(d) of the first paragraph thereof.

Contingent Obligations ” means, with respect to any Person, any obligation of such Person guaranteeing any leases, dividends or other obligations that do not constitute Indebtedness (“ 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,

(1) to purchase any such primary obligation or any property constituting direct or indirect security therefor,

(2) to advance or supply funds

(a) for the purchase or payment of any such primary obligation, or

(b) 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

(3) to purchase property, securities or services primarily for the purpose of assuring the owner of any such primary obligation of the ability of the primary obligor to make payment of such primary obligation against loss in respect thereof.

Credit Facilities ” means, with respect to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, one or more debt facilities, including the Senior Credit Facilities, or other financing arrangements (including, without limitation, commercial paper facilities or indentures) providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, letters of credit or other long-term indebtedness, including any notes, mortgages, guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements executed in connection therewith, and any amendments, supplements, modifications, extensions, renewals, restatements or refundings thereof and any indentures or credit facilities or commercial paper facilities that replace, refund or refinance any part of the loans, notes, other credit facilities or commitments thereunder, including any such replacement, refunding or refinancing facility or indenture that increases the amount permitted to be borrowed thereunder or alters the maturity thereof ( provided that such increase in borrowings is permitted under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock”) or adds Restricted Subsidiaries as additional borrowers or guarantors thereunder and whether by the same or any other agent, lender or group of lenders.

Default ” means any event that is, or with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both would be, an Event of Default.

Designated Non-cash Consideration ” means the fair market value of non-cash consideration received by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary in connection with an Asset Sale that is so designated as Designated Non-cash Consideration pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate, setting forth the basis of such valuation, executed by the principal financial officer of the Company, less the amount of cash or Cash Equivalents received in connection with a subsequent sale of or collection on such Designated Non-cash Consideration.

Designated Preferred Stock ” means Preferred Stock of the Company or any parent corporation thereof (in each case other than Disqualified Stock) that is issued for cash (other than to a Restricted Subsidiary or an employee stock ownership plan or trust established by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) and is so designated as Designated Preferred Stock, pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate executed by the principal financial

 

249


Table of Contents

officer of the Company or the applicable parent corporation thereof, as the case may be, on the issuance date thereof, the cash proceeds of which are excluded from the calculation set forth in clause (3) of the first paragraph of “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Restricted Payments.”

Designated Senior Indebtedness ” means:

(1) any Indebtedness outstanding under the Senior Credit Facilities; and

(2) any other Senior Indebtedness permitted under the Indenture, the principal amount of which is $50.0 million or more and that has been designated by the Issuers as “Designated Senior Indebtedness.”

Disqualified Stock ” means, with respect to any Person, any Capital Stock of such Person which, by its terms, or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is putable or exchangeable, or upon the happening of any event, matures or is mandatorily redeemable (other than solely as a result of a change of control or asset sale) pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof (other than solely as a result of a change of control or asset sale), in whole or in part, in each case prior to the date 91 days after the earlier of the maturity date of the Senior Subordinated Notes or the date the Senior Subordinated Notes are no longer outstanding; provided , however , that if such Capital Stock is issued to any plan for the benefit of employees of the Company or its Subsidiaries or by any such plan to such employees, such Capital Stock shall not constitute Disqualified Stock solely because it may be required to be repurchased by the Company or its Subsidiaries in order to satisfy applicable statutory or regulatory obligations.

EBITDA ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period

(1) increased (without duplication) by the following, in each case to the extent deducted in determining Consolidated Net Income for such period:

(a) provision for taxes based on income or profits or capital, including, without limitation, state, franchise and similar taxes (such as the Pennsylvania capital tax) and foreign withholding taxes of such Person paid or accrued during such period deducted (and not added back) in computing Consolidated Net Income; plus

(b) Fixed Charges of such Person for such period (including (x) net losses or Hedging Obligations or other derivative instruments entered into for the purpose of hedging interest rate risk, (y) bank fees and (z) costs of surety bonds in connection with financing activities, in each case, to the extent included in Fixed Charges), together with items excluded from the definition of “Consolidated Interest Expense” pursuant to clauses (1)(t) through (z) thereof to the extent the same were deducted (and not added back) in calculating such Consolidated Net Income; plus

(c) Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization Expense of such Person for such period to the extent the same were deducted (and not added back) in computing Consolidated Net Income; plus

(d) any expenses or charges (other than depreciation or amortization expense) related to any Equity Offering, Permitted Investment, acquisition, disposition, recapitalization or the incurrence of Indebtedness permitted to be incurred by the Indenture (including a refinancing thereof) (whether or not successful), including (i) such fees, expenses or charges related to the offering of the Senior Notes, the Senior Subordinated Notes and the Credit Facilities and (ii) any amendment or other modification of the Senior Notes or the Senior Subordinated Notes, and, in each case, deducted (and not added back) in computing Consolidated Net Income; plus

(e) the amount of any restructuring charges, integration costs or other business optimization expenses or reserves deducted (and not added back) in such period in computing Consolidated Net Income, including any one-time costs incurred in connection with acquisitions after the Issue Date and costs related to the closure and/or consolidation of facilities; plus

 

250


Table of Contents

(f) any other non-cash charges reducing Consolidated Net Income for such period ( provided, that if any such non-cash charges represent an accrual or reserve for potential cash items in any future period, the cash payment in respect thereof in such future period shall be subtracted from EBITDA to such extent, and excluding amortization of a prepaid cash item that was paid in a prior period); plus

(g) the amount of any minority interest expense consisting of Subsidiary income attributable to minority equity interests of third parties in any non-Wholly Owned Subsidiary deducted (and not added back) in such period in calculating Consolidated Net Income; plus

(h) the amount of management, monitoring, consulting and advisory fees (including termination fees) and related indemnities and expenses paid or accrued in such period under the Sponsor Management Agreement or otherwise to the Investors to the extent otherwise permitted under “Certain Covenants—Transactions with Affiliates” (and similar fess paid by the Company or its Affiliates to investors in the Company or its Affiliates prior to the Issue Date) and deducted (and not added back) in such period in computing Consolidated Net Income; plus

(i) the amount of net cost savings projected by the Company in good faith to be realized as a result of specified actions taken or initiated during or prior to such period (calculated on a pro forma basis as though such cost savings had been realized on the first day of such period), net of the amount of actual benefits realized during such period from such actions; provided, that (x) such cost savings are reasonably identifiable and factually supportable, (y) such actions have been or are taken no later than 36 months after the Issue Date and (z) the aggregate amount of cost savings added pursuant to this clause (i) shall not exceed $30.0 million for any four consecutive quarter period (which adjustments may be incremental to pro forma cost savings adjustments made pursuant to the definition of “Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio”); plus

(j) the amount of loss or discount on sale of Receivables and related assets to the Receivables Subsidiary in connection with a Receivables Facility; plus

(k) any net loss from disposed or discontinued operations;

(l) any costs or expense incurred by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement or any stock subscription or shareholder agreement, to the extent that such cost or expenses are funded with cash proceeds contributed to the capital of the Company or net cash proceeds of an issuance of Equity Interest of the Company (other than Disqualified Stock) solely to the extent that such net cash proceeds are excluded from the calculation set forth in clause (3) of the first paragraph under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Restricted Payments”; and

(2) decreased by (without duplication) (a) non-cash gains increasing Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period, excluding any non-cash gains to the extent they represent the reversal of an accrual or reserve for a potential cash item that reduced EBITDA in any prior period and (b) any net income from disposed or discontinued operations;

(3) increased or decreased by (without duplication), as applicable, any adjustments resulting from the application of FASB Interpretation No. 45 (Guarantees).

EMU ” means economic and monetary union as contemplated in the Treaty on European Union.

Equity Interests ” means Capital Stock and all warrants, options or other rights to acquire Capital Stock, but excluding any debt security that is convertible into, or exchangeable for, Capital Stock.

Equity Offering ” means any public or private sale of common stock or Preferred Stock of the Company or any of its direct or indirect parent companies (excluding Disqualified Stock), other than:

(1) public offerings with respect to the Company’s or any direct or indirect parent company’s common stock registered on Form S-8;

 

251


Table of Contents

(2) issuances to any Subsidiary of the Company; and

(3) any such public or private sale that constitutes an Excluded Contribution.

euro ” means the single currency of participating member states of the EMU.

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

Excluded Contribution ” means net cash proceeds, marketable securities or Qualified Proceeds received by the Company from

(1) contributions to its common equity capital, and

(2) the sale (other than to a Subsidiary of the Company or to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement of the Company) of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock and Designated Preferred Stock) of the Company,

in each case designated as Excluded Contributions pursuant to an officer’s certificate executed by the principal financial officer of the Company on the date such capital contributions are made or the date such Equity Interests are sold, as the case may be, which are excluded from the calculation set forth in clause (3) of the first paragraph under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Restricted Payments.”

fair market value ” means, with respect to any asset or liability, the fair market value of such asset or liability as determined by the Company in good faith; provided that if the fair market value is equal to or exceeds $25.0 million, such determination shall be made by the board of directors of the Company in good faith.

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the ratio of EBITDA of such Person for such period to the Fixed Charges of such Person for such period. In the event that the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary incurs, assumes, guarantees, redeems, retires or extinguishes any Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness incurred under any revolving credit facility unless such Indebtedness has been permanently repaid and has not been replaced) or issues or redeems Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock subsequent to the commencement of the period for which the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is being calculated but prior to or simultaneously with the event for which the calculation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is made (the “ Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Calculation Date ”), then the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such incurrence, assumption, guarantee, redemption, retirement or extinguishment of Indebtedness, or such issuance or redemption of Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period.

For purposes of making the computation referred to above, Investments, acquisitions, dispositions, mergers, consolidations and disposed operations (as determined in accordance with GAAP) that have been made by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries during the four-quarter reference period or subsequent to such reference period and on or prior to or simultaneously with the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Calculation Date shall be calculated on a pro forma basis assuming that all such Investments, acquisitions, dispositions, mergers, consolidations and disposed operations, including the Transactions (and the change in any associated fixed charge obligations and the change in EBITDA resulting therefrom) had occurred on the first day of the four-quarter reference period. If since the beginning of such period any Person that subsequently became a Restricted Subsidiary or was merged with or into the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries since the beginning of such period shall have made any Investment, acquisition, disposition, merger, consolidation or disposed operation that would have required adjustment pursuant to this definition, then the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect thereto for such period as if such Investment, acquisition, disposition, merger, consolidation or disposed operation had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period.

 

252


Table of Contents

For purposes of this definition, whenever pro forma effect is to be given to a transaction, the pro forma calculations shall be made in good faith by a responsible financial or accounting officer of the Company (and may include, for the avoidance of doubt, cost savings and operating expense reductions resulting from such Investment, acquisition, merger or consolidation (including the Transaction) which is being given pro forma effect that have been or are expected to be realized). If any Indebtedness bears a floating rate of interest and is being given pro forma effect, the interest on such Indebtedness shall be calculated as if the rate in effect on the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Calculation Date had been the applicable rate for the entire period (taking into account any Hedging Obligations applicable to such Indebtedness). Interest on a Capitalized Lease Obligation shall be deemed to accrue at an interest rate reasonably determined by a responsible financial or accounting officer of the Company to be the rate of interest implicit in such Capitalized Lease Obligation in accordance with GAAP. For purposes of making the computation referred to above, interest on any Indebtedness under a revolving credit facility computed on a pro forma basis shall be computed based upon the average daily balance of such Indebtedness during the applicable period except as set forth in the first paragraph of this definition. Interest on Indebtedness that may optionally be determined at an interest rate based upon a factor of a prime or similar rate, a eurocurrency interbank offered rate, or other rate, shall be deemed to have been based upon the rate actually chosen, or, if none, then based upon such optional rate chosen as the Company may designate. Any such pro forma calculation may include adjustments appropriate, in the reasonable determination of the Issuers as set forth in an Officer’s Certificate, to reflect all adjustments included in the calculation of pro forma adjusted EBITDA as set forth in footnote 3 to the “Summary Historical and Pro Forma Consolidated Financial and Other Data” under “Summary” in the Offering Memorandum to the extent such adjustments, without duplication, continue to be applicable to such four-quarter period.

Fixed Charge Coverage Test ” has the meaning set forth in clause (2) of the first paragraph under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Restricted Payments.”

Fixed Charges ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the sum of:

(1) Consolidated Interest Expense of such Person for such period;

(2) all cash dividends or other distributions paid (excluding items eliminated in consolidation) on any series of Preferred Stock during such period; and

(3) all cash dividends or other distributions paid (excluding items eliminated in consolidation) on any series of Disqualified Stock during such period.

Foreign Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, any Restricted Subsidiary of such Person that is not organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia, or any territory thereof and any Restricted Subsidiary of such Foreign Subsidiary.

GAAP ” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States which are in effect on the Issue Date.

Government Securities ” means securities that are:

(1) direct obligations of the United States of America for the timely payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged; or

(2) obligations of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America the timely payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of America,

which, in either case, are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuers thereof, and shall also include a depository receipt issued by a bank (as defined in Section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act), as custodian with respect to any such Government Securities or a specific payment of principal of or interest on any such Government Securities held by such custodian for the account of the holder of such depository receipt; provided that (except

 

253


Table of Contents

as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depository receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the Government Securities or the specific payment of principal of or interest on the Government Securities evidenced by such depository receipt.

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 letters of credit and reimbursement agreements in respect thereof), of all or any part of any Indebtedness or other obligations.

Guarantee ” means the guarantee by any Guarantor of the Issuers’ Obligations under the Indenture.

Guarantor ” means the Company and each Restricted Subsidiary that Guarantees the Senior Subordinated Notes in accordance with the terms of the Indenture.

Hedging Obligations ” means, with respect to any Person, the obligations of such Person under any interest rate swap agreement, interest rate cap agreement, interest rate collar agreement, commodity swap agreement, commodity cap agreement, commodity collar agreement, foreign exchange contract, currency swap agreement or similar agreement providing for the transfer or mitigation of interest rate or currency risks either generally or under specific contingencies.

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

Indebtedness ” means, with respect to any Person, without duplication:

(1) any indebtedness (including principal and premium) of such Person, whether or not contingent:

(a) in respect of borrowed money;

(b) evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments or letters of credit or bankers’ acceptances (or, without duplication, reimbursement agreements in respect thereof);

(c) representing the balance deferred and unpaid of the purchase price of any property (including Capitalized Lease Obligations), except (i) any such balance that constitutes an obligation in respect of a commercial letter of credit, a trade payable or similar obligation to a trade creditor, in each case accrued in the ordinary course of business and (ii) any earn-out obligations until such obligation becomes a liability on the balance sheet of such Person in accordance with GAAP and if not paid after becoming due and payable; or

(d) representing any Hedging Obligations;

if and to the extent that any of the foregoing Indebtedness (other than letters of credit and Hedging Obligations) would appear as a liability upon a balance sheet (excluding the footnotes thereto) of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP; provided , that Indebtedness of any direct or indirect parent of the Company appearing upon the balance sheet of the Company solely by reason of push-down accounting under GAAP shall be excluded;

(2) to the extent not otherwise included, any obligation by such Person to be liable for, or to pay, as obligor, guarantor or otherwise, on the obligations of the type referred to in clause (1) of a third Person (whether or not such items would appear upon the balance sheet of such obligor or guarantor), other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business; and

(3) to the extent not otherwise included, the obligations of the type referred to in clause (1) of a third Person secured by a Lien on any asset owned by such first Person, whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by such first Person, but only to the extent of the fair market value of the assets subject to such Lien;

 

254


Table of Contents

provided , however , that notwithstanding the foregoing, Indebtedness shall be deemed not to include (a) Contingent Obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business or (b) obligations under or in respect of Receivables Facilities.

Independent Financial Advisor ” means an accounting, appraisal, investment banking firm or consultant to Persons engaged in Similar Businesses of nationally recognized standing that is, in the good faith judgment of the Company, qualified to perform the task for which it has been engaged.

Initial Purchasers ” means Lehman Brothers Inc. and Goldman, Sachs & Co.

Investment Grade Rating ” means a rating equal to or higher than Baa3 (or the equivalent) by Moody’s and BBB- (or the equivalent) by S&P, or an equivalent rating by any other Rating Agency.

Investment Grade Securities ” means:

(1) securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the United States government or any agency or instrumentality thereof (other than Cash Equivalents);

(2) debt securities or debt instruments with an Investment Grade Rating, but excluding any debt securities or instruments constituting loans or advances among the Company and its Subsidiaries;

(3) investments in any fund that invests exclusively in investments of the type described in clauses (1) and (2) which fund may also hold immaterial amounts of cash pending investment or distribution; and

(4) corresponding instruments in countries other than the United States customarily utilized for high quality investments.

Investments ” means, with respect to any Person, all investments by such Person in other Persons (including Affiliates) in the form of loans (including guarantees), advances or capital contributions (excluding accounts receivable, trade credit, advances to customers, commission, travel and similar advances to officers and employees, in each case made in the ordinary course of business), purchases or other acquisitions for consideration of Indebtedness, Equity Interests or other securities issued by any other Person and investments that are required by GAAP to be classified on the balance sheet (excluding the footnotes) of the Company in the same manner as the other investments included in this definition to the extent such transactions involve the transfer of cash or other property. For purposes of the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary” and the covenant described under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Restricted Payments”:

(1) “Investments” shall include the portion (proportionate to the Company’s equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the fair market value of the net assets of a Subsidiary of the Company at the time that such Subsidiary is designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided , however , that upon a redesignation of such Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary, the Company shall be deemed to continue to have a permanent “Investment” in an Unrestricted Subsidiary in an amount (if positive) equal to:

(a) the Company’s “Investment” in such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation; less

(b) the portion (proportionate to the Company’s equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the fair market value of the net assets of such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation; and

(2) any property transferred to or from an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be valued at its fair market value at the time of such transfer.

The amount of any Investment outstanding at any time shall be the original cost of such Investment, reduced by any dividend, distribution, interest payment, return of capital, repayment or other amount received in cash by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary in respect of such Investment.

Investors ” means The Blackstone Group and each of its Affiliates but not including, however, any portfolio companies of any of the foregoing.

 

255


Table of Contents

Issue Date ” means April 2, 2007.

Issuers ” has the meaning set forth in the first paragraph under “General.”

Legal Holiday ” means a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which commercial banking institutions are not required to be open in the State of New York.

Lien ” means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien (statutory or otherwise), pledge, hypothecation, charge, security interest, preference, priority 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; provided that in no event shall an operating lease be deemed to constitute a Lien.

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

Net Income ” means, with respect to any Person, the net income (loss) of such Person, determined in accordance with GAAP and before any reduction in respect of Preferred Stock dividends.

Net Proceeds ” means the aggregate cash proceeds received by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of any Asset Sale, including any cash received upon the sale or other disposition of any Designated Non-cash Consideration received in any Asset Sale, net of the direct costs relating to such Asset Sale and the sale or disposition of such Designated Non-cash Consideration, including legal, accounting and investment banking fees, and brokerage and sales commissions, any relocation expenses incurred as a result thereof, taxes paid or payable as a result thereof (after taking into account any available tax credits or deductions and any tax sharing arrangements), amounts required to be applied to the repayment of principal, premium, if any, and interest on Senior Indebtedness required (other than required by clause (1) of the second paragraph of “Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset Sales”) to be paid as a result of such transaction and any deduction of appropriate amounts to be provided by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries as a reserve in accordance with GAAP against any liabilities associated with the asset disposed of in such transaction and retained by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries after such sale or other disposition thereof, including pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities and liabilities related to environmental matters or against any indemnification obligations associated with such transaction.

Obligations ” means any principal, interest (including any interest accruing subsequent to the filing of a petition in bankruptcy, reorganization or similar proceeding at the rate provided for in the documentation with respect thereto, whether or not such interest is an allowed claim under applicable state, federal or foreign law), penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements (including reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit and banker’s acceptances), damages and other liabilities, and guarantees of payment of such principal, interest, penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other liabilities, payable under the documentation governing any Indebtedness.

Offering Memorandum ” means the offering memorandum, dated March 21, 2007, relating to the initial private offering of the Notes.

Officer ” means the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, any Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President or Vice President, the Treasurer or the Secretary of any Issuer.

Officer’s Certificate ” means a certificate signed on behalf of any Issuer by an Officer of any Issuer, who must be the principal executive officer, the principal financial officer, the treasurer or the principal accounting officer of each of the Issuers, that meets the requirements set forth in the Indenture.

Opinion of Counsel ” means a written opinion from legal counsel who is acceptable to the Trustee. The counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Issuers.

 

256


Table of Contents

Permitted Asset Swap ” means the concurrent purchase and sale or exchange of Related Business Assets or a combination of Related Business Assets and cash or Cash Equivalents between the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and another Person; provided , that any cash or Cash Equivalents received must be applied in accordance with the covenant described under “Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset Sales.”

Permitted Holders ” means each of the Investors and members of management of the Company (or its direct or indirect parent companies) on the Issue Date who are holders of Equity Interests of the Company (or any of its direct or indirect parent companies) and any group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or Section 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act or any successor provision) of which any of the foregoing are members; provided that, in the case of such group and without giving effect to the existence of such group or any other group, such Investors and members of management, collectively, have beneficial ownership of more than 50% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Company or any of its direct or indirect parent companies.

Permitted Investments ” means:

(1) any Investment in the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(2) any Investment in cash and Cash Equivalents or Investment Grade Securities;

(3) any Investment by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in a Person that is engaged in a Similar Business if as a result of such Investment:

(a) such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary; or

(b) such Person, in one transaction or a series of related transactions, is merged or consolidated with or into, or transfers or conveys substantially all of its assets to, or is liquidated into, the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary,

and, in each case, any Investment held by such Person; provided, that such Investment was not acquired by such Person in contemplation of such acquisition, merger, consolidation or transfer;

(4) any Investment in securities or other assets, including earnouts, not constituting cash, Cash Equivalents or Investment Grade Securities and received in connection with an Asset Sale made pursuant to the provisions described under “Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset Sales” or any other disposition of assets not constituting an Asset Sale;

(5) any Investment existing on the Issue Date;

(6) any Investment acquired by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries:

(a) in exchange for any other Investment or accounts receivable held by the Company or any such Restricted Subsidiary in connection with or as a result of a bankruptcy, workout, reorganization or recapitalization of the issuer of such other Investment or accounts receivable; or

(b) as a result of a foreclosure by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries with respect to any secured Investment or other transfer of title with respect to any secured Investment in default;

(7) Hedging Obligations permitted under clause (10) of the covenant described in “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock”;

(8) any Investment in a Similar Business having an aggregate fair market value, taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (8) that are at that time outstanding, not to exceed 3.0% of Total Assets at the time of such Investment (with the fair market value of each Investment being measured at the time made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value);

(9) Investments the payment for which consists of Equity Interests (exclusive of Disqualified Stock) of the Company, or any of its direct or indirect parent companies; provided , however , that such Equity Interests will not increase the amount available for Restricted Payments under clause (3) of the first paragraph under the covenant described in “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Restricted Payments”;

 

257


Table of Contents

(10) guarantees of Indebtedness permitted under the covenant described in “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock”;

(11) any transaction to the extent it constitutes an Investment that is permitted and made in accordance with the provisions of the second paragraph of the covenant described under “Certain Covenants—Transactions with Affiliates” (except transactions described in clauses (2), (5) and (9) of such paragraph);

(12) Investments consisting of purchases and acquisitions of inventory, supplies, material or equipment;

(13) additional Investments having an aggregate fair market value, taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (13) that are at that time outstanding (without giving effect to the sale of an Unrestricted Subsidiary to the extent the proceeds of such sale do not consist of cash or marketable securities), not to exceed 4.0% of Total Assets at the time of such Investment (with the fair market value of each Investment being measured at the time made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value);

(14) Investments relating to a Receivables Subsidiary that, in the good faith determination of the Company are necessary or advisable to effect any Receivables Facility or any repurchase in connection therewith;

(15) advances to, or guarantees of Indebtedness of, employees not in excess of $10.0 million outstanding at any one time, in the aggregate;

(16) loans and advances to officers, directors and employees for business-related travel expenses, moving expenses and other similar expenses, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business or consistent with past practices or to fund such Person’s purchase of Equity Interests of the Company or any direct or indirect parent company thereof; and

(17) advances, loans or extensions of trade credit in the ordinary course of business by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.

Permitted Junior Securities ” means:

(1) Equity Interests in the Issuers or any Guarantor or any direct or indirect parent of any Issuer or any Guarantor; or

(2) unsecured debt securities that are subordinated to all Senior Indebtedness (and any debt securities issued in exchange for Senior Indebtedness) to substantially the same extent as, or to a greater extent than, the Senior Subordinated Notes and the related Guarantees are subordinated to Senior Indebtedness under the Indenture;

provided that the term “Permitted Junior Securities” shall not include any securities distributed pursuant to a plan of reorganization if the Indebtedness under the Senior Credit Facilities is treated as part of the same class as the Senior Subordinated Notes for purposes of such plan of reorganization; provided further that to the extent that any Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers or the Guarantors outstanding on the date of consummation of any such plan of reorganization is not paid in full in cash on such date, the holders of any such Senior Indebtedness not so paid in full in cash have consented to the terms of such plan of reorganization.

Permitted Liens ” means, with respect to any Person:

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

 

258


Table of Contents

(2) Liens imposed by law, such as carriers’, warehousemen’s and mechanics’ Liens, in each case for sums not yet overdue for a period of more than 30 days or being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings or other Liens arising out of judgments or awards against such Person with respect to which such Person shall then be proceeding with an appeal or other proceedings for review if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of such Person in accordance with GAAP;

(3) Liens for taxes, assessments or other governmental charges not yet overdue for a period of more than 30 days or payable or subject to penalties for nonpayment or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted, if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of such Person in accordance with GAAP;

(4) Liens in favor of issuers of performance and surety bonds or bid bonds or with respect to other regulatory requirements or letters of credit issued pursuant to the request of and for the account of such Person in the ordinary course of its business;

(5) minor survey exceptions, minor encumbrances, easements or reservations of, or rights of others for, licenses, rights-of-way, sewers, electric lines, telegraph and telephone lines and other similar purposes, or zoning or other restrictions as to the use of real properties or Liens incidental, to the conduct of the business of such Person or to the ownership of its properties which were not incurred in connection with Indebtedness and which do not in the aggregate materially adversely affect the value of said properties or materially impair their use in the operation of the business of such Person;

(6) Liens securing Indebtedness permitted to be incurred pursuant to clause (4), (12) or (20) of the second paragraph under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock”; provided , that Liens securing Indebtedness permitted to be incurred pursuant to clause (20) extend only to assets of Foreign Subsidiaries;

(7) Liens existing on the Issue Date;

(8) Liens on property or shares of stock or other assets of a Person at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary; provided , however , such Liens are not created or incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person becoming such a Subsidiary; provided , further , however , that such Liens may not extend to any other property or assets owned by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(9) Liens on property or other assets at the time the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary acquired the property or such other assets, including any acquisition by means of a merger or consolidation with or into the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided , however , that such Liens are not created or incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such acquisition; provided , further , however , that the Liens may not extend to any other property owned by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(10) Liens securing Indebtedness or other obligations of a Restricted Subsidiary owing to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary permitted to be incurred in accordance with the covenant described under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock”;

(11) Liens securing Hedging Obligations so long as related Indebtedness is, and is permitted to be under the Indenture, secured by a Lien on the same property securing such Hedging Obligations;

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

(13) leases, subleases, licenses or sublicenses granted to others in the ordinary course of business which do not materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and do not secure any Indebtedness;

(14) Liens arising from Uniform Commercial Code financing statement filings regarding operating leases entered into by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

 

259


Table of Contents

(15) Liens in favor of any Issuer or any Guarantor;

(16) Liens on equipment of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries granted in the ordinary course of business to the Company’s clients;

(17) Liens on accounts receivable and related assets incurred in connection with a Receivables Facility;

(18) Liens to secure any refinancing, refunding, extension, renewal or replacement (or successive refinancing, refunding, extensions, renewals or replacements) as a whole, or in part, of any Indebtedness secured by any Lien referred to in the foregoing clauses (6), (7), (8) and (9); provided , however , that (a) such new Lien shall be limited to all or part of the same property that secured the original Lien (plus improvements on such property), and (b) the Indebtedness secured by such Lien at such time is not increased to any amount greater than the sum of (i) the outstanding principal amount or, if greater, committed amount of the Indebtedness described under clauses (6), (7), (8) and (9) at the time the original Lien became a Permitted Lien under the Indenture, and (ii) an amount necessary to pay any fees and expenses, including premiums, related to such refinancing, refunding, extension, renewal or replacement;

(19) deposits made in the ordinary course of business to secure liability to insurance carriers;

(20) other Liens securing obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business which obligations do not exceed $30.0 million at any one time outstanding;

(21) Liens securing judgments for the payment of money not constituting an Event of Default under clause (5) under the caption “Events of Default and Remedies” so long as such Liens are adequately bonded and any appropriate legal proceedings that may have been duly initiated for the review of such judgment have not been finally terminated or the period within which such proceedings may be initiated has not expired;

(22) Liens 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 in the ordinary course of business;

(23) Liens (i) of a collection bank arising under Section 4-210 of the Uniform Commercial Code on items in the course of collection, (ii) attaching to commodity trading accounts or other commodity brokerage accounts incurred in the ordinary course of business, and (iii) in favor of banking institutions arising as a matter of law encumbering deposits (including the right of set-off) and which are within the general parameters customary in the banking industry;

(24) Liens deemed to exist in connection with Investments in repurchase agreements permitted under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock”; provided that such Liens do not extend to any assets other than those that are the subject of such repurchase agreement;

(25) Liens encumbering reasonable customary initial deposits and margin deposits and similar Liens attaching to commodity trading accounts or other brokerage accounts incurred in the ordinary course of business and not for speculative purposes; and

(26) Liens that are contractual rights of set-off (i) relating to the establishment of depository relations with banks not given in connection with the issuance of Indebtedness, (ii) relating to pooled deposit or sweep accounts of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to permit satisfaction of overdraft or similar obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries or (iii) relating to purchase orders and other agreements entered into with customers of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business; and

For purposes of this definition, the term “Indebtedness” shall be deemed to include interest on such Indebtedness.

Person ” means any individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, association, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, government or any agency or political subdivision thereof or any other entity.

 

260


Table of Contents

Preferred Stock ” means any Equity Interest with preferential rights of payment of dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution, or winding up.

Qualified Proceeds ” means the fair market value of assets that are used or useful in, or Capital Stock of any Person engaged in, a Similar Business.

Rating Agencies ” means Moody’s and S&P or if Moody’s or S&P or both shall not make a rating on the Senior Subordinated Notes publicly available, a nationally recognized statistical rating agency or agencies, as the case may be, selected by any issuer which shall be substituted for Moody’s or S&P or both, as the case may be.

Receivables Facility ” means any of one or more receivables financing facilities as amended, supplemented, modified, extended, renewed, restated or refunded from time to time, the Obligations of which are non-recourse (except for customary representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities made in connection with such facilities) to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than a Receivables Subsidiary) pursuant to which the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries sells its accounts receivable to either (a) a Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary or (b) a Receivables Subsidiary that in turn sells its accounts receivable to a Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary.

Receivables Fees ” means distributions or payments made directly or by means of discounts with respect to any accounts receivable or participation interest therein issued or sold in connection with, and other fees paid to a Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary in connection with, any Receivables Facility.

Receivables Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary formed for the purpose of, and that solely engages only in one or more Receivables Facilities and other activities reasonably related thereto.

Registration Rights Agreement ” means the Registration Rights Agreement with respect to the Senior Subordinated Notes dated as of the Issue Date, among the Issuers, the Guarantors and the Initial Purchasers.

Related Business Assets ” means assets (other than cash or Cash Equivalents) used or useful in a Similar Business, provided that any assets received by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary in exchange for assets transferred by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary shall not be deemed to be Related Business Assets if they consist of securities of a Person, unless upon receipt of the securities of such Person, such Person would become a Restricted Subsidiary.

Representative ” means any trustee, agent or other representative for an issue of Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers.

Restricted Investment ” means an Investment other than a Permitted Investment.

Restricted Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, at any time, any direct or indirect Subsidiary of such Person (including any Foreign Subsidiary) that is not then an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided , however , that upon an Unrestricted Subsidiary ceasing to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary, such Subsidiary shall be included in the definition of “Restricted Subsidiary.” Unless otherwise indicated in this “Description of Senior Subordinated Notes,” all references to Restricted Subsidiaries shall mean Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company, including, without limitation, Finance Co.

S&P ” means Standard & Poor’s, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., and any successor to its rating agency business.

Sale and Lease-Back Transaction ” means any arrangement providing for the leasing by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of any real or tangible personal property, which property has been or is to be sold or transferred by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary to a third Person in contemplation of such leasing.

 

261


Table of Contents

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

Secured Indebtedness ” means any Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries secured by a Lien.

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

Senior Credit Facilities ” means the Credit Facility under the Credit Agreement entered into as of the Issue Date by and among the Company, the lenders party thereto in their capacities as lenders thereunder and Lehman Commercial Paper Inc., as Administrative Agent, including any guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements executed in connection therewith, and any amendments, supplements, modifications, extensions, renewals, restatements, refundings or refinancings thereof and any indentures or credit facilities or commercial paper facilities with banks or other institutional lenders or investors that replace, refund or refinance any part of the loans, notes, other credit facilities or commitments thereunder, including any such replacement, refunding or refinancing facility or indenture that increases the amount borrowable thereunder or alters the maturity thereof ( provided that such increase in borrowings is permitted under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock” above).

Senior Indebtedness ” means:

(1) all Indebtedness of any Issuer or any Guarantor outstanding under the Senior Credit Facilities or Senior Notes and related Guarantees (including interest accruing on or after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy or similar proceeding or for reorganization of any Issuer or any Guarantor (at the rate provided for in the documentation with respect thereto, regardless of whether or not a claim for post-filing interest is allowed in such proceedings)), and any and all other fees, expense reimbursement obligations, indemnification amounts, penalties, and other amounts (whether existing on the Issue Date or thereafter created or incurred) and all obligations of any Issuer or any Guarantor to reimburse any bank or other Person in respect of amounts paid under letters of credit, acceptances or other similar instruments;

(2) all Hedging Obligations (and guarantees thereof) owing to a Lender (as defined in the Senior Credit Facilities) or any Affiliate of such Lender (or any Person that was a Lender or an Affiliate of such Lender at the time the applicable agreement giving rise to such Hedging Obligation was entered into); provided , that such Hedging Obligations are permitted to be incurred under the terms of the Indenture;

(3) any other Indebtedness of any Issuer or any Guarantor permitted to be incurred under the terms of the Indenture, unless the instrument under which such Indebtedness is incurred expressly provides that it is on a parity with or subordinated in right of payment to the Senior Subordinated Notes or any related Guarantee; and

(4) all Obligations with respect to the items listed in the preceding clauses (1), (2) and (3); provided , however , that Senior Indebtedness shall not include:

(a) any obligation of such Person to the Issuers or any of their Subsidiaries;

(b) any liability for federal, state, local or other taxes owed or owing by such Person;

(c) any accounts payable or other liability to trade creditors arising in the ordinary course of business;

(d) any Indebtedness or other Obligation of such Person which is subordinate or junior in any respect to any other Indebtedness or other Obligation of such Person; or

(e) that portion of any Indebtedness which at the time of incurrence is incurred in violation of the Indenture; provided , however that such Indebtedness shall be deemed not to have been incurred in violation of the Indenture for purposes of this clause if such Indebtedness consists of Designated Senior

 

262


Table of Contents

Indebtedness, and the holder(s) of such Indebtedness of their agent or representative (a) had no actual knowledge at the time of incurrence that the incurrence of such Indebtedness violated the Indenture and (b) shall have receive a certificate from an officer of the Issuers to the effect that the incurrence of such Indebtedness does not violate the provisions of the Indenture.

Senior Subordinated Indebtedness ” means:

(1) with respect to the Issuers, Indebtedness which ranks equal in right of payment to the Senior Subordinated Notes issued by the Issuers; and

(2) with respect to any Guarantor, Indebtedness which ranks equal in right of payment to the Guarantee of such entity of Senior Subordinated Notes.

Senior Notes ” means the $325.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the Issuers’ 9  1 / 4 % senior notes due 2015 issued on the Issue Date and any Additional Senior Notes, as defined in “Description of Senior Notes—Principal, Maturity and Interest.”

Significant Subsidiary ” means any Restricted 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 Issue Date.

Similar Business ” means any business conducted or proposed to be conducted by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on the Issue Date and any reasonable extension thereof or any business that is similar, reasonably related, incidental or ancillary thereto.

Sponsor Management Agreement ” means the management agreement between certain of the management companies associated with the Sponsor and the Issuers.

Subordinated Indebtedness ” means, with respect to the Senior Subordinated Notes,

(1) any Indebtedness of any Issuer which is by its terms subordinated in right of payment to the Senior Subordinated Notes, and

(2) any Indebtedness of any Guarantor which is by its terms subordinated in right of payment to the Guarantee of such entity of the Senior Subordinated Notes.

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person:

(1) any corporation, association, or other business entity (other than a partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or similar 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) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time of determination owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof or is consolidated under GAAP with such Person at such time; and

(2) any partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or similar entity of which

(x) more than 50% of the capital accounts, distribution rights, total equity and voting interests or general or limited partnership interests, as applicable, are owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof whether in the form of membership, general, special or limited partnership or otherwise, and

(y) such Person or any Restricted Subsidiary of such Person is a controlling general partner or otherwise controls such entity.

Total Assets ” means the total assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, as shown on the most recent balance sheet of the Company or such other Person as may be expressly stated.

 

263


Table of Contents

Transaction ” means the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement, the issuance of the Senior Notes, the Senior Subordinated Notes and borrowings under the Senior Credit Facilities as in effect on the Issue Date and the refinancing of debt in existence on the Issue Date, including the tender offer and consent solicitation of the 8.25% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 issued by Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.

Transaction Agreement ” means the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of February 10, 2007, among Crunch Holding Corp., Peak Holdings LLC, Peak Acquisition Corp. and Peak Finance LLC.

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 three Business Days prior to the date the applicable notice of redemption is given (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 April 1, 2012.

Trust Indenture Act ” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (15 U.S.C. §§ 77aaa-777bbbb).

Unrestricted Subsidiary ” means:

(1) any Subsidiary of the Company which at the time of determination is an Unrestricted Subsidiary (as designated by the Company, as provided below); and

(2) any Subsidiary of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

The Company may designate any Subsidiary of the Company (including any existing Subsidiary and any newly acquired or newly formed Subsidiary) to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary unless such Subsidiary or any of its Subsidiaries owns any Equity Interests or Indebtedness of, or owns or holds any Lien on, any property of, the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company (other than solely any Subsidiary of the Subsidiary to be so designated); provided that

(1) any Unrestricted Subsidiary must be an entity of which the Equity Interests entitled to cast at least a majority of the votes that may be cast by all Equity Interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or Persons performing a similar function are owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company;

(2) such designation complies with the covenants described under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Restricted Payments”; and

(3) each of:

(a) the Subsidiary to be so designated; and

(b) its Subsidiaries

has not at the time of designation, and does not thereafter, create, incur, issue, assume, guarantee or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable with respect to any Indebtedness pursuant to which the lender has recourse to any of the assets of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary.

The Company may designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that, immediately after giving effect to such designation, no Default shall have occurred and be continuing and either:

(1) the Company could incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Test; or

(2) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries would be equal to or greater than such ratio for the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries immediately prior to such designation, in each case on a pro forma basis taking into account such designation.

 

264


Table of Contents

Any such designation by the Company shall be notified by any Issuer to the Trustee by promptly filing with the Trustee a copy of the resolution of the board of directors of the Company or any committee thereof giving effect to such designation and an Officer’s Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the foregoing provisions.

Voting Stock ” of any 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.

Weighted Average Life to Maturity ” means, when applied to any Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, as the case may be, at any date, the quotient obtained by dividing:

(1) the sum of the products of the number of years from the date of determination to the date of each successive scheduled principal payment of such Indebtedness or redemption or similar payment with respect to such Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock multiplied by the amount of such payment; by

(2) the sum of all such payments.

Wholly-Owned Subsidiary ” of any Person means a Subsidiary of such Person, 100% of the outstanding Equity Interests of which (other than directors’ qualifying shares) shall at the time be owned by such Person or by one or more Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries of such Person.

 

265


Table of Contents

BOOK-ENTRY, SETTLEMENT AND CLEARANCE

The Global Notes

The exchange notes issued in exchange for outstanding notes will be represented by global notes in definitive, fully registered form, without interest coupons (collectively, the “global notes”).

Upon issuance, the global notes will be deposited with the Trustee as custodian for The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) and registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC.

Ownership of beneficial interests in each global note will be limited to persons who have accounts with DTC (“DTC participants”) or persons who hold interests through DTC participants. We expect that under procedures established by DTC:

 

   

upon deposit of each global note with DTC’s custodian, DTC will credit portions of the principal amount of the global note to the accounts of the DTC participants designated by the initial purchasers; and

 

   

ownership of beneficial interests in each global note will be shown on, and transfer of ownership of those interests will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to interests of DTC participants) and the records of DTC participants (with respect to other owners of beneficial interests in the global note).

Beneficial interests in the global notes may not be exchanged for notes in physical, certificated form except in the limited circumstances described below.

Book-entry Procedures for the Global Notes

All interests in the global notes will be subject to the operations and procedures of DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream. We provide the following summaries of those operations and procedures solely for the convenience of investors. The operations and procedures of each settlement system are controlled by that settlement system and may be changed at any time. We are not responsible for those operations or procedures.

DTC has advised us that it is:

 

   

a limited purpose trust company organized under the laws of the State of New York;

 

   

a “banking organization” within the meaning of the New York State Banking Law;

 

   

a member of the Federal Reserve System;

 

   

a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of the Uniform Commercial Code; and

 

   

a “clearing agency” registered under Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

DTC was created to hold securities for its participants and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions between its participants through electronic book-entry changes to the accounts of its participants. DTC’s participants include securities brokers and dealers; banks and trust companies; clearing corporations and other organizations. Indirect access to DTC’s system is also available to others such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies; these indirect participants clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a DTC participant, either directly or indirectly. Investors who are not DTC participants may beneficially own securities held by or on behalf of DTC only through DTC participants or indirect participants in DTC.

 

266


Table of Contents

So long as DTC’s nominee is the registered owner of a global note, that nominee will be considered the sole owner or holder of the notes represented by that global note for all purposes under the indentures. Except as provided below, owners of beneficial interests in a global note:

 

   

will not be entitled to have notes represented by the global note registered in their names;

 

   

will not receive or be entitled to receive physical, certificated notes; and

 

   

will not be considered the owners or holders of the notes under the indentures for any purpose, including with respect to the giving of any direction, instruction or approval to the Trustee under the indentures.

As a result, each investor who owns a beneficial interest in a global note must rely on the procedures of DTC to exercise any rights of a holder of notes under the indentures (and, if the investor is not a participant or an indirect participant in DTC, on the procedures of the DTC participant through which the investor owns its interest).

Payments of principal, premium (if any) and interest with respect to the notes represented by a global note will be made by the Trustee to DTC’s nominee as the registered holder of the global note. Neither we nor the Trustee will have any responsibility or liability for the payment of amounts to owners of beneficial interests in a global note, for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of those interests by DTC, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records of DTC relating to those interests.

Payments by participants and indirect participants in DTC to the owners of beneficial interests in a global note will be governed by standing instructions and customary industry practice and will be the responsibility of those participants or indirect participants and DTC.

Transfers between participants in DTC will be effected under DTC’s procedures and will be settled in same-day funds. Transfers between participants in Euroclear or Clearstream will be effected in the ordinary way under the rules and operating procedures of those systems.

Cross-market transfers between DTC participants, on the one hand, and Euroclear or Clearstream participants, on the other hand, will be effected within DTC through the DTC participants that are acting as depositaries for Euroclear and Clearstream. To deliver or receive an interest in a global note held in a Euroclear or Clearstream account, an investor must send transfer instructions to Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, under the rules and procedures of that system and within the established deadlines of that system. If the transaction meets its settlement requirements, Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, will send instructions to its DTC depositary to take action to effect final settlement by delivering or receiving interests in the relevant global notes in DTC, and making or receiving payment under normal procedures for same-day funds settlement applicable to DTC. Euroclear and Clearstream participants may not deliver instructions directly to the DTC depositaries that are acting for Euroclear or Clearstream.

Because of time zone differences, the securities account of a Euroclear or Clearstream participant that purchases an interest in a global note from a DTC participant will be credited on the business day for Euroclear or Clearstream immediately following the DTC settlement date. Cash received in Euroclear or Clearstream from the sale of an interest in a global note to a DTC participant will be received with value on the DTC settlement date but will be available in the relevant Euroclear or Clearstream cash account as of the business day for Euroclear or Clearstream following the DTC settlement date.

DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream have agreed to the above procedures to facilitate transfers of interests in the global notes among participants in those settlement systems. However, the settlement systems are not obligated to perform these procedures and may discontinue or change these procedures at any time. Neither we nor the Trustee will have any responsibility for the performance by DTC, Euroclear or Clearstream or their participants or indirect participants of their obligations under the rules and procedures governing their operations.

 

267


Table of Contents

Certificated Notes

Notes in physical, certificated form will be issued and delivered to each person that DTC identifies as a beneficial owner of the related notes only if:

 

   

DTC notifies us at any time that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary for the global notes and a successor depositary is not appointed within 90 days;

 

   

DTC ceases to be registered as a clearing agency under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and a successor depositary is not appointed within 90 days;

 

   

we, at our option, notify the Trustee that we elect to cause the issuance of certificated notes; or

 

   

certain other events provided in the indentures should occur.

CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

The exchange of outstanding notes for exchange notes in the exchange offers will not constitute a taxable event to holders for United States federal income tax purposes. Consequently, no gain or loss will be recognized by a holder upon receipt of an exchange note, the holding period of the exchange note will include the holding period of the outstanding note exchanged therefor, and the basis of the exchange note will be the same as the basis of the outstanding note immediately before the exchange.

In any event, persons considering the exchange of outstanding notes for exchange notes should consult their own tax advisors concerning the United States federal income tax consequences in light of their particular situations as well as any consequences arising under the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction.

 

268


Table of Contents

CERTAIN ERISA CONSIDERATIONS

The following is a summary of certain considerations associated with the purchase of the exchange notes by employee benefit plans that are subject to Title I of the U.S. Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), plans, individual retirement accounts and other arrangements that are subject to Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code or provisions under any federal, state, local, non-U.S. or other laws or regulations that are similar to such provisions of the Internal Revenue Code or ERISA (collectively, “Similar Laws”), and entities whose underlying assets are considered to include “plan assets” (within the meaning of ERISA) of any such plan, account or arrangement (each, a “Plan”).

General Fiduciary Matters

ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code impose certain duties on persons who are fiduciaries of a Plan subject to Title I of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code (an “ERISA Plan”) and prohibit certain transactions involving the assets of an ERISA Plan and its fiduciaries or other interested parties. Under ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code, any person who exercises any discretionary authority or control over the administration of such an ERISA Plan or the management or disposition of the assets of such an ERISA Plan, or who renders investment advice for a fee or other compensation to such an ERISA Plan, is generally considered to be a fiduciary of the ERISA Plan.

In considering an investment in the exchange notes of a portion of the assets of any Plan, a fiduciary should determine whether the investment is in accordance with the documents and instruments governing the Plan and the applicable provisions of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code or any Similar Law relating to a fiduciary’s duties to the Plan including, without limitation, the prudence, diversification, delegation of control and prohibited transaction provisions of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code and any other applicable Similar Laws.

Prohibited Transaction Issues

Section 406 of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code prohibit ERISA Plans from engaging in specified transactions involving plan assets with persons or entities who are “parties in interest,” within the meaning of ERISA, or “disqualified persons,” within the meaning of Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code, unless an exemption is available. A party in interest or disqualified person who engaged in a non-exempt prohibited transaction may be subject to excise taxes and other penalties and liabilities under ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code. In addition, the fiduciary of the ERISA Plan that engaged in such a non-exempt prohibited transaction may be subject to penalties and liabilities under ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code. The acquisition and/or holding of the exchange notes by a Plan subject to ERISA or the Internal Revenue Code with respect to which the Issuers, the Guarantors or the initial purchasers is considered to be a party in interest or a disqualified person may constitute or result in a direct or indirect prohibited transaction under Section 406 of ERISA and/or Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code, unless the investment is acquired and held in accordance with an applicable statutory, class or individual prohibited transaction exemption. Similar restrictions may apply to Plans that are subject to Similar Law. Because of the foregoing, the exchange notes should not be purchased or held by any person investing in “plan assets” of any Plan, unless such purchase and holding (and the exchange of outstanding notes for exchange notes) will not constitute a non-exempt prohibited transaction under ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code or similar violation of any applicable Similar Laws.

The foregoing discussion is general in nature and is not intended to be all-inclusive. Due to the complexity of these rules and the penalties that may be imposed upon persons involved in non-exempt prohibited transactions, it is particularly important that fiduciaries, or other persons considering purchasing the outstanding notes or the exchange notes (and holding or disposing the outstanding notes or the exchange notes) on behalf of, or with the assets of, any Plan, consult with their counsel regarding the potential applicability of ERISA, Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code and any Similar Laws to such investment and whether an exemption would be applicable to the purchase and holding of the outstanding notes or the exchange notes (and the exchange of outstanding notes for exchange notes).

 

269


Table of Contents

Accordingly, by acceptance of an exchange note, each purchaser and subsequent transferee of an exchange note will be deemed to have represented and warranted that either (i) no portion of the assets used by such purchaser or transferee to acquire and hold the exchange notes constitutes assets of any Plan or (ii) the purchase and holding of the outstanding notes or the exchange notes (and the exchange of outstanding notes for exchange notes) by such purchaser or transferee will not constitute a non-exempt prohibited transaction under Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code or similar violation under any applicable Similar Laws.

 

270


Table of Contents

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account pursuant to the exchange offers must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of the exchange notes. 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 exchange notes received in exchange for outstanding notes where the outstanding notes were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. To the extent any such broker-dealer participates in the exchange offers, we have agreed that for a period of up to 90 days, we will use our reasonable best efforts to make this prospectus, as amended or supplemented, available to such broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale, and will deliver as many additional copies of this prospectus and each amendment or supplement to this prospectus and any documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus as such broker-dealer may reasonably request.

We will not receive any proceeds from any sale of exchange notes by broker-dealers. Exchange notes received by broker-dealers for their own accounts pursuant to the exchange offers 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 exchange notes or a combination of these methods of resale, at market prices prevailing at the time of resale, at prices related to the prevailing market prices or negotiated prices. Any 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 broker-dealer or the purchasers of any exchange notes. Any broker-dealer that resells exchange notes that were received by it for its own account pursuant to the exchange offers and any broker or dealer that participates in a distribution of the exchange notes may be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act, and any profit on any resale of exchange notes and any commissions or concessions received by these persons may be deemed to be underwriting compensation under the Securities 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 Securities Act.

We have agreed to pay all expenses incident to the exchange offers and will indemnify the holders of outstanding notes, including any broker-dealers, against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

 

271


Table of Contents

LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the exchange notes and related guarantees offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, New York, New York. An investment vehicle comprised of several partners of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, members of their families, related persons and others own interests representing less than 1% of the capital commitments of funds affiliated with Blackstone.

EXPERTS

The financial statements as of December 31, 2006 and December 25, 2005 and for the years ended December 31, 2006 and December 25, 2005 and for the period from August 1, 2004 to December 26, 2004 and for the period from November 25, 2003 to July 31, 2004 and for the period from August 1, 2003 to November 24, 2003 included in this prospectus, have been so included in reliance on the reports of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

The statement of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of December 31, 2005 and 2004 and the statement of direct revenues and direct operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2005, the nine-month period ended December 31, 2004, the three-month period ended March 27, 2004 and the year ended December 31, 2003 of the Armour Foods Business of The Dial Corporation have been included herein in reliance upon the report of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, appearing elsewhere herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 under the Securities Act with respect to the exchange notes being offered hereby. This prospectus, which forms a part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement. For further information with respect to us and the exchange notes, reference is made to the registration statement. Statements contained in this prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other document are not necessarily complete, and, where such contract or other document is an exhibit to the registration statement, each such statement is qualified by the provisions in such exhibit to which reference is hereby made. We are not currently subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act. As a result of the offering of the exchange notes, we will become subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act and, in accordance therewith, will file reports and other information with the SEC. The registration statement, historical information about Pinnacle Foods Group LLC and other information can be inspected and copied at the Public Reference Room of the SEC located at Room 1580, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington D.C. 20549. Copies of such materials, including copies of all or any portion of the registration statement, can be obtained from the Public Reference Room of the SEC at prescribed rates. You can call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 to obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room. Such materials may also be accessed electronically by means of the SEC’s home page on the Internet (http://www.sec.gov).

We and our guarantor subsidiaries have agreed that even if we are not subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act or otherwise report on an annual and quarterly basis on forms provided for such annual and quarterly reporting pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC, we will nonetheless file with the SEC and make available to the trustee and to holders of notes the reports specified in “Description of Senior Notes—Certain Covenants—Reports and Other Information” and “Description of Senior Subordinated Notes—Certain Covenants—Reports and Other Information,” subject to the provisions described in those sections.

 

272


Table of Contents

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

PFGI AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  

Report of independent registered public accounting firm (PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP)

   F-2

Report of independent registered public accounting firm (PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP)

   F-3

Consolidated statements of operations (for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006 and December 25, 2005, the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004, the 36 weeks ended July 31, 2004 and the 16 weeks ended November 24, 2003)

   F-4

Consolidated balance sheets (as of December 31, 2006 and December 25, 2005)

   F-5

Consolidated statements of cash flows (for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006 and December 25, 2005, the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004, the 36 weeks ended July 31, 2004 and the 16 weeks ended November 24, 2003)

   F-6

Consolidated statements of shareholder’s equity (for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006 and December 25, 2005, the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004, the 36 weeks ended July 31, 2004 and the 16 weeks ended November 24, 2003)

   F-7

Notes to consolidated financial statements

   F-8

THE ARMOUR FOODS BUSINESS OF THE DIAL CORPORATION

  

Independent auditors’ report (KPMG LLP)

   F-70

Statement of assets acquired and liabilities assumed

   F-71

Statement of direct revenues and direct operating expenses

   F-72

Notes to financial statements

   F-73

PINNACLE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  

Consolidated statements of operations (for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and September 24, 2006, the six months ended September 30, 2007, the period from January 1, 2007 to April 2, 2007 and the nine months ended September 24, 2006)

   F-79

Consolidated balance sheets (as of September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006)

   F-80

Consolidated statements of cash flows (for the six months ended September 30, 2007, the period from January 1, 2007 to April 2, 2007 and the nine months ended September 24, 2006)

   F-81

Consolidated statements of shareholder’s equity (for the nine months ended September 24, 2006, the period from January 1, 2007 to April 2, 2007 and the six months ended September 30, 2007)

   F-82

Notes to consolidated financial statements

   F-83

 

F-1


Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholder of

Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.:

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and shareholder’s equity present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) at December 31, 2006 and December 25, 2005, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2006 and December 25, 2005, for the period from August 1, 2004 to December 26, 2004 and for the period from November 25, 2003 to July 31, 2004 (“Successor” as defined in Note 1) in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for share- based compensation in 2006.

 

/s/    PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP        
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
March 5, 2007

 

F-2


Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholder of

Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.:

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and shareholder’s equity present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of Pinnacle Foods Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) for the period from August 1, 2003 to November 24, 2003 (“Predecessor” as defined in Note 1) in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audit of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

/s/    PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP        
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
November 24, 2004

 

F-3


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands)

 

     Successor           Predecessor  
    

Fiscal year

ended

December 31,

2006

  

Fiscal year

ended

December 25,

2005

   

21 weeks

ended

December 26,

2004

   

36 weeks

ended

July 31,

2004

         

16 weeks

ended

November 24,

2003

 

Net sales

   $ 1,442,256    $ 1,255,735     $ 511,190     $ 574,352         $ 181,379  

Costs and expenses

               

Cost of products sold

     1,122,646      997,198       420,080       502,967           134,233  

Marketing and selling expenses

     103,550      101,159       53,588       57,910           24,335  

Administrative expenses

     52,447      40,242       15,216       32,258           9,454  

Research and development expenses

     4,037      3,625       1,459       2,436           814  

Goodwill impairment charge

     —        54,757       4,308       1,835           —    

Other expense (income), net

     14,186      31,836       5,680       38,096           7,956  
                                           

Total costs and expenses

     1,296,866      1,228,817       500,331       635,502           176,792  
                                           

Earnings (loss) before interest and taxes

     145,390      26,918       10,859       (61,150 )         4,587  

Interest expense

     86,615      71,104       26,260       26,240           9,310  

Interest income

     1,247      584       120       320           143  
                                           

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

     60,022      (43,602 )     (15,281 )     (87,070 )         (4,580 )

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

     26,098      (426 )     9,425       (3,157 )         (1,506 )
                                           

Net earnings (loss)

   $ 33,924    $ (43,176 )   $ (24,706 )   $ (83,913 )       $ (3,074 )
                                           

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

F-4


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands)

 

    

December 31,

2006

   

December 25,

2005

 

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 12,337     $ 519  

Accounts receivable, net

     85,583       76,255  

Inventories, net

     178,300       170,621  

Other current assets

     4,496       2,944  

Deferred tax assets

     1,838       1,417  
                

Total current assets

     282,554       251,756  

Plant assets, net

     253,387       219,101  

Tradenames

     797,582       761,282  

Other assets, net

     56,397       44,842  

Goodwill

     402,161       359,513  
                

Total assets

   $ 1,792,081     $ 1,636,494  
                

Current liabilities:

    

Current portion of long-term obligations

   $ 123     $ 153  

Notes payable

     210       184  

Accounts payable

     57,543       61,765  

Accrued trade marketing expense

     37,152       32,980  

Accrued liabilities

     81,248       71,459  

Accrued income taxes

     1,042       1,035  
                

Total current liabilities

     177,318       167,576  

Long-term debt (includes $2,748 owed to a related party at December 31, 2006)

     920,630       888,311  

Pension and other postretirement benefits

     16,109       10,899  

Other long-term liabilities

     1,962       —    

Deferred tax liabilities

     237,707       213,184  
                

Total liabilities

     1,353,726       1,279,970  

Commitments and contingencies

    

Shareholder’s equity:

    

Pinnacle Common stock: par value $.01 per share, 100 shares authorized, issued 100 shares

     —         —    

Additional paid-in-capital

     573,403       529,425  

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     161       (3,768 )

Carryover of Predecessor basis of net assets

     (17,338 )     (17,338 )

Accumulated deficit

     (117,871 )     (151,795 )
                

Total shareholder’s equity

     438,355       356,524  
                

Total liabilities and shareholder’s equity

   $ 1,792,081     $ 1,636,494  
                

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

F-5


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

 

    Successor           Predecessor  
   

Fiscal year

ended

December 31,

2006

   

Fiscal year

ended

December 25,

2005

   

21 weeks

ended

December 26,

2004

   

36 weeks

ended

July 31,

2004

         

16 weeks

ended

November 24,

2003

 

Cash flows from operating activities

             

Net earnings (loss) from operations

  $ 33,924     $ (43,176 )   $ (24,706 )   $ (83,913 )       $ (3,074 )

Non-cash charges (credits) to net earnings

             

Depreciation and amortization

    42,187       39,088       17,068       24,570           6,136  

Restructuring and impairment charges

    5,480       75,521       6,969       16,312           1,262  

Amortization of debt acquisition costs

    7,424       6,334       1,995       2,652           6,907  

Amortization of bond premium

    (567 )     (525 )     (201 )     (323 )         —    

Change in value of financial instruments

    3,158       1,703       (360 )     (3,492 )         —    

Equity related compensation charges

    3,315       —         —         18,400           4,935  

Postretirement healthcare benefits

    897       (256 )     (1,262 )     (593 )         (527 )

Other long term liabilities

    80       —         —         —             —    

Pension expense

    1,695       595       310       820           342  

Deferred income taxes

    24,965       (616 )     9,398       (2,942 )         (986 )

Changes in working capital, net of acquisitions

             

Accounts receivable

    (9,327 )     (1,607 )     (7,734 )     29,059           (9,297 )

Inventories

    33,852       35,092       (23,010 )     20,483           (25,288 )

Accrued trade marketing expense

    4,171       (13,178 )     3,188       468           (4,815 )

Accounts payable

    1,553       (32,074 )     18,682       24,378           1,279  

Accrued liabilities

    7,162       (2,386 )     (5,606 )     (17,220 )         (2,720 )

Other current assets

    1,594       232       2,781       2,411           2,407  
                                           

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

    161,563       64,747       (2,488 )     31,070           (23,439 )
                                           

Cash flows from investing activities

             

Payments for business acquisitions

    (189,208 )     —         —         —             —    

Capital expenditures

    (26,202 )     (30,931 )     (8,073 )     (9,826 )         (1,511 )

Pinnacle merger consideration

    —         1,595       (130 )     (361,062 )         —    

Pinnacle merger costs

    —         —         —         (7,154 )         —    

Aurora merger consideration

    —         —         —         (663,759 )         —    

Aurora merger costs

    —         —         (2,333 )     (16,980 )         —    

Sale of plant assets

    1,753       561       —         —             —    

Acquisition of license

    —         —         (1,919 )     —             —    
                                           

Net cash used in investing activities

    (213,657 )     (28,775 )     (12,455 )     (1,058,781 )         (1,511 )
                                           

Cash flows from financing activities

             

Change in bank overdrafts

    (5,805 )     6,404       (16,413 )     11,603           (262 )

Repayment of capital lease obligations

    (155 )     (129 )     (41 )     (4 )         —    

Equity contributions

    40,663       9,992       —         275,088           —    

Debt acquisition costs

    (3,817 )     (51 )     (2,822 )     (37,766 )         —    

Proceeds from bond offerings

    —         —         —         400,976           —    

Proceeds from bank term loans

    143,000       —         —         545,000           —    

Proceeds from notes payable borrowing

    2,410       31,626       30,000       21,500           —    

Repayments of notes payable

    (2,384 )     (31,442 )     (30,000 )     (21,500 )         —    

Repayments of Predecessor’s long term obligations

    —         —         —         (175,000 )         —    

Repayments of long term obligations

    (110,000 )     (54,088 )     (1,363 )     (1,363 )         —    
                                           

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

    63,912       (37,688 )     (20,639 )     1,018,534           (262 )
                                           

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

    —         —         36       —             42  

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

    11,818       (1,716 )     (35,546 )     (9,177 )         (25,170 )

Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period

    519       2,235       37,781       46,958           72,128  
                                           

Cash and cash equivalents—end of period

  $ 12,337     $ 519     $ 2,235     $ 37,781         $ 46,958  
                                           

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

             

Interest paid

  $ 75,777     $ 65,832     $ 23,547     $ 28,776         $ 2,517  

Interest received

    1,247       570       120       320           143  

Income taxes refunded (paid)

    (1,034 )     305       627       (37 )         3,308  

Non-cash investing activity:

             

Capital leases

    (12 )     (126 )     (357 )     —             —    

Aurora merger consideration

    —         —         —         (225,120 )         —    

Aurora merger costs

    —         —         —         (4,628 )         —    

Non-cash financing activity

             

Aurora merger equity contribution

    —         —         —         225,120           —    

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

F-6


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY

(in thousands)

 

    Common Stock   Additional
Paid In
Capital
  Retained
Earnings
(Deficit)
    Carryover of
Predecessor
basis of net
assets
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (loss)
    Total
Shareholders’
Equity
 
    Shares   Amount          

Predecessor

             

Balance at July 31, 2003

  162,604   $ 1,626   $ 164,322   $ 12,392     $ —       $ 147     $ 178,487  
                                               

Stock Compensation

        4,935           4,935  

Comprehensive income:

             

Net loss

          (3,074 )         (3,074 )

Foreign currency translation

              78       78  
                   

Total comprehensive loss

                (2,996 )
                                               

Balance at November 24, 2003

  162,604     1,626   $ 169,257   $ 9,318     $ —       $ 225     $ 180,426  
                                               

Successor

             

Balance at November 25, 2003

  100   $ —     $ 180,637   $ —       $ (17,495 )   $ —       $ 163,142  
                                               

Equity contributions:

             

Cash

        95,276           95,276  

Noncash

        225,120           225,120  

Equity related compensation

        18,400           18,400  

Comprehensive income:

             

Net loss

          (83,913 )         (83,913 )

Foreign currency translation

              (10 )     (10 )
                   

Total comprehensive loss

                (83,923 )
                                               

Balance at July 31, 2004

  100   $ —     $ 519,433   $ (83,913 )   $ (17,495 )   $ (10 )   $ 418,015  
                                               

Comprehensive income:

             

Net loss

          (24,706 )         (24,706 )

Foreign currency translation

              58       58  
                   

Total comprehensive loss

                (24,648 )
                                               

Balance at December 26, 2004

  100   $ —     $ 519,433   $ (108,619 )   $ (17,495 )   $ 48     $ 393,367  
                                               

Equity contributions:

             

Cash

        9,992           9,992  

Impact of additional purchase accounting adjustments

            157         157  

Comprehensive income:

             

Net loss

          (43,176 )         (43,176 )

Foreign currency translation

              203       203  

Minimum pension liability

              (4,019 )     (4,019 )
                   

Total comprehensive loss

                (46,992 )
                                               

Balance at December 25, 2005

  100   $ —     $ 529,425   $ (151,795 )   $ (17,338 )   $ (3,768 )   $ 356,524  
                                               

Equity contributions:

             

Cash

        40,663           40,663  

Equity related compensation

        3,315           3,315  

Comprehensive income:

             

Net earnings

          33,924           33,924  

Foreign currency translation

              (52 )     (52 )

Minimum pension liability

              3,981       3,981  
                   

Total comprehensive income

                37,853  
                                               

Balance at December 31, 2006

  100   $ —     $ 573,403   $ (117,871 )   $ (17,338 )   $ 161     $ 438,355  
                                               

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

F-7


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands)

1. Summary of Business Activities

Business Overview

Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. (hereafter referred to as the “Company” or “PFGI”) is a leading producer, marketer and distributor of high quality, branded convenience food products, the products and operations of which are managed and reported in two operating segments: (i) frozen foods and (ii) dry foods. The Company’s frozen foods segment consists primarily of Swanson and Hungry-Man frozen dinners, Van de Kamp’s and Mrs. Paul’s frozen seafood, Aunt Jemima frozen breakfasts, Lender’s bagels and other frozen foods under the Celeste and Chef’s Choice names, as well as food service and private label products. The Company’s dry foods segment consists primarily of Vlasic pickles, peppers and relish products, Duncan Hines baking mixes and frostings, Mrs. Butterworth’s and Log Cabin syrups and pancake mixes, Armour canned meat and Open Pit barbecue sauce, as well as food service and private label products.

As discussed in more detail below, effective November 24, 2003, Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation (“PFHC”) and certain newly-formed investor companies consummated a merger (the “Pinnacle Transaction”). The ultimate parent of these investor companies is Crunch Equity Holding, LLC (“LLC”). Each share of PFHC’s issued and outstanding stock immediately prior to the closing of the Pinnacle Transaction was converted into the right to receive the per share merger consideration in cash. Therefore, PFHC was effectively acquired by LLC on November 25, 2003.

On November 25, 2003, LLC entered into a definitive agreement with Aurora Foods Inc. (“Aurora”) that provided for a comprehensive restructuring transaction in which PFHC was merged with and into Aurora, with Aurora surviving this merger. The combination of Aurora and PFHC is treated as a purchase, with LLC as the accounting acquirer, in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 141, “Business Combinations.” This restructuring transaction and the related merger was completed on March 19, 2004 and the surviving company was renamed PFGI.

For purposes of identification and description, the Company is referred to as the “Predecessor” for the period prior to the Pinnacle Transaction occurring on November 24, 2003, and the “Successor” for the period subsequent to the Pinnacle Transaction.

In December 2004, the Company’s board of directors approved a change in PFGI’s fiscal year end from July 31 to the last Sunday in December. Accordingly, the Company is presenting audited financial statements for the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004, the transition period, in this Form 10-K.

Pinnacle Transaction and Change of Control

On August 8, 2003, PFHC, Crunch Holding Corp. (“CHC”) and Crunch Acquisition Corp. (“CAC”) entered into an agreement and plan of merger. CHC was a newly formed Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of LLC, and CAC was a newly formed Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CHC. J.P. Morgan Partners, LLC (“JPMP”), J.W. Childs Associates, L.P. (or its affiliates, as appropriate, “JWC”) and CDM Investor Group LLC (“CDM” and together with JPMP and JWC, the “Sponsors”), together with certain of their affiliates, as of the closing of this Pinnacle Transaction, own 100% of the outstanding voting units of LLC on a fully diluted basis. Prior to the Pinnacle Transaction, JPMP owned approximately 9.2% of PFHC’s common stock. The closing of the Pinnacle Transaction occurred on November 25, 2003.

Each share of PFHC’s issued and outstanding stock immediately prior to closing was converted into the right to receive the per share Merger consideration (approximately $2.14 per share) in cash. The aggregate

 

F-8


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

purchase price was approximately $485 million, including the repayment of outstanding debt under the Predecessor’s Senior Secured Credit Facilities. The estimated working capital adjustment at the time of the closing was approximately $10 million. During the first quarter of 2005, the working capital adjustment was settled at $8.4 million and resulted in a reduction of purchase price and goodwill of approximately $1.6 million.

In June 2001, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 141, “Business Combinations”, and SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” which establishes accounting and reporting for business combinations. SFAS No. 141 requires all business combinations be accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. SFAS No. 142 provides that goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives will not be amortized, but will be tested for impairment on an annual basis. The Successor has accounted for the Pinnacle Transaction in accordance with these standards. The Merger of PFHC with CAC is being treated as a purchase with LLC (whose sole asset is its indirect investment in the common stock of PFHC) as the accounting acquiror in accordance with SFAS No. 141, and is accounted for in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 88-16, “Basis in Leveraged Buyout Transactions.”

Following the guidance in EITF Issue No. 88-16, the net assets associated with the 9.2% of the outstanding PFHC common stock owned by JPMP and certain members of CDM before the Pinnacle Transaction were carried over at the Predecessor basis and the net assets related to the 90.8% of the outstanding PFHC common stock before the Merger not owned by JPMP and certain members of CDM have been recorded at fair value. The excess of the purchase price over Predecessor basis of net assets of the PFHC common stock owned by JPMP and certain members of CDM prior to the Pinnacle Transaction was $17,338 and is recorded as carry-over basis in shareholder’s equity.

The total cost of the Pinnacle Transaction, after adjusting for the final working capital adjustment, consists of:

 

Stated purchase price

   $ 485,000

Working capital adjustments

     8,414

Acquisition costs

     7,154
      

Total cost of acquisition

   $ 500,568
      

Of the total consideration paid to the Predecessor’s shareholders outlined above, $10 million was deposited into an escrow account pending finalization of the working capital adjustment. In April 2004, a partial distribution of approximately $7 million was disbursed from the working capital escrow account. During the first quarter of 2005, the working capital adjustment was settled at $8.4 million and the final distribution from the escrow was made. This resulted in a reduction of purchase price and goodwill of approximately $1.6 million.

Of the total consideration paid to the Predecessor’s shareholders outlined above, $17 million was deposited into a second escrow account pending finalization of indemnification adjustments, which related to the Predecessor’s indemnifications of CHC as stipulated in the merger agreement and included, but were not limited to, breaches of representations or warranties, certain tax matters, and certain environmental items. During the first quarter of 2005, as there were no claims pending, the full indemnification escrow was distributed to the sellers.

 

F-9


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

The following table summarizes the allocation of the total cost of the Pinnacle acquisition to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed:

 

Assets recorded:

  

Plant assets

   $ 147,490  

Inventories

     134,730  

Accounts receivable

     42,739  

Cash

     4,772  

Other current assets

     4,205  

Goodwill

     142,567  

Tradenames

     106,156  

Other assets

     177  
        

Fair value of assets acquired

     582,836  

Liabilities assumed

     76,946  

Deferred income taxes

     22,660  

Carryover of Predecessor basis of net assets

     (17,338 )
        

Purchase price

   $ 500,568  
        

The total intangible assets amounted to $248,723, of which $106,156 was assigned to tradenames that are not subject to amortization. Goodwill, which is not subject to amortization, amounted to $142,567, of which $140,800 was allocated to the dry foods segment and $1,767 was allocated to the frozen foods segment. No new tax-deductible goodwill was created as a result of the Pinnacle Transaction, but historical tax-deductible goodwill in the amount of $1,661 does exist.

In accordance with the requirements of purchase method accounting for acquisitions, inventories as of November 24, 2003 were valued at fair value (net realizable value, which is defined as estimated selling prices less the sum of (a) costs of disposal and (b) a reasonable profit allowance for the selling effort of the acquiring entity) which in the case of finished products was $26,304 higher than the Predecessor’s historical manufacturing cost. The Successor’s cost of products sold for the 36 weeks ended July 31, 2004 includes a pre-tax charge of $26,304, as all of such finished product was sold during the period November 25, 2003 to July 31, 2004.

The Pinnacle Transaction was financed through borrowings of a $120 million Term Loan and a $21.5 million Revolver drawing under the Successor’s Senior Secured Credit Facilities, $200 million of Senior Subordinated Notes issued November 2003 and $181 million equity contribution from the Sponsors.

As a result of the Pinnacle Transaction, our initial capitalization at the Merger date consisted of:

 

Borrowings under new revolving credit facility

   $ 21,500

Borrowings of new term loan

     120,000

Issuance of new senior subordinated notes

     200,000

Additional paid-in capital

     180,637
      

Total capitalization

   $ 522,137
      

Other Pinnacle Transaction Related Matters

Immediately prior to closing, pursuant to their original terms, all of the Predecessor’s outstanding stock options vested and the Predecessor exercised its purchase option to purchase at fair value all of the shares of common stock to be acquired by exercise of options held by employees pursuant to the Stock Option Plan. As a

 

F-10


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

result, compensation expense of approximately $4.9 million was recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations immediately before the Pinnacle Transaction for the difference between the aggregate fair value of the shares of common stock and the aggregate exercise price of the stock options.

From and after the consummation of the Pinnacle Transaction, each outstanding warrant will thereafter entitle the holder thereof to receive, in consideration for the cancellation of such warrant, an amount in cash equal to the excess, if any, of the final per share Pinnacle Transaction consideration over the exercise price of such warrant and no more. Because the warrant’s strike price is $3.00 per share and as the Pinnacle Transaction consideration was approximately $2.14 per share, no payment to warrant holders is expected; thus, no value was assigned to the warrants.

The closing of the transaction represented a change in control under the Predecessor’s employment agreements with certain executives. As a result, the Predecessor was required to pay $1.7 million pursuant to these agreements and recorded a charge for such amount in the Consolidated Statement of Operations immediately before the Pinnacle Transaction. In addition, retention benefits to certain key employees of approximately $2.2 million were accrued as a compensation charge over the three-month retention period from the date of closing to the payment date in February 2004.

In connection with the formation of LLC, certain ownership units of LLC were issued to CDM, which is controlled by certain members of PFGI’s management. Certain of these units provide a profits interest consisting of an interest in distributions to the extent in excess of capital contributed by members of the LLC. The interests vest immediately. The fair value of the interests at the date of grant was $11 million and has been included in the Successor’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as an increase in Successor’s paid-in-capital and in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the 36 weeks ended July 31, 2004 as an expense reflecting the charge for the fair value immediately after consummation of the Pinnacle Transaction. Additional units were issued in connection with the Aurora Merger and are discussed in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Advisory and Oversight Agreement between the Predecessor and an affiliate of the majority selling shareowners, and the stockholders agreement between PFHC and Predecessor’s current shareholders, was terminated at closing. Also, at closing, all members of the board of directors of PFHC resigned. Subsequent to the Pinnacle Transaction, directors of Crunch Acquisition Corp. became directors of the surviving corporation, Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of PFGI and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The results of companies acquired during the year are included in the consolidated financial statements from the effective date. Intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Foreign Currency Translation. Foreign-currency-denominated assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates existing at the respective balance sheet dates. Translation adjustments resulting from fluctuations in exchange rates are recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within shareholder’s equity. The Company translates the results of operations of its foreign subsidiaries at the average exchange rates during the respective periods. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions, the amounts of which are not material, are included in net earnings (loss).

Fiscal Year. As discussed in Note 1, in December 2004, the Company changed its fiscal year end from July 31 to the last Sunday in December. Fiscal 2006 consisted of 53 weeks.

 

F-11


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents. The Company considers investments in all highly liquid debt instruments with an initial maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Inventories. Substantially all inventories are valued at the lower of average cost or market. Cost is determined by the first-in first-out method. The nature of costs included in inventory is: ingredients, containers, packaging, other raw materials, direct manufacturing labor and fully absorbed manufacturing overheads. When necessary, the Company provides allowances to adjust the carrying value of its inventories to the lower of cost or net realizable value, including any costs to sell or dispose including consideration for obsolescence, excessive inventory levels, product deterioration and other factors in evaluating net realizable value.

Plant Assets. Plant assets are stated at historical cost, and depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the lives of the assets. Buildings and machinery and equipment are depreciated over periods not exceeding 45 years and 15 years, respectively. The weighted average estimated remaining useful lives are approximately 17 years for buildings and 9 years for machinery and equipment. When assets are retired, sold, or otherwise disposed of, their gross carrying value and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and included in determining gain or loss on such disposals. Costs of assets acquired in a business combination are based on the estimated fair value at the date of acquisition.

Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets. The Company evaluates, on at least an annual basis in December, the carrying amount of goodwill and indefinite-lived tradenames to determine whether current events and circumstances indicate that such carrying amount may no longer be recoverable. The Company performs goodwill impairment testing for each business which constitutes a component of the Company’s two operating segments, frozen foods and dry foods, known as reporting units. The Company compares the fair value of these reporting units with their carrying values inclusive of goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the Company compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill to its carrying amount and any shortfall is charged to earnings. In estimating the implied fair value of the goodwill, the Company estimates the fair value of the reporting unit’s tangible and intangible assets (other than goodwill). For indefinite-lived tradename intangible assets the Company determines recoverability by comparing the carrying value to its fair value estimated based on discounted cash flows attributable to the tradename and charges the shortfall, if any, to earnings. In estimating the fair value, the Company primarily uses the income approach, which utilizes forecasted discounted cash flows to estimate fair values. Assumptions underlying fair value estimates are subject to risks and uncertainties.

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets. The Company adopted SFAS No. 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” on August 1, 2002. The carrying value of long-lived assets held and used, other than goodwill, is evaluated at the asset group when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. The carrying value of a long-lived asset group is considered impaired when the total projected undiscounted cash flows from such asset group are separately identifiable and are less than the carrying value. In that event, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair market value of the long-lived asset group. Fair market value is determined primarily using the projected cash flows from the asset group discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved. Losses on long-lived asset groups held for sale, other than goodwill, are determined in a similar manner, except that fair market values are reduced for disposal costs.

Revenue Recognition. Revenue from product sales is recognized upon shipment to the customers as terms are FOB shipping point, at which point title and risk of loss is transferred and the selling price is fixed or determinable. This completes the revenue-earning process, specifically that an arrangement exists, delivery has

 

F-12


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

occurred, the price is fixed and collectibility is reasonably assured. A provision for payment discounts and product return allowances is recorded as a reduction of sales in the same period that the revenue is recognized.

Trade promotions, consisting primarily of customer pricing allowances and merchandising funds, and consumer coupons are offered through various programs to customers and consumers. Sales are recorded net of estimated trade promotion spending, which is recognized as incurred at the time of sale. Certain retailers require the payment of slotting fees in order to obtain space for the Company’s products on the retailer’s store shelves. The fees are recognized as reductions of revenue at the earlier of the date cash is paid or a liability to the retailer is created. These amounts are included in the determination of net sales. Accruals for expected payouts under these programs are included as accrued trade marketing expense line in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Coupon redemption costs are also recognized as reductions of net sales when the coupons are issued.

Marketing Expenses. Trade marketing expense is comprised of amounts paid to retailers for programs designed to promote our products. These costs include standard introductory allowances for new products. They also include the cost of in-store product displays, feature pricing in retailers’ advertisements and other temporary price reductions. These programs are offered to our customers both in fixed and variable (rate per case) amounts. The ultimate cost of these programs depends on retailer performance and is the subject of significant management estimates. The Company records as expense the estimated ultimate cost of the program in the period during which the program occurs. In accordance with EITF No. 01-9 “Accounting for Consideration Given by a Vendor to a Customer,” these trade marketing expenses are classified in the Consolidated Statement of Operations as a reduction of net sales. Also, in accordance with EITF No. 01-9, coupon redemption costs are also recognized as reductions of net sales when issued. Marketing expenses recorded as a reduction of net sales of the Successor were $514,683 in fiscal 2006, $500,131 in fiscal 2005, $219,534 in the transition year and $219,452 in the 36 weeks ended July 31, 2004. Marketing expenses of the Predecessor were $48,038 in the 16 weeks ended November 24, 2003.

Advertising. Advertising costs include the cost of working media (advertising on television, radio or in print), the cost of producing advertising, and the cost of coupon insertion and distribution. Working media and coupon insertion and distribution costs are expensed in the period the advertising is run or the coupons are distributed. The cost of producing advertising is expensed as of the first date the advertisement takes place. Advertising included in the Successor’s marketing and selling expenses were $31,990 in fiscal 2006, $41,989 in fiscal 2005, $28,428 in the transition year and $20,620 in the 36 weeks ended July 31, 2004, respectively. Advertising included in the Predecessor’s marketing and selling expenses were $14,590 in the 16 weeks ended November 24, 2003.

Shipping and Handling Costs. In accordance with the EITF No. 00-10 “Accounting for Shipping and Handling Revenues and Costs,” costs related to shipping and handling of products shipped to customers are classified as cost of products sold.

Stock Based Compensation. On December 26, 2005, the start of fiscal 2006, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment”, which replaces SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” and supersedes Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. (“APB”) No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.” We adopted SFAS No. 123R using the modified prospective method. Under this method of adoption, prior periods are not restated. For awards granted prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, compensation cost is recognized for the unvested portion of outstanding awards based on the grant-date fair value calculated under SFAS No. 123 for pro forma disclosures.

 

F-13


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

Grant-date fair value of stock options is estimated using a lattice-binomial option-pricing model. Compensation expense is reduced based on estimated forfeitures with adjustments to actual recorded at the time of vesting. Forfeitures are estimated based on historical experience. We recognize compensation cost for awards over the vesting period. The majority of our stock options have a seven-year vesting.

See Note 5 for more information regarding stock-based compensation, including pro forma information required under SFAS No. 123 for periods prior to Fiscal 2006.

Insurance reserves. The Company is self-insured under its worker’s compensation insurance policy. An independent, third-party actuary estimates the outstanding retained-insurance liabilities by projecting incurred losses to their ultimate liability and subtracting amounts paid-to-date to obtain the remaining liabilities. The Company bases actuarial estimates of ultimate liability on actual incurred losses, estimates of incurred but not yet reported losses and the projected costs to resolve these losses.

Income Taxes. Income taxes are accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities, using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The Company reviews its deferred tax assets for recovery. A valuation allowance is established when the Company believes that it is more likely than not that some portion of its deferred tax assets will not be realized. Changes in valuation allowances from period to period are included in the Company’s tax provision in the period of change.

Financial Instruments. The Company uses financial instruments, primarily swap contracts, to manage its exposure to movements in interest rates, certain commodity prices and foreign currencies. The use of these financial instruments modifies the exposure of these risks with the intent to reduce the risk or cost to the Company. The Company does not use derivatives for trading purposes and is not a party to leveraged derivatives. SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, requires that all derivatives be recognized as either assets or liabilities at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are recognized monthly in earnings. The cash flows associated with the financial instruments are included in the cash flow from operating activities.

Deferred financing costs. Deferred financing costs are amortized over the life of the related debt using the effective interest rate method. If debt is prepaid or retired early, the related unamortized deferred financing costs are written off in the period the debt is retired.

Capitalized Internal Use Software Costs. The Company capitalizes the cost of internal-use software that has a useful life in excess of one year in accordance with SOP 98-1, “Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use.” These costs consist of payments made to third parties and the salaries of employees working on such software development. Subsequent additions, modifications or upgrades to internal-use software are capitalized only to the extent that they allow the software to perform a task it previously did not perform. Capitalized internal use software costs are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, generally 2  1 / 2 to 3 years. The Company amortized $1,700 in fiscal 2006, $1,629 in fiscal 2005, $279 in the transition year, $533 in the 36 weeks ended July 31, 2004 and $408 in the 16 weeks ended November 25, 2003. Additionally, as of December 31, 2006 and December 25, 2005, the net book value of capitalized internal use software totaled $5,214 and $2,485, respectively.

 

F-14


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

Comprehensive Income. Comprehensive income includes net earnings (loss), foreign currency translation adjustments and adjustments to the minimum pension liability that is currently presented as a component of shareholder’s equity. The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) income at year end was as follows:

 

    

December 31,

2006

   

December 25,

2005

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     198       251  

Minimum pension liability

     (37 )     (4,019 )
                

Total

   $ 161     $ (3,768 )
                

Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes: An Interpretation of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) Statement No. 109.” This interpretation clarifies SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, to indicate a criterion that an individual tax position would have to meet for some or all of the benefit of that position to be recognized in an entity’s financial statements. The provisions of this interpretation are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 and will be required to be adopted by us in the first quarter of 2007. We are assessing what impact, if any, adoption of this statement will have on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”. This Standard defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is assessing what impact, if any, adoption of this statement would have on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

The FASB also issued in September 2006 Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans—an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R)”, (“SFAS No. 158”). This Standard requires recognition of the funded status of a benefit plan in the statement of financial position. The Standard also requires recognition in accumulated other comprehensive income certain gains and losses that arise during the period but are deferred under pension accounting rules, as well as modifies the timing of reporting and adds certain disclosures. SFAS No. 158 provides recognition and disclosure elements to be effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2007 and measurement elements to be effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008. Had the Company adopted this provision in fiscal 2006, total liabilities are estimated to have increased by $2.0 million and total shareholders’ equity would have decreased by $2.0 million.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Liabilities” (“SFAS No. 159”). SFAS No. 159 provides companies with an option to report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value, and establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate

 

F-15


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

comparisons between companies that choose different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is assessing what impact, if any, adoption of this statement would have on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In September 2006, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108 (“SAB No. 108”), “Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements.” SAB No. 108 was issued in order to eliminate the diversity of practice surrounding how public companies quantify financial statement misstatements. Traditionally, there have been two widely-recognized methods for quantifying the effects of financial statement misstatements: the “roll-over” method and the “iron curtain” method. The roll-over method focuses primarily on the impact of a misstatement on the statement of earnings—including the reversing effect of prior year misstatements—but its use can lead to the accumulation of misstatements in the balance sheet. The iron-curtain method, on the other hand, focuses primarily on the effect of correcting the period-end balance sheet with less emphasis on the reversing effects of prior year errors on the statement of earnings. We currently use the iron curtain method for quantifying identified financial statement misstatements. In SAB No. 108, the SEC staff established an approach that requires quantification of financial statement misstatements based on the effects of the misstatements on each of the company’s financial statements and the related financial statement disclosures. This model is commonly referred to as a “dual approach” because it requires quantification of errors under both the iron curtain and the roll-over methods. SAB No. 108 permits existing public companies to initially apply its provisions either by (i) restating prior financial statements as if the “dual approach” had always been used or (ii) recording the cumulative effect of initially applying the “dual approach” as adjustments to the carrying values of assets and liabilities as of the start of fiscal 2006 with an offsetting adjustment recorded to the opening balance of retained earnings. Use of the “cumulative effect” transition method requires detailed disclosure of the nature and amount of each individual error being corrected through the cumulative adjustment and how and when it arose. We have initially applied the provisions of SAB No. 108 in connection with the preparation of our annual financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2006. The adoption of SAB No. 108 did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

3. Acquisitions

Aurora Merger

On November 25, 2003, Aurora entered into a definitive agreement with LLC. The definitive agreement provided for a comprehensive restructuring transaction in which PFHC was merged with and into Aurora, with Aurora surviving the merger, following the filing and confirmation of a pre-negotiated bankruptcy reorganization case with respect to Aurora under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. On December 8, 2003, Aurora and its subsidiary, Sea Coast Foods, Inc., filed their petitions for reorganization with the Bankruptcy Court. On February 20, 2004, the First Amended Joint Reorganization Plan of Aurora Foods Inc. and Sea Coast Foods, Inc., as modified, dated February 17, 2004, was confirmed by order of the Bankruptcy Court. We collectively refer to the restructuring, the financing thereof and the other related transactions as the “Aurora Merger.” This restructuring transaction was completed on March 19, 2004 and the surviving company was renamed Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.

Pursuant to the terms of the definitive agreement, (i) the senior secured lenders under Aurora’s existing credit facility were paid in full in cash in respect of principal and interest, and received $15 million in cash in respect of certain leverage and asset sales fees owed under that facility, (ii) the holders of Aurora’s 12% senior unsecured notes due 2005 were paid in full in cash in respect of principal and interest but did not receive $1.9 million of original issue discount, (iii) the holders of Aurora’s outstanding 8.75% and 9.875% senior

 

F-16


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

subordinated notes due 2008 and 2007, respectively, received approximately 50% of the face value of the senior subordinated notes plus accrued interest in cash or, at the election of each bondholder, 52% of the face value of the senior subordinated notes plus accrued interest in equity interests in LLC (held indirectly through a bondholders trust), (iv) the existing common and preferred stockholders did not receive any distributions and their shares have been cancelled, (v) Aurora’s existing accounts receivable securitization facility was terminated in December 2003, (vi) all of Aurora’s trade creditors were paid in full and (vii) all other claims against Aurora were unimpaired, except for the rejection of Aurora’s St. Louis headquarters leases. The definitive agreement also provides that the total acquisition consideration is subject to a post-closing adjustment based on Aurora’s adjusted net debt as of the closing date. Based upon the final adjusted net debt calculation, there was no adjustment to the consideration and the consideration detailed below is final.

In connection with the Aurora Merger, certain ownership units of LLC were issued to CDM, which is controlled by certain members of PFGI’s management. Certain of these units provide a profits interest consisting of an interest in distributions to the extent in excess of capital contributed by members of the LLC. The interests vest immediately. The fair value of the interests at the date of grant is $7.4 million and has been included in the Successor’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as an increase in Successor’s additional paid-in-capital and in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the 36 weeks ended July 31, 2004 as an expense reflecting the charge for the fair value immediately after consummation of the Aurora Merger. Additional units were issued in connection with the Pinnacle Transaction and are discussed in Note 1 under the section entitled “Other Pinnacle Transaction Related Matters.”

After the consummation of the Aurora Merger, JPMP and JWC collectively own approximately 48% of LLC, the holders of Aurora’s senior subordinated notes own approximately 43% of LLC and CDM owns approximately 9% of LLC, in each case subject to dilution by up to 16% in management equity incentives.

Prior to its bankruptcy filing, Aurora entered into an agreement with its prepetition lending group compromising the amount of certain fees (i.e., excess leverage fees) due under its senior bank facilities (the “October Amendment”). One of the members of the bank group (R2 Top Hat, Ltd.) challenged the enforceability of the October Amendment during Aurora’s bankruptcy by filing an adversary proceeding and by objecting to confirmation. The Bankruptcy Court rejected the lender’s argument and confirmed Aurora’s plan of reorganization. R2 Top Hat, Ltd. then appealed from those orders of the Bankruptcy Court. The appeals are pending. It is too early to predict the outcome of the appeals. The Company assumed a liability of $20.1 million through the Aurora Merger with respect to its total exposure relating to these fees, which is included in Accrued Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The Aurora Merger was financed through borrowings of a $425.0 million Term Loan drawn under the Company’s Senior Secured Credit Facilities, $201.0 million gross proceeds from the February 2004 issuance of the 8.25% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013, existing cash on the Aurora balance sheet and cash equity contributions of $84.4 million and $10.9 million by the Sponsors and from the Aurora bondholders, respectively.

The total cost of the Aurora Merger consists of:

 

Total paid to Aurora’s creditors

   $ 709,327  

Less: Amount paid with Aurora cash

     (20,764 )
        

Subtotal

     688,563  

Fair value of equity interests in LLC exchanged for Aurora senior subordinated notes

     225,120  

Transaction costs

     21,608  
        

Total cost of acquisition

   $ 935,291  
        

 

F-17


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

The following table summarizes the allocation of the total cost of acquisition to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed:

 

Assets recorded:

  

Plant assets

   $ 107,528

Inventories

     68,116

Accounts receivable

     52,730

Cash

     24,804

Other current assets

     4,428

Goodwill

     278,240

Recipes and formulas

     20,600

Tradenames

     675,700

Other assets

     690
      

Fair value of assets acquired

     1,232,836

Liabilities assumed

     114,053

Deferred income taxes

     183,492
      

Purchase price

   $ 935,291
      

The total intangible assets amounted to $974,540, of which $20,600 was assigned to recipes and formulas, which are amortized over an estimated useful life of five years, and $675,700 was assigned to tradenames that are not subject to amortization. Goodwill, which is not subject to amortization, amounted to $278,240, of which $150,872 was allocated to the dry foods segment and $127,368 was allocated to the frozen foods segment. No new tax-deductible goodwill was created as a result of the Aurora Merger, but historical tax-deductible goodwill in the amount of $386,386 does exist.

In accordance with the requirements of purchase method accounting for acquisitions, inventories as of March 19, 2004 were valued at fair value (net realizable value, which is defined as estimated selling prices less the sum of (a) costs of disposal and (b) a reasonable profit allowance for the selling effort of the acquiring entity) which in the case of finished products was $13,185 higher than Aurora’s historical manufacturing cost. Cost of products sold in the 36 weeks ended July 31, 2004 includes a pre-tax charge of $13,185 representing the write-up of the inventory to fair value at March 19, 2004 of inventories, all of which were sold during the period March 19, 2004 to July 31, 2004.

Pro forma Information

The following schedule includes unaudited pro forma statement of operations data for fiscal year ended December 26, 2004 as if the Aurora Merger had occurred as of December 29, 2003. The pro forma information includes the actual results with pro forma adjustments for the change in interest expense related to the changes in capital structure resulting from the financings discussed above, purchase accounting adjustments resulting in changes to depreciation and amortization expenses, and the reduction in rent expense resulting from an office closure.

 

F-18


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

The unaudited pro forma information is provided for illustrative purposes only. It does not purport to represent what the results of operations would have been had the Aurora Merger occurred on the date indicated above, nor does it purport to project the results of operations for any future period or as of any future date.

 

    

Fiscal year ended

December 26, 2004

Net sales

   $ 1,193,347

Earnings before interest and taxes

     172,574

Net earnings

     93,663

Pro forma depreciation and amortization expense included above was $43,499 for the fiscal year ended December 26, 2004.

Included in earnings (loss) before interest and taxes in the pro forma information above are the following material charges (credits):

 

Pinnacle Historical Financial Statements

  

Fiscal Year ended

December 26, 2004

 

Flow through of fair value of Pinnacle inventories over manufactured cost as of November 25, 2003

   $ 18,126  

Flow through of fair value of Aurora inventories over manufactured cost as of March 19, 2004

     13,185  

Write off of obsolete inventories

     10,743  

Aurora acquisitions costs

     23,322  

Pinnacle acquisition costs

     1,540  

Omaha restructuring and impairment charge

     15,633  

Equity related compensation

     7,400  

Impairment of goodwill

     6,143  

Impairment of fixed assets and intangible assets

     4,278  

OPEB curtailment gain related to Omaha plant closing

     (651 )
        

Impact on earnings before interest and taxes

   $ 99,719  
        

 

Aurora Historical Financial Statements

  

Fiscal Year ended

December 26, 2004

 

Write off of obsolete inventory

   $ 725  

Administrative restructuring and retention costs

     548  

Financial restructuring and divestiture costs

     5,023  

Reorganization (primarily consists of debt forgiveness)

     (187,971 )

Miscellaneous non-cash charges

     207  
        

Impact on earnings before interest and taxes

   $ (181,468 )
        

Acquisition of Food Products Business of The Dial Corporation

On March 1, 2006, the Company acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of the food products business (the “Armour Business”) of The Dial Corporation for an initial purchase price of $183 million in cash. The assets acquired include inventory, a production facility, machinery and equipment, contract rights and certain intangible assets including trademarks and licenses. The liabilities assumed include a post-retirement medical benefit for certain employees, vacation pay liabilities and severance liabilities. According to the

 

F-19


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

purchase agreement, the purchase price was to be increased dollar for dollar after the closing date if the value of inventory included with the Armour Business at closing exceeds a specified target or decreased dollar for dollar if the value of the inventory at closing is less than such target. Based upon the final value of the inventory, the Company paid to The Dial Corporation $2,271 in December 2006, which was recorded as additional purchase consideration.

The acquisition of the Armour Business is expected to complement the Company’s existing product lines that together will provide growth opportunities and scale. The Armour Business is a manufacturer, distributor and marketer of products in the canned meats category. Primarily all of the products are produced at the manufacturing facility located in Ft. Madison, Iowa, which was acquired in the transaction. Products are sold under the Armour brand name as well as private-label and certain co-pack arrangements. The Armour Business offers products in eleven of the fifteen segments within the canned meat category, including Vienna sausage, potted meat, and sliced dried beef.

The acquisition of the Armour Business was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. Accordingly, the results of the Armour Business are included in the consolidated financial statements from the acquisition date. The Armour Business results of operations and assets are included in the dry foods segment.

Concurrently with the acquisition but effective as of February 14, 2006, the Company entered into an Amendment No. 4 and Agreement to the existing senior secured credit facilities (described in Note 9). Among other things, the amendment approved the acquisition of the Armour Business and provided for the making of $143 million of additional tack-on term loans to fund a portion of the acquisition. The amendment also changed the senior secured credit facilities in other respects, including: (a) the leverage ratio calculations have been adjusted such that the amount of indebtedness used in such calculations is no longer subject to averaging and is reduced by certain cash and cash equivalents, (b) the leverage ratio threshold for the quarter ending on or about March 31, 2006 has been changed from 5.00 to 1.00 to 5.25 to 1.00, and (c) under certain circumstances, Pinnacle may be able to use equity contributions to cure financial covenant defaults, if any, that may occur in the future under the senior secured credit facilities.

The Company funded the remaining portion of the purchase price through equity contributions from the shareholders of LLC.

The cost of the Armour Business consists of:

 

Purchase price

   $ 185,271

Acquisition costs

     3,937
      

Total cost of acquisition

   $ 189,208
      

 

F-20


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

The purchase price allocation discussed below is final. Portions of the purchase price, including intangible assets, have been identified and valued by independent appraisers utilizing proven valuation procedures and techniques. The other current asset is the value the Company has ascribed to the services performed by Dial under a transition services agreement that expired June 28, 2006. The value was based upon the estimated cost of providing such services and was expensed over the 120 days of the agreement (through June 28, 2006). The following table summarizes the final allocation of the total cost of the Armour acquisition to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed:

 

Assets acquired:

  

Plant assets

     47,376

Inventories

     41,531

Other current asset

     2,000

Tradenames

     39,000

Recipes and formulas

     5,000

Private label customer relationships

     20,000

Goodwill

     43,767
      

Fair value of assets acquired

     198,674

Liabilities assumed

  

Other accrued liabilities

     2,210

Postretirement benefit liability

     7,256
      

Total cost of acquisition

   $ 189,208
      

The value assigned to total intangible assets amounted to $107,767. Of the total intangible assets, $5,000 is assigned to recipes and formulas, which are being amortized over 5 years and $20,000 is assigned to private label customer relationships, which are being amortized over seven years. In addition, $39,000 is assigned to tradenames that are not subject to amortization. Goodwill, which is not subject to amortization, amounted to $43,767. All of the intangible assets acquired in the transaction are recorded within the dry foods segment and will result in approximately $103 million of tax deductible goodwill and intangible assets.

In accordance with the requirements of purchase method accounting for acquisitions, inventories as of March 1, 2006 were valued at fair value (net realizable value, which is defined as estimated selling prices less the sum of (a) costs of disposal and (b) a reasonable profit allowance for the selling effort of the acquiring entity) which in the case of finished products was $4,580 higher than Dial’s historical manufacturing cost and in the case of work-in-progress was $180 higher than Dial’s historical manufacturing cost. The Company’s cost of products sold for fiscal 2006 includes a pre-tax charge of $4,760 related to the flow through of the increase in fair value.

Pro forma Information

The following schedule includes statements of operations data for the unaudited pro forma results for fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005 as if the Armour Business had been acquired as of December 27, 2004. The pro forma information includes the actual results with pro forma adjustments for the change in interest expense related to the additional borrowing discussed above, purchase accounting adjustments resulting in changes to depreciation expense and related adjustments to the provision for income tax.

 

F-21


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

The unaudited pro forma information is provided for illustrative purposes only. It does not purport to represent what the results of operations would have been had the Armour Business been acquired on the date indicated above, nor does it purport to project the results of operations for any future period or as of any future date.

 

     Year ended  
    

December 31,

2006

  

December 25,

2005

 

Net sales

   $ 1,472,050    $ 1,480,654  

Earnings before interest and taxes

   $ 148,000    $ 52,805  

Net earnings (loss)

   $ 34,380    $ (29,681 )

Pro forma depreciation and amortization expense included above was $43,718 and $47,929 for fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005, respectively.

Included in earnings (loss) before interest and taxes in the pro forma information above for fiscal 2006 are the following material charges:

 

    

Fiscal

2006

Flow through of fair value of the Armour Business inventories over manufactured cost as of March 1, 2006

   $ 4,760

Stock based compensation expense

     1,415
      

Impact on earnings (loss) before interest and taxes

   $ 6,175
      

There were no material non-recurring charges included in the pro forma information for the nine months ended September 25, 2005.

 

F-22


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

4. Restructuring and Impairment Charges

Successor

Frozen Food Segment

Erie, Pennsylvania Production Facility

On April 29, 2005, the Company’s board of directors approved a plan to permanently close its Erie, Pennsylvania production facility, as part of the Company’s plan of consolidating and streamlining production activities after the Aurora merger. Production from the Erie plant, which manufactured Mrs. Paul’s and Van de Kamp’s frozen seafood products and Aunt Jemima frozen breakfast products, has been relocated primarily to the Company’s Jackson, Tennessee production facility. Activities related to the closure of the plant were completed in 2006 and resulted in the elimination of approximately 290 positions. Employee termination activities commenced in July 2005 and were substantially completed by the end of the first quarter of 2006. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 112, “Employers Accounting for Postemployment Benefits”, the Company has accrued severance costs related to the employees to be terminated. In addition, the following table contains detailed information about the charges incurred related to the Erie restructuring plan, recorded in accordance with SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities”:

 

               Incurred     

Description

  

Estimated

Total

Charges

  

Change in

Estimated

Charges

  

Through

December 25,

2005

  

Fiscal

2006

  

Estimated

Remaining

Charges

Employee severance

   $ 590    $ 363    $ 909    $ 44    $ —  

Other costs

     3,650      2,398      4,978      1,070      —  

Asset impairment

     —        280      —        280      —  
                                  

Total

   $ 4,240    $ 3,041    $ 5,887    $ 1,394    $ —  
                                  

The charges incurred have been included in the Other expense (income), net line in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. All such charges are reported under the frozen foods business segment.

The Company has transferred equipment with a net book value of approximately $3 million to other production locations, primarily in Jackson, Tennessee. The remaining property, plant and equipment have been evaluated as to recoverability. Based on an estimate of future cash flows over the remaining useful life of the assets, depreciation expense has been accelerated on the remaining asset value and resulted in additional depreciation expense of $4,788 during fiscal 2005 and $523 during the first quarter of 2006. No further deprecation expense on these assets will be recorded. During the third quarter of 2006 and based upon current offers, the Company lowered the carrying value of the plant and equipment and recorded an impairment charge totaling $280. In the fourth quarter of 2006, the plant and any remaining equipment was sold for its carrying value and no additional gain or loss was recorded.

Employees terminated as a result of this closure are eligible to receive severance pay and other benefits totaling $953, all of which has been paid as of December 31, 2006. Other closing costs of approximately $6,048 relate to facility operating costs during the shutdown period and other shutdown costs and expenses associated with dismantling, transferring and reassembling certain equipment to Jackson, Tennessee. As of December 31, 2006, all of these costs have been spent.

Also, the Company had made capital expenditures in connection with this plant consolidation project, which have totaled approximately $9.5 million.

 

F-23


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

Mattoon, Illinois Production Facility

On April 21, 2005, the Company made and announced its decision effective May 9, 2005 to shutdown a bagel production line at its Mattoon, Illinois facility, which produces the Company’s Lender’s ® bagels. In connection with the shutdown of the production line, the Company has terminated 28 full-time and 7 part-time employees. A portion of the assets that were used in the bagel line will be utilized in other production areas within the Company. In accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment and Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”, the Company incurred a non-cash charge of $862 related to the asset impairment of the bagel line, which has been recorded as a component of Other expense (income), net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for fiscal 2005. This charge is reported under the frozen foods business segment. The Company expects that any costs associated with the removal of the assets would be offset from the proceeds received from the sale of those assets.

Omaha, Nebraska Production Facility

On April 7, 2004, the Company made and announced its decision to permanently close its Omaha, Nebraska production facility, as part of the Company’s plan of consolidating and streamlining production activities after the Aurora merger. Production from the Omaha plant, which manufactured Swanson frozen entree retail products and frozen foodservice products, ceased in December 2004 and has been relocated to the Company’s Fayetteville, Arkansas and Jackson, Tennessee production facilities. Activities related to the closure of the plant were completed in the first quarter of 2005 and resulted in the elimination of 411 positions. The following table contains detailed information about the charges incurred to date related to the Omaha restructuring plan, recorded in accordance with SFAS No. 112, “Employers Accounting for Postemployment Benefits”, SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment and Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” and SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities”:

 

Description

  

Original

Estimated

Charges

  

Change in

Estimated

Charges

    Transfers     Incurred   

Estimated

Remaining

Charges

Per
Quarter

         

Through

December 25,

2005

  

Fiscal

2006

  

Asset impairment charges

   $ 7,400    $ 5,149     $ —       $ 10,049    $ 2,500    $ —  

Employee severance

     2,506      —         59       2,565      —        —  

Other costs

     4,984      (390 )     (59 )     4,283      192      60
                                           

Total

   $ 14,890    $ 4,759     $ —       $ 16,897    $ 2,692    $ 60
                                           

The charges incurred have been included in Other expense (income), net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. All such charges are reported under the frozen foods business segment.

The Company had planned to transfer equipment with a net book value of approximately $9,700 to other production locations, primarily in Fayetteville, Arkansas and Jackson, Tennessee. Due to the delay in closing the Omaha plant and the need to have production up and running in the Fayetteville plant, the Company was unable to transfer certain equipment with a net book value of $6,196 and instead incurred capital expenditures to purchase, build and modify the necessary equipment in Fayetteville. In addition to the impairment charge initially recorded in the first quarter of 2004, the Company evaluated the remaining property, plant and equipment as well as existing offers to sell the plant and equipment, and recorded an impairment charge of $2,649 in December 2004. During the third quarter of 2006 and based upon current offers, the Company lowered the carrying value of the plant and equipment and recorded an additional impairment charge totaling $2,500.

 

F-24


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

Employees terminated as a result of this closure were eligible to receive severance pay and benefits totaling $2,565, all of which has been disbursed. Other closing costs of approximately $4,535 relate to other shutdown costs. As of December 31, 2006, $4,251 has been disbursed and $224 has been incurred and accrued.

The Company will continue to incur certain costs until the plant is sold, which we expect to occur during fiscal 2007. We expect these costs to approximate $60 per quarter and the costs will be recorded in expense as incurred in the Company’s Statements of Operations.

Other Asset Impairments

In October 2004, the Company decided that it would discontinue producing product under the Chef’s Choice trade name, which is reported under the frozen foods segment of the Company. In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 142, the Company prepared a discounted cash flow analysis as of July 31, 2004 which indicated that the book value of related to the Chef’s Choice business unit exceeded its estimated fair value and that a goodwill impairment had occurred. Accordingly, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge during fiscal 2004 related to goodwill of $1,835.

As a result of the impairment charge related to the Chef Choice brand, the Company assessed whether there had been an impairment of the Company’s long-lived assets in accordance with SFAS No. 144. The Company concluded that the book value of the assets related to the Chef’s Choice products were higher than their expected undiscounted future cash flows and that an impairment had occurred. Accordingly, the Company recorded a non-cash charge in fiscal 2004 related to the write down to fair value of the fixed assets of $1,300 and a non-cash impairment charge of $1,666 related to amortizable intangibles (recipes).

In connection with the Company’s annual goodwill and indefinite lived impairment test conducted as of July 31, 2004 and in accordance with SFAS No. 142, it was determined that due to lower than expected future sales, the carrying value of the trade name for the Avalon Bay product was impaired. The Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $1,300 in fiscal 2004 related to the write down of the trade name value. Products sold under the Avalon Bay trade name are reported in the frozen foods segment.

The annual evaluation performed as of December 26, 2004 resulted in a $4,308 non-cash impairment charge related to the goodwill in the Company’s bagels reporting unit ($2,675) and dinners reporting unit ($1,633). This impairment charge adjusted the carrying value of the reporting units goodwill to its implied fair value. During the transition year, the Company experienced higher costs in its bagels and dinners business units and expects these higher costs to continue into the future. In addition, as a result of the impairment charges, the Company assessed whether there had been an impairment of the Company’s tradenames in accordance with SFAS No. 142. The Company concluded that the book value of the Lender’s trade name asset was higher than its fair value and that an impairment had occurred. Accordingly, the Company recorded a non-cash charge in the transition year related to the write down to fair value of the trade name of $12, which is recorded in Other expense (income), net, on the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

In 2005, the Company experienced difficulties in transferring the frozen seafood production from the Erie, Pennsylvania facility to the Jackson, Tennessee facility. Due to the delays caused by the difficulties encountered, the Company is forecasting significantly reduced sales in 2006 and thereafter. Due to the reduced sales and corresponding projected decline in cash flows, the Company has concluded that the intangible assets related to the Frozen Seafood reporting unit have been impaired. These impairments included goodwill ($44,860) and tradenames ($18,144). The Company has included these charges, which are recorded in the frozen foods

 

F-25


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

segment, in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for fiscal 2005. The tradename impairment is recorded as part of the Other expense (income), net line item.

Additionally, in 2005, the Company experienced higher than expected costs, including trade spending and material costs, in the pizza reporting unit, from which the Company is not expecting relief in the near-term. Due to the higher costs, the Company has concluded that the all the goodwill related to the pizza reporting unit has been impaired and has recorded a charge in the amount of $9,897 on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for fiscal 2005. This charge is reported in the frozen foods segment of the business.

Also, in the fourth quarter of 2005, the Company reassessed the long-term growth rate of sales of the products under the Lender’s brand. Management concluded that the growth rates were less than anticipated in the prior year and that a further impairment of the tradename asset had occurred. As a result of the decline, the Company has recognized an impairment in the tradename for the Lender’s in the amount of $1,118. The charge is recorded in the Other expense (income), net line item on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and is reported in the frozen foods segment.

In the fourth quarter of 2006, the Company reassessed the long-term growth rate of sales of the products under the Aunt Jemima brand. Due to increased competition, management reduced the expected future growth rates and as a result, recorded an impairment of the tradename asset in the amount of $2,700. The charge is recorded in the Other expense (income), net line item on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and is reported in the frozen foods segment.

The following table summarizes impairment and restructuring charges. It also includes severance liabilities assumed or established in purchase accounting. These amounts are recorded in accrued liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

 

Description

  

Balance at

August 1,

2003

   Additions   

Assumed

Liabilities/

Purchase

Accounting

  

Noncash

Reductions

   

Cash

Reductions

  

Balance at

November 24,

2003

Other asset impairment charges

   $ —      $ 1,262    $ —      $ (1,262 )   $ —      $ —  

Employee severance

     —        —        —        —         —        —  

Other costs

     —        —        —        —         —        —  
                                          

Total

   $ —      $ 1,262    $ —      $ (1,262 )   $ —      $ —  
                                          

 

Description

  

Balance at

November 25,

2003

   Additions   

Assumed

Liabilities/

Purchase

Accounting

  

Noncash

Reductions

   

Cash

Reductions

   

Balance at

July 31,

2004

Goodwill impairment charges

   $ —      $ 1,835    $ —      $ (1,835 )   $ —       $ —  

Other asset impairment charges

     —        11,666      —        (11,666 )     —         —  

Employee severance

     —        2,506      11,406      —         (6,085 )     7,827

Other costs

     —        1,851      —        —         (1,546 )     305
                                           

Total

   $ —      $ 17,858    $ 11,406    $ (13,501 )   $ (7,631 )   $ 8,132
                                           

 

F-26


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

Description

  

Balance at

August 1,

2004

   Additions   

Assumed

Liabilities/

Purchase

Accounting

  

Noncash

Reductions

   

Cash

Reductions

   

Balance at

December 26,

2004

Goodwill impairment charges

   $ —      $ 4,308    $ —      $ (4,308 )   $ —       $ —  

Other asset impairment charges

     —        2,661      —        (2,661 )     —         —  

Employee severance

     7,827      —        —        —         (4,132 )     3,695

Other costs

     305      1,227      —        —         (1,227 )     305
                                           

Total

   $ 8,132    $ 8,196    $ —      $ (6,969 )   $ (5,359 )   $ 4,000
                                           

 

Description

  

Balance at

December 27,

2004

   Additions   

Assumed

Liabilities/

Purchase

Accounting

  

Noncash

Reductions

   

Cash

Reductions

   

Balance at

December 25,

2005

Goodwill impairment charges

   $ —      $ 54,757    $ —      $ (54,757 )   $ —       $ —  

Other asset impairment charges

     —        20,124      —        (20,124 )     —         —  

Employee severance

     3,695      972      —        (444 )     (3,541 )     682

Other costs

     305      6,182      —        —         (6,213 )     274
                                           

Total

   $ 4,000    $ 82,035    $ —      $ (75,325 )   $ (9,754 )   $ 956
                                           

 

Description

  

Balance at

December 26,

2005

   Additions   

Assumed

Liabilities/

Purchase

Accounting

  

Noncash

Reductions

   

Cash

Reductions

   

Balance at

December 31,

2006

Other asset impairment charges

   $ —      $ 5,480    $ —      $ (5,480 )   $ —       $ —  

Employee severance

     682      —        800      (149 )     (721 )     612

Other costs

     274      1,307      —        (50 )     (1,306 )     225
                                           

Total

   $ 956    $ 6,787    $ 800    $ (5,679 )   $ (2,027 )   $ 837
                                           

5. Stock-Based Compensation Expense

On December 26, 2005, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment,” (“SFAS No. 123(R)”) which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all stock-based payment awards made to employees and directors, including employee stock options and employee stock purchases, based on estimated fair values. SFAS No. 123 (R) supersedes the Company’s previous accounting under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (“APB No. 25”) for periods beginning in fiscal 2006. In March 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 (“SAB No. 107”) relating to SFAS No. 123(R). The Company has applied the provisions of SAB No. 107 in its adoption of SFAS No. 123(R).

The Company adopted SFAS No. 123(R) using the modified prospective transition method, which requires the application of the accounting standard as of December 26, 2005, the first day of the Company’s fiscal year 2006. The Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2006 reflect the impact of SFAS 123(R). In accordance with the modified prospective transition method, the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for prior periods have not been restated to reflect, and do not include, the impact of SFAS No. 123(R). Stock-based compensation expense related to employee stock options for fiscal 2006 as a result of adopting SFAS No. 123(R) was $1,900 ($1,892 net of tax). In addition, the Company recorded $1,415 (with no related tax impact) for stock-based compensation expense in fiscal 2006 for certain ownership units of LLC that were issued to CDM in the first quarter of 2006, which is controlled by certain members of PFGI’s management (see discussion below). There was no stock-based compensation expense recognized during fiscal 2005.

 

F-27


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

SFAS No. 123(R) requires companies to estimate the fair value of stock-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense using the straight-line method over the requisite service periods in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations. Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), the Company accounted for stock-based awards to employees and directors using the intrinsic value method in accordance with APB No. 25 as allowed under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (“SFAS No. 123”). Under the intrinsic value method, no stock-based compensation expense had been recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations, other than as related to certain ownership units of LLC that were issued to CDM.

Stock-based compensation expense recognized during the period is based on the value of the portion of stock-based payment awards that is ultimately expected to vest during the period. Stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations for fiscal 2006 included compensation expense for stock-based payment awards granted prior to, but not yet vested as of December 25, 2005 based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the pro forma provisions of SFAS No. 123 and compensation expense for the stock-based payment awards granted subsequent to December 25, 2005 based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123 (R). As stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for fiscal 2006 is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. SFAS No. 123(R) requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. In the Company’s pro forma information required under SFAS No. 123 for the periods prior to fiscal 2006, the Company accounted for forfeitures as they occurred.

The Company continues to use the lattice-binomial option-pricing model (“lattice-binomial model”) as its method of valuation for stock-based awards, which was previously used for the Company’s pro forma information required under SFAS No. 123. Since the Company’s stock is not publicly traded, the determination of fair value of stock-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is based upon estimates of enterprise value as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. The estimated enterprise value is based upon forecasted cash flows for five years plus a terminal year and an assumed discount rate. The other variables used to determine fair value of stock-based payment awards include, but are not limited to, the expected stock price volatility of a group of industry comparable companies over the term of the awards, and actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors. Option-pricing models were developed for use in estimating the value of traded options that have no vesting or hedging restrictions and are fully transferable. Because the Company’s employee stock options have certain characteristics that are significantly different from traded options, and because changes in the subjective assumptions can materially affect the estimated value, in management’s opinion, the existing valuation models may not provide an accurate measure of the fair value of the Company’s employee stock options. Although the fair value of employee stock options is determined in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R) and SAB No. 107 using an option-pricing model, that value may not be indicative of the fair value observed in a willing buyer/willing seller market transaction.

 

F-28


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

The fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of the grant using the lattice-binomial model with the following weighted average assumptions used for grants during fiscal 2006.

 

    

Fiscal

2006

Risk-free interest rate

   4.863%

Expected life of option

   5-9 years

Expected volatility of Pinnacle stock

   25.0%

Expected dividend yield on Pinnacle stock

   0%

Volatility was based on a 208 week average volatility of a group of publicly traded food companies. The Company estimates that the annual forfeiture rates range from 4-10%, depending on the class of employees receiving the stock option grant.

2004 Stock Option Plan

Crunch Holding Corp. (“CHC”), which owns all of the common stock in the Company has adopted a stock option plan (the “2004 Plan”) providing for the issuance of up to 29.6 million shares of CHC’s common stock. Pursuant to the option plan, certain officers, employees, managers, directors and other persons are eligible to receive grants of incentive and nonqualified stock options, as permitted by applicable law. Except as otherwise provided by the plan administrator, two-ninths (2/9) of the shares of common stock subject to each option shall time vest annually in each of the first three years from the effective date of the option grant. The remaining one-third (1/3) of the shares of common stock subject to each option shall vest on the seventh anniversary of the effective date of the option grant unless otherwise determined by the plan administrator. Options under the plan have a termination date of 10 years from the date of issuance.

The following table summarizes the stock option transactions under the 2004 Plan:

 

    

Number of

Shares

   

Weighted

Average

Exercise Price

  

Average

Remaining

Life

  

Aggregate

Intrinsic

Value
(000’s)

Outstanding—December 26, 2004

   16,954,666     $ 1.00      

Granted

   5,906,500     $ 1.00      

Exercised

   (8,888 )     1.00      

Forfeitures

   (2,194,336 )     1.00      
                  

Outstanding—December 25, 2005

   20,657,942     $ 1.00      
                  

Granted

   10,602,111     $ 1.00      

Exercised

   (163,315 )     1.00      

Forfeitures

   (3,768,075 )     1.00      
                  

Outstanding—December 31, 2006

   27,328,663     $ 1.00    8.24    $ —  
                  

Exercisable—December 31, 2006

   9,628,925     $ 1.00    7.70    $ —  
                  

As discussed in Note 19, on February 10, 2007, The Blackstone Group (“Blackstone”), through an affiliate, agreed to acquire 100% of the common stock of Crunch Holding Corp., the Company’s sole shareholder. Under the terms of the agreement, all outstanding options at the time of the closing, which we expect to occur during the second quarter of fiscal 2007, will immediately vest.

 

F-29


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

As of December 31, 2006, there was $4.5 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested options. Estimated expense for the next five years is as follows: 2007—$1,286, 2008—$1,082, 2009—$748, 2010—$619, 2011—$390 and thereafter—$335. The intrinsic value of options exercised during fiscal 2006 was $0.

The weighted-average fair value of options granted during fiscal 2006 was:

 

     Fiscal
2006

Weighted average fair value of each option granted

   $ 0.37

Number of options granted

     10,602
      

Total fair value of all options granted

   $ 3,923
      

2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan

CHC has adopted an employee stock purchase plan providing for the issuance of up to 15 million shares of CHC’s common stock. Pursuant to the plan, certain officers, employees, managers, directors and other persons are eligible to purchase shares at the fair market value of such shares on the date of determination. During fiscal 2006 and 2005, employees purchased 500,000 and 9,982,971 shares, respectively, of CHC’s common stock at $1.00 per share. No other shares have been purchased.

Expense Information under SFAS No. 123(R)

The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense related to employee stock options and employee stock purchases under SFAS No. 123(R) for fiscal 2006 which was allocated as follows:

 

     Fiscal
2006
 

Cost of products sold

   $ 163  

Marketing and selling expenses

     455  

Administrative expenses

     1,226  

Research and development expenses

     56  
        

Pre-Tax Stock-Based Compensation Expense

     1,900  

Income Tax Benefit

     (8 )
        

Net Stock-Based Compensation Expense

   $ 1,892  
        

In connection with the acquisition of the Armour Business, certain ownership units of LLC were issued to CDM, which is controlled by certain members of PFGI’s management. Certain of these units provide a profits interest consisting of an interest in distributions to the extent in excess of capital contributed by members of the LLC. The interests vest immediately. The estimated fair value of the interests issued in connection with the acquisition of the Armour Business at the date of the issuance was $1,415, and has been included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as an increase in the Company’s paid-in capital and in the Consolidated Statement of Operations as a component of administrative expense reflecting the equity related compensation charge for the fair value immediately after consummation of such transactions.

 

F-30


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

Pro Forma Information Under SFAS No. 123 for Periods Prior to Fiscal 2006

SFAS No. 123(R) requires disclosure of pro forma information for periods prior to its adoption. The pro forma disclosures are based on the fair value of awards at the grant date, amortized to expense over the service period. The following table illustrates the effect on net loss if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 to stockbased employee compensation.

 

     Successor           Predecessor  
    

Fiscal year
ended
December 25,
2005

   

21 weeks

ended

December 26,

2004

   

36 weeks

ended

July 31,

2004

         

16 weeks

ended

November 24,

2003

 

Net loss, as reported

   $ (43,176 )   $ (24,706 )   $ (83,913 )       $ (3,074 )

Add: Stock-based compensation expense included in reported net loss, net of tax

     —         —         18,400           3,158  

Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value method for all stock option awards, net of related tax effects

     (1,147 )     (504 )     (19,031 )         (734 )
                                    

Pro forma net loss

   $ (44,323 )   $ (25,210 )   $ (84,544 )       $ (650 )
                                    

6. Other Expense (Income), net

 

     Successor           Predecessor  
    

Fiscal year
ended
December 31,
2006

   

Fiscal year

ended

December 25,

2005

   

21 weeks

ended

December 26,

2004

   

36 weeks

ended

July 31,

2004

         

16 weeks

ended

November 24,

2003

 

Other expense (income), net consists of:

              

Restructuring and intangible asset impairment charges

   $ 6,787     $ 27,278     $ 3,888     $ 16,023         $ 1,262  

Amortization of intangibles/other assets

     7,415       4,814       1,905       1,549           79  

Merger related costs

     —         (101 )     —         20,620           6,661  

Royalty income and other

     (16 )     (155 )     (113 )     (96 )         (46 )
                                            

Total other expense (income), net

   $ 14,186     $ 31,836     $ 5,680     $ 38,096         $ 7,956  
                                            

Restructuring and intangible asset impairment charges. As described in Note 4, the Company incurred costs in connection with impairments to certain tradenames, the shutdown of the Erie, Pennsylvania and Omaha, Nebraska facilities, the shutdown of the bagel production line in Mattoon, Illinois, and the discontinuation of the Chef’s Choice branded products, and other asset impairment charges.

Merger related costs. The Successor and/or the Predecessor incurred the following costs in connection with the Merger discussed in Note 1:

Successor

Equity related compensation. In connection with the formation of LLC and the Pinnacle Transaction, certain ownership units of LLC were issued to CDM, which is controlled by certain members of PFGI’s management. Certain of these units provide a profits interest consisting of an interest in distributions to the extent in excess of capital contributed by members of the LLC. Additional units were issued in connection with the

 

F-31


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

Aurora Merger. The interests vest immediately. The estimated fair value of the interests issued in the Pinnacle and Aurora Mergers at the dates of their respective grants were $11,000 and $7,400, respectively, and each has been included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as an increase in the Successor’s paid-in capital and in the Consolidated Statement of Operations as an expense reflecting the charge for the fair value immediately after consummation of such transactions.

Retention benefits. In connection with the Pinnacle Transaction, retention benefits paid in February 2004 to certain key employees of approximately $2,220 were recognized as expense during the 36 week period ended July 31, 2004.

Predecessor

Stock options. Immediately prior to closing, pursuant to their original terms, all of the Predecessor’s outstanding stock options vested and the Predecessor exercised its purchase option to purchase at fair value all of the shares of common stock to be acquired by exercise of options held by employees pursuant to the Stock Option Plan. As a result, compensation expense of approximately $4,935 million was recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations immediately before the Merger for the difference between the aggregate fair value of the shares of common stock and the aggregate exercise price of the stock options.

Change in control. The closing of the transaction represents a change in control under the Predecessor’s employment agreements with certain executives. As a result, the Predecessor was required to pay $1,688 million pursuant to these agreements and recorded a charge for such amount in the Consolidated Statement of Operations immediately before the Merger.

7. Balance Sheet Information

Accounts Receivable. Customer accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The allowance for cash discounts, returns and bad debts is our best estimate of the amount of uncollectible amounts in our existing accounts receivable. The Company determines the allowance based on historical discounts taken and write-off experience. The Company reviews its allowance for doubtful accounts monthly. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when the Company concludes it is probable the receivable will not be recovered. The Company does not have any off-balance sheet credit exposure related to our customers. Accounts receivable are as follows:

 

    

December 31,

2006

   

December 25,

2005

 

Customers

   $ 87,796     $ 79,263  

Allowances for cash discounts, bad debts and returns

     (4,006 )     (5,772 )
                
     83,790       73,491  

Other

     1,793       2,764  
                

Total

   $ 85,583     $ 76,255  
                

 

F-32


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

Following are the changes in the allowance for cash discounts, bad debts, and returns:

 

    

Beginning

Balance

   Additions    Acquisitions    Deductions    

Ending

Balance

Successor

             

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2006

   $ 5,772    $ 38,520    $ —      $ (40,286 )   $ 4,006

Fiscal year ended December 25, 2005

     6,320      34,188      —        (34,736 )     5,772

21 weeks ended December 26, 2004

     7,792      13,743      —        (15,215 )     6,320

36 weeks ended July 31, 2004

     2,200      16,802      3,883      (15,093 )     7,792

Predecessor

             

16 weeks ended November 24, 2003

   $ 1,765    $ 4,755       $ (4,320 )   $ 2,200

Inventories. Inventories are as follows:

 

    

December 31,

2006

   

December 25,

2005

 

Raw materials, containers and supplies

   $ 34,829     $ 38,050  

Finished product

     146,206       139,761  
                
     181,035       177,811  

Reserves

     (2,735 )     (7,190 )
                

Total

   $ 178,300     $ 170,621  
                

Reserves represent amounts necessary to adjust the carrying value of its inventory to the lower of cost or net realizable value, including any costs to sell or dispose.

The Company has various purchase commitments for raw materials, containers, supplies and certain finished products incident to the ordinary course of business. Such commitments are not at prices in excess of current market.

Following are the changes in the inventory reserve:

 

    

Beginning

Balance

   Additions    Acquisitions    Deductions    

Ending

Balance

Successor

             

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2006

   $ 7,190    $ 3,778    $ —      $ (8,233 )   $ 2,735

Fiscal year ended December 25, 2005

     16,624      2,853      —        (12,287 )     7,190

21 weeks ended December 26, 2004

     12,424      7,766      —        (3,566 )     16,624

36 weeks ended July 31, 2004

     1,400      7,217      4,406      (599 )     12,424

Predecessor

             

16 weeks ended November 24, 2003

   $ 1,109    $ 516       $ (225 )   $ 1,400

Plant Assets. Plant assets are as follows:

 

    

December 31,

2006

   

December 25,

2005

 

Land

   $ 12,963     $ 12,533  

Buildings

     81,973       65,408  

Machinery and equipment

     243,420       198,358  

Projects in progress

     11,081       11,670  
                
     349,437       287,969  

Accumulated depreciation

     (96,050 )     (68,868 )
                

Total

   $ 253,387     $ 219,101  
                

 

F-33


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

Depreciation of the Predecessor was $6,058 during the 16 weeks ended November 24, 2003. Depreciation of the Successor was $34,772 during fiscal 2006, $34,274 during fiscal 2005, $15,163 during the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004, and $23,020 during the 36 weeks ended July 31, 2004.

Accounts Payable. Accounts payable are as follows:

 

    

December 31,

2006

  

December 25,

2005

Trade payables

   $ 56,635    $ 55,053

Book overdrafts

     908      6,712
             

Total

   $ 57,543    $ 61,765
             

Book overdrafts represent outstanding checks in excess of funds on deposit.

Accrued Liabilities. Accrued liabilities are as follows:

 

    

December 31,

2006

  

December 25,

2005

Employee compensation and benefits

   $ 31,501    $ 20,862

Excess leverage fee (see Note 13)

     20,110      20,110

Consumer coupons

     4,186      5,028

Interest payable

     11,968      11,248

Accrued restructuring charges

     837      956

Accrued pension, current portion

     650      —  

Other

     11,996      13,255
             

Total

   $ 81,248    $ 71,459
             

8. Goodwill, Tradenames and Other Assets

Goodwill by reporting unit is as follows:

 

    

Frozen

Foods

   

Dry

Foods

    Total  

Balance, December 26, 2004

   $ 122,858     $ 294,005     $ 416,863  
                        

Impairments

     (54,757 )     —         (54,757 )

Purchase price adjustment

     —         (1,545 )     (1,545 )

Settlement of pre-acquisition liabilities

     (371 )     (660 )     (1,031 )

Other adjustments

     (17 )     —         (17 )
                        

Balance, December 25, 2005

   $ 67,713     $ 291,800     $ 359,513  
                        

Armour Acquisition

     —         43,767       43,767  

Settlement of pre-acquisition liabilities

     (46 )     (1,073 )     (1,119 )
                        

Balance, December 31, 2006

   $ 67,667     $ 334,494     $ 402,161  
                        

The acquisition of the Armour business in fiscal 2006 resulted in $43,767 of goodwill which was all allocated to the dry foods segment and is not subject to amortization. Certain liabilities which were accrued for as part of the Pinnacle Transaction and the Aurora Merger were settled at less than their accrued amounts. These settlements resulted in adjustments totaling $1,119 which reduced goodwill.

 

F-34


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

During the first quarter of 2005, the working capital adjustment for the Pinnacle Transaction was finalized. In the initial consideration paid to the Predecessor’s shareholders, $10 million was deposited into an escrow account pending finalization of the working capital adjustment. Upon the settlement of the adjustment, which was $8.4 million, the remaining cash was returned to the Company and resulted in a net reduction to goodwill of $1,545, which was recorded in the dry foods segment.

During the second quarter of 2005, the Company settled a state tax liability related to the period of ownership prior to the Pinnacle Transaction. The amount of the settlement was for less than the liability accrued at the time of the change in ownership. The settlement of the liability resulted in a decrease to goodwill of $206 and was recorded in the dry foods segment. Furthermore, certain liabilities, which were accrued as part of the acquisition of Aurora, were settled at less than their accrued amounts. Consequently, an adjustment was made in the amount of $825 to reduce goodwill and the related accrued liability, of which $371 was recorded in the frozen foods segment and $454 was recorded in the dry foods segment.

Goodwill Impairments

In 2005, the Company experienced difficulties and delays in transferring the frozen seafood production from the Erie, Pennsylvania facility to the Jackson, Tennessee facility. Due to the delays caused by the difficulties encountered, the Company recognized reduced sales and projected the decline to continue. As a result, the Company concluded that the intangible assets related to the frozen seafood reporting unit had been impaired. These assets included goodwill ($44,860) and tradenames ($18,144). The Company included these charges, which are recorded in the frozen foods segment, in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for fiscal 2005. The tradename impairment is recorded as part of the Other expense (income), net line item.

Additionally, in 2005, the Company experienced higher than expected costs, including trade marketing spending and material costs, in the frozen pizza reporting unit, from which the Company is not expecting relief in the near-term. Due to the higher costs, the Company concluded that the all the goodwill related to the frozen pizza reporting unit had been impaired and recorded a charge in the amount of $9,897 on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for fiscal 2005. This charge is reported in the frozen foods segment of the business.

Tradenames

Tradenames by reporting unit is as follows:

 

    

Frozen

Foods

   

Dry

Foods

   Total  

Balance, December 26, 2004

   $ 250,804     $ 529,740    $ 780,544  
                       

Impairments

     (19,262 )     —        (19,262 )
                       

Balance, December 25, 2005

   $ 231,542     $ 529,740    $ 761,282  
                       

Armour acquisition

     —         39,000      39,000  

Impairment

     (2,700 )     —        (2,700 )
                       

Balance, December 31, 2006

   $ 228,842     $ 568,740    $ 797,582  
                       

In fiscal 2006, the allocation of the Armour Business purchase price resulted in indefinite lived tradename intangible assets of $39,000, all of which is recorded in the dry foods segment.

In the fourth quarter of 2006, the Company reassessed the long-term growth rate of sales of the products under the Aunt Jemima brand. Due to increased competition, management reduced the expected future growth

 

F-35


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

rates and as a result, recorded an impairment of the tradename asset in the amount of $2,700. The charge is recorded in the Other expense (income), net line item on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and is reported in the frozen foods segment.

In fiscal 2005, the Company forecasted significantly lower sales for fiscal 2006 and thereafter in the frozen seafood reporting unit as a result in delays in moving production from the Erie, Pennsylvania to the Jackson, Tennessee plant. As a result of the decline, the Company has recognized an impairment in the tradename for the Mrs. Paul’s ($10,437) and Van de Kamp’s ($7,707) brands. The charge is recorded in the Other expense (income), net line item on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and is reported in the frozen foods segment.

In the fourth quarter of 2005, the Company reassessed the long-term growth rate of sales of the products under the Lender’s brand. Management concluded that the growth rates were less than anticipated in the prior year and that a further impairment of the Tradename asset had occurred. As a result of the decline, the Company recognized an impairment in the Lender’s tradename in the amount of $1,118. The charge is recorded in the Other expense (income), net line item on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and is reported in the frozen foods segment.

Other Assets

 

    

December 31,

2006

  

December 25,

2005

Amortizable intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $15,683 and $8,268, respectively

   $ 30,348    $ 12,763

Deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization of $18,405 and $10,981, respectively

     26,049      29,657

Interest rate swap fair value (Note 12)

     —        2,422
             

Total

   $ 56,397    $ 44,842
             

The change in the book value of the amortizable intangible assets, net is as follows:

 

    

December 26,

2004

   Amortization    

December 25,

2005

   Acquisition    Amortization    

December 31,

2006

Dry foods

   $ 7,852    $ (2,519 )   $ 5,333    $ 25,000    $ (5,120 )   $ 25,213

Frozen foods

     9,725      (2,295 )     7,430      —        (2,295 )     5,135
                                           

Total

   $ 17,577    $ (4,814 )   $ 12,763    $ 25,000    $ (7,415 )   $ 30,348
                                           

In fiscal 2006, the allocation of the Armour Business purchase price result in $25,000 of amortizable intangible assets; $20,000 was allocated to private label customer relationships with a life of seven years and $5,000 was allocated to recipes with a life of five years. In addition, the remaining amortizable intangible assets relate primarily to recipes acquired in the Aurora Merger, which have been assigned a five year estimated useful life for amortization purposes.

Estimated amortization expense for each of the next five years and thereafter is as follows: 2007—$7,642, 2008—$7,642, 2009—$4,727, 2010—$3,880, 2011—$3,049 and thereafter—$3,408.

Deferred financing costs relate to the Successor’s senior secured credit facilities and senior subordinated notes. Amortization was $7,424, $6,334, $1,995 and $2,652 for fiscal 2006, 2005, the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004 and the 36 weeks ended July 31, 2004, respectively.

 

F-36


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

9. Debt and Interest Expense

 

    

December 31,

2006

  

December 25,

2005

Long-term debt

     

—Senior secured credit facility—term loan

   $ 521,187    $ 488,187

—8  1 / 4 % Senior subordinated notes

     394,000      394,000

—Plus: unamortized premium on senior subordinated notes

     5,360      5,927

—Capital lease obligations

     206      350
             

Total debt

     920,753      888,464

Less: current portion of long-term obligations

     123      153
             

Total long-term debt

   $ 920,630    $ 888,311
             

 

     Successor           Predecessor  

Interest expense

  

Fiscal year

ended

December 31,

2006

  

Fiscal year

ended

December 25,

2005

   

21 weeks

ended

December 26,

2004

   

36 weeks

ended

July 31,

2004

         

16 weeks

ended

November 24,

2003

 

Third party interest expense

   $ 85,035    $ 75,498     $ 26,377     $ 32,885         $ 9,425  

Related party interest expense

     693      295       148       362           —    

Interest rate swap (gains)/losses

     887      (4,689 )     (265 )     (7,007 )         (115 )
                                           
   $ 86,615    $ 71,104     $ 26,260     $ 26,240         $ 9,310  
                                           

In November 2003, the Company entered into a $675.0 million Credit Agreement (“senior secured credit facilities”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank (a related party of JPMP as defined in Note 14) and other financial institutions as lenders, which provides for a $545.0 million seven-year term loan B facility, of which $120.0 million was made available on November 25, 2003 and $425.0 million was made available as a delayed draw term loan on the closing date of the Aurora Merger on March 19, 2004. Concurrently with the acquisition of the Armour Business but effective as of February 14, 2006, the Company entered into an Amendment No. 4 and Agreement to the existing senior secured credit facilities (“Amendment No. 4”). Among other things, Amendment No. 4 approved the Armour acquisition and provided for the making of $143.0 million of additional tack-on term loans to fund a portion of the acquisition. The term loan matures November 25, 2010. The senior secured credit facilities also provide for a six-year $130.0 million revolving credit facility, of which up to $65.0 million was made available on November 25, 2003, and the remaining $65.0 million was made available on the closing date of the Aurora Merger on March 19, 2004. The revolving credit facility expires November 25, 2009. There were no borrowings outstanding under the revolver as of December 31, 2006 and December 25, 2005.

As of December 31, 2006, $2,748 of our term loan was owed to affiliates of JPMorgan Chase Bank. There was no related party debt as of December 25, 2005.

Our borrowings under the senior secured credit facilities bear interest at a floating rate and are maintained as base rate loans or as Eurodollar loans. Base rate loans bear interest at the base rate plus the applicable base rate margin, as defined in the senior secured credit facilities. Base rate is defined as the higher of (i) the prime rate and (ii) the Federal Reserve reported overnight funds rate plus 1/2 of 1%. Eurodollar loans bear interest at the adjusted Eurodollar rate, as described in the senior secured credit facilities, plus the applicable Eurodollar rate margin.

 

F-37


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

The applicable margins with respect to our revolving credit facility will vary from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof and agreed upon pricing grids based on our leverage ratio as defined in our senior secured credit facilities. The applicable margin with respect to the term loan facility and the revolving credit facility, which was adjusted in connection with the June 2, 2006 amendment discussed below, is currently:

 

   

In the case of base rate loans: 1.00% for the term loan and 2.25% for the revolving credit facility.

 

   

In the case of Eurodollar loans: 2.00% for the term loan and 3.25% for the revolving credit facility.

The range of margins for the revolving credit facility is:

 

   

In the case of base rate loans: 1.75% to 2.25%.

 

   

In the case of Eurodollar loans: 2.75% to 3.25%.

A commitment fee of 0.50% per annum applies to the unused portion of the revolving loan facility. For fiscal 2006, the weighted average interest rate on the term loan was 7.61%. As of December 31, 2006, the Eurodollar interest rate on the term loan facility was 7.37%, and the commitment fee on the revolving credit facility was 0.50%. There were no borrowings under the revolving credit facility throughout fiscal 2006. For fiscal 2005, the weighted average interest rate on the term loan was 6.50% and on the revolving credit facility was 6.30%. As of December 25, 2005, the Eurodollar interest rate on the term loan facility was 7.30% and the commitment fee on the undrawn revolving credit facility was 0.50%.

During fiscal 2006, we prepaid $110 million of the term loan facility. Due to the prepayments, the next scheduled installment payable will be in March 2010. The revolving credit facility terminates on November 25, 2009. The aggregate maturities of the term loan outstanding as of December 31, 2006 are $521,187 in 2010.

The obligations under the senior secured credit facilities are unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by each of our direct or indirect domestic subsidiaries (collectively, the “Guarantors”). In addition, the senior secured credit facilities are collateralized by first priority or equivalent security interests in (i) all the capital stock of, or other equity interests in, each direct or indirect domestic subsidiary of the Company and 65% of the capital stock of, or other equity interests in, each direct foreign subsidiary of the Company, or any of its domestic subsidiaries and (ii) certain tangible and intangible assets of the Company and the Guarantors (subject to certain exceptions and qualifications).

We pay a commission on the face amount of all outstanding letters of credit drawn under the senior secured credit facilities at a per annum rate equal to the Applicable Margin then in effect with respect to Eurodollar loans under the revolving credit loan facility minus the fronting fee (as defined). A fronting fee equal to 1/4% per annum on the face amount of each letter of credit is payable quarterly in arrears to the issuing lender for its own account. We also pay a per annum fee equal to 1/2% on the undrawn portion of the commitments in respect of the revolving credit facility. Total letters of credit issuable under the facilities cannot exceed $40,000. As of December 31, 2006 and December 25, 2005, we had utilized $9,222 and $11,514, respectively, of the revolving credit facility for letters of credit. Of the $130,000 revolving credit facility available, as of December 31, 2006 and December 25, 2005, we had an unused balance of $120,778 and $118,486, respectively, available for future borrowings and letters of credit, of which a maximum of $30,778 and $28,486, respectively, may be used for letters of credit.

In November 2003 and February 2004, the Company issued $200.0 million and $194.0 million, respectively, 8  1 / 4 % senior subordinated notes. The February 2004 notes resulted in gross proceeds of $201.0 million, including premium. The terms of the February 2004 notes are the same as the November 2003 notes and are issued under the same indenture. The notes are general unsecured obligations of the Company, subordinated in right of

 

F-38


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

payment to all existing and future senior indebtedness of the Company, and guaranteed on a full, unconditional, joint and several basis by the Company’s wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries. See Note 17 for Guarantor and Nonguarantor Financial Statements.

We may redeem all or a portion of the notes prior to December 1, 2008, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes plus a “make-whole” premium (the greater of: (1) 1% of the then outstanding principal amount of the note; and (2) the excess of: (a) the present value at such redemption date of (i) the redemption price of the note at December 1, 2008 plus (ii) all required interest payments due on the note through December 1, 2008, computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate as of such redemption date plus 50 basis points; over (b) the then outstanding principal amount of the note, if greater). On or after December 1, 2008, we may redeem some or all of the notes at the redemption prices listed below, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on December 1 of the years indicated below:

 

Year

   Percentage  

2008

   104.125 %

2009

   102.750 %

2010

   101.375 %

2011 and thereafter

   100.000 %

If a change of control occurs (as defined in the indenture pursuant to which the notes were issued), and unless we have exercised our right to redeem all of the notes as described above, the note holders will have the right to require the Company to repurchase all or a portion of the notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of repurchase.

The notes include a provision that the Company will file with the SEC on or prior to August 21, 2004 a registration statement relating to an offer to exchange the notes for an issue of SEC-registered notes with terms identical to the notes and use its reasonable best effort to cause such registration statement to become effective on or prior to October 20, 2004. Since the exchange offer was not completed before November 19, 2004, the annual interest rate borne by the notes increased by 1.0% per annum until the exchange offer was completed, which occurred on February 1, 2005. As of that date, the Company was no longer paying the additional interest.

Our senior secured credit facilities and the notes contain a number of covenants that, among other things, limit, subject to certain exceptions, our ability to incur additional liens and indebtedness, make capital expenditures, engage in certain transactions with affiliates, repay other indebtedness (including the notes), make certain distributions, make acquisitions and investments, loans or advances, engage in mergers or consolidations, liquidations and dissolutions and joint ventures, sell assets, make dividends, amend certain material agreements governing our indebtedness, enter into guarantees and other contingent obligations and other matters customarily restricted in similar agreements. In addition to scheduled periodic repayments, we are also required to make mandatory repayments of the loans under the senior secured credit facilities with a portion of our excess cash flow, as defined. Due to voluntary prepayments of the term loan made by the Company in fiscal 2006, the Company was not required to make any mandatory repayments for 2006. In addition, our senior secured credit facilities contain, among others, the following financial covenants: a maximum total leverage ratio, a minimum interest coverage ratio and a maximum capital expenditure limitation. See the discussion below regarding the amendments to the senior credit agreement where these covenants have been adjusted.

Amendments to Senior Secured Credit Facilities

On September 14, 2004, the Company was first in default under its senior secured credit facilities. On November 19, 2004 the Company received required lender approval to permanently waive the defaults

 

F-39


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

mentioned above and amend the financial covenants for future reporting periods. The terms of the permanent amendment and waiver included among other items, a 50 basis point increase to the applicable margin (described above), the addition of a new senior covenant leverage ratio through December 2005, amendment of the interest expense coverage ratio through December 2005, suspension of the maximum total leverage ratio until March 2006, and certain limitations, restrictions and additional reporting requirements during the amendment period which ended on the second business day following the date on which the Company delivered to the Administrative Agent financial statements for the fiscal quarter ending March 2006, which occurred on May 10, 2006.

In connection with Amendment No. 4 dated February 14, 2006, the senior secured credit facilities were also changed in other respects, including: (a) the leverage ratio calculations have been adjusted such that the amount of indebtedness used in such calculations is no longer subject to averaging and is reduced by certain cash and cash equivalents, (b) the leverage ratio threshold for the quarter ending on or about March 31, 2006 has been changed from 5.00 to 1.00 to 5.25 to 1.00, and (c) under certain circumstances, Pinnacle may be able to use equity contributions to cure financial covenant defaults, if any, that may occur in the future under the senior secured credit facilities.

On June 2, 2006, the Company entered into Amendment No. 5, which amended the senior credit facilities in the following manner: (a) to reduce the applicable margin with respect to any term loan to (i) 1.00% per annum, in the case of a base rate loan or (ii) 2.00% per annum, in the case of a Eurodollar loan, (b) to require the payment of certain fees in connection with repricings of the term loans on or prior to June 2, 2007 and (c) to permit additional indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount of up to $15 million arising from letters of credit issued other than pursuant to the Credit Agreement.

Other Current Notes Payable

In addition to the debt instruments discussed above, the Company entered into a short term notes payable agreement during the second quarter of 2006 for the financing of the Company’s annual insurance premiums. As of December 31, 2006, the balance of the notes payable totaled $210. The note requires monthly payments through February 2007 and has an imputed interest rate of 6.25%.

10. Pension Plans and Retirement Benefits

As of December 31, 2006, the Company maintains a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan that covers substantially all eligible union employees and provides benefits generally based on years of service and employees’ compensation. The Company’s pension plan is funded in conformity with the funding requirements of applicable government regulations. For fiscal 2006, fiscal 2005, the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004 and fiscal 2004, the Company was not required to make contributions to its pension plan.

The Company maintains a postretirement benefits plan that provides health care and life insurance benefits to eligible retirees, covers most U.S. employees and their dependents and is self-funded. Employees who have 10 years of service after the age of 45 and retire are eligible to participate in the postretirement benefit plan. Effective March 19, 2004 and in connection with the acquisition of Aurora, liabilities were assumed related to eight retired employees (“Aurora Retirees”). Upon amendments that became effective on May 23, 2004, the Company’s net out-of-pocket costs for postretirement health care benefits was substantially reduced as cost sharing for retired employees, excluding the Aurora Retirees, was increased to 100%.

 

F-40


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

In connection with the acquisition of the Armour Business on March 1, 2006, hourly employees covered under the union collective bargaining agreement were added to the noncontributory defined benefit pension plan. The liability related to the service period up to the date of acquisition was retained by The Dial Corporation. Additionally, the Company assumed the liability for postretirement health care and life insurance related to certain hourly employees covered under the union collective bargaining agreement for the Armour Business. The value of the assumed liability totaled $7.3 million.

On December 8, 2003, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the “Act”) was signed into law. The Act expanded Medicare to include, for the first time, coverage for prescription drugs and a federal subsidy to sponsors of certain retiree medical plans. The Company expects that this legislation may eventually reduce the costs for some of these programs. However, due to the relative small number of participants, the impact of this legislation did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

The Company uses a measurement date for the pension and postretirement benefits plan that coincides with its year end.

 

F-41


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

     Pension Benefits     Other Postretirement
Benefits
 
     2006     2005     2006     2005  

Change in Benefit Obligation

        

Net benefit obligation at beginning of the period

   $ 66,454     $ 59,170     $ 1,237     $ 1,204  

Acquisitions

     —         —         7,256       —    

Service cost

     2,178       1,488       837       12  

Interest cost

     3,596       3,314       398       65  

Actuarial (gain) loss

     (3,445 )     6,293       (793 )     (3 )

Gross benefits paid

     (3,707 )     (3,811 )     (7 )     (41 )
                                

Net benefit obligation at end of the period

     65,076       66,454       8,928       1,237  
                                

Change in Plan Assets

        

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of the period

     53,208       54,125       —         —    

Employer contributions

     —         —         7       41  

Actual return on plan assets

     5,752       2,894       —         —    

Gross benefits paid

     (3,707 )     (3,811 )     (7 )     (41 )
                                

Fair value of plan assets at end of the period

     55,253       53,208       —         —    
                                

Funded status at end of the year

     (9,823 )     (13,246 )     (8,928 )     (1,237 )

Unrecognized net actuarial loss (gain)

     3,892       9,010       (558 )     235  

Unamortized prior service credit

     —         —         (1,304 )     (1,642 )

Amount included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     (38 )     (4,019 )     —         —    
                                

Net amount recognized at end of the period

   $ (5,969 )   $ (8,255 )   $ (10,790 )   $ (2,644 )
                                

Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet

        

Accrued pension and other postretirement benefits

   $ (5,319 )   $ (8,255 )   $ (10,790 )   $ (2,644 )

Accrued pension benefits (part of Accrued Liabilities)

     (650 )     —         —         —    
                                

Net amount recognized at end of the period

   $ (5,969 )   $ (8,255 )   $ (10,790 )   $ (2,644 )
                                

Weighted average assumptions

        

Discount rate

     6.00 %     5.50 %     6.00 %     5.50 %

Expected return on plan assets

     8.00 %     8.00 %     —         —    

Rate of compensation increase

     3.50 %     3.75 %     —         —    

Projected benefit obligation

     65,076       66,454       NA       NA  

Accumulated benefit obligation

     61,222       61,463       NA       NA  

Fair value of plan assets

     55,253       53,208       —         —    

Additional information

        

(Decrease) increase in minimum liability included in other comprehensive income (loss)

   $ (3,981 )   $ 4,019     $ —       $ —    

 

F-42


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

The following represents the components of net periodic benefit costs and the sensitivity of retiree welfare results:

 

     Successor            Predecessor  
    

Fiscal year

ended

December 31,

2006

   

Fiscal year

ended

December 25,

2005

   

21 weeks

ended

December 26,

2004

   

36 weeks

ended

July 31,

2004

          

16 weeks

ended

November 24,

2003

 

Pension Benefits

               

Service cost

   $ 2,178     $ 1,488     $ 644     $ 1,392          $ 571  

Interest cost

     3,596       3,314       1,351       2,144            990  

Expected return on assets

     (4,201 )     (4,207 )     (1,685 )     (2,716 )          (1,219 )

Recognized net actuarial loss

     122               
                                             

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 1,695     $ 595     $ 310     $ 820          $ 342  
                                             
 

Weighted average assumptions:

               

Discount rate

     5.50 %     5.75 %     5.75 %     6.00 %          6.50 %

Expected return on plan assets

     8.00 %     8.00 %     8.00 %     8.00 %          8.00 %

Rate of compensation increase

     3.63 %     3.75 %     3.75 %     3.75 %          3.75 %
 
     Successor            Predecessor  
    

Fiscal year

ended

December 31,

2006

   

Fiscal year

ended

December 25,

2005

   

21 weeks

ended

December 26,

2004

   

36 weeks

ended

July 31,

2004

          

16 weeks

ended

November 24,

2003

 

Other postretirement benefits

               

Service cost

   $ 837     $ 12     $ 4     $ 42          $ 411  

Interest cost

     398       65       28       63            245  

Recognized net actuarial loss

     —         5       3       91            232  

Amortization of:

               

Unrecognized prior service credit

     (338 )     (338 )     (141 )     (355 )          (966 )

Curtailment

     —         —         (1,142 )     —              —    
                                             

Net periodic benefit

     897       (256 )     (1,248 )     (159 )          (78 )

Liability assumed in business acquisition

     —         —         —         806            —    
                                             

Total amount recognized

   $ 897     $ (256 )   $ (1,248 )   $ 647          $ (78 )
                                             
 

Weighted average assumptions:

               

Discount rate

     5.75 %     5.75 %     6.00 %     6.00 %          6.50 %

The discount rate used to calculate the present value of the projected benefit obligation is set based on long-term high quality bonds that match the expected benefit payments. The projected return of plan assets assumption is based on projected long-term market returns for the various asset classes in which the plans are invested, weighted by the target asset allocations. The rate of compensation increase represents the long-term assumption for expected increases to salaries for pay-related plans.

The assumed health care trend rates used in determining other post-retirement benefits at December 31, 2006 are 9.0% gradually decreasing to 5.0%. The assumed health care trend rates used in determining other post-retirement benefits at December 25, 2005 are 9.0% gradually decreasing to 5.0%. The assumed health care trend rates used in determining other post-retirement benefits at December 26, 2004 are 10.0% gradually decreasing to 5.0%.

 

F-43


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

     Successor           Predecessor  
    

Fiscal year

ended

December 31,

2006

   

Fiscal year

ended

December 25,

2005

   

21 weeks

ended

December 26,

2004

   

36 weeks

ended

July 31,

2004

         

16 weeks

ended

November 24,

2003

 

Other postretirement benefits

              

Sensitivity of retiree welfare results

              

Effect of a one percentage point increase in assumed health care cost trend

              

on total service and interest cost components

   $ 118     $ 5     $ 6     $ 6         (a )

on postretirement benefit obligation

   $ 1,968     $ 99     $ 105     $ 100         (a )

Effect of a one percentage point decrease in assumed health care cost trend

              

on total service and interest cost components

   $ (90 )   $ (4 )   $ (5 )   $ (5 )       (a )

on postretirement benefit obligation

   $ (1,506 )   $ (83 )   $ (88 )   $ (84 )       (a )

(a) Medical cost sharing rates increased to 100% at May 23, 2004 for all eligible retirees, excluding the Aurora Retirees. Therefore, as of November 24, 2003, the information regarding sensitivity to a 1% change in trend rates was not applicable.

Plan Assets

The Company’s pension plan weighted-average asset allocations at December 31, 2006 and December 25, 2005, by asset category, are as follows:

 

    

December 31,

2006

   

December 25,

2005

 

Asset category

    

Equity securities

   61 %   61 %

Debt securities

   34 %   34 %

Cash

   5 %   5 %
            

Total

   100 %   100 %
            

The Company’s investment policy is to invest approximately 60% of plan assets in equity securities, 35% in fixed income securities, and 5% in cash or cash equivalents. Periodically, the plan assets are rebalanced to maintain these allocation percentages and the investment policy is reviewed. Within each investment category, assets are allocated to various investment styles. Professional managers manage all assets and a consultant is engaged to assist in evaluating these activities. The expected long-term rate of return on assets was determined by assessing the rates of return on each targeted asset class, return premiums generated by portfolio management and by comparison of rates utilized by other companies.

Cash Flows

Contributions. The Company expects to contribute $650 to its pension plan and $77 to its other postretirement benefit plan during fiscal 2007.

 

F-44


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

Estimated Future Benefit Payments. The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid:

 

    

Pension

Benefits

  

Other

Benefits

2007

   3,536    $ 77

2008

   3,361      74

2009

   3,219      72

2010

   3,060      82

2011

   2,901      114

2012-2016

   14,078      1,574

Savings Plans. Employees participate in a 401(k) plan. Pinnacle matches 50% of employee contributions up to five percent of compensation for union employees after one year of continuous service and six percent of compensation for salaried employees. Employer contributions made by the Company relating to this plan were $2,186 for fiscal 2006, $1,816 for fiscal 2005, $781 for the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004, $1,024 for the 36 weeks ended July 31, 2004, and $291 for 16 weeks ended November 24, 2003.

11. Taxes on Earnings

The components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes are as follows:

PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR INCOME TAXES

 

     Successor           Predecessor  
    

Fiscal year

ended

December 31,

2006

  

Fiscal year

ended

December 25,

2005

   

21 weeks

ended

December 26,

2004

   

36 weeks

ended

July 31,

2004

         

16 weeks

ended

November 24,

2003

 

Current

               

Federal

   $ 339    $ 186     $ 56     $ (743 )       $ (589 )

State

     120      (266 )     152       294           69  

Non-U.S.

     674      285       (181 )     234           —    
                                           
     1,133      205       27       (215 )         (520 )

Deferred

               

Federal

     20,359      (1,448 )     8,014       (2,323 )         (946 )

State

     4,606      897       1,384       (467 )         (40 )

Non-U.S.

     —        (80 )     —         (152 )         —    
                                           
     24,965      (631 )     9,398       (2,942 )         (986 )
                                           

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

   $ 26,098    $ (426 )   $ 9,425     $ (3,157 )       $ (1,506 )
                                           
 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

               

United States

   $ 58,419    $ (44,006 )   $ (15,418 )   $ (87,014 )       $ (4,411 )

Non-U.S.

     1,603      404       137       (56 )         (169 )
                                           

Total

   $ 60,022    $ (43,602 )   $ (15,281 )   $ (87,070 )       $ (4,580 )
                                           

 

F-45


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

The effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory income tax rate as explained below:

EFFECTIVE INCOME TAX RATE

 

     Successor           Predecessor  
    

Fiscal year

ended

December 31,

2006

   

Fiscal year

ended

December 25,

2005

   

21 weeks

ended

December 26,

2004

   

36 weeks

ended

July 31,

2004

         

16 weeks

ended

November 24,

2003

 

Federal statutory income tax rate

   35.0 %   35.0 %   35.0 %   35.0 %       35.0 %

State income taxes (net of federal benefit)

   4.1 %   -0.9 %   -6.5 %   0.1 %       -0.4 %

Tax effect resulting from international activities

   0.2 %   -0.5 %   1.3 %   -0.1 %       -0.4 %

Change in deferred tax valuation allowance

   0.8 %   -92.8 %   -86.4 %   -24.4 %       0.0 %

Non-deductible expenses

   1.6 %   62.1 %   -5.1 %   -7.0 %       -0.2 %

Other

   1.8 %   -1.9 %   0.0 %   0.0 %       -1.1 %
                                  

Effective income tax rate

   43.5 %   1.0 %   -61.7 %   3.6 %       32.9 %
                                  

The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

DEFERRED TAX ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

 

    

December 31,

2006

   

December 25,

2005

 

Current

    

Accrued liabilities

   $ 17,116     $ 20,084  

Inventories

     3,184       4,847  

Benefits and compensation

     3,346       2,435  

Restructuring accruals

     92       209  

Other

     1,425       2,039  

Valuation allowance

     (23,325 )     (28,197 )
                
     1,838       1,417  
                

Non Current

    

Postretirement benefits

   $ 4,289     $ 1,080  

Accrued liabilities

     —         114  

Benefits and compensation

     1,859       3,385  

Net operating loss carryforwards

     348,552       331,683  

Federal & state tax credits

     2,289       2,539  

Alternative minimum tax

     2,023       2,023  

Goodwill and other intangible assets

     40,592       37,182  

Indefinite-lived intangible assets

     (235,935 )     (211,862 )

Plant assets

     (28,079 )     (22,879 )

Other

     1,378       1,222  

Valuation allowance

     (374,675 )     (357,671 )
                
     (237,707 )     (213,184 )
                

Net deferred tax asset (liability)

   $ (235,869 )   $ (211,767 )
                

AMOUNTS RECOGNIZED IN THE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

 

Current deferred tax assets

   $ 1,838     $ 1,417  

Non-current deferred tax liabilities

     (237,707 )     (213,184 )
                

Net deferred tax asset (liability)

   $ (235,869 )   $ (211,767 )
                

 

F-46


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

As described in Note 1, PFHC became a wholly owned subsidiary of Crunch Holding Corp. on November 25, 2003. As described in Note 1 and Note 3, PFHC was merged with and into Aurora on March 19, 2004 with Aurora surviving the Merger. The surviving company was renamed Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. (“PFGI” or the “Company”).

SFAS No. 109 requires that a valuation allowance be established when it is “more likely than not” that all or a portion of deferred tax assets will not be realized. A review of all available positive and negative evidence needs to be considered, including a company’s performance, the market environment in which the company operates, the utilization of past tax credits, length of carryback and carryforward periods, existing contracts or sales backlog that will result in future profits.

SFAS No. 109 further states that where there is negative evidence such as cumulative losses in recent years, concluding that a valuation allowance is not required is problematical. Therefore, cumulative losses weigh heavily in the overall assessment. As a result of the Aurora Merger, management determined that it was no longer more likely than not that the Company would be able to realize the deferred tax assets of both the Predecessor and Aurora. This conclusion was reached due to cumulative losses recognized by Aurora in preceding years. Management intends to maintain a valuation allowance until sufficient positive evidence exists to support its reversal.

In accordance with SFAS No. 109, deferred assets and liabilities have been recognized for the differences between the assigned values and the tax bases of the assets and liabilities recognized in a purchase business combination. As of the March 19, 2004 business combination date, the Company established a deferred tax liability of $195.3 million, net of valuation allowance of $292.0 million. As a result of the Armour acquisition on March 1, 2006 the company established deferred tax assets subject to a valuation allowance of $10.6 million. Therefore, in accordance with SFAS No. 109, $302.6 million would be allocated as a reduction in goodwill upon subsequent recognition of the tax benefits associated with the deferred tax assets to which the valuation allowance applies. As of December 31, 2006, the remaining valuation allowance that would be allocated as a reduction in goodwill upon subsequent recognition is $293.8 million. The deferred tax liability relates to the book and tax basis differences for indefinite lived intangible assets consisting of primarily tradenames and goodwill.

The federal valuation allowance at December 31, 2006 is $340.3 million, and the state valuation allowance is $57.7 million. The Company may record a tax benefit to its provision in subsequent periods for the recognition of tax benefits for which deferred tax valuation allowance had been recorded subsequent to the aforementioned business combination. Approximately $14.7 million of the valuation allowance recorded subsequent to the business combination will not provide a future tax provision benefit but will be recorded as a reduction in goodwill. PFHC, the Predecessor, had a valuation allowance related to state net operating loss carryforwards and the realization of state deferred tax assets of $2.3 million as of July 31, 2003.

The Company is a loss corporation as defined in Internal Revenue Code Section 382. As of December 31, 2006 the Company had a federal Net Operating Loss Carryover of $816.3 million of which $554.9 million existed as of the business combination date and is subject to the Section 382 limitation. Section 382 places an annual limitation on a Company’s ability to utilize loss carryovers to reduce future taxable income. It is expected that the Company’s annual 382 limitation will approximate $13-15 million, which may increase or decrease pending resolution of certain tax matters. This annual limitation can affect the Company’s ability to utilize other tax attributes such as tax credit carryforwards.

 

F-47


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

The Company’s federal net operating losses have expiration periods from 2017 through 2026. The Company also has state tax net operating loss carryforwards which are also limited and vary in amount by jurisdiction. State net operating losses are approximately $644.4 million with expiration periods through 2026.

Following are the changes in the deferred tax valuation allowance:

 

    

Beginning

Balance

   Additions    Acquisitions    Deductions    

Ending

Balance

Successor

             

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2006

   $ 385,868    $ 2,307    $ 10,592    $ (767 )   $ 398,000

Fiscal year ended December 25, 2005

     338,361      55,544      —        (8,037 )     385,868

21 weeks ended December 26, 2004

     319,711      18,650      —        —         338,361

36 weeks ended July 31, 2004

     2,738      27,703      289,270      —         319,711

Predecessor

             

16 weeks ended November 24, 2003

   $ 2,251    $ 487    $ —      $ —       $ 2,738

12. Financial Instruments

We may utilize derivative financial instruments to enhance our ability to manage risks, including interest rate, certain commodities and foreign currency, which exist as part of ongoing business operations. We do not enter into contracts for speculative purposes, nor are we a party to any leveraged derivative instrument. We monitor the use of derivative financial instruments through regular communication with senior management and the utilization of written guidelines.

We rely primarily on bank borrowings to meet our funding requirements. We utilize interest rate swap agreements or other derivative instruments to reduce the potential exposure to interest rate movements and to achieve a desired proportion of variable versus fixed rate debt. We will recognize the amounts that we pay or receive on hedges related to debt as an adjustment to interest expense.

The Company has entered into interest rate swap agreements with counterparties, including JP Morgan Chase Bank (a related party), to effectively change a portion of the floating rate payments on its senior secured credit facilities into fixed rate payments. As of December 31, 2006, two swap agreements remain outstanding. The two swap agreements terminate on January 2, 2007 and November 25, 2009 and have notional amounts of $250.0 million and $450.0 million, respectively. Interest payments determined under the swap agreement are based on the notional amounts. Floating interest rate payments to be received under each swap are based on U.S. Dollar LIBOR, which is substantially the same basis for determining the floating rate payments on the senior secured credit facilities.

 

F-48


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

These swaps were not designated as hedges pursuant to SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” As of December 31, 2006, the fair value of the interest rate swaps was a net loss of $847. This was recorded as a long term liability of $1,882 and a current asset of $1,035. As of December 25, 2005, the fair value of the interest rate swap contracts was a gain of $2,422, which was all recorded in other assets, net in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Gains and losses on the interest rate swaps, which were recorded as an adjustment to interest expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations, are detailed below.

 

     Successor         Predecessor

Interest rate swaps

  

Fiscal year

ended

December 31,

2006

   

Fiscal year

ended

December 25,

2005

   

21 weeks

ended

December 26,

2004

  

36 weeks

ended

July 31,

2004

       

16 weeks

ended

November 24,

2003

Non-cash gain (loss)

   $ (3,269 )   $ (1,334 )   $ 265    $ 3,492       $ 115

Gain (loss) realized in cash

     2,382       6,023       —        3,515         —  
                                       

Net gain (loss) on interest rate swaps

   $ (887 )   $ 4,689     $ 265    $ 7,007       $ 115
                                       

We entered into various natural gas swap transactions with JP Morgan Chase Bank (a related party) to lower the Company’s exposure to the price of natural gas. As of December 31, 2006, the trades in effect mature from January through June 2006 and have various notional quantities of MMBTU’s per month. The Company will pay a fixed price ranging from $7.16 to $7.69 per MMBTU, with settlements monthly. These swaps were not designed as hedges pursuant to SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.”

As of December 31, 2006 and December 25, 2005, the fair value of the natural gas swaps was a loss of $160 and a gain of $8, respectively. At December 31, 2006, the fair value of the gas swap is recorded in accrued liabilities. At December 25, 2005, the fair value of the gas swaps was recorded in other current assets. The related offset is recorded as a gain and was recognized as a reduction to cost of products sold. Gains and losses on the natural gas swaps, which were recorded as a component of cost of products sold in the Consolidated Statement of Operations, are detailed below.

 

     Successor

Natural gas swaps

  

Fiscal year

ended

December 31,

2006

   

Fiscal year

ended

December 25,

2005

   

21 weeks

ended

December 26,

2004

Non-cash gain (loss)

   $ (168 )   $ (86 )   $ 95

Gain (loss) realized in cash

     (1,207 )     902       243
                      

Net gain (loss) on natural gas swaps

   $ (1,375 )   $ 816     $ 338
                      

We entered into various foreign currency exchange transactions with JP Morgan Chase Bank (a related party) to lower the Company’s exposure to the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Canadian dollar. Each agreement was based upon a notional amount in Canadian dollars, which is expected to approximate a portion of the amount of our Canadian subsidiary’s U.S. dollar denominated purchases for the month. This swap was not designed as a hedge pursuant to SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.”

 

F-49


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

As of December 31, 2006, there were no outstanding foreign exchange currency contracts. As of December 25, 2005, the fair value of the remaining foreign exchange swaps was a loss of $280, which was recorded in accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Gains and losses on the foreign currency exchange contracts, which were recorded as a component of cost of products sold in the Consolidated Statement of Operations, are detailed below.

 

     Successor  

Foreign Currency Exchange Swaps

  

Fiscal year
ended

December 31,

2006

   

Fiscal year
ended

December 25,

2005

 

Non-cash gain (loss)

   $ 280     $ (280 )

Gain (loss) realized in cash

     (557 )     (66 )
                

Net gain (loss) on foreign currency exchange swaps

   $ (277 )   $ (346 )
                

We utilize irrevocable standby letters of credit with one-year renewable terms to satisfy workers’ compensation self-insurance security deposit requirements. The contract value of the outstanding standby letters of credit as of December 31, 2006 was $7,846, which approximates fair value. As of December 31, 2006, we also utilized letters of credit in connection with the purchase of raw materials in the amount of $1,376, which approximates fair value.

We are exposed to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the other parties to derivative financial instruments. All counterparties are at least “A” rated by Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s. Accordingly, we do not anticipate non-performance by the counterparties.

The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value. The estimated fair value of the senior secured credit facilities bank debt and the 8  1 / 4 % senior subordinated notes that are classified as long term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2006, was approximately its carrying value.

13. Commitments and Contingencies

General

From time to time, the Company and its operations are parties to, or targets of, lawsuits, claims, investigations, and proceedings, which are being handled and defended in the ordinary course of business. Although the outcome of such items cannot be determined with certainty, the Company’s general counsel and management are of the opinion that the final outcome of these matters should not have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Litigation

Employee Litigation—Indemnification of US Cold Storage

On March 21, 2002, an employee at the Omaha, NE facility, died as the result of an accident while operating a forklift at a Company-leased warehouse facility. OSHA conducted a full investigation and determined that the death was the result of an accident and found no violations by the Company. On March 18, 2004, the Estate of the deceased filed suit in District Court of Sarpy County, Nebraska, Case No: CI 04-391, against the Company, the owner of the forklift and the leased warehouse, the manufacturer of the forklift and the distributor of the forklift. The Company, having been the deceased’s employer, was named as a defendant for worker’s compensation subrogation purposes only.

 

F-50


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

On May 18, 2004, the Company received notice from defendant, US Cold Storage, the owner of the leased warehouse, requesting the Company to accept the tender of defense for US Cold Storage in this case in accordance with the indemnification provision of the warehouse lease. The request has been submitted to the Company’s insurance carrier for evaluation and the Company has been advised that the indemnification provision is not applicable in this matter and that Company should have no liability under that provision. Therefore, the Company believes that resolution of such matters will not result in a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

R2 Appeal in Aurora Bankruptcy

Prior to its bankruptcy filing, Aurora entered into an agreement with its prepetition lending group compromising the amount of certain fees due under its senior bank facilities (the “October Amendment”). One of the members of the bank group (R2 Top Hat, Ltd.) challenged the enforceability of the October Amendment during Aurora’s bankruptcy by filing an adversary proceeding in U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Delaware, and by objecting to confirmation. The Bankruptcy Court rejected the lender’s argument and confirmed Aurora’s plan of reorganization. The lender then appealed from those orders of the Bankruptcy Court. In December 2006, the US District Court for the District of Delaware filed its Memorandum and Order affirming both (a) the February 20, 2004 Order of the Bankruptcy Court confirming debtor’s First Amended Joint Reorganization Plan, and (b) the February 27, 2004 Order of the Bankruptcy Court granting debtor’s motion for summary judgment and dismissing the adversary proceeding. R2 Top Hat, Ltd. has recently filed its Notice of Appeal to the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals and the matter is pending. It is too early to predict the outcome of the appeals. Included in the Company’s accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet is $20.1 million for this claim, which was assumed by us in the Aurora Merger.

State of Illinois v. City of St. Elmo and Aurora Foods Inc.

The Company is a defendant in an action filed by the State of Illinois regarding the Company’s St. Elmo facility. Prior to the Aurora Merger, the Illinois Attorney General filed a complaint in County Court, Fayette County, Illinois seeking a restraining order prohibiting further discharges by the City of St. Elmo from its publicly owned wastewater treatment facility in violation of Illinois law and enjoining the Company from discharging its industrial waste into the City’s treatment facility. The complaint also asked for fines and penalties associated with the City’s discharge from its treatment facility and the Company’s alleged operation of its production facility without obtaining a state environmental operating permit. Management believes the remedial actions it has taken to date and is continuing to implement will minimize any fines and penalties associated with this matter.

On August 30, 2004, an Interim Consent Order signed by all parties was signed and entered by the judge in the case whereby, in addition to a number of actions required of the City, the Company agreed to provide monthly discharge monitoring reports to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for six months and was allowed to continue discharging effluent to the City of St. Elmo. In September 2004, the Company met with representatives from the State of Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the State Attorney General’s Office and separately with the City of St. Elmo to inform them that the Company intended to install a pre-treatment system at our St. Elmo facility during the fourth quarter of 2004 and first quarter of 2005. The State issued the construction and operating permits to the Company and construction of the pre-treatment system has been completed. Testing has been completed and the system is fully operational.

The State Attorney General had originally proposed a penalty of $168 together with a consent decree. The Company responded listing the actions it had taken and related costs since merging with Aurora. The Company

 

F-51


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

contends that there should not be any fine or penalty. On February 24, 2006, the State Attorney General advised the Company that its office would be willing to accept $110 as penalty, together with a consent decree. A status conference with the party’s attorneys and the Judge was held on May 2, 2006. The parties are complying with the Joint Discovery Schedule required by the Judge. As the Company believes no penalty will ultimately be due, no liability has been accrued at December 31, 2006.

The Company continues to discharge its effluent to the City. By letter dated February 7, 2007, the City informed the Company that its sewage facility had been taken off of restricted status by the State. The Company will vigorously defend any future effort to prevent it from discharging its industrial wastewater to the City. Although the Company believes it will be able to resolve this matter favorably, an adverse resolution may have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

American Cold Storage—North America, L/P. v. P.F. Distribution, LLC and Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.

On June 26, 2005 the Company was served with a Summons and Complaint in the above matter, which was filed in the Circuit Court of Madison County, Tennessee. American Cold Storage (“ACS”) operates a frozen storage warehouse and distribution facility (the “Facility”) located in Madison County, Tennessee, near the Company’s Jackson, Tennessee plant. In approximately April 2004, the Company entered into discussions with ACS to utilize the Facility. Terms were discussed, but no contract was ever signed. Shortly after shipping product to the Facility, the Company discovered that the Facility was incapable of properly handling the discussed volume of product and began reducing its shipments to the Facility. The original complaint seeks damages not to exceed $1.5 million, together with associated costs. On May 3, 2006 our attorney received notice from counsel for ACS that it was increasing its damage claim in the suit from $1.5 million to $5.5 million. ACS will be required to provide specifics justifying the increase through ongoing discovery and the deposition of the President of ACS which was previously scheduled. It is too early to determine the likely outcome of this litigation. The discovery phase of the case has begun and the Company intends to vigorously defend against this claim. The Company has made an offer to settle the claim and has reserved the amount in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2006. The Company believes that resolution of such matters will not have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Gilster Mary Lee Corporation v. Pinnacle Foods

In September 2006, Gilster Mary Lee Corporation (“Gilster”) sued the Company alleging that monies were due to Gilster from the Company for a warehouse/handling fee under an existing contract. While certain of these fees are required by the contract, the calculation of the fees is the issue in dispute. Although the parties have initiated settlement discussions, it is uncertain, at this time, if any settlement is likely. The case is in the very early stages of discovery. The Company intends to vigorously defend against the warehouse/handling fee claim, but feels that it has adequately reserved for any potential claim that may ultimately become due under the contract. The Company believes that resolution of such matters will not have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Other Matters

Operating Leases

Certain offices, distribution facilities and equipment are under operating leases expiring on various dates through 2012. Total rental expense charged to operations of the Predecessor was $952 in the 16 weeks ended November 24, 2003. Total rental expense charged to operations of the Successor was $6,077, $6,187, $1,497 and $2,539 in fiscal 2006, fiscal 2005, the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004 and the 36 weeks ended July 31, 2004,

 

F-52


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

respectively. The minimum future rental commitments under non-cancelable leases payable over the remaining lives of these leases approximate $5,307 in 2007, $4,929 in 2008, $4,906 in 2009, $2,852 in 2010 and $1,490 in 2011 and $623 thereafter. The largest operating leases are for the corporate offices in Cherry Hill and Mountain Lakes, New Jersey. Under the terms of these lease agreements, if the leases are terminated early, Pinnacle would be required to accelerate rental payments of approximately $9.8 million due during the remainder of the leases.

14. Related Party Transactions

Management fees

Predecessor The Predecessor incurred monitoring and oversight fees of $367 in the 16 weeks ended November 24, 2003, which was paid to an affiliate of HMTF, its then largest stockholder. The monitoring and oversight agreement with the affiliate of HMTF was terminated at the time of the Pinnacle Transaction.

Successor On November 25, 2003, the Successor entered into a Management Agreement with JPMorgan Partners, LLC (“JPMP”) and J.W. Childs Associates, L.P. (“JWC”) where JPMP and JWC provide management, advisory and other services. The agreement calls for quarterly payments of $125 to each JPMP and JWC for management fees. In connection with the September 2004 default on our senior credit agreement and the resulting amendment (see Note 9), the payment of the management fees was suspended during the amendment period, which ended on the second business day following the date on which the Company delivered to the Administrative Agent financial statements for the fiscal quarter ending March 2006. Therefore, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, management fees expensed and paid to JPMP and JWC totaled $750. There were no management fees expensed or paid during the fiscal year ended December 25, 2005. Management fees to JPMP and JWC in total included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004 and the 36 weeks ended July 31, 2004 were $417 and $681, respectively. In addition, the Company reimbursed JPMP and JWC for out-of-pocket expenses totaling $61, $20, $0 and $33 during fiscal 2006, fiscal 2005, the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004 and the 36 weeks ended July 31, 2004, respectively. In connection with the Pinnacle Transaction, the Successor paid a transaction fee of $2,425 to each JPMP and JWC, in addition to $441 in fees and expenses. In connection with the Aurora Merger, transaction fees were paid to JPMP and JWC of $1 million each, plus $119 in fees and expenses. The Management Agreement also stipulates that in connection with any acquisition transaction subsequent to the Pinnacle Transaction and Aurora Merger, there will be a transaction fee of 1/2% of the aggregate purchase price payable to each of JPMP and JWC, plus fees and expenses. In connection with the acquisition of the Armour Business, JPMP and JWC were each paid a transaction fee of $915. JPMP was also reimbursed for out of pocket expenses totaling $4. These transaction fees are included in Acquisition costs in Notes 1 and 3.

Also on November 25, 2003, the Company entered into an agreement with CDM Capital LLC, an affiliate of CDM, whereby CDM Capital LLC will receive a transaction fee of 1/2% of the aggregate purchase price of future acquisitions (other than the Pinnacle Transaction or the Aurora Merger), plus fees and expenses. In connection with the acquisition of the Armour Business, CDM Capital LLC was paid a transaction fee of $915. This transaction fee was included in Acquisition costs in Notes 3.

Leases and Aircraft

The Company leases office space owned by a party related to the Chairman. One office was leased through January 15, 2004. A new office was leased beginning January 15, 2004. The new lease provides for the Company to make leasehold improvements approximating $318. The base rent for the new office is $87 annually compared to $245 annually scheduled in the old office. Rent expense for the Successor included $104, $101 and $39 in fiscal 2006, fiscal 2005 and the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004 for the new office and $91 in the 36 weeks

 

F-53


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

ended July 31, 2004 of which $36 was for the old office and $55 for the new office. Rent expense of the Predecessor was $71 in the 16 weeks ended November 24, 2003.

The Company uses an aircraft owned by a company indirectly owned by the Chairman. In connection with the use of this aircraft, the Successor paid net operating expenses of $2,750 in fiscal 2006, $2,750 in fiscal 2005, $1,146 in the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004, and $1,543 in the 36 weeks ended July 31, 2004. The Company also incurred direct costs of $277 in the fiscal year 2006 that was reimbursed by the company that owns the aircraft. Also, during the November 2003 financing “road show”, the Company paid an additional $84 for usage of the aircraft; such amount is included in deferred financing costs in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of July 31, 2004.

Financial Instruments

The Company has entered into transactions for derivative financial instruments with JPMorgan Chase Bank to lower its exposure to interest rates, foreign currency, and natural gas prices. The total net cash paid by the Company for the settlement of foreign exchange swaps and natural gas swaps during fiscal 2006 was $1,764. The total net cash received by the Company for the settlement of interest rate swaps, foreign exchange swaps, and natural gas swaps totaled $6,859, $243 and $3,515 during fiscal 2005, the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004, and the 36 weeks ended July 31, 2004, respectively. See Note 12.

Debt and Interest Expense

For fiscal 2006, fiscal 2005, the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004 and the 36 weeks ended July 31, 2004, fees and interest expense recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the debt to the related party, JPMorgan Chase Bank, amounted to $693, $295, $148 and $362, respectively. See Note 9.

Expenses of Major Shareholder

As part of the Aurora Merger, the Company agreed to pay certain fees of the Bondholders Trust (as defined below), which owns approximately 43% of LLC. The Bondholders Trust primarily consists of holders of Aurora’s senior subordinated notes, which elected to receive equity interests in LLC as consideration in the Aurora Merger. The Company recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations $394 and $380 in fees on behalf of the Bondholder Trust in fiscal years 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Consulting Agreement

During the first quarter of 2006, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with Mr. Evan Metropoulos, a former executive of PFGI and the brother of the Company’s Chairman, C. Dean Metropoulos. Mr. E. Metropoulos provided the Company consulting services related to the integration of the Armour Business, which was acquired on March 1, 2006. The work was completed during fiscal 2006 and payments made to Mr. E. Metropoulos under this agreement totaled $12. In addition, Mr. E. Metropoulos has the opportunity to earn an additional $50 based upon performance.

Broker Commissions

One of our significant shareholders, J.W. Childs Associates, L.P., is also a significant shareholder of Advantage Sales & Marketing (ASM), which is sales and marketing agency serving the consumer packaged goods industry. Upon the acquisition of the Armour business, PFGI assumed the contract to use ASM to distribute the Armour products. In fiscal year 2006, PFGI incurred and paid $915 for commission to ASM.

 

F-54


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

15. Segment and Geographic Area Information

The Company’s products and operations are managed and reported in two operating segments. The frozen foods segment consists of the following reporting units: frozen dinners and entrees (Swanson, Hungry-Man), frozen seafood (Van de Kamp’s, Mrs. Paul’s), frozen breakfast (Aunt Jemima), bagels (Lenders), frozen pizza (Celeste) and Chef’s Choice. The dry foods segment consists of the following reporting units: condiments (Vlasic, Open Pit), baking (Duncan Hines), syrups (Mrs. Butterworth’s and Log Cabin) and canned meat (Armour). Segment performance is evaluated by the Company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker and is based on earnings before interest and taxes. Transfers between segments and geographic areas are recorded at cost plus markup or at market. Identifiable assets are those assets, including goodwill, which are identified with the operations in each segment or geographic region. Cost of products sold in the dry foods segment for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 includes $4,760, representing the write-up of inventories to fair value at the date of the acquisition of the Armour Business. Cost of products sold for the thirty-six weeks ended July 31, 2004 includes the write-up of inventories to fair value to the amount of $39,489 ($9,879 frozen foods and $29,610 dry foods) related to the Pinnacle transaction and the Aurora merger. Fair value is also referred to as net realizable value, which is defined as estimated selling prices less the sum of (a) costs of disposal and (b) a reasonable profit allowance for the selling effort of the acquiring entity. All inventory items were sold subsequent to the acquisition dates. Corporate assets consist of deferred tax assets. Unallocated corporate expenses consist of corporate overhead such as executive management, finance and legal functions, and stock-based compensation expense related to the ownership units of LLC issued to CDM.

 

     Successor           Predecessor  
    

Fiscal year
ended

December 31,

2006

   

Fiscal year
ended

December 25,

2005

   

21 weeks
ended

December 26,

2004

   

36 weeks
ended

July 31,

2004

         

16 weeks
ended

November 24,

2003

 

SEGMENT INFORMATION

              

Net sales

              

Frozen foods

   $ 644,688     $ 670,700     $ 271,165     $ 319,936         $ 118,992  

Dry foods

     797,568       585,035       240,025       254,416           62,387  
                                            

Total

   $ 1,442,256     $ 1,255,735     $ 511,190     $ 574,352         $ 181,379  
                                            
 

Earnings (loss) before interest and taxes

              

Frozen foods

   $ 43,550     $ (51,655 )   $ (22,649 )   $ (38,070 )       $ 6,313  

Dry foods

     121,677       95,046       38,480       6,765           9,706  

Unallocated corporate expenses

     (19,837 )     (16,473 )     (4,972 )     (29,845 )         (11,432 )
                                            

Total

   $ 145,390     $ 26,918     $ 10,859     $ (61,150 )       $ 4,587  
                                            
 

Depreciation and amortization

              

Frozen foods

   $ 20,984     $ 25,125     $ 10,743     $ 16,414         $ 4,179  

Dry foods

     21,203       13,963       6,325       8,156           1,957  
                                            

Total

   $ 42,187     $ 39,088     $ 17,068     $ 24,570         $ 6,136  
                                            
 

Capital expenditures

              

Frozen foods

   $ 14,485     $ 25,730     $ 5,340     $ 6,533         $ 913  

Dry foods

     11,729       5,327       3,090       3,293           598  
                                            

Total

   $ 26,214     $ 31,057     $ 8,430     $ 9,826         $ 1,511  
                                            
 

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

              

Net sales

              

United States

   $ 1,374,685     $ 1,200,797     $ 492,888     $ 552,655         $ 171,915  

Canada

     67,571       54,938       18,302       21,697           9,464  
                                            

Total

   $ 1,442,256     $ 1,255,735     $ 511,190     $ 574,352         $ 181,379  
                                            

 

F-55


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

    

December 31,

2006

  

December 25,

2005

SEGMENT INFORMATION:

     

Total Assets

     

Frozen foods

   $ 530,948    $ 565,266

Dry foods

     1,259,295      1,069,811

Corporate

     1,838      1,417
             

Total

   $ 1,792,081    $ 1,636,494
             

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

     

Long-lived assets

     

United States

   $ 253,357    $ 219,070

Canada

     30      31
             

Total

   $ 253,387    $ 219,101
             

Net sales to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. were 22% in fiscal 2006, 21% in fiscal 2005, 18% in the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004 and 18% in fiscal 2004 of consolidated net sales. No other single customer represents over 10% of consolidated net sales in any year.

16. Quarterly Results (unaudited)

 

    

March

2005

   

June

2005

   

September

2005

  

December

2005

   

Fiscal

2005

 

Net sales

   $ 307,837     $ 306,614     $ 294,257    $ 347,027     $ 1,255,735  

Cost of products sold

     261,767       246,220       225,862      263,349       997,198  
                                       

Net (loss) earnings

     (22,428 )     (2,174 )     4,713      (23,287 )     (43,176 )
                                       
    

March

2006

   

June

2006

   

September

2006

  

December

2006

   

Fiscal

2006

 

Net sales

   $ 313,885     $ 365,714     $ 345,289    $ 417,368     $ 1,442,256  

Cost of products sold

     253,893       292,723       262,774      313,256       1,122,646  
                                       

Net (loss) earnings

     (6,420 )     1,105       8,925      30,314       33,924  
                                       

Net earnings during fiscal 2005 and fiscal 2006 were affected by the following unusual charges:

 

    

March

2005

  

June

2005

  

September

2005

  

December

2005

Other expense (income), net (See Note 6):

           

Impairment and restructuring charges(a)

   $ 2,241    $ 363    $ 3,480    $ 21,194

Goodwill Impairment (See Note 8)(b)

   $ —      $ —      $ —      $ 54,757
    

March

2006

  

June

2006

  

September

2006

  

December

2006

Cost of products sold (See Note 3):

           

Write-up of inventory to fair value

   $ 2,028    $ 2,542    $ 190    $ —  

Other expense (income), net (See Note 6):

           

Impairment and restructuring charges(a)

   $ 451    $ 544    $ 3,013    $ 2,779

(a) Impairment and restructuring charges consist of the following:

 

   

First quarter 2005—$739 related to the announced closure of our Omaha frozen food facility; $640 related to the announced closure of our Erie frozen food facility; $862 non-cash impairment charge related to our announced shutdown of the Mattoon production line

 

F-56


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

   

Second quarter 2005—$328 related to the announced closure of our Omaha frozen food facility; $35 related to the announced closure of our Erie frozen food facility;

 

   

Third quarter 2005—$258 related to the announced closure of our Omaha frozen food facility; $3,222 related to the announced closure of our Erie frozen food facility;

 

   

Fourth quarter 2005—$59 credit related to the announced closure of our Omaha frozen food facility; $1,991 related to the announced closure of our Erie frozen food facility; and $19,262 related to the impairment of Mrs. Paul’s tradename ($10,437), Van de Kamp’s tradename ($7,707) and Lender’s tradename ($1,118)

 

   

First quarter 2006—$59 related to the announced closure of our Omaha frozen food facility; $392 related to the announced closure of our Erie frozen food facility;

 

   

Second quarter 2006—$51 related to the announced closure of our Omaha frozen food facility; $493 related to the announced closure of our Erie frozen food facility;

 

   

Third quarter 2006—$2,550 related to the announced closure of our Omaha frozen food facility; $463 related to the announced closure of our Erie frozen food facility;

 

   

Fourth quarter 2006—$32 related to the announced closure of our Omaha frozen food facility; $46 related to the announced closure of our Erie frozen food facility; and $2,700 related to the impairment of our Aunt Jemima tradename.

 

(b) Goodwill impairment charges consist of the following:

 

   

Fourth quarter of 2005—$44,860 related to the Frozen Seafood reporting unit and $9,897 related to the Frozen Pizza reporting unit

17. Guarantor and Nonguarantor Financial Statements

In connection with the Pinnacle Transaction and Aurora Merger described in Notes 1 and 3 and as a part of the related financings, the Company issued $394 million of 8  1 / 4 % senior subordinated notes ($200 million in November 2003 and $194 million in February 2004, collectively referred to as the “Notes”) in private placements pursuant to Rule 144A and Regulation S. The Notes are general unsecured obligations of the Company, subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future senior indebtedness of the Company, and guaranteed on a full, unconditional, joint and several basis by the Company’s wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries.

The following consolidating financial information presents:

 

(1) Consolidating (a) balance sheets as of December 31, 2006 and December 25, 2005 for the Successor and (b) the related statements of operations and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2006, the year ended December 25, 2005, the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004 and the 36 weeks ended July 31, 2004 for the Successor and the sixteen weeks ended November 24, 2003 for the Predecessor.

 

(2) Elimination entries necessary to consolidate the Predecessor and Successor, with their respective guarantor subsidiaries and nonguarantor subsidiary.

Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for by the parent using the equity method of accounting. The guarantor subsidiaries and nonguarantor subsidiary are presented on a combined basis. The principal elimination entries eliminate investments in subsidiaries and intercompany balances and transactions.

 

F-57


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheet

December 31, 2006

 

   

Pinnacle

Foods

Group Inc.

   

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

 

Nonguarantor

Subsidiary

  Eliminations    

Consolidated

Total

 

Current assets:

         

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 2     $ 12,335   $ —     $ —       $ 12,337  

Accounts receivable, net

    52,691       28,431     4,461     —         85,583  

Intercompany accounts receivable

    —         23,148     1,680     (24,828 )     —    

Inventories, net

    94,920       79,678     3,702     —         178,300  

Other current assets

    2,748       1,716     247     (215 )     4,496  

Deferred tax assets

    —         1,774     64     —         1,838  
                                   

Total current assets

    150,361       147,082     10,154     (25,043 )     282,554  

Plant assets, net

    141,286       112,071     30     —         253,387  

Investment in subsidiaries

    369,935       2,534     —       (372,469 )     —    

Intercompany note receivable

    24,986       —       —       (24,986 )     —    

Tradenames

    691,426       106,156     —       —         797,582  

Other assets, net

    56,298       99     —       —         56,397  

Goodwill

    261,748       140,413     —       —         402,161  
                                   

Total assets

  $ 1,696,040     $ 508,355   $ 10,184   $ (422,498 )   $ 1,792,081  
                                   

Current liabilities:

         

Current portion of long-term obligations

    11     $ 112   $ —     $ —       $ 123  

Notes payable

    —         210     —       —         210  

Accounts payable

    15,795       38,270     3,477     1       57,543  

Intercompany accounts payable

    23,148       1,680     —       (24,828 )     —    

Accrued trade marketing expense

    24,272       9,202     3,678     —         37,152  

Accrued liabilities

    51,797       28,958     495     (2 )     81,248  

Accrued income taxes

    90       1,167     —       (215 )     1,042  
                                   

Total current liabilities

    115,113       79,599     7,650     (25,044 )     177,318  

Long-term debt

    920,549       81     —       —         920,630  

Intercompany note payable

    —         24,986     —       (24,986 )     —    

Pension and other postretirement benefits

    9,804       6,304     —       1       16,109  

Other long-term liabilities

    1,962       —       —       —         1,962  

Deferred tax liabilities

    210,257       27,450     —       —         237,707  
                                   

Total liabilities

    1,257,685       138,420     7,650     (50,029 )     1,353,726  
                                   

Commitments and contingencies

         

Shareholder’s equity:

         

Pinnacle Common Stock, $.01 par value

         

Additional paid-in-capital

    573,403       347,448     935     (348,383 )     573,403  

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

    161       161     198     (359 )     161  

Carryover of Predecessor basis of net assets

    (17,338 )     —       —       —         (17,338 )

(Accumulated deficit) Retained earnings

    (117,871 )     22,326     1,401     (23,727 )     (117,871 )
                                   

Total shareholder’s equity

    438,355       369,935     2,534     (372,469 )     438,355  
                                   

Total liabilities and shareholder’s equity

  $ 1,696,040     $ 508,355   $ 10,184   $ (422,498 )   $ 1,792,081  
                                   

 

F-58


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheet

December 25, 2005

 

   

Pinnacle

Foods

Group Inc.

   

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

   

Nonguarantor

Subsidiary

    Eliminations    

Consolidated

Total

 

Current assets:

         

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 69     $ 450     $ —       $ —       $ 519  

Accounts receivable, net

    43,618       28,206       4,431       —         76,255  

Intercompany accounts receivable

    —         53,879       —         (53,879 )     —    

Inventories, net

    63,373       103,492       3,756       —         170,621  

Other current assets

    715       2,164       65       —         2,944  

Deferred tax assets

    598       758       61       —         1,417  
                                       

Total current assets

    108,373       188,949       8,313       (53,879 )     251,756  

Plant assets, net

    99,598       119,472       31       —         219,101  

Investment in subsidiaries

    344,383       (2,366 )     —         (342,017 )     —    

Intercompany note receivable

    111,684       —         —         (111,684 )     —    

Tradenames

    655,126       106,156       —         —         761,282  

Other assets, net

    44,701       141       —         —         44,842  

Goodwill

    218,579       140,934       —         —         359,513  
                                       

Total assets

    1,582,444     $ 553,286     $ 8,344     $ (507,580 )   $ 1,636,494  
                                       

Current liabilities:

         

Current portion of long-term obligations

  $ 10     $ 143     $ —       $ —       $ 153  

Notes payable

    —         184       —         —         184  

Accounts payable

    24,698       32,151       4,916       —         61,765  

Intercompany accounts payable

    51,506       —         2,373       (53,879 )     —    

Accrued trade marketing expense

    19,407       10,624       2,949       —         32,980  

Accrued liabilities

    51,560       19,571       328       —         71,459  

Accrued income taxes

    103       790       142       —         1,035  
                                       

Total current liabilities

    147,284       63,463       10,708       (53,879 )     167,576  

Long-term debt

    888,126       185       —         —         888,311  

Intercompany note payable

    —         111,684       —         (111,684 )     —    

Pension and other postretirement benefits

    851       10,048       —         —         10,899  

Deferred tax liabilities

    189,659       23,523       2       —         213,184  
                                       

Total liabilities

    1,225,920       208,903       10,710       (165,563 )     1,279,970  
                                       

Commitments and contingencies

         

Shareholder’s equity:

         

Pinnacle Common Stock, $.01 par value

    —         —         —         —         —    

Additional paid-in-capital

    529,425       347,448       935       (348,383 )     529,425  

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income

    (3,768 )     (3,768 )     (3,768 )     7,536       (3,768 )

Carryover of Predecessor basis of net assets

    (17,338 )     —         —         —         (17,338 )

(Accumulated deficit) Retained earnings

    (151,795 )     703       467       (1,170 )     (151,795 )
                                       

Total shareholder’s equity

    356,524       344,383       (2,366 )     (342,017 )     356,524  
                                       

Total liabilities and shareholder’s equity

  $ 1,582,444     $ 553,286     $ 8,344     $ (507,580 )   $ 1,636,494  
                                       

 

F-59


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.

Consolidated Statement of Operations

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006

 

    

Pinnacle

Foods

Group Inc.

   

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

   

Nonguarantor

Subsidiary

   Eliminations    

Consolidated

Total

Net sales

   $ 888,575     $ 523,892     $ 67,616    $ (37,827 )   $ 1,442,256

Costs and expenses

           

Cost of products sold

     667,953       436,673       55,146      (37,126 )     1,122,646

Marketing and selling expenses

     57,787       37,379       8,384      —         103,550

Administrative expenses

     34,158       16,452       1,837      —         52,447

Research and development expenses

     2,651       1,386       —        —         4,037

Intercompany royalties

     —         —         117      (117 )     —  

Intercompany technical service fees

     —         —         584      (584 )     —  

Other expense (income), net

     11,567       2,619       —        —         14,186

Equity in (earnings) loss of investees

     (21,624 )     (934 )     —        22,558       —  
                                     

Total costs and expenses

     752,492       493,575       66,068      (15,269 )     1,296,866
                                     

Earnings before interest and taxes

     136,083       30,317       1,548      (22,558 )     145,390

Intercompany interest (income) expense

     (6,358 )     6,358       —        —         —  

Interest expense

     86,561       49       5      —         86,615

Interest income

     35       1,152       60      —         1,247
                                     

Earnings before income taxes

     55,915       25,062       1,603      (22,558 )     60,022

Provision for income taxes

     21,991       3,437       670      —         26,098
                                     

Net earnings

   $ 33,924     $ 21,625     $ 933    $ (22,558 )   $ 33,924
                                     

 

F-60


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.

Consolidated Statement of Operations

For the fiscal year ended December 25, 2005

 

    

Pinnacle

Foods

Group Inc.

   

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

   

Nonguarantor

Subsidiary

   Eliminations    

Consolidated

Total

 

Net sales

   $ 697,554     $ 533,662     $ 54,939    $ (30,420 )   $ 1,255,735  

Costs and expenses

           

Cost of products sold

     531,413       450,874       44,422      (29,511 )     997,198  

Marketing and selling expenses

     55,927       37,283       7,949      —         101,159  

Administrative expenses

     21,994       16,969       1,279      —         40,242  

Research and development expenses

     2,221       1,404       —        —         3,625  

Intercompany royalties

     —         —         257      (257 )     —    

Intercompany technical service fees

     —         —         652      (652 )     —    

Goodwill impairment charge

     54,757       —         —        —         54,757  

Other expense (income), net

     30,791       1,045       —        —         31,836  

Equity in (earnings) loss of investees

     (8,590 )     (267 )     —        8,857       —    
                                       

Total costs and expenses

     688,513       507,308       54,559      (21,563 )     1,228,817  
                                       

Earnings (loss) before interest and taxes

     9,041       26,354       380      (8,857 )     26,918  

Intercompany interest (income) expense

     (13,013 )     13,011       2      —         —    

Interest expense

     71,046       58       —        —         71,104  

Interest income

     —         557       27      —         584  
                                       

(Loss) earnings before income taxes

     (48,992 )     13,842       405      (8,857 )     (43,602 )

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

     (5,816 )     5,252       138      —         (426 )
                                       

Net (loss) earnings

   $ (43,176 )   $ 8,590     $ 267    $ (8,857 )   $ (43,176 )
                                       

 

F-61


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

Pinnacle Foods Group LLC

Consolidated Statement of Operations

For the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004

 

    

Pinnacle

Foods

Group Inc.

   

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

   

Nonguarantor

Subsidiary

    Eliminations    

Consolidated

Total

 

Net sales

   $ 278,815     $ 223,801     $ 18,297     $ (9,723 )   $ 511,190  

Costs and expenses

          

Cost of products sold

     222,588       191,928       14,832       (9,268 )     420,080  

Marketing and selling expenses

     33,643       17,569       2,376         53,588  

Administrative expenses

     8,897       5,826       493         15,216  

Research and development expenses

     866       593           1,459  

Intercompany royalties

     —         —         144       (144 )  

Intercompany technical service fees

     —         —         311       (311 )  

Goodwill impairment charge

     2,675       1,633           4,308  

Other expense (income), net

     1,840       3,840           5,680  

Equity in loss (earnings) of investees

     3,277       (338 )       (2,939 )  
                                        

Total costs and expenses

     273,786       221,051       18,156       (12,662 )     500,331  
                                        

Earnings before interest and taxes

     5,029       2,750       141       2,939       10,859  

Intercompany interest (income) expense

     (5,064 )     5,054       10      

Interest expense

     26,250       10           26,260  

Interest income

     —         114       6         120  
                                        

(Loss) earnings before income taxes

     (16,157 )     (2,200 )     137       2,939       (15,281 )

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

     8,549       1,077       (201 )       9,425  
                                        

Net (loss) earnings

   $ (24,706 )   $ (3,277 )   $ 338     $ 2,939     $ (24,706 )
                                        

 

F-62


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.

Consolidated Statement of Operations

For the 36 weeks ended July 31, 2004

 

    

Pinnacle

Foods

Group Inc.

   

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

   

Nonguarantor

Subsidiary

    Eliminations    

Consolidated

Total

 

Net sales

   $ 183,099     $ 379,223     $ 21,697     $ (9,667 )   $ 574,352  

Costs and expenses

          

Cost of products sold

     166,237       328,175       17,664       (9,109 )     502,967  

Marketing and selling expenses

     16,450       38,680       2,780       —         57,910  

Administrative expenses

     8,347       23,168       743       —         32,258  

Research and development expenses

     552       1,884       —         —         2,436  

Intercompany royalties

     —         —         207       (207 )     —    

Intercompany technical service fees

     —         —         351       (351 )     —    

Goodwill impairment charge

     1,835       —         —         —         1,835  

Other expense (income), net

     24,910       13,186       —         —         38,096  

Equity in loss (earnings) of investees

     21,097       138       —         (21,235 )     —    
                                        

Total costs and expenses

     239,428       405,231       21,745       (30,902 )     635,502  
                                        

(Loss) before interest and taxes

     (56,329 )     (26,008 )     (48 )     21,235       (61,150 )

Intercompany interest (income) expense

     (5,329 )     5,311       18       —         —    

Interest expense

     26,240       —         —         —         26,240  

Interest income

     88       222       10       —         320  
                                        

(Loss) before income taxes

     (77,152 )     (31,097 )     (56 )     21,235       (87,070 )

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

     6,761       (10,000 )     82       —         (3,157 )
                                        

Net (Loss)

   $ (83,913 )   $ (21,097 )   $ (138 )   $ 21,235     $ (83,913 )
                                        

 

F-63


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.

Consolidated Statement of Operations

For the 16 weeks ended November 24, 2003

 

    

Pinnacle Foods

Holding

Corporation

   

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

   

Nonguarantor

Subsidiary

    Eliminations    

Consolidated

Total

 

Net Sales

   $ —       $ 176,819     $ 9,464     $ (4,904 )   $ 181,379  

Costs and expenses

          

Cost of products sold

     —         130,954       7,862       (4,583 )     134,233  

Marketing and selling expenses

     —         23,283       1,052       —         24,335  

Administrative expenses

     —         9,176       278       —         9,454  

Research and development expenses

     —         814       —         —         814  

Intercompany royalties

     —         —         97       (97 )     —    

Intercompany technical service fees

     —         —         224       (224 )     —    

Other expense (income), net

     —         7,838       118       —         7,956  

Equity in loss (earnings) of investees

     3,074       160       —         (3,234 )     —    
                                        

Total costs and expenses

     3,074       172,225       9,631       (8,138 )     176,792  
                                        

Earnings (loss) before interest and taxes

     (3,074 )     4,594       (167 )     3,234       4,587  

Intercompany interest (income) expense

     —         (8 )     8       —         —    

Interest expense

     —         9,310       —         —         9,310  

Interest income

     —         137       6       —         143  
                                        

(Loss) before income taxes

     (3,074 )     (4,571 )     (169 )     3,234       (4,580 )

(Benefit) for income taxes

     —         (1,497 )     (9 )     —         (1,506 )
                                        

Net (loss)

   $ (3,074 )   $ (3,074 )   $ (160 )   $ 3,234     $ (3,074 )
                                        

 

F-64


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands)

Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.

Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2006

 

   

Pinnacle

Foods

Group Inc.

   

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

   

Nonguarantor

Subsidiary

    Eliminations    

Consolidated

Total

 

Cash flows from operating activities

         

Net earnings

  $ 33,924     $ 21,625     $ 933     $ (22,558 )   $ 33,924  

Non-cash charges (credits) to net earnings

         

Depreciation and amortization

    25,661       16,520       6       —         42,187  

Restructuring and impairment charges

    2,980       2,500       —         —         5,480  

Amortization of debt acquisition costs

    7,424       —         —         —         7,424  

Amortization of bond premium

    (567 )     —         —         —         (567 )

Change in value of financial instruments

    3,158       —         —         —         3,158  

Stock-based compensation charges

    3,315       —         —         —         3,315  

Equity in (earnings) loss of investees

    (21,625 )     (933 )     —         22,558       —    

Postretirement healthcare benefits

    1,234       (337 )     —         —         897  

Other long-term liabilities

    80       —         —         —         80  

Pension expense

    508       1,187       —         —         1,695  

Deferred income taxes

    22,692       2,273       —         —         24,965  

Changes in working capital, net of acquisition

    —         —         —         —         —    

Accounts receivable

    (9,073 )     (224 )     (30 )     —         (9,327 )

Intercompany accounts receivable/payable

    (33,879 )     33,913       (34 )     —         —    

Inventories

    9,984       23,814       54       —         33,852  

Accrued trade marketing expense

    4,865       (1,423 )     729       —         4,171  

Accounts payable

    (3,099 )     6,836       (2,184 )     —         1,553  

Accrued liabilities

    (1,977 )     9,171       (32 )     —         7,162  

Other current assets

    (33 )     1,809       (182 )     —         1,594  
                                       

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

    45,572       116,731       (740 )     —         161,563  
                                       

Cash flows from investing activities

         

Payments for business acquisitions

    (189,208 )     —         —         —         (189,208 )

Capital expenditures

    (14,718 )     (11,479 )     (5 )     —         (26,202 )

Sale of plant assets

    1,753       —         —         —         1,753  
                                       

Net cash used in investing activities

    (202,173 )     (11,479 )     (5 )     —         (213,657 )
                                       

Cash flows from financing activities

         

Change in bank overdrafts

    —         (6,550 )     745       —         (5,805 )

Repayment of capital lease obligations

    (10 )     (145 )     —         —         (155 )

Equity contributions

    40,663       —         —         —         40,663  

Debt acquisition costs

    (3,817 )     —         —         —         (3,817 )

Proceeds from bank term loan

    143,000       —         —         —         143,000  

Proceeds from notes payable borrowing

    —         2,410       —         —         2,410  

Repayments of notes payable

    —         (2,384 )     —         —         (2,384 )

Repayments of intercompany loans

    86,698       (86,698 )     —         —         —    

Repayments of long term obligations

    (110,000 )     —         —         —         (110,000 )
                                       

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

    156,534       (93,367 )     745       —         63,912  
                                       

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

    —         —         —         —         —    

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

    (67 )     11,885       —         —         11,818  

Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period

    69       450       —         —         519  
                                       

Cash and cash equivalents—end of period

  $ 2     $ 12,335     $ —       $ —       $ 12,337  
                                       

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

         

Interest paid

  $ 75,692     $ 85     $ —       $ —       $ 75,777  

Interest received

    35       1,152       60       —         1,247  

Income taxes refunded (paid)

    53       (45 )     (1,042 )     —         (1,034 )

Non-cash investing activity:

         

Capital leases

    —         (12 )     —         —         (12 )

 

F-65


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands)

Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

For the fiscal year ended December 25, 2005

 

   

Pinnacle

Foods

Group Inc.

   

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

   

Nonguarantor

Subsidiary

    Eliminations    

Consolidated

Total

 

Cash flows from operating activities

         

Net (loss) earnings

  $ (43,176 )   $ 8,590     $ 267     $ (8,857 )   $ (43,176 )

Non-cash charges (credits) to net (loss) earnings

         

Depreciation and amortization

    23,310       15,765       13       —         39,088  

Restructuring and impairment charge

    75,521       —         —         —         75,521  

Amortization of debt acquisition costs

    6,334       —         —         —         6,334  

Amortization of bond premium

    (525 )     —         —         —         (525 )

Change in value of financial instruments

    1,703       —         —         —         1,703  

Equity in (earnings) loss of investees

    (8,590 )     (267 )     —         8,857       —    

Postretirement healthcare benefits

    67       (323 )     —         —         (256 )

Pension expense

    —         595       —         —         595  

Deferred income taxes

    (8,924 )     8,346       (38 )     —         (616 )

Changes in working capital

         

Accounts receivable

    (3,130 )     1,103       420       —         (1,607 )

Intercompany accounts receivable/payable

    52,115       (52,959 )     844       —         —    

Inventories

    7,070       28,297       (275 )     —         35,092  

Accrued trade marketing expense

    (11,457 )     (2,189 )     468       —         (13,178 )

Accounts payable

    (27,117 )     (7,524 )     2,567       —         (32,074 )

Other current assets and liabilities

    (4,498 )     6,449       (4,105 )     —         (2,154 )
                                       

Net cash provided by operating activities

    58,703       5,883       161       —         64,747  
                                       

Cash flows from investing activities

         

Capital expenditures

    (16,746 )     (14,169 )     (16 )     —         (30,931 )

Pinnacle merger consideration

    1,595       —         —         —         1,595  

Sale of plant assets

    —         561       —         —         561  
                                       

Net cash used in investing activities

    (15,151 )     (13,608 )     (16 )     —         (28,775 )
                                       

Cash flows from financing activities

         

Change in bank overdrafts

    —         6,549       (145 )     —         6,404  

Repayment of capital lease obligations

    (10 )     (119 )     —         —         (129 )

Equity contribution to Successor

    9,992       —         —         —         9,992  

Successor’s debt acquisition costs

    (51 )     —         —         —         (51 )

Proceeds from Successor’s notes payable borrowing

    31,626       —         —         —         31,626  

Repayments of Successor’s notes payable

    (31,442 )     —         —         —         (31,442 )

Repayments of Successor’s long term obligations

    (54,088 )     —         —         —         (54,088 )
                                       

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

    (43,973 )     6,430       (145 )     —         (37,688 )
                                       

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

    —         —         —         —         —    

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

    (421 )     (1,295 )     —         —         (1,716 )

Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period

    490       1,745       —         —         2,235  
                                       

Cash and cash equivalents—end of period

  $ 69     $ 450     $ —       $ —       $ 519  
                                       

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

         

Interest paid

  $ 65,832     $ —       $ —       $ —       $ 65,832  

Interest received

    —         543       27       —         570  

Income taxes refunded (paid)

    —         582       (277 )     —         305  

Non-cash investing activity:

         

Capital leases

    —         (126 )     —         —         (126 )

 

F-66


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands)

Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

For the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004

 

   

Pinnacle

Foods

Group Inc.

   

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

   

Nonguarantor

Subsidiary

    Eliminations    

Consolidated

Total

 

Cash flows from operating activities

         

Net (loss) earnings

  $ (24,706 )   $ (3,277 )   $ 338     $ 2,939     $ (24,706 )

Non-cash charges (credits) to net (loss) earnings

         

Depreciation and amortization

    7,413       9,652       3         17,068  

Restructuring and impairment charge

    2,687       4,282           6,969  

Amortization of debt acquisition costs

    1,995       —             1,995  

Amortization of bond premium

    (201 )     —             (201 )

Change in value of financial instruments

    (360 )     —             (360 )

Equity in loss (earnings) of investees

    3,277       (338 )       (2,939 )  

Postretirement healthcare benefits

    11       (1,273 )         (1,262 )

Pension expense

      310           310  

Deferred income taxes

    8,450       948           9,398  

Changes in working capital

         

Accounts receivable

    (1,123 )     (4,657 )     (1,954 )       (7,734 )

Intercompany accounts receivable/payable

    (590 )     (50 )     640      

Inventories

    (1,220 )     (20,712 )     (1,078 )       (23,010 )

Accrued trade marketing expense

    2,730       (557 )     1,015         3,188  

Accounts payable

    13,498       4,641       543         18,682  

Other current assets and liabilities

    (682 )     (1,837 )     (306 )       (2,825 )
                                       

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

    11,179       (12,868 )     (799 )     —         (2,488 )
                                       

Cash flows from investing activities

         

Capital expenditures

    (2,758 )     (5,315 )     —           (8,073 )

Pinnacle merger consideration

      (130 )         (130 )

Aurora merger costs

    (2,333 )     —             (2,333 )

Acquisition of license

    (1,919 )           (1,919 )
                                       

Net cash used in investing activities

    (7,010 )     (5,445 )     —         —         (12,455 )
                                       

Cash flows from financing activities

         

Change in bank overdrafts

    —         (16,721 )     308         (16,413 )

Repayment of capital lease obligations

    (4 )     (37 )         (41 )

Successor’s debt acquisition costs

    (2,822 )     —             (2,822 )

Proceeds from Successor’s notes payable borrowings

    30,000       —             30,000  

Repayments of Successor’s notes payable

    (30,000 )     —             (30,000 )

Repayments of Successor’s long term obligations

    (1,363 )     —             (1,363 )
                                       

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

    (4,189 )     (16,758 )     308       —         (20,639 )
                                       

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

    —         —         36       —         36  

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

    (20 )     (35,071 )     (455 )     —         (35,546 )

Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period

    510       36,816       455         37,781  
                                       

Cash and cash equivalents—end of period

  $ 490     $ 1,745     $ —       $ —       $ 2,235  
                                       

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

         

Interest paid

  $ 23,547     $ —       $ —       $ —       $ 23,547  

Interest received

    —         114       6       —         120  

Income taxes refunded (paid)

    —         627       —         —         627  

Non-cash investing activity:

         

Capital leases

    —         (357 )     —         —         (357 )

 

F-67


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

For the 36 weeks ended July 31, 2004

 

   

Pinnacle

Foods

Group Inc.

   

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

   

Nonguarantor

Subsidiary

    Eliminations    

Consolidated

Total

 

Cash flows from operating activities

         

Net loss

  $ (83,913 )   $ (21,097 )   $ (138 )   $ 21,235     $ (83,913 )

Non-cash charges (credits) to net loss:

         

Depreciation and amortization

    6,471       18,094       5         24,570  

Restructuring and impairment charge

    6,101       10,211           16,312  

Amortization of debt acquisition costs

    2,652       —             2,652  

Amortization of bond premium

    (323 )     —             (323 )

Change in value of financial instruments

    (3,492 )     —             (3,492 )

Equity related compensation charge

    18,400       —             18,400  

Equity in loss (earnings) of investees

    21,097       138         (21,235 )     —    

Postretirement healthcare benefits

    9       (602 )         (593 )

Pension expense

    —         820           820  

Deferred income taxes

    6,761       (9,551 )     (152 )       (2,942 )

Changes in working capital

         

Accounts receivable

    10,958       17,978       123         29,059  

Intercompany accounts receivable/payable

    51,860       (51,617 )     (243 )       —    

Inventories

    (5,635 )     26,303       (185 )       20,483  

Accrued trade marketing expense

    641       (271 )     98         468  

Accounts payable

    22,508       1,791       79         24,378  

Other current assets and liabilities

    (26,023 )     10,344       870         (14,809 )
                                       

Net cash provided by operating activities

    28,072       2,541       457       —         31,070  
                                       

Cash flows from investing activities

         

Capital expenditures

    (2,668 )     (7,156 )     (2 )       (9,826 )

Pinnacle merger consideration

    (361,062 )     —             (361,062 )

Pinnacle merger costs

    (7,154 )     —             (7,154 )

Aurora merger consideration

    (663,759 )     —             (663,759 )

Aurora merger costs

    (16,980 )     —             (16,980 )
                                       

Net cash used in investing activities

    (1,051,623 )     (7,156 )     (2 )     —         (1,058,781 )
                                       

Cash flows from financing activities

         

Change in bank overdrafts

    —         11,603           11,603  

Repayment of capital lease obligations

    (4 )     —             (4 )

Equity contribution to Successor

    275,088       —             275,088  

Successor’s debt acquisition costs

    (37,766 )     —             (37,766 )

Proceeds from Successor’s bond offerings

    400,976       —             400,976  

Proceeds from Successor’s bank term loans

    545,000       —             545,000  

Proceeds from Successor’s notes payable borrowings

    21,500       —             21,500  

Repayments of Successor’s notes payable

    (21,500 )     —             (21,500 )

Repayments of Predecessor’s long term obligations

    —         (175,000 )         (175,000 )

Repayments of Successor’s long term obligations

    (1,363 )     —             (1,363 )

Intercompany loans

    (175,370 )     175,370           —    

Repayments of intercompany loans

    17,500       (17,500 )         —    
                                       

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

    1,024,061       (5,527 )     —         —         1,018,534  
                                       

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

    —         —         —         —         —    

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

    510       (10,142 )     455       —         (9,177 )

Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period

    —         46,958       —           46,958  
                                       

Cash and cash equivalents—end of period

  $ 510     $ 36,816     $ 455     $ —       $ 37,781  
                                       

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

         

Interest paid

  $ 28,776     $ —       $ —       $ —       $ 28,776  

Interest received

    89       221       10       —         320  

Income taxes paid

    —         (37 )     —         —         (37 )

Non-cash investing activity:

         

Aurora merger consideration

    (225,120 )     —         —         —         (225,120 )

Aurora merger costs

    (4,628 )     —         —         —         (4,628 )

Non-cash financing activity:

         

Aurora merger equity contribution

    225,120       —         —         —         225,120  

 

F-68


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands)

 

Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

For the 16 weeks ended November 24, 2003

 

   

Pinnacle Foods

Holding

Corporation

   

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

   

Nonguarantor

Subsidiary

    Eliminations    

Consolidated

Total

 

Cash flows from operating activities

         

Net loss

  $ (3,074 )   $ (3,074 )   $ (160 )   $ 3,234     $ (3,074 )

Non-cash charges (credits) to net loss

         

Depreciation and amortization

    —         6,131       5       —         6,136  

Restructuring and impairment charge

    —         1,262       —         —         1,262  

Amortization of debt acquisition costs

    —         6,907       —         —         6,907  

Equity related compensation charge

    —         4,935       —         —         4,935  

Equity in loss (earnings) of investees

    3,074       160       —         (3,234 )     —    

Postretirement healthcare benefits

    —         (527 )     —         —         (527 )

Pension expense

    —         342       —         —         342  

Deferred income taxes

    —         (986 )     —         —         (986 )

Changes in working capital

         

Accounts receivable

    —         (8,513 )     (784 )     —         (9,297 )

Intercompany accounts receivable/payable

    —         848       (848 )     —         —    

Inventories

    —         (24,561 )     (727 )     —         (25,288 )

Accrued trade marketing expense

    —         (5,506 )     691       —         (4,815 )

Accounts payable

    —         514       765       —         1,279  

Other current assets and liabilities

    —         (736 )     423       —         (313 )
                                       

Net cash used in operating activities

    —         (22,804 )     (635 )     —         (23,439 )
                                       

Cash flows from investing activities

         

Capital expenditures

    —         (1,511 )     —         —         (1,511 )
                                       

Net cash used in investing activities

    —         (1,511 )     —         —         (1,511 )
                                       

Cash flows from financing activities

         

Change in bank overdrafts

    —         (262 )     —         —         (262 )

Intercompany advance

    42,186       (42,186 )     —         —         —    
                                       

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

    42,186       (42,448 )     —         —         (262 )
                                       

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

    —         —         42       —         42  

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

    42,186       (66,763 )     (593 )     —         (25,170 )

Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period

    —         71,535       593       —         72,128  
                                       

Cash and cash equivalents—end of period

  $ 42,186     $ 4,772     $ —       $ —       $ 46,958  
                                       

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

         

Interest paid

  $ —       $ 2,517     $ —       $ —       $ 2,517  

Interest received

    —         143       —         —         143  

Income taxes refunded (paid)

    —         2,856       452       —         3,308  

18. Subsequent Event

Acquisition of Crunch Holding Corp. by The Blackstone Group

On February 10, 2007, The Blackstone Group (“Blackstone”), through an affiliate, agreed to acquire 100% of the common stock of Crunch Holding Corp., the Company’s sole shareholder. The transaction is subject to satisfaction of customary conditions and is expected to close in the first half of 2007.

 

F-69


Table of Contents

KPMG LLP

Suite 1100

One Arizona Center

400 East Ven Buren Street

Phoenix, AZ 85004

Independent Auditors’ Report

The Board of Directors

The Dial Corporation:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of December 31, 2005 and 2004 and the statement of direct revenues and direct operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2005, the nine-month period ended December 31, 2004, the three-month period ended March 27, 2004 (Predecessor), and the year ended December 31, 2003 (Predecessor) (the “financial statements”) of the Armour Foods Business of The Dial Corporation (the “Company”). The financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the statement, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

The accompanying financial statements were prepared to present the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed and the direct revenues and direct operating expenses of the Armour Foods Business, pursuant to the basis of presentation as described in Note 2, and are not intended to be a complete presentation of the Armour Foods Business’ financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and direct revenues and direct operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2005, the nine-month period ended December 31, 2004, the three-month period ended March 27, 2004 (Predecessor), and the year ended December 31, 2003 (Predecessor) of the Armour Foods Business, as described in Note 2, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

/s/    KPMG LLP

April 29, 2006

KPMG LLP. a U.S. limited liability partnership, is the U.S.

member firm of KPMG International, a Swiss cooperative.

 

F-70


Table of Contents

ARMOUR FOODS PRODUCTS

(A BUSINESS UNIT OF THE DIAL CORPORATION)

STATEMENT OF ASSETS ACQUIRED AND LIABILITIES ASSUMED

(in thousands)

 

     As of December 31
     2005    2004
ASSETS ACQUIRED      

Inventories

   $ 32,340    $ 26,256

Property and equipment, net

     27,512      29,595

License

     62,500      62,500

Trademark

     2,400      2,400
             

Total assets acquired

   $ 124,752    $ 120,751
             
LIABILITIES ASSUMED      

Post-retirement employee welfare benefits

     7,256      5,932
             

Total liabilities assumed

   $ 7,256    $ 5,932
             

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

F-71


Table of Contents

ARMOUR FOODS PRODUCTS

(A BUSINESS UNIT OF THE DIAL CORPORATION)

STATEMENT OF DIRECT REVENUES AND DIRECT OPERATING EXPENSES

(in thousands)

 

     Successor            Predecessor  
    

Year Ended

December 31,
2005

   

Nine Months
Ended

December 31,
2004

          

Three Months
Ended

March 27,
2004

   

Year Ended

December 31,
2003

 

Direct revenues, net

   $ 224,919     $ 187,065          $ 45,991     $ 204,764  

Direct cost of revenues

     (186,391 )     (149,495 )          (35,888 )     (155,042 )
                                     

Gross profit

     38,528       37,570            10,103       49,722  

Direct operating expenses

     (8,377 )     (6,617 )          (2,087 )     (8,101 )
                                     

Excess of direct revenges over direct operating expenses

   $ 30,151     $ 30,953          $ 8,016     $ 41,621  
                                     

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

F-72


Table of Contents

ARMOUR FOODS PRODUCTS

(A BUSINESS UNIT OF THE DIAL CORPORATION)

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1. Description

General. The accompanying combined financial statements include the assets acquired and liabilities assumed by Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. (“PFGI”) and the statement of direct revenues and direct operating expenses for the shelf stable Armour foods business on a carve-out basis of The Armour Foods Products Business (“Armour”), a business unit of The Dial Corporation “Dial”.

Armour is a manufacturer, distributor and marketer of products in the canned meats category. The majority of sales (approximately 70%) are under the “Armour” brand name. The remainder of the business consists of private-label sales and certain co-pack arrangements. Armour offers products in eleven segments within the canned meat category and has significant market share nationwide in three of these segments—Vienna sausage, potted meat, and sliced dried beef. Armour’s products are distributed throughout the United States. The Armour foods business has one manufacturing facility in Fort Madison, Iowa as well as various co-pack manufacturing arrangements.

Dial sold the Armour foods business to Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. on March 1, 2006. PFGI acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of the Armour business. The assets acquired include inventory, a production facility, machinery and equipment, contact rights and certain intangible assets including a trademark and license. The liability assumed relates to post-retirement medical benefits for a portion of the employees at the Fort Madison production facility. PFGI did not acquire cash, accounts receivable, prepaid assets, accounts payable or accrued liabilities from Dial.

Note 2. Basis of Presentation

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared from the books and records maintained by The Dial Corporation. Armour was a business unit of Dial and was not a separate legal entity or corporation. Armour did not maintain stand-alone accounts receivable, accounts payable, cash accounts, corporate treasury, legal, tax or other similar corporate support functions. All customer sales were invoiced in combination with the other Dial business units—laundry, personal care, and home care. All purchases of inventory, payroll, capital and other expenditures were funded through Dial’s corporate cash account and were not segregated by business unit. Accordingly, Armour has no cash, trade receivables or payables on a stand-alone basis. There is only limited discrete information available for Armour.

As a result, the Statement of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed include only the specific assets and liabilities related to Armour that were sold to PFGI. The Statement of Direct Revenues and Direct Operating Expenses includes the net revenues and operating expenses directly attributable the production, marketing, distribution of the products, including selling and direct overhead and depreciation. The direct operating expenses exclude the cost of general corporate activities, corporate level overhead, interest expense and income taxes. Future results of operations and financial position could differ materially from the historical amounts presented herein. Complete financial statements were not prepared as the Business was not maintained as a separate reporting unit.

The Securities Exchange Commission staff granted PFGI relief from certain reporting requirements under Rule 3-05 of Regulation S-X and permission to instead file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, an audited Statement of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed as of December 31, 2005 and 2004 and an audited Statement of Direct Revenues and Direct Operating Expenses of Armour for each of the three years ended December 31, 2005 with related footnotes.

On March 29, 2004, the Armour business unit was acquired by Henkel KGaA (“Henkel”) as part of Henkel’s acquisition of The Dial Corporation. As a result, the accompanying financial statements and related footnotes include predecessor and successor financial statements.

 

F-73


Table of Contents

ARMOUR FOODS PRODUCTS

(A BUSINESS UNIT OF THE DIAL CORPORATION)

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of Financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates that affect the amounts reported in Armour’s financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Note 3. Significant Accounting Policies

Use of Estimates. The preparation of these financial statements required us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. We routinely evaluate our estimates, including those related to post-retirement welfare benefits, long-lived assets and inventories. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions.

Revenue Recognition. Sales are recorded at the later of the transfer of risk of loss and title to the product to the purchaser or shipment. Sales are recorded net of allowances for cash discounts, estimated sales returns, trade promotions and other sales incentives.

Direct Cost of Revenues. Direct cost of revenues includes all variable and fixed costs associated with manufacturing, including the cost of goods purchased from third parties, direct labor, indirect labor, packaging supplies, freight to warehouse transportation and fixed costs such as depreciation. Transportation and delivery expense represents the actual cost of shipping. In some cases the Armour foods business ships products from other Dial business units. When this occurs the costs are allocated based on the actual volume and weight of the products being shipped. Warehouse costs are allocated based on the actual usage of space within the warehouse or distribution center.

Direct Operating Expense. Direct operating expense primarily consists of marketing activities, salary, incentives, fringe benefits and other departmental expenses for all corporate staff that directly supported the Armour business. This includes members of marketing, finance, research and development and sales staff. Included in these costs is an allocation of fringe benefits that are accounted for at a total company corporate level. The allocation calculation was based on the total company fringe costs (including medical benefits, pension, post retirement benefits other than pension, and 401(k)) as compared to the total company salary cost. This percentage is applied to the salary costs for the foods business. Corporate overhead, including executive, accounting, human resources, legal and information technology and corporate facility costs have not been allocated to the Armour business. Management believes that the inclusion of these costs would not have been nor will be representative of the costs incurred by Armour if they had operated independently from Dial.

Inventories. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first in, first out and average cost methods) or market.

Long-Lived Assets. In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”, we evaluate the recoverability of property and equipment not held for sale by comparing the carrying amount of the asset or group of assets against the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset or group of assets and their eventual disposition. If the undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset or group of assets being evaluated, an impairment loss is recorded. The loss is measured as the difference between the estimated fair value and carrying value of the asset or group of assets being evaluated. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or the fair value less

 

F-74


Table of Contents

ARMOUR FOODS PRODUCTS

(A BUSINESS UNIT OF THE DIAL CORPORATION)

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

cost to sell. The estimated fair value is based on the best information available under the circumstances, including prices for similar assets or the results of valuation techniques, including the present value of expected future cash flows using a discount rate commensurate with the risks involved.

Property and Equipment. Property and equipment are stated at the estimated fair value as of the date Henkel acquired The Dial Corporation, net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided principally by use of the straight-line method at annual rates as follows:

 

Buildings

   2% to 5%

Machinery and other equipment

   5% to 33%

Intangibles. Intangible assets with indefinite lives are analyzed for impairment, on at least an annual basis, as required by the SFAS No.142. In accordance with the provisions of SFAS 142, the intangible assets related to the Armour business were tested for impairment in the fourth quarter of 2005 and 2004. There was no impairment since the estimated fair value of the business exceeded the carrying value of the intangible assets.

Note 4. Inventories

Inventories consisted of the following at December 31, in thousands:

 

     2005    2004

Raw materials and supplies

   $ 2,301    $ 2,725

Work in process

     1,398      845

Finished goods

     28,641      22,686
             
   $ 32,340    $ 26,256
             

Note 5. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consisted of the following at December 31, in thousands:

 

     2005     2004  

Land

   $ 681     $ 681  

Buildings

     5,475       4,854  

Machinery and other equipment

     28,220       24,919  

Construction in progress

     1,136       2,591  
                
     35,512       33,045  

Less accumulated depreciation

     (8,000 )     (3,450 )
                
   $ 27,512     $ 29,595  
                

Note 6. Intangibles

There were no definite lived intangible assets related to the Armour foods business. Intangibles with indefinite lives, which are not subject to amortization, consisted of the following:

 

     2005    2004

License Agreement

   $ 62,500    $ 62,500

Trademark

     2,400      2,400
             
   $ 64,900    $ 64,900
             

 

F-75


Table of Contents

ARMOUR FOODS PRODUCTS

(A BUSINESS UNIT OF THE DIAL CORPORATION)

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The license agreement represents a trademark license agreement between ConAgra, Inc. as the licensor and The Dial Corporation. This license grants the right to use the Armour brand domestically for shelf stable meat products. The perpetual license was assigned to Henkel in December 2004. The trademark represents the international Armour trademark for shelf stable meat. The trademark was held by The Dial Corporation as of December 31, 2005 and 2004.

Note 7. Significant Customers

The only significant customer representing 10% or more of sales is Wal-Mart/Sam’s Club. Their sales as a percentage of Armour foods business sales were 20.6%, 18.2% and 17.1% for 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

Note 8. Post-Retirement Benefits Other Than Pensions

Post-Retirement Benefits Other Than Pensions. The Fort Madison plant labor employees participated in a defined benefit post-retirement plan that provide medical and life insurance for eligible employees, retirees and dependents. Dial is retaining the liabilities associated with employees who were eligible or will become eligible for post-retirement benefits other than pensions prior to September 30, 2007. Liabilities related to those who will become eligible for post-retirement benefits other than pensions after September 30, 2007 are being assumed by PFGI.

Post-retirement benefits other than pension are accrued during the years the eligible employees provide services. The following information provides the status of the portion of the defined benefit post-retirement plan that is being assumed by PFGI. The following information is as of December 31, in thousands:

 

     2005     2004  

Change in Benefit Obligation:

    

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

   $ 5,932     $ 6,274  

Service cost

     698       597  

Interest cost

     398       371  

Plan participants’ contributions

     —         —    

Actuarial loss

     231       (1,309 )

Benefits paid

     (3 )     (1 )
                

Benefit obligation at end of year

   $ 7,256     $ 5,932  
                

Change in Plan Assets:

    

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

   $ —       $ —    

Employer contribution

     3       1  

Plan participants’ contribution

    

Benefits paid

     (3 )     (1 )
                

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

   $ —       $ —    
                

Funded status

   $ (7,256 )   $ (5,932 )
                

Unrecognized net loss

     —         —    

Unrecognized prior service cost

     —         —    
                

Accrued benefit cost

   $ (7,256 )   $ (5,932 )
                

Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet

   $ (7,256 )   $ (5,932 )
                

 

F-76


Table of Contents

ARMOUR FOODS PRODUCTS

(A BUSINESS UNIT OF THE DIAL CORPORATION)

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

We use a measurement date of December 31 for our post retirement benefit plans. Accordingly, the weighted average assumptions that were used to measure the benefit obligations are as follows.

 

     12/31/2005     12/31/2004  

Assumptions:

    

Discount rate

   5.75 %   6.00 %

Initial health care trend rate

   10.00 %   10.00 %

Ultimate health care trend rate

   5.00 %   5.00 %

The assumed health care cost trend rate used to measure the accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation for retirees both above and below the age of 65 for 2006 is 10.0%, gradually declining to an ultimate rate of 5.0% in 2011.

The benefits expected to be paid from the post-retirement welfare plans for the years 2006 to 2010 are in thousands, $1,257, $1,313, $1,323, $1,389 and $1,470, respectively. The total benefit payments expect to be paid from the post-retirement welfare plans for the years 2011 to 2015 are $8,116.

Components of the net periodic benefit cost related to the Armour business after being acquired by Henkel KGaA are summarized in the following table, in thousands:

 

    

01/01/2005-

12/31/2005

  

03/29/2004-

12/31/2004

Calculation of Net Periodic Benefit Cost:

     

Service cost

   $ 698    $ 458

Interest cost

     398      273
             

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 1,096    $ 731
             

Components of the net periodic benefit cost related to the Armour business prior being acquired by Henkel KGaA are summarized in the following table, in thousands:

 

    

01/01/2004-

03/28/2004

   

01/01/2003-

12/31/2003

 

Calculation of Net Periodic Benefit Cost:

    

Service cost

   $ 139     $ 516  

Interest cost

     98       469  

Amortization of:

    

Unrecognized prior service cost

     (85 )     —    

Actuarial loss (gain)

     12       (95 )
                

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 164     $ 890  
                

The weighted average assumptions listed below were used to measure the net periodic benefit cost for the periods ending:

 

     12/31/2005     12/31/2004     3/29/2004     12/31/2003  

Assumptions:

        

Discount rate for obligation

   6.00 %   6.00 %   6.25 %   6.75 %

Health care cost trend rate

   10.00 %   10.00 %   10.00 %   10.00 %

 

F-77


Table of Contents

ARMOUR FOODS PRODUCTS

(A BUSINESS UNIT OF THE DIAL CORPORATION)

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The assumed health care cost trend rate used to calculate the 2005 net periodic benefit cost was 10%, gradually declining to an ultimate rate of 5% in 2011.

 

     Increase    (Decrease)  

Effect of one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates:

     

Effect on the total of service and interest cost components

   $ 187    $ (151 )

Effect on accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation

   $ 779    $ (644 )

Note 9. Subsequent Events

Dial sold the Armour foods business to Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. on March 1, 2006. PFGI acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of the Armour business. The assets acquired include inventory, a production facility, machinery and equipment, contact rights and certain intangible assets including a trademark and license. The liability assumed relates to post-retirement medical benefits for a portion of the employees at the Fort Madison production facility. PFGI did not acquire cash, accounts receivable, prepaid assets, accounts payable or accrued liabilities.

 

F-78


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited)

(in thousands, except share amounts and where noted in millions)

 

     Three months ended          Nine months ended
     Successor     Predecessor          Successor     Predecessor
    

September 30,

2007

   

September 24,

2006

        

Six months

ended

September 30,

2007

   

January 1, 2007

to

April 2,

2007

    Nine months
ended
September 24,
2006

Net sales

   $ 352,817     $ 345,289        $ 718,680     $ 376,587     $ 1,024,888
                                         

Costs and expenses

                   

Cost of products sold

     273,910       262,774          589,184       293,191       809,390

Marketing and selling expenses

     26,001       23,853          59,556       34,975       74,278

Administrative expenses

     12,006       12,688          26,121       17,714       39,090

Research and development expenses

     970       967          1,922       1,437       2,887

Other expense (income), net

     9,352       4,938          11,252       51,042       9,664
                                         

Total costs and expenses

     322,239       305,220          688,035       398,359       935,309
                                         

Earnings (loss) before interest and taxes

     30,578       40,069          30,645       (21,772 )     89,579

Interest expense

     40,200       25,313          84,531       39,079       66,705

Interest income

     331       472          791       486       872
                                         

(Loss) earnings before income taxes

     (9,291 )     15,228          (53,095 )     (60,365 )     23,746

Provision for income taxes

     12,237       6,303          16,751       6,284       20,136
                                         

Net (loss) earnings

   $ (21,528 )   $ 8,925        $ (69,846 )   $ (66,649 )   $ 3,610
                                         

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

See explanatory note on page F-83 for a description of the periods presented.

 

F-79


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited)

(in thousands, except share amounts and where noted in millions)

 

       Successor          Predecessor  
      

September 30,

2007

          

December 31,

2006

 

Current assets:

         

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1,477          $ 12,337  

Accounts receivable, net

     101,550            85,583  

Inventories, net

     212,509            178,300  

Other current assets

     6,610            4,496  

Deferred tax assets

     9,830            1,838  
                     

Total current assets

     331,976            282,554  

Plant assets, net

     272,575            253,387  

Tradenames

     1,084,517            797,582  

Other assets, net

     212,439            56,397  

Goodwill

     877,581            402,161  
                     

Total assets

   $ 2,779,088          $ 1,792,081  
                     

Current liabilities:

         

Current portion of long-term obligations

   $ 12,732          $ 123  

Notes payable

     3,035            210  

Accounts payable

     92,050            57,543  

Accrued trade marketing expense

     28,103            37,152  

Accrued liabilities

     100,268            81,248  

Accrued income taxes

     875            1,042  
                     

Total current liabilities

     237,063            177,318  

Long-term debt (includes $44,888 and $2,748 owed to related parties at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively)

     1,810,254            920,630  

Pension and other postretirement benefits

     21,788            16,109  

Other long-term liabilities

     12,037            1,962  

Deferred tax liabilities

     349,851            237,707  
                     

Total liabilities

     2,430,993            1,353,726  

Commitments and contingencies

         
 

Shareholder’s equity:

         

Common stock: par value $.01 per share, 100 shares authorized, issued 100 shares

     —              —    

Additional paid-in-capital

     424,688            573,403  

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of income taxes

     (6,747 )          161  

Carryover of Predecessor basis of net assets

     —              (17,338 )

Accumulated deficit

     (69,846 )          (117,872 )
                     

Total shareholder’s equity

     348,095            438,355  
                     

Total liabilities and shareholder’s equity

   $ 2,779,088          $ 1,792,081  
                     

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

See explanatory note on page F-83 for a description of the periods presented.

 

F-80


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)

(in thousands, except share amounts and where noted in millions)

 

       Nine months ended  
       Successor            Predecessor  
      

Six months ended

September 30,

2007

          

January 1, 2007

to April 2,

2007

   

Nine months ended

September 24,

2006

 

Cash flows from operating activities

           

Net (loss) earnings from operations

   $ (69,846 )        $ (66,649 )   $ 3,610  

Non-cash charges (credits) to net (loss) earnings

           

Depreciation and amortization

     29,930            10,163       31,647  

Restructuring and impairment charges

     —              —         2,780  

Amortization of debt acquisition costs

     6,575            26,049       5,224  

Amortization of bond premium

     —              (5,360 )     (422 )

Change in value of financial instruments

     1,141            1,247       3,932  

Stock-based compensation charges

     403            8,778       2,635  

Postretirement healthcare benefits

     833            294       608  

Pension expense

     141            360       1,239  

Other long-term liabilities

     (146 )          2,464       80  

Deferred income taxes

     15,210            6,299       18,507  

Changes in working capital, net of acquisitions

           

Accounts receivable

     3,154            (18,339 )     (26,709 )

Inventories

     (13,322 )          20,045       21,527  

Accrued marketing expense

     (12,313 )          2,754       223  

Accounts payable

     7,611            14,286       6,824  

Accrued liabilities

     13,560            53,433       21,100  

Other current assets

     (15 )          (140 )     1,210  
                             

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

     (17,084 )          55,684       94,015  
                             
 

Cash flows from investing activities

           

Payment for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

     (1,319,280 )          —         (186,979 )

Capital expenditures

     (12,544 )          (5,027 )     (15,633 )

Sale of plant assets

     2,200            —         —    
                             

Net cash used in investing activities

     (1,329,624 )          (5,207 )     (202,612 )
                             
 

Cash flows from financing activities

           

Change in bank overdrafts

     12,833            (908 )     (6,713 )

Repayment of capital lease obligations

     (168 )          (55 )     (116 )

Equity contributions

     420,664            —         40,049  

Reduction of equity contributions

     (391 )          —         —    

Predecessor’s equity contributions

     —              26       —    

Debt acquisition costs

     (39,752 )          —         (3,817 )

Proceeds from bank term loan

     1,250,000            —         143,000  

Proceeds from bond issuances

     575,000            —         —    

Proceeds from notes payable borrowing

     14,602            —         2,410  

Repayment of notes payable

     (11,568 )          —         (1,762 )

Repayment of Predecessor’s notes payable

     —              (210 )     —    

Repayments of Successor’s long term obligations

     (3,125 )          —         —    

Repayments of Predecessor’s long-term obligations

     (870,042 )          (45,146 )     (60,000 )
                             

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     1,348,053            (46,293 )     113,051  
                             
 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     132            —         —    

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     1,477            4,364       4,454  

Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period

     —              12,337       519  
                             

Cash and cash equivalents—end of period

   $ 1,477          $ 16,701     $ 4,973  
                             
 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

           

Interest paid

   $ 52,274          $ 9,135     $ 50,183  

Interest received

     791            486       872  

Income taxes paid

     (31 )          (103 )     (676 )

Non-cash investing activity:

           

Capital lease activity

     —              (1,129 )     (12 )

Non-cash financing activity:

           

Equity contribution

     4,013            —         —    

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

See explanatory note on page F-83 for a description of the periods presented.

 

F-81


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY (unaudited)

(in thousands, except share amounts and where noted in millions)

 

      Common Stock   Additional
Paid-In
Capital
    Accumulated
Deficit
    Carryover of
Predecessor
basis of net
assets
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) income
    Total
Shareholder’s
Equity
 
      Shares   Amount          

Predecessor

             

Balance at December 25, 2005

  100   $ —     $ 529,425     $ (151,795 )   $ (17,338 )   $ (3,768 )   $ 356,524  
                                                 

Equity contributions:

             

Cash

        40,049             40,049  

Equity related compensation

        2,635             2,635  

Comprehensive income

             

Net loss

          3,610           3,610  

Foreign currency translation

              61       61  
                   

Total comprehensive loss

                3,671  
                                                 

Balance at September 24, 2006

  100   $ —     $ 572,109     $ (148,185 )   $ (17,338 )   $ (3,707 )   $ 402,879  
                                                 

Balance at December 31, 2006

  100   $ —     $ 573,403     $ (117,871 )   $ (17,338 )   $ 161     $ 438,335  
                                                 

Effect of initially applying FASB Interpretation No. 48

          (260 )         (260 )

Equity contribution:

             

Cash

        26             26  

Equity related compensation

        8,778             8,778  

Comprehensive income

             

Net loss

          (66,649 )         (66,649 )

Foreign currency translation

              (4 )     (4 )
                   

Total comprehensive earnings

                (66,653 )
                                                 

Balance at April 2, 2007

  100   $ —     $ 582,207     $ (184,780 )   $ (17,338 )   $ 157     $ 380,246  
                                                 
   

Successor

             

Balance at April 2, 2007

  100   $ —     $ 422,192     $ —         $ —       $ 422,192  
                                                 

Equity contributions:

             

Cash

        2,485             2,485  

Reduction of equity contributions

        (391 )           (391 )

Equity related compensation

        402             402  

Comprehensive income:

             

Net loss

          (69,846 )         (69,846 )

Swap mark to market adjustment

              (7,250 )     (7,250 )

Foreign currency translation

              503       503  
                   

Total comprehensive earnings

                (76,593 )
                                                 

Balance at September 30, 2007

  100   $ —     $ 424,688     $ (69,846 )   $ —       $ (6,747 )   $ 348,095  
                                                 

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

See explanatory note on page F-83 for a description of the periods presented.

 

F-82


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

(in thousands, except share amounts and where noted in millions)

As discussed in Note 1 to the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, The Blackstone Group acquired the Company (as defined below) on April 2, 2007. Therefore, in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and for purposes of identification and description, Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. (“PFGI”) is referred to as the “Predecessor” for the period prior to the acquisition occurring on April 2, 2007 and Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC (“PFF” or the “Company”) is referred to as the “Successor” for the period subsequent to the acquisition.

As a point of clarification, the following financial statements that are presented on the pages indicated cover the time periods described below:

Page F-79—Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

   

Successor’s three months ended September 30, 2007.

 

   

Successor’s six months ended September 30, 2007.

 

   

Predecessor’s activities from January 1, 2007 to April 2, 2007, immediately prior to the Blackstone Transaction.

 

   

Predecessor’s three months ending September 24, 2006.

 

   

Predecessor’s nine months ending September 24, 2006.

Page F-80—Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

   

As of September 30, 2007 for the Successor

 

   

As of December 31, 2006 for the Predecessor

Page F-81—Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

   

Successor’s six months ended September 30, 2007.

 

   

Predecessor’s activities from January 1, 2007 to April 2, 2007, immediately prior to the Blackstone Transaction.

 

   

Predecessor’s nine months ending September 24, 2006.

Page F-82—Consolidated Statements of Shareholder’s Equity

 

   

Successor’s six months ended September 30, 2007.

 

   

Predecessor’s activities from January 1, 2007 to April 2, 2007, immediately prior to the Blackstone Transaction.

 

   

Predecessor’s nine months ending September 24, 2006.

1. Summary of Business Activities

Business Overview

Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC (hereafter referred to as the “Company” or “PFF”) is a leading producer, marketer and distributor of high quality, branded convenience food products, the products and operations of which are managed and reported in two operating segments: (i) dry foods and (ii) frozen foods. The Company’s dry foods segment consists primarily of Vlasic ® pickles, peppers and relish products, Duncan Hines ® baking

 

F-83


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

(in thousands, except share amounts and where noted in millions)

 

mixes and frostings, Mrs. Butterworth’s ® and Log Cabin ® syrups and pancake mixes, Open Pit ® barbecue sauce and Armour ® canned meats, as well as food service and private label products. The Company’s frozen foods segment consists primarily of Swanson ® and Hungry-Man ® frozen foods products, Van de Kamp’s ® and Mrs. Paul’s ® frozen seafood, Aunt Jemima ® frozen breakfasts, Lender’s ® bagels and Celeste ® frozen pizza, as well as food service and private label products.

History and the Blackstone Transaction

On May 22, 2001, Pinnacle Foods Holding Corp. (“PFHC”) acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of the North American business of Vlasic Foods International Inc. (“VFI”). The North American business consisted of the Swanson and Hungry-Man frozen food, Vlasic pickles, peppers and relish and Open Pit barbecue sauce businesses. PFHC was incorporated on March 29, 2001 but had no operations until the acquisition of the North American business of VFI.

Crunch Holding Corp. (“CHC”), a Delaware corporation indirectly owned by J.P. Morgan Partners, LLC, J.W. Childs Associates, L.P. and CDM Investor Group LLC, acquired PFHC on November 25, 2003 (the “Pinnacle Transaction”).

On November 25, 2003, Aurora Foods Inc. (“Aurora”) entered into a definitive agreement with Crunch Equity Holding, LLC, the parent of CHC. The definitive agreement provided for a comprehensive restructuring transaction in which PFHC was merged with and into Aurora, with Aurora surviving the merger, following the filing and confirmation of a pre-negotiated bankruptcy reorganization case with respect to Aurora under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. On December 8, 2003, Aurora and its subsidiary, Sea Coast Foods, Inc., filed their petitions for reorganization with the Bankruptcy Court. On February 20, 2004, the First Amended Joint Reorganization Plan of Aurora Foods Inc. and Sea Coast Foods, Inc., as modified, dated February 17, 2004, were confirmed by order of the Bankruptcy Court. This restructuring transaction was completed on March 19, 2004, and the surviving company was renamed Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. (“PFGI”) (the “Aurora Merger”).

On March 1, 2006, PFGI acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of the food products business (the “Armour Business”) of The Dial Corporation for $189.2 million in cash. The acquisition of the Armour Business complemented PFGI’s existing product lines that together provide growth opportunities and scale. The Armour Business is a leading manufacturer, distributor and marketer of products in the $1.0 billion canned meat category. For the year ended December 31, 2005, the Armour Business had net sales of approximately $225 million. The Armour Business offers products in twelve of the fifteen segments within the canned meat category and maintains the leading market position in the Vienna sausage, potted meat and sliced beef categories. The business also includes meat spreads, chili, luncheon meat, corned and roast beef hash and beef stew. The majority of the products are produced at the manufacturing facility located in Ft. Madison, Iowa, which was acquired in the transaction. Products are sold under the Armour brand name as well as private label and certain co-pack arrangements.

On February 10, 2007, CHC, PFGI’s parent company, entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with Peak Holdings LLC (“Peak Holdings”), a Delaware limited liability company controlled by affiliates of The Blackstone Group, Peak Acquisition Corp. (“Peak Acquisition”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Peak Holdings, and Peak Finance LLC (“Peak Finance”), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Peak Acquisition, providing for the acquisition of CHC. Under the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, the purchase price for CHC was $2,162.5 million in cash less the amount of indebtedness (including capital lease obligations) of CHC and its subsidiaries outstanding immediately prior to the closing and certain transaction costs, subject to purchase price adjustments based on the balance of working capital and indebtedness as of the closing. Pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger,

 

F-84


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

(in thousands, except share amounts and where noted in millions)

 

immediately prior to the closing, CHC contributed all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of its wholly owned subsidiary, Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. (“PFGI”), to a newly-formed Delaware limited liability company, PFF. At the closing, Peak Acquisition merged with and into CHC, with CHC as the surviving corporation, and Peak Finance merged with and into PFF, with PFF as the surviving entity. As a result of the Merger, CHC became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Peak Holdings. This transaction closed on April 2, 2007 (the “Blackstone Transaction”).

For purposes of identification and description, Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. (“PFGI”), is referred to as the “Predecessor” for the period prior to the Blackstone Transaction occurring on April 2, 2007, and Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC (“PFF” or the “Company”) is referred to as the “Successor” for the period subsequent to the Blackstone Transaction.

Each share of CHC’s issued and outstanding stock immediately prior to closing was converted into the right to receive the per share merger consideration (approximately $1.975 per share) in cash. The aggregate purchase price was approximately $2,162.5 million, including the repayment of outstanding debt under the Predecessor’s senior secured credit facilities and senior subordinated notes and the assumption of capital lease obligations. The purchase price adjustment was approximately $2.3 million, was finalized in August 2007 and is included in the amounts below.

In June 2001, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 141, “Business Combinations” , and SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” which establish accounting and reporting for business combinations. SFAS No. 141 requires all business combinations be accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. SFAS No. 142 provides that goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives will not be amortized, but will be tested for impairment on an annual basis. The Successor has accounted for the Blackstone Transaction in accordance with these standards. The acquisition of CHC is being treated as a purchase with Peak Holdings (whose sole asset is its indirect investment in the common stock of PFF) as the accounting acquiror in accordance with SFAS No. 141, and is accounted for in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 88-16, “Basis in Leveraged Buyout Transactions.”

The cost of the Blackstone Transaction consists of:

 

Stated purchase price

   $  2,162,500  

Working capital and other adjustments

     (2,338 )

Assumed debt

     (1,278 )
        

Subtotal—merger consideration

     2,158,884  

Transaction costs

     70,879  
        

Total cost of acquisition

   $ 2,229,763  
        

 

F-85


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

(in thousands, except share amounts and where noted in millions)

 

The purchase price allocation discussed below is preliminary and subject to finalization of appraisals and accounting for income taxes. Portions of the purchase price, including intangible assets, are being identified by independent appraisers utilizing proven valuation procedures and techniques. While the Company is awaiting receipt of the final valuation report supporting the valuation of inventories, fixed assets and intangible assets, the amounts listed below are based upon a preliminary analysis. The following table summarizes the preliminary allocation of the total cost of the Blackstone Transaction to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed:

 

Assets acquired:

  

Cash

   $ 16,701

Accounts receivable

     103,921

Inventories

     198,459

Other current assets

     6,557

Plant assets

     280,800

Tradenames

     1,084,517

Customer relationships

     136,891

Other assets

     53,680

Goodwill

     879,024
      

Fair value of assets acquired

     2,760,550

Accounts payable

     70,927

Accrued liabilities

     105,851

Pension and other postretirement benefits

     20,164

Other long-term liabilities

     7,590

Deferred tax liabilities

     324,977

Capital leases

     1,278
      

Purchase price

   $ 2,229,763
      

Based upon the preliminary allocation, the value assigned to intangible assets totaled $2,154.1 million. Of the total intangible assets, $53.7 million has been assigned to recipes and formulas, with $23.9 million allocated to the dry foods segment and $29.8 million allocated to the frozen foods segment. The recipes and formulas are being amortized over 10 years. In addition, $136.9 million has been assigned to customer relationships, with $62.5 million allocated to the dry foods segment and $74.4 million allocated to the frozen segment. Customer relationships are being amortized over periods ranging from seven to forty years. The Company has also assigned $1,084.5 million to the value of the tradenames acquired, with $801.0 million allocated to the dry foods segment and $283.5 million allocated to the frozen foods segment. The values of the tradenames are not subject to amortization. Goodwill, which is also not subject to amortization, totaled $879.0 million, with $541.2 million allocated to the dry foods segment and $337.8 million allocated to the frozen foods segment. No new tax-deductible goodwill or intangible assets were created as a result of the Blackstone Transaction, but historical tax-deductible goodwill and intangible assets in the amount of $603.0 million do exist.

In accordance with the requirements of the purchase method of accounting for acquisitions, inventories as of April 2, 2007 are required to be valued at fair value (net realizable value, which is defined as estimated selling prices less the sum of (a) costs of disposal and (b) a reasonable profit allowance for the selling effort of the acquiring entity) which in the case of finished products we estimated to be $40.2 million higher than the Predecessor’s historical manufacturing cost. The Successor’s cost of products sold for the three and six months ended September 30, 2007 includes pre-tax charges of $4.3 million and $40.2 million related to the finished products sold during the period from April 2, 2007 to September 30, 2007.

 

F-86


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

(in thousands, except share amounts and where noted in millions)

 

The Blackstone Transaction was financed through borrowings of a $1,250 million term loan and a $10 million revolver drawing under the Successor’s Senior Secured Credit Facilities, $325 million of Senior Notes and $250 million of Senior Subordinated Notes, all issued on April 2, 2007, a $422.2 million equity contribution from the Blackstone Group and other investors and $12.3 million in existing cash, less deferred financing costs of $39.8 million.

Other Blackstone Transaction-Related Matters

Immediately prior to closing, pursuant to their original terms, all of the Predecessor’s outstanding stock options vested and the Predecessor exercised its purchase option to purchase at fair value all of the shares of common stock to be acquired by exercise of options held by employees pursuant to the Predecessor’s Stock Option Plan. As a result, compensation expense of approximately $8.4 million was recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations of the Predecessor immediately before the Blackstone Transaction related to the fair value of the options exercised.

On March 8, 2007, the Predecessor commenced a cash tender offer to purchase any and all of the outstanding 8.25% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 of the Predecessor (the “Predecessor Notes”), and a related consent solicitation to amend the indenture pursuant to which the Predecessor Notes were issued. The tender offer and consent solicitation were made in connection with the Blackstone Transaction. The tender offer and consent solicitation were made upon the terms and conditions set forth in an Offer to Purchase and Consent Solicitation Statement dated March 8, 2007 and the related Consent and Letter of Transmittal. The total cost of the cash tender offer for the Predecessor Notes was $35.5 million and was recorded as a charge in the Consolidated Statement of Operations of the Predecessor immediately before the Blackstone Transaction.

Due to the cash tender offer for the Predecessor Notes and the repayment in full of the Predecessor’s senior secured credit facility, which were both done in connection with the Blackstone Transaction, the Predecessor recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations of the Predecessor immediately before the Blackstone Transaction a charge of $24.1 million for the unamortized portion of the deferred financing costs and a credit of $5.2 million for the unamortized portion of the original issue premium on the Predecessor Notes.

The closing of the transaction represented a change in control under certain Predecessor contracts, including the former Chairman’s employment agreement as well as contracts with affiliates of the former Chairman. As a result, the Predecessor was required to pay $12.9 million pursuant to these agreements and recorded a charge for such amount in the Consolidated Statement of Operations of the Predecessor immediately before the Blackstone Transaction.

The Management Agreement between the Predecessor and JPMorgan Partners, LLC and J.W. Childs Associates, L.P. was terminated at closing.

Pro forma Information

The following schedule includes consolidated statements of operations data for the unaudited pro forma results for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and September 24, 2006 as if the Blackstone Transaction had occurred as of the beginning of each of the fiscal years shown below. The pro forma information includes the actual results with pro forma adjustments for the change in interest expense related to the new financing, purchase accounting adjustments related to fixed assets, intangible assets, pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities, the cancellation of certain contracts of the Predecessor and related adjustments to the provision for income taxes.

 

F-87


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

(in thousands, except share amounts and where noted in millions)

 

The unaudited pro forma information is provided for illustrative purposes only. It does not purport to represent what the consolidated results of operations would have been had the Blackstone Transaction occurred on the date indicated above, nor does it purport to project the consolidated results of operations for any future period or as of any future date.

 

    

Nine months

ended
September 30, 2007

   

Nine months

ended
September 26, 2006

 

Net sales

   $ 1,095,267     $ 1,024,888  

Earnings before interest and taxes

   $ 6,045     $ 80,248  

Net Loss

   $ (142,134 )   $ (65,947 )

Pro forma depreciation and amortization expense included above was $44,190 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and $44,008 for the nine months ended September 24, 2006.

Included in earnings before interest and taxes in the pro forma information above for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 are the following material charges:

 

    

Nine months

ended
September 30, 2007

Flow through of fair value of the inventories over manufactured cost as of April 2, 2007

   $ 40,179

Merger-related costs

     49,129

Stock-based compensation related to the vesting of options due to the Blackstone Transaction

     8,373
      

Impact on earnings before interest and taxes

   $ 97,681
      

2. Interim Financial Statements

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair statement of the Company’s financial position as of September 30, 2007, and the results of operations and cash flows for the Predecessor for the period from January 1, 2007 to April 2, 2007 and for the Successor for the period from April 2, 2007 to September 30, 2007. The results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes of the Predecessor for the year ended December 31, 2006.

3. Acquisition

Acquisition of the Food Products Business of The Dial Corporation

On March 1, 2006, PFGI acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of the food products business (the “Armour Business”) of The Dial Corporation for an initial purchase price of $183 million in cash. The assets acquired include inventory, a production facility, machinery and equipment, contract rights and certain intangible assets, including trademarks and licenses. The liabilities assumed include a post-retirement medical benefit for certain employees, vacation pay liabilities and severance liabilities. According to the purchase agreement, the

 

F-88


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

(in thousands, except share amounts and where noted in millions)

 

purchase price was to be increased dollar for dollar after the closing date if the value of inventory included with the Armour Business at closing exceeded a specified target or decreased dollar for dollar if the value of the inventory at closing was less than such target. Based upon the final value of the inventory, PFGI paid to The Dial Corporation $2,271 in December 2006, which was recorded as additional purchase consideration.

The acquisition of the Armour Business complemented PFGI’s existing product lines that together provide growth opportunities and scale. The Armour Business is a manufacturer, distributor and marketer of products in the canned meats category. Primarily all of the products are produced at the manufacturing facility located in Ft. Madison, Iowa, which was acquired in the transaction. Products are sold under the Armour brand name as well as private-label and certain co-pack arrangements. The Armour Business offers products in twelve of the fifteen segments within the canned meat category, including Vienna sausage, potted meat, and sliced dried beef.

The acquisition of the Armour Business was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. Accordingly, the results of the Armour Business are included in the consolidated financial statements from the acquisition date. The Armour Business results of operations and assets are included in the dry foods segment.

The cost of the Armour Business consists of:

 

Purchase price

   $  185,271

Acquisition costs

     3,937
      

Total cost of acquisition

   $ 189,208
      

Portions of the purchase price, including intangible assets, were identified and valued by independent appraisers utilizing proven valuation procedures and techniques. The other current asset is the value PFGI ascribed to the services performed by Dial under a transition services agreement that expired on June 28, 2006. The value was based upon the estimated cost of providing such services and was expensed over the 120 days of the agreement (through June 28, 2006). The following table summarizes the final allocation of the total cost of the Armour acquisition to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed:

 

Assets acquired:

  

Plant assets

   $ 47,376

Inventories

     41,531

Other current asset

     2,000

Tradenames

     39,000

Recipes and formulas

     5,000

Private label customer relationships

     20,000

Goodwill

     43,767
      

Fair value of assets acquired

     198,674

Liabilities assumed

  

Other accrued liabilities

     2,210

Postretirement benefit liability

     7,256
      

Total cost of acquisition

   $ 189,208
      

The value assigned to total intangible assets amounted to $107,767. Of the total intangible assets, $5,000 is assigned to recipes and formulas, which are being amortized over 5 years and $20,000 is assigned to private label

 

F-89


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

(in thousands, except share amounts and where noted in millions)

 

customer relationships, which are being amortized over seven years. In addition, $39,000 is assigned to tradenames that are not subject to amortization. Goodwill, which is not subject to amortization, amounted to $43,767. All of the intangible assets acquired in the transaction are recorded within the dry foods segment and will result in approximately $103 million of tax deductible goodwill and intangible assets.

In accordance with the requirements of the purchase method of accounting for acquisitions, inventories as of March 1, 2006 were valued at fair value (net realizable value, which is defined as estimated selling prices less the sum of (a) costs of disposal and (b) a reasonable profit allowance for the selling effort of the acquiring entity) which in the case of finished products was $4,580 higher than Dial’s historical manufacturing cost and in the case of work-in-progress was $180 higher than Dial’s historical manufacturing cost. The Company’s cost of products sold for the three and nine months ended September 24, 2006 includes pre-tax charges of $190 and $4,760, respectively, related to the flow through of the increase in fair value.

Pro forma Information

The following schedule includes consolidated statements of operations data for the unaudited pro forma results for the nine months ended September 24, 2006 as if the Armour Business had been acquired as of the beginning of fiscal 2006. The pro forma information includes the actual results with pro forma adjustments for the change in interest expense related to the additional borrowings to fund the acquisition, purchase accounting adjustments resulting in changes to depreciation expense and related adjustments to the provision for income taxes.

The unaudited pro forma information is provided for illustrative purposes only. It does not purport to represent what the consolidated results of operations would have been had the Armour Business been acquired on the date indicated above, nor does it purport to project the consolidated results of operations for any future period or as of any future date.

 

    

Nine months

ended
September 24, 2006

Net sales

   $ 1,054,682

Earnings before interest and taxes

   $ 92,188

Net earnings

   $ 4,065

Pro forma depreciation and amortization expense included above was $33,178.

Included in earnings before interest and taxes in the pro forma information above for the nine months ended September 24, 2006 are the following material charges:

 

    

Nine months

ended
September 24, 2006

Flow through of fair value of the Armour Business inventories over manufactured cost as of March 1, 2006

   $ 4,760

Stock-based compensation expense

     1,415
      

Impact on earnings before interest and taxes

   $ 6,175
      

 

F-90


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

(in thousands, except share amounts and where noted in millions)

 

4. Restructuring and Impairment Charges

Predecessor

Frozen Food Segment

Omaha, Nebraska Production Facility

On April 7, 2004, PFGI made and announced its decision to permanently close its Omaha, Nebraska production facility, as part of the its plan of consolidating and streamlining production activities after the Aurora Merger. Production from the Omaha plant, which manufactured Swanson frozen entree retail products and frozen foodservice products, ceased in December 2004 and has been relocated to the Fayetteville, Arkansas and Jackson, Tennessee production facilities.

Activities related to the closure of the plant were completed in the first quarter of 2005 and resulted in the elimination of 411 positions. From the announcement in April 2004 through the second quarter of 2007, PFGI recorded restructuring charges totaling $19.6 million, pertaining to its decision to permanently close the Omaha, Nebraska production facility. The charges incurred have been included in Other expense (income), net line in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. All such charges are reported under the frozen foods business segment. During the second quarter of 2007, the plant and remaining assets were sold for $2.2 million.

Erie, Pennsylvania Production Facility

On April 29, 2005, PFGI’s board of directors approved a plan to permanently close its Erie, Pennsylvania production facility, as part of PFGI’s plan of consolidating and streamlining production activities after the Aurora Merger. Production from the Erie plant, which manufactured Van de Kamp’s and Mrs. Paul’s frozen seafood products and Aunt Jemima frozen breakfast products, has been relocated primarily to the Jackson, Tennessee production facility. Activities related to the closure of the plant were completed in 2006 and resulted in the elimination of approximately 290 positions. Employee termination activities commenced in July 2005 and were substantially completed by the end of the first quarter of 2006. From the date of the announcement, through the fourth quarter of 2006, PFGI incurred charges totaling $7.3 million related to the shutdown of the Erie, Pennsylvania production facility. These charges incurred have been included in the Other expense (income), net line in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. All such charges are reported under the frozen foods business segment. During the fourth quarter of 2006, the plant and any remaining equipment was sold for $1.8 million.

5. Stock-Based Compensation Expense

2007 Peak Holdings Equity Compensation Plan

Peak Holdings, the ultimate parent of the Company, has adopted an equity compensation plan providing for the issuance of up to 10,000 profits interest units in Peak Holdings. Pursuant to the equity plan, certain officers, employees, managers and directors are eligible to receive grants of the profits interest units. Except as otherwise provided by the plan administrator, 25% of the units shall time vest annually over five years from the effective date of the grant, which was April 2, 2007, and 50% of the units vest annually over five years on April 2, based upon annual and cumulative earnings performance, as defined. The remaining 25% of the units will vest upon the occurrence of a liquidity event, as defined, in which the original investors in the Blackstone Transaction receive a stipulated internal rate of return on their investment.

As of September 30, 2007, 8,049 of the profits interest units remain outstanding.

 

F-91


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

(in thousands, except share amounts and where noted in millions)

 

2007 Crunch Holding Corp. Stock Incentive Plan

Crunch Holding Corp. (“CHC”), which indirectly owns all of the equity interest in the Company, has adopted a stock option plan (the “2007 Stock Incentive Plan”) providing for the issuance of up to 20,000 shares of CHC’s common stock. Pursuant to the option plan, certain officers, employees, managers, directors and other persons are eligible to receive grants of nonqualified stock options, as permitted by applicable law. Except as otherwise provided by the plan administrator, 25% of the options shall time vest annually over five years from the effective date of the grant which was April 2, 2007, and 50% of the options vest annually over five years on April 2, based upon annual and cumulative earnings performance, as defined. The remaining 25% of the options will vest upon the occurrence of a liquidity event, as defined, in which the original investors in the Blackstone Transaction receive a stipulated internal rate of return on their investment. Options under the plan have a termination date of 10 years from the date of issuance.

The following table summarizes the stock option transactions under the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan:

 

    

Number of

Shares

  

Weighted

Average

Exercise Price

  

Average

Remaining

Life

  

Aggregate

Intrinsic

Value (000’s)

Granted

   6,060    $ 471.87      

Exercised

   —        —        

Forfeitures

   —        —        
                 

Outstanding—September 30, 2007

   6,060      471.87    9.98    $ 2,859,532
                     

Exercisable—September 30, 2007

   —      $ —      —      $ —  
                     

The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense related to 2007 Peak Holdings Equity Compensation Plan, the 2007 Crunch Holding Corp. Stock Incentive Plan and the Predecessor’s employee stock options and employee stock purchases under SFAS No. 123(R):

 

     Three months ended           Nine months ended  
     Successor   Predecessor           Successor    Predecessor  
    

Three months

ended

September 30,

2007

 

Three months

ended

September 24,

2006

         

Six months

ended

September 30,

2007

  

January 1,

2007 to

April 2,

2007

   

Nine months

ended

September 24,

2006

 

Cost of products sold

   $ 4   $ 41         $ 8    $ 1,230     $ 123  

Marketing and selling expenses

     29     113           52      3,071       340  

Administrative expenses

     189     452           338      4,126       2,130  

Research and development expenses

     2     14           4      351       42  
                                         

Pre-tax stock-based compensation expense

   $ 224   $ 620         $ 402    $ 8,778     $ 2,635  
                                         

Income tax-benefit

     —       (2 )         —        (2 )     (6 )
                                         

Net stock-based compensation expense

   $ 224   $ 618         $ 402    $ 8,776     $ 2,629  
                                         

 

F-92


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

(in thousands, except share amounts and where noted in millions)

 

6. Other Expense (Income), net

 

    Three months ended         Nine months ended
    Successor     Predecessor         Successor     Predecessor
   

Three months

ended

September 30,

2007

   

Three months

ended

September 24,

2006

       

Six months

ended

September 30,

2007

   

January 1,

2007 to

April 2,

2007

   

Nine months

ended

September 24,

2006

Other expense (income) consists of Restructuring and impairment charges

    $ 3,013       $ 13     $ 14     $ 4,008

Amortization of intangibles/other assets

    9,397       1,911         11,308       1,911       5,504

Merger-related costs

    —         —           —         49,129       —  

Royalty expense (income), net and other

    (45 )     14         (69 )     (44 )     152
                                       

Total other expense

  $ 9,352     $ 4,938       $ 11,252     $ 51,042     $ 9,664
                                       

Restructuring charges. As described in Note 4, PFGI incurred costs and asset write-downs in connection with the planned shutdown of the Omaha, Nebraska and Erie, Pennsylvania facilities.

Merger-related costs. As discussed in Note 1, the Predecessor incurred certain costs immediately before the Blackstone Transaction. The costs included $35.5 million related to the cash tender offer for the 8.25% Senior Subordinated Notes, $12.9 million related to the termination of certain contracts, and $0.7 million related to payroll taxes for a total of $49.1 million.

7. Inventories

 

     Successor            Predecessor  
    

September 30,

2007

          

September 24,

2006

 

Raw materials, containers and supplies

   $ 41,731          $ 34,829  

Finished product

     172,169            146,206  
                     
     213,900            181,035  

Reserves

     (1,391 )          (2,735 )
                     

Total

   $ 212,509          $ 178,300  
                     

Reserves represent amounts necessary to adjust the carrying value of inventories to the lower of cost or net realizable value, including any costs to sell or dispose.

The Company has various purchase commitments for raw materials, containers, supplies and certain finished products incident to the ordinary course of business. Such commitments are not at prices in excess of current market.

In the second quarter of 2007, in connection with the Blackstone Transaction, inventories were required to be valued at fair value, which the Company has preliminarily estimated at $40.2 million higher than the Predecessor’s historical manufacturing cost. As of September 30, 2007, the entire $40.2 million has been charged to cost of products sold.

 

F-93


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

(in thousands, except share amounts and where noted in millions)

 

8. Goodwill and Other Assets

Goodwill

 

     Predecessor
     December 31,
2006
   Adoption of
FIN 48
   Goodwill due to
Blackstone Merger
    April 2,
2007

Dry Foods

   $ 334,494    $ 1,070    $ (335,564 )   $ —  

Frozen Foods

     67,667      —        (67,667 )     —  
                            

Total

   $ 402,161    $ 1,070    $ (403,231 )   $ —  
                            

 

     Successor
     April 2,
2007
   Other
Adjustment
   

September 30,

2007

Dry Foods

     541,203      (882 )   $ 540,321

Frozen Foods

     337,821      (561 )     337,260
                     

Total

   $ 879,024    $ (1,443 )   $ 877,581
                     

Predecessor —As discussed in Note 16, the adoption of FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes: An Interpretation of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”), resulted in a $1,070 increase to goodwill acquired in the Pinnacle Transaction.

Successor —SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” establishes accounting and reporting for business combinations. It provides that goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives will not be amortized, but will be tested for impairment on an annual basis or more often when events indicate. SFAS No. 141 “Business Combinations” requires all business combinations be accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. The Successor has accounted for the Blackstone Transaction in accordance with these standards. The preliminary purchase price allocation for the Blackstone Transaction resulted in $879.0 million in goodwill. The purchase price allocation by segment resulted in $541.2 million in Dry Foods and $337.8 million in Frozen Foods.

As discussed in Note 16, the application of FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes: An Interpretation of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”), and the expiration of certain statutes of limitation relating to certain tax returns for prior years during the six months ended September 30, 2007 resulted in a $1,443 decrease to goodwill.

Other Assets

 

     Successor   Predecessor
     September 30,
2007
  December 31,
2006

Amortizable intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $11,308 and $15,683, respectively

   $ 179,263   $ 30,348

Deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization of $6,575 and $18,405, respectively

     33,176     26,049
            

Total

   $ 212,439   $ 56,397
            

Predecessor —Amortizable intangible assets relate primarily to recipes acquired in the Aurora Merger, which have been assigned a five-year estimated useful life for amortization purposes, and recipes and private label customer relationships acquired with the acquisition of the Armour business, which have been assigned

 

F-94


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

(in thousands, except share amounts and where noted in millions)

 

five-year and seven-year estimated useful lives, respectively, for amortization purposes. Amortization expense during the period January 1, 2007 to April 2, 2007 was $1,911. Amortization expense during the three and nine months ended September 24, 2006 was $1,911 and $5,504, respectively.

Deferred financing costs relate to the Predecessor Senior Secured Credit Facilities (as defined below) and Predecessor Notes. Amortization expense during the period January 1, 2007 to April 2, 2007 was $1,977. Amortization expense during the three and nine months ended September 24, 2006 was $1,966 and $5,224, respectively. Deferred financing costs and the resulting accumulated amortization, net, of $24.1 million was written off by the Predecessor just prior to the Blackstone Transaction.

Successor —Based on the preliminary purchase price allocation related to the Blackstone Merger, we have assigned a value of $53,680 and $136,891 to recipes and customer relationships. Recipes have been assigned a ten-year estimated useful life for amortization purposes and are being amortized on a straight-line basis. Customer relationships have been assigned estimated useful lives ranging from seven to forty years and are being amortized on a double declining balance basis. Amortization during the three and six months ended September 30, 2007 was $9,397 and $11,308, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for each of the next five years is as follows: remainder of 2007—$5,654, 2008—$19,740, 2009—$16,686, 2010—$13,560, 2011—$13,358, thereafter—$110,265.

Deferred financing costs, which relate to the Senior Secured Credit Facility, Senior Notes and Senior Subordinated Notes entered into in connection with the Blackstone Transaction amounted to $39,752. Amortization during the three and six months ended September 30, 2007 was $1,188 and $6,575, respectively.

9. Debt and Interest Expense

 

       Successor          Predecessor
       September 30,
2007
         December 31,
2006

Notes payable

         

Successor

         

—Revolving credit facility

   $ 2,500       

—Other

     535       

Predecessor

         

—Other

          $ 210
                 

Total notes payable

   $ 3,035        $ 210
                 

Long-term debt

         

Successor

         

—Senior secured credit facility—term loan

   $ 1,246,875       

—9  1 / 4 % Senior notes

     325,000       

— 10  5 / 8 % Senior subordinated notes

     250,000       

—Capital lease obligations

     1,111       

Predecessor

         

—Senior secured credit facility—term loan

          $ 521,187

—8  1 / 4 % Senior subordinated notes

            394,000

—Plus: unamortized premium on senior subordinated notes

            5,360

—Capital lease obligations

            206
                 
     1,822,986          920,753

Less: current portion of long-term obligations

     12,732          123
                 

Total long-term debt

   $ 1,810,254        $ 920,630
                 

 

F-95


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

(in thousands, except share amounts and where noted in millions)

 

       Three months ended
       Successor           Predecessor

Interest expense

   Three months
ended
September 30,
2007
          Three months
ended
September 24,
2006
      

Third party interest expense

   $ 40,073         $ 21,117

Related party interest expense

     1,119           482

Interest rate swap (gains) losses (Note 11)

     (992 )         3,714
                  
   $ 40,200         $ 25,313
                  

 

       Nine months ended
       Successor            Predecessor
       Six months
ended
September 30,
2007
          

January 1,
2007
to April 2,

2007

  

Nine months
ended
September 24,

2006

          

Third party interest expense

   $ 84,993          $ 38,654    $ 63,751

Related party interest expense

     1,432            9      572

Interest rate swap (gains) losses (Note 11)

     (1,894 )          416      2,382
                          
   $ 84,531          $ 39,079    $ 66,705
                          

Predecessor —In November 2003, the Predecessor entered into a $675.0 million Credit Agreement (“Predecessor Senior Secured Credit Facilities”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank (a related party of JPMorgan Partners, LLC as noted in Note 13) and other financial institutions as lenders, which provided for a $545.0 million seven-year term loan B facility, of which $120.0 million was made available on November 25, 2003 and $425.0 million was made available as a delayed draw term loan on the closing date of the Aurora Merger on March 19, 2004. Concurrently with the acquisition of the Armour Business but effective as of February 14, 2006, the Company entered into an Amendment No. 4 and Agreement to the Senior Secured Credit Facilities (“Amendment No. 4”). Among other things, Amendment No. 4 approved the Armour acquisition and provided for the making of $143.0 million of additional tack-on term loans to fund a portion of the acquisition. The Senior Secured Credit Facilities also provided for a six-year $130.0 million revolving credit facility, of which up to $65.0 million was made available on November 25, 2003, and the remaining $65.0 million was made available on the closing date of the Aurora Merger on March 19, 2004. There were no borrowings outstanding under the revolver as of December 31, 2006.

As of December 31, 2006, $2,748 of the term loan was owed to affiliates of JPMorgan Chase Bank.

A commitment fee of 0.50% per annum was applied to the unused portion of the revolving credit facility. There were no borrowings under the revolving credit facility during 2007 for the Predecessor. As of April 2, 2007, the Eurodollar interest rate on the term loan facility was 7.36% and the commitment fee on the undrawn revolving credit facility was 0.50%. For the three and nine months ended September 24, 2006, the weighted average interest rate on the term loan was 7.43% and 7.69%, respectively. For the nine months ended September 24, 2006, the weighted average interest rate on the revolving credit facility was 9.62%. There were no borrowings under the revolving credit facility during the three months ended September 24, 2006. As of September 24, 2006, the Eurodollar interest rate on the term loan facility was 7.47% and the commitment fee on the undrawn revolving credit facility was 0.50%.

 

F-96


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

(in thousands, except share amounts and where noted in millions)

 

In connection with the Blackstone Transaction described in Note 1, the Predecessor Senior Secured Credit Facilities were paid in full.

PFGI paid a commission on the face amount of all outstanding letters of credit drawn under the Predecessor Senior Secured Credit Facilities at a per annum rate equal to the Applicable Margin then in effect with respect to Eurodollar loans under the revolving credit loan facility minus the fronting fee (as defined). A fronting fee equal to 1/4% per annum on the face amount of each letter of credit is payable quarterly in arrears to the issuing lender for its own account. The Predecessor also paid a per annum fee equal to 1/2% on the undrawn portion of the commitments in respect of the revolving credit facility. Total letters of credit issuable under the facilities could not exceed $40,000. As of December 31, 2006 the Predecessor had utilized $9,222 of the revolving credit facility for letters of credit. Of the $130,000 revolving credit facility available, as of December 31, 2006, the Predecessor had an unused balance of $120,778, available for future borrowings and letters of credit, of which a maximum of $30,778 was available for letters of credit.

In November 2003 and February 2004, the Company issued $200.0 million and $194.0 million, respectively, 8.25% senior subordinated notes. The February 2004 notes resulted in gross proceeds of $201.0 million, including premium. The terms of the February 2004 notes were the same as the November 2003 notes and were issued under the same indenture.

On March 8, 2007, the Predecessor commenced a cash tender offer to purchase any and all of the outstanding 8.25% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 of the Predecessor (the “Predecessor Notes”), and a related consent solicitation to amend the indenture pursuant to which the Predecessor Notes were issued. The tender offer and consent solicitation were made in connection with the Blackstone Transaction. The tender offer and consent solicitation were made upon the terms and conditions set forth in an Offer to Purchase and Consent Solicitation Statement dated March 8, 2007 and the related Consent and Letter of Transmittal. The total cost of the cash tender offer for the Predecessor Notes was $35.5 million and was recorded as a charge in the Other Expense (Income), net line of the Consolidated Statement of Operations of the Predecessor immediately before the Blackstone Transaction.

Successor —As part of the Blackstone Transaction as described in Note 1, Peak Finance LLC entered into a $1,375.0 million credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) in the form of (i) Term Loans in an initial aggregate amount of $1,250.0 million (“Senior Secured Credit Facility”) and (ii) Revolving Credit Commitments in the initial aggregate amount of $125.0 million (the “Revolving Credit Facility”). The term loan matures April 2, 2014. The first scheduled payment for the term loan was $3,125 in September 2007. The Revolving Credit Facility matures April 2, 2013. As of September 30, 2007, there were borrowings of $2,500 under the Revolving Credit Facility. Peak Finance LLC merged with and into PFF on April 2, 2007 at the closing of the Blackstone Transaction.

As of September 30, 2007, $44,888 of the term loan was owed to affiliates of the Blackstone Group.

The Company’s borrowings under the Senior Secured Credit Facility bear interest at a floating rate and are maintained as base rate loans or as Eurodollar loans. Base rate loans bear interest at the base rate plus the applicable base rate margin, as defined in the Senior Secured Credit Facility. The base rate is defined as the higher of (i) the prime rate and (ii) the Federal Reserve reported overnight funds rate plus 1/2 of 1%. Eurodollar loans bear interest at the adjusted Eurodollar rate, as described in the Senior Secured Credit Facility, plus the applicable Eurodollar rate margin.

The applicable margins with respect to our Revolving Credit Facility will vary from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof and agreed upon pricing grids based on the Company’s leverage ratio as

 

F-97


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

(in thousands, except share amounts and where noted in millions)

 

defined the Credit Agreement. The applicable rates with respect to the Senior Secured Credit Facility and the Revolving Credit Facility are currently:

Applicable Rate (per annum)

 

Eurocurrency

Rate for Revolving
Loans and

Letter of Credit
Fees

   Base Rate for
Revolving Loans
  Commitment
Fees Rate
  Eurocurrency
Rate for Term
Loans
  Base Rate for
Term Loans
2.75%    1.75%   0.50%   2.75%   1.75%

The obligations under the Credit Agreement are unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by each of the Company’s direct or indirect domestic subsidiaries (collectively, the “Guarantors”). In addition, the Credit Agreement is collateralized by first priority or equivalent security interests in (i) all the capital stock of, or other equity interests in, each direct or indirect domestic subsidiary of the Company and 65% of the capital stock of, or other equity interests in, each direct foreign subsidiary of the Company, or any of its domestic subsidiaries and (ii) certain tangible and intangible assets of the Company and the Guarantors (subject to certain exceptions and qualifications).

A commitment fee of 0.50% per annum is applied to the unused portion of the Revolving Credit Facility. For the three and six months ended September 30, 2007, the weighted average interest rate on the term loan was 8.11% and 8.10%, respectively. The company borrowed $10 million of the Revolving Credit Facility in April 2007 which was subsequently paid back during the second quarter. For the three and six months ended September 30, 2007, the weighted average interest rate on the Revolving Credit Facility was 9.50%. As of September 30, 2007, the Eurodollar interest rate on the term loan facility is 7.95%. As of September 30, 2007 the base rate interest rate on the revolving credit facility is 9.50%, and the commitment fee on the undrawn revolving credit facility is 0.50%.

The Company pays a fee for all outstanding letters of credit drawn against our Revolving Credit Facility at an annual rate equivalent to the Applicable Rate then in effect with respect to Eurodollar loans under the Revolving Credit Facility, less the fronting fee payable in respect of the applicable letter of credit. The fronting fee is equal to 0.125% per annum of the daily maximum amount then available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit. The fronting fees are computed on a quarterly basis in arrears. Total letters of credit issued under the Revolving Credit Facility agreement cannot exceed $25.0 million. As of September 30, 2007, the Company had utilized $11,995 of the Revolving Credit Facility for letters of credit. Of the $125,000 revolving credit facility available, the Company had an unused balance of $110.5 million available for future borrowing and letters of credit, of which $13.0 million can be used for letters of credit.

On April 2, 2007, as part of the Blackstone Transaction described in Note 1, the Company issued $325.0 million 9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes (the “Senior Notes”) due 2015, and $250.0 million 10  5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes (the “Senior Subordinated Notes”) due 2017. The Senior Notes are general unsecured obligations of the Company, subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future senior secured indebtedness of the Company, and guaranteed on a full, unconditional, joint and several basis by the Company’s wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries. The Senior Subordinated Notes are general unsecured obligations of the Company, subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future senior indebtedness of the Company, and guaranteed on a full, unconditional, joint and several basis by the Company’s wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries. See Note 17 for Guarantor and Nonguarantor Financial Statements.

 

F-98


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

(in thousands, except share amounts and where noted in millions)

 

The Company may redeem some or all of the Senior Notes at any time prior to April 1, 2011, and some or all of the Senior Subordinated Notes at any time prior to April 1, 2012, in each case at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of notes redeemed plus the Applicable Premium as of, and accrued and unpaid interest to, the redemption date subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date. The “Applicable Premium” is defined as the greater of (1) 1.0% of the principal amount of such note; and (2) the excess, if any, of (a) the present value at such Redemption Date of (i) the redemption price of such Senior Note at April 1, 2011 or Senior Subordinated Note at April 1, 2012, plus (ii) all required interest payments due on such Senior Note through April 1, 2011 or Senior Subordinated Note through April 1, 2012 (excluding accrued but unpaid interest to the Redemption Date), computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate plus 50 basis points over (b) the principal amount of such note.

The Company may redeem the Senior Notes or the Senior Subordinated Notes at the redemption prices listed below, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on April of each of the years indicated below:

Senior Notes

 

Year

   Percentage

2011

   104.625%

2012

   102.313%

2013 and thereafter

   100.000%

Senior Subordinated Notes

 

Year

   Percentage

2012

   105.313%

2013

   103.542%

2014

   101.771%

2015 and thereafter

   100.000%

In addition, until April 1, 2010, the Company may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes or Senior Subordinated Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, plus a premium equal to the rate per annum on the Senior Notes or Senior Subordinated Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the Redemption Date, subject to the right of Holders of Senior Notes or Senior Subordinated Notes of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date, with the net cash proceeds received by us from one or more equity offerings; provided that (i) at least 50% of the aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes or Senior Subordinated Notes originally issued under the Indenture remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of each such redemption; and (ii) each such redemption occurs within 90 days of the date of closing of each such equity offering.

The Company and its subsidiaries, affiliates or significant shareholders (including The Blackstone Group L.P. and its affiliates) may from time to time, in their sole discretion, purchase, repay, redeem or retire any of the Company’s outstanding debt or equity securities (including any publicly issued debt or equity securities), in privately negotiated or open market transactions, by tender offer or otherwise.

 

F-99


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

(in thousands, except share amounts and where noted in millions)

 

10. Pension and Retirement Plans

As of September 30, 2007, the Company maintains a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan that covers substantially all eligible union employees and provides benefits generally based on years of service and employees’ compensation. The Company’s pension plan is funded in conformity with the funding requirements of applicable government regulations. As disclosed in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, the Company expected to make a contribution of $650 during the current fiscal year. This contribution was made in September of 2007.

The Company also maintains a postretirement benefits plan that provides health care and life insurance benefits to eligible retirees, covers most U.S. employees and their dependents and is self-funded. Employees who have 10 years of service after the age of 45 and retire are eligible to participate in the postretirement benefit plan. Upon amendments that became effective on May 23, 2004, the Company’s net out-of-pocket costs for postretirement health care benefits were substantially reduced as certain retired employees are now required to pay 100% of the monthly premium cost, as calculated by its insurance administrator.

The components of net periodic benefit cost, including the expense related to the employees of the Armour Business from the date of acquisition, included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations are as follows:

 

       Three months ended          Nine months ended  
       Successor     Predecessor            Successor     Predecessor  

Pension Benefits

  

Three months
ended
September 30,

2007

   

Three months
ended
September 24,

2006

          

Six months
ended
September 30,

2007

   

January
1, 2007
to April
2,

2007

   

Nine months
ended
September 24,

2006

 
               

Service cost

   $ 496     $ 579          $ 992     $ 472     $ 1,598  

Interest cost

     980       904            1,960       980       2,692  

Expected return on assets

     (1,082 )     (1,057 )          (2,165 )     (1,092 )     (3,144 )

Amortization of:

               

Loss

     —         29            —         —         93  
                                             

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 394     $ 455          $ 787     $ 360     $ 1,239  
                                             

 

       Three months ended          Nine months ended  
       Successor    Predecessor            Successor    Predecessor  

Other Postretirement Benefits

  

Three months
ended
September 30,

2007

  

Three months
ended
September 24,

2006

          

Six months
ended
September 30,

2007

  

January 1,
2007 to
April 2,

2007

   

Nine months
ended
September 24,

2006

 
               

Service cost

   $ 299    $ 221          $ 545    $ 246     $ 518  

Interest cost

     156      140            288      132       338  

Amortization of:

                 

Loss

     —        1            —        —         5  

Unrecognized prior service cost (credit)

     —        (84 )          —        (84 )     (253 )
                                           

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 455    $ 278          $ 833    $ 294     $ 608  
                                           

On December 8, 2003, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the “Act”) was signed into law. The Act expanded Medicare to include, for the first time, coverage for prescription

 

F-100


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

(in thousands, except share amounts and where noted in millions)

 

drugs and a federal subsidy to sponsors of certain retiree medical plans. The Company sponsors medical programs for certain of its U.S. retirees and expects that this legislation may eventually reduce the costs for some of these programs. However, due to the relatively small number of participants, the measure of the net periodic post retirement benefit costs does not reflect any amount associated with the subsidy. Therefore, this legislation has not had a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

11. Financial Instruments

The Company may utilize derivative financial instruments to enhance its ability to manage risks, including interest rate, certain commodities and foreign currency, which exist as part of ongoing business operations. The Company does not enter into contracts for speculative purposes, nor is it a party to any leveraged derivative instrument. The Company monitors the use of derivative financial instruments through regular communication with senior management and third party consultants as well as the utilization of written guidelines.

Interest Rate Risk

The Company relies primarily on bank borrowings to meet its funding requirements. The Company utilizes interest rate swap agreements or other derivative instruments to reduce the potential exposure to interest rate movements and to achieve a desired proportion of variable versus fixed rate debt. The Company will recognize the amounts that it pays or receives on hedges related to debt as an adjustment to interest expense.

The Predecessor had entered into interest rate swap agreements with counterparties to effectively change a portion of the floating rate payments on its senior secured credit facilities into fixed rate payments. As of the date of the Blackstone Transaction, one swap agreement remained outstanding. The agreement was terminated as part of the Blackstone Transaction at a cost of $2,475. The difference between the mark-to-market adjustment at April 1, 2007 ($2,299) and the cash settlement was recorded as interest expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations during the quarter ended July 1, 2007. As of December 31, 2006, the Predecessor had two interest rate swaps in place with a net fair value at the time of a loss of $847, which was recorded as a long term liability ($1,882) and other current asset ($1,035) in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

After the Blackstone Transaction was completed, the Successor entered into a new interest rate swap agreement and an interest rate collar agreement.

In accordance with SFAS No. 133 (as amended), “ Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” , the Company has designated the interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge of the risk of changes attributable to interest rate risk in the Company’s first previously unhedged LIBOR-indexed interest payments made each quarter until the maturity date of the swap that, in the aggregate for each period, are interest payments on an amount of debt principal corresponding to the outstanding swap notional amount of the Company’s then-existing LIBOR-based floating rate debt that reprices on and then closest following the second day of each January, April, July, and October (the hedged transactions). The interest rate swap contains the following terms:

 

   

Notional amount: $976,250 amortizing to $63,651

 

   

Fixed rate: 4.958%

 

   

Index: 3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA

 

   

Effective Date: April 02, 2007

 

   

Maturity Date: April 02, 2012

 

F-101


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

(in thousands, except share amounts and where noted in millions)

 

In accordance with SFAS No. 133, the interest rate collar has also been designated as a cash flow hedge of the changes in the forecasted floating-rate interest payments attributable to changes in 3-month USD-LIBOR-BBA above 5.50% and below 4.39% (the “strike rates”) on the first previously unhedged 3-month USD-LIBOR-BBA interest payments on the Company’s then-existing 3-month USD-LIBOR-BBA-based debt having a principal amount corresponding to the outstanding notional amount of the collar that resets on the second day of each January, April, July, and October until the maturity date of the collar. The collar has an effective date of April 2, 2008 and a maturity date of April 2, 2012. Should 3-month USD-LIBOR-BBA fall below 4.39% on a rate reset date during the period from April 2, 2008 to April 2, 2012, the Company will pay the Counterparty the amount equal to the outstanding notional amount of the collar multiplied by a spread (equalling 4.39% minus 3-month USD-LIBOR-BBA) multiplied by the number of days in the period divided by 360. Should 3-month USD-LIBOR-BBA rise above 5.50% on a rate reset date during the period from April 2, 2008 to April 2, 2012, the Counterparty will pay the Company the amount equal to the outstanding notional amount on the collar multiplied by a spread (equalling 3-month USD-LIBOR-BBA minus 5.50%) multiplied by the number of days in the period divided by 360.

As of September 30, 2007, the fair value of the interest rate swap contract was a loss of $7,250, which is recorded in the Other long-term liabilities account on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. For the three and six months ending September 30, 2007, a loss of $16,376 and $7,250, respectively, was recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ($13,045 and $7,250, net of income taxes).

Commodity Risk

The Predecessor had entered into various natural gas swap transactions with JP Morgan Chase Bank (a related party of the Predecessor) to lower the Company’s exposure to the price of natural gas. As of April 1, 2007, the trades in effect matured from April through June 2007 and had various notional quantities of MMBTU’s per month. The Company paid a fixed price ranging from $7.16 to $7.33 per MMBTU, with settlements monthly.

As of December 31, 2006 the fair value of the natural gas swaps was a loss of $160, and was recorded in accrued liabilities. The related offset was recorded as a loss and was recognized as an increase to cost of products sold.

After the Blackstone Transaction was completed, the Successor entered into new natural gas swap transactions to lower the Company’s exposure to the price of natural gas. As of September 30, 2007 the trades in effect mature in December 2007 and had various notional quantities of MMBTU’s per month. The Company paid a fixed price ranging from $7.11 to $8.42 per MMBTU, with settlements monthly.

As of September 30, 2007, the fair value of the natural gas swaps was a loss of $135, and is recorded in accrued liabilities. Losses for the three and six months ended September 30, 2007 recorded as a component of cost of products sold were $253 and $346, respectively.

Neither the Predecessor nor the Successor swap contracts were designated as hedges pursuant to SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.”

 

F-102


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

(in thousands, except share amounts and where noted in millions)

 

Gains and losses on the natural gas swaps, which were recorded as a component of cost of products sold in the Consolidated Statement of Operations, are detailed below.

 

       Three months ended  
       Successor            Predecessor  

Natural Gas Swaps

   Three months
ended
September 30,
2007
           Three months
ended
September 26,
2006
 

Non-cash (loss) gain

   $ (57 )        $ 124  

Loss realized in cash

     (196 )          (275 )
                     

Net loss on natural gas swaps

   $ (253 )        $ (151 )
                     

 

       Nine months ended  
       Successor            Predecessor  
       Six months
ended
September 30,
2007
          

January
1, 2007
to
April 2,

2007

    Nine months
ended
September 26,
2006
 

Non-cash (loss) gain

   $ (180 )        $ 205     $ (265 )

Loss realized in cash

     (166 )          (84 )     (945 )
                             

Net (loss) gain on natural gas swaps

   $ (346 )        $ 121     $ (1,210 )
                             

Foreign Exchange Risk

The Predecessor and Successor entered into various foreign currency exchange transactions to lower the Company’s exposure to the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Canadian dollar. Each agreement is based upon a notional amount in Canadian dollars, which is expected to approximate a portion of the amount of the Company’s Canadian subsidiary’s U.S. dollar denominated purchases for the month. While the Predecessor had contracts outstanding during 2006, there were no outstanding contracts at December 31, 2006. The trades outstanding as of September 30, 2007 run through December 2008. The Company pays a fixed exchange rate of Canadian dollars per U.S. dollar, with settlements monthly. These swaps were not designated as hedges pursuant to SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.”

As of September 30, the fair value of the foreign currency exchange contracts was a loss of $3,258 of which $2,525 is recorded in Accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, and $733 is recorded in Other long-term liabilities. Gains and losses on the foreign currency exchange contracts, which were recorded as a component of cost of products sold in the Consolidated Statement of Operations, are detailed below.

 

Foreign currency exhange contracts

   Three months ended  
   Successor           Predecessor  
   Three months
ended
September 30,
2007
          Three months
ended
September 26,
2006
 

Non-cash (loss) gain

   $ (1,599 )       $ 259  

Loss realized in cash

     (717 )         (242 )
                    

Net loss (gain) on foreign currency exchange contracts

   $ (2,316 )       $ 17  
                    

 

F-103


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

(in thousands, except share amounts and where noted in millions)

 

       Nine months ended  
       Successor           Predecessor  
       Six months
ended
September 30,
2007
          January 1,
2007 to
April 2,
2007
   Nine months
ended
September 26,
2006
 

Non-cash loss

   $ (3,258 )       $ —      $ (14 )

Loss realized in cash

     (970 )         —        (467 )
                           

Net loss on foreign currency exchange contracts

   $ (4,228 )       $ —      $ (481 )
                           

The Company utilizes irrevocable standby letters of credit with one-year renewable terms to satisfy workers’ compensation self-insurance security deposit requirements. Prior to the Blackstone Transaction, the Predecessor’s contract value of the outstanding standby letters of credit as of December 31, 2006 was $7,846, which approximated fair value. As of December 31, 2006, the Company also utilized letters of credit in connection with the purchase of raw materials in the amount of $1,376, which approximates fair value. After the Blackstone Transaction, the Successor’s contract value of the outstanding standby letters of credit to satisfy workers’ compensation self-insurance security deposits as of September 30, 2007 was $9,483, which approximates fair value. As of September 30, 2007, the Company also utilized letters of credit in connection with the purchase of raw materials in the amount of $2,512, which approximates fair value.

The Company is exposed to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the other parties to derivative financial instruments. All counterparties are at least “A-” rated or equivalent by Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s. Accordingly, the Company does not anticipate non-performance by the counterparties.

The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value. The estimated fair value of the Senior Secured Credit Facilities bank debt, the 9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes, and the 10  5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes that are classified as long term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2007, was approximately carrying value.

12. Commitments and Contingencies

General

From time to time, the Company and its operations are parties to, or targets of, lawsuits, claims, investigations, and proceedings, which are being handled and defended in the ordinary course of business. Although the outcome of such items cannot be determined with certainty, the Company’s general counsel and management are of the opinion that the final outcome of these matters should not have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Litigation

Employee Litigation—Indemnification of US Cold Storage

On March 21, 2002, an employee at the Omaha, NE facility, died as the result of an accident while operating a forklift at a Company-leased warehouse facility. OSHA conducted a full investigation and determined that the death was the result of an accident and found no violations by the Company. On March 18, 2004, the Estate of the deceased filed suit in District Court of Sarpy County, Nebraska, Case No: CI 04-391, against the Company, the owner of the forklift and the leased warehouse, the manufacturer of the forklift and the distributor of the forklift. The Company, having been the deceased’s employer, was named as a defendant for workers’ compensation subrogation purposes only.

 

F-104


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

(in thousands, except share amounts and where noted in millions)

 

On May 18, 2004, the Company received notice from defendant, US Cold Storage, the owner of the leased warehouse, requesting the Company to accept the tender of defense for US Cold Storage in this case in accordance with the indemnification provision of the warehouse lease. The request has been submitted to the Company’s insurance carrier for evaluation and the Company has been advised that the indemnification provision is not applicable in this matter and that Company should have no liability under that provision. Therefore, the Company believes that resolution of such matters will not result in a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

R2 Appeal in Aurora Bankruptcy

Prior to its bankruptcy filing, Aurora entered into an agreement with its prepetition lending group compromising the amount of certain fees due under its senior bank facilities (the “October Amendment”). One of the members of the bank group (R2 Top Hat, Ltd.) challenged the enforceability of the October Amendment during Aurora’s bankruptcy by filing an adversary proceeding in U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Delaware, and by objecting to confirmation. The Bankruptcy Court rejected the lender’s argument and confirmed Aurora’s plan of reorganization. The lender then appealed from those orders of the Bankruptcy Court. In December 2006, the US District Court for the District of Delaware filed its Memorandum and Order affirming both (a) the February 20, 2004 Order of the Bankruptcy Court confirming debtor’s First Amended Joint Reorganization Plan, and (b) the February 27, 2004 Order of the Bankruptcy Court granting debtor’s motion for summary judgment and dismissing the adversary proceeding. R2 Top Hat, Ltd. has recently filed its Notice of Appeal to the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals. On March 23, 2007, the Company and R2 Top Hat, Ltd. participated in court-ordered mediation. The settlement demand made by R2 Top Hat, Ltd. at the mediation was $7.5 million. The Company did not counter and no settlement was reached. The case will continue to proceed through the appeal process with the parties preparing briefs and record for the Court of Appeals. It is too early to predict the outcome of the appeals. Included in the Company’s accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet is $20.1 million for this claim, which was assumed by us in the Aurora Merger.

State of Illinois v. City of St. Elmo and Aurora Foods Inc.

The Company is a defendant in an action filed by the State of Illinois regarding the Company’s St. Elmo facility. Prior to the Aurora Merger, the Illinois Attorney General filed a complaint in County Court, Fayette County, Illinois seeking a restraining order prohibiting further discharges by the City of St. Elmo from its publicly owned wastewater treatment facility in violation of Illinois law and enjoining the Company from discharging its industrial waste into the City’s treatment facility. The complaint also asked for fines and penalties associated with the City’s discharge from its treatment facility and the Company’s alleged operation of its production facility without obtaining a state environmental operating permit. Management believes the remedial actions it has taken to date and is continuing to implement will minimize any fines and penalties associated with this matter.

On August 30, 2004, an Interim Consent Order signed by all parties was signed and entered by the judge in the case whereby, in addition to a number of actions required of the City, the Company agreed to provide monthly discharge monitoring reports to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for six months and was allowed to continue discharging effluent to the City of St. Elmo. In September 2004, the Company met with representatives from the State of Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the State Attorney General’s Office and separately with the City of St. Elmo to inform them that the Company intended to install a pre-treatment system at our St. Elmo facility during the fourth quarter of 2004 and first quarter of 2005. The State issued the construction and operating permits to the Company and construction of the pre-treatment system has been completed. Testing has been completed and the system is fully operational.

 

F-105


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

(in thousands, except share amounts and where noted in millions)

 

The State Attorney General had originally proposed a penalty of $168 together with a consent decree. The Company responded listing the actions it had taken and related costs since merging with Aurora. The Company contends that there should not be any fine or penalty. On February 24, 2006, the State Attorney General advised the Company that its office would be willing to accept $110 as penalty, together with a consent decree. A status conference with the party’s attorneys and the Judge was held on May 2, 2006. The parties are complying with the Joint Discovery Schedule required by the Judge. As the Company believes no penalty will ultimately be due, no liability has been accrued at September 30, 2007.

The Company continues to discharge its effluent to the City. By letter dated February 7, 2007, the City informed the Company that its sewage facility had been taken off of restricted status by the State. The Company will vigorously defend any future effort to prevent it from discharging its industrial wastewater to the City. Although the Company believes it will be able to resolve this matter favorably, an adverse resolution may have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

American Cold Storage—North America, L/P. v. P.F. Distribution, LLC and Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.

On June 26, 2005 the Company was served with a Summons and Complaint in the above matter, which was filed in the Circuit Court of Madison County, Tennessee. American Cold Storage (“ACS”) operates a frozen storage warehouse and distribution facility (the “Facility”) located in Madison County, Tennessee, near the Company’s Jackson, Tennessee plant. In approximately April 2004, the Company entered into discussions with ACS to utilize the Facility. Terms were discussed, but no contract was ever signed. Shortly after shipping product to the Facility, the Company discovered that the Facility was incapable of properly handling the discussed volume of product and began reducing its shipments to the Facility. The original complaint seeks damages not to exceed $1.5 million, together with associated costs. On May 3, 2006 our attorney received notice from counsel for ACS that it was increasing its damage claim in the suit from $1.5 million to $5.5 million. ACS will be required to provide specifics justifying the increase through ongoing discovery and the deposition of the President of ACS which was previously scheduled. It is too early to determine the likely outcome of this litigation. The discovery phase of the case has begun and the Company intends to vigorously defend against this claim. The Company has made an offer to settle the claim, which was subsequently rejected by ACS. The Company has reserved the offered amount in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2007. The Company believes that resolution of such matters will not have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Gilster Mary Lee Corporation v. Pinnacle Foods

In September 2006, Gilster Mary Lee Corporation (“Gilster”), the primary co-packer of our Duncan Hines products, filed suit against the Company alleging that monies were due to Gilster from the Company for a warehouse/handling fee under an existing contract. While certain of these fees are required by the contract, the calculation of the fees is the issue in dispute. Although the parties have initiated settlement discussions, it is uncertain, at this time, if any settlement is likely. The case is in the early stages of discovery. The Company intends to vigorously defend against the warehouse/handling fee claim, but feels that it has adequately reserved for any potential claim that may ultimately become due under the contract. The Company believes that resolution of such matters will not have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. However, if the Company’s relationship with Gilster were to deteriorate, there could be a material impact on the Company’s business.

 

F-106


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

(in thousands, except share amounts and where noted in millions)

 

Fort Madison Labor Contract

On September 30, 2007, the collective bargaining agreement between the Company and the United Food & Commercial Workers Union (the “UFCW”) at the Ft. Madison, Iowa production facility was scheduled to expire. The Company and the UFCW agreed to extend the agreement to November 18, 2007 under certain modified provisions and are currently negotiating the final terms of a new collective bargaining agreement. The Company believes that the negotiated terms of a new agreement will not have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. However, if the Company and the UFCW are not able to reach an agreement, there could be a material impact on the Company’s business.

13. Related Party Transactions

Predecessor

Management fees

On November 25, 2003, the Company entered into a Management Agreement with JPMorgan Partners, LLC (“JPMP”) and J.W. Childs Associates, L.P. (“JWC”) whereby JPMP and JWC provide management, advisory and other services. The agreement called for quarterly payments of $125 to each of JPMP and JWC for management fees. In connection with the September 2004 default on the Company’s senior credit agreement and the resulting amendment, the payment of the management fees was suspended during the amendment period, which ended on the second business day following the date on which the Company delivered to the Administrative Agent financial statements for the fiscal quarter ending March 2006. For the period January 1, 2007 to April 1, 2007, management fees expensed and paid to JPMP and JWC were $250. For the three and nine months ended September 24, 2006, management fees expensed and paid to JPMP and JWC were $250 and $500, respectively. The Company reimbursed JPMP and JWC for out-of-pocket expenses totaling $7 during the period January 1, 2007 to April 1, 2007. The Company reimbursed JPMP and JWC for out-of-pocket expenses totaling $23 and $50, respectively, during the three and nine months ended September 24, 2006. The Management Agreement also stipulated that in connection with any acquisition transaction subsequent to the Pinnacle Transaction and Aurora Merger, there would be a transaction fee of 1/2% of the aggregate purchase price payable to each of JPMP and JWC, plus fees and expenses. In connection with the acquisition of the Armour Business, each of JPMP and JWC were paid a transaction fee of $915. JPMP was also reimbursed for out of pocket expenses totaling $4. These transaction fees are included in Acquisition costs in Note 3. In connection with the Blackstone Transaction, JPMP and JWC were each paid $10.8 million. Also, in connection with the Blackstone Transaction, this agreement was cancelled, effective with the change in control.

Also on November 25, 2003, the Company entered into an agreement with CDM Capital LLC, an affiliate of CDM Investor Group LLC, whereby CDM Capital LLC will receive a transaction fee of 1/2% of the aggregate purchase price of future acquisitions (other than the Pinnacle Transaction or the Aurora Merger), plus fees and expenses. In connection with the acquisition of the Armour Business, CDM Capital LLC was paid a transaction fee of $915. This transaction fee is included in Acquisition costs in Note 3. In connection with the Blackstone Transaction, CDM Capital LLC was paid $10.8 million. Also, in connection with the Blackstone Transaction, this agreement was cancelled, effective with the change in control.

Certain ownership units of Crunch Equity Holding LLC were issued to CDM Investor Group LLC in connection with the acquisition of the Armour Business. The estimated fair value of the interests that was included in administrative expenses was $1,415 for the nine months ended September 24, 2006.

 

F-107


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

(in thousands, except share amounts and where noted in millions)

 

Leases and Aircraft

The Company leased office space owned by a party related to C. Dean Metropoulos, the Company’s former Chairman. The base rent for the office is $87 annually. Rent expense was $26 during the three months ended April 1, 2007, and $26 and $77, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 24, 2006.

Beginning November 25, 2003, the Company began using an aircraft owned by a company indirectly owned by the former Chairman. In connection with the usage of the aircraft, the Company incurred net operating expenses of $688 during the period January 1, 2007 to April 2, 2007. The Company incurred net operating expenses for the usage of aircraft of $688 and $2,063 during the three and nine months ended September 24, 2006, respectively. The Company also incurred direct costs totaling $78 during the period January 1, 2007 to April 2, 2007, and $75 and $210, respectively, during the three and nine months ended September 24, 2006, that were reimbursed to PFGI by the company that owns the aircraft.

Effective with the occurrence of the Blackstone Transaction, the contracts to lease the office space and aircraft were terminated. The Predecessor recorded a charge of $6.3 million related to these contract terminations. The charge was recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations of the Predecessor immediately prior to the Blackstone Transaction.

Debt and Interest Expense

For the period January 1, 2007 to April 2, 2007, fees and interest expense recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the debt to the related party, JPMorgan Chase Bank, amounted to $9. For the three and nine months ended September 24, 2006, fees and interest expense recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the debt to the related party, JPMorgan Chase Bank, amounted to $482 and $572, respectively. See Note 9.

Financial Instruments

The Company had entered into transactions for derivative financial instruments with JPMorgan Chase Bank to lower its exposure to interest rates, foreign currency, and natural gas prices. During the period January 1, 2007 to April 2, 2007, the net cash paid by the Company for the settlement of financial instruments totaled $84. During the three months ended September 24, 2006, the net cash received by the Company for the settlement of financial instruments totaled $265. During the nine months ended September 24, 2006, the net cash paid by the Company for the settlement of financial instruments totaled $142. See Note 11.

Expenses of Major Shareholder

As part of the Aurora Merger, the Company agreed to pay certain fees of the Bondholders Trust (as explained below), which owns approximately 43% of Crunch Equity Holding (LLC) (the former ultimate parent). The Bondholders Trust primarily consists of holders of Aurora’s senior subordinated notes, which elected to receive equity interests in the LLC as consideration in the Aurora Merger. The Company recognized fees in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 24, 2006 of $0 and $100, respectively, on behalf of the Bondholders Trust.

Consulting Agreement

During the first quarter of 2006, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with Mr. Evan Metropoulos, a former executive of PFGI and the brother of the Company’s former Chairman, C. Dean

 

F-108


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

(in thousands, except share amounts and where noted in millions)

 

Metropoulos. Mr. E. Metropoulos provided to the Company consulting services related to the integration of the Armour Business, which was acquired on March 1, 2006. As of the end of the second quarter of 2006, the work under the contract was substantially completed. There were no payments made to Mr. E. Metropoulos for the three months ended September 24, 2006. For the nine months ended September 24, 2006, payments made to Mr. E. Metropoulos under this agreement totaled $12.

Successor

Advisory Agreement

At the closing of the Blackstone Transaction, the Company entered into an advisory agreement with an affiliate of The Blackstone Group pursuant to which such entity or its affiliates will provide certain strategic and structuring advice and assistance to us. In addition, under this agreement, affiliates of The Blackstone Group provide certain monitoring, advisory and consulting services to the Company for an aggregate annual management fee equal to $2.5 million for the year ended December 2007, and the greater of $2.5 million or 1.0% of adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the credit agreement governing the Company’s new Senior Secured Credit Facilities) for each year thereafter. Affiliates of Blackstone received reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in connection with the Blackstone Transaction prior to the closing date and in connection with the provision of services pursuant to the agreement of merger. Expenses relating to the management fee were $834 and $1,666 for the three and six months ended September 30, 2007, respectively. In addition, pursuant to the agreement of merger, an affiliate of Blackstone received transaction fees totaling $21.6 million for services provided by Blackstone and its affiliates related to the Blackstone Transaction.

Supplier Costs

Graham Packaging, which is owned by affiliates of the Blackstone Group, supplies packaging for some of the Company’s products. Purchases from Graham Packaging were $2,580 and $6,049 for the three and six months ended September 30, 2007, respectively.

Debt and Interest Expense

For the period April 2, 2007 to September 30, 2007, fees and interest expense recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for debt to the related party Blackstone Advisors L.P. totaled $1,432.

14. Segments

The Company’s products and operations are managed and reported in two operating segments. The dry foods segment consists of the following reporting units: condiments (Vlasic ® , Open Pit ® ), baking (Duncan Hines ® ), syrups (Mrs. Butterworth’s ® and Log Cabin ® ) and canned meat (Armour ® ). The frozen foods segment consists of the following reporting units: frozen dinners and entrees (Swanson ® , Hungry-Man ® ), frozen seafood (Van de Kamp’s ® , Mrs. Paul’s ® ), frozen breakfast (Aunt Jemima ® ), bagels (Lenders ® ), and frozen pizza (Celeste ® ). Segment performance is evaluated by the Company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker and is based on earnings before interest and taxes. Transfers between segments and geographic areas are recorded at cost plus markup or at market. Identifiable assets are those assets, including goodwill, which are identified with the operations in each segment or geographic region. Cost of products sold in the dry foods segment for the three and nine months ended September 26, 2006 includes $190 and $4,760, representing the write-up of inventories to fair value at the date of the acquisition of the Armour Business. Cost of products sold in the dry segment for the three and six months ended September 30, 2007 included $1,822 and $28,480, respectively, representing the write up

 

F-109


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

(in thousands, except share amounts and where noted in millions)

 

of inventories to the fair value at the date of the Blackstone Transaction. Cost of products sold in the frozen segment for the three and six months ended September 30, 2007 included $2,448 and $11,723, respectively, representing the write-up of inventories to the fair value at the date of the Blackstone Transaction. Fair value is also referred to as net realizable value, which is defined as estimated selling prices less the sum of (a) costs of disposal and (b) a reasonable profit allowance for the selling effort of the acquiring entity. Corporate assets consist of prepaid and deferred tax assets. Unallocated corporate expenses consist of corporate overhead such as executive management, finance and legal functions, stock-based compensation expense related to the ownership units of Crunch Equity Holding LLC issued to CDM Investors Group LLC in 2006, and merger expenses related to the Blackstone Transaction in 2007.

 

     Three months ended           Nine months ended  
     Successor     Predecessor           Successor     Predecessor  
     September 30,
2007
    September 26,
2006
          Six months
ended
September 30,
2007
    January 1,
2007 to
April 2,
2007
    Nine months
ended
September 26,
2006
 

SEGMENT INFORMATION

              

Net sales

              

Dry foods

   $ 196,275     $ 194,399         $ 420,055     $ 193,606     $ 549,156  

Frozen foods

     156,542       150,890           298,625       182,981       475,732  
                                            

Total

   $ 352,817     $ 345,289         $ 718,680     $ 376,587     $ 1,024,888  
                                            

Earnings (loss) before interest and taxes

              

Dry foods

   $ 26,630     $ 32,151         $ 29,890     $ 32,337     $ 75,470  

Frozen foods

     7,818       12,405           9,550       675       28,179  

Unallocated corporate expenses

     (3,870 )     (4,487 )         (8,795 )     (54,784 )     (14,070 )
                                            

Total

   $ 30,578     $ 40,069         $ 30,645     $ (21,772 )   $ 89,579  
                                            

Depreciation and amortization

              

Dry foods

   $ 8,742     $ 5,598         $ 14,430     $ 5,683     $ 15,815  

Frozen foods

     11,496       5,202           15,500       4,480       15,832  
                                            

Total

   $ 20,238     $ 10,800         $ 29,930     $ 10,163     $ 31,647  
                                            

Capital expenditures

              

Dry foods

   $ 1,945     $ 3,770         $ 4,831     $ 3,611     $ 6,999  

Frozen foods

     4,058       2,930           7,713       2,545       8,646  
                                            

Total

   $ 6,003     $ 6,700         $ 12,544     $ 6,156     $ 15,645  
                                            

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

              

Net sales

              

United States

   $ 331,275     $ 327,692         $ 679,618     $ 359,572     $ 979,528  

Canada

     21,542       17,597           39,062       17,015       45,360  
                                            

Total

   $ 352,817     $ 345,289         $ 718,680     $ 376,587     $ 1,024,888  
                                            

 

F-110


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

(in thousands, except share amounts and where noted in millions)

 

     Successor          Predecessor
     September 30,
2007
         December 31,
2006

SEGMENT INFORMATION:

         

Total assets

         

Dry foods

   $ 1,795,301        $ 1,259,295

Frozen foods

     973,799          530,948

Corporate

     9,988          1,838
                 

Total

   $ 2,779,088        $ 1,792,081
                 

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

         

Long-lived assets

         

United States

   $ 272,526        $ 253,357

Canada

     49          30
                 

Total

   $ 272,575        $ 253,387
                 

15. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes: An Interpretation of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”) . This interpretation clarifies SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” , to indicate a criterion that an individual tax position would have to meet for some or all of the benefit of that position to be recognized in an entity’s financial statements. See Note 16 for additional information.

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “ Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”). This Standard defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is assessing what impact, if any, adoption of this statement would have on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

The FASB also issued in September 2006 Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158, “ Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans—an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R)”, (“SFAS No. 158”) . This Standard requires recognition of the funded status of a benefit plan in the statement of financial position. The Standard also requires recognition in accumulated other comprehensive income certain gains and losses that arise during the period but are deferred under pension accounting rules, as well as modifies the timing of reporting and adds certain disclosures. SFAS No. 158 provides recognition and disclosure elements to be effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2007 and measurement elements to be effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008. Effective with the Blackstone Transaction, the Company adopted the recognition and disclosure elements of SFAS No. 158.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Liabilities” (“SFAS No. 159”). SFAS No. 159 provides companies with an option to report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value, and establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between companies that choose different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is assessing what impact, if any, adoption of this statement would have on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

 

F-111


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

(in thousands, except share amounts and where noted in millions)

 

16. Income Taxes

We adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”), “ Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes: An Interpretation of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) Statement No. 109” , on January 1, 2007. As a result of adoption, we recognized a charge of $260 to the January 1, 2007 retained earnings balance and $1,070 increase to goodwill related to the Pinnacle Transaction. As of January 1, 2007, after the implementation of FIN 48, the Company’s liability for unrecognized tax benefits was $2,280, excluding liabilities for interest and penalties. The amount, if recognized, that would impact the Predecessor’s effective tax rate was $261. The Company’s liability for unrecognized tax benefits as of September 30, 2007 is $1,376, reflecting a reduction of $902 resulting from the expiration of certain statutes of limitation. The amount, if recognized, that would impact the effective tax rate as of September 30, 2007 was $0. The entire amount of the liability for unrecognized tax benefits is classified as a long-term liability.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions as a component of the Provision for Income Taxes. The Company accrued interest of $410 and $311 as of January 1, 2007 and September 30, 2007, respectively. The reduction in the accrued interest was the result of the expiration of certain statutes of limitation during the quarter ended July 1, 2007. No penalties were accrued.

Upon adoption, the Company also recorded a reduction of $102 million to its non-current federal and state deferred tax assets resulting from the excess of Aurora’s net operating loss carryover over its estimated limitation under Internal Revenue Code Section 382. As the Company maintains a full valuation allowance against this deferred tax asset, the adjustment resulted in no impact on the Consolidated Balance Sheet or Consolidated Statement of Operations of the Company.

The Company files income tax returns with the U.S. federal government and various state and international jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company’s 1999 and subsequent federal and state tax years remain open by statute, principally relating to net operating loss carryovers. International jurisdictions remain open for 2001 and subsequent periods. It is expected that statutes of limitation for examination for certain federal and state years would expire prior to year end and would not result in a material charge to the Company’s effective tax rate. The Company does not have any open examinations that would result in a material change to the Company’s liability for uncertain tax positions.

The Company maintains a full valuation allowance against net deferred tax assets excluding indefinite-lived intangible assets, and the difference between the statutory rate and the effective rate difference is primarily due to the change in the valuation allowance. Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for the differences between the book and tax bases of certain goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets. Additionally, the income tax provision is calculated quarterly based upon a discrete methodology.

17. Guarantor and Nonguarantor Statements

In connection with the Blackstone Transaction described in Note 1 and as a part of the related financings, the Company issued $325 million of 9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes and $250 million 10  5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes in private placements pursuant to Rule 144A and Regulation S.

The Senior Notes are general unsecured obligations of the Company, effectively subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future senior secured indebtedness of the Company and guaranteed on a full,

 

F-112


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

(in thousands, except share amounts and where noted in millions)

 

unconditional, joint and several basis by the Company’s wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries that guarantee other indebtedness of the Company.

The Senior Subordinated Notes are general unsecured obligations of the Company, effectively subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future senior indebtedness of the Company and guaranteed on a full, unconditional, joint and several basis by the Company’s wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries that guarantee other indebtedness of the Company.

The following consolidating financial information presents:

(1)   (a) Consolidating balance sheets as of September 30, 2007 for the Successor and December 31, 2006 for the Predecessor.

(b) The related consolidating statements of operations for the Company, all guarantor subsidiaries and the non- guarantor subsidiary for the following:

i. Successor’s three months ending September 30, 2007.

ii. Successor’s six months ending September 30, 2007.

iii. Predecessor’s activities from January 1, 2007 to April 2, 2007, immediately prior to the Blackstone Transaction.

iv. Predecessor’s three months ending September 24, 2006.

v. Predecessor’s nine months ending September 24, 2006.

(c) The related consolidating statements of cash flows for the Company, all guarantor subsidiaries and the nonguarantor subsidiary for the following:

i. Successor’s six months ending September 30, 2007.

ii. Predecessor’s activities from January 1, 2007 to April 2, 2007, immediately prior to the Blackstone Transaction.

iii. Predecessor’s nine months ending September 24, 2006.

(2) Elimination entries necessary to consolidate the Company with its guarantor subsidiaries and nonguarantor subsidiary.

Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for by the parent using the equity method of accounting. The guarantor subsidiaries are presented on a combined basis. The principal elimination entries eliminate investments in subsidiaries and intercompany balances and transactions.

 

F-113


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

(in thousands, except share amounts and where noted in millions)

 

Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC

Consolidating Balance Sheet

September 30, 2007

 

     Pinnacle
Foods
Finance LLC
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Nonguarantor
Subsidiary
   Eliminations     Consolidated
Total
 

Current assets:

           

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ —       $ 23     $ 1,454    $ —       $ 1,477  

Accounts receivable, net

     981       91,071       9,498      —         101,550  

Intercompany accounts receivable

     —         11,742       —        (11,742 )     —    

Inventories, net

     —         204,943       7,566      —         212,509  

Other current assets

     833       5,718       59      —         6,610  

Deferred tax assets

     —         9,830       —        —         9,830  
                                       

Total current assets

     1,814       323,327       18,577      (11,742 )     331,976  

Plant assets, net

     —         272,526       49      —         272,575  

Investment in subsidiaries

     1,260,679       5,120       —        (1,265,799 )     —    

Intercompany note receivable

     923,478       —         —        (923,478 )     —    

Tradenames

     —         1,084,517       —        —         1,084,517  

Other assets, net

     33,176       179,263       —        —         212,439  

Goodwill

     —         877,581       —        —         877,581  
                                       

Total assets

   $ 2,219,147     $ 2,742,334     $ 18,626    $ (2,201,019 )   $ 2,779,088  
                                       

Current liabilities:

           

Current portion of long-term obligations

   $ 12,500     $ 232     $ —      $ —       $ 12,732  

Notes payable

     2,500       535       —        —         3,035  

Accounts payable

     —         89,237       2,813      —         92,050  

Intercompany accounts payable

     6,875       —         4,867      (11,742 )     —    

Accrued trade marketing expense

     —         23,623       4,480      —         28,103  

Accrued liabilities

     31,819       67,918       531      —         100,268  

Accrued income taxes

     —         60       815      —         875  
                                       

Total current liabilities

     53,694       181,605       13,506      (11,742 )     237,063  

Long-term debt

     1,809,375       879       —        —         1,810,254  

Intercompany note payable

     —         923,478       —        (923,478 )     —    

Pension and other postretirement benefits

     —         21,788       —        —         21,788  

Other long-term liabilities

     7,983       4,054       —        —         12,037  

Deferred tax liabilities

     —         349,851       —        —         349,851  
                                       

Total liabilities

     1,871,052       1,481,655       13,506      (935,220 )     2,430,993  

Commitments and contingencies

     —         —         —        —         —    

Shareholder’s equity:

           

Pinnacle Common Stock, $.01 par value

     —         —         —        —         —    

Additional paid-in-capital

     424,688       1,280,967       2,324      (1,283,291 )     424,688  

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income

     (6,747 )     502       502      (1,004 )     (6,747 )

(Accumulated deficit) Retained earnings

     (69,846 )     (20,790 )     2,294      18,496       (69,846 )
                                       

Total shareholder’s equity

     348,095       1,260,679       5,120      (1,265,799 )     348,095  
                                       

Total liabilities and shareholder’s equity

   $ 2,219,147     $ 2,742,334     $ 18,626    $ (2,201,019 )   $ 2,779,088  
                                       

 

F-114


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

(in thousands, except share amounts and where noted in millions)

 

Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.

Consolidating Balance Sheet

December 31, 2006

 

    Pinnacle
Foods
Group Inc.
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Nonguarantor
Subsidiary
  Eliminations     Consolidated
Total
 

Current assets:

         

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 2     $ 12,335   $ —     $ —       $ 12,337  

Accounts receivable, net

    52,691       28,431     4,461     —         85,583  

Intercompany accounts receivable

    —         23,148     1,680     (24,828 )     —    

Inventories, net

    94,920       79,678     3,702     —         178,300  

Other current assets

    2,748       1,716     247     (215 )     4,496  

Deferred tax assets

    —         1,774     64     —         1,838  
                                   

Total current assets

    150,361       147,082     10,154     (25,043 )     282,554  

Plant assets, net

    141,286       112,071     30     —         253,387  

Investment in subsidiaries

    369,935       2,534     —       (372,469 )     —    

Intercompany note receivable

    24,986       —       —       (24,986 )     —    

Tradenames

    691,426       106,156     —       —         797,582  

Other assets, net

    56,298       99     —       —         56,397  

Goodwill

    261,748       140,413     —       —         402,161  
                                   

Total assets

  $ 1,696,040     $ 508,355   $ 10,184   $ (422,498 )   $ 1,792,081  
                                   

Current liabilities:

         

Current portion of long-term obligations

  $ 11     $ 112   $ —     $ —       $ 123  

Notes payable

    —         210     —       —         210  

Accounts payable

    15,795       38,270     3,477     1       57,543  

Intercompany accounts payable

    23,148       1,680     —       (24,828 )     —    

Accrued trade marketing expense

    24,272       9,202     3,678     —         37,152  

Accrued liabilities

    51,797       28,958     495     (2 )     81,248  

Accrued income taxes

    90       1,167     —       (215 )     1,042  
                                   

Total current liabilities

    115,113       79,599     7,650     (25,044 )     177,318  

Long-term debt

    920,549       81     —       —         920,630  

Intercompany note payable

    —         24,986     —       (24,986 )     —    

Pension and other postretirement benefits

    9,804       6,304     —       1       16,109  

Other long-term liabilities

    1,962       —       —       —         1,962  

Deferred tax liabilities

    210,257       27,450     —       —         237,707  
                                   

Total liabilities

    1,257,685       138,420     7,650     (50,029 )     1,353,726  

Commitments and contingencies

    —         —       —       —         —    

Shareholder’s equity:

         

Pinnacle Common Stock, $.01 par value

    —         —       —       —         —    

Additional paid-in-capital

    573,403       347,448     935     (348,383 )     573,403  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

    161       161     198     (359 )     161  

Carryover of Predecessor basis of net assets

    (17,338 )     —       —       —         (17,338 )

(Accumulated deficit) Retained earnings

    (117,871 )     22,326     1,401     (23,727 )     (117,871 )
                                   

Total shareholder’s equity

    438,355       369,935     2,534     (372,469 )     438,355  
                                   

Total liabilities and shareholder’s equity

  $ 1,696,040     $ 508,355   $ 10,184   $ (422,498 )   $ 1,792,081  
                                   

 

F-115


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

(in thousands, except share amounts and where noted in millions)

 

Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC

Consolidating Statement of Operations

For the three months ended September 30, 2007

 

     Pinnacle
Foods
Finance LLC
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Nonguarantor
Subsidiary
   Eliminations     Consolidated
Total
 

Net sales

   $ —       $ 344,448     $ 21,543    $ (13,174 )   $ 352,817  
                                       

Costs and expenses

           

Cost of products sold

     —         270,505       16,379      (12,974 )     273,910  

Marketing and selling expenses

     —         24,363       1,638      —         26,001  

Administrative expenses

     833       10,646       527      —         12,006  

Research and development expenses

     —         970       —        —         970  

Intercompany royalties

     —         —         25      (25 )     —    

Intercompany technical service fees

     —         —         175      (175 )     —    

Other expense (income), net

     —         9,345       7      —         9,352  

Equity in (earnings) loss of investees

     (3,877 )     (1,716 )     —        5,593       —    
                                       

Total costs and expenses

     (3,044 )     314,113       18,751      (7,581 )     322,239  
                                       

Earnings before interest and taxes

     3,044       30,335       2,792      (5,593 )     30,578  

Intercompany interest (income) expense

     (18,932 )     18,932       —        —         —    

Interest expense

     40,173       27       —        —         40,200  

Interest income

     —         309       22      —         331  
                                       

(Loss) earnings before income taxes

     (18,197 )     11,685       2,814      (5,593 )     (9,291 )

Provision for income taxes

     3,331       7,808       1,098      —         12,237  
                                       

Net (loss) earnings

   $ (21,528 )   $ 3,877     $ 1,716    $ (5,593 )   $ (21,528 )
                                       

 

F-116


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

(in thousands, except share amounts and where noted in millions)

 

Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC

Consolidating Statement of Operations

For the six months ended September 30, 2007

 

     Pinnacle
Foods
Finance LLC
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Nonguarantor
Subsidiary
   Eliminations     Consolidated
Total
 

Net sales

   $ —       $ 702,228     $ 39,063    $ (22,611 )   $ 718,680  
                                       

Costs and expenses

           

Cost of products sold

     —         580,853       30,546      (22,215 )     589,184  

Marketing and selling expenses

     —         56,226       3,330      —         59,556  

Administrative expenses

     1,666       23,393       1,062      —         26,121  

Research and development expenses

     —         1,922       —        —         1,922  

Intercompany royalties

     —         —         46      (46 )     —    

Intercompany technical service fees

     —         —         350      (350 )     —    

Other expense (income), net

     —         11,245       7      —         11,252  

Equity in loss (earnings) of investees

     20,790       (2,294 )     —        (18,496 )     —    
                                       

Total costs and expenses

     22,456       671,345       35,341      (41,107 )     688,035  
                                       

Earnings (loss) before interest and taxes

     (22,456 )     30,883       3,722      18,496       30,645  

Intercompany interest (income) expense

     (36,987 )     36,987       —        —         —    

Interest expense

     84,377       154       —        —         84,531  

Interest income

     —         754       37      —         791  
                                       

(Loss) earnings before income taxes

     (69,846 )     (5,504 )     3,759      18,496       (53,095 )

Provision for income taxes

     —         15,286       1,465      —         16,751  
                                       

Net (loss) earnings

   $ (69,846 )   $ (20,790 )   $ 2,294    $ 18,496     $ (69,846 )
                                       

 

F-117


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

(in thousands, except share amounts and where noted in millions)

 

Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.

Consolidating Statement of Operations

January 1, 2007 to April 2, 2007

 

     Pinnacle
Foods
Group Inc.
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Nonguarantor
Subsidiary
    Eliminations     Consolidated
Total
 

Net sales

   $ 233,444     $ 134,834     $ 17,015     $ (8,706 )   $ 376,587  
                                        

Costs and expenses

          

Cost of products sold

     171,438       116,165       14,062       (8,474 )     293,191  

Marketing and selling expenses

     22,677       9,927       2,371       —         34,975  

Administrative expenses

     12,667       4,697       350       —         17,714  

Research and development expenses

     1,056       381       —         —         1,437  

Intercompany royalties

     —         —         57       (57 )     —    

Intercompany technical service fees

     —         —         175       (175 )     —    

Other expense (income), net

     41,833       8,797       412       —         51,042  

Equity in loss (earnings) of investees

     6,018       254       —         (6,272 )     —    
                                        

Total costs and expenses

     255,689       140,221       17,427       (14,978 )     398,359  
                                        

Loss before interest and taxes

     (22,245 )     (5,387 )     (412 )     6,272       (21,772 )

Intercompany interest (income) expense

     (465 )     465       —         —         —    

Interest expense

     39,067       12       —         —         39,079  

Interest income

     —         472       14       —         486  
                                        

Loss before income taxes

     (60,847 )     (5,392 )     (398 )     6,272       (60,365 )

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

     5,802       626       (144 )     —         6,284  
                                        

Net loss

   $ (66,649 )   $ (6,018 )   $ (254 )   $ 6,272     $ (66,649 )
                                        

 

F-118


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

(in thousands, except share amounts and where noted in millions)

 

Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.

Consolidating Statement of Operations

For the three months ended September 24, 2006

 

     Pinnacle
Foods
Group Inc.
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Nonguarantor
Subsidiary
   Eliminations     Consolidated
Total

Net sales

   $ 217,469     $ 120,648     $ 17,642    $ (10,470 )   $ 345,289
                                     

Costs and expenses

           

Cost of products sold

     159,528       99,912       13,650      (10,316 )     262,774

Marketing and selling expenses

     11,482       10,885       1,486      —         23,853

Administrative expenses

     8,330       3,924       434      —         12,688

Research and development expenses

     652       315       —        —         967

Intercompany royalties

     —         —         20      (20 )     —  

Intercompany technical service fees

     —         —         134      (134 )     —  

Other expense (income), net

     2,430       2,508       —        —         4,938

Equity in (earnings) loss of investees

     (2,563 )     (1,118 )     —        3,681       —  
                                     

Total costs and expenses

     179,859       116,426       15,724      (6,789 )     305,220
                                     

Earnings before interest and taxes

     37,610       4,222       1,918      (3,681 )     40,069

Intercompany interest (income) expense

     (1,262 )     1,262       —        —         —  

Interest expense

     25,309       —         4      —         25,313

Interest income

     34       421       17      —         472
                                     

Earnings before income taxes

     13,597       3,381       1,931      (3,681 )     15,228

Provision for income taxes

     4,672       818       813      —         6,303
                                     

Net earnings

   $ 8,925     $ 2,563     $ 1,118    $ (3,681 )   $ 8,925
                                     

 

F-119


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

(in thousands, except share amounts and where noted in millions)

 

Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.

Consolidating Statement of Operations

For the nine months ended September 24, 2006

 

     Pinnacle
Foods
Group Inc.
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Nonguarantor
Subsidiary
   Eliminations     Consolidated
Total

Net sales

   $ 612,626     $ 391,760     $ 45,405    $ (24,903 )   $ 1,024,888
                                     

Costs and expenses

           

Cost of products sold

     467,713       329,927       36,121      (24,371 )     809,390

Marketing and selling expenses

     40,701       28,392       5,185      —         74,278

Administrative expenses

     24,688       13,182       1,220      —         39,090

Research and development expenses

     1,835       1,052       —        —         2,887

Intercompany royalties

     —         —         80      (80 )     —  

Intercompany technical service fees

     —         —         452      (452 )     —  

Other expense (income), net

     7,062       2,602       —        —         9,664

Equity in (earnings) loss of investees

     (10,640 )     (1,335 )     —        11,975       —  
                                     

Total costs and expenses

     531,359       373,820       43,058      (12,928 )     935,309
                                     

Earnings before interest and taxes

     81,267       17,940       2,347      (11,975 )     89,579

Intercompany interest (income) expense

     (5,558 )     5,558       —        —         —  

Interest expense

     66,668       33       4      —         66,705

Interest income

     35       798       39      —         872
                                     

Earnings before income taxes

     20,192       13,147       2,382      (11,975 )     23,746

Provision for income taxes

     16,582       2,507       1,047      —         20,136
                                     

Net earnings

   $ 3,610     $ 10,640     $ 1,335    $ (11,975 )   $ 3,610
                                     

 

F-120


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

(in thousands, except share amounts and where noted in millions)

 

Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC

Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For the six months ended September 30, 2007

 

       Pinnacle
Foods
Finance
LLC
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Nonguarantor
Subsidiary
    Eliminations     Consolidated
Total
 

Cash flows from operating activities

          

Net (loss) earnings from operations

   $ (69,846 )   $ (20,790 )   $ 2,294     $ 18,496     $ (69,846 )

Non-cash charges (credits) to net (loss) earnings

          

Depreciation and amortization

     —         29,911       19       —         29,930  

Amortization of debt acquisition costs

     6,575       —         —         —         6,575  

Change in value of financial instruments

     —         1,141       —         —         1,141  

Equity in loss (earnings) of investees

     20,790       (2,294 )     —         (18,496 )     —    

Stock-based compensation charges

     —         403       —         —         403  

Postretirement healthcare benefits

     —         833       —         —         833  

Pension expense

     —         141       —         —         141  

Other long-term liabilities

     —         (146 )     —         —         (146 )

Deferred income taxes

     —         15,210       —         —         15,210  

Changes in working capital, net of acquisitions

     —         —         —         —         —    

Accounts receivable

     (981 )     8,052       (3,917 )     —         3,154  

Intercompany accounts receivable/payable

     25,944       (29,994 )     4,050       —         —    

Inventories

     —         (10,950 )     (2,372 )     —         (13,322 )

Accrued trade marketing expense

     —         (13,145 )     832       —         (12,313 )

Accounts payable

     —         8,783       (1,172 )     —         7,611  

Accrued liabilities

     28,426       (15,105 )     239       —         13,560  

Other current assets

     (833 )     268       550       —         (15 )
                                        

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

     10,075       (27,682 )     523       —         (17,084 )
                                        

Cash flows from investing activities

          

Payments for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

     (1,325,980 )     5,887       813       —         (1,319,280 )

Capital expenditures

     —         (12,529 )     (15 )     —         (12,544 )

Sale of plant assets

     —         2,200       —         —         2,200  
                                        

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

     (1,325,980 )     (4,442 )     798       —         (1,329,624 )
                                        

Cash flows from financing activities

          

Change in bank overdrafts

     —         12,833       —         —         12,833  

Repayment of capital lease obligations

     —         (168 )     —         —         (168 )

Equity contributions

     420,664       —         —         —         420,664  

Reduction of equity contributions

     (391 )     —         —         —         (391 )

Debt acquisition costs

     (39,752 )     —         —         —         (39,752 )

Proceeds from bank term loan

     1,250,000       —         —         —         1,250,000  

Proceeds from bond issuances

     575,000       —         —         —         575,000  

Proceeds from notes payable borrowing

     12,500       2,102       —         —         14,602  

Repayments of notes payable

     (10,000 )     (1,568 )     —         —         (11,568 )

Intercompany loans

     (888,991 )     888,991       —         —         —    

Repayments of Successor’s long term obligations

     (3,125 )     —         —         —         (3,125 )

Repayments of Predecessor’s long term obligations

     —         (870,042 )     —         —         (870,042 )
                                        

Net cash provided by financing activities

     1,315,905       32,148       —         —         1,348,053  
                                        

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     —         —         132       —         132  

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     —         24       1,453       —         1,477  

Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period

     —         —         —         —         —    
                                        

Cash and cash equivalents—end of period

   $ —       $ 24     $ 1,453     $ —       $ 1,477  
                                        

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

          

Interest paid

   $ 49,857     $ 2,417         $ 52,274  

Interest received

       754       37         791  

Income taxes paid

       (22 )     (9 )       (31 )

Non-cash investing activity:

          

Capital lease activity

             —    

Non-cash financing activity:

          

Equity contribution

     4,013             4,013  

 

F-121


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

(in thousands, except share amounts and where noted in millions)

 

Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.

Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

January 1, 2007 to April 2, 2007

 

     Pinnacle
Foods
Group Inc.
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Nonguarantor
Subsidiary
    Eliminations     Consolidated
Total
 

Cash flows from operating activities

          

Net loss

   $ (66,649 )   $ (6,018 )   $ (254 )   $ 6,272     $ (66,649 )

Non-cash charges (credits) to net loss

          

Depreciation and amortization

     6,401       3,749       13       —         10,163  

Amortization of debt acquisition costs

     26,049       —         —         —         26,049  

Amortization of bond premium

     (5,360 )     —         —         —         (5,360 )

Change in value of financial instruments

     1,247       —         —         —         1,247  

Stock-based compensation charges

     8,778       —         —         —         8,778  

Equity in loss of investees

     6,018       254       —         (6,272 )     —    

Postretirement healthcare benefits

     366       (72 )     —         —         294  

Pension expense

     125       235       —         —         360  

Other long-term liabilities

     2,375       89       —         —         2,464  

Deferred income taxes

     5,573       726       —         —         6,299  

Changes in working capital

          

Accounts receivable

     (9,951 )     (8,049 )     (339 )     —         (18,339 )

Intercompany accounts receivable/payable

     19,760       (22,723 )     2,963       —         —    

Inventories

     7,237       13,573       (765 )     —         20,045  

Accrued trade marketing expense

     (540 )     3,835       (541 )     —         2,754  

Accounts payable

     5,734       7,694       858       —         14,286  

Accrued liabilities

     42,880       10,475       78       —         53,433  

Other current assets

     759       (622 )     (277 )     —         (140 )
                                        

Net cash provided by operating activities

     50,802       3,146       1,736       —         55,684  
                                        

Cash flows from investing activities

          

Capital expenditures

     (2,846 )     (2,165 )     (16 )     —         (5,027 )
                                        

Net cash used in investing activities

     (2,846 )     (2,165 )     (16 )     —         (5,027 )
                                        

Cash flows from financing activities

          

Change in bank overdrafts

     —         —         (908 )     —         (908 )

Repayment of capital lease obligations

     (10 )     (45 )     —         —         (55 )

Equity contributions

     26       —         —         —         26  

Repayments of notes payable

     —         (210 )     —         —         (210 )

Repayments of long term obligations

     (45,146 )     —         —         —         (45,146 )
                                        

Net cash used in financing activities

     (45,130 )     (255 )     (908 )     —         (46,293 )
                                        

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     —         —         —         —         —    

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     2,826       726       812       —         4,364  

Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period

     2       12,335       —         —         12,337  
                                        

Cash and cash equivalents—end of period

   $ 2,828     $ 13,061     $ 812     $ —       $ 16,701  
                                        

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

          

Interest paid

   $ 9,123     $ 12     $ —       $ —       $ 9,135  

Interest received

     —         472       14       —         486  

Income taxes refunded (paid)

     —         119       (222 )     —         (103 )

Non-cash investing activity:

          

Capital leases

     —         (1,129 )     —         —         (1,129 )

 

F-122


Table of Contents

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

(in thousands, except share amounts and where noted in millions)

 

Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.

Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For the nine months ended September 24, 2006

 

     Pinnacle
Foods
Group Inc.
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Nonguarantor
Subsidiary
    Eliminations     Consolidated
Total
 

Cash flows from operating activities

          

Net earnings

   $ 3,610     $ 10,640     $ 1,335     $ (11,975 )   $ 3,610  

Non-cash charges (credits) to net earnings

          

Depreciation and amortization

     20,107       11,535       5       —         31,647  

Restructuring and impairment charges

     280       2,500       —         —         2,780  

Amortization of debt acquisition costs

     5,224       —         —         —         5,224  

Amortization of bond premium

     (422 )     —         —         —         (422 )

Change in value of financial instruments

     3,932       —         —         —         3,932  

Stock-based compensation charges

     2,635       —         —         —         2,635  

Equity in loss (earnings) of investees

     (10,640 )     (1,335 )     —         11,975       —    

Postretirement healthcare benefits

     815       (207 )     —         —         608  

Pension expense

     363       876       —         —         1,239  

Other long-term liabilities

     80       —         —         —         80  

Deferred income taxes

     15,874       2,635       (2 )     —         18,507  

Changes in working capital, net of acquisition

          

Accounts receivable

     (20,008 )     (3,666 )     (3,035 )     —         (26,709 )

Intercompany accounts receivable/payable

     39,603       (40,061 )     458       —         —    

Inventories

     515       21,067       (55 )     —         21,527  

Accrued trade marketing expense

     897       (1,558 )     884       —         223  

Accounts payable

     (4,575 )     14,040       (2,641 )     —         6,824  

Accrued liabilities

     16,369       4,252       479       —         21,100  

Other current assets

     696       (3,841 )     4,355       —         1,210  
                                        

Net cash provided by operating activities

     75,355       16,877       1,783       —         94,015  
                                        

Cash flows from investing activities

          

Payments for business acquisitions

     (186,979 )     —         —         —         (186,979 )

Capital expenditures

     (7,667 )     (7,961 )     (5 )     —         (15,633 )
                                        

Net cash used in investing activities

     (194,646 )     (7,961 )     (5 )     —         (202,612 )
                                        

Cash flows from financing activities

          

Change in bank overdrafts

     —         (6,550 )     (163 )     —         (6,713 )

Repayment of capital lease obligations

     (7 )     (109 )     —         —         (116 )

Equity contributions

     40,049       —         —         —         40,049  

Debt acquisition costs

     (3,817 )     —         —         —         (3,817 )

Proceeds from bank term loan

     143,000       —         —         —         143,000  

Proceeds from notes payable borrowings

     —         2,410       —         —         2,410  

Repayments of notes payable

     —         (1,762 )     —         —         (1,762 )

Repayments of long term obligations

     (60,000 )     —         —         —         (60,000 )
                                        

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     119,225       (6,011 )     (163 )     —         113,051  
                                        

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     —         —         —         —         —    

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     (66 )     2,905       1,615       —         4,454  

Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period

     69       450       —         —         519  
                                        

Cash and cash equivalents—end of period

   $ 3     $ 3,355     $ 1,615     $ —       $ 4,973  
                                        

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

          

Interest paid

   $ 50,183     $ —       $ —       $ —       $ 50,183  

Interest received

     35       798       39       —         872  

Income taxes refunded (paid)

     —         30       (706 )     —         (676 )

Non-cash investing activity:

          

Capital lease activity

     —         (12 )     —         —         (12 )

 

F-123


Table of Contents

LOGO

Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC

Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp.

 

Offers to Exchange

9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015 and 10  5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017, each of which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, for any and all of their outstanding 9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015 and 10  5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017, respectively.

 

Until the date that is 90 days from the date of this prospectus, all dealers that effect transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the dealers’ obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions or otherwise.


Table of Contents

PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 

Item 20.    Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

(a) Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp. and Pinnacle Foods International Corp. are incorporated under the laws of Delaware.

Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) grants each corporation organized thereunder the power to indemnify any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of a corporation or enterprise, against expenses, including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, other than an action by or in the right of the corporation, by reason of being or having been in any such capacity, if he acted in good faith in a manner reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful.

Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL enables a corporation in its certificate of incorporation or an amendment thereto to eliminate or limit the personal liability of a director to the corporation or its stockholders of monetary damages for violations of the directors’ fiduciary duty of care, except (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 that involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) pursuant to Section 174 of the DGCL (providing for liability of directors for unlawful payment of dividends or unlawful stock purchases or redemptions) or (iv) for any transaction from which a director derived an improper personal benefit.

The bylaws of both Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp. and Pinnacle Foods International Corp. indemnify the directors and officers to the full extent of the DGCL and also allow the board of directors to indemnify all other employees. However, in the case of an action or suit by or in the right of the corporations to procure a judgment in their favor (1) such indemnification shall be limited to expenses, including attorney’s fees, actually and reasonably incurred by such person in the defense or settlement of such action or suit, and (2) no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the either corporation unless and only to the extent that the court in which such action was brought determines such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the court shall deem proper. The forgoing right of indemnification is not exclusive of any right to which such officer or director may be entitled as a matter of law and shall extend and apply to the estates of deceased officers and directors. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the corporations shall not be obligated to indemnify a director or officer in respect of a proceeding (or part thereof) instituted by such director or officer, unless such proceeding (or part thereof) has been authorized by the board of directors pursuant to the applicable procedure outlined in the bylaws.

(b) Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC and Pinnacle Foods Group LLC are limited liability companies organized under the laws of Delaware.

Section 18-108 of the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act (the “DLLCA”) empowers a Delaware limited liability company to indemnify and hold harmless any member or manager of the limited liability company from and against any and all claims and demands whatsoever.

The limited liability company agreements of both Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC and Pinnacle Foods Group LLC indemnify members, officers, and their respective affiliates or agents to the full extent of the law; provided, however, that any indemnity shall be provided out of and to the extent of the limited liability company’s assets only, and neither the member nor the officer, as applicable, nor any other covered person under this provision, shall have personal liability on account thereof.

 

II-1


Table of Contents

Certain Other Arrangements

The registrants maintain a directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy that covers the directors and officers of each of the registrants in amounts that the registrants believe are customary in their industry, including for liabilities in connection with the registration, offering and sale of the notes.

In addition, pursuant to the Transaction and Advisory Fee Agreement entered into with an affiliate of Blackstone, the Company has agreed to customary exculpation and indemnification provisions in favor of Blackstone, its affiliates and their respective partners, members, officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives. See “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Advisory Agreement” in the prospectus included in this registration statement.

 

Item 21. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

 

(a) Exhibits

 

  2.1    Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of February 10, 2007, by and among Crunch Holding Corp., Peak Holdings LLC and Peak Acquisition Corp.
  2.2   

Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger, by and between Aurora Foods Inc. and Crunch Equity Holding, LLC, dated as of November 25, 2003 (previously filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. filed with the SEC on August 20, 2004 (Commission File Number: 333-118390), and incorporated herein by reference).

  2.3   

Amendment No. 1, dated January 8, 2004, to the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger, by and between Aurora Foods Inc. and Crunch Equity Holding, LLC, dated as of November 25, 2003 (previously filed as Exhibit 2.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. filed with the SEC on August 20, 2004 (Commission File Number: 333-118390), and incorporated herein by reference).

  2.4    Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated March 19, 2004, by and between Aurora Foods, Inc. and Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation (previously filed as Exhibit 2.3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. filed with the SEC on August 20, 2004 (Commission File Number: 333-118390), and incorporated herein by reference).
  2.5    Asset Purchase Agreement, dated March 1, 2006, by and between The Dial Corporation and Pinnacle Foods Groups Inc. (previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. filed with the SEC on March 1, 2006 (Commission File Number: 333-118390), and incorporated herein by reference).
  3.1    Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC Certificate of Formation.
  3.2    Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated as of April 2, 2007.
  3.3    Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp. Certificate of Incorporation.
  3.4    Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp. Bylaws.
  3.5    Pinnacle Foods Group LLC Certificate of Formation.
  3.6    Pinnacle Foods Group LLC Limited Liability Company Agreement.
  3.7    Pinnacle Foods International Corp. Certificate of Incorporation.
  3.8    Pinnacle Foods International Corp. Bylaws.
  3.9    State of Delaware Certificate of Conversion, dated September 25, 2007, converting Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. from a Corporation to a Limited Liability Company.
  4.1    Senior Notes Indenture, dated as of April 2, 2007, among the Issuers, the Guarantors and the Trustee.
  4.2    Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture, dated as of April 2, 2007, among the Issuers, the Guarantors and the Trustee.
  4.3    Registrations Rights Agreement, dated as of April 2, 2007, among the Issuers, the Guarantors and Lehman Brothers Inc. and Goldman, Sachs & Co.

 

II-2


Table of Contents
  4.4    Form of Rule 144A Global Note, 9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015.
  4.5    Form of Regulation S Global Note, 9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015.
  4.6    Form of Rule 144A Global Note, 10  5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017.
  4.7    Form of Regulation S Global Note, 10  5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017.
  4.8    Credit Agreement, dated as of April 2, 2007, among Peak Finance LLC, Peak Finance Holdings LLC, Lehman Commercial Paper Inc., Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P. and other lenders party hereto.
  4.9    Security Agreement, dated as of April 2, 2007, among Peak Finance LLC (to be merged with and into Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC), Peak Finance Holdings LLC, Certain Subsidiaries of Borrower and Holdings identified herein and Lehman Commercial Paper Inc.
  4.10    Guaranty, dated as of April 2, 2007, among Peak Finance Holdings LLC, Certain Subsidiaries of Borrower and Holdings identified herein and Lehman Commercial Paper Inc.
  4.11    Intellectual Property Security Agreement, dated as of April 2, 2007, among Peak Finance LLC (to be merged with and into Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC), Peak Finance Holdings LLC, Certain Subsidiaries of Borrower and Holdings identified herein and Lehman Commercial Paper Inc.
  5.1    Opinion of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP.
10.1    Employment Agreement, dated April 2, 2007 (William Darkoch).
10.2    Employment Agreement, dated April 2, 2007 (William Toler).
10.3    Employment Agreement, dated April 2, 2007 (Jeffrey P. Ansell).
10.4    Employment Agreement, dated April 2, 2007 (Craig Steeneck).
10.5    Director Service Agreement, dated April 2, 2007 (Roger Deromedi).
10.6    Transaction and Advisory Fee Agreement, dated as of April 2, 2007, between Peak Finance LLC and Blackstone Management Partners V L.L.C.
10.7    Trademark License Agreement by and between The Dial Corporation and Conagra, Inc., dated July 1, 1995 (previously filed as Exhibit 10.33 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2005 (Commission File Number: 333-118390), and incorporated herein by reference).
10.8    Tax Sharing Agreement, dated as of November 25, 2003, by and among Crunch Holding Corp., Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation, Pinnacle Foods Corporation, Pinnacle Foods Management Corporation, Pinnacle Foods Brands Corporation, PF Sales (N. Central Region) Corp., PF Sales, LLC, PF Distribution, LLC, PF Standards Corporation, Pinnacle Foods International Corp., Peak Finance Holdings LLC, Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp., Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC and Pinnacle Foods Group LLC.
10.9    Lease, dated May 23, 2001, between Brandywine Operating Partnership, L.P. and Pinnacle Foods Corporation (Cherry Hill, New Jersey) (previously filed as Exhibit 10.25 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. filed with the SEC on August 20, 2004 (Commission File Number: 333-118390), and incorporated herein by reference).
10.10    Lease, dated August 10, 2001, between 485 Properties, LLC and Pinnacle Foods Corporation (Mountain Lakes, New Jersey); Amendment No. 1, dated November 23, 2001; Amendment No. 2, dated October 16, 2003 (previously filed as Exhibit 10.26 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. filed with the SEC on August 20, 2004 (Commission File Number: 333-118390), and incorporated herein by reference).
10.11    Swanson Trademark License Agreement (U.S.) by and between CSC Brands, Inc. and Vlasic International Brands Inc., dated as of March 24, 1998 (previously filed as Exhibit 10.27 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. filed with the SEC on August 20, 2004 (Commission File Number: 333-1183900), and incorporated herein by reference).

 

II-3


Table of Contents
10.12    Swanson Trademark License Agreement (Non-U.S.) by and between Campbell Soup Company and Vlasic International Brands Inc., dated as of March 26, 1998 (previously filed as Exhibit 10.28 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. filed with the SEC on August 20, 2004 (Commission File Number: 333-118390), and incorporated herein by reference).
10.13    Technology Sharing Agreement by and between Campbell Soup Company and Vlasic Foods International Inc., dated as of March 26, 1998 (previously filed as Exhibit 10.29 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. filed with the SEC on August 20, 2004 (Commission File Number: 333-118390), and incorporated herein by reference).
10.14    Amendment to Lease Agreement, dated February 10, 2007 (previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. filed with the SEC on February 15, 2007 (Commission File Number: 333-118390), and incorporated herein by reference).
10.15   

Securityholders Agreement, dated as of April 2, 2007, among Peak Holdings LLC and the other parties hereto.

10.16    Peak Holdings LLC 2007 Unit Plan, effective as of April 2, 2007.
10.17    Peak Holdings LLC Form of Award Management Unit Subscription Agreement.
10.18    Securityholders Agreement, dated as of September 21, 2007 among Crunch Holding Corp. and the other parties hereto.
10.19    Crunch Holding Corp. 2007 Stock Incentive Plan, effective as of August 8, 2007.
10.20    Crunch Holding Corp. 2007 Stock Incentive Plan Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement.
10.21    Trademark License Agreement, dated as of July 9, 1996, by and between The Quaker Oats Company, The Quaker Oats Company of Canada Limited and Van de Kamp’s, Inc.
12.1    Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
21.1    List of Subsidiaries.
23.1    Consent of Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP.
23.2    Consent of KPMG LLP.
23.3    Consent of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP (included as part of its opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1 hereto).
24.1    Power of Attorney (included in signature pages).
25.1    Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of Wilmington Trust Company with respect to the Indentures governing the 9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015 and the 10  5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017.
99.1    Form of Letter of Transmittal.
99.2    Form of Letter to Brokers, Dealers, Commercial Banks, Trust Companies and Other Nominees.
99.3    Form of Letter to Clients.
99.4    Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.

There are omitted from the exhibits filed with or incorporated by reference into this registration statement certain instruments and agreements with respect to the long-term debt of the registrants, none of which authorizes securities in a total amount that exceeds 10% of the registrants’ total assets. The registrants hereby agree to furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission copies of any such instruments or agreements as the Commission may request.

 

Item 22. Undertakings.

(a) Each of the undersigned registrants hereby undertakes:

(1) to file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

(i) to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;

 

II-4


Table of Contents

(ii) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more that a 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; and

(iii) to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.

(2) that, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof;

(3) to remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering;

(4) that, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser, if the registrants are subject to Rule 430C, each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness; provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use; and

(5) that, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

(i) any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

(ii) any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

(iii) the portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

(iv) any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

(b) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification

 

II-5


Table of Contents

against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

(c) Each of the undersigned registrants hereby undertakes to respond to requests for information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to Item 4, 10(b), 11 or 13 of Form S-4 within one business day of receipt of such request and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through the date of responding to the request.

(d) Each of the undersigned registrants hereby undertakes to supply by means of a post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction that was not the subject of and included in the registration statement when it became effective.

 

II-6


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of Mountain Lakes, State of New Jersey, on December 21, 2007.

 

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC

By:

 

/s/    Jeffrey P. Ansell        

Name:   Jeffrey P. Ansell
Title:   Chief Executive Officer and Director
By:  

/s/    Craig Steeneck        

Name:   Craig Steeneck
Title:  

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial

Officer

SIGNATURES AND POWERS OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below authorizes Jeffrey P. Ansell or Craig Steeneck or either of them, as his or her attorney in fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, to execute, in his name and on his behalf, in any and all capacities, a Registration Statement on Form S-4 and any amendments including post-effective amendments thereto (and any additional registration statement related thereto permitted by Rule 462(b) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933 (and all further amendments including post-effective amendments thereto)), relating to an offer to exchange 9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015 and 10  5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017 (collectively, the “exchange notes”) of Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC and Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp. and any amendments including post-effective amendments thereto related to the exchange notes, as contemplated under the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 2, 2007, among Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC and Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp., the subsidiary guarantors party thereto, Lehman Brothers and Goldman, Sachs & Co., and any amendments including post-effective amendments thereto, and to file the same, with all the exhibits thereto, and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, necessary or advisable to enable the registrant to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, and any rules, regulations and requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, in respect thereof, in connection with the registration of the exchange notes which are the subject of such Registration Statement, as the case may be, which amendments may make such changes in such Registration Statement, as the case may be, as such attorney may deem appropriate, and with full power and authority to perform and do any and all acts and things, whatsoever which any such attorney or substitute may deem necessary or advisable to be performed or done in connection with any or all of the above-described matters, as fully as each of the undersigned could do if personally present and acting, hereby ratifying and approving all acts of any such attorney or substitute.

 

1


Table of Contents

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/s/    Roger Deromedi        

Roger Deromedi

   Chairman of the Board and Director   December 21, 2007

/s/    Jeffrey P. Ansell        

Jeffrey P. Ansell

  

Chief Executive Officer and Director

(Principal Executive Officer)

  December 21, 2007

/s/    William Toler        

William Toler

   President and Director   December 21, 2007

/s/    Joseph Jimenez        

Joseph Jimenez

   Director   December 21, 2007

/s/    Prakash A. Melwani        

Prakash A. Melwani

   Director   December 21, 2007

/s/    Shervin Korangy        

Shervin Korangy

   Director   December 21, 2007

/s/    Jason Giordano        

Jason Giordano

   Director   December 21, 2007

/s/    Craig Steeneck        

Craig Steeneck

  

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

  December 21, 2007

 

2


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of Mountain Lakes, State of New Jersey, on December 21, 2007.

 

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE CORP.
By:  

/s/    Jeffrey P. Ansell        

Name:     Jeffrey P. Ansell
Title:   Chief Executive Officer and Director

 

By:  

/s/    Craig Steeneck        

Name:     Craig Steeneck
Title:  

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial

Officer

SIGNATURES AND POWERS OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below authorizes Jeffrey P. Ansell or Craig Steeneck or either of them, as his or her attorney in fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, to execute, in his name and on his behalf, in any and all capacities, a Registration Statement on Form S-4 and any amendments including post-effective amendments thereto (and any additional registration statement related thereto permitted by Rule 462(b) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933 (and all further amendments including post-effective amendments thereto)), relating to an offer to exchange 9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015 and 10  5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017 (collectively, the “exchange notes”) of Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC and Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp. and any amendments including post-effective amendments thereto related to the exchange notes, as contemplated under the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 2, 2007, among Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC and Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp., the subsidiary guarantors party thereto, Lehman Brothers and Goldman, Sachs & Co., and any amendments including post-effective amendments thereto, and to file the same, with all the exhibits thereto, and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, necessary or advisable to enable the registrant to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, and any rules, regulations and requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, in respect thereof, in connection with the registration of the exchange notes which are the subject of such Registration Statement, as the case may be, which amendments may make such changes in such Registration Statement, as the case may be, as such attorney may deem appropriate, and with full power and authority to perform and do any and all acts and things, whatsoever which any such attorney or substitute may deem necessary or advisable to be performed or done in connection with any or all of the above-described matters, as fully as each of the undersigned could do if personally present and acting, hereby ratifying and approving all acts of any such attorney or substitute.

 

3


Table of Contents

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/s/    Roger Deromedi        

Roger Deromedi

  

Chairman of the Board and Director

  December 21, 2007

/s/    Jeffrey P. Ansell        

Jeffrey P. Ansell

  

Chief Executive Officer and Director

(Principal Executive Officer)

  December 21, 2007

/s/    William Toler        

William Toler

   President and Director   December 21, 2007

/s/    Joseph Jimenez        

Joseph Jimenez

   Director   December 21, 2007

/s/    Prakash A. Melwani        

Prakash A. Melwani

   Director   December 21, 2007

/s/    Shervin Korangy        

Shervin Korangy

   Director   December 21, 2007

/s/    Jason Giordano        

Jason Giordano

   Director   December 21, 2007

/s/    Craig Steeneck        

Craig Steeneck

  

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

  December 21, 2007

 

4


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of Mountain Lakes, State of New Jersey, on December 21, 2007.

 

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP LLC
By:  

/s/    Jeffrey P. Ansell      

Name:   Jeffrey P. Ansell
Title:   Chief Executive Officer

SIGNATURES AND POWERS OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below authorizes Jeffrey P. Ansell or Craig Steeneck or either of them, as his or her attorney in fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, to execute, in his name and on his behalf, in any and all capacities, a Registration Statement on Form S-4 and any amendments including post-effective amendments thereto (and any additional registration statement related thereto permitted by Rule 462(b) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933 (and all further amendments including post-effective amendments thereto)), relating to an offer to exchange 9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015 and 10  5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017 (collectively, the “exchange notes”) of Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC and Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp. and any amendments including post-effective amendments thereto related to the exchange notes, as contemplated under the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 2, 2007, among Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC and Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp., the subsidiary guarantors party thereto, Lehman Brothers and Goldman, Sachs & Co., and any amendments including post-effective amendments thereto, and to file the same, with all the exhibits thereto, and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, necessary or advisable to enable the registrant to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, and any rules, regulations and requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, in respect thereof, in connection with the registration of the exchange notes which are the subject of such Registration Statement, as the case may be, which amendments may make such changes in such Registration Statement, as the case may be, as such attorney may deem appropriate, and with full power and authority to perform and do any and all acts and things, whatsoever which any such attorney or substitute may deem necessary or advisable to be performed or done in connection with any or all of the above-described matters, as fully as each of the undersigned could do if personally present and acting, hereby ratifying and approving all acts of any such attorney or substitute.

 

5


Table of Contents

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/s/    Roger Deromedi      

Roger Deromedi

  

Chairman of the Board and Director

  December 21, 2007

/s/    Jeffrey P. Ansell      

Jeffrey P. Ansell

  

Chief Executive Officer and Director

(Principal Executive Officer)

  December 21, 2007

/s/    William Toler      

William Toler

  

President and Director

  December 21, 2007

/s/    Joseph Jimenez      

Joseph Jimenez

  

Director

  December 21, 2007

/s/    Prakash A. Melwani      

Prakash A. Melwani

  

Director

  December 21, 2007

/s/    Shervin Korangy      

Shervin Korangy

  

Director

  December 21, 2007

/s/    Jason Giordano      

Jason Giordano

  

Director

  December 21, 2007

/s/    Craig Steeneck      

Craig Steeneck

  

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

  December 21, 2007

 

6


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of Mountain Lakes, State of New Jersey, on December 21, 2007.

 

PINNACLE FOODS INTERNATIONAL CORP.

By:

 

/s/    Jeffrey P. Ansell        

Name:   Jeffrey P. Ansell
Title:   Chief Executive Officer

SIGNATURES AND POWERS OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below authorizes Jeffrey P. Ansell or Craig Steeneck or either of them, as his or her attorney in fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, to execute, in his name and on his behalf, in any and all capacities, a Registration Statement on Form S-4 and any amendments including post-effective amendments thereto (and any additional registration statement related thereto permitted by Rule 462(b) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933 (and all further amendments including post-effective amendments thereto)), relating to an offer to exchange 9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015 and 10  5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017 (collectively, the “exchange notes”) of Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC and Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp. and any amendments including post-effective amendments thereto related to the exchange notes, as contemplated under the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 2, 2007, among Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC and Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp., the subsidiary guarantors party thereto, Lehman Brothers and Goldman, Sachs & Co., and any amendments including post-effective amendments thereto, and to file the same, with all the exhibits thereto, and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, necessary or advisable to enable the registrant to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, and any rules, regulations and requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, in respect thereof, in connection with the registration of the exchange notes which are the subject of such Registration Statement, as the case may be, which amendments may make such changes in such Registration Statement, as the case may be, as such attorney may deem appropriate, and with full power and authority to perform and do any and all acts and things, whatsoever which any such attorney or substitute may deem necessary or advisable to be performed or done in connection with any or all of the above-described matters, as fully as each of the undersigned could do if personally present and acting, hereby ratifying and approving all acts of any such attorney or substitute.

 

7


Table of Contents

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

  

                                    Title                                     

 

Date

/s/    Roger Deromedi        

Roger Deromedi

  

Chairman of the Board and Director

  December 21, 2007

/s/    Jeffrey P. Ansell        

Jeffrey P. Ansell

  

Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)

  December 21, 2007

/s/    William Toler        

William Toler

  

President and Director

  December 21, 2007

/s/    Joseph Jimenez        

Joseph Jimenez

  

Director

  December 21, 2007

/s/    Prakash A. Melwani        

Prakash A. Melwani

  

Director

  December 21, 2007

/s/    Shervin Korangy        

Shervin Korangy

  

Director

  December 21, 2007

/s/    Jason Giordano        

Jason Giordano

  

Director

  December 21, 2007

/s/    Craig Steeneck        

Craig Steeneck

  

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

  December 21, 2007

 

8


Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

  2.1    Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of February 10, 2007, by and among Crunch Holding Corp., Peak Holdings LLC and Peak Acquisition Corp.
  2.2   

Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger, by and between Aurora Foods Inc. and Crunch Equity Holding, LLC, dated as of November 25, 2003 (previously filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. filed with the SEC on August 20, 2004 (Commission File Number: 333-118390), and incorporated herein by reference).

  2.3   

Amendment No. 1, dated January 8, 2004, to the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger, by and between Aurora Foods Inc. and Crunch Equity Holding, LLC, dated as of November 25, 2003 (previously filed as Exhibit 2.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. filed with the SEC on August 20, 2004 (Commission File Number: 333-118390), and incorporated herein by reference).

  2.4    Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated March 19, 2004, by and between Aurora Foods, Inc. and Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation (previously filed as Exhibit 2.3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. filed with the SEC on August 20, 2004 (Commission File Number: 333-118390), and incorporated herein by reference).
  2.5    Asset Purchase Agreement, dated March 1, 2006, by and between The Dial Corporation and Pinnacle Foods Groups Inc. (previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. filed with the SEC on March 1, 2006 (Commission File Number: 333-118390), and incorporated herein by reference).
  3.1    Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC Certificate of Formation.
  3.2    Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated as of April 2, 2007.
  3.3    Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp. Certificate of Incorporation.
  3.4    Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp. Bylaws.
  3.5    Pinnacle Foods Group LLC Certificate of Formation.
  3.6    Pinnacle Foods Group LLC Limited Liability Company Agreement.
  3.7    Pinnacle Foods International Corp. Certificate of Incorporation.
  3.8    Pinnacle Foods International Corp. Bylaws.
  3.9    State of Delaware Certificate of Conversion, dated September 25, 2007, converting Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. from a Corporation to a Limited Liability Company.
  4.1    Senior Notes Indenture, dated as of April 2, 2007, among the Issuers, the Guarantors and the Trustee.
  4.2    Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture, dated as of April 2, 2007, among the Issuers, the Guarantors and the Trustee.
  4.3    Registrations Rights Agreement, dated as of April 2, 2007, among the Issuers, the Guarantors and Lehman Brothers Inc. and Goldman, Sachs & Co.
  4.4    Form of Rule 144A Global Note, 9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015.
  4.5    Form of Regulation S Global Note, 9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015.
  4.6    Form of Rule 144A Global Note, 10  5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017.
  4.7    Form of Regulation S Global Note, 10  5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017.
  4.8    Credit Agreement, dated as of April 2, 2007, among Peak Finance LLC, Peak Finance Holdings LLC, Lehman Commercial Paper Inc., Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P. and other lenders party hereto.
  4.9    Security Agreement, dated as of April 2, 2007, among Peak Finance LLC (to be merged with and into Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC), Peak Finance Holdings LLC, Certain Subsidiaries of Borrower and Holdings identified herein and Lehman Commercial Paper Inc.


Table of Contents
  4.10    Guaranty, dated as of April 2, 2007, among Peak Finance Holdings LLC, Certain Subsidiaries of Borrower and Holdings identified herein and Lehman Commercial Paper Inc.
  4.11    Intellectual Property Security Agreement, dated as of April 2, 2007, among Peak Finance LLC (to be merged with and into Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC), Peak Finance Holdings LLC, Certain Subsidiaries of Borrower and Holdings identified herein and Lehman Commercial Paper Inc.
  5.1    Opinion of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP.
10.1    Employment Agreement, dated April 2, 2007 (William Darkoch).
10.2    Employment Agreement, dated April 2, 2007 (William Toler).
10.3    Employment Agreement, dated April 2, 2007 (Jeffrey P. Ansell).
10.4    Employment Agreement, dated April 2, 2007 (Craig Steeneck).
10.5    Director Service Agreement, dated April 2, 2007 (Roger Deromedi).
10.6    Transaction and Advisory Fee Agreement, dated as of April 2, 2007, between Peak Finance LLC and Blackstone Management Partners V L.L.C.
10.7    Trademark License Agreement by and between The Dial Corporation and Conagra, Inc., dated July 1, 1995 (previously filed as Exhibit 10.33 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2005 (Commission File Number: 333-118390), and incorporated herein by reference).
10.8    Tax Sharing Agreement, dated as of November 25, 2003, by and among Crunch Holding Corp., Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation, Pinnacle Foods Corporation, Pinnacle Foods Management Corporation, Pinnacle Foods Brands Corporation, PF Sales (N. Central Region) Corp., PF Sales, LLC, PF Distribution, LLC, PF Standards Corporation, Pinnacle Foods International Corp., Peak Finance Holdings LLC, Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp., Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC and Pinnacle Foods Group LLC.
10.9    Lease, dated May 23, 2001, between Brandywine Operating Partnership, L.P. and Pinnacle Foods Corporation (Cherry Hill, New Jersey) (previously filed as Exhibit 10.25 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. filed with the SEC on August 20, 2004 (Commission File Number: 333-118390), and incorporated herein by reference).
10.10    Lease, dated August 10, 2001, between 485 Properties, LLC and Pinnacle Foods Corporation (Mountain Lakes, New Jersey); Amendment No. 1, dated November 23, 2001; Amendment No. 2, dated October 16, 2003 (previously filed as Exhibit 10.26 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. filed with the SEC on August 20, 2004 (Commission File Number: 333-118390), and incorporated herein by reference).
10.11    Swanson Trademark License Agreement (U.S.) by and between CSC Brands, Inc. and Vlasic International Brands Inc., dated as of March 24, 1998 (previously filed as Exhibit 10.27 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. filed with the SEC on August 20, 2004 (Commission File Number: 333-1183900), and incorporated herein by reference).
10.12    Swanson Trademark License Agreement (Non-U.S.) by and between Campbell Soup Company and Vlasic International Brands Inc., dated as of March 26, 1998 (previously filed as Exhibit 10.28 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. filed with the SEC on August 20, 2004 (Commission File Number: 333-118390), and incorporated herein by reference).
10.13    Technology Sharing Agreement by and between Campbell Soup Company and Vlasic Foods International Inc., dated as of March 26, 1998 (previously filed as Exhibit 10.29 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. with the SEC on August 20, 2004 (Commission File Number: 333-118390), and incorporated herein by reference).
10.14    Amendment to Lease Agreement, dated February 10, 2007 (previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. filed with the SEC on February 15, 2007 (Commission File Number: 333-118390), and incorporated herein by reference).


Table of Contents
10.15   

Securityholders Agreement, dated as of April 2, 2007, among Peak Holdings LLC and the other parties hereto.

10.16    Peak Holdings LLC 2007 Unit Plan, effective as of April 2, 2007.
10.17    Peak Holdings LLC Form of Award Management Unit Subscription Agreement.
10.18    Securityholders Agreement, dated as of September 21, 2007 among Crunch Holding Corp. and the other parties hereto.
10.19    Crunch Holding Corp. 2007 Stock Incentive Plan, effective as of August 8, 2007.
10.20    Crunch Holding Corp. 2007 Stock Incentive Plan Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement.
10.21    Trademark License Agreement, dated as of July 9, 1996, by and between The Quaker Oats Company, The Quaker Oats Company of Canada Limited and Van de Kamp’s, Inc.
12.1    Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
21.1    List of Subsidiaries.
23.1    Consent of Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP.
23.2    Consent of KPMG LLP.
23.3    Consent of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP (included as part of its opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1 hereto).
24.1    Power of Attorney (included in signature pages).
25.1    Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of Wilmington Trust Company with respect to the Indentures governing the 9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015 and the 10  5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017.
99.1    Form of Letter of Transmittal.
99.2    Form of Letter to Brokers, Dealers, Commercial Banks, Trust Companies and Other Nominees.
99.3    Form of Letter to Clients.
99.4    Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.

There are omitted from the exhibits filed with or incorporated by reference into this registration statement certain instruments and agreements with respect to the long-term debt of the registrants, none of which authorizes securities in a total amount that exceeds 10% of the registrants’ total assets. The registrants hereby agree to furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission copies of any such instruments or agreements as the Commission may request.

Exhibit 2.1

Execution Version

AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

BY AND AMONG

CRUNCH HOLDING CORP.,

PEAK HOLDINGS LLC,

PEAK ACQUISITION CORP

AND

PEAK FINANCE LLC

DATED AS OF FEBRUARY 10, 2007


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page
ARTICLE I
THE MERGER
1.1    The Merger    1
1.2    Effective Time of the Merger    1
1.3    Effect of Merger    2
1.4    Certificate of Incorporation    2
1.5    Bylaws    2
1.6    Directors    2
1.7    Officers    2
ARTICLE II
CONVERSION OF SHARES
2.1    Conversion of Shares    2
2.2    Treatment of Time Vesting Options    3
2.3    Treatment of Performance Options    3
2.4    No Further Transfers    3
ARTICLE III
PAYMENT OF PURCHASE PRICE
3.1    Definitions    4
3.2    Purchase Price Closing Adjustments    6
3.3    Closing Actions    6
3.4    Mechanics of Payments    7
3.5    Dissenters’ Rights    8
3.6    Purchase Price Post-Closing Adjustments    9
ARTICLE IV
CLOSING
4.1    Time and Place of Closing    11
ARTICLE V
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY
5.1    Corporate Organization, Power and Authorizations    12
5.2    Authorization of Transactions    12


5.3    Capital Structure    13
5.4    Financial Statements    15
5.5    Certain Developments    16
5.6    Title to, Condition and Sufficiency of Assets    16
5.7    Taxes    17
5.8    Contracts and Commitments    19
5.9    Proprietary Rights    19
5.10    Litigation; Proceedings    20
5.11    Employee Benefit Plans    20
5.12    Compliance with Laws    22
5.13    Environmental Matters    22
5.14    FDA/USDA/FTC Product Matters    23
5.15    Employees    23
5.16    SEC Documents; Regulatory Reports    24
5.17    Sarbanes Oxley    24
5.18    Brokers    24
ARTICLE VI
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT, BUYER AND FINANCE SUB
6.1    Organization and Power    25
6.2    Authorization of Transaction    25
6.3    Absence of Conflicts    25
6.4    Litigation    26
6.5    Solvency    26
6.6    Financing    26
6.7    Brokers    27
ARTICLE VII
COVENANTS
7.1    Conduct of Business    27
7.2    Information    30
7.3    Consents    30
7.4    Notification of Certain Matters    31
7.5    Affiliate Agreements    31
7.6    Notification of Certain Matters    31
7.7    Employee Matters    32
7.8    Access to Information    33
7.9    Solvency Letter    34
7.10    Indemnification of Officers, Directors, Employees and Agents    34
7.11    Notification of Breach    35
7.12    Governmental Consents    36
7.13    Reasonable Efforts; Further Assurances    36
7.14    Financing    37


7.15    Treatment of Certain Debt    40
7.16    Exclusivity    41
7.17    Exercise of Drag-Along Rights    42
7.18    Non-Solicitation of Employees    42
7.19    Investigation and Agreement by Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub; No Other Representations or Warranties.    42
ARTICLE VIII
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
8.1    Conditions to Each Party’s Obligation    43
8.2    Conditions to Obligation of Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub    44
8.3    Conditions to Obligations of the Company    45
ARTICLE IX
TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
9.1    Termination    46
9.2    Effect of Termination    47
9.3    Return of Documentation    48
ARTICLE X
MISCELLANEOUS
10.1    Non-Survival of Representations, Warranties and Agreement    48
10.2    Amendment and Waiver    48
10.3    Notices    48
10.4    Binding Agreement; Assignment    50
10.5    Severability    50
10.6    Other Definitional Provisions    50
10.7    Captions    51
10.8    Entire Agreement    51
10.9    Counterparts and Facsimile Signatures    51
10.10    Waiver of Jury Trial    51
10.11    Public Announcements    51
10.12    Joint Liability    52
10.13    Jurisdiction    52
10.14    Governing Law    52
10.15    Attorneys’ Fees    52
10.16    Parties in Interest    52
10.17    Rules of Construction    53
10.18    Shareholders Agent    54
10.19    Expenses    56
10.20    Limitation of Liability    56
10.21    Enforcement    56
10.22    Conflicts and Privilege    56
10.23    Release    57


EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit A    Defined Terms
Exhibit B    Escrow Agreement
Exhibit C    Letter of Transmittal
Exhibit D    Option Surrender Agreement
Exhibit E    Debt Tender Offer Terms


AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (this “ Agreement ”) is entered into as of February 10, 2007, by and among Crunch Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation (“ Company ”), Peak Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Parent ”), Peak Acquisition Corp, a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent (“ Buyer ”) and Peak Finance LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Buyer (“ Finance Sub ”). Unless defined herein, capitalized terms used in this Agreement are defined in Exhibit A .

WITNESSETH

WHEREAS , the respective boards of directors of the Company and Buyer deem it advisable and in the best interests of their respective corporations and such corporations’ respective shareholders to consummate the merger of Buyer with and into the Company upon the terms and conditions set forth herein and in accordance with the provisions of the General Corporation Laws of the State of Delaware (“ DGCL ”). Buyer and the Company are sometimes collectively referred to herein as the “Constituent Corporations” and the Company, following the effectiveness of the Merger, is sometimes referred to herein as the “ Surviving Corporation .”

WHEREAS , in order to induce Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub to enter into this Agreement, concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock have entered into a shareholder consent (the “ Shareholder Consent ”) by which they have approved this Agreement, the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby.

WHEREAS , in order to induce the Company to enter into this Agreement, concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, Blackstone Capital Partners V L.P. (the “ Guarantor ”) has entered into a Guaranty Agreement by which it has guaranteed certain obligations of Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub under this Agreement (the “Guaranty Agreement”).

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the Recitals, the mutual representations, warranties, covenants, agreements and conditions contained herein, and in order to set forth the terms and conditions of the merger and the mode of carrying the same into effect, the parties hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

THE MERGER

1.1 The Merger . Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, at the Effective Time, Buyer shall be merged with and into the Company (the “ Merger ”) and the separate existence of Buyer shall thereupon cease, and the Company shall be the surviving corporation in the Merger.

1.2 Effective Time of the Merger . The Merger shall become effective as of the time and date of filing of the certificate of merger in a form mutually acceptable to the Parties and meeting the requirements of Section 251 of the DGCL (the “ Certificate of Merger ”) with the

 

1


Secretary of State of the State of Delaware in accordance with the provisions of the DGCL, or at the time specified in the Certificate of Merger, if later than the time of filing. The Certificate of Merger shall be filed as a part of the Closing and on the Closing Date (or at such other time as the Parties may mutually agree). The date and time when the Merger shall become effective is herein referred to as the “ Effective Time .”

1.3 Effect of Merger . At the Effective Time, the Constituent Corporations shall become a single corporation which shall be the Surviving Corporation. At such time, the separate existence of Buyer shall cease as provided under the DGCL. The Surviving Corporation shall have all the rights, privileges, immunities and powers and shall be subject to all liabilities of the Constituent Corporations as provided under the DGCL. The title to all property owned by the Constituent Corporations shall thenceforth be vested in the Surviving Corporation without reversion or impairment.

1.4 Certificate of Incorporation . The Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as of the Effective Time, shall be the Certificate of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation immediately after the consummation of the Merger.

1.5 Bylaws . The Bylaws of the Company as in effect as of the Effective Time shall be the Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation immediately after the consummation of the Merger.

1.6 Directors . The directors of Buyer holding office at the Effective Time shall be the directors of the Surviving Corporation immediately after the consummation of the Merger.

1.7 Officers . The officers of Buyer holding office at the Effective Time shall be the officers of the Surviving Corporation immediately after the consummation of the Merger.

ARTICLE II

CONVERSION OF SHARES

2.1 Conversion of Shares . As of the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of any holder:

(a) Each issued and outstanding share of Buyer’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, shall be converted into one validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable share of the Surviving Corporation’s common stock so that from and after the Effective Time, Parent shall be the holder of all issued and outstanding shares of the Surviving Corporation’s common stock.

(b) Each share of Common Stock (other than Dissenting Shares) that is issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into the right to receive, upon compliance with the applicable provisions of Section 3.4(a), an amount equal to the Common Share Price.

(c) Each share of Common Stock that is issued and held in the Company’s treasury immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be cancelled and no payment shall be made in respect thereof.

 

2


(d) Each share of Common Stock beneficially owned by any direct or indirect wholly-owned Subsidiary of Parent or the Company shall remain outstanding and no payment shall be made in respect thereof.

(e) Upon conversion thereof as described in this Section 2.1 , each share of Common Stock (other than Dissenting Shares) shall cease to exist and shall automatically be canceled and retired and each holder of a certificate representing such Common Stock (other than Dissenting Shares) shall cease to have any rights with respect thereto other than the right to receive the payments described in this Agreement without interest except as set forth in this Agreement.

(f) The Dissenting Shares shall cease to exist and shall automatically be cancelled and retired and each holder of a certificate representing Dissenting Shares shall cease to have any rights with respect thereto other than as described in Section 3.5 .

2.2 Treatment of Time Vesting Options . In accordance with the applicable Equity Plan, as of the Effective Time, unless otherwise agreed between any holder of a Time Vesting Option and Parent, (a) each Time Vesting Option shall vest and become exercisable as of the Effective Time and (b) each Time Vesting Option shall be converted into the right to receive an amount equal to the product of the Common Share Price (less the applicable per share exercise price thereof and applicable withholding Taxes) multiplied by the number of shares of Common Stock covered by such Time Vesting Option in accordance with the provisions of Article III .

2.3 Treatment of Performance Options . Unless otherwise agreed between any holder of a Performance Option and Parent, each Performance Option that vests in accordance with the terms of the applicable Equity Plan as of the Effective Time shall be converted into the right to receive an amount equal to the product of the Common Share Price (less the applicable per share exercise price thereof) multiplied by the number of shares of Common Stock covered by such Performance Option in accordance with the provisions of Article III . Each Performance Option that is not vested in accordance with the terms of the applicable Equity Plan as of the Effective Time shall terminate automatically in accordance with the terms of the applicable Equity Plan; provided, that prior to the Closing, the Company shall have the right, but not the obligation, to take such action as is necessary to cause, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any Equity Plan or stock option agreement of the Company and including taking action to amend any such Equity Plan or stock option agreement, all or any portion of such unvested Performance Options to (a) become vested and exercisable as of the Effective Time and (b) be converted into the right to receive an amount equal to the product of the Common Share Price (less the applicable per share exercise price thereof and applicable withholding Taxes) multiplied by the number of shares of Common Stock covered by such Performance Option in accordance with the provisions of Article III . The Company shall give Parent and Buyer at least three days’ prior written notice of any action taken by the Company pursuant to the proviso contained in the immediately preceding sentence.

2.4 No Further Transfers . At the Effective Time, the stock transfer books of the Company shall be closed and no transfer of Common Stock shall thereafter be made.

 

3


ARTICLE III

PAYMENT OF PURCHASE PRICE

3.1 Definitions . As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings specified:

(a) “ Closing Common Share Price ” means an amount equal to the quotient (rounded to the fifth decimal place) of: (i) an amount equal to (A) the Purchase Price (determined for purposes of the Closing as provided in Section 3.2 ) minus (B) the Escrow Amount, divided by (ii) the Fully Diluted Common Stock.

(b) “ Closing Financial Statements ” means a balance sheet of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of immediately prior to the Closing prepared as set forth in this Section 3.1(b) and, as applicable, Section 3.2 or Section 3.6 . The Parties agree that the Closing Financial Statements shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP on a basis consistent with the Company’s preparation of the Audited Financial Statements (i.e., using the same methodologies and judgments as were used by the Company in preparation of such Audited Financial Statements, but only to the extent that such methodologies and judgments are consistent with GAAP), other than any deviations from GAAP expressly required by this Agreement.

(c) “ Common Share Price ” means an amount equal to the quotient (rounded to the fifth decimal place) of: (i) the Purchase Price (determined as provided in Section 3.6 ), divided by (ii) the Fully Diluted Common Stock, which amount shall be subject to adjustment (by increase or decrease), without duplication, for (A) the deposit of the Escrow Amount at the Closing pursuant to Section 3.3(a)(vi) hereof and (B) the release, if any, of all or any portion of the Escrow Amount (and any interest, dividends and other income earned thereon) for distribution to the Shareholders pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and the Escrow Agreement.

(d) “ Debt ” means, without duplication, as of immediately prior to the Closing the aggregate amount of: (i) all indebtedness of the Company and its Subsidiaries (including the principal amount thereof or, if applicable, the accreted amount thereof and the amount of accrued and unpaid interest thereon), whether or not represented by bonds, debentures, notes or other securities, for the repayment of money borrowed, (ii) all deferred indebtedness of the Company and its Subsidiaries for the payment of the purchase price of property or assets purchased, (iii) all obligations of the Company and its Subsidiaries to pay rent or other payment amounts under a lease of real or personal property which would be required to be classified as a capital lease on a balance sheet of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries prepared in accordance with GAAP, (iv) any outstanding reimbursement obligation of the Company and its Subsidiaries with respect to letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances or similar facilities issued for the account of the Company or a Subsidiary thereof pursuant to which the applicable bank or similar entity has paid thereunder obligations for which the Company or a Subsidiary thereof is required to repay, (v) any payment obligation of the Company and its Subsidiaries under any interest rate swap agreement, forward rate agreement, interest rate cap or collar agreement or other financial agreement or arrangement entered into for the purpose of limiting or managing interest rate risks,

 

4


(vi) all indebtedness for borrowed money secured by any Lien existing on property owned by the Company or a Subsidiary thereof, whether or not indebtedness secured thereby shall have been assumed, (vii) all guaranties, endorsements, assumptions and other contingent obligations of the Company and its Subsidiaries in respect of, or to purchase or to otherwise acquire, indebtedness for borrowed money of others the repayment of which is guaranteed by the Company or a Subsidiary thereof and (viii) all other short-term and long-term liabilities of the Company and its Subsidiaries for borrowed money. Notwithstanding the foregoing to the contrary, Debt shall not include any Debt Breakage Costs.

(e) “ Enterprise Value ” means an amount equal to Two Billion One Hundred Sixty Two Million Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars ($2,162,500,000).

(f) “ Net Working Capital ” means the Company’s and its consolidated Subsidiaries’ aggregate cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable, inventories and other current assets (other than any current or deferred income Tax benefits or assets) less the Company’s and its consolidated Subsidiaries’ aggregate accounts payable and other current liabilities (other than (i) Transactions Costs, (ii) Debt, (iii) Debt Breakage Costs, (iv) Severance Costs, (v) any social security, medicare, unemployment or other employment Taxes arising from (x) the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents or (y) Severance Costs, (vi) any current or deferred income Tax liabilities and (vii) the Aurora Excess Leverage Fee Accrued Liability in the amount of $20,110,000 (including any change in the amount of such reserve) as reflected in ledger account number 340.907). In calculating the Net Working Capital, the costs of obtaining any “tail” policy under Section 7.10(d) shall be disregarded. In addition, in determining Net Working Capital, the net cash proceeds, if any, received prior to the Closing and realized from the sale of the Omaha, Nebraska plant shall be disregarded.

(g) “ Purchase Price ” means an amount equal to: (i) the Enterprise Value plus the aggregate amount of the exercise prices for the Vested Options outstanding immediately prior to the Closing (and determined giving effect to the Closing), minus (ii) the sum of the amounts of the Debt and the Transaction Costs and (iii) increased or decreased in respect of Net Working Capital and/or Debt as provided for in Section 3.6(e) . Except to the extent that such are determined to be incorrect based upon the various payments of such to be made at the Closing, in calculating the Purchase Price, the amount of Transaction Costs shall be determined as provided in Section 3.2(a) and shall be final and binding on the parties. Solely for purposes of determining the Closing Common Share Price payable at the Closing, the Purchase Price shall be increased or decreased in respect of Estimated Net Working Capital as provided in Section 3.2(b) . In calculating the various adjustments to the Purchase Price under this Agreement, no single item shall be given duplicative effect.

(h) “ Transaction Costs ” means all fees and expenses unpaid as of immediately prior to Closing that have been incurred by the Company, the Shareholders Agent or a Shareholder and which are to be borne by the Company pursuant to Section 10.19 in connection with the sale of the Company, the Merger, the Transaction Documents and the consummation of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents (including any bonus or other payment or benefit to any current or former employee, officer or director that is triggered by the occurrence of the Merger (other than as described in Sections 2.2 and 2.3 ) and the payments set forth on Schedule 3.1(h) (to the extent required to be

 

5


made at or following the Closing)). Transaction Costs shall include the Advisor Fees and the fees and expenses paid or payable to Lehman Brothers Inc. pursuant to the terms of the engagement letter previously disclosed to Buyer. Notwithstanding the foregoing to the contrary, Transaction Costs shall not include any Debt Breakage Costs or Severance Costs (other than the payments set forth on Schedule 3.1(h)).

3.2 Purchase Price Closing Adjustments .

(a) No later than three Business Days before the Closing Date, the Company shall deliver to Buyer estimated Closing Financial Statements which shall contain a good faith estimate of: (i) the amount of Net Working Capital as of immediately prior to the Closing (the “ Estimated Net Working Capital ”), (ii) the total amount of the Debt as of immediately prior to the Closing (the “ Estimated Debt ”) and the Debt Amount and (iii) the total amount of the Transaction Costs (together with the name of each payee thereof).

(b) To the extent that the Estimated Net Working Capital as set forth in the estimated Closing Financial Statements is less than $126,750,000 (the “ Net Working Capital Target ”), then the Purchase Price to be funded by Buyer at the Closing shall be decreased by such shortfall. To the extent that the Estimated Net Working Capital as set forth in the estimated Closing Financial Statements is greater than the Net Working Capital Target, then the Purchase Price to be funded by Buyer at the Closing shall be increased by such surplus.

3.3 Closing Actions .

(a) Subject to Section 3.4 , Parent shall pay, or shall cause the Surviving Corporation or its Subsidiaries, as applicable, to pay, the following payments:

(i) at the Closing, to each holder of Common Stock an amount equal to the Closing Common Share Price multiplied by the number of shares of Common Stock (other than Dissenting Shares) owned by such holder immediately prior to the Effective Time;

(ii) reasonably promptly following the Closing, to each holder of an Option the amounts payable (if any) pursuant to Sections 2.2 and 2.3 in respect of such Option, less applicable federal, state and local income Tax withholding and Social Security, Medicare, state disability, unemployment and other withholding obligations;

(iii) in due course, to the applicable Governmental Entity, the aggregate amount of all applicable federal, state and local income Tax withholding and Social Security, Medicare, state disability, unemployment and other withholding obligations withheld in respect of payments to Option holders;

(iv) at the Closing, to the “Administrative Agent” under the Credit Agreement, the Debt Amount;

(v) at the Closing, to each payee thereof, the Transaction Costs;

 

6


(vi) at the Closing, to the Escrow Agent an amount equal to $10,000,000 (the “ Escrow Amount ”) to be held in escrow in accordance with the escrow agreement to be entered into at Closing by the Shareholders Agent, Parent, Buyer and the Escrow Agent in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit B (the “ Escrow Agreement ”); and

(vii) at the Closing, (A) to the depository or paying agent under the Debt Tender Offer, the amount required to fund the purchase of Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn pursuant to the Debt Tender Offer, or (B) if the conditions to the Debt Tender Offer have not been satisfied or waived, to a trust established under Section 8.01 of the Indenture, the amount required to fund the optional redemption of the Notes contemplated by Section 5 of the form of the Notes, as applicable.

(b) Parent and the Company shall take, or shall cause their respective Subsidiaries to take, the following actions:

(i) Immediately prior to the Closing, the Company shall contribute all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of PFGI to a newly formed Delaware limited liability company (“ New Crunch LLC ”), which shall be a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, the documentation thereof being in form and substance reasonably acceptable to each of Parent and the Company;

(ii) at the Closing, to the extent necessary to fund the payments to be made by the Surviving Corporation pursuant to Section 3.3(a) , Parent shall cause proceeds received as a result of the Financing, including the proceeds received by Parent from the Equity Financing and proceeds received by the Finance Sub from the Debt Financing, to be transferred to the Surviving Corporation, Buyer or PFGI, as applicable; and

(iii) at the Closing, Finance Sub shall be merged with and into New Crunch LLC (the “ Subsidiary Merger ”) in such a manner that New Crunch LLC shall be the surviving entity (the “ Subsidiary Surviving Company ”) and shall become an indirect wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company, the documentation thereof being in form and substance reasonably acceptable to each of Parent and the Company.

3.4 Mechanics of Payments .

(a) All cash payments under or pursuant to this Agreement in excess of $1 million shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to one or more accounts designated by the payee thereof or by check if requested by the payee thereof. All cash payments to the Shareholders as contemplated by Section 3.3(a) and Section 3.3(b) , as applicable, shall be made only after delivery to the Surviving Corporation by such Person, as applicable, of: (i) a letter of transmittal in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C (the “ Letter of Transmittal ”) and stock certificates either duly endorsed for transfer or accompanied by duly executed stock powers and (ii) an option surrender agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D (an “ Option Surrender Agreement ”). Prior to the Closing, the Company shall provide each Shareholder with the form of Letter of Transmittal and Option Surrender Agreement, as applicable, in order that each Shareholder shall have an opportunity to comply with this Section 3.4 at the Closing and to receive the payments contemplated by Section 3.3(a) and Section 3.3(b) , as applicable, on the Closing Date. Parent and the Surviving Corporation shall be entitled to withhold from the Purchase Price paid at Closing the portion thereof due to any Shareholder who has not, as of the Closing, submitted the documents required under this Section 3.4 .

 

7


(b) Parent or the Surviving Corporation will be entitled to deduct and withhold from any amount payable pursuant to this Agreement such amounts as Parent (or any Affiliate thereof) or the Surviving Corporation shall determine in good faith they are required to deduct and withhold with respect to the making of such payment under the Code or any provision of federal, state, local or foreign laws relating to Taxes. To the extent that amounts are so withheld by Parent or the Surviving Corporation, such withheld amounts will be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the Person in respect of whom such deduction and withholding were made by Parent or the Surviving Corporation.

(c) Parent (or a paying agent designated by Parent and reasonably acceptable to the Company) shall act as paying agent for the purpose of effectuating the exchange of cash consideration pursuant to this Section 3.4 in accordance with customary exchange procedures as are determined by Parent and the Company prior to the Effective Time.

3.5 Dissenters’ Rights .

(a) Promptly following the execution of this Agreement, the Company shall provide each record holder of Common Stock with notice of their appraisal rights pursuant to Section 262 of the DGCL. The Company shall give Parent prompt written notice of any demands for appraisal pursuant to section 262 of the DGCL received by the Company, withdrawals of such demands and any other instruments served pursuant to the DGCL and received by the Company in connection therewith, and Parent shall have the right to participate at its own expense in all negotiations or proceedings with respect to any such demands. The Company shall not, except with the prior written consent of Parent, voluntarily make any payment with respect to, or settle or offer to settle, any such demands prior to the Effective Time. No later than ten days following the date on which the Effective Time occurs, Parent and the Surviving Corporation shall provide all Shareholders with notice of the Effective Time.

(b) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, no shares of Common Stock that are held immediately prior to the Effective Time by holders who have neither voted in favor of the Merger nor consented thereto in writing and who have demanded and perfected the right, if any, for appraisal of such shares of Common Stock in accordance with the provisions of Section 262 of the DGCL and have not withdrawn or lost such right to such appraisal (collectively “ Dissenting Shares ”) shall be converted into or represent a right to receive the Common Share Price or any other amount, but the holder of such shares of Common Stock shall only be entitled, in lieu thereof, to such rights as are provided under Section 262 of the DGCL. If a holder of shares of Common Stock who demands appraisal of such shares of Common Stock under the DGCL shall thereafter effectively withdraw (under Section 262(k) of the DGCL) or lose (through failure to perfect or otherwise) the right to appraisal with respect to such shares of Common Stock, then each such share of Common Stock shall be deemed to have been converted, at the Effective Time, into and represent only the right to receive the Common Share Price in accordance with this Agreement, without any interest thereon, upon delivery of a completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal and the surrender of the certificate or certificates representing such share of Common Stock to the Surviving Corporation.

 

8


3.6 Purchase Price Post-Closing Adjustments .

(a) The Purchase Price shall be adjusted following the Closing as set forth in this Section 3.6 .

(b) Following the Closing, the Surviving Corporation shall prepare the Closing Financial Statements which shall contain its calculations of the Net Working Capital and Debt as of immediately prior to the Closing, and the Surviving Corporation shall deliver the same to the Shareholders Agent no later than the sixtieth (60th) day following the Closing Date. At least seven (7) days prior to the Surviving Corporation’s delivery of its Closing Financial Statements and calculations of Net Working Capital and Debt, the Surviving Corporation shall provide drafts thereof to the Shareholders Agent and shall discuss with the Shareholders Agent any questions or concerns that the Shareholders Agent has with regard to such drafts during such seven (7) day period. Thereafter, the Closing Financial Statements and calculations of the Net Working Capital and Debt delivered to the Shareholders Agent shall be final and binding on the parties unless the Shareholders Agent objects within thirty (30) days after receipt thereof by: (i) notifying the Surviving Corporation in writing of each objection and (ii) delivering to the Surviving Corporation a detailed statement describing the basis for each objection along with the Shareholders Agent’s Closing Financial Statements and calculations of the Net Working Capital and Debt. Any component of the Surviving Corporation’s Closing Financial Statements and calculations of the Net Working Capital and Debt that is not the subject of an objection by the Shareholders Agent shall be final and binding on the parties. If the Surviving Corporation agrees with the objection(s) of the Shareholders Agent and the Shareholders Agent’s Closing Financial Statements and calculations of the Net Working Capital and Debt, then the Shareholders Agent’s Closing Financial Statements and calculations of the Net Working Capital and Debt shall be final and binding on the Parties and the Purchase Price shall be adjusted as set forth in Section 3.6(e) . If the Surviving Corporation does not agree with the objection(s) of the Shareholders Agent or the Shareholders Agent’s Closing Financial Statements and calculations of the Net Working Capital and Debt, then the Surviving Corporation shall, within fifteen (15) days after receipt of the Shareholders Agent’s objection(s) and calculations, notify the Shareholders Agent of its disagreement which shall contain a detailed statement describing the basis for each objection. Throughout the period following the Closing Date, the Surviving Corporation shall permit the Shareholders Agent and its counsel, accountants and other advisors reasonable access (with the right to make copies) to the financial books and records of the Surviving Corporation for the purposes of the review and objection right contemplated herein.

(c) The Parties shall use reasonable efforts to resolve any dispute arising under Section 3.6(b) ; provided, that if they are unable to do so within thirty (30) days following the Surviving Corporation’s notice to the Shareholders Agent that it disagrees with the Shareholders Agent’s objection(s) or the Shareholders Agent’s Closing Financial Statements and calculations of the Net Working Capital and Debt, then by notice from the Shareholders Agent or the Surviving Corporation to the other the disagreement may be submitted for resolution to Ernst & Young LLP or such other firm of independent accountants of national standing to which the parties agree (the “ Independent Accountants ”). If issues are submitted to the Independent Accountants for resolution, the Shareholders Agent and the Surviving Corporation shall enter into a customary engagement letter with the Independent Accountants at the time the issues remaining in dispute are submitted to the Independent Accountants. Within ten (10) days after

 

9


the Independent Accountants have been retained, the Shareholders Agent and the Surviving Corporation shall furnish, at their own expense, to the Independent Accountants and the other party a written statement of their position with respect to each matter in dispute. Within five (5) Business Days after the expiration of such ten (10) day period, the Shareholders Agent and the Surviving Corporation may deliver to the Independent Accountants and to each other its response to the other’s position on each matter in dispute. With each submission, the Shareholders Agent and the Surviving Corporation may also furnish to the Independent Accountants such other information and documents as they deem relevant or such information and documents as may be requested by the Independent Accountants with appropriate copies or notification being given to the other. The Independent Accountants may, at their discretion, conduct a conference concerning the disagreement with the Shareholders Agent and the Surviving Corporation, at which conference the Shareholders Agent and the Surviving Corporation shall each have the right to present additional documents, materials and other information and to have present its advisors, counsel and accountants.

(d) The Independent Accountants shall be directed to promptly, and in any event within thirty (30) days after their appointment pursuant to Section 3.6(c) , render their decision on the disputed items. The Independent Accountants’ determination as to each item in dispute shall be set forth in a written statement delivered to the Shareholders Agent and the Surviving Corporation, which shall include the Independent Accountants’ determination of the Closing Financial Statements and their calculations of the Net Working Capital and Debt immediately prior to the Closing, all of which shall be final and binding on the parties. The Independent Accountants shall also determine the proportion of their fees and expenses to be paid by each of the Shareholders Agent and the Surviving Corporation based primarily on the degree to which the Independent Accountants have accepted the positions of the respective parties.

(e)

(i) If the sum of (A) the amount of the Net Working Capital as finally determined pursuant to this Section 3.6 minus the Estimated Net Working Capital and (B) the Estimated Debt minus amount of Debt determined pursuant to this Section 3.6 is a positive number, then the Surviving Corporation and the Shareholders Agent shall provide a joint written instruction to the Escrow Agent to deliver promptly from the Escrow Amount all of the funds contained therein to the Shareholders Agent and Parent shall promptly pay, or shall cause the Surviving Corporation to promptly pay to the Shareholders Agent the amount of such sum plus interest thereon from the Closing Date through the payment date at the prime rate of interest quoted in The Wall Street Journal on the second Business Day prior to the date of payment (the “ Applicable Rate ”). Promptly after the receipt of such funds, the Shareholders Agent shall distribute such funds to the Shareholders (except as to Dissenting Shares) based on each Shareholder’s Percentage Share thereof; provided, that the Percentage Share attributable to any Dissenting Shares shall be paid by the Shareholders Agent to the Surviving Corporation. In addition, the Shareholders Agent shall have the right to request the Surviving Corporation to distribute all or any part of such funds to any or all of the other Shareholders and upon making such request and tendering such funds to the Surviving Corporation, the Surviving Corporation shall promptly make such distribution to such Shareholders based on each such Shareholder’s Percentage Share thereof and the Shareholders Agent shall have no further liability or obligation as to the distribution of such funds.

 

10


(ii) If the sum of (A) the amount of the Net Working Capital as finally determined pursuant to this Section 3.6 minus the Estimated Net Working Capital and (B) the Estimated Debt minus the amount of Debt determined pursuant to this Section 3.6 is a negative number, then the Surviving Corporation and the Shareholders Agent shall provide a joint written instruction to the Escrow Agent to deliver promptly from the Escrow Amount (x) an amount equal to the absolute value of such sum to the Surviving Corporation plus interest thereon from the Effective Time through the payment date at the Applicable Rate and (y) any funds remaining therein after giving effect to clause (y) to the Shareholders Agent for distribution to the Shareholders (except as to Dissenting Shares) based on each Shareholder’s Percentage Share. To the extent that such amount and interest thereon from the Effective Time through the payment date at the Applicable Rate exceeds the Escrow Amount, then Parent and the Surviving Corporation shall be deemed to have irrevocably waived its right to recover such unpaid shortfall excess and interest. The Percentage Share attributable to any Dissenting Shares shall be paid by the Shareholders Agent to the Surviving Corporation. In addition, the Shareholders Agent shall have the right to request the Surviving Corporation to distribute all or any part of such funds to any or all of the other Shareholders and upon making such request and tendering such funds to the Surviving Corporation, the Surviving Corporation shall promptly make such distribution to such Shareholders based on each such Shareholder’s Percentage Share thereof and the Shareholders Agent shall have no further liability or obligation as to the distribution of such funds.

ARTICLE IV

CLOSING

4.1 Time and Place of Closing . Unless otherwise agreed to by the Company and Parent, the Closing will occur at 9:00 a.m. local time on the date that is not later than five Business Days after the date on which the applicable waiting period (including any extension thereof) under the HSR Act expires or terminates or, if not then satisfied or waived, the third succeeding Business Day after the date on which all conditions to Closing (other than conditions the fulfillment of which is to occur at the Closing) are satisfied or waived; provided that, notwithstanding the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the HSR Act or the satisfaction or waiver of all conditions to Closing, the Parties shall not be required to effect the Closing until the earliest of (a) a date during the Marketing Period specified by Parent on no less than three Business Days’ notice to the Company, (b) the final day of the Marketing Period and (c) the Business Day immediately prior to the Termination Date, subject in each case to the satisfaction or waiver of all the conditions to Closing as of the date determined pursuant to this proviso. The Closing shall take place at the offices of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP in New York City, New York. The date upon which the Closing actually occurs is referred to as the “ Closing Date .”

 

11


ARTICLE V

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

Except (a) as disclosed in the SEC Documents filed with the SEC after January 1, 2006 and prior to the date of this Agreement with respect to information that is reasonably apparent on its face relevant to the representations and warranties contained in this Article V (excluding any disclosures set forth in any risk factor section thereof, in any section relating to forward looking statements and any other disclosures included therein to the extent that they are cautionary, predictive or forward looking in nature) or (b) as disclosed on the Company Disclosure Schedule (each reference contained herein to the Company Disclosure Schedule qualifies the referenced representation and warranty to the extent specified therein and such other representations and warranties contained herein (regardless of whether or not such representation or warranty contains an express reference to the Company Disclosure Schedule) to the extent a matter in the Company Disclosure Schedule is disclosed in such a way as to make its relevance to the information called for by such other representation or warranty readily apparent on its face), the Company represents and warrants to Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub, as of the date hereof, as follows:

5.1 Corporate Organization, Power and Authorizations . Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its respective jurisdiction of incorporation, organization or formation, and has all requisite power and authority to own, lease and operate its assets and properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted and as presently proposed to be conducted by it. Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries is duly qualified or licensed to transact business as a foreign corporation and is in good standing in each of those jurisdictions set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.1 , which constitute all of the jurisdictions in which the nature of the business it is conducting, or the operation, ownership or leasing of its assets or properties, makes such qualification or licensing necessary, other than in such jurisdictions where the failure to be so duly qualified or licensed and in good standing would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect. The Company has delivered to Parent or otherwise made available to Parent in the electronic data room of the Company or its representatives complete and correct copies of its certificate of incorporation and bylaws and its Subsidiaries’ respective certificates of incorporation and bylaws, as amended and in effect. All Subsidiaries of the Company and their respective jurisdictions of incorporation are set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.1 .

5.2 Authorization of Transactions . The Company has full power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and all other Transaction Documents to which it is a party, to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated herein and therein. Except for obtaining approval as required under the HSR Act, (i) the Company has full power and authority to execute and deliver all other Transaction Documents to which the Company is or will be a party and to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder and (ii) no other proceeding or action on the part of the Company is necessary to approve and authorize the Company’s execution and delivery of any other Transaction Document to which the Company is or will be a party or the performance of the Company’s obligations hereunder or thereunder. Simultaneously with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Company has obtained approval of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby pursuant to the Shareholder Consent, and no additional authorization, approval, ratification or other action is required by the Shareholders in order to complete the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. This Agreement and all other Transaction Documents to which the Company is or will be a party have been, or will be at Closing, duly

 

12


executed and delivered by the Company and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery hereof and thereof by the parties thereto other than the Company, constitute or, upon execution and delivery, will constitute the valid and binding agreements of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms, except as enforceability hereof or thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or other laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and limitations on the availability of equitable remedies.

5.3 Capital Structure .

(a) The authorized capital stock of the Company consists solely of 800,000,000 shares of Common Stock of which: (i) 552,135,062 shares of Common Stock are issued and outstanding, subject to the exercise of outstanding Options between the date hereof and the Closing Date, (ii) no shares of Common Stock are issued and held by the Company in treasury, (iii) 29,418,909 shares of Common Stock are reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding Options, subject to the exercise of outstanding Options between the date hereof and the Closing Date and (iv) 4,517,029 shares of Common Stock are reserved for issuance under the Stock Purchase Plans. No bonds, debentures, notes or other instruments or evidence of indebtedness having the right to vote (or convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for, securities having the right to vote) on any matters on which the holders of Common Stock may vote are issued or outstanding. All outstanding shares of Common Stock are duly authorized and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and were not issued in violation of any preemptive or other similar rights. Except as set forth above, and as set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.3(a) , there (A) are no shares of capital stock or other equity interests of the Company authorized, issued or outstanding, (B) are no securities of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for, shares of capital stock or other equity interests of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, (C) is no option, warrant, call, preemptive right, subscription or other right, agreement, arrangement, understanding or commitment of any character, relating to the issued or unissued capital stock or other equity interest of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, obligating the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company to issue, transfer or sell or cause to be issued, transferred or sold any shares of capital stock or other equity interest in, the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company or securities convertible into or exchangeable for such shares, or equity interests, or obligating the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company to grant, extend or enter into any such option, warrant, call, subscription or other right, commitment, arrangement or agreement and (D) is no outstanding contractual obligation of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any capital stock or other equity interest of the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company, or to provide funds to make any investment (in the form of a loan, capital contribution or otherwise) in any Subsidiary of the Company or any other Person.

(b) There are outstanding Options to acquire an aggregate of 27,750,885 shares of Common Stock, subject to the exercise of outstanding Options between the date hereof and the Closing Date, with each such Option having the per share exercise price set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.3(b) . On the applicable grant date for each Option, the exercise price therefor was equal to, or in excess of, the then-fair market value per share of Common Stock.

 

13


(c) Each of the Company’s Subsidiaries is listed on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.3(c) . The authorized capital stock and the issued and outstanding capital stock of each such Subsidiary is listed on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.3(c) . Except as set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.3(c) , the Company directly or indirectly is the beneficial and record owner of all issued and outstanding capital stock of each such Subsidiary and such ownership is free and clear of all Liens. Each outstanding share of capital stock of each such Subsidiary has been duly and validly authorized and issued and is fully paid and nonassessable. No shares of capital stock of any such Subsidiary have been issued in violation of any preemptive or similar rights of any past or present stockholder of such Subsidiary. No shares of capital stock of any such Subsidiary are reserved for issuance, and there are no contracts, agreements, commitments or arrangements obligating any such Subsidiary to offer, sell, issue or grant any shares of, or any options, warrants or rights of any kind to acquire any shares of, or any securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for any shares of, capital stock of such Subsidiary.

(d) Absence of Conflicts . The execution, delivery and performance by the Company of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party do not, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein and therein will not, subject to obtaining the consents, approvals, authorizations and permits and making the filings described in this Section 5.3(d) or as set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.3(d) , (i) violate, conflict with, or result in any breach of, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of the Company’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws or its Subsidiaries’ respective certificates of incorporation and bylaws, (ii) except for Material Contracts set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.8 with an asterisk, if any, require a Consent or violate or result in any violation or breach of, or constitute a default (with or without due notice or lapse of time or both) under, or give rise to any right of termination, cancellation or acceleration under, or a loss of any benefits by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any Material Contract in existence as of the date of this Agreement, (iii) violate any order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, statute, law, rule or regulation of any Governmental Entity applicable to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or by which or to which any portion of their respective properties or assets is bound or subject or (iv) result in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon any properties or assets of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company except, with respect to each of clauses (ii) and (iii), such violations, conflicts, breaches or defaults as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect. No Consent, registration, declaration, or filing with, any Governmental Entity is required by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party or the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, except for (A) the filing of a pre-merger notification and report form by the Company under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the “ HSR Act ”), and the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period thereunder, (B) the filing, if applicable or advisable, of a request for an Advance Ruling Certificate pursuant to Section 102 of the Competition Act (Canada) and/or the filing of a pre-merger notification by the Company and Parent in accordance with Part IX of the Competition Act (Canada) and the expiration of the applicable waiting period thereunder, (C) the filing of the Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and (D) such other consents, approvals, orders, authorizations, registrations, declarations, filings, notices or permits the failure of which to be obtained or made would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

14


5.4 Financial Statements .

(a) The Company has delivered to Parent or otherwise made available to Parent in the electronic data room of the Company the following (collectively, the “ Financial Statements ”):

(i) the audited consolidated balance sheets of PFGI as of December 26, 2004 and December 25, 2005 and the audited consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and shareholder’s equity of PFGI for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2005 and for the period from August 1, 2004 to December 26, 2004 and November 25, 2003 to July 31, 2004 (including, in each case, the notes thereto), accompanied by the report thereon of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm (the “ Audited Financial Statements ”);

(ii) the unaudited interim consolidated balance sheet of PFGI dated September 24, 2006 (the “ Latest Balance Sheet ”) and the related unaudited interim consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and shareholder’s equity of PFGI for the nine-month period ended September 24, 2006 (collectively, the “ Interim Statements ”); and

(iii) the unaudited consolidated balance sheet of PFGI dated December 31, 2006 and the related unaudited consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and shareholder’s equity of PFGI for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 (the “ 2006 Unaudited Statements ”), which are set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.4(a) .

(b) The Audited Financial Statements (in each case including the notes thereto) were prepared from the books and records of PFGI (which are accurate and complete in all material respects) and in accordance with GAAP. The Interim Statements and the 2006 Unaudited Statements were prepared in accordance with GAAP (except that such unaudited financial statements do not contain all footnotes required under GAAP and in the case of the Interim Statements are subject to normal year-end adjustments) and on a basis and using principles consistent with the preparation of the Audited Financial Statements. The Financial Statements fairly present, in all material respects, the assets and liabilities and results of operations of PFGI and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of the respective dates thereof and for the periods then ended. When delivered in accordance with Section 7.13(c) , the 2006 Audited Statements shall conform in all material respects to the 2006 Unaudited Statements.

(c) Except as set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.4(c) , PFGI and its consolidated Subsidiaries do not have any liability or obligation of any kind, whether absolute, accrued, asserted or unasserted, contingent or otherwise, except liabilities, obligations or contingencies that (i) have been incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (ii) have been incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (iii) are accrued or reserved against in the Latest Balance Sheet, (iv) any such liability which would not be required to be presented in unaudited interim financial statements prepared in conformity with GAAP or (v) are immaterial. The Company is a holding company and does not have any assets or liabilities of any kind except for shares of common stock of PFGI.

 

15


5.5 Certain Developments . Since the date of the Latest Balance Sheet, there has not been any Material Adverse Effect. Other than as expressly contemplated by this Agreement or as described on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.5 , during the period commencing as of the date of the Latest Balance Sheet and expiring as of the date of this Agreement, the Company and its Subsidiaries have conducted their businesses only in the ordinary course consistent with past practice and neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has:

(a) sold, leased, assigned, licensed, or transferred any material asset or right or any material portion of its assets or rights (other than dispositions of inventory in the ordinary course of business, dispositions of obsolete or worn out assets in the ordinary course of business, dispositions of assets which have been replaced with assets of equal or greater value and utility, and collection of receivables in the ordinary course of business);

(b) made any material deviation from any historical accounting principle, procedure or practice followed by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or in the method of applying any such principle, procedure or practice;

(c) made any issuance, sale or disposition of capital stock or any other securities or grant of any options, warrants or other rights to subscribe for or purchase any capital stock or any other securities of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries;

(d) made or granted any bonus or any wage, salary or compensation increase other than in the ordinary course of business to any employee or independent contractor, except pursuant to the express terms of any written contract or agreement which is described on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.5 or Company Disclosure Schedule 5.8 ; or

(e) authorized any of, or committed, resolved or agreed to take any of, the foregoing actions, or any action that would be prohibited by Section 7.1 if taken while this Agreement were in effect.

5.6 Title to, Condition and Sufficiency of Assets .

(a) Company Disclosure Schedule 5.6(a) sets forth as of the date of this Agreement an accurate description in all material respects of all real property owned in fee by the Company or its Subsidiaries (“ Owned Real Property ”). Except as set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.6(a) and in the real estate title reports for real estate owned by the Company and its Subsidiaries made available to Parent prior to the date hereof, the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company has good, valid and marketable, fee simple title in and to the Owned Real Property, free and clear of all Liens other than Permitted Encumbrances. The Company or a Subsidiary of the Company has sufficient title to such easements, rights of way and other rights appurtenant to each of the Owned Real Properties as are necessary to permit ingress and egress to and from the Owned Real Property to a public way, except where the failure to have such title would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect. The material improvements on the Owned Real Property have access to such sewer, water, gas, electric, telephone and other utilities as are necessary to allow the business of the

 

16


Company and each of its Subsidiaries operated thereon to be operated in the ordinary course as currently operated, except where the failure to have such access would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.6(a) , the material improvements located on the Owned Real Property are in sufficiently good condition (except for ordinary wear and tear) to allow the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries to be operated in the ordinary course as currently operated and as presently proposed to be operated. No condemnation proceeding is pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened, which would preclude or materially impair the use of any Owned Real Property for the uses for which it is intended. The current use of the Owned Real Property by the Company and its Subsidiaries does not violate in any material respect any restrictive covenants of record affecting any of the Owned Real Property.

(b) Company Disclosure Schedule 5.6(b) sets forth a true and complete list of all real property leases and subleases to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party as of the date of this Agreement, true and complete copies of which have been made available to Parent. Each lease set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.6(b) is a valid and binding obligation of the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company, enforceable in accordance with its terms, and is in full force and effect. Except as otherwise set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.6(b) , neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries, and to the Knowledge of the Company, as of the date of this Agreement, no other party, is in default in any material respect under any lease or sublease set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.6(b) or has received any written notice of any default or event that with notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries under any such lease or sublease. The Company or one of its Subsidiaries has a good and valid leasehold interest in all real property leased pursuant to the leases and subleases set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.6(b) and, except for Liens under the Credit Agreement, has not collaterally assigned, mortgaged, deeded in trust or granted any other lien in such leased real property or any interest therein. As of the date of this Agreement, no condemnation proceeding is pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened, which would preclude or materially impair the use of any such leased real property for the uses for which it is intended.

(c) The Company or its Subsidiaries have good title to, or hold pursuant to valid and enforceable leases to, all the tangible properties and assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries (excluding Real Property) that are material to the conduct of the businesses of the Company and its Subsidiaries, with only such exceptions as constitute Permitted Encumbrances. Except as set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.6(c) , such tangible properties and assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries are sufficient for the continued conduct of the Company’s businesses in substantially the same manner as previously conducted, and as currently proposed to be conducted.

5.7 Taxes . Except as set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.7 :

(a) All material Tax Returns required to be filed by or with respect to the Company and its Subsidiaries have been filed when due. All such Tax Returns are true, correct and complete in all material respects. All Taxes of the Company and each of its Subsidiaries (whether or not shown on any Tax Return) have been paid when due. All Taxes of the Company and its Subsidiaries not yet due have been accrued or reserved against in the Latest Balance

 

17


Sheet. All Tax withholding and deposit requirements imposed on or with respect to the Company and its Subsidiaries have been satisfied in full in all respects. There are no Liens on any of the assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that arose in connection with any failure to pay any Tax other than Permitted Encumbrances.

(b) There is no contract, agreement, plan or arrangement covering any person that, individually or collectively, as a consequence of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or otherwise, could give rise to the payment of any amount that would not be deductible by the Company or any Subsidiary thereof, as the case may be, by reason of Section 280G of the Code.

(c) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has granted (or is subject to) any waiver or extension that is currently in effect of the period of limitations for the assessment or payment of any Tax or the filing of any Tax Return.

(d) No unpaid Tax assessment, deficiency or adjustment has been assessed against or with respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries by any Governmental Entity, and there are no currently pending audits or administrative or judicial proceedings with respect to Taxes of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

(e) Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has ever been a member of a combined, consolidated, affiliated or unitary group for Tax filing purposes, other than the group in which it currently is a member.

(f) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries will be required to include any amount of income for any taxable period ending after the Closing Date as a result of a change in accounting method for any taxable period ending on or before the Closing Date or pursuant to any agreement with any Governmental Entity with respect to any such taxable period. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries will be required to include in any period ending after the Closing Date any income that accrued in a prior period but was not recognized in any prior period as a result of the installment method of accounting or otherwise.

(g) No written claim has ever been made by any Governmental Entity in any jurisdiction in which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries do not file Tax Returns that any such Person is or may be subject to Taxation by that jurisdiction and that has not been resolved.

(h) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is party to or has any obligation under any Tax sharing, Tax indemnity, or Tax allocation agreement.

(i) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has been either a “distributing corporation” or a “controlled corporation” in a distribution occurring during the last five years in which the parties to such distribution treated the distribution as one to which Section 355 of the Code is applicable.

(j) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has entered into any transactions that are or would be part of any “reportable transaction” under Sections 6011, 6111 or 6112 of the Code (or any similar provision under any state or local law).

 

18


(k) As of the date of the Latest Balance Sheet, the Company and its Subsidiaries were entitled to claim net operating loss carry-forwards for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which net operating loss carry-forwards will not be limited immediately prior to the Effective Time by Section 382, 383 or 384 of the Code or the regulations thereunder, except as set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.7 , in an aggregate amount of at least $816,000,000.

(l) None of the Subsidiaries of the Company owns any Common Stock.

(m) Neither the Company nor any U.S. Subsidiary has been a United States real property holding corporation within the meaning of Section 897(c)(2) of the Code during the applicable period specified in Section 897(c)(l)(A)(ii) of the Code.

5.8 Contracts and Commitments . Company Disclosure Schedule 5.8 sets forth as of the date of this Agreement all Material Contracts to which either the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which any of them or their assets or properties are otherwise bound. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is in default in any material respect under any such Material Contract. Each such Material Contract is (a) a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company or its Subsidiaries and, to the Knowledge of the Company, a legal, valid and binding obligation of each other party thereto, and (b) is in full force and effect. To the Knowledge of the Company, as of the date of this Agreement, each other party thereto, has performed in all respects all obligations required to be performed by it and is not in default under or in breach of, nor in receipt of any claim of default or breach under, any such Material Contract. There has not occurred any event or events that, with the lapse of time or the giving of notice or both, would constitute a default by the Company or any Subsidiary, except as set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.8 and except for those defaults that would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.

5.9 Proprietary Rights . Company Disclosure Schedule 5.9 sets forth all of the statutorily registered or issued Intellectual Property used by the Company and its Subsidiaries as of the date of this Agreement. All such registered Intellectual Property that is material is subsisting and unexpired and, to the Knowledge of the Company, is valid and enforceable. Except as set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.9 , the Company and its Subsidiaries own, or are licensed or otherwise have the right or license to use, free and clear of all Liens (other than Permitted Encumbrances), inventions that are the subject of the United States and foreign patents and applications thereto, processes, formulae, registered trademarks, trademarks, registered service marks, service marks, corporate names, business names, trade names, domain names, copyrights and copyrightable works, software and know-how (the “ Intellectual Property ”) used by the Company and its Subsidiaries in their respective businesses as of the date of this Agreement, except where the failure to so own, license or otherwise have the right to use such Intellectual Property would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.9 , (a) the use of the Intellectual Property by the Company and its Subsidiaries does not interfere with, infringe upon, misappropriate or otherwise come into conflict with any Intellectual Property rights of any other person and the Company has not received any demand, claim or notice from any person with respect to the Intellectual Property which challenges the validity of any Intellectual Property, (b) to the Company’s Knowledge, no other person is interfering with, infringing upon, misappropriating or otherwise coming into conflict with any Intellectual Property of the Company or any of its

 

19


Subsidiaries, (c) no trademark or service mark owned, or to the Company’s knowledge licensed, by the Company or its Subsidiaries is involved in the United States or Canada in any opposition, cancellation or equivalent proceeding, and to the Company’s Knowledge, no such action has been threatened, (d) no patent owned by the Company is involved in the United States or Canada in any interference, reissue, reexamination or equivalent proceeding and (e) as of the date of this Agreement, the Company has not granted a license to any person to use any Intellectual Property other than licenses granted in the ordinary course of business or under any agreement set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.9 . The Company has taken reasonable actions to protect and maintain its material Intellectual Property.

5.10 Litigation; Proceedings . Except as set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.10 , as of the date of this Agreement, there is (a) no claim, action, suit, inquiry, proceeding, complaint, charge, hearing, grievance or arbitration pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened against or involving the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, whether at law or in equity, whether civil or criminal in nature or by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Entity, nor are there any investigations relating to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened by or before any arbitrator or any Governmental Entity, except, in either case, such claims, actions, suits, inquiries, proceedings, complaints, charges, hearings, grievances, arbitrations or investigations that, if resolved adversely to the Company or such Subsidiary, would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect, and (b) no judgment, writ, decree, injunction, order, compliance agreement or settlement agreement of or with any Governmental Entity or arbitrator with respect to or involving the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

5.11 Employee Benefit Plans . Except as set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.11 , neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has any obligation to contribute to (or any other liability, including current or potential withdrawal liability, with respect to), and none of the current or former employees, officers, directors or independent contractors of the Company or its Subsidiaries, in such capacity, participate in (or are currently or potentially entitled to any amount or benefit under) (a) any “ multiemployer plan ” (as that term is defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA), (b) any plan or arrangement, whether or not terminated, which provides medical, health, life insurance or other welfare type benefits for current employees or current or future retired or former employees (except for continued medical benefit coverage required to be provided under Section 4980B of the Code or as required under applicable state law), (c) any employee plan which is a “ defined benefit plan ” (as that term is defined in Section 3(35) of ERISA), whether or not terminated, (d) any employee plan which is “ defined contribution plan ” (as that term is defined in Section 3(34) of ERISA), whether or not terminated, or (e) any bonus, incentive, deferred compensation, severance, stock option, stock appreciation right, stock purchase, or other equity compensation, change in control, employment, fringe benefit, or other program, plan or agreement, including any “employee benefit plan” (within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA). All such programs, plans and agreements shall be referred to herein collectively as the “ Employee Benefit Plans .” Except as set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.11 , all Employee Benefit Plans (and related trusts and insurance contracts) were established in accordance with and have materially complied in form and in operation with their terms and the applicable requirements of ERISA, the Code and other applicable laws, including the requirements of Section 4980B of the Code. Except as set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.11 , since November 25, 2003, with respect to each Employee Benefit Plan, all

 

20


contributions, premiums or payments which are due have been paid to such Plan. Except as set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.11 , there is no accumulated funding deficiency within the meaning of ERISA or the Code in connection with any defined benefit plan, no “ prohibited transaction ” (within the meaning of Section 406 of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code) for any Employee Benefit Plans, and no reportable event, as defined in ERISA, has occurred in connection with the Employee Benefit Plans. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has incurred any liability to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (other than for premiums not yet payable), the Internal Revenue Service, any multiemployer plan or otherwise with respect to any employee pension benefit plan or with respect to any employee pension benefit plan currently or previously maintained by members of any controlled group of companies (as defined in Section 414 of the Code) that includes the Company or any Subsidiary thereof that has not been satisfied in full, and no condition exists that presents a material risk to the Company or any member of the Controlled Group of incurring such a liability. No material action, suit, proceeding or investigation with respect to the Employee Benefit Plans (other than routine claims for benefits) is pending. Except as set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.11 or as required by the terms of this Agreement (or Applicable Law), the Company has no commitment, whether formal or informal, to create any additional Employee Benefit Plan, to modify or terminate any Employee Benefit Plan, or to maintain any Employee Benefit Plan for any period of time. Except as provided in Section 2.2 or Section 2.3 or as set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.8 or C ompany Disclosure Schedule 5.11 , the execution of, and consummation of the transactions contemplated by, this Agreement will not (either done alone or in conjunction with any other action by the Company prior to the Closing) (i) entitle any current or former employee, director, officer, consultant, independent contractor, contingent worker, or leased employee (or any dependents, spouses or beneficiaries thereof) of the Company or its Subsidiaries to severance pay or any increase in severance pay or any other similar payment, (ii) accelerate the time of payment or vesting, or result in the payment or funding (through a grantor trust or otherwise) of compensation or benefits, or increase the amount of compensation due to such individual or (iii) limit or restrict the right of the Company and its Subsidiaries to merge, amend or terminate any of the Employee Benefit Plans. Each Employee Benefit Plan which is intended to be qualified within the meaning of Section 401(a) of the Code is so qualified and has received a favorable determination letter as to its qualification, and nothing has occurred, whether by action or failure to act, that could reasonably be expected to cause the loss of such qualification. Except as set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.11 , neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has incurred any current or projected liability in respect of post-employment or post-retirement health, medical or life insurance benefits for current, former or retired employees of Company or its Subsidiaries, except as required to avoid an excise tax under Section 4980B of the Code or otherwise except as may be required pursuant to any other applicable law. Except as set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.11 , with respect to each of the Employee Benefit Plans that is not a multiemployer plan within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA but is subject to Title IV of ERISA, as of the Closing Date, the assets of each such Employee Benefit Plan are at least equal in value to the present value of the accrued benefits (vested and unvested) of the participants in such Employee Benefit Plan on a termination and projected benefit obligation basis, based on the actuarial methods and assumptions indicated in the most recent applicable actuarial valuation reports. With respect to each Employee Benefit Plan, the Seller has made available to Parent a current, accurate and complete copy (or, to the extent no such copy exists, an accurate description) thereof and, to the extent applicable: (i) any related trust agreement or

 

21


other funding instrument; (ii) the most recent determination letter, if applicable; (iii) any summary plan description and other written communications (or a description of any oral communications) by the Company or its Subsidiaries to employees, officers or directors concerning the extent of the benefits provided under an Employee Benefit Plan; and (iv) for the three most recent years, (A) the Form 5500 and attached schedules, (B) audited financial statements and (C) actuarial valuation reports.

5.12 Compliance with Laws . Except as set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.12 , each of the Company and its Subsidiaries (a) has complied with, is in compliance with and has operated its business and maintained its assets in compliance with, all Applicable Laws except to the extent that any noncompliance would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect and (b) holds all permits, licenses, variances, exemptions, orders, franchises and approvals of all Governmental Entities used or necessary for the lawful conduct of its respective business as presently conducted (the “ Company Permits ”) except where the failure to hold any such Company Permits would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect. Such Company Permits are valid and in full force and effect, except for those the failure of which to be valid and in full force and effect would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.12 , the Company and its Subsidiaries are in compliance with the terms of the Company Permits, except where the failure to be in compliance would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.12 , no investigation or review by any Governmental Entity with respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened which, if resolved adversely against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, would have a Material Adverse Effect. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the representation and warranty contained in this Section 5.12 will not apply to (and will exclude) any liability arising out of or related to facts, events, transactions, or actions or inactions, the category of which is the subject of another representation or warranty set forth in this Article V , whether or not the existence of such liability would constitute a breach or inaccuracy of such representation or warranty. (By way of example, as to the foregoing sentence, environmental matters are addressed in the representations and warranties in Section 5.13 and therefore all environmental matters (regardless of whether such environmental matters are covered by the representations and warranties in Section 5.13 ) is considered a “category” for the purposes of the foregoing sentence.)

5.13 Environmental Matters . Except as set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.13 :

(a) Since November 25, 2003, and, to the Company’s Knowledge, at any prior time, the Company and its Subsidiaries have materially complied and are in material compliance with all applicable Environmental and Safety Requirements.

(b) The Company and its Subsidiaries have obtained and are in material compliance with all Company Permits that are required pursuant to applicable Environmental and Safety Requirements for the occupation of their facilities and the operation of their business as currently operated, and have no reason to believe that, in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or otherwise, any such Company Permits will be revoked or adversely modified, or will not be renewed in the ordinary course of business.

 

22


(c) Since November 25, 2003, and, to the Company’s Knowledge, at any prior time, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any claim, complaint, citation, report or other written notice regarding any liabilities or potential liabilities (whether accrued, absolute, contingent, unliquidated or otherwise), including any investigatory, remedial or corrective obligations, arising under applicable Environmental and Safety Requirements or relating to Hazardous Materials.

(d) (i) Since November 25, 2003, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has stored, disposed, transported, handled or released Hazardous Materials, at any facility or property owned or operated by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or at any other location, and (ii) to the Company’s Knowledge Hazardous Materials have not otherwise been stored, disposed, transported, handled or released, at any facility or property owned or operated by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or at any other location, in either case (i) or (ii), in a manner that could reasonably be expected to give rise to material liability of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or the Surviving Corporation or result in material costs to or otherwise materially affect any of them.

(e) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has assumed or retained, by contract or operation of law, any liability or other obligation under any Environmental and Safety Requirements or concerning any Hazardous Materials that could reasonably be expected to materially affect the Company, any of its Subsidiaries, or the Surviving Corporation.

(f) The Company has made available to Parent true copies of all Environmental Reports containing material information to the extent such Environmental Reports are in the possession or control of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

5.14 FDA/USDA/FTC Product Matters .

(a) Except as set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.14(a) , since November 25, 2003, to the Company’s Knowledge, each of the Company and its Subsidiaries has complied in all material respects with all applicable FDA, USDA and FTC Applicable Laws, and no claim has been filed against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries since November 25, 2003 alleging a violation of any such FDA, USDA or FTC Legal Requirement.

(b) Except as set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.14(b) , since November 25, 2003, there have been no recalls or withdrawals of products produced or sold by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any USDA Notices of Warning or Withholding, Suspension or Withdrawal of Inspection, seizure, criminal referral, or other similar federal, state or private enforcement actions with respect to such products and, to the Knowledge of the Company, no facts or circumstances exist that could reasonably be expected to result in such actions.

5.15 Employees .

(a) Except as set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.15 , (i) since November 25, 2003, each of the Company and its Subsidiaries has complied in all material respects with all Applicable Laws relating to the employment of personnel and labor, including provisions thereof relating to wages and hours, equal opportunity, collective bargaining, plant

 

23


closing and mass layoff, health and safety, immigration and the payment of social security and other taxes, and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any consent decree or has been issued any citation by any Governmental Entities relating to employees or employment practices, and (b) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has closed any plant or facility, effectuated any layoffs of employees or implemented any early retirement, separation or window program within the past three years, nor has any such action or program been planned or announced for the future.

(b) Except as set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.15 , (i) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has agreed to recognize any labor union, nor has any labor union or other collective bargaining representative been certified as the exclusive bargaining representative of any employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, nor is the Company or any of its Subsidiaries a party to or bound by any collective bargaining agreement, (ii) since November 25, 2003, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has experienced any strike, slowdown, work stoppage, lockout, unfair labor practice complaint or other material employee or labor dispute and (iii) there is no organizational effort presently being made, or to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened by or on behalf of any labor union with respect to any employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

5.16 SEC Documents; Regulatory Reports . The Company and its Subsidiaries have filed all required reports, schedules, registration statements and other documents (“ SEC Documents ”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ SEC ”). As of their respective dates of filing with the SEC (or, if amended or superseded by a subsequent filing, as of the date of such filing), the SEC Documents complied (or, if filed after the date hereof, will comply) in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as the case may be, and the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder applicable to such SEC Documents, and none of the SEC Documents when filed contained (or, if filed after the date hereof, will contain) any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted (or, if filed after the date hereof, will omit) to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The financial statements of the Company and its Subsidiaries included in the SEC Documents complied (or, if filed after the date hereof, will comply), as of their respective dates of filing with the SEC, in all material respects with all applicable accounting requirements and with the published rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto.

5.17 Sarbanes Oxley . The Company and its Subsidiaries are in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

5.18 Brokers . Other than the Advisor Fees and amounts payable to Lehman Brothers Inc., no broker, finder, financial advisor, investment banker or other Person is entitled to any brokerage, finder’s, financial advisor’s or other similar fee or commission in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. The Company has delivered to Parent or otherwise made available to Parent in the electronic data room of the Company a true and complete copy of its agreement with Lehman Brothers Inc. and the agreements described on Company Disclosure Schedule 7.5 .

 

24


ARTICLE VI

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT, BUYER AND FINANCE SUB

Except as set forth on Parent’s Disclosure Schedule (each reference contained herein to Parent’s Disclosure Schedule qualifies the referenced representation and warranty to the extent specified therein and such other representations and warranties contained herein (regardless of whether or not such representation or warranty contains an express reference to Parent’s Disclosure Schedule) to the extent a matter in Parent’s Disclosure Schedule is disclosed in such a way as to make its relevance to the information called for by such other representation or warranty readily apparent on its face), Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub jointly and severally represent and warrant to the Company, as of the date hereof, as follows:

6.1 Organization and Power . Each of Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub is a limited liability company or corporation, as applicable, duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its respective jurisdiction of organization, and has all requisite power and authority to carry on its business as now being conducted and as presently proposed to be conducted by it. Each of Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub is duly qualified or licensed to transact business as a foreign limited liability company or corporation, as applicable, and is in good standing in each of those jurisdictions in which the nature of the business it is conducting, or the operation, ownership or leasing of its assets or properties, makes such qualification or licensing necessary, other than in such jurisdictions where the failure to be so duly qualified or licensed and in good standing would not, individually or in the aggregate, materially adversely affect the ability of Parent, Buyer or Finance Sub to timely consummate any of the transactions contemplated hereby or perform their obligations hereunder. Parent has delivered or otherwise made available to the Company or its representatives complete and correct copies of its certificate of formation and limited liability company agreement, as amended and in effect.

6.2 Authorization of Transaction . Each of Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub has full power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and all other Transaction Documents to which it is a party and to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated herein and therein. No other proceedings or actions on the part of any of Parent, Buyer or Finance Sub are necessary to approve and authorize Parent’s, Buyer’s or Finance Sub’s execution and delivery of this Agreement or any other Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party or the performance of their respective obligations hereunder or thereunder. This Agreement constitutes, and each of the other Transaction Documents to which any of Parent, Buyer or Finance Sub is or will be a party will when executed constitute, a valid and binding obligation of such Person, enforceable against such Person in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability hereof or thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or other laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and limitations on the availability of equitable remedies.

6.3 Absence of Conflicts . The execution, delivery and performance by Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub of the Transaction Documents to which any of them are a party do not, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein and therein will not, subject to obtaining the consents, approvals, authorizations and permits and making the filings described in this Section 6.3 , (a) violate, conflict with, or result in any breach of, any of the terms, conditions or

 

25


provisions of Parent’s, Buyer’s or Finance Sub’s certificate of formation, limited liability company agreement, certificates of incorporation or bylaws, as applicable, (b) violate any order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, statute, law, rule or regulation of any Governmental Entity applicable to Parent, Buyer or Finance Sub or by which or to which any portion of their respective properties or assets is bound or subject,(c) violate, conflict with, or result in any violation or breach of, or constitute a default (with or without due notice or lapse of time or both) under, or give rise to any right of termination, cancellation or acceleration under, or a loss of any benefits by Parent, Buyer or Finance Sub under any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any material agreement, or (d) result in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon any properties or assets of Parent, Buyer or Finance Sub, which would, in each case, materially adversely affect the ability of Parent, Buyer or Finance Sub to timely consummate the Merger or any of the other transactions contemplated hereby. No consent, registration, declaration, or filing with, any Governmental Entity or any other person is required by Parent, Buyer or Finance Sub in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by Parent, Buyer or Finance Sub of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which any of them are a party or the consummation by Parent, Buyer or Finance Sub of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, except for (i) the filings under the HSR Act and the expiration of the applicable waiting period thereunder, (ii) the filings under the Competition Act (Canada) referred to in Section 5.3(d) and the expiration of the applicable waiting period thereunder, (iii) the filing of the Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, (iv) the filing of a notice pursuant to the Investment Canada Act and (v) such other consents, approvals, orders, authorizations, registrations, declarations, filings, notices or permits the failure of which to be obtained or made would not, individually or in the aggregate, materially adversely affect the ability of Parent, Buyer or Finance Sub to timely consummate the Merger or any of the other transactions contemplated hereby.

6.4 Litigation . As of the date of this Agreement, there are no actions, suits, proceedings, orders or investigations pending (or, to Parent’s Knowledge, threatened) against or affecting Parent, Buyer or Finance Sub at law or in equity, or before or by any Governmental Entity, which could reasonably be expected to adversely affect Parent’s, Buyer’s or Finance Sub’s performance under this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.

6.5 Solvency . Assuming the representations and warranties of the Company contained in this Agreement are true in all respects, at and immediately after the Effective Time, and after giving effect to the Merger, the Subsidiary Merger and the other transactions contemplated herein, each of the Surviving Corporation and the Subsidiary Surviving Company (a) will be solvent (in that both the fair value of its assets will not be less than the sum of its debts and that the present fair saleable value of its assets will not be less than the amount required to pay its probable liability on its debts as they become absolute and matured), (b) will have adequate capital with which to engage in its business and (c) will not have incurred and does not immediately plan to incur debts beyond its ability to pay as they become absolute and matured.

6.6 Financing . Parent has delivered to the Company (a) a true and complete copy of the commitment letter (as the same may be amended in accordance with Section 7.14(a)), dated as of the date hereof, between Parent and Lehman Commercial Paper Inc., Lehman Brothers

 

26


Commercial Bank and Lehman Brothers Inc. (the “ Debt Financing Commitment ”), pursuant to which the lenders party thereto have agreed, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, to provide or cause to be provided to Finance Sub the debt amounts set forth therein for the purposes of financing the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and related fees and expenses (the “ Debt Financing ”) and (b) a true and complete copy of the equity commitment letter, dated as of the date hereof, between Parent and the Guarantor (the “ Equity Financing Commitment ” and together with the Debt Financing Commitment, the “ Financing Commitments ”), pursuant to which the Guarantor has committed, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, to invest in Parent the amount set forth therein (the “ Equity Financing ” and together with the Debt Financing, the “ Financing ”). None of the Financing Commitments has been amended or modified prior to the date of this Agreement, no such amendment or modification is contemplated except as permitted by Section 7.14(a) and, as of the date of this Agreement, the respective commitments contained in the Financing Commitments have not been withdrawn or rescinded in any material respect. After giving effect to the amounts expected to be funded under the Financing Commitments, and assuming compliance by the Company with its obligations hereunder, Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub will have at the Closing immediately available funds sufficient to make the payments contemplated by Section 3.3(a) .

6.7 Brokers . No broker, finder, financial advisor, investment banker or other Person (other than Centerview Partners, the fees and expenses of which will be paid by Parent if the Merger is not consummated) is entitled to any brokerage, finder’s, financial advisor’s or other similar fee or commission in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of Parent, Buyer or Finance Sub.

ARTICLE VII

COVENANTS

7.1 Conduct of Business . Except as expressly contemplated by or otherwise permitted under this Agreement or in Company Disclosure Schedule 7.1 or to the extent that Parent shall otherwise consent in writing (which consent will not be unreasonably withheld), from and after the date of this Agreement until the Closing, the Company covenants and agrees with Parent that the Company shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, (i) conduct its business in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and (ii) use its reasonable best efforts (A) to preserve substantially intact the Company’s and each of its Subsidiaries’ present business organization, (B) preserve its present relationships with employees, agents, independent contractors, creditors, business partners, customers, suppliers and others having business dealings with it and (C) to maintain the material tangible assets of the Company and each of its Subsidiaries in their current physical condition, except for ordinary wear and tear. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing and in furtherance thereof, except as expressly contemplated by or otherwise permitted under this Agreement or in Company Disclosure Schedule 7.1 or to the extent that Parent shall otherwise consent in writing (which consent will not be unreasonably withheld), from and after the date of this Agreement until the Closing, the Company covenants and agrees with Parent that the Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to:

 

27


(a) except for amendments, terminations or non-renewals in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice, materially modify, materially amend, terminate or fail to use its reasonable best efforts to renew any Material Contract, or waive, release or assign any material rights or material claims thereunder;

(b) adopt a plan of complete or partial liquidation, dissolution, merger, consolidation, restructuring, recapitalization or other reorganization of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries;

(c) except as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, make or offer to make any change in the compensation payable or to become payable to any of its current or former officers, directors, employees, agents or consultants (other than normal recurring increases in wages to employees who are not officers or directors in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice) or to persons providing management services, or enter into, adopt, amend or terminate any employment, severance, consulting, termination, collective bargaining, bonus, profit-sharing, compensation, stock option, pension, retirement, vacation, deferred compensation or other agreement or Employee Benefit Plan or make any loans to any of its current or former officers, directors, employees, Affiliates, agents or consultants (other than as required to comply with changes in Applicable Law) or make any change in its existing borrowing or lending arrangements for or on behalf of any of such persons pursuant to an Employee Benefit Plan or otherwise;

(d) voluntarily mortgage, pledge, subject to any material Lien, other than Permitted Encumbrances, any of its material assets;

(e) except in connection with day-to-day operations of its businesses in the ordinary course, make or offer to make any acquisition, by means of a merger, joint venture or otherwise, of any business, assets or securities or sell, lease, encumber or otherwise dispose of assets or securities, other than the disposition of obsolete inventory for immaterial amounts;

(f) except as set forth in the capital budgets previously provided to Parent, make or authorize any capital expenditure in excess of $5 million in the aggregate;

(g) enter into any agreement or arrangement with any Affiliate;

(h) (i) except as otherwise specifically contemplated by this Agreement or (ii) pursuant to the terms of the Employee Benefit Plans or other agreement in effect as of the date of this Agreement (and disclosed in Company Disclosure Schedule 5.11 ): (A) pay any pension, retirement allowance or other employee benefit to any current or former officer, director, employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (B) pay, offer to pay or agree to pay or make any arrangement for payment to any current or former officers, directors or employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of any amount relating to unused vacation days (except payments and accruals made in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice) or (C) pay, grant, issue or accelerate salary, bonus or other payments or benefits pursuant to any Employee Benefit Plan, or any employment or consulting agreement with or for the benefit of any current or former director, officer, employee, agent or consultant, whether past or present;

 

28


(i) transfer or grant any rights or licenses under (or enter into any settlement regarding the breach or infringement of, any United States or foreign license of) any Intellectual Property, or modify any existing rights with respect thereto or enter into any licensing or similar agreements or arrangements, except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;

(j) except as required by GAAP, change any of the accounting principles or practices used by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries;

(k) change any of its practices, policies, procedures or timing of the collection of accounts receivable, billing of its customers, pricing and payment terms, cash collections, cash payments, or terms with vendors;

(l) pay, discharge or satisfy any material claims, liabilities or obligations (whether absolute, accrued, asserted or unasserted, contingent or otherwise), other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;

(m) (i) declare, set aside or pay any dividends on, or make any other distributions (whether in cash, stock or property) in respect of, any of its capital stock, (ii) adjust, split, combine, or reclassify any of its capital stock or issue or authorize the issuance of any other securities in respect of, in lieu of or in substitution for shares of its capital stock, or (iii) except as provided in the Equity Plans, in the case of an employee whose employment has terminated, purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of capital stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any other securities thereof or any rights, warrants or options to acquire any of such shares or other securities;

(n) except for the issuance of shares of capital stock of the Company issuable upon the exercise of any Options outstanding on the date of this Agreement or as required by the terms of any contracts or agreements between the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and an employee thereof as in existence on the date of this Agreement (and disclosed on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.11 ), issue, sell, pledge, dispose of, encumber or grant rights with respect to (whether through the issuance or granting of any options, warrants, commitments, subscriptions, rights to purchase or otherwise) any stock of any class or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of stock of any class (except for the issuance of certificates in replacement of lost certificates);

(o) change or amend its charter documents or bylaws;

(p) except under the Credit Agreement in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, and except for current liabilities within the meaning of GAAP incurred in the ordinary course of business, incur or assume any indebtedness for borrowed money, assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise become liable or responsible for the obligations of any other person (other than endorsements of checks in the ordinary course) or make any loans, advances or capital contributions to, or investments in, any person (other than among the Company and its Subsidiaries and among such Subsidiaries, and other than advances of less than $10,000 to officers, directors and employees in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice);

 

29


(q) make any settlement of or compromise any material Tax liability, change in any material respect any Tax election or Tax method of accounting or make any new Tax election or adopt any new Tax method of accounting, file any amended Tax Return, enter into any closing agreement relating to Taxes, or agree to an extension of the period of limitations for the assessment or payment of any Tax;

(r) effectuate a “plant closing” or mass layoff as those terms are defined in the WARN Act or any similar state or local statute, rule or regulation, affecting in whole or in part any site of employment, facility, operating unit or employee; or

(s) authorize any of, or commit or agree to take any of, the foregoing actions.

Notwithstanding the disclosure set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 7.1 of the proposed implementation of the “2007 Pinnacle Foods Corporation Bonus Plan”, (i) in connection with the implementation of such plan the Company shall consult with and afford Parent a reasonable opportunity to have input on the structure and nature of such plan and (ii) such plan shall not provide for aggregate bonuses in excess of $10,100,000 without Parent’s prior consent (which consent will not be unreasonably withheld).

7.2 Information . From and after the date hereof until the Closing, the Company shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, afford to Parent and its Affiliates and each of their respective representatives (including accountants, consultants, counsel and representatives of financing sources) access, in each case, during normal business hours, upon reasonable prior notice and in such manner as will not unreasonably interfere with the conduct of the business of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, to all properties, books, records (including Tax Returns of the Company and each of its Subsidiaries), and all other information with respect to their respective businesses, together with the opportunity, at the sole cost and expense of Parent, to make copies of such books, records and other documents and to discuss the business of the Company and each of its Subsidiaries with such members of management, officers, directors, counsel and accountants for the Company as Parent and its representatives may reasonably request and the Company shall cause such members of management, officers, directors, counsel and accountants to reasonably cooperate with Parent and its representatives in connection therewith. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 7.2 , the Company shall not be required to, or to cause any of its Subsidiaries to, grant access or furnish information to Parent or any of Parent’s representatives to the extent that such information is subject to an attorney/client or attorney work product privilege or that such access or the furnishing of such information is prohibited by an existing contract or agreement (it being understood that the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to provide any such information in a manner that does not result in a violation of such privilege or prohibition, including by requesting consents or entering into joint defense agreements). All information provided pursuant to this Agreement shall remain subject in all respects to the Confidentiality Agreement.

7.3 Consents . After the date hereof and prior to the Closing, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts, but excluding making any expenditures or payments to any third party, to obtain the Consent, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Parent, from any party to a Material Contract that is required to be obtained by the Company in connection with the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, and transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents.

 

30


7.4 Notification of Certain Matters . The Company shall give prompt written notice to Parent of: (a) the occurrence, or failure to occur, of any event of which it has Knowledge that would be reasonably likely to cause any representation or warranty of the Company contained in this Agreement or in any other Transaction Document to be untrue or inaccurate in any material respect at any time from the date of this Agreement to the Closing determined as if such representation or warranty were made at such time, (b) the failure of the Company to comply with or satisfy in any material respect any covenant to be complied with by it hereunder, (c) any written notice or other written communication from any person alleging that the Consent of such person is or may be required in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and (d) any written notice or other written communication from any Governmental Entity in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. No such notification shall affect the representations or warranties of the parties or the conditions to their respective obligations hereunder.

7.5 Affiliate Agreements . At or prior to the Closing, but after the payment of the Advisor Fees as a part of the Transaction Costs as contemplated by Section 3.3(a)(v) of this Agreement, the Company shall take such action as may be necessary to cause any agreements between the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and any Affiliate of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (other than the Company or any of its Subsidiaries), on the other hand, to be terminated and all payments thereunder to be made prior to the Closing and for the parties thereto to release and waive any and all claims that any of them may have under such agreements as of the Closing; provided that such termination and release shall be effected in a manner so that all indemnification obligations of the Company and its Subsidiaries under the agreements described in Company Disclosure Schedule 7.5 shall survive such termination and release; and provided , further , that this Section 7.5 shall not apply to any Employee Benefit Plan for, or any employment agreement with, any Covered Employee who is an Affiliate or any Notes beneficially owned by any Affiliate.

7.6 Notification of Certain Matters . Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub shall give to the Company prompt written notice of: (a) the occurrence, or failure to occur, of any event of which any of them has Knowledge that would be reasonably likely to cause any representation or warranty of Parent, Buyer or Finance Sub contained in this Agreement or in any other Transaction Document to be untrue or inaccurate in any material respect at any time from the date of this Agreement to the Closing determined as if such representation or warranty were made at such time, (b) the failure of Parent, Buyer or Finance Sub to comply with or satisfy in any material respect any covenant to be complied with by it hereunder, (c) any written notice or other written communication from any person alleging that the Consent of such person is or may be required in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and (d) any written notice or other written communication from any Governmental Entity in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. No such notification shall affect the representations or warranties of the parties or the conditions to their respective obligations hereunder.

 

31


7.7 Employee Matters .

(a) Except for those persons whose terms of employment are governed by one of the employment agreements described on Company Disclosure Schedule 7.7 , Parent shall take such action as may be necessary so that on and after the Effective Time and at all times prior to the first anniversary of the Closing Date, officers and employees of the Surviving Corporation and its Subsidiaries whose employment is not covered by any collective bargaining agreement who are in the employ of the Company or its Subsidiaries immediately prior to the Closing (“ Covered Employees ”) are provided employee benefits, plans and programs (including but not limited to incentive compensation, deferred compensation, pension, life insurance, welfare, profit sharing, 401(k), severance, salary continuation and fringe benefits which, in the aggregate, are not materially less favorable than those made available by the Company and its Subsidiaries to such officers and employees immediately prior to the Closing. For purposes of eligibility to participate and vesting in all benefits provided by Parent, Subsidiaries or the Surviving Corporation, the Covered Employees will be credited with their years of service with the Company and its Subsidiaries and prior employers to the extent service with Parent and its Subsidiaries and prior employers is taken into account under the plans of Parent and its Subsidiaries. The eligibility of Covered Employees to participate in any welfare benefit plan or program of Parent, the Surviving Corporation and its Subsidiaries shall not be subject to any exclusions or limitations for any pre-existing conditions except to the extent such individual was or would have been subject to such exclusion under similar benefit plans and programs of the Company and its Subsidiaries. Nothing contained in this Section 7.7(a) shall create any rights in any officer or employee or former officer or employee (including any beneficiary or dependent thereof) of the Company, its Subsidiaries or the Surviving Corporation in respect of continued employment for any specified period of any nature or kind whatsoever.

(b) Subject to the other provisions set forth in this Section 7.7 , after the Closing and subject to Applicable Law and the terms of any Employee Benefit Plan, Parent and the Surviving Corporation may amend, modify or terminate any Employee Benefit Plan in existence prior to the Closing. After the Closing, the Surviving Corporation and each of its respective Subsidiaries are and shall remain liable for, and the Surviving Corporation and each of its respective Subsidiaries shall be responsible for and shall promptly discharge, all liabilities, duties and claims (to or by any of the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ employees or former employees, any beneficiary under any Employee Benefit Plan, any Governmental Entity or otherwise) arising out of or relating to the employment relationship between the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and their respective employees and former employees, including liabilities, duties and claims (i) for deferred compensation, incentive compensation, retirement benefits, health and life benefits, severance arrangements and benefits, disability benefits and other fringe benefits under any Employee Benefit Plan disclosed in Company Disclosure Schedule 5.11 , (ii) relating to continuation health coverage pursuant to Section 4980B of the Code and Title I, Subtitle B, Part 6 of ERISA, (iii) for unemployment and workers’ compensation or similar benefits and (iv) to file any and all annual reports, filings or notices that may be required to be filed with Governmental Entities or provided to participants and beneficiaries after the Closing.

(c) After the Closing, Parent and the Surviving Corporation and each of their respective Subsidiaries hereby agree to indemnify each of the Shareholders and their respective officers, directors, employees, consultants, stockholders and Affiliates for, and to hold each of them harmless from and against, all damages, losses, claims, liabilities, penalties, costs and expenses (including court costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses incurred in

 

32


investigating and preparing for any litigation or proceeding) that any of them may suffer by reason of or in connection with any claim, proceeding or suit brought against any of them under the WARN Act, or any similar state law, which relate to actions taken by Parent or the Surviving Corporation or any of their respective Subsidiaries or Affiliates at, or at any time after, the Closing (including any discharge or constructive discharge of any the employees of the Company or any its Subsidiaries with regard to any site of employment or one or more facilities or operating units within any site of employment of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries).

(d) Prior to the Closing the Company and the Company’s Board of Directors shall take all actions necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated by Sections 2.2 and 2.3 of this Agreement, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any Equity Plan or stock option agreement of the Company and including taking action to amend any such Equity Plan or stock option agreement.

(e) The Company may, at its sole discretion, (i) seek shareholder approval that satisfies the requirements of Q-7 of the regulations under Section 280G of the Code (“ Section 280G ”), including seeking the waiver by all persons who are “disqualified individuals” within the meaning of Section 280G of all payments and benefits in the nature of compensation that would, but for such waiver and approval be treated as “parachute payments” under Section 280G (either alone or in conjunction with any other event), including, to the extent applicable, any such payments, benefits or accelerated vesting with respect to Stock Options or employment agreements and any other arrangements (collectively, the “ Compensatory Arrangements ”); and (ii) make disclosure of the Compensatory Arrangements that satisfies the requirements of Q-7 of the regulations under Section 280G to all shareholders of the Company entitled to vote under Section 280G.

7.8 Access to Information . Parent shall (and shall cause the Surviving Corporation to) hold all the books and records of the Company and each Subsidiary existing on the Closing Date and not to destroy or dispose of any such books or records for a period of five (5) years from the Closing, and thereafter, if it desires to destroy or dispose of such books and records, to offer first in writing at least ninety (90) days prior to such destruction or disposal to surrender them to the Shareholders Agent. During that five year period, Parent shall (and shall cause the Surviving Corporation and each of its Subsidiaries to), during normal business hours, a upon reasonable notice, make available and provide the Shareholders Agent and its representatives (including counsel and independent auditors) with access to the facilities and properties of the Surviving Corporation and each of its Subsidiaries and to all information, files, documents and records (written and computer) that are not otherwise protected by legal privilege relating to the Surviving Corporation and its Subsidiaries or any of their businesses or operations for any and all periods prior to or including the Closing Date that they may require with respect to any reasonable business purpose (including, without limitation, any Tax matter) or in connection with any claim, dispute, action, cause of action, investigation or proceeding of any kind by or against any person, and shall (and shall cause the Surviving Corporation and each of its Subsidiaries to) cooperate fully with the Shareholders Agent and its representatives (including counsel and independent auditors) in connection with the foregoing, at the sole cost and expense of the Shareholders Agent, including, without limitation, by making tax, accounting and financial personnel and other appropriate employees and officers of the Surviving Corporation and each of its Subsidiaries available to the Shareholders Agent and its respective representatives (including counsel and independent auditors), with regard to any reasonable business purpose.

 

33


7.9 Solvency Letter . To the extent that a third-party “solvency letter” is delivered to any person providing debt financing for the Merger and the other Transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, Parent, at the Closing, shall cause a counterpart of such solvency letter to be delivered to the Company and the Company’s Board of Directors in such form and manner as may be required in order that such persons shall be entitled to rely upon such solvency letter as if such solvency letter were expressly addressed to such persons.

7.10 Indemnification of Officers, Directors, Employees and Agents .

(a) From and after the Effective Time, Parent and the Surviving Corporation shall indemnify (which shall include the mandatory advancement of expenses subject to Section 7.10(c) below), defend and hold harmless each person who is now, or has been at any time or who becomes prior to the Effective Time, a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (the “ Indemnified Company Parties ”) against all losses, claims, damages, costs, expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ and other professionals’ fees and expenses), fines, liabilities or judgments or amounts that are paid in settlement with the prior written approval of Parent or the Surviving Corporation (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld), arising out of or relating to acts or omissions by them in their capacities as such, which acts or omissions occurred at or prior to the Effective Time, in each case to the fullest extent permitted under the DGCL and the terms of the Company’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws in effect on the date of this Agreement. In determining whether an Indemnified Company Party is entitled to indemnification under this Section 7.10(a) , if requested by such Indemnified Company Party, such determination shall be made by special, independent counsel selected by the Surviving Corporation and approved by the Indemnified Company Party (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld) and who has not otherwise performed services for the Surviving Corporation or its Affiliates within the last three years (other than in connection with such matters).

(b) Parent and the Surviving Corporation shall not amend the certificate of incorporation or bylaws of the Surviving Corporation to modify the indemnification or exculpation provisions therein in a manner inconsistent with this Section 7.10 or otherwise adverse to the Indemnified Company Parties.

(c) Parent and the Surviving Corporation shall indemnify any Indemnified Company Party against all reasonable costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses), such amounts to be payable in advance upon request as provided in Section 7.10(a) , relating to the enforcement of such Indemnified Company Party’s rights under this Section 7.10 or under the documents referred to in this Section 7.10 ; provided, that such advancement shall be made only upon delivery to Parent or the Surviving Corporation of an undertaking, by or on behalf of such Indemnified Company Party, to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall be ultimately determined by a final judicial decision from which there is no further right to appeal that such Indemnified Company Party is not entitled to be indemnified for such costs and expenses.

 

34


(d) For a period of six years after the Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation shall cause to be maintained in effect the current policies of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance and fiduciary liability insurance maintained by the Company (provided that the Surviving Corporation may substitute therefore policies with one or more reputable unaffiliated third-party insurers of at least the same coverage and amounts containing terms and conditions which are no less advantageous to the insured) with respect to claims arising from facts or events which occurred at or before the Effective Time; provided, however, that the Surviving Corporation shall not be obligated to make annual premium payments for such insurance to the extent such premiums exceed 250% of the premiums paid as of the date hereof by the Company for such insurance (the “ Current Premium ”), and if such premiums for such insurance would at any time exceed 250% of the Current Premium, then the Surviving Corporation shall cause to be maintained policies of insurance which, in the Surviving Corporation’s good faith determination, provide the maximum coverage available at an annual premium equal to 250% of the Current Premium. In lieu of such coverage, prior to the Closing, the Company may substitute a prepaid “tail” policy for such coverage, which it obtains at the Closing; provided that the costs of such shall be disregarded (including by means of increasing the amount of the Net Working Capital by the amount of the costs thereof if paid prior to the Closing) in determining Net Working Capital.

(e) If Parent or the Surviving Corporation or any of their successors or assigns (i) consolidates with or merges into any other Person and shall not be the continuing or surviving corporation or entity of such consolidation or merger, or (ii) transfers or conveys all or substantially all of its properties and assets to any Person, then, and in each case, to the extent not assumed by operation of law, proper provision shall be made so that the successors and assigns of Parent or the Surviving Corporation, as the case may be, shall assume the obligations set forth in this Section 7.10 .

(f) Nothing in this Agreement is intended to, shall be construed to or shall release, waive or impair any rights to directors’ and officers’ insurance claims under any policy that is or has been in existence with respect to the Company or any of its officers, directors or employees, it being understood and agreed that the indemnification provided for in this Section 7.10 is not prior to or in substitution for any such claims under such policies.

(g) The provisions of this Section 7.10 shall survive the Closing and are intended to be for the benefit of, and shall be enforceable by, each of the Persons identified in Section 7.10(a) , their heirs and their personal representatives and shall be binding on all successors and assigns of Parent, Buyer, the Company and the Surviving Corporation and may not be terminated or amended in any manner adverse to such Persons without their prior written consent.

7.11 Notification of Breach . If Parent, Buyer or Finance Sub obtains Knowledge of a breach by the Company of a representation, warranty, covenant or agreement made by the Company contained in this Agreement, Parent shall promptly notify the Company of such breach; provided that such notification shall not result in the waiver by Parent, Buyer or Finance Sub of any of their respective rights or remedies under this Agreement.

 

35


7.12 Governmental Consents . Promptly following the execution of this Agreement, but in no event later than seven Business Days following the date of this Agreement, the parties shall file, or cause to be filed by their respective “ultimate parent entities,” with the FTC and the DOJ the notifications and other information (if any) required to be filed under the HSR Act with respect to the transactions contemplated in the Transaction Documents. Promptly following the execution of this Agreement, the Company and Parent shall promptly proceed to prepare and file with the appropriate Governmental Entities including the Commissioner of Competition (Canada) appointed under the Competition Act (Canada) such additional requests, reports or notifications as may be required or, in the opinion of Parent or the Company, advisable, in connection with this Agreement and shall diligently and expeditiously prosecute, and shall cooperate fully with each other in the prosecution of, such matters. Each of Parent and the Company shall furnish to the other such necessary information and reasonable assistance as the other may reasonably request in connection with its preparation of any filing or submission which is necessary or, in the opinion of Parent or the Company, advisable, under the HSR Act and the Competition Act (Canada). Parent and the Company shall keep each other apprised of the status of any communications with, and any inquiries or requests for additional information from, the FTC, the DOJ or the Commissioner of Competition (Canada). In the event a suit is threatened or instituted challenging the Merger as violative of the HSR Act, the Sherman Act, as amended, the Clayton Act, as amended, the Federal Trade Commission Act, as amended or any other federal, state or foreign law or regulation or decree or an order made pursuant to the Competition Act designed to prohibit, restrict or regulate actions for the purpose or effect of monopolization or restraint of trade (collectively, “ Antitrust Laws ”), Parent shall take all action as may be required to avoid the filing of; or resist or resolve such suit. Parent shall be entitled to direct any proceedings or negotiations with any Governmental Entity relating to any of the foregoing, provided that it shall afford the Company a reasonable opportunity to participate therein. In addition, Parent shall take all action as may be required by any federal or state court of the United States or any court or tribunal in Canada, in any suit brought by any Governmental Entity or any other person challenging the Merger as violative of the Antitrust Laws, in order to avoid the entry of any permanent injunction or other permanent order which has the effect of preventing the consummation of the Merger prior to the Termination Date, and in the event that any permanent or preliminary injunction or other order is entered or becomes reasonably foreseeable to be entered in any proceeding that would make consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby in accordance with the terms of this Agreement unlawful or that would prevent or delay consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, Parent shall promptly take any and all steps necessary to vacate, modify or suspend such injunction or order so as to permit such consummation prior to the Termination Date.

7.13 Reasonable Efforts; Further Assurances .

(a) Subject to Section 7.12 which shall govern the subject matter thereof, prior to the Closing, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, Parent, Buyer, Finance Sub and the Company shall use their reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable (subject to any Applicable Laws) to consummate the Merger and make effective the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby as promptly as practicable. In addition, no Party hereto shall take any action after the date of this Agreement to materially delay the obtaining of, or result in not obtaining, any Consent from any Governmental Entity necessary to be obtained prior to Closing.

 

36


(b) At and after the Effective Time, the officers and directors of the Surviving Corporation will be authorized to execute and deliver, in the name and on behalf of the Company, Buyer and Finance Sub, any deeds, bills of sale, assignment or assurances and to take and do, in the name and on behalf of the Company, Buyer or Finance Sub, any other actions and things to vest, prefect or confirm of record or otherwise in the Surviving Corporation any and all right, title and interest in, to and under any of the rights, properties or assets of the Company acquired or to be acquired by the Surviving Corporation as a result of, or in connection with, the Merger.

(c) The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to make available to Parent as promptly as practicable following the date hereof copies of the audited consolidated balance sheets of PFGI as of December 31, 2006 and the audited consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and shareholder’s equity of PFGI for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 (including the notes thereto) (collectively, “ 2006 Audited Statements ”), accompanied by the report thereon of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm.

(d) The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to prepare and deliver to Parent as promptly as practicable following the date hereof copies of the audited consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 26, 2004, December 25, 2005 and December 31, 2006 and the audited consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and shareholder’s equity of the Company for the fiscal years ended December 26, 2004, December 25, 2005 and December 31, 2006, and for each of the interim periods from August 1, 2004 to December 26, 2004 and November 25, 2003 to July 31, 2004 (including, in each case, the notes thereto), in each case accompanied by the report thereon of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm (such financial statements, the “ Holding Corp. Financial Statements ”).

7.14 Financing .

(a) Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub shall use their reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or cause to be done, all things reasonably necessary, proper or advisable to obtain the Debt Financing as promptly as practicable on the terms and conditions described in the Debt Financing Commitment (provided that Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub may replace or amend the Debt Financing Commitment to add lenders, lead arrangers, bookrunners, syndication agents or similar entities which had not executed the Debt Financing Commitment as of the date hereof, or otherwise so long as such replacement or amendment would not adversely impact or delay in any material respect the ability of Parent, Buyer or Finance Sub to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby or the likelihood of the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby), including using reasonable best efforts to (i) maintain in effect the Debt Financing Commitment, subject to the foregoing replacement and amendment rights, (ii) satisfy on a timely basis all conditions applicable to Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub to obtaining the Debt Financing set forth in the Debt Financing Commitment that are within their control (including by consummating the financing pursuant to

 

37


the terms of the Equity Financing Commitments and by assisting in the syndication or marketing of the financing contemplated by the Debt Financing Commitment), and (b) enter into definitive agreements with respect thereto on the terms and conditions contemplated by the Financing Commitment or on other terms reasonably acceptable to Parent that would not adversely impact in any material respect the ability of Parent, Buyer or Finance Sub to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. In addition, but not in limitation to the foregoing, if the funding of the Senior Notes or the Senior Subordinated Notes as contemplated by the Debt Financing Commitment has not been obtained prior to the last day of the Marketing Period, Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub shall use their reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or cause to be done, all things reasonably necessary, proper or advisable to obtain the Debt Financing in the form of the Bridge Loans and the Senior Facilities as contemplated by the Debt Financing Commitments. Without limiting Parent’s, Buyer’s and Finance Sub’s obligations under this Section 7.14 , if any portion of the Debt Financing becomes unavailable on the terms and conditions contemplated in the Debt Financing Commitment, Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub shall use their reasonable best efforts to arrange to obtain alternative financing from alternative sources on terms not materially less beneficial to Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub in an amount at least equal to such portion or, when combined with the Equity Commitments and cash on hand at the Company, sufficient to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement as promptly as practicable following the occurrence of such event but in no event later than the Termination Date. Parent shall give the Company prompt notice of any material breach by any party to the Financing Commitments of which Parent, Buyer or Finance Sub becomes aware, or any termination of the Financing Commitments. Parent shall keep the Company informed on a reasonably current basis of the status of its efforts to arrange the Debt Financing.

(b) Prior to the Closing, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to provide to Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, and shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the respective officers, employees and advisors, including legal and accounting, of the Company and its Subsidiaries to, provide to Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub all cooperation reasonably requested by Parent that is reasonably necessary or customary in connection with the Financing (provided that such requested cooperation does not unreasonably interfere with the business or operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries), including (i) assisting in the negotiation of definitive documentation, (ii) participating in meetings, presentations, road shows, due diligence sessions and sessions with rating agencies, (iii) assisting with the preparation of materials for rating agency presentations, offering documents, private placement memoranda, bank information memoranda, prospectuses and similar documents, (iv) furnishing Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub as promptly as reasonably practicable with financial and other pertinent information regarding the Company and its Subsidiaries as may be reasonably requested by Parent in connection with the Debt Financing and customarily included in private placement memoranda relating to private placements under Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act to consummate the offering by Buyer of Senior Notes and the Senior Subordinated Notes contemplated by the Debt Financings Commitment at the time during the Company’s fiscal year such offering will be made as soon as such financial and other information becomes available, including all financial statements and financial data in respect of the Company and its Subsidiaries of the type required by Regulation S-X and Regulation S-K under the Securities Act, including audits thereof to the extent so required (which audits shall be unqualified) (all such information in this clause (iv), the “ Required Information ”, provided that,

 

38


the Holding Corp. Financial Statements shall not be deemed to be Required Financial Information if all other “Required Information” is then available), (v) assisting Parent in procuring accountants’ comfort letters and consents, legal opinions of counsel to Parent, Buyer or Finance Sub, surveys and title insurance and other customary documentation required by the Debt Financing Commitment, in each case as reasonably requested by Parent and (vi) assisting Parent in procuring the execution and delivery, as of the Effective Time, by the officers of the Surviving Corporation and its Subsidiaries of any customary pledge and security documents, other definitive financing documents, or other certificates, determination of the Net Working Capital, legal opinions of counsel to Parent, Buyer or Finance Sub or documents as may be reasonably requested by Parent; provided that none of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall be required to pay any commitment or other similar fee or incur any other cost or expense in connection with the Debt Financing (other than fees and expenses of its accountants and attorneys) and; provided, further, that (A) none of the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries shall be required to incur any liability (other than the fees and expenses of its accountants and attorneys) in connection with the Financing prior to the Effective Time, (B) the pre-Closing Board of Directors and officers of the Company and the pre-Closing directors and officers of Subsidiaries of the Company shall not be required to adopt resolutions approving the agreements, documents and instruments pursuant to which the Financing is obtained, (C) none of the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries shall be required to execute, prior to the Effective Time, any definitive financing documents, including any credit or other agreements, pledge or security documents, or other certificates, legal opinions or documents in connection with the Financing, and (D) except as expressly provided above, none of the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries shall be required to take any corporate actions prior to the Effective Time to permit the consummation of the Financing. Parent shall, promptly upon request by the Company, reimburse the Company for all reasonable documented out of pocket costs and expenses incurred by the Company or its Subsidiaries in connection with such cooperation and shall indemnify and hold harmless the Company, its Subsidiaries and their respective Representatives (including the pre-Closing directors and officers of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) from and against any and all liabilities, losses, damages, claims, expenses, interest, judgments and penalties suffered or incurred by them in connection with the arrangement of the Debt Financing and any information utilized in connection therewith (other than information provided by the Company or the Subsidiaries in accordance with the terms hereof).

(c) For purposes of this Agreement, “ Marketing Period ” shall mean the first period of 20 consecutive Business Days after the date hereof (A) throughout and on the last day of which (i) Parent shall have the Required Information and such information shall remain compliant at all times with applicable provisions of Regulation S-X and Regulation S-K under the Securities Act and (ii) nothing has occurred and no condition exists that would cause any of the conditions set forth in Sections 8.2(a) and 8.2(b) (other than the receipt of the certificates referred to therein) to fail to be satisfied assuming the Closing were to be scheduled for any time during such 20 consecutive Business Day period, and (B) throughout and on the last day of which the conditions set forth in Section 8.1 shall be satisfied; provided that the Marketing Period shall end on any earlier date that is the date on which the Debt Financing is consummated.

 

39


7.15 Treatment of Certain Debt .

(a) Prior to the Closing, the Company shall cause PFGI to commence a self tender offer and consent solicitation to repurchase any and all of the then outstanding Notes on the terms and conditions as are summarized on Exhibit E (or as may be otherwise agreed to by the Company and Parent) (the “ Debt Tender Offer ”). The Debt Tender Offer shall be commenced as promptly as practicable following the date of receipt of the Offer Documents from Parent pursuant to clause (e) below and written instructions from Parent to commence the Debt Tender Offer. Promptly following the expiration date (as such date may be extended from time to time) of the consent solicitation, assuming the requisite consents are received, the Company shall cause PFGI to execute, and shall cause PFGI to use reasonable best efforts to cause the Trustee to execute, a supplemental indenture to the Indenture, amending the terms and provisions of the Indenture in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth on Exhibit E (or as may be otherwise agreed to by the Company and Parent) and reasonably satisfactory to the Company and Parent which supplemental indenture shall become effective upon its execution and which amendments shall become operative immediately prior to the later of (i) acceptance for purchase of Notes properly tendered and not properly withdrawn in the Debt Tender Offer and (ii) the Effective Time. The Company shall provide, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, and shall use reasonable best efforts to cause their respective Representatives to, provide all cooperation reasonably requested by Parent in connection with the Debt Tender Offer (including engagement of a dealer manager, information agent and/or a depository agent (collectively, “ Agents ”) with respect thereto, in each case selected by Parent and reasonably acceptable to the Company, and delivery of any Officers’ Certificates and Opinions of Counsel (as such terms are defined in the Indenture) required under the Indenture and any agreements with Agents. Parent shall cooperate with the Company in connection with the Debt Tender Offer, including providing all requested information concerning Parent and the Financing as the Company may reasonably request. The closing of the Debt Tender Offer shall be conditioned, among other things, on the occurrence of the Effective Time, and the parties shall use their reasonable best efforts to cause the Debt Tender Offer to close on the Closing Date. The Company shall cause PFGI to waive any of the conditions to the Debt Tender Offer (other than that the Effective Time has occurred and that there shall be no order prohibiting consummation of the Debt Tender Offer) as may be reasonably requested by Parent and shall not, without the written consent of Parent, waive any condition to the Debt Tender Offer or make any changes to the Debt Tender Offer other than as agreed between Parent and the Company. Unless otherwise agreed by Parent, immediately after the Effective Time, and in accordance with the terms of the Debt Tender Offer, the Company shall cause PFGI to accept for purchase and purchase the Notes (including any premium thereon and any consent payments applicable thereto) properly tendered and not properly withdrawn in the Debt Tender Offer.

(b) Notwithstanding any provision of Section 7.15(a) , if the Closing of the Debt Tender Offer has not occurred on or before the date otherwise provided in Section 4.1 for the Closing, the Company shall cause PFGI, concurrent with the Effective Time, to redeem the outstanding Notes pursuant to the terms and conditions of the optional redemption provisions of the Notes set forth in Section 5 of the form of the Notes and satisfy and discharge its obligations under the Indenture and the Notes pursuant to the provisions of Section 8.01(a) of the Indenture.

(c) Parent shall indemnify and hold harmless the Company and its Subsidiaries, directors, officers, employees, representatives and advisors from and against any and all losses, damages, claims, costs or expenses suffered or incurred by any of them in

 

40


connection with their obligations pursuant to this Section 7.15 and any information utilized in connection therewith, except to the extent that such losses, damages, claims, costs or expenses are determined to have resulted from the bad faith or willful misconduct of the Company or its Subsidiaries or from a material misstatement or omission in the information that is provided by the Company or its Subsidiaries for inclusion in the Debt Tender Offer documents.

(d) Parent shall pay directly to the dealer manager, information agent and/or depository agent all compensation owed to them under their respective agreements relating to the Debt Tender Offer, whether or not the Merger is consummated. Upon the valid termination of this Agreement (other than a termination by Parent in accordance with Section 9.1(b)(i) ), Parent shall, promptly upon request by the Company, reimburse the Company for all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs incurred by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, officers, employees, representatives and advisors in connection with their respective obligations pursuant to this Section 7.15 .

(e) Promptly after the date of this Agreement, Parent, at its own expense, shall prepare all necessary and appropriate documentation in connection with the Debt Tender Offer, including the offer to purchase, related consent and letter of transmittal and other related documents (collectively, the “ Offer Documents “). Parent, the Company and PFGI shall, and shall cause their respective Subsidiaries to, reasonably cooperate with each other in the preparation of the Offer Documents. The Offer Documents (including all amendments or supplements thereto) and all mailings to the holders of the Notes in connection with the Debt Tender Offer shall be subject to the prior review of, and comment by, the Company and Parent and shall be reasonably acceptable in form and substance to each of them. If at any time prior to the completion of the Debt Tender Offer any information in the Offer Documents should be discovered by the Company and its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, or Parent, on the other, which should be set forth in an amendment or supplement to the Offer Documents, so that the Offer Documents shall not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of circumstances under which they are made, not misleading, the party that discovers such information shall promptly notify the other party in writing, and an appropriate amendment or supplement describing such information shall be disseminated by or on behalf of the Company and PFGI to the holders of the Notes.

7.16 Exclusivity . The Company agrees that after the date hereof it shall not, nor shall it permit any Subsidiary to, nor shall it authorize any shareholder, officer, director, employee, investment banker, attorney, accountant, agent or other advisor, representative or Affiliate of the Company or any Subsidiary, directly or indirectly, to (a) solicit, initiate or knowingly facilitate or encourage the submission of any Acquisition Proposal, (b) participate in any discussions or negotiations regarding, or furnish to any Person any information with respect to, or take any other action knowingly to facilitate any inquiries or the making of any proposal that constitutes, or could be expected to lead to, any Acquisition Proposal, (c) grant any waiver or release under any standstill or similar agreement with respect to any class of the Company’s equity securities or (d) enter into any agreement with respect to any Acquisition Proposal. Parent acknowledges that prior to the date of this Agreement the Company has solicited or caused to be solicited by its financial advisors indications of interest and proposals for an Acquisition Proposal. The Company shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, and shall use its reasonable best efforts to

 

41


cause its and their shareholders, officers, employees, representatives and Affiliates to, immediately cease and cause to be terminated any existing activities, including discussions or negotiations with any Person, conducted prior to the date hereof with respect to any Acquisition Proposal and to exercise all rights to require the return or destruction of all confidential information concerning the Company and its Subsidiaries.

7.17 Exercise of Drag-Along Rights . With respect to any Shareholder that has not executed the Shareholder Consent, the Company shall, as promptly as practicable after the date of this Agreement, take all necessary action to implement Section 8 of the Company’s 2004 Stock Purchase Plan and Section 3.6 of the Company’s 2004 Stock Option Plan in connection with the Merger with respect to each Shareholder bound thereby.

7.18 Non-Solicitation of Employees . The Company agrees that it shall cause each of the Persons set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 7.18 to execute and deliver to the Company an agreement providing that, for a period of 18 months (with respect to any individual having a title higher than “Director”) or 12 months (with respect to any individual having a title equal to or less than “Director”) following the Closing, none of such Persons will, directly or indirectly, interfere with the relationship of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries with, or solicit the employment of, or hire, any individual who as of the Closing is or within the three months prior to such time was an employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (other than C. Dean Metropoulos); provided, that with respect to any such individual having a title less than “Director”, the restrictions set forth in this Section 7.18 shall not apply to (a) any general advertising of job openings or posting of job openings (whether on a public site on the Internet or in a newspaper, magazine or other publication of general circulation), (b) any individuals hired as a result of the use of an independent employment agency (so long as the agency was not directed to solicit a particular individual), or (c) the hiring of any current or former employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that seeks employment with any Person set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 7.18 out of such current or former employee’s own accord and volition (without any encouragement from, or initiation by, any Person set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 7.18 ).

7.19 Investigation and Agreement by Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub; No Other Representations or Warranties .

(a) Each of Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub acknowledges and agrees that it has made its own inquiry and investigation into, and, based thereon, has formed an independent judgment concerning, the Company and its Subsidiaries and their businesses and operations, and Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub have been furnished with or given full access to such information about the Company and its Subsidiaries and their businesses and operations as they requested. In connection with Parent’s, Buyer’s and Finance Sub’s investigation of the Company and its Subsidiaries and their businesses and operations, Parent, Buyer, Finance Sub and their respective representatives have received from the Company or its representatives certain projections and other forecasts for the Company and its Subsidiaries and certain estimates, plans and budget information. Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub acknowledge and agree that (i) there are uncertainties inherent in attempting to make such projections, forecasts, estimates, plans and budgets, (ii) Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub are familiar with such uncertainties, (iii) Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub are taking full responsibility for making their own evaluations of the

 

42


adequacy and accuracy of all estimates, projections, forecasts, plans and budgets so furnished to them or their representatives, (iv) Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub have not relied upon the estimate, projections, forecasts, plans and budgets so furnished to them or their representatives and (v) Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub will not (and will cause all of their respective Subsidiaries and other Affiliates and all other persons acting on their behalf to not) assert any claim or cause of action against the Company, its Subsidiaries or any of the Company’s direct or indirect directors, officers, employees, agents, stockholders, Affiliates, consultants, counsel, accountants, investment bankers or representatives with respect thereto, or hold any such other person liable with respect thereto.

(b) Each of Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub agrees that, except for the representations and warranties made by the Company that are expressly set forth in Article V of this Agreement, neither the Company nor any of its respective Affiliates has made and shall not be deemed to have made to Parent, Buyer, Finance Sub or to any of their respective representatives any representation or warranty of any kind. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, and except for any express representations and warranties made by the Company in Article V , each of Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub agrees that neither the Company nor any of its Affiliates makes or has made any representation or warranty to Parent, Buyer, Finance Sub or to any of their respective representatives with respect to:

(i) any projections, forecasts, estimates, plans or budgets of future revenues, expenses or expenditures, future results of operations (or any component thereof), future cash flows (or any component thereof) or future financial condition (or any component thereof) of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or the future business, operations or affairs of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries heretofore or hereafter delivered to or made available to Parent, Buyer, Finance Sub or their respective representatives; or

(ii) any other information, statements or documents heretofore or hereafter delivered to or made available to Parent, Buyer, Finance Sub or their respective representatives with respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or the business, operations or affairs of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, except to the extent and as expressly covered by a representation and warranty made by the Company and contained in Article V .

ARTICLE VIII

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

8.1 Conditions to Each Party’s Obligation . The respective obligations of the Company, Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub to effect the transactions contemplated hereby are subject to the satisfaction, on or prior to the Closing Date, of the following conditions:

(a) All authorizations, consents, orders or approvals of, or declarations or filings with, or expirations of waiting periods imposed by, any Governmental Entity necessary (excluding consents, authorizations and approvals relating to use, occupancy, Taxes, environmental and similar matters) for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents shall have been obtained, occurred or been filed including, those arising under all applicable Antitrust Laws and the applicable waiting period under the HSR Act shall

 

43


have expired or terminated. In respect of the Competition Act (Canada) where filings are made with the Commissioner of Competition (Canada), (i) the Commissioner of Competition (Canada) shall have issued an Advance Ruling Certificate under Section 102 of the Competition Act (Canada) in respect of the Merger, or (ii) the applicable waiting period under Part IX of the Competition Act (Canada) shall have expired or been waived under Section 113(c) and the Commissioner of Competition (Canada) shall have issued a standard letter of “no action” indicating that he has no grounds on which to apply for an order under Section 92 of the Competition Act (Canada) in respect of the Merger, and no inquiry shall be ongoing nor shall the Commissioner of Competition (Canada) have threatened or otherwise indicated that he will commence an inquiry under Section 10 of the Competition Act (Canada).

(b) No temporary restraining order, preliminary or permanent injunction or other order issued by any Government Entity preventing the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents shall be in effect.

(c) No action shall have been taken nor any statute, rule or regulation shall have been enacted or promulgated by any Governmental Entity that prohibits consummation of the Merger or the other transactions contemplated hereby.

8.2 Conditions to Obligation of Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub . The obligation of Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub to effect the transactions contemplated hereby is subject to the satisfaction, on or prior to the Closing Date, of the following conditions unless waived, in whole or in part, by Parent:

(a) Each of the representations and warranties of the Company (i) set forth in this Agreement (other than the representations and warranties set forth in Sections 5.1 , 5.2 , 5.3 (only in respect of subsection (a), the first sentence of subsection (b), subsection (c) and clause (i) of subsection (d) thereof), Section 5.18 and the last sentence of Section 5.4(c) ) shall be true and correct (without giving duplicate effect to any qualifications as to “materiality” or a “Material Adverse Effect”) in all material respects both as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of such time (other than such representations and warranties that are made as of another date, which shall be so true and correct as of such date); provided, however, that this condition shall be deemed to have been satisfied unless the individual or aggregate impact of all inaccuracies of such representations and warranties result in a Material Adverse Effect and (ii) set forth in Sections 5.1 , 5.2 , 5.3 (only in respect of subsection (a), the first sentence of subsection (b), subsection (c) and clause (i) of subsection (d) thereof), Section 5.18 and the last sentence of Section 5.4(c) shall be true and correct in all respects both as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of such time (other than such representations and warranties that are made as of another date, which shall be so true and correct as of such date). Parent shall have received a certificate signed on behalf of the Company by an executive officer of the Company to such effect.

(b) The Company shall have performed or complied in all material respects with all obligations and covenants required to have been performed or complied with by it under this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents at or prior to the Closing Date. Parent shall have received a certificate signed on behalf of the Company by an executive officer of the Company to such effect.

 

44


(c) Parent shall have been furnished with evidence reasonably satisfactory to it of the Consent of each person that is a party to the Material Contracts indicated and identified on Company Disclosure Schedule 8.2(c) , if any, and each such Consent shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Parent.

(d) All documents, instruments, certificates or other items required to be delivered at the Closing by the Company pursuant to this Agreement shall have been delivered.

(e) The Company shall have delivered to Parent a duly executed and acknowledged certificate, in compliance with the Code and Treasury Regulations, certifying such facts as to establish that the sale of the Common Stock and any other transactions contemplated hereby are exempt from withholding pursuant to Section 1445 of the Code.

(f) The Company shall have taken the actions contemplated by Section 7.7(e) and shall have obtained the waiver and shareholder approval contemplated thereby; provided that, if this condition is not otherwise satisfied as provided above, then this condition may be satisfied at the option of the Company by the Company agreeing to reduce the cash portion of the Merger Consideration by an amount equal to the net after tax cost to the Company of the tax deduction lost (or to be lost) in respect of such “parachute payments” as a result of Section 280G (excluding any parachute payment arising as a result of the termination after the Closing by the Company of any person (other than C. Dean Metropoulos) subject to a Compensatory Arrangement).

8.3 Conditions to Obligations of the Company . The obligation of the Company to effect the transactions contemplated hereby is subject to the satisfaction, on or prior to the Closing Date, of the following conditions unless waived, in whole or in part, by the Company:

(a) Each of the representations and warranties of Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub set forth in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects both as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of such time (other than such representations and warranties that are made as of another date, which shall be so true and correct as of such date). The Company shall have received certificates signed on behalf of Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub by an executive officer of Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub, respectively, to such effect provided, however, that this condition shall be deemed to have been satisfied unless the individual or aggregate impact of all inaccuracies of such representation and warranties materially adversely affect the ability of Parent, Buyer or Finance Sub to timely consummate the Merger or any of the other transactions contemplated hereby.

(b) Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub shall have performed or complied in all material respects with all obligations and covenants required to have been performed or complied with by them under this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents at or prior to the Closing Date, and the Company shall have received a certificate signed on behalf of Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub by an executive officer of Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub, respectively, to such effect.

(c) All documents, instruments, certificates or other items (including, without limitation, the payments to be made at the Closing pursuant to Section 3.3 required to be delivered at the Closing by Parent, Buyer or Finance Sub pursuant to this Agreement shall have been delivered.

 

45


ARTICLE IX

TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER

9.1 Termination . This Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby may be terminated prior to the Closing and the Merger may be abandoned at any time prior to the Effective Time:

(a) by mutual written consent of Parent and the Company;

(b) by either Parent or the Company:

(i) if there shall have been any breach by the other Party (which, in the case of the right of termination by the Company, shall also include any breach by Parent, Buyer or Finance Sub) of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set forth in this Agreement, which breach (a) would give rise to the failure of a condition to the Closing hereunder in the favor of the terminating party and (b) cannot be cured, or has not been cured within 20 days (the “ Cure Period ”), following receipt by other Party of written notice of such breach; provided , however , that the right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 9.1(b)(i) shall not be available to any party to this Agreement that shall have breached or failed to perform or observe in any material respect any covenant or obligation contained in this Agreement where such breach or failure to perform would give rise to the failure of a condition set forth in Section 8.2(a), 8.2(b), 8.3(a) or 8.3(b), as applicable;

(ii) if a court of competent jurisdiction or other Governmental Entity shall have issued an order, decree or ruling or taken any other action, in each case permanently restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the consummation of the Merger or otherwise prohibiting the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents and such order, decree, ruling or other action shall have become final and nonappealable, or there shall be any statute, rule or regulation enacted or promulgated by any Governmental Entity which prohibits the consummation of the Merger or otherwise prohibits the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents; or

(iii) if the Closing shall not have occurred on or before May 31, 2007; provided that if a Cure Period has not expired prior to such date, then the Company shall have the right to extend the Termination Date to the first Business Day after the last day of such Cure Period, and provided, further, that, if the final day of the Marketing Period has not occurred prior to such date, then Parent shall have the right to extend the Termination Date to the earlier of the last day of the Marketing Period and June 29, 2007 (the above date as it may be extended in accordance with the terms hereof, the “ Termination Date ”); provided, however, that the right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 9.1(b)(iii) shall not be available to any party to this Agreement whose failure to perform or observe in any material respect any covenant or obligation contained in this Agreement has been the cause of or resulted in the failure of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement to occur on or before the Termination Date.

 

46


Any termination pursuant to this Section 9.1 (other than a termination pursuant to clause (a) hereof) shall be effected by written notice from the Party so terminating to the other Parties, which notice shall specify the Section hereof pursuant to which this Agreement is being terminated.

9.2 Effect of Termination .

(a) In the event of the termination of this Agreement by either the Company or Parent as provided in Section 9.1 , this Agreement shall forthwith become void and of no further force or effect with no liability or obligation hereunder on the part of Parent, Buyer, Finance Sub or the Company or their respective Affiliates, officers, directors, employees or stockholders, except (i)  Articles IX and X shall survive such termination and (ii) subject to Sections 9.2(b) and 10.20 , the liability of any Party for any willful breach by such Party of the representations, warranties, covenants or agreements of such Party set forth in this Agreement occurring prior to the termination of this Agreement shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the non-breaching Party (and if the Company is the non-breaching Party, then, in addition to the Company, the Shareholders acting through the Shareholders Agent to enforce the rights of the Company) shall be entitled to pursue any and all legally available remedies and to seek the recovery of all losses, liabilities, damages, costs and expenses of every kind and nature including reasonable attorneys’ fees.

(b) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if this Agreement is terminated (i) pursuant to Section 9.1(b)(i) or 9.1(b)(iii) as a result of Parent’s, Buyer’s or Finance Sub’s breach of its obligation to effect the Closing if and when required by Section 4.1 (including because, among other things, of the failure to receive the proceeds from the Debt Financing or the failure to have received the proceeds of any alternative financing) or (ii) pursuant to Section 9.1(b)(ii) as a result of an order, decree, ruling or action that has occurred solely because of a breach of this Agreement by Parent, Buyer or Finance Sub for which the Company would otherwise be entitled to terminate the Agreement under Section 9.1(b)(i), then Parent shall pay or cause to be paid to the Company a cash amount equal to $25,000,000 (the “ Termination Fee ”) on the next Business Day following the date of termination of this Agreement.

The parties hereto acknowledge that the agreements contained in this Section 9.2(b) are an integral part of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and that the Termination Fee is not a penalty, but rather is liquidated damages in a reasonable amount that will compensate the Company for the efforts and resources expended and opportunities foregone while negotiating this Agreement and in reliance on this Agreement and on the expectation of the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, and for losses and damages likely to be incurred or suffered as a result of termination in the circumstances described in clauses (i) and (ii) of the preceding sentence, which amount would otherwise be impossible to calculate with precision. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, if this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 9.1 under circumstances where the Termination Fee is payable pursuant to this Section 9.2(b), then subject to the Company’s rights pursuant to Section 9.2(c), the Company’s right to receipt of payment of the Termination Fee shall be the sole and exclusive remedy against Parent, Buyer, Finance Sub and any of their respective representatives, Affiliates, directors, officers, employees, partners, managers, members, or stockholders for any loss or

 

47


damage suffered by the Company as a result of a breach of or failure to perform by Parent or Buyer of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement of Parent, Buyer or Finance Sub set forth in this Agreement, except in the case of fraud or intentional misrepresentation.

(c) The Company, Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub hereby acknowledge and agree that the agreements contained in Section 9.2(b) are an integral part of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and that, without these agreements, Company, Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub would not enter into this Agreement; accordingly, if Parent, Buyer or Finance Sub fails promptly to pay the amount due pursuant to Section 9.2(b) within the time period mandated for such payment, then the Company may immediately exercise its rights and remedies under the Guaranty Agreement.

9.3 Return of Documentation . Following termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 9.1 , Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub shall return all agreements, documents, contracts, instruments, books, records, materials and all other information regarding the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or other Affiliates provided to Parent, Buyer, Finance Sub or any representatives of Parent, Buyer or Finance Sub in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the other Transaction.

ARTICLE X

MISCELLANEOUS

10.1 Non-Survival of Representations, Warranties and Agreement . The representations, warranties and agreements in this Agreement and any certificate delivered pursuant hereto by any Person shall terminate at the Effective Time or upon the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 9.1 , as the case may be, except that this Section 10.1 shall not limit any covenant or agreement of the Parties which by its terms contemplates performance, or creates rights or remedies, after (a) the Effective Time, including, without limitation, those contained in Article II , Article III and this Article X and Sections 7.7 , Section 7.8 and Section 7.10 or (b) the termination of this Agreement, pursuant to Article IX and this Article X .

10.2 Amendment and Waiver . This Agreement may only be amended if such amendment is set forth in a writing executed (a) if prior to the Effective Time, by the Company, Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub or (b) if after the Effective Time, by the Surviving corporation, Parent and the Shareholders Agent. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be binding unless such waiver is in writing and signed by the Party against whom such waiver is to be enforced. No failure by any Party to insist upon the strict performance of any covenant, duty, agreement or condition of this Agreement or to exercise any right or remedy with respect to a breach thereof shall constitute a waiver of any such breach or any other covenant, duty, agreement or condition.

10.3 Notices . All notices, demands and other communications given or delivered under this Agreement will be in writing and will be deemed to have been given when personally delivered or sent by telecopier, facsimile transmission or other electronic means of transmitting written documents, or sent to the Parties at the respective addresses indicated herein by registered or certified U.S. mail, return receipt requested and postage prepaid or by private

 

48


overnight mail courier service. Notices, demands and communications sent by telecopier, facsimile transmission or other electronic means must also be sent by regular U.S. mail or by private overnight mail courier service to the Parties in order for such notice to be effective. Notices, demands and communications to the Company, the Shareholders Agent, Parent, Buyer, Finance Sub or the Surviving Corporation must, unless another address is specified in writing, be sent to the address indicated below:

 

If to the Company Prior

to the Effective Time:

   Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.
  

6 Executive Campus, Suite 100

Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08002

Attention: Kelley Maggs

Fax: (973) 541-6693

   and
  

Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.

6 Executive Campus, Suite 100

Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08002

Attention: Michael Cramer

Fax: (973) 541-6693

   with a copy (which copy shall not constitute notice to the Company) to:
  

Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.

2001 Ross Avenue, Suite 3700

Dallas, Texas 75201

Attention: A. Winston Oxley

Fax: (214) 999-7891

If to the Shareholders Agent:    Crunch Equity Holding, LLC
  

c/o CCMP Capital Advisors, LLC

245 Park Avenue, 16 th Floor

New York, New York 10167-2403

Attention: Jonathan Lynch

Fax: (917) 464-8687

   with a copy (which copy shall not constitute notice to the Shareholders Agent) to:
  

Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.

2001 Ross Avenue, Suite 3700

Dallas, Texas 75201

Attention: A. Winston Oxley

Fax: (214) 999-7891

 

49


If to Parent, Buyer, Finance Sub

or the Surviving Corporation

after the Effective Time:

   c/o The Blackstone Group
  

345 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10154

Attention: Prakash Melwani

Fax: (212) 583-5712

   with a copy (which copy shall not constitute notice to the Parent, Buyer or the Surviving Corporation) to:
  

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

1999 Avenue of the Stars, 29 th Floor

Los Angeles, California 90067

Attention: Daniel Clivner

Fax: (310) 407-7502

Any of the above addresses may be changed at any time by notice given as provided above; provided, however, that any such notice of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.

10.4 Binding Agreement; Assignment . Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder shall be assigned by any of the Parties hereto, whether by operation of law or otherwise; provided that Parent or Buyer may assign any of their respective rights and obligations to any direct or indirect subsidiary of Parent so long as such assignment does not delay or impede the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

10.5 Severability . Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such a manner as to be effective and valid under Applicable Laws, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be prohibited by or invalid under Applicable Laws, such provision will be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provision or the remaining provisions of this Agreement.

10.6 Other Definitional Provisions . The terms “hereof,” “herein” and “hereunder” and terms of similar import will refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement. Article, Section, clause, subsection, Exhibit and Schedule references contained in this Agreement are references to Articles, Sections, clauses, subsections, Exhibits and Schedules in or attached to this Agreement, unless otherwise specified. Each defined term used in this Agreement has a comparable meaning when used in its plural or singular form. Each gender specific term used in this Agreement has a comparable meaning whether used in a masculine, feminine or gender neutral form. Whenever the terms “include” or “including” are used in this Agreement (whether or not such terms are followed by the phrase “but not limited to” or “without limitation” or words of similar effect) in connection with a listing of items within a particular classification, that listing will be interpreted to be illustrative only and will not be interpreted as a limitation on, or an exclusive listing of, the items within that classification. Each reference in this Agreement to any Applicable Laws will be deemed to include such Applicable Laws as it hereafter may be amended, supplemented or modified from

 

50


time to time and any successor thereto, unless such treatment would be contrary to the express terms of this Agreement. Any term used but not defined in this Agreement shall have the meaning given to such term in Exhibit A , which Exhibit A is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Whenever any amount is stated in this Agreement in “Dollars” or by reference to the “ $ ” symbol, such amount shall be United States dollars.

10.7 Captions . The captions used in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and do not constitute a part of this Agreement and will not be deemed to limit, characterize or in any way affect any provision of this Agreement, and all provisions of this Agreement will be enforced and construed as if no caption had been used in this Agreement.

10.8 Entire Agreement . This Agreement (including the Exhibits and the Schedules), the agreements, documents, instruments and certificates referred to herein or delivered pursuant hereto, and the Confidentiality Agreement contain the entire agreement between the parties and supersede any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or between the parties, written or oral, which may have related to the subject matter hereof in any way.

10.9 Counterparts and Facsimile Signatures . This Agreement may be executed and delivered (including by facsimile transmission) in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the Parties and delivered to the other Parties, it being understood that all Parties need not sign the same counterpart.

10.10 Waiver of Jury Trial . TO THE EXTENT NOT PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAWS, EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES AND COVENANTS THAT IT WILL NOT ASSERT (WHETHER AS PLAINTIFF, DEFENDANT OR OTHERWISE), ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY FORUM IN RESPECT OF ANY ISSUE, CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION ARISING IN WHOLE OR IN PART UNDER, RELATED TO, BASED ON, OR IN CONNECTION WITH, THIS AGREEMENT OR THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF, WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING AND WHETHER SOUNDING IN TORT OR CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE. ANY PARTY HERETO MAY FILE AN ORIGINAL COUNTERPART OR A COPY OF THIS SECTION 11.9 WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF EACH SUCH PARTY TO THE WAIVER OF ITS RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.

10.11 Public Announcements . Prior to the Closing, no Party shall issue any press release or make any public statement with respect to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby without the prior written consent of the other Parties (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), except that any Party may make any disclosure required by Applicable Laws (including federal securities laws) if it determines in good faith that it, or any Subsidiary thereof, is required to do so and the Company may issue such press releases as it may reasonably determine is appropriate in order to keep the holders of the Notes informed of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents. A Party, with respect to the each such disclosure, shall provide the other Parties with prior notice and a reasonable opportunity to review the disclosure.

 

51


10.12 Joint Liability . Each representation, warranty, covenant and agreement made by Parent, Buyer Finance Sub in this Agreement shall be deemed a joint representation, warranty, covenant and agreement made by Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub jointly and all liability and obligations relating thereto shall be deemed a joint liability and obligation of Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub.

10.13 Jurisdiction . EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE EXPRESSLY PROVIDED IN THIS AGREEMENT, THE PARTIES HERETO AGREE THAT ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING SEEKING TO ENFORCE ANY PROVISION OF, OR BASED ON ANY MATTER ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH, THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY SHALL BE BROUGHT IN THE COURT OF CHANCERY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE (OR, IN THE CASE OF ANY CLAIM AS TO WHICH THE FEDERAL COURTS HAVE EXCLUSIVE SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION, THE FEDERAL COURT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA) SITTING IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE, AND EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY CONSENTS TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THOSE COURTS (AND OF THE APPROPRIATE APPELLATE COURTS THEREFROM) IN ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY OBJECTION WHICH IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF THE VENUE OF ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN ANY OF THOSE COURTS OR THAT ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING WHICH IS BROUGHT IN ANY OF THOSE COURTS HAS BEEN BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM. PROCESS IN ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE SERVED ON ANY PARTY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHETHER WITHIN OR WITHOUT THE JURISDICTION OF ANY OF THE NAMED COURTS. WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, EACH PARTY AGREES THAT SERVICE OF PROCESS ON IT BY NOTICE AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 11.12 SHALL BE DEEMED EFFECTIVE SERVICE OF PROCESS.

10.14 Governing Law . ALL QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE CONSTRUCTION, VALIDITY, ENFORCEMENT AND INTERPRETATION OF THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE INTERNAL LAW OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO ANY CHOICE OF LAW OR CONFLICT OF LAW PROVISION OR RULE (WHETHER OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION) THAT WOULD CAUSE THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANY JURISDICTION OTHER THAN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

10.15 Attorneys’ Fees . In any action or proceeding instituted by a Party arising in whole or in part under, related to, based on, or in connection with, this Agreement or the subject matter hereof, the prevailing Party shall be entitled to receive from the losing Party reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses incurred in connection therewith, including any appeals therefrom.

10.16 Parties in Interest . This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of each Party hereto and its successors and permitted assigns. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to confer upon any other Person any rights or remedies of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement except as expressly set forth herein. Notwithstanding the foregoing, from and after the Closing, as may be applicable, each of Article II and Article X are

 

52


made for the benefit of the Shareholders, and Section 7.10 is made for the benefit of the Indemnified Company Parties, as applicable. All of the Persons identified in the immediately preceding sentence shall be entitled to enforce such provisions and to avail themselves of the benefits of any remedy for any breach of such provisions, all to the same extent as if such Persons were signatories to this Agreement.

10.17 Rules of Construction .

(a) Each of the Parties acknowledges that it has been represented by independent counsel of its choice throughout all negotiations that have preceded the execution of this Agreement and that it has executed the same with consent and upon the advice of said independent counsel. Each Party and its counsel cooperated in the drafting and preparation of this Agreement and the documents referred to herein, and any and all drafts relating thereto shall be deemed the work product of the Parties and may not be construed against any Party by reason of its preparation. Accordingly, any rule of law or any legal decision that would require interpretation of any ambiguities in this Agreement against any Party that drafted it is of no application and is hereby expressly waived.

(b) The inclusion of any information in the Company Disclosure Schedule shall not be deemed an admission or acknowledgment, in and of itself and solely by virtue of the inclusion of such information in the SEC Documents or the Company Disclosure Schedule, that such information is required to be listed in the SEC Documents or the Company Disclosure Schedule or that such items are material to the Company. The headings, if any, of the individual sections of each of the Company Disclosure Schedules are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute a part thereof or a part of this Agreement. The Company Disclosure Schedule is arranged in sections corresponding to those contained in Article V merely for convenience, and the disclosure of an item in one section of the Company Disclosure Schedule as an exception to a particular representation or warranty shall be deemed adequately disclosed as an exception with respect to all other representations or warranties to the extent that the relevance of such item to such representations or warranties is reasonably apparent on the face of such item, notwithstanding the presence or absence of an appropriate section of the Company Disclosure Schedule with respect to such other representations or warranties or an appropriate cross reference thereto. The disclosure of an item in the SEC Documents (excluding any disclosures set forth in any risk factor section thereof, in any section relating to forward looking statements and any other disclosures included therein to the extent that they are cautionary, predictive or forward looking in nature) shall be deemed adequately disclosed as an exception with respect to all representations and warranties contained in Article V to the extent that the relevance of such item to such representations or warranties is reasonably apparent on the face of such item.

(c) The specification of any dollar amount in the representations and warranties or otherwise in this Agreement or in the SEC Documents or the Company Disclosure Schedule is not intended and shall not be deemed to be an admission or acknowledgment of the materiality of such amounts or items, nor shall the same be used in any dispute or controversy between the Parties to determine whether any obligation, item or matter (whether or not described herein or included in any schedule) is or is not material for purposes of this Agreement (other than with respect to any representation, warranty or provision of this Agreement in which such specification occurs).

 

53


10.18 Shareholders Agent .

(a) Crunch Equity Holding, LLC (the “ Shareholders Agent ”), is hereby appointed, authorized and empowered to act, on behalf of the Shareholders, in connection with this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents in the capacity as his, her or its agent and attorney in fact with full power of substitution to do any and all things and execute any and all documents which may be necessary, convenient or appropriate to facilitate the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including but not limited to: (i) execution of the documents and certificates pursuant to this Agreement, (ii) receipt of payments under or pursuant to this Agreement and disbursement thereof to the Shareholders and others, as contemplated by this Agreement, (iii) receipt and forwarding of notices and communications pursuant to this Agreement, (iv) administration of the provisions of this Agreement relating to the matters described in Section 3.6 and Article X , and the Escrow Agreement, (v) giving or agreeing to, on behalf of the Shareholders, any and all consents, waivers, amendments or modifications deemed by the Shareholders Agent, in its discretion, to be necessary or appropriate under this Agreement or the Escrow Agreement and the execution or delivery of any documents that may be necessary or appropriate in connection therewith, (vi) (A) dispute or refrain from disputing, on behalf of each Shareholder relative to such Shareholder’s Percentage Share, any claim made by Parent, Buyer or Finance Sub, (B) negotiate and compromise, on behalf of each such Shareholder, any dispute that may arise under, and exercise or refrain from exercising any remedies available under this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents, and (C) execute, on behalf of each such Shareholder, any settlement agreement, release or other document with respect to such dispute or remedy and (vii) engaging attorneys, accountants, agents or consultants on behalf of the Shareholders in connection with this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents and paying any fees related thereto.

(b) In the event that the Shareholders Agent, with the advice of counsel, is of the opinion that it requires further authorization or advice from the Shareholders on any matters concerning this Agreement, the Shareholders Agent shall be entitled to seek such further authorization from the Shareholders prior to acting on their behalf. In such event, each Shareholder (including the Shareholders Agent in its capacity as a Shareholder) shall have a number of votes equal to such Shareholder’s Percentage Share and the authorization of a majority of such number of votes shall be binding on all of the Shareholders and shall constitute the authorization of the Shareholders.

(c) Parent, Buyer and Finance Sub shall be fully protected in dealing with the Shareholders Agent under this Agreement and may rely upon the authority of the Shareholders Agent to act as the agent of the Shareholders. The appointment of the Shareholders Agent is coupled with an interest and shall be irrevocable by any Shareholder in any manner or for any reason. This power of attorney shall not be affected by the death, illness, dissolution, disability, incapacity or other inability to act of the principal pursuant to any Applicable Law.

(d) The Shareholders Agent may resign from its capacity as Shareholders Agent at any time by written notice delivered to Parent and the Shareholders. If there is a vacancy at any time in the position of Shareholders Agent for any reason, such vacancy shall be filled by a Shareholder vote pursuant to Section 10.18(b) .

 

54


(e) The Shareholders Agent hereby accepts such appointment and designation.

(f) The Shareholders Agent shall not be liable to Parent, Buyer, Finance Sub, the Company or the Shareholders in its capacity as Shareholders Agent for any error of judgment, or any act done or step taken or omitted by it in good faith or for any mistake in fact or law, or for anything which it may do or refrain from doing in connection with this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents, except for its own willful misconduct. In no event shall the Shareholders Agent, in the capacity as Shareholders Agent, be liable to Parent, Buyer or Finance Sub for any breach of this Agreement by the Company. The Shareholders Agent may seek the advice of legal counsel in the event of any dispute or question as to the construction of any of the provisions of this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents or its duties hereunder or thereunder, and it shall incur no liability in its capacity as Shareholders Agent to Parent, Buyer, Finance Sub, the Company or the Shareholders and shall be fully protected with respect to any action taken, omitted or suffered by it in good faith in accordance with the opinion of such counsel.

(g) Any expenses incurred by the Shareholders Agent in connection with the performance of its duties under this Agreement shall not be the personal obligation of the Shareholders Agent but shall be payable: (i) as a Transaction Cost if incurred and ascertainable prior to the Closing, (ii) out of distributions to the Shareholders pursuant to this Agreement if incurred but not ascertainable prior to the Closing or if incurred following the Closing and prior to such distributions and (iii) by the Shareholders based on each Shareholder’s Percentage Share of such expenses after the Closing in the event no amounts are distributed as described in subsection (ii) or in the event such distributions are not adequate to pay such expenses. The Shareholders Agent may from time to time submit invoices to the Shareholders covering such expenses and, upon the request of any Shareholder, shall provide such Shareholder with an accounting of all expenses paid.

(h) Each Securityholder, severally, shall indemnify the Shareholders Agent up to, but not exceeding, an amount equal to the aggregate portion of the amounts received by such Person under Article II of this Agreement, which indemnification shall be paid by such Securityholder pro rata in accordance with the portion of the aggregate amounts received by such Person under Article II of this Agreement, against all damages, liabilities, claims, obligations, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’, accountants’ and other experts’ fees and the amount of any judgment against it, of any nature whatsoever, arising out of or in connection with any claim, investigation, challenge, action or proceeding or in connection with any appeal thereof; relating to the acts or omissions of the Shareholders Agent hereunder, under this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents or otherwise, except for such damages, liabilities, claims, obligations, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’, accountants’ and other experts’ fees and the amount of any judgment against the Shareholders Agent that arise from the Shareholders Agent’s willful misconduct. The foregoing indemnification shall not be deemed exclusive of any other right to which the Shareholders Agent may be entitled apart from the provisions hereof. In the event of any indemnification under this Section 10.18(h) , each Securityholder shall promptly deliver to the Shareholders Agent full payment of his, her or its ratable share of such indemnification claim.

 

55


(i) All of the indemnities, immunities and powers granted to the Shareholders Agent under this Agreement shall survive the Closing and/or any termination of this Agreement and the Escrow Agreements.

10.19 Expenses . Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the Company, Parent, Buyer, Finance Sub and the Surviving Corporation shall each pay all of their own fees, costs and expenses (including fees, costs and expenses of legal counsel, investment bankers, advisors, accountants, brokers or other representatives and consultants and appraisal fees, costs and expenses) incurred by such Person in connection with the preparation, negotiation, execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, the performance of their respective obligations hereunder and thereunder, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. In addition, the Parties acknowledge that the Transaction Costs may include, and the Company shall bear and pay at Closing, certain fees and expenses of the Shareholders or the Shareholders Agent.

10.20 Limitation of Liability . The Company agrees that, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (a) to the extent it has incurred losses or damages in connection with this Agreement (i) the maximum aggregate liability of Parent, Buyer or Finance Sub for such losses or damages shall be limited to $25,000,000 (inclusive of any Termination Fee), (ii) in no event shall the Company seek to recover any money damages in excess of such amount from Parent, Buyer, Finance Sub and the Guarantor and (iii) the maximum liability of the Guarantor, directly or indirectly, shall be limited to the express obligations of such Guarantor under the Guaranty Agreement, and (b) in no event shall any “Non-Recourse Party” (as defined in the Guaranty Agreement) have any liability or obligation relating to or arising out of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

10.21 Enforcement . The Parties agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed by the Company in accordance with their specific terms on a timely basis or were otherwise breached. It is accordingly agreed that Parent and Buyer shall be entitled to an injunction or other equitable relief to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement in any court identified in Section 10.13 , this being in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity. The Parties acknowledge that neither the Company nor the Shareholders shall be entitled to an injunction or other equitable relief to prevent breaches of this Agreement by Parent, Buyer or Finance Sub or to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement (other than with respect to the Confidentiality Agreement for which the Company shall be entitled to an injunction) and that the Company’s and the Shareholders’ sole and exclusive remedy with respect to any such breach shall be the remedy set forth in Section 9.2(b) .

10.22 Conflicts and Privilege . Parent, Buyer and the Company hereby agree that, in the event a dispute arises after the Closing between Parent or the Surviving Corporation and the Shareholders, Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. may represent the Shareholders in such dispute even though the interests of the Shareholders may be directly adverse to the Surviving Corporation,

 

56


and even though Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. may have represented the Company in a matter substantially related to such dispute, or may be handling ongoing matters for the Surviving Corporation. Parent, Buyer, Finance Sub and the Company further agree that, as to all communications between Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., the Company and the Shareholders that relate in any way to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the attorney-client privilege and the expectation of client confidence belongs to the Shareholders and may be controlled by the Shareholders, and shall not pass to or be claimed or controlled by the Surviving Corporation; provided that the Shareholders shall not waive such attorney-client privilege other than to the extent appropriate in connection with the enforcement or defense of their respective rights or obligations existing under this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event a dispute arises between Parent or the Surviving Corporation and a Person other than a Shareholder after the Closing, the Surviving Corporation may assert the attorney-client privilege to prevent disclosure of confidential communications by Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. to such Person; provided, however, that the Surviving Corporation may not waive such privilege without the prior written consent of the Shareholders Agent, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld.

10.23 Release . Effective as of immediately prior to the Effective Time, the Company, for itself and on behalf of its shareholders, successors and assigns, hereby fully and unconditionally release, acquit and forever discharge all Shareholders, directors and officers of the Company holding such position at any time prior to the Effective Time from any and all manner of actions, causes of actions, claims, obligations, demands, damages, costs, expenses, compensation or other relief, whether known or unknown, whether in law or equity, arising out of or relating to or accruing from their relationship with the Company or its Subsidiaries other than with respect to any act of actual fraud by such individual or their respective obligations under this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.

 

57


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement and Plan of Merger as of the date first written above.

 

CRUNCH HOLDING CORP.
By:   / S / M ICHAEL J. C RAMER
Name:   Michael J. Cramer
Title:   Vice President
PEAK HOLDINGS LLC
By:   / S / S HERVIN K ORANGY
Name:   Shervin Korangy
Title:   Vice President
PEAK ACQUISITION CORP
By:   / S / S HERVIN K ORANGY
Name:   Shervin Korangy
Title:   Vice President
PEAK FINANCE LLC
By:   / S / S HERVIN K ORANGY
Name:   Shervin Korangy
Title:   Vice President

 

S-1


EXHIBIT A

DEFINED TERMS

As used in the Agreement and Plan of Merger to which this Exhibit A is attached and incorporated by reference therein, the following terms will have the meanings specified:

Acquisition Proposal ” means any offer or proposal for, or indication of interest in, a merger, consolidation, stock exchange, business combination, reorganization, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution or other similar transaction involving the Crunch Equity Holding, LLC, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, any purchase of a majority or more of the assets of Crunch Equity Holding, LLC, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or a majority of the interests, Common Stock or capital stock of Crunch Equity Holding, LLC, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, other than the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

Advisor Fees ” means all fees and expenses reimbursements (including fees arising from the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement) that are payable or that have otherwise accrued under the terms of each of the agreements described in Company Disclosure Schedule 7.5 .

Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the Introduction.

Affiliate ” of a Person means a Person that directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, the first mentioned Person, where “control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct the management and policies of a Person whether through the ownership of voting securities, contract or otherwise. For the avoidance of doubt, each equityholder of Crunch Equity Holding, LLC (other than Crunch Equity Voting Trust and Co-Investment Partners, L.P.) shall be deemed to be Affiliates of the Company for purposes of this Agreement.

Antitrust Laws ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.12 .

Applicable Laws ” means all applicable federal, state, provincial, local or foreign laws (including common law), statutes, rules, regulations, ordinances, directives, judgments, order (judicial or administrative), decrees, injunctions and writs of any Governmental Entity or any similar provisions having the force or effect of law.

Applicable Rate ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6(e)(i) .

Audited Financial Statements ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.4(a)(i) .

Bridge Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.14(a) .

Business Day ” means any day other than: (a) a Saturday, Sunday or federal holiday or (b) a day on which commercial banks in New York, New York are authorized or required to be closed.

Buyer ” has the meaning set forth in the Introduction.

 

Exhibit A-1


Certificate of Merger ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.2 .

Closing ” means the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.

Closing Common Share Price ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(a) .

Closing Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1 .

Closing Financial Statements ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(b) .

Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (including, where applicable, the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended).

Common Share Price ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(c) .

Common Stock ” means the Company’s Common Stock, ($0.01) par value per share.

Company ” has the meaning set forth in the Introduction.

Company Disclosure Schedule ” means that certain disclosure letter of even date with this Agreement from the Company to Parent delivered concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement.

Company Permits ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.12 .

Compensatory Arrangement ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.7(e) .

Confidentiality Agreement ” means that certain Confidentiality Agreement, dated December 12, 2006, by and between PFGI and Blackstone Management Partners V L.L.C.

Consent ” means any consent, order, approval, authorization or other action of, or any filing with or notice to or other action with respect to, any Governmental Entity or any other Person which is required for any of the execution, delivery or performance of the Agreement or any other Transaction Document, the consummation of transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, whether such requirement arises pursuant to any Applicable Laws, contract or agreement, including any of the foregoing which is required in order to prevent a breach of or a default under or a termination or modification of any contract or agreement, which right of breach, default, termination or modification results from the consummation of the Merger.

Constituent Corporations ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Covered Employees ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.7(a) .

Credit Agreement ” means the Credit Agreement, dated as of November 25, 2003, among the Company, the lenders from time to time party thereto, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as administrative agent, and the other agents and parties thereto, as amended by Amendment No. 1 and Waiver, dated as of November 1, 2004, Amendment No. 2 and Waiver, dated as of November 19, 2004, Amendment No. 3 and Agreement, dated as of January 25, 2006, Amendment No. 4 and Agreement, dated as of February 14, 2006, and Amendment No. 5, dated as of June 2, 2006, as further amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

Exhibit A-2


Cure Period ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.1(b)(i) .

Current Premium ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.10(d) .

Debt ” has the meaning set froth in Section 3.1(d) .

Debt Amount ” means the aggregate amount of Debt outstanding under the Credit Agreement as of immediately prior to the Closing.

Debt Breakage Costs ” means any fees, expenses, premiums, penalties, redemption premiums, make-whole payments or change of control payments attributable to, or arising under, the terms of any Debt, including the premium paying pursuant to the Debt Tender Offer.

Debt Financing ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.6 .

Debt Financing Commitment ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.6 .

Debt Tender Offer ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.15(a) .

Dissenting Shares ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(b) .

DGCL ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

DOJ ” means the United States Department of Justice.

Effective Time ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.2 .

Employee Benefit Plans ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.11 .

Enterprise Value ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(e) .

Environment ” shall mean surface or subsurface soil or strata, surface waters and sediments, navigable waters, groundwater, drinking water supply and ambient air. The term also includes indoor air to the extent it is regulated under any Environmental and Safety Requirements.

Environmental and Safety Requirements ” means all Applicable Laws concerning worker health and safety, or pollution or protection of the Environment, including all those relating to the presence, use, generation, handling, transport, treatment, storage, disposal, discharge, release, threatened release, control, or cleanup of any Hazardous Materials.

Environmental Report ” means any report, study, assessment, audit, or other similar document that addresses any issue of actual or potential noncompliance with, actual or potential liability under or cost arising out of, or actual or potential impact on business in connection with, any Environmental and Safety Requirements or Hazardous Materials or any proposed or anticipated change in or addition to Environmental and Safety Requirements or relating to Hazardous Materials, that may affect the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

 

Exhibit A-3


Equity Financing ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.6 .

Equity Financing Commitment ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.6 .

Equity Plans ” means the Option Plans and the Stock Purchase Plans.

ERISA ” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

Escrow Agent ” means an escrow agent mutually acceptable to the Parties.

Escrow Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(a)(vi) .

Escrow Amount ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(a)(vi) .

Estimated Debt ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(a) .

Estimated Net Working Capital ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(a) .

FDA Applicable Laws ” means all Applicable Laws relating to the use, manufacture, packaging, licensing, labeling, distribution, or sale of any food, drug, cosmetic, medical device or household product or material.

Finance Sub ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Financial Statements ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.4(a) .

Financing ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.6 .

Financing Commitments ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.6 .

FTC ” means the United States Federal Trade Commission.

Fully Diluted Common Stock ” means the sum of the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time plus the number of shares of Common Stock covered by Options outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time; provided that Performance Options that are terminated as contemplated in Section 2.3 shall be disregarded in determining the amount of Fully Diluted Common Stock.

GAAP ” means United States generally accepted accounting principles, applied on a consistent basis.

Governmental Entity ” means any government, governmental department, commission, board, bureau, agency, court or other instrumentality, whether foreign or domestic, of any country, nation, republic, federation or similar entity or any state, province, county, parish or municipality, jurisdiction or other political subdivision thereof.

 

Exhibit A-4


Guarantor ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Guaranty Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Hazardous Materials ” means any chemicals, materials, wastes or substances that are defined, regulated, determined or identified as toxic or hazardous under any Environmental and Safety Requirements (including, without limitation, substances defined as “hazardous substances”, “hazardous materials”, “hazardous waste”, “pollutant or contaminant”, “petroleum” or “natural gas liquids” in CERCLA, the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, or comparable state and local statutes or in the regulations pursuant to said statutes), any gasoline or petroleum (including crude oil or any fraction thereof) or petroleum products, polychlorinated biphenyls, urea-formaldehyde insulation, asbestos, pollutants, contaminants, radioactivity, and any other substances that are regulated pursuant to or could give rise to liability under any Environmental and Safety Requirements.

Holding Corp. Financial Statements ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.13(d) .

HSR Act ” means the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended.

Indemnified Company Parties ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.10(a) .

Indenture ” means the Indenture, dated November 25, 2003, among PFGI, Pinnacle Foods Corporation, PF Sales, LLC, PF Distribution, LLC, Pinnacle Foods Brands Corporation, PF Standards Corporation, PF Sales (N. Central Region) Corp. and the Trustee.

Independent Accountants ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6(c) .

Intellectual Property ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.9 .

Interim Statements ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.4(a)(ii) .

Knowledge ” (and any derivation thereof, whether or not capitalized) means only the current, actual knowledge and awareness (and shall not include any deemed or constructive knowledge or awareness), after due inquiry, of the individuals specified in clause (a) or (b) below, as the case may be: (a) in the case of Parent, Buyer or Finance Sub, Prakash Melwani, Shervin Korangy and Jason Giordano, and (b) in the case of the Company, Jeff Ansell, N. Michael Dion, Michael J. Cramer, Kelley Maggs and C. Dean Metropoulos.

Latest Balance Sheet ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.4(a)(ii) .

Letter of Transmittal ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4(a) .

Lien ” means any mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, lien (statutory or otherwise), preference, priority, security agreement, easement, covenant, restriction or other encumbrance of any kind or nature whatsoever (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement and any lease having substantially the same effect as any of the foregoing and any assignment or deposit arrangement in the nature of a security device).

 

Exhibit A-5


Marketing Period ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.14(c) .

Material Adverse Effect ” means any change, effect or occurrence that, individually or in the aggregate, (A) has had or would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect or change in the business, operations, assets, liabilities, condition (financial or otherwise) or results of operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole or (B) would reasonably be expected to materially adversely effect the ability of the Company to timely consummate the Merger or any of the other transactions contemplated hereby; provided, however, that, in determining whether there has been a Material Adverse Effect or whether a Material Adverse Effect would occur, this definition shall exclude any change, effect or occurrence to the extent arising out of, attributable to or resulting from: (a) any generally applicable change in Applicable Laws or GAAP or interpretation of any thereof, (b) to the extent specifically demonstrated by the Company, (i) any public announcement prior to the date of this Agreement of discussions among the Parties hereto regarding the transactions contemplated herby, (ii) the announcement of this Agreement, (iii) the pendency of the consummation of the Merger or the transactions contemplated hereby or (iv) any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, (c) actions or inactions taken by the Company or its Subsidiaries in accordance with the express provisions of this Agreement, (d) changes in conditions generally affecting the industries in which the Company and its Subsidiaries conduct their business, (e) general economic, political or financial market conditions, (f) any outbreak or escalation of hostilities (including, without limitation, any declaration of war by the U.S. Congress) or acts of terrorism and (g) any failure by the Company to meet internal projections or forecasts; provided, that the underlying cause of any such failure may be taken into consideration in making such determination; provided, further, that, in the case of the foregoing clauses (a), (d), (e) and (f), the impact of such change, effect or occurrence is not disproportionately adverse to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as compared to other companies in the industries in which the Company and its Subsidiaries operate.

Material Contract ” means: (a) each contract or agreement having an unexpired term of more than one year and that is executory in whole or in part and involves performance of services or delivery of goods or materials by the Company or any Subsidiary thereof of an amount or value in excess of $100,000, (b) each contract or agreement having an unexpired term of more than one year and that is executory in whole or in part and was not entered into in the ordinary course of business and that involves expenditures or receipts of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof in excess of $100,000, (c) each lease, rental or occupancy agreement, installment and conditional sale agreement, and any other contract or agreement affecting the ownership of, leasing of, title to or use of any real property, (d) each material licensing agreement or other contract or agreement with respect to patents, trademarks, copyrights or other Intellectual Property, including material contracts or agreements with current or former employees, consultants or contractors regarding the appropriation or the non-disclosure of any intellectual property, (e) each collective bargaining agreement, including amendments and side letter agreements thereto, and any other contract or agreement with any labor union or other employee representative of a group of employees, (f) each joint venture, partnership, franchise, joint research and development and joint marketing agreement or any other similar contract or agreement (including a sharing of profits, losses, costs or liabilities by the Company or any Subsidiary thereof with any other Person), (g) each contract or agreement containing covenants

 

Exhibit A-6


that in any way purport to restrict or prohibit the business activity of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof or limit the freedom of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof to engage in any line of business or to compete with any person, (h) each contract or agreement with any consultant, advisor, agent, employee or Affiliate of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof and (i) any indenture, mortgage, promissory note, loan agreement or other agreement or commitment for the borrowing of money, for a line of credit or for any capital leases.

In no event shall a Material Contract include an Ordinary Course of Business Contract.

Merger ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.1 .

Net Working Capital ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(f) .

Net Working Capital Target ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(b) .

Notes ” means PFGI’s 8  1 / 4 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013.

Option ” means an option issued by the Company to acquire Common Stock pursuant to the Option Plans.

Options ” means all Time Vesting Options and Performance Options.

Option Plans ” means the Company’s 2004 Stock Option Plan and the Company’s 2004 California Stock Option Plan.

Option Surrender Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4(a) .

Ordinary Course of Business Contracts ” means (a) contracts or agreements for routine maintenance of the personal property or real property of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (b) any trade discount or rebate program implemented in the ordinary course of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries’ business, (c) normal and routine open purchase orders or agreements for (i) the purchase of raw materials or supplies used in the manufacture of products of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) services provided to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and (d) agreements (on customer form documents), including, vendor agreements, continuing product guarantees, policy letters, promotional agreements, data access agreements and electronic data interchange agreements, with customers that purchase products from the Company.

Owned Real Property ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.6(a) .

Parent ” has the meaning set forth in the Introduction.

Parent’s Disclosure Schedule ” means that certain disclosure letter of even date with this Agreement from Parent to the Company delivered concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement.

Parties ” means each signatory to this Agreement.

 

Exhibit A-7


Percentage Share ” means, with respect to each Shareholder, the amount calculated as follows and expressed as a percentage: (a) the number of shares of Common Stock owned by such Shareholder plus the number of shares of Common Stock covered by Vested Options owned by such Shareholder; divided by (b) the Fully Diluted Common Stock.

Performance Options ” has the meaning give such term under the Equity Plans.

Permitted Encumbrances ” means (a) statutory Liens for current Taxes not yet due and payable or being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which there are adequate reserves on the books of a person, (b) mechanics’, carriers’, workers’, repairers’ and other similar liens imposed by law arising or incurred in the ordinary course of business for obligations that are (i) not overdue or (ii) being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which there are adequate reserves on the books of a person, (c) in the case of leases of vehicles, rolling stock and other personal property, encumbrances that do not materially impair the operation of the business at the facility at which such leased equipment or other personal property is located, (d) other immaterial Liens that were not incurred in connection with the borrowing of money or the advance of credit and that do not interfere with the conduct of the business conducted by the Company and its Subsidiaries, (e) Liens of landlords on leases of real property identified in Company Disclosure Schedule 5.6(b) arising from the provisions of such leases, (f) pledges or deposits made in the ordinary course of business in connection with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other types of social security, (g) deposits to secure the performance of bids, contracts (other than for borrowed money), leases, statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature incurred in the ordinary course of business, (h) zoning regulations and restrictive covenants and easements of record relating to Owned Real Property, none of which are currently violated by the present use and operation of such Owned Real Property, that do not detract in any material respect from the value of the Owned Real Property and do not materially and adversely affect, impair or interfere with the use or operation of any Owned Real Property affected thereby, (i) public utility easements of record, in customary form, (j) Liens not otherwise included as Permitted Encumbrances that are of record and disclosed in the owner’s policies of title insurance, made available to Parent prior to the date hereof and set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.6(a), (k) Liens securing all or any portion of the Debt Amount and (l) mortgages, deeds of trust and other security instruments, and ground leases or underlying leases covering the title, interest or estate of landlords with respect to the leased real property and to which the leases with respect to the leased real property are subordinate.

Person ” means an individual, a partnership, a limited liability company, a corporation, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization or any Governmental Entity.

PFGI ” means Pinnacle Foods Group Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company.

Purchase Price ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(g) .

Real Property ” means the Owned Real Property and the real property described on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.6(b).

 

Exhibit A-8


Release ” shall mean any releasing, spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, discharging, injecting, escaping, leaching, disposing, migrating or dumping of Hazardous Materials into the Environment, whether intentional or unintentional, foreseen or unforeseen.

Required Information ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.14(b) .

SEC ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.16 .

SEC Documents ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.16 .

Section 280G ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.7(e) .

Severance Costs ” means any severance or termination payments payable to any employee of the Company or a Subsidiary thereof whose employment is terminated by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for any reason from and after the Closing.

Shareholders Agent ” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.18(a) .

Shareholder Consent ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Shareholders ” means all holders of Common Stock and Options.

Stock Purchase Plans ” means the Company’s 2004 Stock Purchase Plan and the Company’s 2004 California Stock Purchase Plan.

Subsidiary ” of a Person means any corporation or other legal entity of which such Person (either alone or through or together with any other Subsidiary or Subsidiaries) is the general partner or managing entity or of which at least a majority of the stock or other equity interests the holders of which are generally entitled to vote for the election of the board of directors or others performing similar functions of such corporation or other legal entity is directly or indirectly owned or controlled by such Person (either alone or through or together with any other Subsidiary or Subsidiaries).

Subsidiary Merger ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Subsidiary Surviving Company ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3.

Surviving Corporation ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Tax ” (and, with correlative meaning, “ Taxes ”, “ Taxable ” and “ Taxing ”) means any (a) federal, state, local or foreign income, gross receipts, franchise, estimated, alternative minimum, add on minimum, sales, use, transfer, registration, value added, excise, natural resources, severance, stamp, occupation, premium, windfall profits, environmental (including under Section 59A of the Tax Code), customs, duties, real property, real property gains, personal property, capital stock, social security, unemployment, disability, payroll, license, employee or other tax of any kind whatsoever, including any interest, penalties or additions to tax or additional amounts in respect of the foregoing, (b) liability of any Person for the payment of any amounts of the type

 

Exhibit A-9


described in clause (a) arising as a result of being (or ceasing to be) a member of any “affiliated group” (as that term is defined in Section 1504(a) of the Code) or any combined, consolidated or unitary group under any similar provision of state or local law (or being included in any Tax Return relating thereto), and (c) liability for the payment of any amounts of the type described in clause (a) or (b) as a result of any express or implied obligation to indemnify or otherwise assume or succeed to the liability of any other Person.

Tax Return ” means any return, declaration, report, claim for refund or credit, information return or other document (including any related or supporting schedules, statements or information) filed or required to be filed in connection with the determination assessment or collection of Taxes or the administration of any Applicable Law relating to any Taxes including any amendment thereof.

Termination Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.1(b)(iii) .

Termination Fee ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2(b) .

Time Vesting Options ” has the meaning given such term under the Equity Plans.

Transaction Costs ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(h) .

Transaction Documents ” means this Agreement, the Escrow Agreement and each other agreement, document, certificate or instrument referred to herein or therein or delivered pursuant hereto or thereto.

Trustee ” means Wilmington Trust Company.

Vested Options ” shall mean all Options that are converted into the right to receive the Common Share Price as contemplated by Section 2.2 and Section 2.3 .

WARN Act ” means the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of 1982.

 

Exhibit A-10


SCHEDULES

Customary disclosure schedules to the Agreement and Plan of Merger have been omitted, but the Company agrees to furnish all omitted schedules to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

 

A-11

Exhibit 3.1

CERTIFICATE OF FORMATION

OF

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC

This Certificate of Formation of Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC (the “Company”), is being duly executed and filed by Patrick A. Hurt, as an authorized person, to form a limited liability company under the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act (6 Del C. § 18-101, et seq ).

 

FIRST:    The name of the limited liability company formed hereby is Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC.
SECOND:    The address of the registered office of the Company in the State of Delaware is c/o The Corporation Trust Company, Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801.
THIRD:    The name and address of the registered agent of the Company in the State of Delaware is The Corporation Trust Company, Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Certificate of Formation of Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC this 5 th day of March, 2007.

 

By:   / S / P ATRICK A. H URT
  Name:   Patrick A. Hurt
  Title:   Authorized Person

Exhibit 3.2

AMENDED AND RESTATED

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT

OF

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC

The undersigned is executing this Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement (the “ Agreement ”) of Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC (the “ Company ”) as of April 2, 2007.

WHEREAS, on March 5, 2007, the Company was formed as a limited liability company pursuant to the provisions of the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, 6 Del. C. §§ 18-101 et seq . (the “ Act ”) by the execution and filing of a Certificate of Formation with the Delaware Secretary of State;

WHEREAS, on March 5, 2007, Crunch Holding Corp. (“ Crunch Holding ”) executed the Limited Liability Company Agreement of Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC (the “ Original Agreement ”);

WHEREAS, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as February 10, 2007, between Crunch Holding Corp, Peak Holdings LLC, Peak Acquisition Corp (“Merger Sub”) and Peak Finance LLC (“ Peak Finance ”), Merger Sub was merged with and into Crunch Holding, with Crunch Holding as the surviving corporation (the “ Merger ”);

WHEREAS, in connection with the Merger, the Peak Finance and the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of the date hereof, pursuant to which Peak Finance was merged with and into the Company, with the Company as the surviving limited liability company (the “ Subsidiary Merger ”);

WHEREAS, as a result of the Merger and the Subsidiary Merger, the sole member of the Company is Peak Finance Holdings LLC (“ Peak Finance Holdings ”), of which Crunch Holding is the sole member; and

WHEREAS, Peak Finance Holdings desires to amend and restate the Original Agreement under the Act to reflect its status as the sole member of the Company and to provide for the establishment of a Board of Directors of the Company as follows:

1. Formation . A certificate of formation of the Company (the “ Certificate ”) was executed and filed with the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on March 5, 2007.

2. Name . The name of the limited liability company shall be “Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC”, or such other name as the Member may from time to time hereafter designate.

3. Definitions . Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings set forth therefor in Section 18-101 of the Act.


4. Purpose . The Company is formed for the purpose of engaging in any lawful business permitted by the Act or the laws of any jurisdiction in which the Company may do business. The Company shall have the power to engage in all activities and transactions which the Member deems necessary or advisable in connection with the foregoing.

5. Offices . The principal place of business and office of the Company shall be located at, and the Company’s business shall be conducted from, such place or places as the Member may designate from time to time.

The registered office of the Company in the State of Delaware shall be located at c/o The Corporation Trust Company, Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801. The name and address of the registered agent of the Company for service of process on the Company in the State of Delaware shall be The Corporation Trust Company, Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801. The Member may from time to time change the registered agent or office by an amendment to the certificate of formation of the Company.

6. Member . Peak Finance Holdings LLC is the sole member of the Company (the “ Member ”). The name and business or residence address of the Member is Peak Finance Holdings LLC, c/o The Blackstone Group, 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154.

7. Term . The term of the Company shall commence on the date of filing of the certificate of formation of the Company in accordance with the Act and shall continue until the Company is dissolved and its affairs are wound up in accordance with Section 17 of this Agreement and a certificate of cancellation is filed in accordance with the Act.

8. Board of Directors; Delegation of Authority and Duties .

(a) Member and Board of Directors . The Member, acting through the Board (defined below), shall manage and control the business and affairs of the Company, and shall possess all rights and powers as provided in the Act and otherwise by law. Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein, the Member hereby consents to the exercise by the Board of all such powers and rights conferred on them by the Act with respect to the management and control of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing and except as explicitly set forth in this Agreement, if a vote, consent or approval of the Member is required by the Act or other applicable law with respect to any act to be taken by the Company or matter considered by the Board, the Member agrees that it shall be deemed to have consented to or approved such act or voted on such matter in accordance with a vote of the Board on such act or matter. No Member, in his or its capacity as a Member, shall have any power to act for, sign for or do any act that would bind the Company; provided , that the Member shall have the power to act for and bind the Company with respect to actions taken on the date of this Agreement in connection with the Subsidiary Merger, including, without limitation, the appointment of the board of directors of any subsidiary of the Company.

(b) Delegation by Board . The Board shall have the power and authority to delegate to one or more other persons the Board’s rights and powers to manage and control the business and affairs of the Company, including to delegate to agents and employees of the

 

2


Member, a Director (as defined below) or the Company (including Officers), and to delegate by a management agreement or another agreement with, or otherwise to, other persons. The Board may authorize any person (including, without limitation, the Member or any Officer or Director) to enter into and perform under any document on behalf of the Company.

(c) Committees . The Board may, from time to time, designate one or more committees, each of which shall be comprised of at least two Directors. Any such committee, to the extent provided in the enabling resolution and until dissolved by the Board, shall have and may exercise any or all of the authority of the Board. At every meeting of any such committee, the presence of a majority of all the representatives thereof shall constitute a quorum, and the affirmative vote of a majority of the representatives present shall be necessary for the adoption of any resolution. The Board may dissolve any committee at any time, unless otherwise provided in the Certificate or this Agreement.

9. Establishment of Board of Directors .

(a) Directors . There shall be established a Board of Directors composed of 7 persons (“ Directors ”), each of whom shall be elected by the Member. Any Director may be removed from the Board at any time by the Member. Each Director shall remain in office until his or her death, resignation or removal. In the event of death, resignation or removal of a Director, the party or parties, as applicable, which appointed such Director shall fill the vacancy created.

(b) Absence . A Director may, in isolated instances arising from exigent circumstances, designate a person to act as his substitute and in his place at any meeting of the Board. Such person shall have all power of the absent Director, and references herein to a “Director” at a meeting shall be deemed to include his substitute. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, Directors shall not be deemed to be “members” or “managers” (as such terms are defined in the Act) of the Company.

(c) No Individual Authority . No Director has the authority or power to act for or on behalf of the Company, to do any act that would be binding on the Company or to make any expenditures or incur any obligations on behalf of the Company or authorize any of the foregoing, other than acts that are authorized by the Board.

(d) Chairman . The Board shall designate a Director to serve as chairman. The chairman shall, unless a majority of Directors present determine otherwise, preside at all meetings of the Board. If the chairman is absent at any meeting of the Board, a majority of the Directors present shall designate another Director to serve as interim chairman for that meeting. The chairman shall have no authority or power to act for or on behalf of the Company, to do any act that would be binding on the Company or to make any expenditure or incur any obligations on behalf of the Company or authorize any of the foregoing. The chairman shall initially be Roger Deromedi.

10. Officers . The Member may, from time to time as it deems advisable, designate natural persons as officers of the Company (the “ Officers ”) or successor Officers of the Company and assign titles to any such person. Unless the Member decides otherwise, if the title

 

3


is one commonly used for officers of a business corporation formed under the Delaware General Corporation Law, the assignment of such title shall constitute the delegation to such person of the authorities and duties that are normally associated with that office. Any delegation pursuant to this Section 8 may be revoked at any time by the Member. An Officer may be removed with or without cause at any time by the Member.

The following persons are designated as initial Officers of the Company, holding the respective offices set forth opposite their names, and are each duly authorized to act on behalf of the Company in their capacity as an Officer of the Company:

 

Name

  

Office

Jeffrey P. Ansell    CEO
William Toler    President
N. Michael Dion    Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Michael J. Cramer    Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer
Kelley Maggs    Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary
Lynne Misericordia    Senior Vice President & Treasurer
Jack Kroeger    Vice President & Assistant General Counsel
Joseph Adler    Vice President & Controller
Anthony LoBue    Vice President Tax

11. Capital Contributions . The Member shall make capital contributions to the Company from time to time, which amounts shall be set forth in the books and records of the Company.

12. Transfers of Member Interest . The Member may sell, assign, pledge or otherwise transfer or encumber (collectively, a “ Transfer ”) any of its Limited Liability Company Interest in the Company to any Person so long as such Transfer is in writing.

13. Resignation . The Member shall have the right to resign from the Company so long as such resignation is in writing. The provisions hereof with respect to distributions upon resignation are exclusive and no Member shall be entitled to claim any further or different distribution upon resignation under Section 18-604 of the Act or otherwise.

 

4


14. Allocations and Distributions . Distributions of cash or other assets of the Company shall be made at such times and in such amounts as the Member may determine. Distributions shall be made to (and profits and losses of the Company shall be allocated among) the Member.

15. Return of Capital . The Member has the right to receive any distributions which include a return of all or any part of such Member’s capital contribution, provided that upon the dissolution and winding up of the Company, the assets of the Company shall be distributed as provided in Section 18-804 of the Act.

16. Dissolution . The Company shall be dissolved and its affairs wound up upon the occurrence of an event causing a dissolution of the Company under Section 18-801 of the Act, except the Company shall not be dissolved upon the occurrence of an event that terminates the continued membership of a Member if (i) at the time of the occurrence of such event there are at least two Members of the Company, or (ii) within ninety (90) days after the occurrence of such event, all remaining Members agree in writing to continue the business of the Company and to the appointment, effective as of the date of such event, of one or more additional Members. In the event of dissolution, the Company shall conduct only such activities as are necessary to wind up its affairs (including the sale of the assets of the Company in an orderly manner), and the assets of the Company shall be applied in the manner, and in the order of priority set forth in Section 18-804 of the Act.

17. Amendments . This Agreement may be amended only upon the written consent of the Member.

18. Other Business . The Member may engage in or possess an interest in other business ventures of every kind and description, independently or with others. The Company shall not have any rights in or to such independent ventures or the income or profits therefrom by virtue of this Agreement.

19. Limited Liability . The Member shall not have any liability for the debts, obligations or liabilities of the Company except to the extent provided by the Act.

20. Exculpation; Indemnification . Neither the Member, the Officers nor any of their respective affiliates or agents (collectively, “ Covered Persons ”) shall be liable to the Company or any other person or entity who has an interest in the Company for any loss, damage or claim incurred by reason of any act or omission performed or omitted by such Covered Person in good faith on behalf of the Company and in a manner reasonably believed to be within the scope of the authority conferred on such Member or Officer, as applicable, by this Agreement. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Covered Person shall be entitled to indemnification from the Company for any loss, damage or claim incurred by such Covered Person by reason of any act or omission performed or omitted by such Covered Person in good faith on behalf of the Company and in a manner reasonably believed to be within the scope of the authority conferred on such Member or Officer, as applicable, by this Agreement; provided , however , that any indemnity under this Section 21 shall be provided out of and to the extent of Company assets only, and neither the Member nor the Officer, as applicable, nor any other Covered Person, shall have personal liability on account thereof.

 

5


21. Banking Matters . The Member and each Officer and any agent or employee of the Company, or other person designated by such Member or Officer is hereby authorized and empowered (A) to (i) establish one or more domestic or international accounts (including but not limited to, depository, checking, disbursement, custodian, or investment accounts, and other accounts as deemed necessary or expeditious for business purposes of the Company) (“ Accounts ”), in the name of the Company with any bank, trust company, savings and loan institution, brokerage firm or other financial institution which said Member or Officer shall from time to time designate as a depository of funds, securities or other property of the Company, for any purpose and on terms and conditions deemed appropriate by such person on behalf of the Company; and (ii) close Accounts of the Company now or hereafter established; and (B) to assign, limit or revoke any and all authority of any agent or employee of the Company, or other person designated by such Member or Officer to (i) sign checks, drafts and orders for the payment of money drawn on the Company’s Accounts, and all notes of the Company and all acceptances and endorsements of the Company; (ii) execute or initiate electronic fund transfers; (iii) execute or initiate foreign currency exchange transactions; (iv) execute or initiate the investment of monies; and (v) initiate requests for information for any Account of the Company.

22. Authorized Person . Patrick A. Hurt is hereby designated as an “authorized person” within the meaning of the Act, and has executed, delivered and filed the Certificate with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. Upon the filing of the Certificate with the Secretary of State of Delaware, Patrick A. Hurt’s powers as an “authorized person” ceased.

23. Amendment . This Agreement may only be amended by a writing duly signed by the Member.

24. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed under, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflict of law rules.

 

6


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

PEAK FINANCE HOLDINGS LLC
By:   /s/ Prakash Melwani
  Name: Prakash Melwani
  Title: President

Exhibit 3.3

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE CORP.

The undersigned, in order to form a corporation for the purpose hereinafter stated, under and pursuant to the provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law, hereby certifies that:

FIRST: The name of the Corporation is Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp.

SECOND: The registered office and registered agent of the Corporation is The Corporation Trust Company, Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware, 19801, New Castle County.

THIRD: The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the Delaware General Corporation Law.

FOURTH: The total number of shares of stock that the Corporation is authorized to issue is 1000 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 each.

FIFTH: The name of the sole incorporator is Jeffrey C. DeMartino, and his address is Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, 425 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10017-3954.

SIXTH: The Board of Directors of the Corporation, acting by majority vote, may adopt, amend or repeal the By-Laws of the Corporation.

SEVENTH: Except as otherwise provided by the Delaware General Corporation Law as the same exists or may hereafter be amended, no director of the Corporation shall be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director. Any repeal or modification of this Article SEVENTH by the stockholders of the Corporation shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director of the Corporation existing at the time of such repeal or modification.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has signed this Certificate of Incorporation on February 27, 2007.

 

/ S / J EFFREY C. D E M ARTINO

Jeffrey C. DeMartino
Incorporator

Exhibit 3.4

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE CORP.

Incorporated under the Laws of the

State of Delaware

BYLAWS

ARTICLE I

OFFICES

Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp. (the “ Corporation ”) shall maintain a registered office in the State of Delaware. The Corporation may also have other offices at such places, either within or without the State of Delaware, as the Board of Directors may from time to time designate or the business of the Corporation may require.

ARTICLE II

STOCKHOLDERS

Section 1. Annual Meeting : The annual meeting of stockholders for the election of directors and the transaction of any other business as may properly come before such meeting shall be held on such date, at such time and place as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors, and set forth in the notice of such meeting. At the annual meeting any business may be transacted and any corporate action may be taken, whether stated in the notice of meeting or not, except as otherwise expressly provided by statute or the Certificate of Incorporation.

Section 2. Special Meetings : Special meetings of the stockholders for any purpose may be called at any time by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board, or, if no Chairman has been elected, by the President, and shall be called by the Chairman of the Board or, if none, by the President at the request of the holders of shares of the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Corporation representing at least a majority of the votes entitled to be cast at a meeting of stockholders. Special meetings shall be held at such place or places within or without the State of Delaware as shall from time to time be designated by the Board of Directors and stated in the notice of such meeting. Only if so determined by the Board of Directors, in its sole discretion, a meeting of stockholders may be held not at any place, but may instead be held solely by means of remote communication, as provided in the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. At any special meeting any business may be transacted and any corporate action may be taken, whether stated in the notice of meeting or not, except as otherwise expressly provided by Law or the Certificate of Incorporation.

Section 3. Notice of Meeting : Notice of the date, time and place of any stockholders’ meeting, whether annual or special, shall be given to each stockholder entitled to vote thereat not less than ten (10) nor more than fifty (50) days prior to the date of such meeting, in the manner prescribed by Law. Notice of any adjourned meeting need not be given other than by announcement at the meeting so adjourned, unless otherwise ordered in connection with such adjournment. Such further notice, if any, shall be given as may be required by Law.


Section 4. Waiver of Notice : Notice of meeting need not be given to any stockholder who submits a signed waiver of notice, in person or represented by proxy, whether before or after the meeting. The attendance of any stockholder at a meeting, in person or represented by proxy, without protesting prior to the conclusion of the meeting the lack of notice of such meeting, shall constitute a waiver of notice by such stockholder.

Section 5. Quorum : Any number of stockholders, who are entitled to vote, who hold shares of the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Corporation representing at least a majority of the votes entitled to be cast at a meeting of stockholders and who shall be present in person or represented by proxy at any meeting duly called shall constitute a quorum for all purposes except as may otherwise be provided by Law or the Certificate of Incorporation.

Section 6. Adjournment of Meeting : Whether or not a quorum is present, a meeting may be adjourned from time to time by the chairman of the meeting or by the affirmative vote of the stockholders present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote thereat holding shares representing at least a majority of the votes so present or represented and entitled to be cast (a “ Majority Vote ”), without notice other than by announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall attend. Any meeting at which a quorum is present may also be adjourned in like manner and for such time or upon such call as may be determined by a Majority Vote. At any adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present, any business may be transacted and any corporate action may be taken which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally called. When a quorum is once present, it is not broken by the subsequent withdrawal or departure of any stockholder.

Section 7. Voting : Each stockholder entitled to vote at any meeting may vote either in person or by proxy duly appointed. Each stockholder of a class or series of stock other than Common Stock shall on each matter submitted to a vote at each meeting of the stockholders be entitled to such number of votes for each share of such stock as may be fixed in the Certificate of Incorporation, and each stockholder of Common Stock shall on each matter submitted to a vote at each meeting of the stockholders be entitled to one vote for each share of Common Stock, in each case registered in his name on the books of the Corporation on the date fixed as a record date for the determination of its stockholders entitled to vote, as hereinafter provided. At all meetings of stockholders all matters, except as otherwise provided by Law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, shall be determined by a Majority Vote. Where a separate vote by class is required, a majority of the votes represented by the shares of the stockholders of such class present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to be cast thereon shall be the act of such class. Every proxy shall be revocable at the pleasure of the shareholder executing it, except in those cases where an irrevocable proxy is permitted by Law.

Unless required by Law or the Certificate of Incorporation, or determined by the chairman of the meeting to be advisable, the vote on any question need not be by ballot. On a vote by ballot, each ballot shall state the number of shares voted.

 

2


Section 8. Action by Stockholders Without a Meeting : Whenever, under the Delaware General Corporation Law, stockholders are required or permitted to take any action by vote, such action may be taken without a meeting upon consent in writing or by electronic transmission, setting forth the action so taken, signed by the holders of all outstanding shares entitled to vote thereon.

Section 9. List of Shareholders . The officer of the Corporation who has charge of the stock ledger of the Corporation shall prepare and make a list of the shareholders entitled to vote at each meeting of shareholders, and make such list available for examination, in the manner prescribed by Law.

Section 10. Inspectors . The Board may, or if required by Law shall, appoint one or more inspectors to act at meeting of shareholders or any adjournment thereof, in the manner, and with the powers, duties and obligations, prescribed or permitted by Law.

ARTICLE III

DIRECTORS

Section 1. Number and Qualifications : The Board of Directors shall not be less than one (1) and shall consist of such number as may be fixed from time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors. Any decrease in the number of directors shall be effective at the time of the next succeeding annual meeting of the stockholders unless there shall be vacancies in the Board of Directors in which case such decrease may become effective at any time prior to the next succeeding annual meeting to the extent of the number of such vacancies. All directors shall be at least eighteen years of age. The directors need not be stockholders.

Section 2. Responsibilities : The general management of the affairs of the Corporation shall be vested in the Board of Directors, which may delegate to officers, employees and to committees of one (1) or more directors such powers and duties as it may from time to time see fit, subject to the limitations hereinafter set forth, and except as may otherwise be provided by Law.

Section 3. Election and Term of Office : Except as otherwise provided by Law or the Certificate of Incorporation, the directors shall be elected at each meeting of the shareholders for the election of directors at which a quorum is present by a plurality of the votes cast at such election. If the election of directors shall not be held on the day designated by the Bylaws, the directors shall cause the same to be held as soon thereafter as may be convenient. The directors chosen at any annual meeting shall hold office except as hereinafter provided, until the next annual election and until the election and qualification of their successors.

Section 4. Removal and Resignation of Directors : Any director may be removed from the Board of Directors, with or without cause, by a Majority Vote at any special meeting of the stockholders called for that purpose, and the office of such director shall forthwith become vacant. Any director may resign as a director or from membership in any committee of the

 

3


Board at any time. Such resignation shall be made in writing or by electronic transmission and shall take effect at the time specified therein, and if no time be specified, at the time of its receipt by an officer of the Corporation. The acceptance of a resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.

Section 5. Filling of Vacancies : Any vacancy among the directors, occurring from any cause whatsoever, may be filled by a majority of the remaining directors, though less than a quorum, provided, however, that the stockholders removing any director may at the same meeting fill the vacancy caused by such removal, and further provided, that if the directors fail to fill any such vacancy, the stockholders may fill such vacancy at the next annual meeting or at any special meeting called for that purpose. In case of any increase in the number of directors, the additional directors may be elected by the vote of a majority of the directors in office prior to such increase. Any person elected to fill a vacancy shall hold office, subject to the right of removal as herein before provided, until the next annual election and until the election and qualification of his or her successor.

Section 6. Regular Meetings : The Board of Directors shall hold an annual meeting for the purpose of organization and the transaction of any business immediately after the annual meeting of the stockholders, provided a quorum is present. Other regular meetings may be held at such times as may be determined from time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors.

Section 7. Special Meetings : Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called at any time by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, if any, or by the President.

Section 8. Notice and Place of Meetings : Meetings of the Board of Directors may be held without notice at such time and place as shall be designated by resolution of the Board of Directors. Notice of any special meeting shall be sufficiently given if mailed to each director at such director’s residence or usual place of business at least two (2) days before the day on which the meeting is to be held, or, if sent to such director at such place by telegraph, facsimile, cable or electronic transmission, or delivered personally or by telephone not later than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the time at which the meeting is to be held. No notice of the annual meeting shall be required if held immediately after the annual meeting of the stockholders and if a quorum is present. Notice of meeting need not be given to any Director who submits a waiver of notice before or after the meeting, nor to any director who attends the meeting without protesting, at the beginning thereof, the lack of notice. Except as otherwise specifically required by Law or these Bylaws, a notice or waiver of notice of any regular or special meeting need not state the purposes of such meeting.

Section 9. Business Transacted at Meetings : Any business may be transacted and any corporate action may be taken at any regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors at which a quorum shall be present, whether such business or proposed action be stated in the notice of such meeting or not, unless special notice of such business or proposed action shall be required by Law.

Section 10. Quorum and Manner of Acting : A majority of the entire Board of Directors shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and the acts of a

 

4


majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the acts of the Board of Directors, unless otherwise provided by Law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws. Whether or not a quorum is present at a meeting of the Board of Directors, a majority of the directors present may adjourn the meeting to such time and place as they may determine without notice other than an announcement at the meeting. The directors shall act only as a Board and the individual directors shall have no power as such unless expressly delegated by the Board or any duly constituted committee of the Board.

Section 11. Action Without a Meeting : Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Board of Directors or any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board of Directors or the committee consent in writing or by electronic transmission to the adoption of a resolution authorizing the action. The resolution and the consents thereto in writing or by electronic transmission by the members of the Board of Directors or committee shall be filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Board or committee.

Section 12. Participation by Telephone : Any one or more members of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors or such committee by means of a conference telephone or other communications equipment allowing all persons participating in the meeting to hear each other. Participation by such means shall constitute the presence of the person at the meeting.

Section 13. Compensation : The Board of Directors may establish by resolution reasonable compensation for directors for services to the Corporation as a director, committee member or chairman of any committee and for attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors or committee thereof. Nothing herein contained shall preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity, as an officer, agent or otherwise, and receiving compensation therefor.

ARTICLE IV

COMMITTEES

Section 1. Executive Committee : The Board of Directors, by resolution passed by a majority of the entire Board of Directors, may designate one (1) or more directors to constitute an Executive Committee to hold office at the pleasure of the Board of Directors, which Committee shall, during the intervals between meetings of the Board of Directors, have and exercise all of the powers of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, subject only to such restrictions or limitations as the Board of Directors may from time to time specify, or as limited by Law, and shall have power to authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all instruments which may require it. Any member of the Executive Committee may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by a resolution of a majority of the entire Board of Directors. Any person ceasing to be a director shall ipso facto cease to be a member of the Executive Committee. Any vacancy in the Executive Committee occurring from any cause whatsoever may be filled from among the directors by a resolution of a majority of the entire Board of Directors.

 

5


Section 2. Other Committees : The Board of Directors or any committee duly appointed by the Board of Directors may appoint other committees whose members are to be directors, and which committees shall exist for such time and have such powers and perform such duties as may from time to time be assigned to them by the Board of Directors or the committee appointing them. Any member of such a committee may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by the Board of Directors or the committee appointing such committee. Any vacancy in a committee occurring from any cause whatsoever may be filled by the Board of Directors or the committee appointing such committee.

Section 3. Powers of Committees . Any Executive Committee or other committee, to the extent allowed by Law and provided in the resolution establishing such committee or in the Bylaws, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, including the power to adopt a certificate of ownership and merger pursuant to Section 253 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, the authority to issue shares, and the authority to declare a dividend, except as limited by Delaware General Corporation Law or other applicable Law, but no such committee shall have the power or authority in reference to the following matters: (i) approving or adopting, or recommending to the stockholders, any action or matter expressly required by the Delaware General Corporation Law to be submitted to stockholders for approval or (ii) adopting, amending or repealing any Bylaw of the Corporation. All acts done by any committee within the scope of its powers and duties pursuant to these Bylaws and the resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors shall be deemed to be, and may be certified as being, done or conferred under authority of the Board of Directors. The Secretary or any Assistant Secretary is empowered to certify that any resolution duly adopted by any such committee is binding upon the Corporation and to execute and deliver such certifications from time to time as may be necessary or proper to the conduct of the business of the Corporation. The Board shall have power at any time to fill vacancies in, to change the membership of, or to dissolve any committee. Nothing herein shall be deemed to prevent the Board from appointing one or more committees consisting in whole or in part of persons who are not directors of the Corporation; provided, however, that any such committee shall not have nor exercise any authority of the Board.

Section 4. Resignation : Any member of a committee may resign at any time. Such resignation shall be made in writing or by electronic transmission and shall take effect at the time specified therein, or, if no time be specified, at the time of its receipt by the Chairman of the Board, or if none, by the Chief Executive Officer, the President or the Secretary. The acceptance of a resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective unless so specified therein.

Section 5. Quorum : A majority of the members of a committee shall constitute a quorum. The act of a majority of the members of a committee present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of such committee. The members of a committee shall act only as a committee, and the individual members thereof shall have no powers as such.

Section 6. Record of Proceedings : Each committee shall keep a record of its acts and proceedings, and shall report the same to the Board of Directors when and as required by the Board of Directors.

 

6


Section 7. Organization, Meetings, Notices : A committee may hold its meetings at the principal office of the Corporation, or at any other place upon which a majority of the committee may at any time agree. Each committee may make such rules as it may deem expedient for the regulation and carrying on of its meetings and proceedings. Unless otherwise ordered by the Executive Committee, any notice of a meeting of such Committee may be given by the Secretary or by the Chairman of the Committee and shall be sufficiently given if mailed to each member at such member’s residence or usual place of business at least five (5) days before the day on which the meeting is to be held, or, if sent to him at such place by telegraph, facsimile, cable or electronic transmission, or delivered personally or by telephone, not later than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the time at which the meeting is to be held. Notice of meeting need not be given to any member of a committee who submits a waiver of notice before or after the meeting, nor to any member who attends the meeting without protesting, at the beginning thereof, the lack of notice.

Section 8. Compensation : The members of any committee shall be entitled to such compensation as may be allowed them by resolution of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE V

OFFICERS

Section 1. Number : The officers of the Corporation shall be a President, a Secretary and a Treasurer, and such Vice Presidents and other officers as may be appointed in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of this Article V. The Board of Directors, in its discretion, may also elect a Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Section 2. Election, Term of Office and Qualifications : The officers, except as provided in Section 3 of this Article V, shall be chosen by the Board of Directors. Each such officer shall, except as herein otherwise provided, hold office until the selection and qualification of his or her successor. The Chairman of the Board of Directors, if any, shall be a director of the Corporation, and should the Chairman cease to be a director, shall ipso facto cease to be such Officer. Any two or more offices may be held by the same person, except the offices of President and Secretary or as otherwise prohibited by Law.

Section 3. Other Officers : Other officers, including without limitation, one or more Vice Presidents, Assistant Secretaries or Assistant Treasurers, may from time to time be appointed by the Board of Directors or committee thereof, which other officers shall have such powers and perform such duties as may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors or committee appointing them.

Section 4. Removal of Officers : Any officer of the Corporation may be removed from office, with or without cause, by a vote of a majority of the Board of Directors. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, unless otherwise specifically provided in the resolution of the Board electing such officer, any officer shall automatically, without further action by the Board and without the necessity or acceptance of a resignation or relinquishment, be removed from all offices he or she may hold when he or she shall cease to be employed by at least one of the Corporation or, so long as shares of capital stock of the Corporation representing at least a

 

7


majority of the votes entitled to be cast at a meeting of stockholders are owned by Peak Finance LLC or any successor thereto (“ Holdings ”) or any of Holdings’ subsidiaries, whether by death, retirement, termination with or without cause or otherwise.

Section 5. Resignation : Any officer of the Corporation may resign at any time. Such resignation shall be in writing or by electronic transmission and shall take effect at the time specified therein, and if no time be specified, at the time of its receipt by an officer of the Corporation. The acceptance of a resignation shall not be necessary in order to make it effective.

Section 6. Filling of Vacancies : A vacancy in any office shall be filled by the Board of Directors.

Section 7. Compensation : The compensation of the officers shall be fixed by the Board of Directors or by any officer(s) or committee to whom such authority may be delegated by the Board of Directors.

Section 8. Chairman of the Board of Directors : The Chairman of the Board of Directors, if one is elected, shall be a director and may, but need not, be an employee of the Corporation or hold other offices in the Corporation. The Chairman shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors and of the stockholders at which he shall be present. The Chairman shall have power to call special meetings of the stockholders, the Board of Directors or of the Executive Committee at any time and shall have such power and perform such other duties as may from time to time be designated by the Board of Directors.

Section 9. President and Chief Executive Officer : The President shall be the chief executive officer of the Corporation, and shall have such duties as customarily pertain to that office. The President shall have general management and supervision of the property, business and affairs of the Corporation and over its several officers, employees and agents, subject, however to control of the Board. He or she may appoint and remove agents and employees, other than officers referred to in this Article IV, and may sign, execute and deliver, in the name of the Corporation, all certificates, powers of attorney, contracts, bonds and other obligations and instruments authorized by the Board of Directors, except in cases where the signing, execution and delivery thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board of Directors or by these Bylaws to some other officer or agent of the Corporation or except as otherwise provided by Law or the Certificate of Incorporation. The President shall perform such duties as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors and shall, in the absence of the Chairman of the Board, perform and carry out the functions of the Chairman of the Board. The President shall designate the person or persons who shall exercise his powers and perform his duties in his absence or disability.

Section 10. Vice Chairman of the Board : One of the Vice Chairmen of the Board, if any are elected, shall, in the absence of the Chairman of the Board, preside at meetings of the stockholders and the Board of Directors. They shall have such powers and perform such duties as usually pertain to the office of Vice Chairman of the Board and such other powers and duties as may from time to time be assigned to them by the Board of Directors.

 

8


Section 11. Vice Presidents : Each Senior Executive Vice President, Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President, First Vice President or Vice President shall have such powers and perform such duties as the Board of Directors or the President may from time to time prescribe, and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed in these Bylaws.

Section 12. Secretary : The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the Board of Directors and of the stockholders and record all votes and the minutes of all proceedings in a book to be kept for that purpose, and shall perform like duties for any committee appointed by the Board of Directors. The Secretary shall give or cause to be given notice of all meetings of stockholders and special meetings of the Board of Directors and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors. The Secretary shall keep in safe custody the seal of the Corporation and affix it to any instrument when so authorized by the Board of Directors and may attest the affixing by his or her signature. The Board of Directors may give general authority to any other officer to affix the seal of the Corporation and to attest the affixing by his or her signature.

Section 13. Assistant Secretary : Any Assistant Secretary shall be empowered and authorized to perform all of the duties of the Secretary in the absence of the Secretary and shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors, the Secretary or these Bylaws.

Section 14. Treasurer : The Treasurer shall have the custody of the corporate funds and securities and shall cause to be kept full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Corporation and shall deposit all monies and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Corporation in such depositories as may be designated by persons authorized by the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall disburse the funds of the Corporation as may be ordered by the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the President and Directors at the regular meetings of the Board of Directors, or whenever they may require it, an account of all of the transactions effected by the Treasurer and of the financial condition of the Corporation. The Treasurer may be required to give bond for the faithful discharge of his or her duties. He or she shall generally perform all duties appertaining to the office of treasurer of a corporation and shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors or these Bylaws.

Section 15. Assistant Treasurer : Any Assistant Treasurer shall be empowered and authorized to perform all the duties of the Treasurer in the absence of the Treasurer and shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors, the Treasurer or these Bylaws.

Section 16. Other Officers . The Board of Directors may designate such other officers having such duties and powers as it may specify from time to time.

 

9


ARTICLE VI

CAPITAL STOCK

Section 1. Issue of Certificates of Stock : Certificates of capital stock shall be in such form as shall be approved by the Board of Directors. They shall be numbered in the order of their issue, and shall be signed by the Chairman of the Board, if any, the President or any Vice President (or a comparable officer), and the Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer or any Assistant Treasurer, and the seal of the Corporation or a facsimile thereof shall be impressed, affixed or reproduced thereon. In case any officer or officers who shall have signed any such certificate or certificates shall cease to be such officer or officers of the Corporation, whether because of death, resignation or otherwise, before such certificate or certificates shall have been delivered by the Corporation, such certificate or certificates may nevertheless be adopted by the Corporation and be issued and delivered as though the person or persons who signed such certificate or certificates had not ceased to be such officer or officers of the Corporation.

Section 2. Registration and Transfer of Shares : The name of each person owning a share of the capital stock of the Corporation together with the number of shares held by such person, the numbers of the certificates covering such shares and the dates of issue of such certificates shall be registered on the records of the Corporation by the Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer. The shares of stock of the Corporation shall be transferable on the books of the Corporation by the holders thereof in person, or by their duly authorized attorneys or legal representatives, on surrender and cancellation of certificates for a like number of shares, accompanied by an assignment or power of transfer endorsed thereon or attached thereto, duly executed, and with such proof of the authenticity of the signature as the Corporation or its agents may reasonably require. A record shall be made of each transfer. The Board of Directors may make other and further rules and regulations concerning the transfer and registration of certificates for stock.

Section 3. Lost, Destroyed and Mutilated Certificates : The holder of any stock of the Corporation shall immediately notify the Corporation of any loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of the certificates therefor. The Corporation may issue a new certificate of stock in the place of any certificate theretofore issued by it and alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, and the Board of Directors may, in its discretion, require the owner of the lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or his legal representatives, to advertise the same in such manner as the Board of Directors shall require and/or to give the Corporation a bond, in such sum not exceeding twice the value of the stock and with such surety or sureties as they may require, to indemnify it against any claim that may be made against it by reason of the issue of such new certificate and against all other liabilities arising therefrom, or may remit such owner to such remedy or remedies as such owner may have under the laws of the State of Delaware.

ARTICLE VII

DIVIDENDS AND SURPLUS

Section 1. General Discretion of Directors : The Board of Directors shall have power to fix and vary the amount to be set aside or reserved as working capital of the Corporation, or as

 

10


reserves, or for other proper purposes of the Corporation, and, subject to the requirements of the Certificate of Incorporation, to determine whether any part of the surplus or net profits of the Corporation shall be declared in dividends and paid to the stockholders, and to fix the date or dates for the payment of dividends. Dividends may be paid in cash, property or shares of capital stock.

ARTICLE VIII

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Section 1. Fiscal Year : The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be the same as that of Holdings, so long as shares of capital stock of the Corporation representing at least a majority of the votes entitled to be cast at a meeting of stockholders are owned by Holdings, unless the Board of Directors shall otherwise determine.

Section 2. Corporate Seal : The corporate seal shall be in such form as approved by the Board of Directors and may be altered at their pleasure. The corporate seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed, affixed or reproduced by the Secretary or Assistant Secretary.

Section 3. Notices : Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, any notice required by these Bylaws to be given shall be sufficient if given by depositing the same in a post-office or letter box in a sealed wrapper with a first-class postage prepaid stamp thereon and addressed to the person entitled thereto at such person’s business or home address, as the same appears upon the books of the Corporation, or by telephoning, telegraphing, faxing or cabling the same to such person at such address; and such notice shall be deemed to be given at the time it is mailed, telegraphed, faxed or cabled.

Section 4. Waiver of Notice : Any stockholder or director may at any time, by writing, by telegraph, by fax, by cable or by electronic transmission, waive any notice required to be given under these Bylaws, and if any stock-holder or director shall be present at any meeting, his presence shall constitute a waiver of such notice for such meeting, unless he protests his lack of notice by the end of the meeting.

Section 5. Contracts, Checks, Drafts : Except as otherwise required by Law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, any contracts, promissory notes, bonds or other certificates or evidences of indebtedness of the Corporation, checks, drafts, bills of exchange or other orders for the payment of money out of the funds of the Corporation or other instruments may be executed and delivered in the name and on behalf of the Corporation by such persons as the Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee thereof may from time to time direct or as may be designated by any officer or officers of the Corporation to whom such power of designation may from time to time be delegated by the Board. Such authority may be general or confined to specific instances as the Board or such officer may determine. Unless authorized by the Board of Directors or expressly permitted by these Bylaws, any officer or agent or employee shall not have any power or authority to bind the Corporation by any contract or engagement or to pledge its credit or to render it pecuniarily liable for any purpose or to any amount.

 

11


Section 6. Deposits : All funds of the Corporation shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the Corporation in such bank or banks, trust companies or other depositories as persons authorized by the Board of Directors may select, and, for the purpose of such deposit, checks, drafts, and other orders for the payment of money which are payable to the order of the Corporation, may be endorsed for deposit, assigned and delivered by any officer of the Corporation, or by such agents of the Corporation, or by such person as the Board of Directors may authorize for that purpose.

Section 7. Voting Stock of Subsidiary Corporations : Powers of attorney, proxies, waivers of notice of meetings, consents and other instruments relating to securities owned by the Corporation may be executed in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation by the Chairman of the Board, the President, the Secretary or a Vice President (or comparable officer). Any such officer may, in the name and on behalf of the Corporation, take all such action as the officer may deem advisable to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of security holders of any corporation, company, partnership or other entity in which the Corporation may own securities, or to execute written consents in lieu thereof. At any such meeting, or in giving any such consent, the officer shall possess and may exercise any and all rights and powers incident to the ownership of such securities and which, as the owner thereof, the Corporation might have exercised and possessed if present. The Board of Directors may, by resolution, from time to time confer like powers upon any other person or persons.

Section 8. Cessation of Officership and Directorship : The authority granted by name to any individual shall immediately cease in the event that such individual ceases to be an officer or director of the Corporation or an affiliate thereof, unless otherwise provided by the Board of Directors.

Section 9. Definitions . As used in these Bylaws, the term “ entire Board of Directors ” means the total number of directors which the Corporation would have if there were no vacancies; the term “ Law ” means the Delaware General Corporation Law and any other applicable law, rule or regulation and, to the extent binding on the Corporation, the constitutions, rules and regulations of any exchange on which securities of the Corporation are listed, or of which the Corporation is a member, or of any self-regulatory organization having jurisdiction or authority over the Corporation.

ARTICLE IX

INDEMNIFICATION

Section 1. Nature of Indemnity . The Corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding (a “ Proceeding ”), whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that he or she is or was or has agreed to become a director or officer of the Corporation, or is or was serving or has agreed to serve at the request of the Corporation as a director or officer, of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, or by reason of any action alleged to have been taken or omitted in such

 

12


capacity, and may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to such an action, suit or proceeding by reason of the fact that he or she is or was or has agreed to become an employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving or has agreed to serve at the request of the Corporation as an employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him or her or on his or her behalf in connection with such action, suit or proceeding and any appeal therefrom, if he or she acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful; except that in the case of an action or suit by or in the right of the Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor (1) such indemnification shall be limited to expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in the defense or settlement of such action or suit, and (2) no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Corporation unless and only to the extent that the Delaware Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Delaware Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper. Notwithstanding the foregoing, but subject to Section 5 of this Article IX, the Corporation shall not be obligated to indemnify a director or officer of the Corporation in respect of a Proceeding (or part thereof) instituted by such director or officer, unless such Proceeding (or part thereof) has been authorized by the Board of Directors.

The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.

Section 2. Successful Defense . To the extent that a present or former director or officer of the Corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in Section 1 of this Article IX or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith.

Section 3. Determination that Indemnification is Proper . Any indemnification of a present or former director or officer of the Corporation under Section 1 of this Article IX (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the Corporation unless a determination is made that indemnification of the present or former director or officer is not proper in the circumstances because he or she has not met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 1 of this Article IX. Any indemnification of a present or former employee or agent of the Corporation under Section 1 of this Article IX (unless ordered by a court) may be made by the Corporation upon a determination that indemnification of the present or former employee or agent is proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in

 

13


Section 1 of this Article IX. Any such determination shall be made, with respect to a person who is a director or officer at the time of such determination, (1) by a majority vote of the directors who are not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, even though less than a quorum, or (2) by a committee of such directors designated by majority vote of such directors, even though less than a quorum, or (3) if there are no such directors, or if such directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or (4) by the stockholders.

Section 4. Advance Payment of Expenses . Expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by a director or officer in defending any civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding shall be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation as authorized in this Article IX. Such expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by former directors and officers or other employees and agents may be so paid upon such terms and conditions, if any, as the Corporation deems appropriate. The Board of Directors may authorize the Corporation’s counsel to represent such director, officer, employee or agent in any action, suit or proceeding, whether or not the Corporation is a party to such action, suit or proceeding.

Section 5. Procedure for Indemnification of Directors and Officers . Any indemnification of a director or officer of the Corporation under Sections 1 and 2 of this Article IX, or advance of costs, charges and expenses to a director or officer under Section 4 of this Article IX, shall be made promptly, and in any event within thirty (30) days, upon the written request of the director or officer. If a determination by the Corporation that the director or officer is entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Article IX is required, and the Corporation fails to respond within sixty (60) days to a written request for indemnity, the Corporation shall be deemed to have approved such request. If the Corporation denies a written request for indemnity or advancement of expenses, in whole or in part, or if payment in full pursuant to such request is not made within thirty (30) days, the right to indemnification or advances as granted by this Article IX shall be enforceable by the director or officer in any court of competent jurisdiction. Such person’s costs and expenses incurred in connection with successfully establishing his or her right to indemnification, in whole or in part, in any such action shall also be indemnified by the Corporation. It shall be a defense to any such action (other than an action brought to enforce a claim for the advance of costs, charges and expenses under Section 4 of this Article IX where the required undertaking, if any, has been received by the Corporation) that the claimant has not met the standard of conduct set forth in Section 1 of of this Article IX, but the burden of proving such defense shall be on the Corporation. Neither the failure of the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, its independent legal counsel, and its stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such action that indemnification of the claimant is proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 1 of this Article IX, nor the fact that there has been an actual determination by the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, its independent legal counsel, and its stockholders) that the claimant has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that the claimant has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

 

14


Section 6. Survival; Preservation of Other Rights . The foregoing indemnification provisions shall be deemed to be a contract between the Corporation and each director, officer, employee and agent who serves in any such capacity at any time while these provisions as well as the relevant provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law are in effect and any repeal or modification thereof shall not affect any right or obligation then existing with respect to any state of facts then or previously existing or any action, suit or proceeding previously or thereafter brought or threatened based in whole or in part upon any such state of facts. Such a “contract right” may not be modified retroactively without the consent of such director, officer, employee or agent.

The indemnification provided by this Article IX shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those indemnified may be entitled under any Bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in such person’s official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office, and shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.

Section 7. Insurance . The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was or has agreed to become a director or officer of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director or officer of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person or on such person’s behalf in any such capacity, or arising out of such person’s status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify him or her against such liability under the provisions of this Article IX, provided that such insurance is available on acceptable terms, which determination shall be made by a vote of a majority of the entire Board of Directors.

Section 8. Severability . 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 or officer and may indemnify each employee or 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 permitted by applicable law.

ARTICLE X

AMENDMENTS

The Board of Directors shall have the power to make, rescind, alter, amend and repeal these Bylaws; provided, however, that the stockholders shall have power to rescind, alter, amend or repeal any Bylaws made by the Board of Directors, and to enact Bylaws which if so expressed shall not be rescinded, altered, amended or repealed by the Board of Directors.

 

15

Exhibit 3.5

CERTIFICATE OF FORMATION

OF

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP LLC

This Certificate of Formation of Pinnacle Foods Group LLC (the “Company”), is being duly executed and filed by Jeffrey C. DeMartino, as an authorized person, to form a limited liability company under the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act (6  Del C. § 18-101, et seq ).

 

FIRST:

   The name of the limited liability company formed hereby is Pinnacle Foods Group LLC.

SECOND:

   The address of the registered office of the Company in the State of Delaware is c/o The Corporation Trust Company, Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801.

THIRD:

   The name and address of the registered agent of the Company in the State of Delaware is The Corporation Trust Company, Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Certificate of Formation of Pinnacle Foods Group LLC this 25 th day of September, 2007.

 

By:   /s/ Anthony LoBue
  Name:  

Anthony LoBue

  Title:   Authorized Person

Exhibit 3.6

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT

of

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP LLC

The undersigned is executing this Limited Liability Company Agreement (the “ Agreement ”) as of September 21, 2007, for the purpose of forming a limited liability company (the “ Company ”) pursuant to the provisions of the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, 6 Del. C. § 18-101 et seq ., as amended from time to time (the “ Act ”), and does hereby agree as follows:

1. Formation . A certificate of formation of the Company (the “ Certificate ”) was executed and filed with the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on September 25, 2007.

2. Name . The name of the limited liability company shall be “Pinnacle Foods Group LLC”, or such other name as the Member may from time to time hereafter designate.

3. Definitions . Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings set forth therefor in Section 18-101 of the Act.

4. Purpose . The Company is formed for the purpose of engaging in any lawful business permitted by the Act or the laws of any jurisdiction in which the Company may do business. The Company shall have the power to engage in all activities and transactions which the Member deems necessary or advisable in connection with the foregoing.

5. Offices . The principal place of business and office of the Company shall be located at, and the Company’s business shall be conducted from, such place or places as the Member may designate from time to time.

The registered office of the Company in the State of Delaware shall be located at c/o The Corporation Trust Company, Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801. The name and address of the registered agent of the Company for service of process on the Company in the State of Delaware shall be The Corporation Trust Company, Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801. The Member may from time to time change the registered agent or office by an amendment to the certificate of formation of the Company.

6. Member . Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC is the sole member of the Company (the “ Member ”). The name and business or residence address of the Member is [c/o Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC, One Old Bloomfield Road, Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046].

7. Term . The term of the Company shall commence on the date of filing of the certificate of formation of the Company in accordance with the Act and shall continue until the Company is dissolved and its affairs are wound up in accordance with Section 17 of this Agreement and a certificate of cancellation is filed in accordance with the Act.


8. Officers . The Member may, from time to time as it deems advisable, designate natural persons as officers of the Company (the “ Officers ”) or successor Officers of the Company and assign titles to any such person. Unless the Member decides otherwise, if the title is one commonly used for officers of a business corporation formed under the Delaware General Corporation Law, the assignment of such title shall constitute the delegation to such person of the authorities and duties that are normally associated with that office. Any delegation pursuant to this Section 8 may be revoked at any time by the Member. An Officer may be removed with or without cause at any time by the Member.

The following persons are designated as initial Officers of the Company, holding the respective offices set forth opposite their names, and are each duly authorized to act on behalf of the Company in their capacity as an Officer of the Company:

 

Jeffrey B. Ansell

   Chief Executive Officer

N. Michael Dion

   Executive Vice President

Craig Steeneck

   Executive Vice President

Michael J. Cramer

   Executive Vice President

William Darkoch

   Executive Vice President

M. Kelley Maggs

   Secretary

9. Powers . The business and affairs of the Company shall be managed by the Member in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement. The Member shall have the power to do any and all acts necessary or convenient to or for the furtherance of the purposes described herein, including all powers, statutory or otherwise, possessed by any member under the laws of the State of Delaware. Each of the Member and Officers is hereby designated as an authorized person, within the meaning of the Act, to execute, deliver and file the certificate of formation of the Company (and any amendments and/or restatements thereof) and any other certificates (and any amendments and/or restatements thereof) necessary for the Company to qualify to do business in a jurisdiction in which the Company may wish to conduct business. The execution by one Officer or Member of any of the foregoing certificates (and any amendments and/or restatements thereof) shall be sufficient.

10. Management . The Member shall have the exclusive right to manage the business and affairs of the Company and may delegate such management rights, powers, duties and responsibilities to one or more Officers or such other person or persons designated by them as they may determine, provided that such delegation by the Member shall not cause the Member to cease being a member of the Company. Pursuant to its discretion to do so under this Section 10, the Member hereby delegates to each of the Officers the nonexclusive power and authority to act as an agent of the Company and, in such capacity, to bind the Company in the ordinary course of the Company’s business and to execute any and all documents to be signed by the Company.


11. Capital Contributions . The Member shall make capital contributions to the Company from time to time, which amounts shall be set forth in the books and records of the Company.

12. Transfers of Member Interest . The Member may sell, assign, pledge or otherwise transfer or encumber (collectively, a “ Transfer ”) any of its Limited Liability Company Interest in the Company to any Person so long as such Transfer is in writing.

13. Resignation . The Member shall have the right to resign from the Company so long as such resignation is in writing. The provisions hereof with respect to distributions upon resignation are exclusive and no Member shall be entitled to claim any further or different distribution upon resignation under Section 18-604 of the Act or otherwise.

14. Allocations and Distributions . Distributions of cash or other assets of the Company shall be made at such times and in such amounts as the Member may determine. Distributions shall be made to (and profits and losses of the Company shall be allocated among) the Member.

15. Return of Capital . The Member has the right to receive any distributions which include a return of all or any part of such Member’s capital contribution, provided that upon the dissolution and winding up of the Company, the assets of the Company shall be distributed as provided in Section 18-804 of the Act.

16. Dissolution . The Company shall be dissolved and its affairs wound up upon the occurrence of an event causing a dissolution of the Company under Section 18-801 of the Act, except the Company shall not be dissolved upon the occurrence of an event that terminates the continued membership of a Member if (i) at the time of the occurrence of such event there are at least two Members of the Company, or (ii) within ninety (90) days after the occurrence of such event, all remaining Members agree in writing to continue the business of the Company and to the appointment, effective as of the date of such event, of one or more additional Members. In the event of dissolution, the Company shall conduct only such activities as are necessary to wind up its affairs (including the sale of the assets of the Company in an orderly manner), and the assets of the Company shall be applied in the manner, and in the order of priority set forth in Section 18-804 of the Act.

17. Amendments . This Agreement may be amended only upon the written consent of the Member.

18. Other Business . The Member may engage in or possess an interest in other business ventures of every kind and description, independently or with others. The Company shall not have any rights in or to such independent ventures or the income or profits therefrom by virtue of this Agreement.

19. Limited Liability . The Member shall not have any liability for the debts, obligations or liabilities of the Company except to the extent provided by the Act.


20. Exculpation; Indemnification . Neither the Member, the Officers nor any of their respective affiliates or agents (collectively, “ Covered Persons ”) shall be liable to the Company or any other person or entity who has an interest in the Company for any loss, damage or claim incurred by reason of any act or omission performed or omitted by such Covered Person in good faith on behalf of the Company and in a manner reasonably believed to be within the scope of the authority conferred on such Member or Officer, as applicable, by this Agreement. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Covered Person shall be entitled to indemnification from the Company for any loss, damage or claim incurred by such Covered Person by reason of any act or omission performed or omitted by such Covered Person in good faith on behalf of the Company and in a manner reasonably believed to be within the scope of the authority conferred on such Member or Officer, as applicable, by this Agreement; provided , however , that any indemnity under this Section 21 shall be provided out of and to the extent of Company assets only, and neither the Member nor the Officer, as applicable, nor any other Covered Person, shall have personal liability on account thereof.

21. Banking Matters . The Member and each Officer and any agent or employee of the Company, or other person designated by such Member or Officer is hereby authorized and empowered (A) to (i) establish one or more domestic or international accounts (including but not limited to, depository, checking, disbursement, custodian, or investment accounts, and other accounts as deemed necessary or expeditious for business purposes of the Company) (“ Accounts ”), in the name of the Company with any bank, trust company, savings and loan institution, brokerage firm or other financial institution which said Member or Officer shall from time to time designate as a depository of funds, securities or other property of the Company, for any purpose and on terms and conditions deemed appropriate by such person on behalf of the Company; and (ii) close Accounts of the Company now or hereafter established; and (B) to assign, limit or revoke any and all authority of any agent or employee of the Company, or other person designated by such Member or Officer to (i) sign checks, drafts and orders for the payment of money drawn on the Company’s Accounts, and all notes of the Company and all acceptances and endorsements of the Company; (ii) execute or initiate electronic fund transfers; (iii) execute or initiate foreign currency exchange transactions; (iv) execute or initiate the investment of monies; and (v) initiate requests for information for any Account of the Company.

22. Authorized Person . Jeffrey C. DeMartino is hereby designated as an “authorized person” within the meaning of the Act, and has executed, delivered and filed the Certificate with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. Upon the filing of the Certificate with the Secretary of State of Delaware, Jeffrey C. DeMartino’s powers as an “authorized person” ceased.

23. Amendment . This Agreement may only be amended by a writing duly signed by the Member.

24. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed under, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflict of law rules.


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC
By:   /s/  Prakash Melwani
  Name: Prakash Melwani
  Title:   Director

Exhibit 3.7

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

PINNACLE FOODS INTERNATIONAL CORP.

The undersigned, in order to form a corporation for the purpose hereinafter stated, under and pursuant to the provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law, hereby certifies that:

FIRST: The name of the Corporation is Pinnacle Foods International Corp.

SECOND: The registered office and registered agent of the Corporation is The Corporation Trust Company, Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware, 19801, New Castle County.

THIRD: The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the Delaware General Corporation Law.

FOURTH: The total number of shares of stock that the Corporation is authorized to issue is 1000 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 each.

FIFTH: The name of the sole incorporator is Jeffrey C. DeMartino, and his address is Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, 425 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10017-3954.

SIXTH: The Board of Directors of the Corporation, acting by majority vote, may adopt, amend or repeal the By-Laws of the Corporation.

SEVENTH: Except as otherwise provided by the Delaware General Corporation Law as the same exists or may hereafter be amended, no director of the Corporation shall be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director. Any repeal or modification of this Article SEVENTH by the stockholders of the Corporation shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director of the Corporation existing at the time of such repeal or modification.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has signed this Certificate of Incorporation on September 25, 2007.

 

/s/ Anthony LoBue
Anthony LoBue,
Incorporator

Exhibit 3.8

PINNACLE FOODS INTERNATIONAL CORP.

Incorporated under the Laws of the

State of Delaware

BYLAWS

ARTICLE I

OFFICES

Pinnacle Foods International Corp. (the “ Corporation ”) shall maintain a registered office in the State of Delaware. The Corporation may also have other offices at such places, either within or without the State of Delaware, as the Board of Directors may from time to time designate or the business of the Corporation may require.

ARTICLE II

STOCKHOLDERS

Section 1. Annual Meeting : The annual meeting of stockholders for the election of directors and the transaction of any other business as may properly come before such meeting shall be held on such date, at such time and place as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors, and set forth in the notice of such meeting. At the annual meeting any business may be transacted and any corporate action may be taken, whether stated in the notice of meeting or not, except as otherwise expressly provided by statute or the Certificate of Incorporation.

Section 2. Special Meetings : Special meetings of the stockholders for any purpose may be called at any time by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board, or, if no Chairman has been elected, by the President, and shall be called by the Chairman of the Board or, if none, by the President at the request of the holders of shares of the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Corporation representing at least a majority of the votes entitled to be cast at a meeting of stockholders. Special meetings shall be held at such place or places within or without the State of Delaware as shall from time to time be designated by the Board of Directors and stated in the notice of such meeting. Only if so determined by the Board of Directors, in its sole discretion, a meeting of stockholders may be held not at any place, but may instead be held solely by means of remote communication, as provided in the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. At any special meeting any business may be transacted and any corporate action may be taken, whether stated in the notice of meeting or not, except as otherwise expressly provided by Law or the Certificate of Incorporation.

Section 3. Notice of Meeting : Notice of the date, time and place of any stockholders’ meeting, whether annual or special, shall be given to each stockholder entitled to vote thereat not less than ten (10) nor more than fifty (50) days prior to the date of such meeting, in the manner prescribed by Law. Notice of any adjourned meeting need not be given other than by announcement at the meeting so adjourned, unless otherwise ordered in connection with such adjournment. Such further notice, if any, shall be given as may be required by Law.


Section 4. Waiver of Notice : Notice of meeting need not be given to any stockholder who submits a signed waiver of notice, in person or represented by proxy, whether before or after the meeting. The attendance of any stockholder at a meeting, in person or represented by proxy, without protesting prior to the conclusion of the meeting the lack of notice of such meeting, shall constitute a waiver of notice by such stockholder.

Section 5. Quorum : Any number of stockholders, who are entitled to vote, who hold shares of the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Corporation representing at least a majority of the votes entitled to be cast at a meeting of stockholders and who shall be present in person or represented by proxy at any meeting duly called shall constitute a quorum for all purposes except as may otherwise be provided by Law or the Certificate of Incorporation.

Section 6. Adjournment of Meeting : Whether or not a quorum is present, a meeting may be adjourned from time to time by the chairman of the meeting or by the affirmative vote of the stockholders present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote thereat holding shares representing at least a majority of the votes so present or represented and entitled to be cast (a “ Majority Vote ”), without notice other than by announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall attend. Any meeting at which a quorum is present may also be adjourned in like manner and for such time or upon such call as may be determined by a Majority Vote. At any adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present, any business may be transacted and any corporate action may be taken which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally called. When a quorum is once present, it is not broken by the subsequent withdrawal or departure of any stockholder.

Section 7. Voting : Each stockholder entitled to vote at any meeting may vote either in person or by proxy duly appointed. Each stockholder of a class or series of stock other than Common Stock shall on each matter submitted to a vote at each meeting of the stockholders be entitled to such number of votes for each share of such stock as may be fixed in the Certificate of Incorporation, and each stockholder of Common Stock shall on each matter submitted to a vote at each meeting of the stockholders be entitled to one vote for each share of Common Stock, in each case registered in his name on the books of the Corporation on the date fixed as a record date for the determination of its stockholders entitled to vote, as hereinafter provided. At all meetings of stockholders all matters, except as otherwise provided by Law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, shall be determined by a Majority Vote. Where a separate vote by class is required, a majority of the votes represented by the shares of the stockholders of such class present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to be cast thereon shall be the act of such class. Every proxy shall be revocable at the pleasure of the shareholder executing it, except in those cases where an irrevocable proxy is permitted by Law.

Unless required by Law or the Certificate of Incorporation, or determined by the chairman of the meeting to be advisable, the vote on any question need not be by ballot. On a vote by ballot, each ballot shall state the number of shares voted.

 

2


Section 8. Action by Stockholders Without a Meeting : Whenever, under the Delaware General Corporation Law, stockholders are required or permitted to take any action by vote, such action may be taken without a meeting upon consent in writing or by electronic transmission, setting forth the action so taken, signed by the holders of all outstanding shares entitled to vote thereon.

Section 9. List of Shareholders . The officer of the Corporation who has charge of the stock ledger of the Corporation shall prepare and make a list of the shareholders entitled to vote at each meeting of shareholders, and make such list available for examination, in the manner prescribed by Law.

Section 10. Inspectors . The Board may, or if required by Law shall, appoint one or more inspectors to act at meeting of shareholders or any adjournment thereof, in the manner, and with the powers, duties and obligations, prescribed or permitted by Law.

ARTICLE III

DIRECTORS

Section 1. Number and Qualifications : The Board of Directors shall not be less than one (1) and shall consist of such number as may be fixed from time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors. Any decrease in the number of directors shall be effective at the time of the next succeeding annual meeting of the stockholders unless there shall be vacancies in the Board of Directors in which case such decrease may become effective at any time prior to the next succeeding annual meeting to the extent of the number of such vacancies. All directors shall be at least eighteen years of age. The directors need not be stockholders.

Section 2. Responsibilities : The general management of the affairs of the Corporation shall be vested in the Board of Directors, which may delegate to officers, employees and to committees of one (1) or more directors such powers and duties as it may from time to time see fit, subject to the limitations hereinafter set forth, and except as may otherwise be provided by Law.

Section 3. Election and Term of Office : Except as otherwise provided by Law or the Certificate of Incorporation, the directors shall be elected at each meeting of the shareholders for the election of directors at which a quorum is present by a plurality of the votes cast at such election. If the election of directors shall not be held on the day designated by the Bylaws, the directors shall cause the same to be held as soon thereafter as may be convenient. The directors chosen at any annual meeting shall hold office except as hereinafter provided, until the next annual election and until the election and qualification of their successors.

Section 4. Removal and Resignation of Directors : Any director may be removed from the Board of Directors, with or without cause, by a Majority Vote at any special meeting of the stockholders called for that purpose, and the office of such director shall forthwith become vacant. Any director may resign as a director or from membership in any committee of the

 

3


Board at any time. Such resignation shall be made in writing or by electronic transmission and shall take effect at the time specified therein, and if no time be specified, at the time of its receipt by an officer of the Corporation. The acceptance of a resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.

Section 5. Filling of Vacancies : Any vacancy among the directors, occurring from any cause whatsoever, may be filled by a majority of the remaining directors, though less than a quorum, provided, however, that the stockholders removing any director may at the same meeting fill the vacancy caused by such removal, and further provided, that if the directors fail to fill any such vacancy, the stockholders may fill such vacancy at the next annual meeting or at any special meeting called for that purpose. In case of any increase in the number of directors, the additional directors may be elected by the vote of a majority of the directors in office prior to such increase. Any person elected to fill a vacancy shall hold office, subject to the right of removal as herein before provided, until the next annual election and until the election and qualification of his or her successor.

Section 6. Regular Meetings : The Board of Directors shall hold an annual meeting for the purpose of organization and the transaction of any business immediately after the annual meeting of the stockholders, provided a quorum is present. Other regular meetings may be held at such times as may be determined from time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors.

Section 7. Special Meetings : Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called at any time by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, if any, or by the President.

Section 8. Notice and Place of Meetings : Meetings of the Board of Directors may be held without notice at such time and place as shall be designated by resolution of the Board of Directors. Notice of any special meeting shall be sufficiently given if mailed to each director at such director’s residence or usual place of business at least two (2) days before the day on which the meeting is to be held, or, if sent to such director at such place by telegraph, facsimile, cable or electronic transmission, or delivered personally or by telephone not later than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the time at which the meeting is to be held. No notice of the annual meeting shall be required if held immediately after the annual meeting of the stockholders and if a quorum is present. Notice of meeting need not be given to any Director who submits a waiver of notice before or after the meeting, nor to any director who attends the meeting without protesting, at the beginning thereof, the lack of notice. Except as otherwise specifically required by Law or these Bylaws, a notice or waiver of notice of any regular or special meeting need not state the purposes of such meeting.

Section 9. Business Transacted at Meetings : Any business may be transacted and any corporate action may be taken at any regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors at which a quorum shall be present, whether such business or proposed action be stated in the notice of such meeting or not, unless special notice of such business or proposed action shall be required by Law.

Section 10. Quorum and Manner of Acting : A majority of the entire Board of Directors shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and the acts of a

 

4


majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the acts of the Board of Directors, unless otherwise provided by Law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws. Whether or not a quorum is present at a meeting of the Board of Directors, a majority of the directors present may adjourn the meeting to such time and place as they may determine without notice other than an announcement at the meeting. The directors shall act only as a Board and the individual directors shall have no power as such unless expressly delegated by the Board or any duly constituted committee of the Board.

Section 11. Action Without a Meeting : Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Board of Directors or any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board of Directors or the committee consent in writing or by electronic transmission to the adoption of a resolution authorizing the action. The resolution and the consents thereto in writing or by electronic transmission by the members of the Board of Directors or committee shall be filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Board or committee.

Section 12. Participation by Telephone : Any one or more members of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors or such committee by means of a conference telephone or other communications equipment allowing all persons participating in the meeting to hear each other. Participation by such means shall constitute the presence of the person at the meeting.

Section 13. Compensation : The Board of Directors may establish by resolution reasonable compensation for directors for services to the Corporation as a director, committee member or chairman of any committee and for attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors or committee thereof. Nothing herein contained shall preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity, as an officer, agent or otherwise, and receiving compensation therefor.

ARTICLE IV

COMMITTEES

Section 1. Executive Committee : The Board of Directors, by resolution passed by a majority of the entire Board of Directors, may designate one (1) or more directors to constitute an Executive Committee to hold office at the pleasure of the Board of Directors, which Committee shall, during the intervals between meetings of the Board of Directors, have and exercise all of the powers of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, subject only to such restrictions or limitations as the Board of Directors may from time to time specify, or as limited by Law, and shall have power to authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all instruments which may require it. Any member of the Executive Committee may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by a resolution of a majority of the entire Board of Directors. Any person ceasing to be a director shall ipso facto cease to be a member of the Executive Committee. Any vacancy in the Executive Committee occurring from any cause whatsoever may be filled from among the directors by a resolution of a majority of the entire Board of Directors.

 

5


Section 2. Other Committees : The Board of Directors or any committee duly appointed by the Board of Directors may appoint other committees whose members are to be directors, and which committees shall exist for such time and have such powers and perform such duties as may from time to time be assigned to them by the Board of Directors or the committee appointing them. Any member of such a committee may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by the Board of Directors or the committee appointing such committee. Any vacancy in a committee occurring from any cause whatsoever may be filled by the Board of Directors or the committee appointing such committee.

Section 3. Powers of Committees . Any Executive Committee or other committee, to the extent allowed by Law and provided in the resolution establishing such committee or in the Bylaws, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, including the power to adopt a certificate of ownership and merger pursuant to Section 253 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, the authority to issue shares, and the authority to declare a dividend, except as limited by Delaware General Corporation Law or other applicable Law, but no such committee shall have the power or authority in reference to the following matters: (i) approving or adopting, or recommending to the stockholders, any action or matter expressly required by the Delaware General Corporation Law to be submitted to stockholders for approval or (ii) adopting, amending or repealing any Bylaw of the Corporation. All acts done by any committee within the scope of its powers and duties pursuant to these Bylaws and the resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors shall be deemed to be, and may be certified as being, done or conferred under authority of the Board of Directors. The Secretary or any Assistant Secretary is empowered to certify that any resolution duly adopted by any such committee is binding upon the Corporation and to execute and deliver such certifications from time to time as may be necessary or proper to the conduct of the business of the Corporation. The Board shall have power at any time to fill vacancies in, to change the membership of, or to dissolve any committee. Nothing herein shall be deemed to prevent the Board from appointing one or more committees consisting in whole or in part of persons who are not directors of the Corporation; provided, however, that any such committee shall not have nor exercise any authority of the Board.

Section 4. Resignation : Any member of a committee may resign at any time. Such resignation shall be made in writing or by electronic transmission and shall take effect at the time specified therein, or, if no time be specified, at the time of its receipt by the Chairman of the Board, or if none, by the Chief Executive Officer, the President or the Secretary. The acceptance of a resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective unless so specified therein.

Section 5. Quorum : A majority of the members of a committee shall constitute a quorum. The act of a majority of the members of a committee present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of such committee. The members of a committee shall act only as a committee, and the individual members thereof shall have no powers as such.

Section 6. Record of Proceedings : Each committee shall keep a record of its acts and proceedings, and shall report the same to the Board of Directors when and as required by the Board of Directors.

 

6


Section 7. Organization, Meetings, Notices : A committee may hold its meetings at the principal office of the Corporation, or at any other place upon which a majority of the committee may at any time agree. Each committee may make such rules as it may deem expedient for the regulation and carrying on of its meetings and proceedings. Unless otherwise ordered by the Executive Committee, any notice of a meeting of such Committee may be given by the Secretary or by the Chairman of the Committee and shall be sufficiently given if mailed to each member at such member’s residence or usual place of business at least five (5) days before the day on which the meeting is to be held, or, if sent to him at such place by telegraph, facsimile, cable or electronic transmission, or delivered personally or by telephone, not later than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the time at which the meeting is to be held. Notice of meeting need not be given to any member of a committee who submits a waiver of notice before or after the meeting, nor to any member who attends the meeting without protesting, at the beginning thereof, the lack of notice.

Section 8. Compensation : The members of any committee shall be entitled to such compensation as may be allowed them by resolution of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE V

OFFICERS

Section 1. Number : The officers of the Corporation shall be a President, a Secretary and a Treasurer, and such Vice Presidents and other officers as may be appointed in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of this Article V. The Board of Directors, in its discretion, may also elect a Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Section 2. Election, Term of Office and Qualifications : The officers, except as provided in Section 3 of this Article V, shall be chosen by the Board of Directors. Each such officer shall, except as herein otherwise provided, hold office until the selection and qualification of his or her successor. The Chairman of the Board of Directors, if any, shall be a director of the Corporation, and should the Chairman cease to be a director, shall ipso facto cease to be such Officer. Any two or more offices may be held by the same person, except the offices of President and Secretary or as otherwise prohibited by Law.

Section 3. Other Officers : Other officers, including without limitation, one or more Vice Presidents, Assistant Secretaries or Assistant Treasurers, may from time to time be appointed by the Board of Directors or committee thereof, which other officers shall have such powers and perform such duties as may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors or committee appointing them.

Section 4. Removal of Officers : Any officer of the Corporation may be removed from office, with or without cause, by a vote of a majority of the Board of Directors. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, unless otherwise specifically provided in the resolution of the Board electing such officer, any officer shall automatically, without further action by the Board and without the necessity or acceptance of a resignation or relinquishment, be removed from all offices he or she may hold when he or she shall cease to be employed by at least one of the Corporation or, so long as shares of capital stock of the Corporation representing at least a

 

7


majority of the votes entitled to be cast at a meeting of stockholders are owned by Pinnacle Foods Corporation or any successor thereto (“ PFC ”) or any of PFC’s subsidiaries, whether by death, retirement, termination with or without cause or otherwise.

Section 5. Resignation : Any officer of the Corporation may resign at any time. Such resignation shall be in writing or by electronic transmission and shall take effect at the time specified therein, and if no time be specified, at the time of its receipt by an officer of the Corporation. The acceptance of a resignation shall not be necessary in order to make it effective.

Section 6. Filling of Vacancies : A vacancy in any office shall be filled by the Board of Directors.

Section 7. Compensation : The compensation of the officers shall be fixed by the Board of Directors or by any officer(s) or committee to whom such authority may be delegated by the Board of Directors.

Section 8. Chairman of the Board of Directors : The Chairman of the Board of Directors, if one is elected, shall be a director and may, but need not, be an employee of the Corporation or hold other offices in the Corporation. The Chairman shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors and of the stockholders at which he shall be present. The Chairman shall have power to call special meetings of the stockholders, the Board of Directors or of the Executive Committee at any time and shall have such power and perform such other duties as may from time to time be designated by the Board of Directors.

Section 9. President and Chief Executive Officer : The President shall be the chief executive officer of the Corporation, and shall have such duties as customarily pertain to that office. The President shall have general management and supervision of the property, business and affairs of the Corporation and over its several officers, employees and agents, subject, however to control of the Board. He or she may appoint and remove agents and employees, other than officers referred to in this Article IV, and may sign, execute and deliver, in the name of the Corporation, all certificates, powers of attorney, contracts, bonds and other obligations and instruments authorized by the Board of Directors, except in cases where the signing, execution and delivery thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board of Directors or by these Bylaws to some other officer or agent of the Corporation or except as otherwise provided by Law or the Certificate of Incorporation. The President shall perform such duties as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors and shall, in the absence of the Chairman of the Board, perform and carry out the functions of the Chairman of the Board. The President shall designate the person or persons who shall exercise his powers and perform his duties in his absence or disability.

Section 10. Vice Chairman of the Board : One of the Vice Chairmen of the Board, if any are elected, shall, in the absence of the Chairman of the Board, preside at meetings of the stockholders and the Board of Directors. They shall have such powers and perform such duties as usually pertain to the office of Vice Chairman of the Board and such other powers and duties as may from time to time be assigned to them by the Board of Directors.

 

8


Section 11. Vice Presidents : Each Senior Executive Vice President, Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President, First Vice President or Vice President shall have such powers and perform such duties as the Board of Directors or the President may from time to time prescribe, and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed in these Bylaws.

Section 12. Secretary : The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the Board of Directors and of the stockholders and record all votes and the minutes of all proceedings in a book to be kept for that purpose, and shall perform like duties for any committee appointed by the Board of Directors. The Secretary shall give or cause to be given notice of all meetings of stockholders and special meetings of the Board of Directors and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors. The Secretary shall keep in safe custody the seal of the Corporation and affix it to any instrument when so authorized by the Board of Directors and may attest the affixing by his or her signature. The Board of Directors may give general authority to any other officer to affix the seal of the Corporation and to attest the affixing by his or her signature.

Section 13. Assistant Secretary : Any Assistant Secretary shall be empowered and authorized to perform all of the duties of the Secretary in the absence of the Secretary and shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors, the Secretary or these Bylaws.

Section 14. Treasurer : The Treasurer shall have the custody of the corporate funds and securities and shall cause to be kept full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Corporation and shall deposit all monies and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Corporation in such depositories as may be designated by persons authorized by the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall disburse the funds of the Corporation as may be ordered by the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the President and Directors at the regular meetings of the Board of Directors, or whenever they may require it, an account of all of the transactions effected by the Treasurer and of the financial condition of the Corporation. The Treasurer may be required to give bond for the faithful discharge of his or her duties. He or she shall generally perform all duties appertaining to the office of treasurer of a corporation and shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors or these Bylaws.

Section 15. Assistant Treasurer : Any Assistant Treasurer shall be empowered and authorized to perform all the duties of the Treasurer in the absence of the Treasurer and shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors, the Treasurer or these Bylaws.

Section 16. Other Officers . The Board of Directors may designate such other officers having such duties and powers as it may specify from time to time.

 

9


ARTICLE VI

CAPITAL STOCK

Section 1. Issue of Certificates of Stock : Certificates of capital stock shall be in such form as shall be approved by the Board of Directors. They shall be numbered in the order of their issue, and shall be signed by the Chairman of the Board, if any, the President or any Vice President (or a comparable officer), and the Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer or any Assistant Treasurer, and the seal of the Corporation or a facsimile thereof shall be impressed, affixed or reproduced thereon. In case any officer or officers who shall have signed any such certificate or certificates shall cease to be such officer or officers of the Corporation, whether because of death, resignation or otherwise, before such certificate or certificates shall have been delivered by the Corporation, such certificate or certificates may nevertheless be adopted by the Corporation and be issued and delivered as though the person or persons who signed such certificate or certificates had not ceased to be such officer or officers of the Corporation.

Section 2. Registration and Transfer of Shares : The name of each person owning a share of the capital stock of the Corporation together with the number of shares held by such person, the numbers of the certificates covering such shares and the dates of issue of such certificates shall be registered on the records of the Corporation by the Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer. The shares of stock of the Corporation shall be transferable on the books of the Corporation by the holders thereof in person, or by their duly authorized attorneys or legal representatives, on surrender and cancellation of certificates for a like number of shares, accompanied by an assignment or power of transfer endorsed thereon or attached thereto, duly executed, and with such proof of the authenticity of the signature as the Corporation or its agents may reasonably require. A record shall be made of each transfer. The Board of Directors may make other and further rules and regulations concerning the transfer and registration of certificates for stock.

Section 3. Lost, Destroyed and Mutilated Certificates : The holder of any stock of the Corporation shall immediately notify the Corporation of any loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of the certificates therefor. The Corporation may issue a new certificate of stock in the place of any certificate theretofore issued by it and alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, and the Board of Directors may, in its discretion, require the owner of the lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or his legal representatives, to advertise the same in such manner as the Board of Directors shall require and/or to give the Corporation a bond, in such sum not exceeding twice the value of the stock and with such surety or sureties as they may require, to indemnify it against any claim that may be made against it by reason of the issue of such new certificate and against all other liabilities arising therefrom, or may remit such owner to such remedy or remedies as such owner may have under the laws of the State of Delaware.

ARTICLE VII

DIVIDENDS AND SURPLUS

Section 1. General Discretion of Directors : The Board of Directors shall have power to fix and vary the amount to be set aside or reserved as working capital of the Corporation, or as

 

10


reserves, or for other proper purposes of the Corporation, and, subject to the requirements of the Certificate of Incorporation, to determine whether any part of the surplus or net profits of the Corporation shall be declared in dividends and paid to the stockholders, and to fix the date or dates for the payment of dividends. Dividends may be paid in cash, property or shares of capital stock.

ARTICLE VIII

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Section 1. Fiscal Year : The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be the same as that of PFC, so long as shares of capital stock of the Corporation representing at least a majority of the votes entitled to be cast at a meeting of stockholders are owned by PFC, unless the Board of Directors shall otherwise determine.

Section 2. Corporate Seal : The corporate seal shall be in such form as approved by the Board of Directors and may be altered at their pleasure. The corporate seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed, affixed or reproduced by the Secretary or Assistant Secretary.

Section 3. Notices : Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, any notice required by these Bylaws to be given shall be sufficient if given by depositing the same in a post-office or letter box in a sealed wrapper with a first-class postage prepaid stamp thereon and addressed to the person entitled thereto at such person’s business or home address, as the same appears upon the books of the Corporation, or by telephoning, telegraphing, faxing or cabling the same to such person at such address; and such notice shall be deemed to be given at the time it is mailed, telegraphed, faxed or cabled.

Section 4. Waiver of Notice : Any stockholder or director may at any time, by writing, by telegraph, by fax, by cable or by electronic transmission, waive any notice required to be given under these Bylaws, and if any stock-holder or director shall be present at any meeting, his presence shall constitute a waiver of such notice for such meeting, unless he protests his lack of notice by the end of the meeting.

Section 5. Contracts, Checks, Drafts : Except as otherwise required by Law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, any contracts, promissory notes, bonds or other certificates or evidences of indebtedness of the Corporation, checks, drafts, bills of exchange or other orders for the payment of money out of the funds of the Corporation or other instruments may be executed and delivered in the name and on behalf of the Corporation by such persons as the Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee thereof may from time to time direct or as may be designated by any officer or officers of the Corporation to whom such power of designation may from time to time be delegated by the Board. Such authority may be general or confined to specific instances as the Board or such officer may determine. Unless authorized by the Board of Directors or expressly permitted by these Bylaws, any officer or agent or employee shall not have any power or authority to bind the Corporation by any contract or engagement or to pledge its credit or to render it pecuniarily liable for any purpose or to any amount.

 

11


Section 6. Deposits : All funds of the Corporation shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the Corporation in such bank or banks, trust companies or other depositories as persons authorized by the Board of Directors may select, and, for the purpose of such deposit, checks, drafts, and other orders for the payment of money which are payable to the order of the Corporation, may be endorsed for deposit, assigned and delivered by any officer of the Corporation, or by such agents of the Corporation, or by such person as the Board of Directors may authorize for that purpose.

Section 7. Voting Stock of Subsidiary Corporations : Powers of attorney, proxies, waivers of notice of meetings, consents and other instruments relating to securities owned by the Corporation may be executed in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation by the Chairman of the Board, the President, the Secretary or a Vice President (or comparable officer). Any such officer may, in the name and on behalf of the Corporation, take all such action as the officer may deem advisable to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of security holders of any corporation, company, partnership or other entity in which the Corporation may own securities, or to execute written consents in lieu thereof. At any such meeting, or in giving any such consent, the officer shall possess and may exercise any and all rights and powers incident to the ownership of such securities and which, as the owner thereof, the Corporation might have exercised and possessed if present. The Board of Directors may, by resolution, from time to time confer like powers upon any other person or persons.

Section 8. Cessation of Officership and Directorship : The authority granted by name to any individual shall immediately cease in the event that such individual ceases to be an officer or director of the Corporation or an affiliate thereof, unless otherwise provided by the Board of Directors.

Section 9. Definitions . As used in these Bylaws, the term “ entire Board of Directors ” means the total number of directors which the Corporation would have if there were no vacancies; the term “ Law ” means the Delaware General Corporation Law and any other applicable law, rule or regulation and, to the extent binding on the Corporation, the constitutions, rules and regulations of any exchange on which securities of the Corporation are listed, or of which the Corporation is a member, or of any self-regulatory organization having jurisdiction or authority over the Corporation.

ARTICLE IX

INDEMNIFICATION

Section 1. Nature of Indemnity . The Corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding (a “ Proceeding ”), whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that he or she is or was or has agreed to become a director or officer of the Corporation, or is or was serving or has agreed to serve at the request of the Corporation as a director or officer, of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, or by reason of any action alleged to have been taken or omitted in such

 

12


capacity, and may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to such an action, suit or proceeding by reason of the fact that he or she is or was or has agreed to become an employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving or has agreed to serve at the request of the Corporation as an employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him or her or on his or her behalf in connection with such action, suit or proceeding and any appeal therefrom, if he or she acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful; except that in the case of an action or suit by or in the right of the Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor (1) such indemnification shall be limited to expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in the defense or settlement of such action or suit, and (2) no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Corporation unless and only to the extent that the Delaware Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Delaware Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper. Notwithstanding the foregoing, but subject to Section 5 of this Article IX, the Corporation shall not be obligated to indemnify a director or officer of the Corporation in respect of a Proceeding (or part thereof) instituted by such director or officer, unless such Proceeding (or part thereof) has been authorized by the Board of Directors.

The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.

Section 2. Successful Defense . To the extent that a present or former director or officer of the Corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in Section 1 of this Article IX or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith.

Section 3. Determination that Indemnification is Proper . Any indemnification of a present or former director or officer of the Corporation under Section 1 of this Article IX (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the Corporation unless a determination is made that indemnification of the present or former director or officer is not proper in the circumstances because he or she has not met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 1 of this Article IX. Any indemnification of a present or former employee or agent of the Corporation under Section 1 of this Article IX (unless ordered by a court) may be made by the Corporation upon a determination that indemnification of the present or former employee or agent is proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in

 

13


Section 1 of this Article IX. Any such determination shall be made, with respect to a person who is a director or officer at the time of such determination, (1) by a majority vote of the directors who are not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, even though less than a quorum, or (2) by a committee of such directors designated by majority vote of such directors, even though less than a quorum, or (3) if there are no such directors, or if such directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or (4) by the stockholders.

Section 4. Advance Payment of Expenses . Expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by a director or officer in defending any civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding shall be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation as authorized in this Article IX. Such expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by former directors and officers or other employees and agents may be so paid upon such terms and conditions, if any, as the Corporation deems appropriate. The Board of Directors may authorize the Corporation’s counsel to represent such director, officer, employee or agent in any action, suit or proceeding, whether or not the Corporation is a party to such action, suit or proceeding.

Section 5. Procedure for Indemnification of Directors and Officers . Any indemnification of a director or officer of the Corporation under Sections 1 and 2 of this Article IX, or advance of costs, charges and expenses to a director or officer under Section 4 of this Article IX, shall be made promptly, and in any event within thirty (30) days, upon the written request of the director or officer. If a determination by the Corporation that the director or officer is entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Article IX is required, and the Corporation fails to respond within sixty (60) days to a written request for indemnity, the Corporation shall be deemed to have approved such request. If the Corporation denies a written request for indemnity or advancement of expenses, in whole or in part, or if payment in full pursuant to such request is not made within thirty (30) days, the right to indemnification or advances as granted by this Article IX shall be enforceable by the director or officer in any court of competent jurisdiction. Such person’s costs and expenses incurred in connection with successfully establishing his or her right to indemnification, in whole or in part, in any such action shall also be indemnified by the Corporation. It shall be a defense to any such action (other than an action brought to enforce a claim for the advance of costs, charges and expenses under Section 4 of this Article IX where the required undertaking, if any, has been received by the Corporation) that the claimant has not met the standard of conduct set forth in Section 1 of of this Article IX, but the burden of proving such defense shall be on the Corporation. Neither the failure of the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, its independent legal counsel, and its stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such action that indemnification of the claimant is proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 1 of this Article IX, nor the fact that there has been an actual determination by the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, its independent legal counsel, and its stockholders) that the claimant has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that the claimant has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

 

14


Section 6. Survival; Preservation of Other Rights . The foregoing indemnification provisions shall be deemed to be a contract between the Corporation and each director, officer, employee and agent who serves in any such capacity at any time while these provisions as well as the relevant provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law are in effect and any repeal or modification thereof shall not affect any right or obligation then existing with respect to any state of facts then or previously existing or any action, suit or proceeding previously or thereafter brought or threatened based in whole or in part upon any such state of facts. Such a “contract right” may not be modified retroactively without the consent of such director, officer, employee or agent.

The indemnification provided by this Article IX shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those indemnified may be entitled under any Bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in such person’s official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office, and shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.

Section 7. Insurance . The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was or has agreed to become a director or officer of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director or officer of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person or on such person’s behalf in any such capacity, or arising out of such person’s status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify him or her against such liability under the provisions of this Article IX, provided that such insurance is available on acceptable terms, which determination shall be made by a vote of a majority of the entire Board of Directors.

Section 8. Severability . 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 or officer and may indemnify each employee or 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 permitted by applicable law.

ARTICLE X

AMENDMENTS

The Board of Directors shall have the power to make, rescind, alter, amend and repeal these Bylaws; provided, however, that the stockholders shall have power to rescind, alter, amend or repeal any Bylaws made by the Board of Directors, and to enact Bylaws which if so expressed shall not be rescinded, altered, amended or repealed by the Board of Directors.

 

15

Exhibit 3.9

STATE OF DELAWARE

CERTIFICATE OF CONVERSION OF

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC.

FROM A CORPORATION TO A

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY PURSUANT TO

SECTION 18-214 OF THE LIMITED LIABILITY ACT

September 25, 2007

1.) The jurisdiction where the Company first formed is Delaware.

2.) The jurisdiction immediately prior to filing this Certificate is Delaware.

3.) The Corporation filed its original Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and was incorporated in the State of Delaware on June 19, 1998.

4.) The name of the Corporation immediately prior to filing this Certificate is “Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.”

5.) The name of the limited liability company into which the Corporation is to be converted as set forth in its Certificate of Formation is “Pinnacle Foods Group LLC”.

[ signature to follow on next page ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the undersigned has executed this Certificate of Conversion to Limited Liability Company as of the date first written above.

 

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC.
By:  

/s/  M. Kelley Maggs

  Name:   M. Kelley Maggs
  Title:   Senior Vice President

Exhibit 4.1

 


INDENTURE

Dated as of April 2, 2007

Among

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC,

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE CORP.,

the Guarantors listed herein

and

WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY,

as Trustee

9  1 / 4 % SENIOR NOTES DUE 2015

 



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)

   4.03;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)

   6.14

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;9.04

317(a)(1)

   6.08

       (a)(2)

   6.12

       (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

   31

Section 1.03

  

Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act

   32

Section 1.04

  

Rules of Construction.

   32

Section 1.05

  

Acts of Holders

   33
  

 

ARTICLE 2

  
  

 

THE NOTES

 

  

Section 2.01

  

Form and Dating; Terms

   34

Section 2.02

  

Execution and Authentication

   35

Section 2.03

  

Registrar and Paying Agent

   36

Section 2.04

  

Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust

   36

Section 2.05

  

Holder Lists

   37

Section 2.06

  

Transfer and Exchange

   37

Section 2.07

  

Replacement Notes

   49

Section 2.08

  

Outstanding Notes

   49

Section 2.09

  

Treasury Notes

   50

Section 2.10

  

Temporary Notes

   50

Section 2.11

  

Cancellation

   50

Section 2.12

  

Defaulted Interest

   50

Section 2.13

  

CUSIP/ISIN Numbers

   51
  

 

ARTICLE 3

  
  

 

REDEMPTION

 

  

Section 3.01

  

Notices to Trustee

   51

Section 3.02

  

Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed or Purchased

   51

Section 3.03

  

Notice of Redemption

   52

Section 3.04

  

Effect of Notice of Redemption

   53

Section 3.05

  

Deposit of Redemption or Purchase Price

   53

Section 3.06

  

Notes Redeemed or Purchased in Part

   53

Section 3.07

  

Optional Redemption

   54

Section 3.08

  

Mandatory Redemption

   54

Section 3.09

  

Offers to Repurchase by Application of Excess Proceeds

   55

 

-i-


   ARTICLE 4   
  

 

COVENANTS

 

  

Section 4.01

  

Payment of Notes

   56

Section 4.02

  

Maintenance of Office or Agency

   57

Section 4.03

  

Reports and Other Information

   57

Section 4.04

  

Compliance Certificate

   58

Section 4.05

  

Taxes

   59

Section 4.06

  

Stay, Extension and Usury Laws

   59

Section 4.07

  

Limitation on Restricted Payments

   59

Section 4.08

  

Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries

   66

Section 4.09

  

Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock

   68

Section 4.10

  

Asset Sales

   73

Section 4.11

  

Transactions with Affiliates

   75

Section 4.12

  

Liens

   77

Section 4.13

  

Corporate Existence

   78

Section 4.14

  

Offer to Repurchase Upon Change of Control

   78

Section 4.15

  

Limitation on Guarantees of Indebtedness by Restricted Subsidiaries

   80

Section 4.16

  

Discharge and Suspension of Covenants

   80
  

 

ARTICLE 5

  
  

 

SUCCESSORS

 

  

Section 5.01

  

Merger, Consolidation or Sale of All or Substantially All Assets

   81

Section 5.02

  

Successor Corporation Substituted

   83
  

 

ARTICLE 6

  
  

 

DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

 

  

Section 6.01

  

Events of Default

   84

Section 6.02

  

Acceleration

   86

Section 6.03

  

Other Remedies

   86

Section 6.04

  

Waiver of Past Defaults

   87

Section 6.05

  

Control by Majority

   87

Section 6.06

  

Limitation on Suits

   87

Section 6.07

  

Rights of Holders of Notes to Receive Payment

   87

Section 6.08

  

Collection Suit by Trustee

   88

Section 6.09

  

Restoration of Rights and Remedies

   88

Section 6.10

  

Rights and Remedies Cumulative

   88

Section 6.11

  

Delay or Omission Not Waiver

   88

Section 6.12

  

Trustee May File Proofs of Claim

   88

Section 6.13

  

Priorities

   89

Section 6.14

  

Undertaking for Costs

   89

 

-ii-


   ARTICLE 7   
  

 

TRUSTEE

 

  

Section 7.01

  

Duties of Trustee

   90

Section 7.02

  

Rights of Trustee

   91

Section 7.03

  

Individual Rights of Trustee

   92

Section 7.04

  

Trustee’s Disclaimer

   92

Section 7.05

  

Notice of Defaults

   92

Section 7.06

  

Reports by Trustee to Holders of the Notes

   92

Section 7.07

  

Compensation and Indemnity

   93

Section 7.08

  

Replacement of Trustee

   93

Section 7.09

  

Successor Trustee by Merger, etc

   94

Section 7.10

  

Eligibility; Disqualification

   94

Section 7.11

  

Preferential Collection of Claims Against Issuers

   95
  

 

ARTICLE 8

  
  

 

LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE

 

  

Section 8.01

  

Option to Effect Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance

   95

Section 8.02

  

Legal Defeasance and Discharge

   95

Section 8.03

  

Covenant Defeasance

   96

Section 8.04

  

Conditions to Legal or Covenant Defeasance

   96

Section 8.05

  

Deposited Money and Government Securities to Be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions

   97

Section 8.06

  

Repayment to Issuers

   98

Section 8.07

  

Reinstatement

   98
  

 

ARTICLE 9

  
  

 

AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER

 

  

Section 9.01

  

Without Consent of Holders of Notes

   98

Section 9.02

  

With Consent of Holders of Notes

   100

Section 9.03

  

Compliance with Trust Indenture Act

   101

Section 9.04

  

Revocation and Effect of Consents

   101

Section 9.05

  

Notation on or Exchange of Notes

   102

Section 9.06

  

Trustee to Sign Amendments, etc

   102

Section 9.07

  

Payment for Consent

   102

Section 9.08

  

Additional Voting Terms

   102
  

 

ARTICLE 10

  
  

 

GUARANTEES

 

  

Section 10.01

  

Guarantee

   103

Section 10.02

  

Limitation on Guarantor Liability

   104

Section 10.03

  

Execution and Delivery

   104

 

-iii-


Section 10.04

  

Subrogation

   105

Section 10.05

  

Benefits Acknowledged

   105

Section 10.06

  

Release of Guarantees

   105
  

 

ARTICLE 11

  
  

 

SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

 

  

Section 11.01

  

Satisfaction and Discharge

   106

Section 11.02

  

Application of Trust Money

   107
  

 

ARTICLE 12

  
  

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

  

Section 12.01

  

Trust Indenture Act Controls

   107

Section 12.02

  

Notices

   107

Section 12.03

  

Communication by Holders of Notes with Other Holders of Notes

   108

Section 12.04

  

Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent

   109

Section 12.05

  

Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion

   109

Section 12.06

  

Rules by Trustee and Agents

   109

Section 12.07

  

No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders

   109

Section 12.08

  

Governing Law

   110

Section 12.09

  

Waiver of Jury Trial

   110

Section 12.10

  

Force Majeure

   110

Section 12.11

  

No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements

   110

Section 12.12

  

Successors

   110

Section 12.13

  

Severability

   110

Section 12.14

  

Counterpart Originals

   110

Section 12.15

  

Table of Contents, Headings, etc

   110

Section 12.16

  

Qualification of Indenture

   111

 

EXHIBITS

 

     

Exhibit A

  

Form of Note

  

Exhibit B

  

Form of Certificate of Transfer

  

Exhibit C

  

Form of Certificate of Exchange

  

Exhibit D

  

Form of Supplemental Indenture to Be Delivered by Subsequent Guarantors

  

 

-iv-


INDENTURE, dated as of April 2, 2007, among Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (and its successors in interest) (the “ Company ”), Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp., a Delaware corporation (and its successors in interest) (“ Finance Co. ” and, together with the Company, the “ Issuers ”), the Guarantors (as defined herein) listed on the signature pages hereto and Wilmington Trust Company, as Trustee.

WITNESSETH

WHEREAS, the Issuers have duly authorized the creation of an issue of $325,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Issuers’ Senior Notes due 2015 (the “ Initial Notes ”);

WHEREAS, the Issuers and each of the Guarantors have duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Issuers, the Guarantors and the Trustee agree as follows for the benefit of each other and for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the Notes.

ARTICLE 1

DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

Section 1.01 Definitions .

144A Global Note ” means a Global Note substantially in the form of Exhibit A 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 applicable series of Notes sold in reliance on Rule 144A.

Acquired Indebtedness ” means, with respect to any specified Person,

(1) Indebtedness of any other Person existing at the time such other Person is merged with or into or became a Restricted Subsidiary of such specified Person, including Indebtedness incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person merging with or into or becoming a Restricted Subsidiary of such specified Person, and

(2) Indebtedness secured by a Lien encumbering any asset acquired by such specified Person.

Additional Notes ” means additional Notes (other than the Initial Notes and other than Exchange Notes issued for such Initial Notes) issued from time to time under this Indenture in accordance with Sections 2.01 and 4.09 hereof.

Additional Interest ” means all additional interest then owing pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement.

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” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with”), as used with respect to any Person, shall mean 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.

Agent ” means the Registrar or any Paying Agent.

Applicable Premium ” means, with respect to any Note on any Redemption Date, the greater of:

(1) 1.0% of the principal amount of such Note; and

(2) the excess, if any, of (a) the present value at such Redemption Date of (i) the redemption price of such Note at April 1, 2011 (such redemption price being set forth in the table set forth in Section 3.07(d)) plus (ii) all required interest payments due on such Note through April 1, 2011 (excluding accrued but unpaid interest to the Redemption Date), computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate plus 50 basis points; over (b) the principal amount of such Note.

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

Asset Sale ” means:

(1) the sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition, whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions, of property or assets (including by way of a Sale and Lease-Back Transaction) of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (each referred to in this definition as a “disposition”); or

(2) the issuance or sale of Equity Interests of any Restricted Subsidiary (other than Preferred Stock of Restricted Subsidiaries issued in compliance with Section 4.09), whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions;

in each case, other than:

(a) any disposition of Cash Equivalents or Investment Grade Securities or obsolete or worn out equipment in the ordinary course of business or any disposition of inventory or goods (or other assets) no longer used in the ordinary course of business;

(b) the disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company in a manner permitted pursuant to Section 5.01 hereof or any disposition that constitutes a Change of Control pursuant to this Indenture;

(c) the making of any Restricted Payment or Permitted Investment that is permitted to be made, and is made, under Section 4.07 hereof;

(d) any disposition of assets or issuance or sale of Equity Interests of any Restricted Subsidiary in any transaction or series of transactions with an aggregate fair market value of less than $10.0 million;

 

-2-


(e) any disposition of property or assets or issuance of securities by a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company to the Company or by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company to another Restricted Subsidiary of the Company;

(f) to the extent allowable under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, any exchange of like property (excluding any boot thereon) for use in a Similar Business;

(g) the lease, assignment or sub-lease of any real or personal property in the ordinary course of business;

(h) any issuance or sale of Equity Interests in, or Indebtedness or other securities of, an Unrestricted Subsidiary;

(i) foreclosures, condemnation or any similar action on assets or the granting of Liens not prohibited by this Indenture;

(j) sales of accounts receivable, or participations therein, in connection with any Receivables Facility;

(k) the sale or discount of inventory, accounts receivable or notes receivable in the ordinary course of business or the conversion of accounts receivable to notes receivable;

(l) any financing transaction with respect to property built or acquired by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary after the Issue Date, including Sale and Lease-Back Transactions and asset securitizations permitted by this Indenture;

(m) the licensing or sub-licensing of intellectual property or other general intangibles in the ordinary course of business, other than the licensing of intellectual property on a long-term basis;

(n) any surrender or waiver of contract rights or the settlement, release or surrender of contract rights or other litigation claims in the ordinary course of business; and

(o) any sale to the Industrial Development Board of the City of Jackson, Tennessee in connection with a Sale and Lease-back Transaction that does not result in the recognition of the sale or the asset transfer in accordance with GAAP, or any similar transaction.

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

board of directors ” means, with respect to a corporation, the board of directors of the corporation, and with respect to any other Person, the board or committee of such Person, or board of directors of the general partner or general manager of such Person serving a similar function.

Broker-Dealer ” means a Person that is a “Broker” or a “Dealer” within the meaning of the Exchange Act.

 

-3-


Business Day ” means each day which is not a Legal Holiday.

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 or membership interests (whether general or limited); 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.

Capitalized Lease Obligation ” means, at the time any determination thereof is to be made, the amount of the liability in respect of a capital lease that would at such time be required to be capitalized and reflected as a liability on a balance sheet (excluding the footnotes thereto) prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Capitalized Software Expenditures ” means, for any period, the aggregate of all expenditures (whether paid in cash or accrued as liabilities) by a Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries during such period in respect of purchased software or internally developed software and software enhancements that, in conformity with GAAP, are or are required to be reflected as capitalized costs on the consolidated balance sheet of a Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries.

Cash Equivalents ” means:

(1) United States dollars;

(2) euro, or any national currency of any participating member state of the EMU and local currencies held by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries from time to time in the ordinary course of business;

(3) securities issued or directly and fully and unconditionally guaranteed or insured by the U.S. government or any agency or instrumentality thereof the securities of which are unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation of such government with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition;

(4) certificates of deposit, time deposits and eurodollar time deposits with maturities of one year or less from the date of acquisition, bankers’ acceptances with maturities not exceeding one year and overnight bank deposits, in each case with any commercial bank having capital and surplus of not less than $500.0 million in the case of U.S. banks and $100.0 million (or the U.S. dollar equivalent as of the date of determination) in the case of non-U.S. banks;

(5) repurchase obligations for underlying securities of the types described in clauses (3), (4) and (8) entered into with any financial institution meeting the qualifications specified in clause (4) above;

 

-4-


(6) commercial paper rated at least P-1 by Moody’s or at least A-1 by S&P and in each case maturing within 24 months after the date of creation thereof and Indebtedness or Preferred Stock issued by a Person with a rating of “A” or higher by S&P or “A2” or higher by Moody’s with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition;

(7) marketable short-term money market and similar securities having a rating of at least P-2 or A-2 from either Moody’s or S&P, respectively (or, if at any time neither Moody’s nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another Rating Agency) and in each case maturing within 24 months after the date of creation thereof;

(8) readily marketable direct obligations issued by any state, commonwealth or territory of the United States or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof having an Investment Grade Rating from either Moody’s or S&P with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition;

(9) Indebtedness or Preferred Stock issued by Persons with a rating of “A” or higher from S&P or “A2” or higher from Moody’s with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition;

(10) Investments with average maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition in money market funds rated AAA- (or the equivalent thereof) or better by S&P or Aaa3 (or the equivalent thereof) or better by Moody’s; and

(11) investment funds investing 95% of their assets in securities of the types described in clauses (1) through (10) above.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Cash Equivalents shall include amounts denominated in currencies other than those set forth in clauses (1) and (2) above, provided that such amounts are converted into any currency listed in clauses (1) and (2) as promptly as practicable and in any event within ten Business Days following the receipt of such amounts.

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

(1) the sale, lease or transfer, in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any Person other than a Permitted Holder; or

(2) the Company becomes aware of (by way of a report or any other filing pursuant to Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, proxy, vote, written notice or otherwise) the acquisition by any Person or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or Section 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act, or any successor provision), including any group acting for the purpose of acquiring, holding or disposing of securities (within the meaning of Rule 13d-5(b)(1) under the Exchange Act), other than the Permitted Holders, in a single transaction or in a related series of transactions, by way of merger, consolidation or other business combination or purchase of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, or any successor provision) of 50% or more of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Company or any of its direct or indirect parent companies holding directly or indirectly 100% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Company.

Clearstream ” means Clearstream Banking, Société Anonyme.

 

-5-


Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization Expense ” means with respect to any Person for any period, the total amount of depreciation and amortization expense, including the amortization of deferred financing fees, debt issuance costs, commissions, fees and expenses and Capitalized Software Expenditures of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period on a consolidated basis and otherwise determined in accordance with GAAP.

Consolidated Interest Expense ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, without duplication, the sum of:

(1) consolidated interest expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, to the extent such expense was deducted (and not added back) in computing Consolidated Net Income (including (a) amortization of original issue discount resulting from the issuance of Indebtedness at less than par, (b) all commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit or bankers acceptances, (c) non-cash interest payments (but excluding any non-cash interest expense attributable to the movement in the mark to market valuation of Hedging Obligations or other derivative instruments pursuant to GAAP), (d) the interest component of Capitalized Lease Obligations, and (e) net payments, if any, made (less net payments, if any, received) pursuant to interest rate Hedging Obligations with respect to Indebtedness, and excluding (t) the accretion or any expense resulting from the discounting of any Indebtedness in connection with the application of purchase accounting in connection with the Transaction or any acquisition, (u) penalties and interest relating to taxes, (v) any Additional Interest and any “additional interest” with respect to the Senior Subordinated Notes or other securities, (w) amortization of deferred financing fees, debt issuance costs, commissions, fees and expenses, (x) any expensing of bridge, commitment and other financing fees, (y) commissions, discounts, yield and other fees and charges (including any interest expense) related to any Receivables Facility and (z) any accretion or accrued interest of discounted liabilities); plus

(2) consolidated capitalized interest of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued; less

(3) interest income for such period.

For purposes of this definition, interest on a Capitalized Lease Obligation shall be deemed to accrue at an interest rate reasonably determined by such Person to be the rate of interest implicit in such Capitalized Lease Obligation in accordance with GAAP.

Consolidated Net Income ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the aggregate of the Net Income, of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, on a consolidated basis, and otherwise determined in accordance with GAAP; provided , however , that, without duplication,

(1) any after-tax effect of extraordinary, non-recurring or unusual gains or losses (less all fees and expenses relating thereto) or expenses (including relating to the Transaction to the extent incurred on or prior to April 1, 2008), severance, relocation costs and curtailments or modifications to pension and post-retirement employee benefit plans shall be excluded,

(2) the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles and changes as a result of the adoption or modification of accounting policies during such period shall be excluded,

 

-6-


(3) any after-tax effect of income (loss) from disposed, abandoned or discontinued operations and any net after-tax gains or losses on disposal of disposed, abandoned, transferred, closed or discontinued operations shall be excluded,

(4) any after-tax effect of gains or losses (less all fees and expenses relating thereto) attributable to asset dispositions or abandonments or the sale or other disposition of any Capital Stock of any Person other than in the ordinary course of business shall be excluded,

(5) the Net Income for such period of any Person that is not a Subsidiary, or is an Unrestricted Subsidiary, or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting, shall be excluded; provided that Consolidated Net Income of the Company shall be increased by the amount of dividends or distributions or other payments that are actually paid in cash (or to the extent converted into cash) to the referent Person or a Restricted Subsidiary thereof in respect of such period,

(6) solely for the purpose of determining the amount available for Restricted Payments under clause (3)(a) of Section 4.07(a) hereof, the Net Income for such period of any Restricted Subsidiary (other than any Guarantor) shall be excluded to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by that Restricted Subsidiary of its Net Income is not at the date of determination permitted without any prior governmental approval (which has not been obtained) or, directly or indirectly, by the operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule, or governmental regulation applicable to that Restricted Subsidiary or its stockholders, unless such restriction with respect to the payment of dividends or similar distributions has been legally waived; provided that Consolidated Net Income of the Company will be increased by the amount of dividends or other distributions or other payments actually paid in cash (or to the extent converted into cash or Cash Equivalents) to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary thereof in respect of such period, to the extent not already included therein,

(7) effects of adjustments (including the effects of such adjustments pushed down to the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries) in the inventory, property and equipment, software, goodwill, other intangible assets and in-process research and development, deferred revenue and debt line items in such Person’s consolidated financial statements pursuant to GAAP resulting from the application of purchase accounting in relation to the Transaction or any consummated acquisition or the amortization or write-off of any amounts thereof, net of taxes, shall be excluded,

(8) any after-tax effect of income (loss) from the early extinguishment of (i) Indebtedness, (ii) Hedging Obligations or (iii) other derivative instruments shall be excluded,

(9) any impairment charge or asset write-off or write-down, including impairment charges or asset write-offs or write-downs related to intangible assets, long-lived assets or investments in debt and equity securities or as a result of a change in law or regulation, in each case, pursuant to GAAP, and the amortization of intangibles arising pursuant to GAAP shall be excluded,

(10) any non-cash compensation charge or expense, including any such charge arising from grants of stock appreciation or similar rights, stock options, restricted stock or other rights, and any cash charges associated with the rollover, acceleration or payout of Equity Interests by

 

-7-


management of the Company or any of its direct or indirect parent companies in connection with the Transaction, shall be excluded,

(11) any fees and expenses incurred during such period, or any amortization thereof for such period, in connection with any acquisition, Investment, Asset Sale, issuance or repayment of Indebtedness, issuance of Equity Interests, refinancing transaction or amendment or modification of any debt instrument (in each case, including any such transaction consummated prior to the Issue Date and any such transaction undertaken but not completed) and any charges or non-recurring merger costs incurred during such period as a result of any such transaction shall be excluded,

(12) accruals and reserves that are established or adjusted within twelve months after the Issue Date that are so required to be established as a result of the Transaction in accordance with GAAP shall be excluded; and

(13) the following items shall be excluded:

(a) any net unrealized gain or loss (after any offset) resulting in such period from Hedging Obligations and the application of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133; and

(b) any net unrealized gain or loss (after any offset) resulting in such period from currency translation gains or losses related to currency remeasurements of Indebtedness (including any net loss or gain resulting from hedge agreements for currency exchange risk).

In addition, to the extent not already included in the Consolidated Net Income of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, Consolidated Net Income shall include the amount of proceeds received from (i) business interruption insurance (or, so long as the Company has made a determination that there exists reasonable evidence that such amount will in fact be reimbursed by the insurer and only to the extent that such amount is (a) not denied by the applicable carrier in writing within 180 days and (b) in fact reimbursed within 365 days of the date of such evidence (with a deduction for any amount so added back to the extent denied by the applicable carrier in writing within 180 days or not so reimbursed within 365 days)) and (ii) reimbursements of any expenses and charges that are covered by indemnification or other reimbursement provisions in connection with any Permitted Investment or any sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition of assets permitted under the Indenture.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, for the purpose of Section 4.07 hereof only (other than clause (3)(d) of Section 4.07(a) hereof), there shall be excluded from Consolidated Net Income any income arising from any sale or other disposition of Restricted Investments made by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, any repurchases and redemptions of Restricted Investments from the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, any repayments of loans and advances which constitute Restricted Investments by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, any sale of the stock of an Unrestricted Subsidiary or any distribution or dividend from an Unrestricted Subsidiary, in each case only to the extent such amounts increase the amount of Restricted Payments permitted under clause (3)(d) of Section 4.07(a) hereof.

Consolidated Secured Debt Ratio ” as of any date of determination means, the ratio of (1) Consolidated Total Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries that is secured by Liens as of the end of the most recent fiscal period for which internal financial statements are available

 

-8-


immediately preceding the date on which such event for which such calculation is being made shall occur, less the aggregate amount of cash and Cash Equivalents held by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries at such date to (2) the Company’s EBITDA for the most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date on which such event for which such calculation is being made shall occur, in each case with such pro forma adjustments to Consolidated Total Indebtedness and EBITDA as are appropriate and consistent with the pro forma adjustment provisions set forth in the definition of Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio.

Consolidated Total Indebtedness ” means, as at any date of determination, an amount equal to the sum of (1) the aggregate amount of all outstanding Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis consisting of Indebtedness for borrowed money, Obligations in respect of Capitalized Lease Obligations and debt obligations evidenced by promissory notes and similar instruments (and excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, all obligations relating to Receivables Facilities) and (2) the aggregate amount of all outstanding Disqualified Stock of the Company and all Preferred Stock of its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, with the amount of such Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock equal to the greater of their respective voluntary or involuntary liquidation preferences and maximum fixed repurchase prices, in each case determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP. For purposes hereof, the “maximum fixed repurchase price” of any Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock that does not have a fixed repurchase price shall be calculated in accordance with the terms of such Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock as if such Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock were purchased on any date on which Consolidated Total Indebtedness shall be required to be determined pursuant to this Indenture, and if such price is based upon, or measured by, the fair market value of such Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, such fair market value shall be determined reasonably and in good faith by the Company.

Contingent Obligations ” means, with respect to any Person, any obligation of such Person guaranteeing any leases, dividends or other obligations that do not constitute Indebtedness (“ 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,

(1) to purchase any such primary obligation or any property constituting direct or indirect security therefor,

(2) to advance or supply funds

(a) for the purchase or payment of any such primary obligation, or

(b) 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

(3) to purchase property, securities or services primarily for the purpose of assuring the owner of any such primary obligation of the ability of the primary obligor to make payment of such primary obligation against loss in respect thereof.

Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee ” shall 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 Holders and the Issuers.

Credit Facilities ” means, with respect to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, one or more debt facilities, including the Senior Credit Facilities, or other financing arrangements

 

-9-


(including, without limitation, commercial paper facilities or indentures) providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, letters of credit or other long-term indebtedness, including any notes, mortgages, guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements executed in connection therewith, and any amendments, supplements, modifications, extensions, renewals, restatements or refundings thereof and any indentures or credit facilities or commercial paper facilities that replace, refund or refinance any part of the loans, notes, other credit facilities or commitments thereunder, including any such replacement, refunding or refinancing facility or indenture that increases the amount permitted to be borrowed thereunder or alters the maturity thereof ( provided that such increase in borrowings is permitted under Section 4.09 hereof) or adds Restricted Subsidiaries as additional borrowers or guarantors thereunder and whether by the same or any other agent, lender or group of lenders.

Custodian ” means the Trustee, as custodian with respect to the Global Notes, or any successor entity thereto.

Default ” means any event that is, or with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both would be, an Event of Default.

Definitive Note ” means a certificated Note registered in the name of the Holder thereof and issued in accordance with Section 2.06(c) hereof, substantially in the form of Exhibit A 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 any 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 provisions of this Indenture.

Designated Non-cash Consideration ” means the fair market value of non-cash consideration received by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary in connection with an Asset Sale that is so designated as Designated Non-cash Consideration pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate, setting forth the basis of such valuation, executed by the principal financial officer of the Company, less the amount of cash or Cash Equivalents received in connection with a subsequent sale of or collection on such Designated Non-cash Consideration.

Designated Preferred Stock ” means Preferred Stock of the Company or any parent corporation thereof (in each case other than Disqualified Stock) that is issued for cash (other than to a Restricted Subsidiary or an employee stock ownership plan or trust established by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) and is so designated as Designated Preferred Stock, pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate executed by the principal financial officer of the Company or the applicable parent corporation thereof, as the case may be, on the issuance date thereof, the cash proceeds of which are excluded from the calculation set forth in clause (3) of Section 4.07(a) hereof.

Disqualified Stock ” means, with respect to any Person, any Capital Stock of such Person which, by its terms, or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is putable or exchangeable, or upon the happening of any event, matures or is mandatorily redeemable (other than solely as a result of a change of control or asset sale) pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof (other than solely as a result of a change of control or asset sale), in whole or in part, in each case prior to the date 91 days after the earlier of the maturity date of the Notes or the date the Notes are no longer outstanding; provided , however , that if such Capital Stock is issued to any plan for the benefit of employees of the Company or its Subsidiaries or by any such plan to such employees, such Capital Stock shall not constitute Disqualified Stock solely because it may be required to be repurchased by the Company or its Subsidiaries in order to satisfy applicable statutory or regulatory obligations.

 

-10-


EBITDA ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period

(1) increased (without duplication) by the following, in each case to the extent deducted in determining Consolidated Net Income for such period:

(a) provision for taxes based on income or profits or capital, including, without limitation, state, franchise and similar taxes (such as the Pennsylvania capital tax) and foreign withholding taxes of such Person paid or accrued during such period deducted (and not added back) in computing Consolidated Net Income; plus

(b) Fixed Charges of such Person for such period (including (x) net losses or Hedging Obligations or other derivative instruments entered into for the purpose of hedging interest rate risk, (y) bank fees and (z) costs of surety bonds in connection with financing activities, in each case, to the extent included in Fixed Charges), together with items excluded from the definition of “Consolidated Interest Expense” pursuant to clauses (1)(t) through (z) thereof to the extent the same were deducted (and not added back) in calculating such Consolidated Net Income; plus

(c) Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization Expense of such Person for such period to the extent the same were deducted (and not added back) in computing Consolidated Net Income; plus

(d) any expenses or charges (other than depreciation or amortization expense) related to any Equity Offering, Permitted Investment, acquisition, disposition, recapitalization or the incurrence of Indebtedness permitted to be incurred by this Indenture (including a refinancing thereof) (whether or not successful), including (i) such fees, expenses or charges related to the offering of the Notes, the Senior Subordinated Notes and the Credit Facilities and (ii) any amendment or other modification of the Notes or the Senior Subordinated Notes, and, in each case, deducted (and not added back) in computing Consolidated Net Income; plus

(e) the amount of any restructuring charges, integration costs or other business optimization expenses or reserves deducted (and not added back) in such period in computing Consolidated Net Income, including any one-time costs incurred in connection with acquisitions after the Issue Date, and costs related to the closure and/or consolidation of facilities; plus

(f) any other non-cash charges reducing Consolidated Net Income for such period ( provided that if any such non-cash charges represent an accrual or reserve for potential cash items in any future period, the cash payment in respect thereof in such future period shall be subtracted from EBITDA to such extent, and excluding amortization of a prepaid cash item that was paid in a prior period); plus

(g) the amount of any minority interest expense consisting of Subsidiary income attributable to minority equity interests of third parties in any non-Wholly Owned Subsidiary deducted (and not added back) in such period in calculating Consolidated Net Income; plus

 

-11-


(h) the amount of management, monitoring, consulting and advisory fees (including termination fees) and related indemnities and expenses paid or accrued in such period under the Sponsor Management Agreement or otherwise to the Investors to the extent otherwise permitted under Section 4.11 hereof (and similar fees paid by the Company or its Affiliates to investors in the Company or its Affiliates prior to the Issue Date) and deducted (and not added back) in such period in computing Consolidated Net Income; plus

(i) the amount of net cost savings projected by the Company in good faith to be realized as a result of specified actions taken or initiated during or prior to such period (calculated on a pro forma basis as though such cost savings had been realized on the first day of such period), net of the amount of actual benefits realized during such period from such actions; provided that (x) such cost savings are reasonably identifiable and factually supportable, (y) such actions have been or are taken no later than 36 months after the Issue Date and (z) the aggregate amount of cost savings added pursuant to this clause (i) shall not exceed $30.0 million for any four consecutive quarter period (which adjustments may be incremental to pro forma cost savings adjustments made pursuant to the definition of “Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio”); plus

(j) the amount of loss or discount on sale of Receivables and related assets to the Receivables Subsidiary in connection with a Receivables Facility; plus

(k) any net loss from disposed or discontinued operations; plus

(l) any costs or expense incurred by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement or any stock subscription or shareholder agreement, to the extent that such cost or expenses are funded with cash proceeds contributed to the capital of the Company or net cash proceeds of an issuance of Equity Interest of the Company (other than Disqualified Stock) solely to the extent that such net cash proceeds are excluded from the calculation set forth in clause (3) of Section 4.07(a) hereof; and

(2) decreased by (without duplication) (a) non-cash gains increasing Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period, excluding any non-cash gains to the extent they represent the reversal of an accrual or reserve for a potential cash item that reduced EBITDA in any prior period and (b) any net income from disposed or discontinued operations; and

(3) increased or decreased by (without duplication), as applicable, any adjustments resulting from the application of FASB Interpretation No. 45 (Guarantees).

EMU ” means economic and monetary union as contemplated in the Treaty on European Union.

Equity Interests ” means Capital Stock and all warrants, options or other rights to acquire Capital Stock, but excluding any debt security that is convertible into, or exchangeable for, Capital Stock.

 

-12-


Equity Offering ” means any public or private sale of common stock or Preferred Stock of the Company or any of its direct or indirect parent companies (excluding Disqualified Stock), other than:

(1) public offerings with respect to the Company’s or any direct or indirect parent company’s common stock registered on Form S-8;

(2) issuances to any Subsidiary of the Company; and

(3) any such public or private sale that constitutes an Excluded Contribution.

euro ” means the single currency of participating member states of the EMU.

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

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

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

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

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

Excluded Contribution ” means net cash proceeds, marketable securities or Qualified Proceeds received by the Company from

(1) contributions to its common equity capital, and

(2) the sale (other than to a Subsidiary of the Company or to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement of the Company) of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock and Designated Preferred Stock) of the Company,

in each case designated as Excluded Contributions pursuant to an officer’s certificate executed by the principal financial officer of the Company on the date such capital contributions are made or the date such Equity Interests are sold, as the case may be, which are excluded from the calculation set forth in clause (3) of Section 4.07(a) hereof.

fair market value ” means, with respect to any asset or liability, the fair market value of such asset or liability as determined by the Company in good faith; provided that if the fair market value is equal to or exceeds $25.0 million, such determination shall be made by the board of directors of the Company in good faith.

Finance Co. ” has the meaning set forth in the first paragraph of the recitals hereto.

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the ratio of EBITDA of such Person for such period to the Fixed Charges of such Person for such period. In

 

-13-


the event that the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary incurs, assumes, guarantees, redeems, retires or extinguishes any Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness incurred under any revolving credit facility unless such Indebtedness has been permanently repaid and has not been replaced) or issues or redeems Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock subsequent to the commencement of the period for which the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is being calculated but prior to or simultaneously with the event for which the calculation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is made (the “ Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Calculation Date ”), then the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such incurrence, assumption, guarantee, redemption, retirement or extinguishment of Indebtedness, or such issuance or redemption of Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period.

For purposes of making the computation referred to above, Investments, acquisitions, dispositions, mergers, consolidations and disposed operations (as determined in accordance with GAAP) that have been made by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries during the four-quarter reference period or subsequent to such reference period and on or prior to or simultaneously with the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Calculation Date shall be calculated on a pro forma basis assuming that all such Investments, acquisitions, dispositions, mergers, consolidations and disposed operations, including the Transaction (and the change in any associated fixed charge obligations and the change in EBITDA resulting therefrom) had occurred on the first day of the four-quarter reference period. If since the beginning of such period any Person that subsequently became a Restricted Subsidiary or was merged with or into the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries since the beginning of such period shall have made any Investment, acquisition, disposition, merger, consolidation or disposed operation that would have required adjustment pursuant to this definition, then the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect thereto for such period as if such Investment, acquisition, disposition, merger, consolidation or disposed operation had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period.

For purposes of this definition, whenever pro forma effect is to be given to a transaction, the pro forma calculations shall be made in good faith by a responsible financial or accounting officer of the Company (and may include, for the avoidance of doubt, cost savings and operating expense reductions resulting from such Investment, acquisition, merger or consolidation (including the Transaction) which is being given pro forma effect that have been or are expected to be realized). If any Indebtedness bears a floating rate of interest and is being given pro forma effect, the interest on such Indebtedness shall be calculated as if the rate in effect on the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Calculation Date had been the applicable rate for the entire period (taking into account any Hedging Obligations applicable to such Indebtedness). Interest on a Capitalized Lease Obligation shall be deemed to accrue at an interest rate reasonably determined by a responsible financial or accounting officer of the Company to be the rate of interest implicit in such Capitalized Lease Obligation in accordance with GAAP. For purposes of making the computation referred to above, interest on any Indebtedness under a revolving credit facility computed on a pro forma basis shall be computed based upon the average daily balance of such Indebtedness during the applicable period except as set forth in the first paragraph of this definition. Interest on Indebtedness that may optionally be determined at an interest rate based upon a factor of a prime or similar rate, a eurocurrency interbank offered rate, or other rate, shall be deemed to have been based upon the rate actually chosen, or, if none, then based upon such optional rate chosen as the Company may designate. Any such pro forma calculation may include adjustments appropriate, in the reasonable determination of the Issuers as set forth in an Officer’s Certificate, to reflect all adjustments included in the calculation of pro forma adjusted EBITDA as set forth in footnote 3 to the “Summary Historical and Pro Forma Consolidated Financial and Other Data” under “Summary” in the Offering Memorandum to the extent such adjustments, without duplication, continue to be applicable to such four-quarter period.

 

-14-


Fixed Charge Coverage Test ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.07(a).

Fixed Charges ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the sum of:

(1) Consolidated Interest Expense of such Person for such period;

(2) all cash dividends or other distributions paid (excluding items eliminated in consolidation) on any series of Preferred Stock during such period; and

(3) all cash dividends or other distributions paid (excluding items eliminated in consolidation) on any series of Disqualified Stock during such period.

Foreign Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, any Restricted Subsidiary of such Person that is not organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia, or any territory thereof and any Restricted Subsidiary of such Foreign Subsidiary.

GAAP ” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States which are in effect on the Issue Date.

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

Global Notes ” means, individually and collectively, each of the Restricted Global Notes and the Unrestricted Global Notes, substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto, issued in accordance with Section 2.01, 2.06(b), 2.06(d) or 2.06(f) hereof.

Government Securities ” means securities that are:

(1) direct obligations of the United States of America for the timely payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged; or

(2) obligations of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America the timely payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of America,

which, in either case, are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuers thereof, and shall also include a depository receipt issued by a bank (as defined in Section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act), as custodian with respect to any such Government Securities or a specific payment of principal of or interest on any such Government Securities held by such custodian for the account of the holder of such depository receipt; provided that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depository receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the Government Securities or the specific payment of principal of or interest on the Government Securities evidenced by such depository receipt.

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 letters of credit and reimbursement agreements in respect thereof), of all or any part of any Indebtedness or other obligations.

 

-15-


Guarantee ” means the guarantee by any Guarantor of the Issuers’ Obligations under this Indenture.

Guarantor ” means each Restricted Subsidiary that Guarantees the Notes in accordance with the terms of this Indenture.

Hedging Obligations ” means, with respect to any Person, the obligations of such Person under any interest rate swap agreement, interest rate cap agreement, interest rate collar agreement, commodity swap agreement, commodity cap agreement, commodity collar agreement, foreign exchange contract, currency swap agreement or similar agreement providing for the transfer or mitigation of interest rate or currency risks either generally or under specific contingencies.

Holder ” means the Person in whose name a Note is registered on the Note Register.

Indebtedness ” means, with respect to any Person, without duplication:

(1) any indebtedness (including principal and premium) of such Person, whether or not contingent:

(a) in respect of borrowed money;

(b) evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments or letters of credit or bankers’ acceptances (or, without duplication, reimbursement agreements in respect thereof);

(c) representing the balance deferred and unpaid of the purchase price of any property (including Capitalized Lease Obligations), except (i) any such balance that constitutes an obligation in respect of a commercial letter of credit, a trade payable or similar obligation to a trade creditor, in each case accrued in the ordinary course of business and (ii) any earn-out obligations until such obligation becomes a liability on the balance sheet of such Person in accordance with GAAP and if not paid after becoming due and payable;

(d) representing any Hedging Obligations; or

(e) during a Suspension Period only, obligations of the lessee for rental payments in respect of Sale and Lease-back Transactions in an amount equal to the present value of such obligations during the remaining term of the lease using a discount rate equal to the rate of interest implicit in such transaction determined in accordance with GAAP,

if and to the extent that any of the foregoing Indebtedness (other than letters of credit and Hedging Obligations) would appear as a liability upon a balance sheet (excluding the footnotes thereto) of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP; provided , that Indebtedness of any direct or indirect parent of the Company appearing upon the balance sheet of the Company solely by reason of push-down accounting under GAAP shall be excluded;

(2) to the extent not otherwise included, any obligation by such Person to be liable for, or to pay, as obligor, guarantor or otherwise, on the obligations of the type referred to in clause (1) of a third Person (whether or not such items would appear upon the balance sheet of

 

-16-


such obligor or guarantor), other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business; and

(3) to the extent not otherwise included, the obligations of the type referred to in clause (1) of a third Person secured by a Lien on any asset owned by such first Person, whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by such first Person, but only to the extent of the fair market value of the assets subject to such Lien;

provided , however , that notwithstanding the foregoing, Indebtedness shall be deemed not to include (a) Contingent Obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business or (b) obligations under or in respect of Receivables Facilities.

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

Independent Financial Advisor ” means an accounting, appraisal, investment banking firm or consultant to Persons engaged in Similar Businesses of nationally recognized standing that is, in the good faith judgment of the Company, qualified to perform the task for which it has been engaged.

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

Initial Notes ” as defined in the recitals hereto.

Initial Purchasers ” means Lehman Brothers Inc. and Goldman, Sachs & Co.

Interest Payment Date ” means, with respect to the Notes, April 1 and October 1 of each year to stated maturity.

Investment Grade Rating ” means a rating equal to or higher than Baa3 (or the equivalent) by Moody’s and BBB- (or the equivalent) by S&P, or an equivalent rating by any other Rating Agency.

Investment Grade Securities ” means:

(1) securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the United States government or any agency or instrumentality thereof (other than Cash Equivalents);

(2) debt securities or debt instruments with an Investment Grade Rating, but excluding any debt securities or instruments constituting loans or advances among the Company and its Subsidiaries;

(3) investments in any fund that invests exclusively in investments of the type described in clauses (1) and (2) which fund may also hold immaterial amounts of cash pending investment or distribution; and

(4) corresponding instruments in countries other than the United States customarily utilized for high quality investments.

Investments ” means, with respect to any Person, all investments by such Person in other Persons (including Affiliates) in the form of loans (including guarantees), advances or capital contributions

 

-17-


(excluding accounts receivable, trade credit, advances to customers, commission, travel and similar advances to officers and employees, in each case made in the ordinary course of business), purchases or other acquisitions for consideration of Indebtedness, Equity Interests or other securities issued by any other Person and investments that are required by GAAP to be classified on the balance sheet (excluding the footnotes) of the Company in the same manner as the other investments included in this definition to the extent such transactions involve the transfer of cash or other property. For purposes of the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary” and Section 4.07 hereof:

(1) “Investments” shall include the portion (proportionate to the Company’s equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the fair market value of the net assets of a Subsidiary of the Company at the time that such Subsidiary is designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided , however , that upon a redesignation of such Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary, the Company shall be deemed to continue to have a permanent “Investment” in an Unrestricted Subsidiary in an amount (if positive) equal to:

(a) the Company’s “Investment” in such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation; less

(b) the portion (proportionate to the Company’s equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the fair market value of the net assets of such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation; and

(2) any property transferred to or from an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be valued at its fair market value at the time of such transfer.

The amount of any Investment outstanding at any time shall be the original cost of such Investment, reduced by any dividend, distribution, interest payment, return of capital, repayment or other amount received in cash by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary in respect of such Investment.

Investors ” means The Blackstone Group and each of its Affiliates but not including, however, any portfolio companies of any of the foregoing.

Issue Date ” means April 2, 2007.

Issuers ” has the meaning set forth in the first paragraph of the recitals hereto.

Issuer Order ” means a written request or order signed on behalf of the Issuers by an Officer of the Company, who must be the principal executive officer, the principal financial officer, the treasurer or the principal accounting officer of the Issuers, and delivered to the Trustee.

Legal Holiday ” means a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which commercial banking institutions are not required to be open in the City of New York.

Letter of Transmittal ” means the letter of transmittal to be prepared by the Issuers 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 (statutory or otherwise), pledge, hypothecation, charge, security interest, preference, priority 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

 

-18-


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; provided that in no event shall an operating lease be deemed to constitute a Lien.

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

Net Income ” means, with respect to any Person, the net income (loss) of such Person, determined in accordance with GAAP and before any reduction in respect of Preferred Stock dividends.

Net Proceeds ” means the aggregate cash proceeds received by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of any Asset Sale, including any cash received upon the sale or other disposition of any Designated Non-cash Consideration received in any Asset Sale, net of the direct costs relating to such Asset Sale and the sale or disposition of such Designated Non-cash Consideration, including legal, accounting and investment banking fees, and brokerage and sales commissions, any relocation expenses incurred as a result thereof, taxes paid or payable as a result thereof (after taking into account any available tax credits or deductions and any tax sharing arrangements), amounts required to be applied to the repayment of principal, premium, if any, and interest on Senior Indebtedness required (other than required by clause (1) of Section 4.10(b) hereof) to be paid as a result of such transaction and any deduction of appropriate amounts to be provided by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries as a reserve in accordance with GAAP against any liabilities associated with the asset disposed of in such transaction and retained by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries after such sale or other disposition thereof, including pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities and liabilities related to environmental matters or against any indemnification obligations associated with such transaction.

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

Notes ” means the Initial Notes authenticated and delivered under this Indenture. For all purposes of this Indenture, the term “Notes” shall also include any Additional Notes that may be issued under a supplemental indenture.

Obligations ” means any principal, interest (including any interest accruing subsequent to the filing of a petition in bankruptcy, reorganization or similar proceeding at the rate provided for in the documentation with respect thereto, whether or not such interest is an allowed claim under applicable state, federal or foreign law), penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements (including reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit and banker’s acceptances), damages and other liabilities, and guarantees of payment of such principal, interest, penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other liabilities, payable under the documentation governing any Indebtedness.

Offering Memorandum ” means the offering memorandum, dated March 21, 2007, relating to the sale of the Initial Notes.

Officer ” means the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, any Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President or Vice President, the Treasurer or the Secretary of any Issuer.

Officer’s Certificate ” means a certificate signed on behalf of any Issuer by an Officer of any Issuer, who must be the principal executive officer, the principal financial officer, the treasurer or the principal accounting officer of each of the Issuers, that meets the requirements set forth in this Indenture.

 

-19-


Opinion of Counsel ” means a written opinion from legal counsel who is acceptable to the Trustee. The counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Issuers.

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 Asset Swap ” means the concurrent purchase and sale or exchange of Related Business Assets or a combination of Related Business Assets and cash or Cash Equivalents between the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and another Person; provided , that any cash or Cash Equivalents received must be applied in accordance with Section 4.10 hereof.

Permitted Holders ” means each of the Investors and members of management of the Company (or its direct or indirect parent companies) on the Issue Date who are holders of Equity Interests of the Company (or any of its direct or indirect parent companies) and any group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or Section 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act or any successor provision) of which any of the foregoing are members; provided that, in the case of such group and without giving effect to the existence of such group or any other group, such Investors and members of management, collectively, have beneficial ownership of more than 50% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Company or any of its direct or indirect parent companies.

Permitted Investments ” means:

(1) any Investment in the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(2) any Investment in cash and Cash Equivalents or Investment Grade Securities;

(3) any Investment by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in a Person that is engaged in a Similar Business if as a result of such Investment:

(a) such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary; or

(b) such Person, in one transaction or a series of related transactions, is merged or consolidated with or into, or transfers or conveys substantially all of its assets to, or is liquidated into, the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary,

and, in each case, any Investment held by such Person; provided , that such Investment was not acquired by such Person in contemplation of such acquisition, merger, consolidation or transfer;

(4) any Investment in securities or other assets, including earnouts, not constituting cash, Cash Equivalents or Investment Grade Securities and received in connection with an Asset Sale made pursuant to the provisions described under Section 4.10 hereof or any other disposition of assets not constituting an Asset Sale;

(5) any Investment existing on the Issue Date;

(6) any Investment acquired by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries:

(a) in exchange for any other Investment or accounts receivable held by the Company or any such Restricted Subsidiary in connection with or as a result of a bankruptcy, workout, reorganization or recapitalization of the issuer of such other Investment or accounts receivable; or

 

-20-


(b) as a result of a foreclosure by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries with respect to any secured Investment or other transfer of title with respect to any secured Investment in default;

(7) Hedging Obligations permitted under clause (10) of Section 4.09(b) hereof;

(8) any Investment in a Similar Business having an aggregate fair market value, taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (8) that are at that time outstanding, not to exceed 3.0% of Total Assets at the time of such Investment (with the fair market value of each Investment being measured at the time made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value);

(9) Investments the payment for which consists of Equity Interests (exclusive of Disqualified Stock) of the Company, or any of its direct or indirect parent companies; provided , however , that such Equity Interests will not increase the amount available for Restricted Payments under clause (3) of Section 4.07(a) hereof;

(10) guarantees of Indebtedness permitted under Section 4.09 hereof;

(11) any transaction to the extent it constitutes an Investment that is permitted and made in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.11(b) hereof (except transactions described in clauses (2), (5) and (9) of Section 4.11(b) hereof);

(12) Investments consisting of purchases and acquisitions of inventory, supplies, material or equipment;

(13) additional Investments having an aggregate fair market value, taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (13) that are at that time outstanding (without giving effect to the sale of an Unrestricted Subsidiary to the extent the proceeds of such sale do not consist of cash or marketable securities), not to exceed 4.0% of Total Assets at the time of such Investment (with the fair market value of each Investment being measured at the time made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value);

(14) Investments relating to a Receivables Subsidiary that, in the good faith determination of the Company are necessary or advisable to effect any Receivables Facility or any repurchase in connection therewith;

(15) advances to, or guarantees of Indebtedness of, employees not in excess of $10.0 million outstanding at any one time, in the aggregate;

(16) loans and advances to officers, directors and employees for business-related travel expenses, moving expenses and other similar expenses, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business or consistent with past practices or to fund such Person’s purchase of Equity Interests of the Company or any direct or indirect parent company thereof; and

(17) advances, loans or extensions of trade credit in the ordinary course of business by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.

 

-21-


Permitted Liens ” means, with respect to any Person:

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

(2) Liens imposed by law, such as carriers’, warehousemen’s and mechanics’ Liens, in each case for sums not yet overdue for a period of more than 30 days or being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings or other Liens arising out of judgments or awards against such Person with respect to which such Person shall then be proceeding with an appeal or other proceedings for review if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of such Person in accordance with GAAP;

(3) Liens for taxes, assessments or other governmental charges not yet overdue for a period of more than 30 days or payable or subject to penalties for nonpayment or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted, if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of such Person in accordance with GAAP;

(4) Liens in favor of issuers of performance and surety bonds or bid bonds or with respect to other regulatory requirements or letters of credit issued pursuant to the request of and for the account of such Person in the ordinary course of its business;

(5) minor survey exceptions, minor encumbrances, easements or reservations of, or rights of others for, licenses, rights-of-way, sewers, electric lines, telegraph and telephone lines and other similar purposes, or zoning or other restrictions as to the use of real properties or Liens incidental, to the conduct of the business of such Person or to the ownership of its properties which were not incurred in connection with Indebtedness and which do not in the aggregate materially adversely affect the value of said properties or materially impair their use in the operation of the business of such Person;

(6) Liens securing Indebtedness permitted to be incurred pursuant to clause (4), (12) or (20) of Section 4.09(b) hereof; provided , that Liens securing Indebtedness permitted to be incurred pursuant to clause (20) extend only to assets of Foreign Subsidiaries;

(7) Liens existing on the Issue Date;

(8) Liens on property or shares of stock or other assets of a Person at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary; provided , however , such Liens are not created or incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person becoming such a Subsidiary; provided , further , however , that such Liens may not extend to any other property or assets owned by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(9) Liens on property or other assets at the time the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary acquired the property or such other assets, including any acquisition by means of a merger or consolidation with or into the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided , however , that such Liens are not created or incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such

 

-22-


acquisition; provided , further , however , that the Liens may not extend to any other property owned by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(10) Liens securing Indebtedness or other obligations of a Restricted Subsidiary owing to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary permitted to be incurred in accordance with Section 4.09 hereof;

(11) Liens securing Hedging Obligations so long as related Indebtedness is, and is permitted to be under this Indenture, secured by a Lien on the same property securing such Hedging Obligations;

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

(13) leases, subleases, licenses or sublicenses granted to others in the ordinary course of business which do not materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and do not secure any Indebtedness;

(14) Liens arising from Uniform Commercial Code financing statement filings regarding operating leases entered into by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

(15) Liens in favor of any Issuer or any Guarantor;

(16) Liens on equipment of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries granted in the ordinary course of business to the Company’s clients;

(17) Liens on accounts receivable and related assets incurred in connection with a Receivables Facility;

(18) Liens to secure any refinancing, refunding, extension, renewal or replacement (or successive refinancing, refunding, extensions, renewals or replacements) as a whole, or in part, of any Indebtedness secured by any Lien referred to in the foregoing clauses (6), (7), (8) and (9); provided , however , that (a) such new Lien shall be limited to all or part of the same property that secured the original Lien (plus improvements on such property), and (b) the Indebtedness secured by such Lien at such time is not increased to any amount greater than the sum of (i) the outstanding principal amount or, if greater, committed amount of the Indebtedness described under clauses (6), (7), (8) and (9) at the time the original Lien became a Permitted Lien under this Indenture, and (ii) an amount necessary to pay any fees and expenses, including premiums, related to such refinancing, refunding, extension, renewal or replacement;

(19) deposits made in the ordinary course of business to secure liability to insurance carriers;

(20) other Liens securing obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business which obligations do not exceed $30.0 million at any one time outstanding;

 

-23-


(21) Liens securing judgments for the payment of money not constituting an Event of Default under clause (5) under Section 6.01 hereof so long as such Liens are adequately bonded and any appropriate legal proceedings that may have been duly initiated for the review of such judgment have not been finally terminated or the period within which such proceedings may be initiated has not expired;

(22) Liens 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 in the ordinary course of business;

(23) Liens (i) of a collection bank arising under Section 4-210 of the Uniform Commercial Code on items in the course of collection, (ii) attaching to commodity trading accounts or other commodity brokerage accounts incurred in the ordinary course of business, and (iii) in favor of banking institutions arising as a matter of law encumbering deposits (including the right of set-off) and which are within the general parameters customary in the banking industry;

(24) Liens deemed to exist in connection with Investments in repurchase agreements permitted under Section 4.09 hereof; provided that such Liens do not extend to any assets other than those that are the subject of such repurchase agreement;

(25) Liens encumbering reasonable customary initial deposits and margin deposits and similar Liens attaching to commodity trading accounts or other brokerage accounts incurred in the ordinary course of business and not for speculative purposes;

(26) Liens that are contractual rights of set-off (i) relating to the establishment of depository relations with banks not given in connection with the issuance of Indebtedness, (ii) relating to pooled deposit or sweep accounts of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to permit satisfaction of overdraft or similar obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries or (iii) relating to purchase orders and other agreements entered into with customers of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business; and

(27) during a Suspension Period only, Liens securing Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness that is secured equally and ratably with (or on a basis subordinated to) the Notes), and Indebtedness represented by Sale and Leaseback Transactions in an amount not to exceed 15% of Total Assets at any one time outstanding.

For purposes of this definition, the term “Indebtedness” shall be deemed to include interest on such Indebtedness.

Person ” means any individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, association, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, government or any agency or political subdivision thereof or any other entity.

Preferred Stock ” means any Equity Interest with preferential rights of payment of dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution, or winding up.

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

 

-24-


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

Qualified Proceeds ” means the fair market value of assets that are used or useful in, or Capital Stock of any Person engaged in, a Similar Business.

Rating Agencies ” means Moody’s and S&P or if Moody’s or S&P or both shall not make a rating on the Notes publicly available, a nationally recognized statistical rating agency or agencies, as the case may be, selected by any Issuer which shall be substituted for Moody’s or S&P or both, as the case may be.

Receivables Facility ” means any of one or more receivables financing facilities as amended, supplemented, modified, extended, renewed, restated or refunded from time to time, the Obligations of which are non-recourse (except for customary representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities made in connection with such facilities) to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than a Receivables Subsidiary) pursuant to which the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries sells its accounts receivable to either (a) a Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary or (b) a Receivables Subsidiary that in turn sells its accounts receivable to a Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary.

Receivables Fees ” means distributions or payments made directly or by means of discounts with respect to any accounts receivable or participation interest therein issued or sold in connection with, and other fees paid to a Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary in connection with, any Receivables Facility.

Receivables Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary formed for the purpose of, and that solely engages only in one or more Receivables Facilities and other activities reasonably related thereto.

Record Date ” for the interest or Additional Interest, if any, payable on any applicable Interest Payment Date means March 15 or September 15 (whether or not a Business Day) immediately preceding such Interest Payment Date.

Registration Rights Agreement ” means the Registration Rights Agreement with respect to the Notes and the Senior Subordinated Notes, dated as of the Issue Date, among the Issuers, the Guarantors and the Initial Purchasers, 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 between the Issuers 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 Issuers to the purchasers of Additional Notes to register such Additional Notes under the Securities Act.

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 applicable.

Regulation S Permanent Global Note ” means a permanent Global Note in the form of Exhibit A 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 upon expiration of the Restricted Period.

 

-25-


Regulation S Temporary Global Note ” means a temporary Global Note in the form of Exhibit A hereto, bearing the Global Note Legend, the Private Placement Legend and the Regulation S Temporary Global Note 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 Notes initially sold in reliance on Rule 903.

Regulation S Temporary Global Note Legend ” means the legend set forth in Section 2.06(g)(iii) hereof.

Related Business Assets ” means assets (other than cash or Cash Equivalents) used or useful in a Similar Business, provided that any assets received by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary in exchange for assets transferred by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary shall not be deemed to be Related Business Assets if they consist of securities of a Person, unless upon receipt of the securities of such Person, such Person would become a Restricted Subsidiary.

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

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

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

Restricted Investment ” means an Investment other than a Permitted Investment.

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

Restricted Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, at any time, any direct or indirect Subsidiary of such Person (including any Foreign Subsidiary) that is not then an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided , however , that upon an Unrestricted Subsidiary ceasing to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary, such Subsidiary shall be included in the definition of “Restricted Subsidiary.” Unless otherwise indicated in this Indenture, all references to Restricted Subsidiaries shall mean Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company, including, without limitation, Finance Co.

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.

S&P ” means Standard & Poor’s, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., and any successor to its rating agency business.

 

-26-


Sale and Lease-Back Transaction ” means any arrangement providing for the leasing by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of any real or tangible personal property, which property has been or is to be sold or transferred by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary to a third Person in contemplation of such leasing.

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

Secured Indebtedness ” means any Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries secured by a Lien.

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

Senior Credit Facilities ” means the Credit Facility under the Credit Agreement to be entered into as of the Issue Date by and among the Company, the lenders party thereto in their capacities as lenders thereunder and Lehman Commercial Paper Inc., as Administrative Agent, including any guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements executed in connection therewith, and any amendments, supplements, modifications, extensions, renewals, restatements, refundings or refinancings thereof and any indentures or credit facilities or commercial paper facilities with banks or other institutional lenders or investors that replace, refund or refinance any part of the loans, notes, other credit facilities or commitments thereunder, including any such replacement, refunding or refinancing facility or indenture that increases the amount borrowable thereunder or alters the maturity thereof ( provided that such increase in borrowings is permitted under Section 4.09 hereof).

Senior Indebtedness ” means:

(1) all Indebtedness of any Issuer or any Guarantor outstanding under the Senior Credit Facilities or Notes and related Guarantees (including interest accruing on or after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy or similar proceeding or for reorganization of any Issuer or any Guarantor (at the rate provided for in the documentation with respect thereto, regardless of whether or not a claim for post-filing interest is allowed in such proceedings)), and any and all other fees, expense reimbursement obligations, indemnification amounts, penalties, and other amounts (whether existing on the Issue Date or thereafter created or incurred) and all obligations of any Issuer or any Guarantor to reimburse any bank or other Person in respect of amounts paid under letters of credit, acceptances or other similar instruments;

(2) all Hedging Obligations (and guarantees thereof) owing to a Lender (as defined in the Senior Credit Facilities) or any Affiliate of such Lender (or any Person that was a Lender or an Affiliate of such Lender at the time the applicable agreement giving rise to such Hedging Obligation was entered into); provided, that such Hedging Obligations are permitted to be incurred under the terms of this Indenture;

(3) any other Indebtedness of any Issuer or any Guarantor permitted to be incurred under the terms of this Indenture, unless the instrument under which such Indebtedness is incurred expressly provides that it is on a parity with or subordinated in right of payment to the Senior Subordinated Notes or any related Guarantee; and

(4) all Obligations with respect to the items listed in the preceding clauses (1), (2) and (3);

 

-27-


provided , however , that Senior Indebtedness shall not include:

(a) any obligation of such Person to the Issuers or any of their Subsidiaries;

(b) any liability for federal, state, local or other taxes owed or owing by such Person;

(c) any accounts payable or other liability to trade creditors arising in the ordinary course of business;

(d) any Indebtedness or other Obligation of such Person which is subordinate or junior in any respect to any other Indebtedness or other Obligation of such Person; or

(e) that portion of any Indebtedness which at the time of incurrence is incurred in violation of this Indenture.

Senior Subordinated Notes ” means the $250,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Issuers’ 10  5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017 issued on the Issue Date and any Additional Notes (as defined in the Indenture, dated as of the date hereof, among the Issuers, the Guarantors party thereto and the Trustee, relating to the Senior Subordinated Notes).

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

Significant Subsidiary ” means any Restricted 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 Issue Date.

Similar Business ” means any business conducted or proposed to be conducted by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on the Issue Date and any reasonable extension thereof or any business that is similar, reasonably related, incidental or ancillary thereto.

Sponsor Management Agreement ” means the management agreement between certain of the management companies associated with the Investors and the Issuers, as amended from time to time.

Subordinated Indebtedness ” means, with respect to the Notes,

(1) any Indebtedness of any Issuer which is by its terms subordinated in right of payment to the Notes, and

(2) any Indebtedness of any Guarantor which is by its terms subordinated in right of payment to the Guarantee of such entity of the Notes.

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person:

(1) any corporation, association, or other business entity (other than a partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or similar 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) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time of determination owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof or is consolidated under GAAP with such Person at such time; and

 

-28-


(2) any partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or similar entity of which

(x) more than 50% of the capital accounts, distribution rights, total equity and voting interests or general or limited partnership interests, as applicable, are owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof whether in the form of membership, general, special or limited partnership or otherwise, and

(y) such Person or any Restricted Subsidiary of such Person is a controlling general partner or otherwise controls such entity.

Total Assets ” means the total assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, as shown on the most recent balance sheet of the Company or such other Person as may be expressly stated.

Transaction ” means the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement, the issuance of the Notes, the Senior Subordinated Notes and borrowings under the Senior Credit Facilities as in effect on the Issue Date and the refinancing of debt in existence on the Issue Date, including the tender offer and consent solicitation of the 8.25% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 issued by Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.

Transaction Agreement ” means the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of February 10, 2007, among Crunch Holding Corp., Peak Holdings LLC, Peak Acquisition Corp. and Peak Finance LLC.

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 three Business Days prior to the date the applicable notice of redemption is given (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 April 1, 2011.

Trust Indenture Act ” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (15 U.S.C §§ 77aaa-777bbbb).

Trustee ” means Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee, 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 one or more Definitive Notes that do not bear and are not required to bear the Private Placement Legend.

Unrestricted Global Note ” means a permanent Global Note, substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto, that bears the Global Note Legend and that has the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” attached thereto, and that is deposited with or on behalf of and registered in the name of the Depositary, representing Notes that do not bear the Private Placement Legend.

 

-29-


Unrestricted Subsidiary ” means:

(1) any Subsidiary of the Company which at the time of determination is an Unrestricted Subsidiary (as designated by the Company, as provided below); and

(2) any Subsidiary of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

The Company may designate any Subsidiary of the Company (including any existing Subsidiary and any newly acquired or newly formed Subsidiary) to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary unless such Subsidiary or any of its Subsidiaries owns any Equity Interests or Indebtedness of, or owns or holds any Lien on, any property of, the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company (other than solely any Subsidiary of the Subsidiary to be so designated); provided that

(1) any Unrestricted Subsidiary must be an entity of which the Equity Interests entitled to cast at least a majority of the votes that may be cast by all Equity Interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or Persons performing a similar function are owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company;

(2) such designation complies with Section 4.07 hereof; and

(3) each of:

(a) the Subsidiary to be so designated; and

(b) its Subsidiaries

has not at the time of designation, and does not thereafter, create, incur, issue, assume, guarantee or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable with respect to any Indebtedness pursuant to which the lender has recourse to any of the assets of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary.

The Company may designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that, immediately after giving effect to such designation, no Default shall have occurred and be continuing and either:

(1) the Company could incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Test; or

(2) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries would be equal to or greater than such ratio for the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries immediately prior to such designation,

in each case on a pro forma basis taking into account such designation.

Any such designation by the Company shall be notified by any Issuer to the Trustee by promptly filing with the Trustee a copy of the resolution of the board of directors of the Company or any committee thereof giving effect to such designation and an Officer’s Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the foregoing provisions.

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

 

-30-


Voting Stock ” of any 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.

Weighted Average Life to Maturity ” means, when applied to any Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, as the case may be, at any date, the quotient obtained by dividing:

(1) the sum of the products of the number of years from the date of determination to the date of each successive scheduled principal payment of such Indebtedness or redemption or similar payment with respect to such Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock multiplied by the amount of such payment; by

(2) the sum of all such payments.

Wholly-Owned Subsidiary ” of any Person means a Subsidiary of such Person, 100% of the outstanding Equity Interests of which (other than directors’ qualifying shares) shall at the time be owned by such Person or by one or more Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries of such Person.

Section 1.02 Other Definitions .

 

Term

   Defined in
Section

“Acceptable Commitment”

   4.10

“Affiliate Transaction”

   4.11

“Asset Sale Offer”

   4.10

“Authentication Order”

   2.02

“Change of Control Offer”

   4.14

“Change of Control Payment”

   4.14

“Change of Control Payment Date”

   4.14

“Covenant Defeasance”

   8.03

“Covenant Suspension Event”

   4.16

“DTC”

   2.03

“Event of Default”

   6.01

“Excess Proceeds”

   4.10

“incur”

   4.09

“incurrence”

   4.09

“Legal Defeasance”

   8.02

“Note Register”

   2.03

“Offer Amount”

   3.09

“Offer Period”

   3.09

“Pari Passu Indebtedness”

   4.10

“Paying Agent”

   2.03

“Purchase Date”

   3.09

“Redemption Date”

   3.07

“Refinancing Indebtedness”

   4.09

“Refunding Capital Stock”

   4.07

“Registrar”

   2.03

“Restricted Payments”

   4.07

“Reversion Date”

   4.16

“Second Commitment”

   4.10

“Successor Company”

   5.01

“Successor Person”

   5.01

“Suspended Covenants”

   4.16

“Suspension Period”

   4.16

“Treasury Capital Stock”

   4.07

 

-31-


Section 1.03 Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act .

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

The following Trust Indenture Act 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 Guarantees means the Issuers and the Guarantors, respectively, and any successor obligor upon the Notes and the Guarantees, respectively.

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

Section 1.04 Rules of Construction .

Unless the context otherwise requires:

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

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

(c) “or” is not exclusive;

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

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

(f) provisions apply to successive events and transactions;

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

 

-32-


(h) unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to an “Article,” “Section” or “clause” refers to an Article, Section or clause, as the case may be, of this Indenture; and

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

Section 1.05 Acts of Holders .

(a) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to be given or taken by Holders may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such Holders in person or by an agent duly appointed in writing. Except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments or record or both are delivered to the Trustee and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Issuers. Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent, or the holding by any Person of a Note, shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Indenture and (subject to Section 7.01) conclusive in favor of the Trustee and the Issuers, if made in the manner provided in this Section 1.05.

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

(c) The ownership of Notes shall be proved by the Note Register.

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

(e) The Issuers may, in the circumstances permitted by the Trust Indenture Act, set a record date for purposes of determining the identity of Holders entitled to give any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or take any other act, or to vote or consent to any action by vote or consent authorized or permitted to be given or taken by Holders. Unless otherwise specified, if not set by the Issuers prior to the first solicitation of a Holder made by any Person in respect of any such action, or in the case of any such vote, prior to such vote, any such record date shall be the later of 30 days prior to the first solicitation of such consent or the date of the most recent list of Holders furnished to the Trustee prior to such solicitation.

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

 

-33-


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

(h) The Issuers may fix a record date for the purpose of determining the Persons who are beneficial owners of interests in any Global Note held by the Depositary entitled under the procedures of such Depositary to make, give or take, by a proxy or proxies duly appointed in writing, any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided in this Indenture to be made, given or taken by Holders. If such a record date is fixed, the Holders on such record date or their duly appointed proxy or proxies, and only such Persons, shall be entitled to make, give or take such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action, whether or not such Holders remain Holders after such record date. No such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action shall be valid or effective if made, given or taken more than 90 days after such record date.

ARTICLE 2

THE NOTES

Section 2.01 Form and Dating; Terms .

(a) General . The Notes and the Trustee’s certificate of authentication shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto. The Notes may have notations, legends or endorsements required by law, stock exchange rules or usage. Each Note shall be dated the date of its authentication. The Notes shall be in minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

(b) Global Notes . Notes issued in global form shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto (including the Global Note Legend thereon and the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” attached thereto). Notes issued in definitive form shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached 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 shall represent such of the outstanding Notes as shall be specified in the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” attached thereto and each shall provide that it shall represent up to the aggregate principal amount of Notes 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 applicable, 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 represented thereby shall 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.

(c) Temporary Global Notes . Notes offered and sold in reliance on Regulation S shall be issued initially in the form of the Regulation S Temporary Global Note, which shall be deposited on behalf of the purchasers of the Notes represented thereby with the Custodian 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 Issuers and authenticated by the Trustee as hereinafter provided. The Restricted Period shall be terminated upon the receipt by the Trustee of:

(i) 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 each Regulation S Temporary Global Note, to the extent the Depositary, Euroclear and Clearstream provide such certificates in the ordinary course of their business (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 shall take delivery of a beneficial ownership interest in a 144A Global Note bearing the Private Placement Legend, all as contemplated by Section 2.06(b) hereof); and

 

-34-


(ii) an Officer’s Certificate from the Issuers.

Following the termination of the Restricted Period, beneficial interests in each Regulation S Temporary Global Note shall be exchanged for beneficial interests in a Regulation S Permanent Global Note of the same series pursuant to the Applicable Procedures. Simultaneously with the authentication of the corresponding Regulation S Permanent Global Note, the Trustee shall cancel the corresponding Regulation S Temporary Global Note. The aggregate principal amount of a Regulation S Temporary Global Note and a Regulation S Permanent Global Note 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) Terms . The aggregate principal amount of Notes that may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited.

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

The Notes shall be subject to repurchase by the Issuers pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer as provided in Section 4.10 hereof or a Change of Control Offer as provided in Section 4.14 hereof. The Notes shall not be redeemable, other than as provided in Article 3.

Additional Notes ranking pari passu with the Initial Notes may be created and issued from time to time by the Issuers without notice to or consent of the Holders and shall be consolidated with and form a single class with the Initial Notes and shall have the same terms as to status, redemption or otherwise as the Initial Notes; provided that the Issuers’ ability to issue Additional Notes shall be subject to the Issuers’ compliance with Section 4.09 hereof.

(e) 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 shall be applicable to transfers of beneficial interests in the Regulation S Temporary Global Note and the Regulation S Permanent Global Notes that are held by Participants through Euroclear or Clearstream.

Section 2.02 Execution and Authentication .

At least one Officer shall execute the Notes on behalf of each Issuer by manual or facsimile signature.

 

-35-


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

A Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under this Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose until authenticated substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto by the manual signature of the Trustee. The signature shall be conclusive evidence that the Note has been duly authenticated and delivered under this Indenture.

On the Issue Date, the Trustee shall, upon receipt of an Issuer Order (an “ Authentication Order ”), authenticate and deliver the Initial Notes. In addition, at any time, from time to time, the Trustee shall upon an Authentication Order authenticate and deliver any Additional Notes and Exchange Notes for an aggregate principal amount specified in such Authentication Order for such Additional Notes or Exchange Notes issued hereunder. Each Note shall be dated the date of its authentication by the Trustee.

The Trustee may appoint an authenticating agent acceptable to the Issuers 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, the Issuers or Affiliates of the Issuers.

Section 2.03 Registrar and Paying Agent .

The Issuers shall maintain (i) an office or agency where Notes may be presented for registration of transfer or for exchange (“ Registrar ”) and (ii) an office or agency in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York, the State of New York where Notes may be presented for payment (“ Paying Agent ”). The Registrar shall keep a register of the Notes (“ Note Register ”) and of their transfer and exchange. The Issuers may appoint one or more additional paying agents. The term “Paying Agent” includes the Paying Agent and any additional paying agent. The Registrar shall have an office or agency in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York, the State of New York where Notes may be presented for transfer and exchange. The Issuers may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without prior notice to any Holder. The Issuers shall notify the Trustee in writing of the name and address of any Agent not a party to this Indenture. If the Issuers fail to appoint or maintain another entity as Registrar or Paying Agent, the Trustee shall, to the extent that it is capable, act as such. Either Issuer or any Subsidiaries of the Issuers may act as Paying Agent or Registrar.

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

The Issuers initially appoint the Trustee to act as the Registrar and the Paying Agent for the Notes and to act as Custodian with respect to the Global Notes.

Section 2.04 Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust .

The Issuers shall require each Paying Agent other than the Trustee to agree in writing that the Paying Agent shall hold in trust for the benefit of Holders or the Trustee all money held by the Paying Agent for the payment of principal, premium, if any, or Additional Interest, if any, or interest on the Notes, and will notify the Trustee of any default by the Issuers 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 Issuers 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 an Issuer or a Subsidiary) shall have no further liability for the money. If an Issuer or a Subsidiary acts as Paying Agent, it shall segregate and hold in a

 

-36-


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 an Issuer, the Trustee shall serve as Paying Agent for the Notes.

Section 2.05 Holder Lists .

The Trustee shall preserve in as current a form as is reasonably practicable the most recent list available to it of the names and addresses of all Holders and shall otherwise comply with Trust Indenture Act Section 312(a). If the Trustee is not the Registrar, the Issuers shall furnish to the Trustee at least five Business Days before each Interest Payment Date and at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, a list in such form and as of such date as the Trustee may reasonably require of the names and addresses of the Holders and the Issuers shall otherwise comply with Trust Indenture Act Section 312(a).

Section 2.06 Transfer and Exchange .

(a) Transfer and Exchange of Global Notes . Except as otherwise set forth in this Section 2.06, a Global Note may be transferred, in whole and not in part, only to another nominee of the applicable Depositary or to a successor thereto or a nominee of such successor thereto. A beneficial interest in a Global Note may not be exchanged for a Definitive Note unless (i) the Depositary (x) notifies the Issuers that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for such Global Note or (y) has ceased to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, and, in either case, a successor Depositary is not appointed by the Issuers within 120 days or (ii) there shall have occurred and be continuing an Event of Default with respect to the Notes. Upon the occurrence of any of the preceding events in (i) or (ii) above, Definitive Notes delivered in exchange for any Global Note or beneficial interests therein will be registered in the names, and issued in any approved denominations, requested by or on behalf of the Depositary (in accordance with its customary procedures). 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 authenticated and delivered in exchange for, or in lieu of, a Global Note 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, except for Definitive Notes issued subsequent to any of the preceding events in (i) or (ii) above and pursuant to Section 2.06(c) hereof. A Global Note may not be exchanged for another Note other than as provided in this Section 2.06(a); provided , 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 shall be effected through the Depositary in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture and the Applicable Procedures. Beneficial interests in the Restricted Global Notes shall 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 shall require compliance with either subparagraph (i) or (ii) below, as applicable, as well as one or more of the other following subparagraphs, as applicable:

(i) Transfer of Beneficial Interests in the Same Global Note . Beneficial interests in any Restricted Global Note may be transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in the same Restricted Global Note 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 may be transferred to Persons

 

-37-


who take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note. 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)(i).

(ii) 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)(i) hereof, the transferor of such beneficial interest must deliver to the Registrar either (A) (1) 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 (2) instructions given in accordance with the Applicable Procedures containing information regarding the Participant account to be credited with such increase or (B) (1) 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 of the same series in an amount equal to the beneficial interest to be transferred or exchanged and (2) 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 a 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. Upon consummation of an Exchange Offer by the Issuers in accordance with Section 2.06(f) hereof, the requirements of this Section 2.06(b)(ii) 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.

(iii) 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)(ii) hereof and the Registrar receives the following:

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

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

(iv) 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 may be exchanged by any holder thereof for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note if the exchange or transfer complies with the requirements of Section 2.06(b)(ii) hereof and:

(A) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to the Exchange Offer in accordance with the 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 (1) a Broker-Dealer, (2) a Person participating in the distribution of the Exchange Notes or (3) a Person who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Issuers;

 

-38-


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

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

(D) the Registrar receives the following:

(1) 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 of the same series, a certificate from such Holder substantially in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (1)(a) thereof; or

(2) 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 of the same 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.

If any such transfer is effected pursuant to subparagraph (B) or (D) above at a time when an Unrestricted Global Note has not yet been issued, the Issuers 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 in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of beneficial interests transferred pursuant to subparagraph (B) or (D) above.

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

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

(i) Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes to Restricted Definitive Notes . If any holder of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a Restricted Definitive Note or to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Restricted Definitive Note, then, upon the occurrence of

 

-39-


any of the events in paragraph (i) or (ii) of Section 2.06(a) hereof and receipt by the Registrar of the following documentation:

(A) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a Restricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such holder substantially 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 substantially in the form of 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 substantially in the form of 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 substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(a) thereof;

(E) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to the Issuers or any of their Restricted Subsidiaries, a certificate substantially in the form of 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 substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(c) thereof,

the Trustee shall cause the aggregate principal amount of the applicable Global Note to be reduced accordingly pursuant to Section 2.06(h) hereof, and the Issuers shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and mail to the Person designated in the instructions a Definitive Note in the applicable 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 mail 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)(i) shall bear the Private Placement Legend and shall be subject to all restrictions on transfer contained therein.

(ii) Beneficial Interests in Regulation S Temporary Global Note to Definitive Notes . Notwithstanding Sections 2.06(c)(i)(A) and (C) hereof, a beneficial interest in the Regulation S Temporary Global Note may not be exchanged for a Definitive Note or transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Definitive 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(b)(3)(ii)(B) of 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.

(iii) Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes . A holder of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note may exchange such beneficial interest

 

-40-


for an Unrestricted Definitive Note or may transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note only upon the occurrence of any of the events in subsection (i) or (ii) of Section 2.06(a) hereof and if:

(A) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to the Exchange Offer in accordance with the 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 (1) a Broker-Dealer, (2) a Person participating in the distribution of the Exchange Notes or (3) a Person who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Issuers;

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

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

(D) the Registrar receives the following:

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

(2) 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 an Unrestricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such holder substantially 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.

(iv) Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes . If any holder of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a Definitive Note or to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Definitive Note, then, upon the occurrence of any of the events in subsection (i) or (ii) of Section 2.06(a) hereof and satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 2.06(b)(ii) hereof, the Trustee shall cause the aggregate principal amount of the applicable Global Note to be reduced accordingly pursuant to Section 2.06(h) hereof, and the Issuers shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and mail to the Person designated in the instructions a Definitive Note in the applicable principal amount. Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest pursuant to this Section 2.06(c)(iv) 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 or through the applicable Depositary and the Participant or Indirect Participant. The Trustee shall mail such Definitive

 

-41-


Notes to the Persons in whose names such Notes are so registered. Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest pursuant to this Section 2.06(c)(iv) shall not bear the Private Placement Legend.

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

(i) Restricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes . If any Holder of a Restricted Definitive Note proposes to exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note or to transfer such Restricted Definitive Note to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note, 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 substantially 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 substantially in the form of 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 substantially in the form of 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 substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(a) thereof;

(E) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to the Issuers or any of their Restricted Subsidiaries, a certificate substantially in the form of 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 substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(c) thereof,

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

(ii) Restricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes . A Holder of a Restricted Definitive Note may exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note 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 only if:

(A) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to the Exchange Offer in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement and the Holder, in the case of an

 

-42-


exchange, or the transferee, in the case of a transfer, certifies in the applicable Letter of Transmittal that it is not (1) a Broker-Dealer, (2) a Person participating in the distribution of the Exchange Notes or (3) a Person who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Issuers;

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

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

(D) the Registrar receives the following:

(1) 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 substantially in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (1)(c) thereof; or

(2) 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 substantially 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)(ii), the Trustee shall cancel the Definitive Notes and increase or cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount of the Unrestricted Global Note.

(iii) Unrestricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes . A Holder of an Unrestricted Definitive Note may exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or transfer such Definitive Notes to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note at any time. Upon receipt of a request for such an exchange or transfer, the Trustee shall 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 subparagraph (ii)(B), (ii)(D) or (iii) above at a time when an Unrestricted Global Note has not yet been issued, the Issuers 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 in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of Definitive Notes so transferred.

 

-43-


(e) Transfer and Exchange of Definitive Notes for Definitive Notes . Upon request by a Holder of Definitive Notes and such Holder’s compliance with the provisions of this Section 2.06(e), the Registrar shall register the transfer or exchange of Definitive Notes. Prior to such registration of transfer or exchange, the requesting Holder shall 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 shall provide any additional certifications, documents and information, as applicable, required pursuant to the following provisions of this Section 2.06(e):

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

(A) if the transfer will be made pursuant to a QIB in accordance with Rule 144A, then the transferor must deliver a certificate substantially 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; or

(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 required by item (3) thereof, if applicable.

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

(A) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to the Exchange Offer in accordance with the 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 (1) a Broker-Dealer, (2) a Person participating in the distribution of the Exchange Notes or (3) a Person who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Issuers;

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

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

(D) the Registrar receives the following:

(1) if the Holder of such Restricted Definitive Notes proposes to exchange such Notes for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such

 

-44-


Holder substantially in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (1)(d) thereof; or

(2) 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 substantially 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.

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

(f) Exchange Offer . Upon the occurrence of the Exchange Offer in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement, the Issuers shall issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.02 hereof and an Opinion of Counsel in accordance with Sections 2.06(b)(iv) and 2.06(c)(iii) hereof, the Trustee shall authenticate (i) one or more Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the beneficial interests in the Restricted Global Notes tendered for acceptance by Persons that certify in the applicable Letters of Transmittal that (x) they are not Broker-Dealers, (y) they are not participating in a distribution of the Exchange Notes and (z) they are not affiliates (as defined in Rule 144) of the Issuers, and accepted for exchange in the Exchange Offer and (ii) Unrestricted Definitive Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Restricted Definitive Notes tendered for acceptance by Persons that certify in the applicable Letters of Transmittal that (x) they are not Broker-Dealers, (y) they are not participating in a distribution of the Exchange Notes and (z) they are not affiliates (as defined in Rule 144) of the Issuers, and accepted for exchange in the Exchange Offer. Concurrently with the issuance of such Notes, the Trustee shall cause the aggregate principal amount of the applicable Restricted Global Notes to be reduced accordingly, and the Issuers shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and mail to the Persons designated by the Holders of Definitive Notes so accepted Unrestricted Definitive Notes in the applicable principal amount. Any Notes that remain outstanding after the consummation of the Exchange Offer, and Exchange Notes issued in connection with the Exchange Offer, shall be treated as a single class of securities under this Indenture.

(g) Legends . The following legends shall 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:

(i) 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:

 

-45-


“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 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) AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT PRIOR TO (X) THE DATE WHICH IS [ IN THE CASE OF RULE 144A GLOBAL NOTES: TWO YEARS (OR SUCH SHORTER PERIOD OF TIME AS PERMITTED BY RULE 144(k) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR ANY SUCCESSOR PROVISION THEREUNDER)][ IN THE CASE OF REGULATION S GLOBAL NOTES: 40 DAYS] AFTER THE LATER OF THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE HEREOF (OR OF ANY PREDECESSOR OF THIS NOTE) OR THE LAST DAY ON WHICH THE ISSUERS OR ANY AFFILIATE OF THE ISSUERS 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 AN ISSUER, (B) PURSUANT TO A REGISTRATION STATEMENT WHICH HAS BEEN DECLARED EFFECTIVE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (C) FOR SO LONG AS THE NOTES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR RESALE PURSUANT TO RULE 144A, TO A PERSON IT REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER” AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT 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 INSIDE THE UNITED STATES, (D) PURSUANT TO OFFERS AND SALES TO NON-U.S. PERSONS THAT OCCUR OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE MEANING OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR (E) PURSUANT TO ANY OTHER AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND (2) 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 ISSUERS, THE TRUSTEE AND THE REGISTRAR SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT PRIOR TO ANY SUCH OFFER, SALE OR TRANSFER (I) PURSUANT TO CLAUSE (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 THE 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 “UNITED STATES” AND “U.S. PERSON” HAVE THE MEANINGS GIVEN TO THEM BY REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.”

 

-46-


In addition, in the case of any Note that is a Regulation S Global Note, such Note shall bear an additional legend substantially in the following form unless otherwise agreed to by the Issuers and the Holder of such Note:

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

(B) Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Global Note or Definitive Note issued pursuant to subparagraph (b)(iv), (c)(iii), (c)(iv), (d)(ii), (d)(iii), (e)(ii), (e)(iii) or (f) of this Section 2.06 (and all Notes issued in exchange therefor or substitution thereof) shall not bear the Private Placement Legend.

(ii) Global Note Legend . Each Global Note representing Notes shall 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 (I) THE TRUSTEE MAY MAKE SUCH NOTATIONS HEREON AS MAY BE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.06(h) OF THE INDENTURE, (II) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE BUT NOT IN PART PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.06(a) OF THE INDENTURE, (III) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE DELIVERED TO THE TRUSTEE FOR CANCELLATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.11 OF THE INDENTURE AND (IV) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY WITH THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE ISSUERS. 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 ISSUERS OR THEIR 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.”

 

-47-


(iii) Regulation S Temporary Global Note Legend . The Regulation S Temporary Global Note shall 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).”

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

(i) General Provisions Relating to Transfers and Exchanges .

(i) To permit registrations of transfers and exchanges, the Issuers shall execute and the Trustee shall 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.

(ii) No service charge shall 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 Issuers 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 2.07, 2.10, 3.06, 3.09, 4.10, 4.14 and 9.05 hereof).

(iii) Neither the Registrar nor the Issuers shall be required to register the transfer of or exchange any Note selected for redemption or tendered (and not withdrawn) for repurchase with a Change of Control Offer or an Asset Sale Offer, in whole or in part, except the unredeemed or unpurchased portion of any Note being redeemed or repurchased in part.

(iv) All Global Notes and Definitive Notes issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Global Notes or Definitive Notes shall be the valid obligations of the Issuers, 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.

(v) The Issuers shall not be required (A) to issue, to register the transfer of or to exchange any Notes during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of any selection of Notes 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 or tendered (and not withdrawn) for repurchase with a Change of Control Offer or an Asset Sale Offer, in whole or in part, except the unredeemed or unpurchased portion of any Note being redeemed or repurchased in part or (C) to register the transfer of or to exchange a Note between a Record Date and the next succeeding Interest Payment Date.

 

-48-


(vi) Prior to due presentment for the registration of a transfer of any Note, the Trustee, any Agent and the Issuers 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 premium, if any) and interest (including Additional Interest, if any) on such Notes and for all other purposes, and none of the Trustee, any Agent or the Issuers shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

(vii) Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Note at the office or agency of the Issuers designated pursuant to Section 4.02 hereof, the Issuers shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and mail, in the name of the designated transferee or transferees, one or more replacement Notes of any authorized denomination or denominations of a like aggregate principal amount.

(viii) At the option of the Holder, Notes may be exchanged for other Notes of any authorized denomination or denominations of a like aggregate principal amount upon surrender of the Notes to be exchanged at such office or agency. Whenever any Global Notes or Definitive Notes are so surrendered for exchange, the Issuers shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and mail, the replacement Global Notes and Definitive Notes which the Holder making the exchange is entitled to in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.02 hereof.

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

Every replacement Note is a contractual obligation of the Issuers and shall 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 Notes outstanding at any time are all the Notes 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 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 either Issuer or an Affiliate of either Issuer holds the 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 bona fide purchaser.

 

-49-


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 Issuers, a Subsidiary or an Affiliate of either Issuer) 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 shall be deemed to be no longer outstanding and shall cease to accrue interest.

Section 2.09 Treasury Notes .

In determining whether the Holders of the required principal amount of Notes have concurred in any direction, waiver or consent, Notes owned by either Issuer, or by any Affiliate of either Issuer, shall be considered as though not outstanding, except that for the purposes of determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying on any such direction, waiver or consent, only Notes that a Responsible Officer of the Trustee knows are so owned shall be so disregarded. Notes so owned which have been pledged in good faith shall not be disregarded if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee’s right to deliver any such direction, waiver or consent with respect to the Notes and that the pledgee is not either Issuer or any obligor upon the Notes or any Affiliate of either Issuer or of such other obligor.

Section 2.10 Temporary Notes .

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

Holders and beneficial holders, as the case may be, of temporary Notes shall be entitled to all of the benefits accorded to Holders, or beneficial holders, respectively, of Notes under this Indenture.

Section 2.11 Cancellation .

The Issuers at any time may deliver Notes to the Trustee for cancellation. The Registrar and Paying Agent shall forward to the Trustee any Notes surrendered to them for registration of transfer, exchange or payment. The Trustee or, at the direction of the Trustee, the Registrar or the Paying Agent and no one else shall cancel all Notes surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange, payment, replacement or cancellation and shall destroy cancelled Notes (subject to the record retention requirement of the Exchange Act). Certification of the destruction of all cancelled Notes shall be delivered to the Issuers. The Issuers 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 Issuers default in a payment of interest on the Notes, they shall pay the defaulted interest in any lawful manner plus, to the extent lawful, interest payable on the defaulted interest to the Persons who are Holders on a subsequent special record date, in each case at the rate provided in the Notes and in Section 4.01 hereof. The Issuers shall notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of

 

-50-


defaulted interest proposed to be paid on each Note and the date of the proposed payment, and at the same time the Issuers shall deposit with the Trustee an amount of money equal to the aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of such defaulted interest or shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for such deposit prior to the date of the proposed payment, such money when deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such defaulted interest as provided in this Section 2.12. The Trustee shall fix or cause to be fixed each such special record date and payment date; provided that no such special record date shall be less than 10 days prior to the related payment date for such defaulted interest. The Trustee shall promptly notify the Issuers of such special record date. At least 15 days before the special record date, the Issuers (or, upon the written request of the Issuers, the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Issuers) shall mail or cause to be mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to each Holder, with a copy to the Trustee, a notice at his or her address as it appears in the Note Register that states the special record date, the related payment date and the amount of such interest to be paid.

Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.12 and for greater certainty, each Note delivered under this Indenture upon registration of transfer of or in exchange for or in lieu of any other Note shall carry the rights to interest accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, which were carried by such other Note.

Section 2.13 CUSIP/ISIN Numbers .

The Issuers in issuing the Notes may use CUSIP and ISIN numbers (if then generally in use) and, if so, the Trustee shall use CUSIP and ISIN numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders; provided , that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers either as printed on the Notes or contained in any notice of redemption and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Notes, and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers. The Issuers will as promptly as practicable notify the Trustee of any change in the CUSIP and ISIN numbers.

ARTICLE 3

REDEMPTION

Section 3.01 Notices to Trustee .

If the Issuers elect to redeem Notes pursuant to Section 3.07 hereof, they shall furnish to the Trustee, at least 2 Business Days before notice of redemption is required to be mailed or caused to be mailed to Holders pursuant to Section 3.03 hereof but not more than 60 days before a Redemption Date, an Officer’s Certificate setting forth (i) the paragraph or subparagraph of such Note and/or Section of this Indenture pursuant to which the redemption shall occur, (ii) the Redemption Date, (iii) the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed and (iv) the redemption price.

Section 3.02 Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed or Purchased .

If less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed or purchased in an offer to purchase at any time, the Trustee shall select the Notes to be redeemed or purchased (a) if the Notes are listed on any national securities exchange, in compliance with the requirements of the principal national securities exchange on which the Notes are listed, (b) on a pro rata basis to the extent practicable or, to the extent that selection on a pro rata basis is not practicable for any reason, by lot or by such other method the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate, or (c) by lot or such other similar method in accordance with the procedures with the Depositary. In the event of partial redemption or purchase by lot, the particular Notes to be

 

-51-


redeemed or purchased shall be selected, unless otherwise provided herein, not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date by the Trustee from the outstanding Notes not previously called for redemption or purchase.

The Trustee shall promptly notify the Issuers in writing of the Notes selected for redemption or purchase and, in the case of any Note selected for partial redemption or purchase, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed or purchased. Notes and portions of Notes selected shall be in amounts of $2,000 or whole multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof; no Notes of less than $2,000 can be redeemed in part, 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 Notes called for redemption or purchase.

Section 3.03 Notice of Redemption .

Subject to Section 3.09 hereof, the Issuers shall mail or cause to be mailed by first-class mail, postage prepaid, notices of redemption at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the Redemption Date to each Holder of Notes to be redeemed at such Holder’s registered address or otherwise in accordance with Applicable Procedures, except that redemption notices may be mailed more than 60 days prior to a Redemption Date if the notice is issued in connection with Article 8 or Article 11 hereof. Except as set forth in Section 3.07(f) hereof, notices of redemption may not be conditional.

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

(a) the Redemption Date;

(b) the redemption price;

(c) if any Note is to be redeemed in part only, the portion of the principal amount of that Note that is to be redeemed and that, after the Redemption Date upon surrender of such Note, a new Note or Notes in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the original Note representing the same indebtedness to the extent not redeemed will be issued in the name of the Holder of the Notes upon cancellation of the original Note;

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

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

(f) that, unless the Issuers default in making such redemption payment, interest on Notes called for redemption ceases to accrue on and after the Redemption Date, subject to the satisfaction of any conditions pursuant to Section 3.07(f) hereof;

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

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

(i) to the extent provided in Section 3.07(f), any condition to such redemption.

 

-52-


At the Issuers’ request, the Trustee shall give the notice of redemption in the Issuers’ name and at its expense; provided that the Issuers shall have delivered to the Trustee, at least 2 Business Days before notice of redemption is required to be mailed or caused to be mailed to Holders pursuant to this Section 3.03 (unless a shorter notice shall be agreed to by the Trustee), an Officer’s 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 (except as provided for in Section 3.07(f) hereof). The notice, if mailed in a manner herein provided, shall be conclusively presumed to have been given, whether or not the Holder receives such notice. In any case, failure to give such notice by mail or any defect in the notice to the Holder of any Note designated for redemption in whole or in part shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any other Note. Subject to Section 3.05 hereof and the satisfaction of any conditions pursuant to Section 3.07(f) hereof, on and after the Redemption Date, interest ceases to accrue on Notes or portions of Notes called for redemption.

Section 3.05 Deposit of Redemption or Purchase Price .

(a) With respect to the Notes, prior to 10:00 a.m. (New York City time) on the redemption or purchase date, the Issuers shall deposit with the Trustee or with the Paying Agent money sufficient to pay the redemption or purchase price of and accrued and unpaid interest (including Additional Interest, if any) on all Notes to be redeemed or purchased on that date. The Trustee or the Paying Agent shall promptly return to the Issuers any money deposited with the Trustee or the Paying Agent by the Issuers in excess of the amounts necessary to pay the redemption price of, and accrued and unpaid interest on, all Notes to be redeemed or purchased.

(b) If the Issuers comply with the provisions of the preceding paragraph (a), on and after the redemption or purchase date, interest shall cease to accrue on the Notes or the portions of Notes called for redemption or purchase, subject to the satisfaction of any conditions pursuant to Section 3.07(f) hereof. If a Note is redeemed or purchased on or after a Record Date but on or prior to the related Interest Payment Date, then any accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption or purchase date 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 shall not be so paid upon surrender for redemption or purchase because of the failure of the Issuers 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 accrued to the redemption or purchase date not paid on such unpaid principal, in each case at the rate provided in the 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 Issuers shall issue and the Trustee shall authenticate for the Holder at the expense of the Issuers a new Note equal in principal amount to the unredeemed or unpurchased portion of the Note surrendered representing the same indebtedness to the extent not redeemed or purchased; provided that each new Note will be in a principal amount of $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof. It is understood that, notwithstanding anything in this Indenture to the contrary, only an Authentication Order and not an Opinion of Counsel or Officer’s Certificate is required for the Trustee to authenticate such new Note, except that the Trustee is permitted to request an Opinion of Counsel or an Officer’s Certificate if a Default or an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

 

-53-


Section 3.07 Optional Redemption .

(a) At any time prior to April 1, 2011, the Issuers may redeem all or a part of the Notes upon notice in accordance with Section 3.03 hereof, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of such Notes redeemed plus the Applicable Premium as of, and accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the date of redemption (the “ Redemption Date ”), subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date.

(b) Until April 1, 2010, the Issuers may, at their option, redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes issued by them at a redemption price equal to 109.25% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the Redemption Date, subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date, with the net cash proceeds received by them from one or more Equity Offerings; provided that (i) at least 50% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes originally issued under this Indenture remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of each such redemption; and (ii) each such redemption occurs within 90 days of the date of closing of each such Equity Offering.

(c) Except pursuant to clause (a) or (b) of this Section 3.07, the Notes will not be redeemable at the Issuers’ option prior to April 1, 2011.

(d) On and after April 1, 2011, the Issuers may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, upon notice in accordance with Section 3.03 hereof at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the Redemption Date, subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on April 1 of each of the years indicated below:

 

Year

   Notes Percentage  

2011

   104.625 %

2012

   102.313 %

2013 and thereafter

   100.000 %

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

(f) Any redemption pursuant to Section 3.07 hereof may, at the Issuers’ discretion, be subject to one or more conditions precedent, including, but not limited to, the completion of an Equity Offering or other corporate transaction.

Section 3.08 Mandatory Redemption .

The Issuers shall not be required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes.

 

-54-


Section 3.09 Offers to Repurchase by Application of Excess Proceeds .

(a) In the event that, pursuant to Section 4.10 hereof, the Issuers shall be required to commence an Asset Sale Offer, they shall follow the procedures specified below.

(b) The Asset Sale Offer shall remain open for a period of 20 Business Days following its commencement and no longer, except to the extent that a longer period is required by applicable law (the “ Offer Period ”). No later than five Business Days after the termination of the Offer Period (the “ Purchase Date ”), the Issuers shall apply all Excess Proceeds (the “ Offer Amount ”) to the purchase of Notes and, if required, Pari Passu Indebtedness (on a pro rata basis, if applicable), or, if less than the Offer Amount has been tendered, all Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness tendered in response to the Asset Sale Offer. Payment for any Notes so purchased shall be made in the same manner as interest payments are made.

(c) If the Purchase Date is on or after a Record Date and on or before the related Interest Payment Date, any accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, up to but excluding the Purchase Date, shall be paid to the Person in whose name a Note is registered at the close of business on such Record Date, and no additional interest shall be payable to Holders who tender Notes pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer.

(d) Upon the commencement of an Asset Sale Offer, the Issuers shall send, by first-class mail, a notice to each of the Holders, with a copy to the Trustee. The notice shall contain all instructions and materials necessary to enable such Holders to tender Notes pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer. The Asset Sale Offer shall be made to all Holders and holders of Pari Passu Indebtedness. The notice, which shall govern the terms of the Asset Sale Offer, shall state:

(i) that the Asset Sale Offer is being made pursuant to this Section 3.09 and Section 4.10 hereof and the length of time the Asset Sale Offer shall remain open;

(ii) the Offer Amount, the purchase price and the Purchase Date;

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

(iv) that, unless the Issuers default in making such payment, any Note accepted for payment pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer shall cease to accrue interest after the Purchase Date;

(v) that Holders electing to have a Note purchased pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer may elect to have Notes purchased in denominations of $2,000 or whole multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof;

(vi) that Holders electing to have a Note purchased pursuant to any Asset Sale Offer shall be required to surrender the Note, with the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” attached to the Note completed, or transfer by book-entry transfer, to the Issuers, the Depositary, if applicable, or a Paying Agent at the address specified in the notice at least three days before the Purchase Date;

(vii) that Holders shall be entitled to withdraw their election if the Issuers, the Depositary or the Paying Agent, as the case may be, receives, not later than the expiration of the Offer Period, a telegram, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the Holder, the

 

-55-


principal amount of the Note the Holder delivered for purchase and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing his election to have such Note purchased;

(viii) that, if the aggregate principal amount of Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness surrendered by the holders thereof exceeds the Offer Amount, the Issuers shall select the Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness to be purchased on a pro rata basis to the extent practicable based on the accreted value or principal amount of the Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness tendered (with such adjustments as may be deemed appropriate by the Trustee so that only Notes in denominations of $2,000 or whole multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof shall be purchased) or otherwise in accordance with Applicable Procedures; and

(ix) that Holders whose Notes were purchased only in part shall be issued new Notes equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered (or transferred by book-entry transfer) representing the same indebtedness to the extent not repurchased.

(e) On or before the Purchase Date, the Issuers shall, to the extent lawful, (1) accept for payment, on a pro rata basis to the extent necessary, the Offer Amount of Notes or portions thereof validly tendered pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer, or if less than the Offer Amount has been tendered, all Notes tendered and (2) deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee the Notes properly accepted together with an Officer’s Certificate stating the aggregate principal amount of Notes or portions thereof so tendered.

(f) The Issuers, the Depositary or the Paying Agent, as the case may be, shall promptly mail or deliver to each tendering Holder an amount equal to the purchase price of the Notes properly tendered by such Holder and accepted by the Issuers for purchase, and the Issuers shall promptly issue a new Note, and the Trustee, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, shall authenticate and mail or deliver (or cause to be transferred by book-entry) such new Note to such Holder (it being understood that, notwithstanding anything in this Indenture to the contrary, no Opinion of Counsel or Officer’s Certificate is required for the Trustee to authenticate and mail or deliver such new Note, except that the Trustee is permitted to request an Opinion of Counsel or an Officer’s Certificate if a Default or an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing) in a principal amount equal to any unpurchased portion of the Note surrendered representing the same indebtedness to the extent not repurchased; provided , that each such new Note shall be in a principal amount of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. Any Note not so accepted shall be promptly mailed or delivered by the Issuers to the Holder thereof. The Issuers shall publicly announce the results of the Asset Sale Offer on or as soon as practicable after the Purchase Date.

Other than as specifically provided in this Section 3.09 or Section 4.10 hereof, any purchase pursuant to this Section 3.09 shall be made pursuant to the applicable provisions of Sections 3.01 through 3.06 hereof.

ARTICLE 4

COVENANTS

Section 4.01 Payment of Notes .

The Issuers, jointly and severally, shall pay or cause to be paid the principal of, premium, if any, Additional Interest, if any, and interest on the Notes on the dates and in the manner provided in the Notes. Principal, premium, if any, Additional Interest, if any, and interest shall be considered paid on the

 

-56-


date due if the Paying Agent, if other than the Issuers or a Subsidiary of an Issuer, holds as of noon Eastern Time on the due date money deposited by the Issuers in immediately available funds and designated for and sufficient to pay all principal, premium, if any, and interest then due.

The Issuers shall pay all Additional Interest, if any, in the same manner on the dates and in the amounts set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.

The Issuers shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal at the rate equal to the then applicable interest rate on the Notes to the extent lawful; they shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest and Additional Interest (without regard to any applicable grace period) at the same rate to the extent lawful.

Section 4.02 Maintenance of Office or Agency .

The Issuers shall maintain the offices or agencies (which may be an office of the Trustee or an affiliate of the Trustee or Registrar) required under Section 2.03 where Notes may be surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Issuers in respect of the Notes and this Indenture may be served. The Issuers shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of such office or agency. If at any time the Issuers shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee.

The Issuers may also from time to time designate one or more other offices or agencies where the Notes may be presented or surrendered for any or all such purposes and may from time to time rescind such designations; provided that no such designation or rescission shall in any manner relieve the Issuers of their obligation to maintain such offices or agencies as required by Section 2.03 for such purposes. The Issuers shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such other office or agency.

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

Section 4.03 Reports and Other Information .

(a) Notwithstanding that the Company may not be subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act or otherwise report on an annual and quarterly basis on forms provided for such annual and quarterly reporting pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC, the Company shall file with the SEC (and make available to the Trustee and Holders of the Notes (without exhibits), without cost to any Holder, within 15 days after the Company files them with the SEC) from and after the Issue Date,

(1) within 90 days (or any other time period then in effect under the rules and regulations of the Exchange Act with respect to the filing of a Form 10-K by a non-accelerated filer) after the end of each fiscal year, annual reports on Form 10-K, or any successor or comparable form, containing the information required to be contained therein, or required in such successor or comparable form;

 

-57-


(2) within 45 days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year, reports on Form 10-Q containing all quarterly information that would be required to be contained in Form 10-Q, or any successor or comparable form;

(3) promptly from time to time after the occurrence of an event required to be therein reported, such other reports on Form 8-K, or any successor or comparable form; and

(4) any other information, documents and other reports which the Company would be required to file with the SEC if it were subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act;

in each case, in a manner that complies in all material respects with the requirements specified in such form; provided that the Company shall not be so obligated to file such reports with the SEC if the SEC does not permit such filing, in which event the Company shall make available such information to prospective purchasers of Notes, in addition to providing such information to the Trustee and the Holders of the Notes, in each case within 15 days after the time the Company would be required to file such information with the SEC, if it were subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Delivery of such reports, information and documents to the Trustee is for informational purposes only, and the Trustee’s receipt of such shall not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein, including the Company’s compliance with any of its covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on Officers’ Certificates). In addition, to the extent not satisfied by the foregoing, the Company shall furnish to Holders and to securities analysts and prospective investors, upon their request, the information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act.

(b) In the event that any direct or indirect parent company of the Company becomes a guarantor of the Notes, the Company may satisfy its obligations under this Section 4.03 with respect to financial information relating to the Company by furnishing financial information relating to such parent; provided that the same is accompanied by consolidating information that explains in reasonable detail the differences between the information relating to such parent, on the one hand, and the information relating to the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a standalone basis, on the other hand.

(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the requirements of this Section 4.03 shall be deemed satisfied prior to the commencement of the Exchange Offer or the effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement by (1) the filing with the SEC of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement or Shelf Registration Statement (or any other similar registration statement), and any amendments thereto, with such financial information that satisfies Regulation S-X of the Securities Act, subject to exceptions consistent with the presentation of financial information in the Offering Memorandum, or (2) by posting on its website or providing to the Trustee within 15 days of the time periods after the Company would have been required to file annual and interim reports with the SEC, the financial information (including a “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section) that would be required to be included in such reports, subject to exceptions consistent with the presentation of financial information in the Offering Memorandum.

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company will not be deemed to have failed to comply with any of its obligations hereunder for purposes of clause of clause (3) of Section 6.01 until at least 120 days after the date any report hereunder is due.

Section 4.04 Compliance Certificate .

(a) Each Issuer and each Guarantor (to the extent that such Guarantor is so required under the Trust Indenture Act) shall deliver to the Trustee, within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year

 

-58-


ending after the Issue Date, a certificate from the principal executive officer, principal financial officer or principal accounting officer stating that a review of the activities of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries during the preceding fiscal year has been made under the supervision of the signing Officer with a view to determining whether the Issuers have kept, observed, performed and fulfilled their obligations under this Indenture, and further stating, as to such Officer signing such certificate, that to the best of his or her knowledge, the Issuers have kept, observed, performed and fulfilled each and every condition and covenant contained in this Indenture and are not in default in the performance or observance of any of the terms, provisions, covenants and conditions of this Indenture (or, if a Default shall have occurred, describing all such Defaults of which he or she may have knowledge and what action the Issuers are taking or propose to take with respect thereto).

(b) When any Default has occurred and is continuing under this Indenture, or if the Trustee or the holder of any other evidence of Indebtedness of the Company or any Subsidiary gives any notice or takes any other action with respect to a claimed Default, the Issuers shall promptly (which shall be no more than twenty (20) Business Days) deliver to the Trustee by registered or certified mail or by facsimile transmission an Officer’s Certificate specifying such event and what action the Issuers propose to take with respect thereto.

Section 4.05 Taxes .

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

Section 4.06 Stay, Extension and Usury Laws .

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

Section 4.07 Limitation on Restricted Payments .

(a) The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly:

(I) declare or pay any dividend or make any payment or distribution on account of the Company’s, or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries’ Equity Interests, including any dividend or distribution payable in connection with any merger or consolidation other than:

(a) dividends or distributions by the Company payable solely in Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company; or

(b) dividends or distributions by a Restricted Subsidiary so long as, in the case of any dividend or distribution payable on or in respect of any class or series of

 

-59-


securities issued by a Restricted Subsidiary other than a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary, the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary receives at least its pro rata share of such dividend or distribution in accordance with its Equity Interests in such class or series of securities;

(II) purchase, redeem, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value any Equity Interests of the Company or any direct or indirect parent of the Company, including in connection with any merger or consolidation;

(III) make any principal payment on, or redeem, repurchase, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value in each case, prior to any scheduled repayment, sinking fund payment or maturity, any Subordinated Indebtedness, other than:

(a) Indebtedness permitted under clauses (7) and (8) of Section 4.09(b) hereof; or

(b) the purchase, repurchase or other acquisition of Subordinated Indebtedness purchased in anticipation of satisfying a sinking fund obligation, principal installment or final maturity, in each case due within one year of the date of purchase, repurchase or acquisition; or

(IV) make any Restricted Investment

(all such payments and other actions set forth in clauses (I) through (IV) above (other than any exception thereto contained in clauses (I) through (IV)) being collectively referred to as “ Restricted Payments ”), unless, at the time of such Restricted Payment:

(1) no Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a consequence thereof;

(2) immediately after giving effect to such transaction on a pro forma basis, the Company could incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in Section 4.09(a) hereof (the “ Fixed Charge Coverage Test ”); and

(3) such Restricted Payment, together with the aggregate amount of all other Restricted Payments made by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries after the Issue Date (including Restricted Payments permitted by clauses (1), (2) (with respect to the payment of dividends on Refunding Capital Stock (as defined below) pursuant to clause (b) thereof only), (6)(c), (9) and (14) of Section 4.07(b) hereof, but excluding all other Restricted Payments permitted by Section 4.07(b) hereof, is less than the sum of (without duplication):

(a) 50% of the Consolidated Net Income of the Company for the period (taken as one accounting period) beginning January 1, 2007, to the end of the Company’s recently ended fiscal quarter for which internal financial statements are available at the time of such Restricted Payment, or, in the case such Consolidated Net Income for such period is a deficit, minus 100% of such deficit; plus

(b) 100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds and the fair market value of marketable securities or other property received by the Company since immediately after the Issue Date (other than net cash proceeds to the extent such net cash proceeds have

 

-60-


been used to incur Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock pursuant to clause (12)(a) of Section 4.09(b) hereof) from the issue or sale of:

(i)(A) Equity Interests of the Company, excluding cash proceeds and the fair market value of marketable securities or other property received from the sale of:

(x) Equity Interests to members of management, directors or consultants of the Company, any direct or indirect parent company of the Company and the Company’s Subsidiaries after the Issue Date to the extent such amounts have been applied to Restricted Payments made in accordance with clause (4) Section 4.07(b) hereof; and

(y) Designated Preferred Stock;

and (B) to the extent such net cash proceeds are actually contributed to the Company, Equity Interests of the Company’s direct or indirect parent companies (excluding contributions of the proceeds from the sale of Designated Preferred Stock of such companies or contributions to the extent such amounts have been applied to Restricted Payments made in accordance with clause (6) of Section 4.07(b) hereof; or

(ii) debt securities of the Company that have been converted into or exchanged for such Equity Interests of the Company;

provided , however , that this clause (b) shall not include the proceeds from (W) Refunding Capital Stock (as defined below), (X) Equity Interests or convertible debt securities of the Company sold to a Restricted Subsidiary, (Y) Disqualified Stock or debt securities that have been converted into Disqualified Stock or (Z) Excluded Contributions; plus

(c) 100% of the aggregate amount of cash and the fair market value of marketable securities or other property contributed to the capital of the Company following the Issue Date (other than (i) net cash proceeds to the extent such net cash proceeds have been used to incur Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock pursuant to clause (12)(a) of Section 4.09(b) hereof, (ii) contributions from a Restricted Subsidiary and (iii) any Excluded Contributions); plus

(d) 100% of the aggregate amount received in cash and the fair market value of marketable securities or other property received by means of:

(i) the sale or other disposition (other than to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary) of Restricted Investments made by the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries and repurchases and redemptions of such Restricted Investments from the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries and repayments of loans or advances, and releases of guarantees, which constitute Restricted Investments by the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries, in each case after the Issue Date; or

(ii) the sale (other than to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary) of the stock of an Unrestricted Subsidiary or a distribution from an Unrestricted

 

-61-


Subsidiary (other than in each case to the extent the Investment in such Unrestricted Subsidiary was made by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to clause (7) of Section 4.07(b) hereof or to the extent such Investment constituted a Permitted Investment) or a dividend from an Unrestricted Subsidiary after the Issue Date; plus

(e) in the case of the redesignation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary after the Issue Date, the fair market value of the Investment in such Unrestricted Subsidiary (which, if the fair market value of such Investment shall exceed $25.0 million, shall be set forth in writing by an Independent Financial Advisor), at the time of the redesignation of such Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary to the extent the Investment in such Unrestricted Subsidiary was made by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to clause (7) of Section 4.07(b) hereof or to the extent such Investment constituted a Permitted Investment.

(b) The foregoing provisions of Section 4.07(a) hereof will not prohibit:

(1) the payment of any dividend within 60 days after the date of declaration thereof, if at the date of declaration such payment would have complied with the provisions of this Indenture;

(2) (a) the redemption, repurchase, retirement or other acquisition of any Equity Interests (“ Treasury Capital Stock ”) or Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company or any Equity Interests of any direct or indirect parent company of the Company, in exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale (other than to a Restricted Subsidiary) of, Equity Interests of the Company or any direct or indirect parent company of the Company to the extent contributed to the Company (in each case, other than any Disqualified Stock and any Excluded Contributions) (“ Refunding Capital Stock ”) and (b) if immediately prior to the retirement of Treasury Capital Stock, the declaration and payment of dividends thereon was permitted under clause (6) of this Section 4.07(b), the declaration and payment of dividends on the Refunding Capital Stock (other than Refunding Capital Stock the proceeds of which were used to redeem, repurchase, retire or otherwise acquire any Equity Interests of any direct or indirect parent company of the Company) in an aggregate amount per year no greater than the aggregate amount of dividends per annum that were declarable and payable on such Treasury Capital Stock immediately prior to such retirement;

(3) the defeasance, redemption, repurchase or other acquisition or retirement of Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary made by exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale of, new Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, which is incurred in compliance with Section 4.09 hereof so long as:

(a) the principal amount (or accreted value) of such new Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount of (or accreted value, if applicable), plus any accrued and unpaid interest on, the Subordinated Indebtedness being so redeemed, repurchased, acquired or retired for value, plus the amount of any reasonable premium (including reasonable tender premiums), defeasance costs and any reasonable fees and expenses incurred in connection with the issuance of such new Indebtedness;

 

-62-


(b) such new Indebtedness is subordinated to the Notes or the applicable Guarantee at least to the same extent as such Subordinated Indebtedness so purchased, exchanged, redeemed, repurchased, acquired or retired for value;

(c) such new Indebtedness has a final scheduled maturity date equal to or later than the final scheduled maturity date of the Subordinated Indebtedness being so redeemed, repurchased, acquired or retired; and

(d) such new Indebtedness has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater than the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Subordinated Indebtedness being so redeemed, repurchased, acquired or retired;

(4) a Restricted Payment to pay for the repurchase, retirement or other acquisition or retirement for value of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company or any of its direct or indirect parent companies held by any future, present or former employee, director or consultant of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of its direct or indirect parent companies pursuant to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement; provided , however , that the aggregate Restricted Payments made under this clause (4) do not exceed in any calendar year $15.0 million (which shall increase to $30.0 million subsequent to the consummation of an underwritten public Equity Offering by the Company or any direct or indirect parent entity of the Company) (with unused amounts in any calendar year being carried over to succeeding calendar years subject to a maximum (without giving effect to the following proviso) of $20.0 million in any calendar year (which shall increase to $40.0 million subsequent to the consummation of an underwritten public Equity Offering by the Company or any direct or indirect parent corporation of the Company)); provided further that such amount in any calendar year may be increased by an amount equal to:

(a) the cash proceeds from the sale of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company and, to the extent contributed to the Company, Equity Interests of any of the Company’s direct or indirect parent companies, in each case to members of management, directors or consultants of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of its direct or indirect parent companies that occurs after the Issue Date, to the extent the cash proceeds from the sale of such Equity Interests are not Excluded Contributions and have not otherwise been applied to the payment of Restricted Payments by virtue of clause (3) of Section 4.07(a) hereof; plus

(b) the cash proceeds of key man life insurance policies received by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary after the Issue Date; less

(c) the amount of any Restricted Payments previously made with the cash proceeds described in clauses (a) and (b) of this clause (4);

and provided further that cancellation of Indebtedness owing to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary from members of management of the Company, any of the Company’s direct or indirect parent companies or any of the Company’s Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with a repurchase of Equity Interests of the Company or any of its direct or indirect parent companies will not be deemed to constitute a Restricted Payment for purposes of this Section 4.07 or any other provision of this Indenture;

 

-63-


(5) the declaration and payment of dividends to holders of any class or series of Disqualified Stock of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or any class or series of Preferred Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary issued in accordance with Section 4.09 hereof to the extent such dividends are included in the definition of “Fixed Charges”;

(6) (a) the declaration and payment of dividends to holders of any class or series of Designated Preferred Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) issued by the Company after the Issue Date;

(b) the declaration and payment of dividends to a direct or indirect parent company of the Company, the proceeds of which will be used to fund the payment of dividends to holders of any class or series of Designated Preferred Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of such parent corporation issued after the Issue Date, provided that the amount of dividends paid pursuant to this clause (b) shall not exceed the aggregate amount of cash actually contributed to the Company from the sale of such Designated Preferred Stock; or

(c) the declaration and payment of dividends on Refunding Capital Stock that is Preferred Stock in excess of the dividends declarable and payable thereon pursuant to clause (2) of this Section 4.07(b);

provided , however , in the case of each of (a) and (c) of this clause (6), that for the most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date of issuance of such Designated Preferred Stock or the declaration of such dividends on Refunding Capital Stock that is Preferred Stock, after giving effect to such issuance or declaration on a pro forma basis, the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis would have had a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of at least 2.00 to 1.00;

(7) Investments in Unrestricted Subsidiaries having an aggregate fair market value, taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (7) that are at the time outstanding, without giving effect to the sale of an Unrestricted Subsidiary to the extent the proceeds of such sale do not consist of cash or marketable securities, not to exceed the greater of $30.0 million and 1.5% of Total Assets at the time of such Investment (with the fair market value of each Investment being measured at the time made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value);

(8) repurchases of Equity Interests deemed to occur upon exercise of stock options or warrants if such Equity Interests represent a portion of the exercise price of such options or warrants;

(9) the declaration and payment of dividends on the Company’s common stock (or the payment of dividends to any direct or indirect parent entity to fund a payment of dividends on such entity’s common stock), following the first public offering of the Company’s common stock or the common stock of any of its direct or indirect parent companies after the Issue Date, of up to 6% per annum of the net cash proceeds received by or contributed to the Company in or from any such public offering, other than public offerings with respect to the Company’s common stock registered on Form S-8 and other than any public sale constituting an Excluded Contribution;

(10) Restricted Payments that are made with Excluded Contributions;

 

-64-


(11) other Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount taken together with all other Restricted Payments made pursuant to this clause (11) not to exceed 2.0% of Total Assets at the time made;

(12) distributions or payments of Receivables Fees;

(13) any Restricted Payment made in connection with the Transaction and the fees and expenses related thereto or made to fund amounts owed to Affiliates (including dividends to any direct or indirect parent of the Company to fund such payment), in each case to the extent permitted by Section 4.11 hereof;

(14) the repurchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement for value of any Subordinated Indebtedness in accordance with the provisions similar to those described under Section 4.10 and Section 4.14 hereof; provided that all Notes validly tendered by Holders in connection with a Change of Control Offer or Asset Sale Offer, as applicable, have been repurchased, redeemed or acquired for value;

(15) the declaration and payment of dividends or distributions by the Company to, or the making of loans to, any direct or indirect parent in amounts required for any direct or indirect parent companies to pay, in each case without duplication,

(a) franchise and excise taxes and other fees, taxes and expenses required to maintain their corporate existence;

(b) so long as the Company is treated as a pass-through entity of which such direct or indirect parent is owner, member or a partner (directly or through entities that are pass-through entities), or is a member of a consolidated or combined group that includes such direct or indirect parent, federal, state and local income taxes, to the extent such income taxes are attributable to the income of the Company and its Subsidiaries; provided that in each case the amount of such payments in any fiscal year does not exceed the amount that the Company and its Subsidiaries would be required to pay in respect of federal, state and local taxes for such fiscal year were the Company and its Subsidiaries (to the extent described above) members of a consolidated or combined group of which the Company was the common parent;

(c) customary salary, bonus and other benefits payable to officers and employees of any direct or indirect parent company of the Company to the extent such salaries, bonuses and other benefits are attributable to the ownership or operation of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(d) general corporate operating and overhead costs and expenses of any direct or indirect parent company of the Company to the extent such costs and expenses are attributable to the ownership or operation of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries; and

(e) fees and expenses other than to Affiliates of the Company related to any unsuccessful equity or debt offering of such parent entity; and

 

-65-


(16) the distribution, by dividend or otherwise, of shares of Capital Stock of, or Indebtedness owed to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary by, Unrestricted Subsidiaries (other than Unrestricted Subsidiaries, the primary assets of which are cash and/or Cash Equivalents);

provided , however , that at the time of, and after giving effect to, any Restricted Payment permitted under clauses (11) and (16) of this Section 4.07(b), no Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a consequence thereof.

(c) The Company will not permit any Unrestricted Subsidiary to become a Restricted Subsidiary except pursuant to the last sentence of the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary.” For purposes of designating any Restricted Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, all outstanding Investments by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries (except to the extent repaid) in the Subsidiary so designated will be deemed to be Restricted Payments in an amount determined as set forth in the last sentence of the definition of “Investment.” Such designation will be permitted only if a Restricted Payment in such amount would be permitted at such time, whether pursuant to Section 4.07(a) hereof or under clause (7), (10) or (11) of Section 4.07(b) hereof, or pursuant to the definition of “Permitted Investments,” and if such Subsidiary otherwise meets the definition of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

Section 4.08 Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries .

(a) The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors to, directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or consensual restriction on the ability of any such non-Guarantor Restricted Subsidiary to:

(1) (A) pay dividends or make any other distributions to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries on its Capital Stock or with respect to any other interest or participation in, or measured by, its profits, or

(B) pay any Indebtedness owed to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(2) make loans or advances to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; or

(3) sell, lease or transfer any of its properties or assets to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.

(b) The restrictions in Section 4.08(a) hereof shall not apply to encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason of:

(1) contractual encumbrances or restrictions in effect on the Issue Date, including pursuant to the Senior Credit Facilities and the related documentation, Hedging Obligations and the indenture governing the Senior Subordinated Notes and the related documentation;

(2) this Indenture and the Notes;

(3) purchase money obligations for property acquired in the ordinary course of business that impose restrictions of the nature discussed in clause (3) of Section 4.08(a) hereof on the property so acquired;

 

-66-


(4) applicable law or any applicable rule, regulation or order;

(5) any agreement or other instrument of a Person acquired by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in existence at the time of such acquisition or at the time it merges with or into the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or assumed in connection with the acquisition of assets from such Person (but, in any such case, not created in contemplation thereof), which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person and its Subsidiaries, or the property or assets of the Person and its Subsidiaries, so acquired or the property or assets so assumed;

(6) contracts for the sale of assets, including customary restrictions with respect to a Subsidiary of the Company pursuant to an agreement that has been entered into for the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the Capital Stock or assets of such Subsidiary;

(7) Secured Indebtedness otherwise permitted to be incurred pursuant to Section 4.09 and Section 4.12 hereof that limit the right of the debtor to dispose of the assets securing such Indebtedness;

(8) restrictions on cash or other deposits or net worth imposed by customers under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business;

(9) other Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of Foreign Subsidiaries permitted to be incurred subsequent to the Issue Date pursuant to the provisions of Section 4.09 hereof;

(10) customary provisions in joint venture agreements and other agreements or arrangements relating solely to such joint venture;

(11) customary provisions contained in leases, licenses or similar agreements, including with respect to intellectual property and other agreements, in each case, entered into in the ordinary course of business;

(12) any encumbrances or restrictions of the type referred to in clauses (1), (2) and (3) of Section 4.08(a) hereof imposed by any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings of the contracts, instruments or obligations referred to in clauses (1) through (11) of this Section 4.08(b); provided that such amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings are, in the good faith judgment of the Company, no more restrictive with respect to such encumbrance and other restrictions taken as a whole than those prior to such amendment, modification, restatement, renewal, increase, supplement, refunding, replacement or refinancing; and

(13) restrictions created in connection with any Receivables Facility that, in the good faith determination of the Company, are necessary or advisable to effect such Receivables Facility.

 

-67-


Section 4.09 Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock .

(a) The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, issue, assume, guarantee or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable, contingently or otherwise (collectively, “ incur ” and collectively, an “ incurrence ”) with respect to any Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness) and the Company will not issue any shares of Disqualified Stock and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to issue any shares of Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock; provided , however , that the Company may incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness) or issue shares of Disqualified Stock, and any Restricted Subsidiary may incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness), issue shares of Disqualified Stock and issue shares of Preferred Stock, if the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio on a consolidated basis for the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries’ most recently ended four fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date on which such additional Indebtedness is incurred or such Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock is issued would have been at least 2.00 to 1.00, determined on a pro forma basis (including a pro forma application of the net proceeds therefrom), as if the additional Indebtedness had been incurred, or the Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock had been issued, as the case may be, and the application of proceeds therefrom had occurred at the beginning of such four-quarter period.

(b) The provisions of Section 4.09(a) hereof shall not apply to:

(1) the incurrence of Indebtedness under Credit Facilities by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and the issuance and creation of letters of credit and bankers’ acceptances thereunder (with letters of credit and bankers’ acceptances being deemed to have a principal amount equal to the face amount thereof), up to an aggregate principal amount of $1,600.0 million outstanding at any one time;

(2) the incurrence by the Company and any Guarantor of Indebtedness represented by (a) the Notes (including any Guarantee) and the exchange notes and related guarantees to be issued in exchange for Notes and the Guarantees pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement (other than any Additional Notes) and (b) the Senior Subordinated Notes issued on the Issue Date (including any guarantee thereof) and the exchange notes and related exchange guarantees to be issued in exchange for the Senior Subordinated Notes and the guarantees thereof pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement;

(3) Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries in existence on the Issue Date (other than Indebtedness described in clauses (1) and (2) of this Section 4.09(b));

(4) Indebtedness (including Capitalized Lease Obligations), Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock incurred by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, to finance the purchase, lease or improvement of property (real or personal) or equipment that is used or useful in a Similar Business, whether through the direct purchase of assets or the Capital Stock of any Person owning such assets in an aggregate principal amount, together with any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof and all other Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock and/or Preferred Stock issued and outstanding under this clause (4) not to exceed 4.0% of Total Assets at any time outstanding; so long as such Indebtedness exists at the date of such purchase, lease or improvement, or is created within 270 days thereafter;

(5) Indebtedness incurred by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries constituting reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit issued in the ordinary course

 

-68-


of business, including letters of credit in respect of workers’ compensation claims, or other Indebtedness with respect to reimbursement type obligations regarding workers’ compensation claims; provided , that upon the drawing of such letters of credit or the incurrence of such Indebtedness, such obligations are reimbursed within 30 days following such drawing or incurrence;

(6) Indebtedness arising from agreements of the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries providing for indemnification, adjustment of purchase price or similar obligations, in each case, incurred or assumed in connection with the disposition of any business, assets or a Subsidiary, other than guarantees of Indebtedness incurred by any Person acquiring all or any portion of such business, assets or a Subsidiary for the purpose of financing such acquisition; provided , however , that such Indebtedness is not reflected on the balance sheet of the Company, or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (contingent obligations referred to in a footnote to financial statements and not otherwise reflected on the balance sheet will not be deemed to be reflected on such balance sheet for purposes of this clause (6));

(7) Indebtedness of the Company to a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that any such Indebtedness owing to a Restricted Subsidiary that is not Finance Co. or a Guarantor is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Notes; provided further that any subsequent issuance or transfer of any Capital Stock or any other event which results in any Restricted Subsidiary ceasing to be a Restricted Subsidiary or any other subsequent transfer of any such Indebtedness (except to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary) shall be deemed, in each case, to be an incurrence of such Indebtedness;

(8) Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary; provided that if a Guarantor or Finance Co. incurs such Indebtedness to a Restricted Subsidiary that is neither Finance Co. or a Guarantor, such Indebtedness is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Notes, in the case of Finance Co., or the Guarantee of the Notes, in the case of such Guarantor; provided further that any subsequent transfer of any such Indebtedness (except to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary) shall be deemed, in each case, to be an incurrence of such Indebtedness not permitted by this clause (8);

(9) shares of Preferred Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary issued to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary; provided that any subsequent issuance or transfer of any Capital Stock or any other event which results in any such Restricted Subsidiary ceasing to be a Restricted Subsidiary or any other subsequent transfer of any such shares of Preferred Stock (except to the Company or another of its Restricted Subsidiaries) shall be deemed in each case to be an issuance of such shares of Preferred Stock not permitted by this clause (9);

(10) Hedging Obligations (excluding Hedging Obligations entered into for speculative purposes) for the purpose of limiting interest rate risk with respect to any Indebtedness permitted to be incurred pursuant to this Section 4.09, exchange rate risk or commodity pricing risk;

(11) obligations in respect of performance, bid, appeal and surety bonds and completion guarantees provided by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

(12) (a) Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock of the Company and Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary equal to 200.0% of the net cash proceeds received by the Company since immediately after the Issue Date from the issue or sale of Equity Interests of the Company or cash contributed to the capital of the Company

 

-69-


(in each case, other than proceeds of an Excluded Contribution or from the issue or sale of Disqualified Stock or sales of Equity Interests to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) as determined in accordance with clauses (3)(b) and (3)(c) of Section 4.07(a) hereof to the extent such net cash proceeds or cash have not been applied pursuant to such clauses to make Restricted Payments or to make other Investments, payments or exchanges pursuant to Section 4.07(b) hereof or to make Permitted Investments (other than Permitted Investments specified in clauses (1) and (3) of the definition thereof) and (b) Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock of the Company and Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary not otherwise permitted hereunder in an aggregate principal amount or liquidation preference, which when aggregated with the principal amount and liquidation preference of all other Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock then outstanding and incurred pursuant to this clause (12)(b), does not at any one time outstanding exceed $150.0 million (it being understood that any Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock incurred pursuant to this clause (12)(b) shall cease to be deemed incurred or outstanding for purposes of this clause (12)(b) but shall be deemed incurred for the purposes of Section 4.09(a) hereof from and after the first date on which the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary could have incurred such Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock under Section 4.09(a) hereof without reliance on this clause (12)(b));

(13) the incurrence by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock which serves to refund or refinance any Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock incurred as permitted under Section 4.09(a) hereof and clauses (2), (3), (4) and (12) of this Section 4.09(b), this clause (13) and clause (14) of this Section 4.09(b) or any Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock issued to so refund or refinance such Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock including additional Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock incurred to pay premiums (including reasonable tender premiums), defeasance costs and fees in connection therewith (the “ Refinancing Indebtedness ”) prior to its respective maturity; provided , however , that such Refinancing Indebtedness:

(a) has a final maturity date later than the final maturity date of, and has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity at the time such Refinancing Indebtedness is incurred which is not less than the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of, the Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock being refunded or refinanced,

(b) to the extent such Refinancing Indebtedness refinances (i) Indebtedness subordinated or pari passu to the Notes or any Guarantee thereof, such Refinancing Indebtedness is subordinated or pari passu to the Notes or the Guarantee at least to the same extent as the Indebtedness being refinanced or refunded or (ii) Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, such Refinancing Indebtedness must be Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, respectively, and

(c) shall not include:

(i) Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of a Subsidiary of the Company that is not a Guarantor (other than Finance Co.) that refinances Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of the Company; or

(ii) Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of a Subsidiary of the Company that is not a Guarantor (other than Finance Co.) that refinances Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of Finance Co. or a Guarantor;

 

-70-


and provided further that subclause (a) of this clause (13) will not apply to any refunding or refinancing of any Secured Indebtedness;

(14) Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of (x) the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary incurred to finance an acquisition or (y) Persons that are acquired by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary or merged into the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary in accordance with the terms of this Indenture; provided, that after giving effect to such acquisition or merger, either

(a) the Company would be permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Test, or

(b) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries is equal to or greater than immediately prior to such acquisition or merger;

(15) 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, provided that such Indebtedness is extinguished within five Business Days of its incurrence;

(16) Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries supported by a letter of credit issued pursuant to any Credit Facilities, in a principal amount not in excess of the stated amount of such letter of credit;

(17) (a) any guarantee by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of Indebtedness or other obligations of any Restricted Subsidiary so long as the incurrence of such Indebtedness incurred by such Restricted Subsidiary is permitted under the terms of this Indenture, or

(b) any guarantee by a Restricted Subsidiary of Indebtedness of the Company; provided that such guarantee is incurred in accordance with Section 4.15 hereof;

(18) Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries consisting of (i) the financing of insurance premiums or (ii) take-or-pay obligations contained in supply arrangements in each case, incurred in the ordinary course of business;

(19) Indebtedness issued by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to current or former officers, directors and employees thereof, their respective estates, spouses or former spouses, in each case to finance the purchase or redemption of Equity Interests of the Company or any direct or indirect parent company of the Company to the extent described in clause (4) of Section 4.07(b) hereof;

(20) Indebtedness of Foreign Subsidiaries of the Company not to exceed at any one time outstanding and together with any other Indebtedness incurred under this clause (20) $50.0 million (it being understood that any Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (20) shall cease to be deemed to be incurred or outstanding for purposes of this clause (20) but shall be deemed incurred for the purposes of Section 4.09(a) from and after the first date on which such Foreign Subsidiary could have incurred such Indebtedness under the first paragraph of this covenant without reliance on this clause (20);

 

-71-


(21) customer deposits and advance payments received in the ordinary course of business from customers for goods purchased in the ordinary course of business;

(22) Indebtedness owed on a short-term basis of no longer than 30 days to banks and other financial institutions incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries with such banks or financial institutions that arises in connection with ordinary banking arrangements to manage cash balances of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(23) Indebtedness incurred by a Restricted Subsidiary in connection with bankers’ acceptances, discounted bills of exchange or the discounting or factoring of receivables for credit management purposes, in each case incurred or undertaken in the ordinary course of business on arm’s length commercial terms on a recourse basis; and

(24) (24) Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries consisting of (i) the financing of insurance premiums or (ii) take-or-pay obligations contained in supply arrangements in each case, incurred in the ordinary course of business.

(c) For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 4.09:

(1) in the event that an item of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock (or any portion thereof) meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of permitted Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock described in clauses (1) through (24) of Section 4.09(b) hereof or is entitled to be incurred pursuant to Section 4.09(a) hereof, the Company, in its sole discretion, will classify or reclassify such item of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock (or any portion thereof) and will only be required to include the amount and type of such Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock in one of the above clauses or under Section 4.09(a); provided that all Indebtedness outstanding under the Credit Facilities on the Issue Date will be treated as incurred on the Issue Date under clause (1) of Section 4.09(b) hereof; and

(2) at the time of incurrence, the Company will be entitled to divide and classify an item of Indebtedness in more than one of the types of Indebtedness described in Section 4.09(a) and Section 4.09(b) hereof.

Accrual of interest or dividends, the accretion of accreted value, the accretion or amortization of original issue discount and the payment of interest or dividends in the form of additional Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, as the case may be, of the same class will not be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock for purposes of this Section 4.09.

For purposes of determining compliance with any U.S. dollar-denominated restriction on the incurrence of Indebtedness, the U.S. dollar-equivalent principal amount of Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency shall be calculated based on the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date such Indebtedness was incurred, in the case of term debt, or first committed, in the case of revolving credit debt; provided that if such Indebtedness is incurred to refinance other Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency, and such refinancing would cause the applicable U.S. dollar-denominated restriction to be exceeded if calculated at the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date of such refinancing, such U.S. dollar-denominated restriction shall be deemed not to have been exceeded so long as the principal amount of such refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount of such Indebtedness being refinanced.

 

-72-


The principal amount of any Indebtedness incurred to refinance other Indebtedness, if incurred in a different currency from the Indebtedness being refinanced, shall be calculated based on the currency exchange rate applicable to the currencies in which such respective Indebtedness is denominated that is in effect on the date of such refinancing.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, neither Issuer will, and the Company will not permit any Guarantor to, directly or indirectly, incur any Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness) that is subordinated or junior in right of payment to any Indebtedness of such Issuer or such Guarantor, as the case may be, unless such Indebtedness is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or such Guarantor’s Guarantee to the extent and in the same manner as such Indebtedness is subordinated to other Indebtedness of such Issuer or such Guarantor, as the case may be. For the purposes of this Indenture, Indebtedness that is unsecured is not deemed to be subordinated or junior to Secured Indebtedness merely because it is unsecured, and Senior Indebtedness is not deemed to be subordinated or junior to any other Senior Indebtedness merely because it has a junior priority with respect to the same collateral.

Section 4.10 Asset Sales .

(a) The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to consummate, directly or indirectly, an Asset Sale, unless:

(1) the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, receives consideration at the time of such Asset Sale at least equal to the fair market value of the assets sold or otherwise disposed of; and

(2) except in the case of a Permitted Asset Swap, at least 75% of the consideration therefor received by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, is in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents; provided that the amount of:

(a) any liabilities (as shown on the Company’s or such Restricted Subsidiary’s most recent balance sheet or in the footnotes thereto or, if incurred or increased subsequent to the date of such balance sheet, such liabilities that would have been shown on the Company’s or such Restricted Subsidiary’s balance sheet or in the footnotes thereto if such incurrence or increase had taken place on the date of such balance sheet, as determined by the Company) of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, other than liabilities that are by their terms subordinated to the Notes, that are assumed by the transferee of any such assets and for which the Company and all of its Restricted Subsidiaries have been validly released by all creditors in writing,

(b) any securities received by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary from such transferee that are converted by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary into cash (to the extent of the cash received) within 180 days following the closing of such Asset Sale, and

(c) any Designated Non-cash Consideration received by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary in such Asset Sale having an aggregate fair market value, taken together with all other Designated Non-cash Consideration received pursuant to this clause (c) that is at that time outstanding, not to exceed 5.0% of Total Assets at the

 

-73-


time of the receipt of such Designated Non-cash Consideration, with the fair market value of each item of Designated Non-cash Consideration being measured at the time received and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value,

shall be deemed to be cash for purposes of this provision and for no other purpose.

(b) Within 450 days after the receipt of any Net Proceeds of any Asset Sale, the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, at its option, may apply the Net Proceeds from such Asset Sale,

(1) to permanently reduce:

(a) Obligations under the Senior Credit Facilities, and to correspondingly reduce commitments with respect thereto;

(b) Obligations under Senior Indebtedness that is secured by a Lien, which Lien is permitted by this Indenture, and to correspondingly reduce commitments with respect thereto;

(c) Obligations under other Senior Indebtedness (and to correspondingly reduce commitments with respect thereto), provided , that to the extent the Issuers reduce Obligations under Senior Indebtedness other than the Notes, the Issuers shall equally and ratably reduce Obligations under the Notes as provided under Section 3.07 hereof through open-market purchases (to the extent such purchases are at or above 100% of the principal amount thereof) or by making an offer (in accordance with the procedures set forth below under Section 4.10(c) hereof) to all Holders to purchase their Notes at 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus the amount of accrued but unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, on the amount of Notes that would otherwise be prepaid; or

(d) Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor, other than Indebtedness owed to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary; or

(2) to make (a) an Investment in any one or more businesses, provided that if such business is not a Restricted Subsidiary, such Investment is in the form of the acquisition of Capital Stock and results in the Company or another of its Restricted Subsidiaries, as the case may be, owning an amount of the Capital Stock of such business such that it constitutes a Restricted Subsidiary, (b) an Investment in properties, (c) capital expenditures or (d) acquisitions of other assets, that, in each of clauses (a), (b), (c) and (d), are used or useful in a Similar Business or replace the businesses, properties and/or assets that are the subject of such Asset Sale;

provided that, in the case of clause (2) above, a binding commitment shall be treated as a permitted application of the Net Proceeds from the date of such commitment so long as the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary enters into such commitment with the good faith expectation that such Net Proceeds will be applied to satisfy such commitment within 180 days of such commitment (an “ Acceptable Commitment ”) and, in the event any Acceptable Commitment is later cancelled or terminated for any reason before the Net Proceeds are applied in connection therewith, the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary enters into another Acceptable Commitment (a “ Second Commitment ”) within 180 days of such cancellation or termination; provided further that if any Second Commitment is later cancelled or terminated for any reason before such Net Proceeds are applied, then such Net Proceeds shall constitute Excess Proceeds.

 

-74-


(c) Any Net Proceeds from any Asset Sale that are not invested or applied as provided and within the time period set forth in the first sentence of the preceding paragraph will be deemed to constitute “ Excess Proceeds .” When the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $25.0 million, the Issuers shall make an offer to all Holders of the Notes and, if required by the terms of any Indebtedness that is pari passu with the Notes (“ Pari Passu Indebtedness ”), to the holders of such Pari Passu Indebtedness (an “ Asset Sale Offer ”), to purchase the maximum aggregate principal amount of the Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness that is at least $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 thereafter, that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds at an offer price in cash equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof (or accreted value, if less), plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the date fixed for the closing of such offer, in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Indenture. The Issuers will commence an Asset Sale Offer with respect to Excess Proceeds within ten Business Days after the date that Excess Proceeds exceed $25.0 million by mailing the notice required pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, with a copy to the Trustee. The Issuers may satisfy the foregoing obligations with respect to any Net Proceeds from an Asset Sale by making an Asset Sale Offer with respect to such Net Proceeds prior to the expiration of the relevant 450 days or with respect to Excess Proceeds of $25.0 million or less.

To the extent that the aggregate amount of Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness tendered pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer is less than the Excess Proceeds, the Issuers may use any remaining Excess Proceeds for general corporate purposes, subject to other covenants contained in this Indenture. If the aggregate amount payable in respect of Notes or the Pari Passu Indebtedness surrendered by such holders thereof exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the Issuers shall select the Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness to be purchased on a pro rata basis to the extent practicable based on the accreted value or principal amount of the Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness tendered or otherwise in accordance with Applicable Procedures. Upon completion of any such Asset Sale Offer, the amount of Excess Proceeds shall be reset to zero.

(d) Pending the final application of any Net Proceeds pursuant to this Section 4.10, the holder of such Net Proceeds may apply such Net Proceeds temporarily to reduce Indebtedness outstanding under a revolving credit facility or otherwise invest such Net Proceeds in any manner not prohibited by this Indenture.

(e) The Issuers will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent such laws or regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of the Notes pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of this Indenture, the Issuers will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations described in this Indenture by virtue thereof.

Section 4.11 Transactions with Affiliates .

(a) The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, make any payment to, or sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its properties or assets to, or purchase any property or assets from, or enter into or make or amend any transaction, contract, agreement, understanding, loan, advance or guarantee with, or for the benefit of, any Affiliate of the Company (each of the foregoing, an “ Affiliate Transaction ”) involving aggregate payments or consideration in excess of $10.0 million, unless:

(1) such Affiliate Transaction is on terms that are not materially less favorable to the Company or its relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those that would have been obtained in a comparable transaction by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary with an unrelated Person on an arm’s-length basis; and

 

-75-


(2) the Company delivers to the Trustee with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate payments or consideration in excess of $20.0 million, a resolution adopted by the majority of the board of directors of the Company approving such Affiliate Transaction and set forth in an Officer’s Certificate certifying that such Affiliate Transaction complies with clause (1) of this Section 4.11(a).

(b) The provisions of Section 4.11(a) will not apply to the following:

(1) transactions between or among the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(2) Restricted Payments permitted by Section 4.07 hereof and the definition of “Permitted Investments”;

(3) the payment of management, consulting, monitoring and advisory fees and related expenses to the Investors pursuant to the Sponsor Management Agreement (plus any unpaid management, consulting, monitoring and advisory fees and related expenses accrued in any prior year) and the termination fees pursuant to the Sponsor Management Agreement, or any amendment thereto so long as any such amendment is not more disadvantageous in the good faith judgment of the Company to the Holders when, taken as a whole, compared to the Sponsor Management Agreement in effect on the Issue Date;

(4) the payment of reasonable and customary fees paid to, and indemnities provided for the benefit of, current or former officers, directors, employees or consultants of the Company, any of its direct or indirect parent companies or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(5) transactions in which the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, as the case may be, delivers to the Trustee a letter from an Independent Financial Advisor stating that such transaction is fair to the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary from a financial point of view or stating that the terms are not materially less favorable to the Company or its relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those that would have been obtained in a comparable transaction by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary with an unrelated Person on an arm’s-length basis;

(6) any agreement as in effect as of the Issue Date, or any amendment thereto (so long as any such amendment is not disadvantageous to the Holders when taken as a whole as compared to the applicable agreement as in effect on the Issue Date);

(7) the existence of, or the performance by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of its obligations under the terms of, any stockholders agreement (including any registration rights agreement or purchase agreement related thereto) to which it is a party as of the Issue Date and any similar agreements which it may enter into thereafter; provided , however , that the existence of, or the performance by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of obligations under any future amendment to any such existing agreement or under any similar agreement entered into after the Issue Date shall only be permitted by this clause (7) to the extent that the terms of any such amendment or new agreement are not otherwise disadvantageous to the Holders when taken as a whole;

 

-76-


(8) the Transaction and the payment of all fees and expenses related to the Transaction, in each case as contemplated by the Offering Memorandum;

(9) transactions with customers, clients, suppliers, or purchasers or sellers of goods or services, in each case in the ordinary course of business and otherwise in compliance with the terms of this Indenture which are fair to the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, in the reasonable determination of the board of directors of the Company or the senior management thereof, or are on terms at least as favorable as might reasonably have been obtained at such time from an unaffiliated party;

(10) the issuance of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company to any Permitted Holder or to any director, officer, employee or consultant of the Company, any of its direct or indirect parent companies or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(11) sales of accounts receivable, or participations therein, in connection with any Receivables Facility;

(12) payments by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to any of the Investors made for any financial advisory, financing, underwriting or placement services or in respect of other investment banking activities, including, without limitation, in connection with acquisitions or divestitures which payments are approved by a majority of the board of directors of the Company in good faith;

(13) payments or loans (or cancellation of loans) to employees or consultants of the Company, any of its direct or indirect parent companies or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and employment agreements, stock option plans and other similar arrangements with such employees or consultants which, in each case, are approved by the Company in good faith; and

(14) investments by the Investors in securities of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (and the payment of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Investors in connection therewith) so long as (i) the investment is being offered generally to other investors on the same or more favorable terms and (ii) the investment constitutes less than 5% of the proposed or outstanding issue amount of such class of securities.

Section 4.12 Liens .

The Issuers shall not, and the Company shall not permit any Guarantor to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien (except Permitted Liens) that secures obligations under any Indebtedness or any related Guarantee, on any asset or property of the Issuers or any Guarantor, or any income or profits therefrom, or assign or convey any right to receive income therefrom, unless:

(1) in the case of Liens securing Subordinated Indebtedness, the Notes and related Guarantees are secured by a Lien on such property, assets or proceeds that is senior in priority to such Liens; or

(2) in all other cases, the Notes or the Guarantees are equally and ratably secured, except that the foregoing shall not apply to (A) Liens securing the Notes and the related Guarantees, (B) Liens securing Indebtedness permitted to be incurred under Credit Facilities, including any letter of credit facility relating thereto, that was permitted by the terms of this Indenture to be incurred pursuant to clause (1) of Section 4.09(b) hereof and (C) Liens securing Indebtedness under

 

-77-


Credit Facilities permitted to be incurred pursuant to Section 4.09 hereof; provided that, with respect to Liens securing Indebtedness permitted under this subclause (C), at the time of incurrence and after giving pro forma effect thereto, the Consolidated Secured Debt Ratio would be no greater than 5.0 to 1.0.

Section 4.13 Corporate Existence .

Subject to Article 5 hereof, the Issuers shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect (i) their corporate or other existence, and the corporate, partnership or other existence of each of the Company’s other Restricted Subsidiaries, in accordance with the respective organizational documents (as the same may be amended from time to time) of the Issuers or any such Restricted Subsidiary and (ii) the rights (charter and statutory), licenses and franchises of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided 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 Restricted Subsidiaries, if the Company in good faith shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

Section 4.14 Offer to Repurchase Upon Change of Control .

If a Change of Control occurs, unless the Issuers have previously or concurrently mailed a redemption notice with respect to all the outstanding Notes pursuant to Section 3.07 hereof, the Issuers shall make an offer to purchase all of the Notes pursuant to the offer described below (the “ Change of Control Offer ”) at a price in cash (the “ Change of Control Payment ”) equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the date of purchase, subject to the right of Holders of the Notes of record on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date. Within 30 days following any Change of Control, the Issuers shall send notice of such Change of Control Offer by first-class mail, with a copy to the Trustee, to each Holder of Notes to the address of such Holder appearing in the security register or otherwise in accordance with Applicable Procedures, with a copy to the Trustee, with the following information:

(1) that a Change of Control Offer is being made pursuant to this Section 4.14 and that all Notes properly tendered pursuant to such Change of Control Offer will be accepted for payment by the Issuers;

(2) the purchase price and the purchase date, which will be no earlier than 30 days nor later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed (the “ Change of Control Payment Date ”);

(3) that any Note not properly tendered will remain outstanding and continue to accrue interest;

(4) that unless the Issuers default 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 on 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 such Notes, with the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” on the reverse of such Notes completed, to the paying agent specified in the notice 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;

 

-78-


(6) that Holders will be entitled to withdraw their tendered Notes and their election to require the Issuers to purchase such Notes, provided that the paying agent receives, not later than the close of business on the expiration date of the Change of Control Offer, a telegram, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the Holder of the Notes, the principal amount of Notes tendered for purchase, and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing its tendered Notes, or a specified portion thereof, and its election to have such Notes purchased;

(7) that if the Issuers are redeeming less than all of the Notes, the Holders of the remaining Notes will be issued new Notes and such new Notes will be equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered. The unpurchased portion of the Notes must be equal to at least $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 thereafter;

(8) if such notice is mailed prior to the occurrence of a Change of Control, stating that the Change of Control Offer is conditional on the occurrence of such Change of Control; and

(9) the other instructions, as determined by the Issuers, consistent with this Section 4.14, that a Holder must follow.

The notice, if mailed in a manner herein provided, shall be conclusively presumed to have been given, whether or not the Holder receives such notice. If (a) the notice is mailed in a manner herein provided and (b) any Holder fails to receive such notice or a Holder receives such notice but it is defective, such Holder’s failure to receive such notice or such defect shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the purchase of the Notes as to all other Holders that properly received such notice without defect. The Issuers shall comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent such laws or regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of Notes pursuant to a Change of Control Offer. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of this Indenture, the Issuers shall comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached their obligations under this Indenture by virtue thereof.

(b) On the Change of Control Payment Date, the Issuers shall, to the extent permitted by law,

(1) accept for payment all Notes issued by them or portions thereof properly tendered pursuant to the Change of Control Offer,

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

(3) deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Trustee for cancellation the Notes so accepted together with an Officer’s Certificate to the Trustee stating that such Notes or portions thereof have been tendered to and purchased by the Issuers.

(c) The Issuers shall not be required to make a Change of Control Offer following a Change of Control if a third party makes the Change of Control Offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth in this Indenture applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by the Issuers and purchases all Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn under such Change of Control Offer. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, a Change of Control Offer may be made in advance of a Change of Control, conditional upon such Change of Control, if a definitive agreement is in place for the Change of Control at the time of making of the Change of Control Offer.

 

-79-


(d) Other than as specifically provided in this Section 4.14, any purchase pursuant to this Section 4.14 shall be made pursuant to the provisions of Sections 3.02, 3.05 and 3.06 hereof.

Section 4.15 Limitation on Guarantees of Indebtedness by Restricted Subsidiaries .

The Company shall not permit any of its Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries that are Restricted Subsidiaries (and non-Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries if such non-Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries guarantee other capital markets debt securities), other than Finance Co. or a Guarantor, to guarantee the payment of any Indebtedness (or any interest on such Indebtedness) of either Issuer or any other Guarantor unless:

(1) such Restricted Subsidiary within 30 days executes and delivers a supplemental indenture to this Indenture, the form of which is attached as Exhibit D hereto, providing for a Guarantee by such Restricted Subsidiary, except if such Indebtedness is by its express terms subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or such Guarantor’s Guarantee, any such guarantee by such Restricted Subsidiary with respect to such Indebtedness shall be subordinated in right of payment to such Restricted Subsidiary’s Guarantee substantially to the same extent as such Indebtedness is subordinated to the Notes; and

(2) such Restricted Subsidiary waives and shall not in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any rights of reimbursement, indemnity or subrogation or any other rights against the Company or any other Restricted Subsidiary as a result of any payment by such Restricted Subsidiary under its Guarantee;

provided, that this Section 4.15 shall not be applicable to any guarantee of any Restricted Subsidiary that existed at the time such Person became a Restricted Subsidiary and was not incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary.

Section 4.16 Discharge and Suspension of Covenants .

(a) If after the Issue Date (i) the Notes have Investment Grade Ratings from both Rating Agencies and (ii) no Default has occurred and is continuing under this Indenture then, beginning on that day (the occurrence of the events described in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii) being collectively referred to as a “ Covenant Suspension Event ”), Section 4.07 hereof, Section 4.08 hereof, Section 4.09 hereof, Section 4.10 hereof, Section 4.11 hereof, Section 4.14 hereof, Section 4.15 hereof and clause (4) of Section 5.01(a) hereof shall not be applicable to the Notes (collectively, the “ Suspended Covenants ”).

(b) During any period that the foregoing covenants have been suspended, the Company may not designate any of its Subsidiaries as Unrestricted Subsidiaries pursuant to the second sentence of the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary.”

(c) In the event that the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries are not subject to the Suspended Covenants under this Indenture for any period of time as a result of the foregoing, and on any subsequent date (the “ Reversion Date ”) one or both of the Rating Agencies withdraw their Investment Grade Rating or downgrade the rating assigned to the Notes below an Investment Grade Rating, then the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries will thereafter again be subject to the Suspended Covenants under this Indenture with respect to future events. The period of time between the Suspension Date and the Reversion Date is referred to in this Section 4.16 as the “ Suspension Period .” The Guarantees of the Guarantors will be suspended during the Suspension Period. Additionally, upon the occurrence of a Covenant Suspension Event, the amount of Excess Proceeds from Asset Sales shall be reset to zero.

 

-80-


(d) During any Suspension Period, the Company will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, enter into any Sale and Lease-Back Transaction; provided, however, that the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary may enter into a Sale and Lease-Back Transaction if (i) the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary could have incurred a Lien to secure the Indebtedness attributable to such Sale and Lease-Back Transaction pursuant to Section 4.12 hereof without equally and ratably securing the Notes pursuant to the covenant described under such covenant; and (ii) the consideration received by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary in that Sale and Lease-Back Transaction is at least equal to the fair market value of the property sold and otherwise complies with Section 4.10 hereof; provided , further , that the provisions of this clause (d) shall cease to apply on and subsequent to the Reversion Date following such Suspension Period.

(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of any such reinstatement, no action taken or omitted to be taken by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries prior to such reinstatement will give rise to a Default or Event of Default under this Indenture with respect to the Notes; provided that (1) with respect to Restricted Payments made after such reinstatement, the amount of Restricted Payments made will be calculated as though the limitations contained in Section 4.07 hereof had been in effect prior to, but not during, the Suspension Period; and (2) all Indebtedness incurred, or Disqualified Stock issued, during the Suspension Period will be deemed to have been incurred or issued pursuant to Section 4.09(b)(3).

(f) The Issuers shall deliver promptly to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate notifying it of any such Covenant Suspension Event or Reversion Date under this Section 4.16.

ARTICLE 5

SUCCESSORS

Section 5.01 Merger, Consolidation or Sale of All or Substantially All Assets .

(a) The Company shall not consolidate or merge with or into or wind up into (whether or not the Company is the surviving corporation), or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties or assets, in one or more related transactions, to any Person unless:

(1) the Company is the surviving entity or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than the Company) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition will have been made is a Person organized or existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of organization of the Company or the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia, or any territory thereof (such Person, as the case may be, being herein called the “ Successor Company ”); provided , that in the case where the surviving Person is not a corporation, a co-obligor of the Notes is a corporation;

(2) the Successor Company, if other than the Company, expressly assumes all the obligations of the Company under the Notes pursuant to supplemental indentures or other documents or instruments;

(3) immediately after such transaction, no Default exists;

 

-81-


(4) immediately after giving pro forma effect to such transaction and any related financing transactions, as if such transactions had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period,

(a) the Successor Company or the Company would be permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Test, or

(b) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Successor Company, the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries would be equal to or greater than the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries immediately prior to such transaction;

(5) each Guarantor, unless it is the other party to the transactions described above, in which case either Section 5.01(c)(1)(A) or Section 5.01(d), as applicable, hereof shall apply, shall have by supplemental indenture confirmed that its Guarantee shall apply to such Person’s obligations under this Indenture, the Notes and the Registration Rights Agreement; and

(6) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger or transfer and such supplemental indentures, if any, comply with this Indenture.

(b) The Successor Company will succeed to, and be substituted for the Company under this Indenture, the Guarantees and the Notes, as applicable. Notwithstanding the clauses (3) and (4) of Section 5.01(a) hereof,

(1) any Restricted Subsidiary may consolidate with or merge into or transfer all or part of its properties and assets to the Company, and

(2) the Company may merge with an Affiliate of the Company solely for the purpose of reorganizing the Company in the United States and any state thereof, the District of Columbia or any territory thereof, so long as the amount of Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries is not increased thereby.

(c) Subject to certain limitations described in this Indenture governing release of a Guarantee upon the sale, disposition or transfer of a guarantor, no Guarantor will, and the Company will not permit any Guarantor to, consolidate or merge with or into or wind up into (whether or not the Guarantor is the surviving Person), or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties or assets, in one or more related transactions, to any Person unless:

(1) (A) such Guarantor is the surviving entity or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than such Guarantor) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition will have been made is a Person organized or existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of organization of such Guarantor, as the case may be, or the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia, or any territory thereof (such Guarantor or such Person, as the case may be, being herein called the “ Successor Person ”);

(B) the Successor Person, if other than such Guarantor, expressly assumes all the obligations of such Guarantor under this Indenture and such Guarantor’s related Guarantee pursuant to supplemental indentures or other documents or instruments;

 

-82-


(C) immediately after such transaction, no Default exists; and

(D) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger or transfer and such supplemental indentures, if any, comply with this Indenture; or

(2) the transaction is made in compliance with Section 4.10 hereof.

(d) Subject to certain limitations described in this Indenture, the Successor Person will succeed to, and be substituted for, such Guarantor under this Indenture and such Guarantor’s Guarantee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Guarantor may (i) merge into or transfer all or part of its properties and assets to another Guarantor or either Issuer, (ii) merge with an Affiliate of the Company solely for the purpose of reincorporating the Guarantor in the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia or any territory thereof or (iii) convert into a corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability corporation or trust organized or existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of organization of such Guarantor.

(e) Finance Co. may not, directly or indirectly, consolidate or merge with or into or wind up into (whether or not Finance Co. is the surviving corporation), or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of Finance Co.’s properties or assets, in one or more related transactions, to any Person unless:

(1)(a) concurrently therewith, a corporate Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Company organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia or any territory thereof (which may be the continuing Person as a result of such transaction) expressly assumes all the obligations of Finance Co. under the Notes, pursuant to supplemental indentures or other documents or instruments in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, and the Registration Rights Agreement if the exchange offer contemplated therein has not been consummated or if the Issuers continue to have an obligation to file or maintain the effectiveness of a shelf registration statement as provided under such agreement; or

(b) after giving effect thereto, at least one obligor on the notes shall be a corporation organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia or any territory thereof;

(2) immediately after such transaction, no Default or Event of Default will have occurred and be continuing; and

(3) Finance Co. shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger or transfer and such supplemental indenture, if any, comply with the Indenture.

(f) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the merger contemplated by the Transaction Agreement shall be permitted without compliance with this Section 5.01.

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 assets of either Issuer in accordance with Section 5.01 hereof, the successor Person formed by such consolidation or into or with which such Issuer is merged or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition is made shall succeed to,

 

-83-


and be substituted for (so that from and after the date of such consolidation, merger, sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition, the provisions of this Indenture referring to such Issuer shall refer instead to the successor corporation and not to such Issuer), and may exercise every right and power of such Issuer under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor Person had been named as such Issuer herein; provided that the predecessor Issuer shall not be relieved from the obligation to pay the principal of and interest and Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes except in the case of a sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of all of such Issuer’s assets that meets the requirements of Section 5.01 hereof.

ARTICLE 6

DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

Section 6.01 Events of Default .

(a) An “ Event of Default ” wherever used herein, means any one of the following events (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body):

(1) default in payment when due and payable, upon redemption, acceleration or otherwise, of principal of, or premium, if any, on the Notes;

(2) default for 30 days or more in the payment when due of interest or Additional Interest on or with respect to the Notes;

(3) failure by either Issuer or any Guarantor for 60 days after receipt of written notice given by the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 30% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes to comply with any of its obligations, covenants or agreements (other than a default referred to in clauses (1) and (2) above) contained in this Indenture or the Notes;

(4) default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there is issued or by which there is secured or evidenced any Indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or the payment of which is guaranteed by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, other than Indebtedness owed to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary, whether such Indebtedness or guarantee now exists or is created after the issuance of the Notes, if both:

(a) such default either results from the failure to pay any principal of such Indebtedness at its stated final maturity (after giving effect to any applicable grace periods) or relates to an obligation other than the obligation to pay principal of any such Indebtedness at its stated final maturity and results in the holder or holders of such Indebtedness causing such Indebtedness to become due prior to its stated maturity; and

(b) the principal amount of such Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other such Indebtedness in default for failure to pay principal at stated final maturity (after giving effect to any applicable grace periods), or the maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregate $25.0 million or more at any one time outstanding;

 

-84-


(5) failure by any Issuer or any Significant Subsidiary (or any group of Subsidiaries that together would constitute a Significant Subsidiary) to pay final judgments aggregating in excess of $25.0 million, which final judgments remain unpaid, undischarged and unstayed for a period of more than 60 days after such judgment becomes final, and in the event such judgment is covered by insurance, an enforcement proceeding has been commenced by any creditor upon such judgment or decree which is not promptly stayed;

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

(i) commences proceedings to be adjudicated bankrupt or insolvent;

(ii) consents to the institution of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings against it, or the filing by it of a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization or relief under applicable Bankruptcy Law;

(iii) consents to the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of it or for all or substantially all of its property;

(iv) makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors; or

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

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

(i) is for relief against the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, in a proceeding in which the Company or any such Restricted Subsidiary that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, is to be adjudicated bankrupt or insolvent;

(ii) appoints a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, or for all or substantially all of the property of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary; or

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

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

(8) the Guarantee of any Significant Subsidiary shall for any reason cease to be in full force and effect or be declared null and void or any responsible officer of any Guarantor that is a Significant Subsidiary, as the case may be, denies that it has any further liability under its

 

-85-


Guarantee or gives notice to such effect, other than by reason of the termination of this Indenture or the release of any such Guarantee in accordance with this Indenture.

(b) In the event of any Event of Default specified in clause (4) of Section 6.01(a) hereof, such Event of Default and all consequences thereof (excluding any resulting payment default, other than as a result of acceleration of the Notes) shall be annulled, waived and rescinded, automatically and without any action by the Trustee or the Holders, if within 20 days after such Event of Default arose:

(1) the Indebtedness or guarantee that is the basis for such Event of Default has been discharged; or

(2) holders thereof have rescinded or waived the acceleration, notice or action (as the case may be) giving rise to such Event of Default; or

(3) the default that is the basis for such Event of Default has been cured.

Section 6.02 Acceleration .

If any Event of Default (other than an Event of Default specified in clause (6) or (7) of Section 6.01(a) hereof) occurs and is continuing under this Indenture, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 30% in principal amount of the then total outstanding Notes may declare the principal, premium, if any, interest and any other monetary obligations on all the then outstanding Notes to be due and payable immediately. Upon the effectiveness of such declaration, such principal and interest shall be due and payable immediately.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an Event of Default arising under clause (6) or (7) of Section 6.01(a) hereof, all outstanding Notes shall be due and payable immediately without further action or notice.

The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes by written notice to the Trustee may on behalf of all of the Holders of all of the Notes rescind an acceleration and its consequences if the rescission would not conflict with any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction and if all existing Events of Default (except nonpayment of principal, interest, Additional Interest, if any, or premium that has become due solely because of the acceleration) have been cured or waived. In addition, the Trustee will have no obligation to accelerate the Notes if, in the best judgment of the Trustee, acceleration is not in the best interests of the Holders of the Notes.

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, if any, and interest on the Notes or to enforce the performance of any provision of the Notes or this Indenture.

The Trustee may maintain a proceeding even if it does not possess any of the Notes or does not produce any of them in the proceeding. A delay or omission by the Trustee or any Holder 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.

 

-86-


Section 6.04 Waiver of Past Defaults .

Holders of not less than 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 waive any existing Default and its consequences hereunder, except a continuing Default in the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, Additional Interest, if any, or interest on, any Note held by a non-consenting Holder, including in connection with an Asset Sale Offer or a Change of Control Offer; provided , subject to Section 6.02 hereof, that the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes 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 principal amount of the then total outstanding Notes may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or of exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee. The Trustee, however, may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or this Indenture or that the Trustee determines is unduly prejudicial to the rights of any other Holder of a Note or that would involve the Trustee in personal liability.

Section 6.06 Limitation on Suits .

Subject to Section 6.07 hereof, no Holder of a Note may pursue any remedy with respect to this Indenture or the Notes unless:

(1) such Holder has previously given the Trustee notice that an Event of Default is continuing;

(2) Holders of at least 30% in principal amount of the total outstanding Notes have requested the Trustee to pursue the remedy;

(3) Holders of the Notes have offered the Trustee security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee against any loss, liability or expense;

(4) the Trustee has not complied with such request within 60 days after the receipt thereof and the offer of security or indemnity; and

(5) Holders of a majority in principal amount of the total outstanding Notes have not given the Trustee a direction inconsistent with such request within such 60-day period.

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, if any, and Additional Interest, if any, and interest on the Note, on or after the respective due dates expressed in the Note (including in connection with an Asset Sale Offer or a Change of Control Offer), 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(a)(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 Issuers for the whole amount of principal of, premium, if any, and Additional Interest, if any, and interest remaining unpaid on the Notes 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.

 

-87-


Section 6.09 Restoration of Rights and Remedies .

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

Section 6.10 Rights and Remedies Cumulative .

Except as otherwise provided with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Notes in Section 2.07 hereof, no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the Holders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.

Section 6.11 Delay or Omission Not Waiver .

No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder of any Note to exercise any right or remedy accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or an acquiescence therein. Every right and remedy given by this Article or by law to the Trustee or to the Holders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders, as the case may be.

Section 6.12 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 Issuers (or any other obligor upon the Notes including the Guarantors), their creditors or their property and shall be entitled and empowered to participate as a member in any official committee of creditors appointed in such matter and to collect, receive and distribute any money or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and any custodian in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make such

 

-88-


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 any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Notes or the rights of any Holder, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding.

Section 6.13 Priorities .

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

(i) to the Trustee, such Agent, their agents and attorneys for amounts due to them under this Indenture, including payment of all compensation, expenses and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Trustee or such Agent and the costs and expenses of collection;

(ii) to Holders of Notes for amounts due and unpaid on the Notes for principal, premium, if any, and Additional Interest, if any, and interest, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on the Notes for principal, premium, if any, and Additional Interest, if any, and interest, respectively; and

(iii) to the Issuers or to such party as a court of competent jurisdiction shall direct, including a Guarantor, if applicable.

The Trustee may fix a record date and payment date for any payment to Holders of Notes pursuant to this Section 6.13.

Section 6.14 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 6.14 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 principal amount of the then outstanding Notes.

 

-89-


ARTICLE 7

TRUSTEE

Section 7.01 Duties of Trustee .

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

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

(i) the duties of the Trustee shall 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

(ii) 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, in the case of any such certificates or opinions which by any provision hereof are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee shall examine the certificates and opinions to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture but shall not otherwise be required to verify the contents thereof.

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

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

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

(iii) the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in accordance with a direction received by it pursuant to Section 6.02, 6.04 or 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 the provisions of this Section 7.01.

(e) The Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under this Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders of the Notes unless the Holders have offered to the Trustee indemnity or security reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee against any loss, liability or expense.

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

 

-90-


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, but the Trustee may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records and premises of the Issuers, personally or by agent or attorney at the sole cost of the Issuers and shall incur no liability or additional liability of any kind by reason of such inquiry or investigation.

(b) Before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, or whenever in the administration of this Indenture the Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, it may require an Officer’s Certificate or an Opinion of Counsel or both, except to the extent expressly provided in Section 3.06, 3.08(f), the last paragraph of Section 9.01 and Section 9.06 hereof. The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in reliance on such Officer’s Certificate or Opinion of Counsel. The Trustee may consult with counsel of its selection and the written advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall 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 shall not be responsible for the misconduct or negligence of any agent or attorney appointed with due care.

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

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

(f) None of the provisions of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise to incur any liability, financial or otherwise, in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it against such risk or liability is not assured to it.

(g) The Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice of any Default or Event of Default unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge thereof or unless written notice of any event which is in fact such a Default or Event of Default is received by the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and such notice references the Notes and this Indenture.

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

(i) The rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including, without limitation, its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder, and each agent, custodian and other Person employed to act hereunder.

 

-91-


(j) In the event the Issuers are required to pay Additional Interest, the Issuers will provide written notice to the Trustee of the Issuers’ obligation to pay Additional Interest no later than 15 days prior to the next Interest Payment Date, which notice shall set forth the amount of the Additional Interest to be paid by the Issuers. The Trustee shall not at any time be under any duty or responsibility to any Holders to determine whether the Additional Interest is payable and the amount thereof.

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 either Issuer or any Affiliate of either Issuer 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 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 shall 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 Issuers’ use of the proceeds from the Notes or any money paid to the Issuers or upon the Issuers’ direction under any provision of this Indenture, it shall not be responsible for the use or application of any money received by any Paying Agent other than the Trustee, and it shall not be responsible for any statement or recital herein or any statement in the Notes or any other document in connection with the sale of the Notes or pursuant to this Indenture other than its certificate of authentication.

Section 7.05 Notice of Defaults .

If a Default occurs and is continuing and if it is actually known to the Trustee, the Trustee shall mail to Holders of Notes a notice of the Default within 90 days after it occurs. Except in the case of a Default relating to the payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest on any Note, the Trustee may withhold (and shall be fully protected in withholding) from the Holders notice of any continuing Default 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. The Trustee shall not be deemed to know of any Default unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge thereof or unless written notice of any event which is such a Default is received by the Trustee in accordance with Section 12.02 hereof at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee and such notice references the Notes.

Section 7.06 Reports by Trustee to Holders of the Notes .

Within 60 days after each April 15, beginning on April 15, 2008, and for so long as Notes remain outstanding, the Trustee shall mail to the Holders of the Notes a brief report dated as of such reporting date that complies with Trust Indenture Act Section 313(a) (but if no event described in Trust Indenture Act Section 313(a) has occurred within the twelve months preceding the reporting date, no report need be transmitted). The Trustee also shall comply with Trust Indenture Act Section 313(b)(2). The Trustee shall also transmit by mail all reports as required by Trust Indenture Act Section 313(c).

A copy of each report at the time of its mailing to the Holders of Notes shall be mailed to the Issuers and filed with the SEC and each stock exchange on which the Notes are listed in accordance with Trust Indenture Act Section 313(d). The Issuers shall promptly notify the Trustee when the Notes are listed on any stock exchange.

 

-92-


Section 7.07 Compensation and Indemnity .

The Issuers, jointly and severally, shall pay to the Trustee from time to time such compensation for its acceptance of this Indenture and services hereunder as the parties shall agree in writing from time to time. The Trustee’s compensation shall not be limited by any law on compensation of a trustee of an express trust. The Issuers, jointly and severally, shall 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 shall include the reasonable compensation, disbursements and expenses of the Trustee’s agents and counsel.

The Issuers and the Guarantors, jointly and severally, shall indemnify the Trustee and its officers, directors, employees, agents and any predecessor trustee and its officers, directors, employees and agents for, and hold the Trustee harmless against, any and all loss, damage, claims, liability or expense (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by it in connection with the acceptance or administration of this trust and the performance of its duties hereunder (including the costs and expenses of enforcing this Indenture against the Issuers or any of the Guarantors (including this Section 7.07) or defending itself against any claim whether asserted by any Holder, either Issuer, any Guarantor or any other Person, or liability in connective with the acceptance, exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder). The Trustee shall notify the Issuers promptly of any claim for which it may seek indemnity. Failure by the Trustee to so notify the Issuers shall not relieve the Issuers of their obligations hereunder. The Issuers shall be entitled to defend the claim (provided, however, that if, in the opinion of counsel, a conflict of interest exists in the judgment of the Trustee, the Issuers shall not be entitled to assume the defense of such claim) and the Trustee may have separate counsel, and the Issuers shall pay the fees and expenses of such counsel. The Issuers need not reimburse any expense or indemnify against any loss, liability or expense to the extent incurred by the Trustee through the Trustee’s own willful misconduct, negligence or bad faith.

The obligations of the Issuers under this Section 7.07 shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or the earlier resignation or removal of the Trustee.

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

When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services after an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(a)(6) or (7) 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.

The Trustee shall comply with the provisions of Trust Indenture Act Section 313(b)(2) to the extent applicable.

Section 7.08 Replacement of Trustee .

A resignation or removal of the Trustee and appointment of a successor Trustee shall become effective only upon the successor Trustee’s acceptance of appointment as provided in this Section 7.08. The Trustee may resign in writing at any time and be discharged from the trust hereby created by so notifying the Issuers. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may

 

-93-


remove the Trustee by so notifying the Trustee and the Issuers in writing. The Issuers may remove the Trustee if:

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

(b) 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;

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

(d) the Trustee becomes incapable of acting.

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

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

If the Trustee, after written request by any Holder who has been a Holder for at least six months, fails to comply with 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.

A successor Trustee shall deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring Trustee and to the Issuers. Thereupon, the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective, and the successor Trustee shall have all the rights, powers and duties of the Trustee under this Indenture. The successor Trustee shall mail a notice of its succession to Holders. The retiring Trustee shall promptly transfer all property held by it as Trustee to the successor Trustee; provided all 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 Issuers’ obligations under Section 7.07 hereof shall 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 shall be the successor Trustee.

Section 7.10 Eligibility; Disqualification .

There shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder that is a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States 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, together with its parent, a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 as set forth in its most recent published annual report of condition.

 

-94-


This Indenture shall always have a Trustee who satisfies the requirements of Trust Indenture Act Sections 310(a)(1), (2) and (5). The Trustee is subject to Trust Indenture Act Section 310(b).

Section 7.11 Preferential Collection of Claims Against Issuers .

The Trustee is subject to Trust Indenture Act Section 311(a), excluding any creditor relationship listed in Trust Indenture Act Section 311(b). A Trustee who has resigned or been removed shall be subject to Trust Indenture Act Section 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 Issuers may, at their option and at any time, elect to have either Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof applied to all outstanding Notes upon compliance with the conditions set forth below in this Article 8.

Section 8.02 Legal Defeasance and Discharge .

Upon the Issuers’ exercise under Section 8.01 hereof of the option applicable to this Section 8.02, the Issuers and the Guarantors shall, 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 and Guarantees on the date the conditions set forth below are satisfied (“ Legal Defeasance ”). For this purpose, Legal Defeasance means that the Issuers shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire Indebtedness represented by the outstanding Notes, which shall 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 (a) and (b) below, and to have satisfied all its other obligations under such Notes and this Indenture including that of the Guarantors (and the Trustee, on demand of and at the expense of the Issuers, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging the same), except for the following provisions which shall survive until otherwise terminated or discharged hereunder:

(a) the rights of Holders of Notes to receive payments in respect of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes when such payments are due solely out of the trust created pursuant to this Indenture referred to in Section 8.04 hereof;

(b) the Issuers’ obligations with respect to Notes concerning issuing temporary Notes, registration of such Notes, mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Notes and the maintenance of an office or agency for payment and money for security payments held in trust;

(c) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee, and the Issuers’ obligations in connection therewith; and

(d) this Section 8.02.

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

 

-95-


Section 8.03 Covenant Defeasance .

Upon the Issuers’ exercise under Section 8.01 hereof of the option applicable to this Section 8.03, the Issuers and the Guarantors shall, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8.04 hereof, be released from their obligations under the covenants contained in Sections 4.03, 4.04, 4.05, 4.07, 4.08, 4.09, 4.10, 4.11, 4.12, 4.13, 4.14, 4.15 and 4.16(d) hereof and clauses (4) and (5) of Section 5.01(a), Sections 5.01(c) and 5.01(d) hereof with respect to the outstanding Notes on and after the date the conditions set forth in Section 8.04 hereof are satisfied (“ Covenant Defeasance ”), and the Notes shall thereafter be deemed not “outstanding” for the purposes of any direction, waiver, consent or declaration or act of Holders (and the consequences of any thereof) in connection with such covenants, but shall continue to be deemed “outstanding” for all other purposes hereunder (it being understood that such Notes shall not be deemed outstanding for accounting purposes). For this purpose, Covenant Defeasance means that, with respect to the outstanding Notes, the Issuers may omit to comply with and shall have no liability in respect of any term, condition or limitation set forth in any such covenant, whether directly or indirectly, by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to any such covenant or by reason of any reference in any such covenant to any other provision herein or in any other document, and such omission to comply shall not constitute a Default or an Event of Default under Section 6.01 hereof, but, except as specified above, the remainder of this Indenture and such Notes shall be unaffected thereby. In addition, upon the Issuers’ exercise under Section 8.01 hereof of the option applicable to this Section 8.03 hereof, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8.04 hereof, Sections 6.01(a)(3), 6.01(a)(4), 6.01(a)(5), 6.01(a)(6) (solely with respect to Restricted Subsidiaries that are Significant Subsidiaries or that, taken together, would constitute Significant Subsidiares), 6.01(a)(7) (solely with respect to Restricted Subsidiaries that are Significant Subsidiaries or that, taken together, would constitute Significant Subsidiaries) and 6.01(a)(8) hereof shall not constitute Events of Default.

Section 8.04 Conditions to Legal or Covenant Defeasance .

The following shall be the conditions to the application of either Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof to the outstanding Notes:

(1) the Issuers must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, in trust, for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes, cash in U.S. dollars, U.S. dollar-denominated Government Securities, or a combination thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants, to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest due on the Notes on the stated maturity date or on the Redemption Date, as the case may be, of such principal, premium, if any, or interest on such Notes and the Issuers must specify whether such Notes are being defeased to maturity or to a particular Redemption Date;

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

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

(b) since the issuance of the Notes, there has been a change in the applicable U.S. federal income tax law,

in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such Opinion of Counsel shall confirm that, subject to customary assumptions and exclusions, the Holders of the Notes will not recognize income,

 

-96-


gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as applicable, as a result of such Legal Defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Legal Defeasance had not occurred;

(3) in the case of Covenant Defeasance, the Issuers shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that, subject to customary assumptions and exclusions, the Holders of the Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to such 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 (other than that resulting from borrowing funds to be applied to make such deposit and any similar and simultaneous deposit relating to other Indebtedness and, in each case, the granting of Liens in connection therewith) shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit;

(5) such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under the Senior Credit Facilities, the Senior Subordinated Notes or the indenture pursuant to which the Senior Subordinated Notes were issued or any other material agreement or instrument (other than this Indenture) to which any Issuer or any Guarantor is a party or by which any Issuer or any Guarantor is bound (other than that resulting from any borrowing of funds to be applied to make the deposit required to effect such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance and any similar and simultaneous deposit relating to other Indebtedness, and the granting of Liens in connection therewith);

(6) the Issuers shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that, as of the date of such opinion and subject to customary assumptions and exclusions following the deposit, the trust funds will not be subject to the effect of Section 547 of Title 11 of the United States Code;

(7) the Issuers shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate stating that the deposit was not made by the Issuers with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding any creditors of any Issuer or any Guarantor or others; and

(8) the Issuers shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel (which Opinion of Counsel may be subject to customary assumptions and exclusions) each stating that all conditions precedent provided for or relating to the Legal Defeasance or the Covenant Defeasance, as the case may be, 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 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 the outstanding Notes shall 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 either Issuer or a Guarantor acting as Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Holders of such Notes of all sums due and

 

-97-


to become due thereon in respect of principal, premium and Additional Interest, if any, and interest, but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

The Issuers shall pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against the cash or 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 the outstanding Notes.

Anything in this Article 8 to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall deliver or pay to the Issuers from time to time upon the request of the Issuers any money or 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(a) 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 Issuers .

Subject to any applicable abandoned property law, any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by the Issuers, in trust for the payment of the principal of, premium and Additional Interest, if any, or interest on any Note and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal, and premium and Additional Interest, if any, or interest has become due and payable shall be paid to the Issuers on their request or (if then held by the Issuers) shall be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Note shall thereafter look only to the Issuers for payment thereof, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money, and all liability of the Issuers as trustee thereof, shall thereupon cease.

Section 8.07 Reinstatement .

If the Trustee or Paying Agent is unable to apply any United States dollars or 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 Issuers’ obligations under this Indenture and the Notes shall 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 that, if the Issuers make any payment of principal of, premium and Additional Interest, if any, or interest on any Note following the reinstatement of its obligations, the Issuers shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Notes to receive such payment from the money held by the Trustee or Paying Agent.

ARTICLE 9

AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER

Section 9.01 Without Consent of Holders of Notes .

Notwithstanding Section 9.02 hereof, the Issuers, any Guarantor (with respect to a Guarantee or this Indenture) and the Trustee may amend or supplement this Indenture and any Guarantee or the Notes without the consent of any Holder:

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

 

-98-


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

(3) to comply with Section 5.01 hereof;

(4) to provide for the assumption of the Issuers’ or any Guarantor’s obligations to the Holders;

(5) to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the Holders or that does not adversely affect the legal rights under this Indenture of any such Holder;

(6) to add covenants for the benefit of the Holders or to surrender any right or power conferred upon any Issuer or any Guarantor;

(7) to comply with requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the qualification of this Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act;

(8) to evidence and provide for the acceptance and appointment under this Indenture of a successor Trustee thereunder pursuant to the requirements thereof;

(9) to provide for the issuance of exchange notes or private exchange notes, which are identical to exchange notes except that they are not freely transferable;

(10) to add a Guarantor under this Indenture;

(11) to conform the text of this Indenture, the Guarantees or the Notes to any provision of the “Description of Senior Notes” section of the Offering Memorandum to the extent that such provision in such “Description of Senior Notes” section was intended to be a verbatim recitation of a provision of this Indenture, the Guarantees or the Notes; or

(12) to make any amendment to the provisions of this Indenture relating to the transfer and legending of Notes as permitted by this Indenture, including, without limitation to facilitate the issuance and administration of the Notes; provided , however , that (i) compliance with this Indenture as so amended would not result in Notes being transferred in violation of the Securities Act or any applicable securities law and (ii) such amendment does not materially and adversely affect the rights of Holders to transfer Notes.

Upon the request of the Issuers 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 and Section 9.06 hereof, the Trustee shall join with the Issuers 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 shall not be obligated to enter into such amended or supplemental indenture that affects its own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Opinion of Counsel shall be required in connection with the addition of a Guarantor under this Indenture upon execution and delivery by such Guarantor and the Trustee of a supplemental indenture to this Indenture, the form of which is attached as Exhibit D hereto, and delivery of an Officer’s Certificate; provided , that the Trustee is permitted to request an Opinion of Counsel (i) if a Default or an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or (ii) the assets of such Guarantor exceed 4.0% of Total Assets.

 

-99-


Section 9.02 With Consent of Holders of Notes .

Except as provided below in this Section 9.02, the Issuers and the Trustee may amend or supplement this Indenture, the Notes and the Guarantees with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Notes (including Additional Notes, if any) then outstanding voting as a single class (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for, or purchase of, the 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 and Additional Interest, if any, or interest on the Notes, except a payment default resulting from an acceleration that has been rescinded) or compliance with any provision of this Indenture, the Guarantees or the Notes may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes (including Additional Notes, if any) voting as a single class (including consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for, or purchase of, the Notes). Section 2.08 hereof and Section 2.09 hereof shall determine which Notes are considered to be “outstanding” for the purposes of this Section 9.02.

Upon the request of the Issuers 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 as aforesaid, and upon receipt by the Trustee of the documents described in Section 7.02 hereof, the Trustee shall join with the Issuers 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 shall not be obligated to, enter into such amended or supplemental indenture.

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

After an amendment, supplement or waiver under this Section 9.02 becomes effective, the Issuers shall mail to the Holders of Notes affected thereby a notice briefly describing the amendment, supplement or waiver. Any failure of the Issuers to mail such notice, or any defect therein, shall not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of any such amended or supplemental indenture or waiver.

Without the consent of each affected Holder of Notes, an amendment 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 such Notes whose Holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver;

(2) reduce the principal of or change the fixed final maturity of any such Note or alter or waive the provisions with respect to the redemption of such Notes (other than provisions relating to Section 3.09, Section 4.10 and Section 4.14 hereof to the extent that any such amendment or waiver does not have the effect of reducing the principal of or changing the fixed final maturity of any such Note or altering or waiving the provisions with respect to the redemption of such Notes);

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

 

-100-


(4) waive a Default in the payment of principal of or premium, if any, or interest on the Notes, except a rescission of acceleration of the Notes by the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration, or in respect of a covenant or provision contained in this Indenture or any Guarantee which cannot be amended or modified without the consent of all Holders;

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

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

(7) make any change in these amendment and waiver provisions;

(8) impair the right of any Holder to receive payment of principal of, or interest on such Holder’s Notes on or after the due dates therefor or to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to such Holder’s Notes;

(9) make any change to or modify the ranking of the Notes that would adversely affect the Holders; or

(10) except as expressly permitted by this Indenture, modify the Guarantees of any Significant Subsidiary in any manner adverse to the Holders of the Notes.

Section 9.03 Compliance with Trust Indenture Act .

Every amendment or supplement to this Indenture or the Notes shall be set forth in an amended or supplemental indenture that complies with the Trust Indenture Act as then in effect.

Section 9.04 Revocation and Effect of Consents .

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

The Issuers may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders entitled to consent to any amendment, supplement, or waiver. If a record date is fixed, then, notwithstanding the preceding paragraph, those Persons who were Holders at such record date (or their duly designated proxies), and only such Persons, shall be entitled to consent to such amendment, supplement, or waiver or to revoke any consent previously given, whether or not such Persons continue to be Holders after such record date. No such consent shall be valid or effective for more than 120 days after such record date unless the consent of the requisite number of Holders has been obtained.

 

-101-


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 Issuers, in exchange for all Notes, may issue and the Trustee shall, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, authenticate new Notes that reflect the amendment, supplement or waiver.

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

Section 9.06 Trustee to Sign Amendments, etc .

The Trustee shall sign any amendment, supplement or waiver 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 Issuers may not sign an amendment, supplement or waiver until the board of directors and board of managers, as the case may be, approves it. In executing any amendment, supplement or waiver, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive and (subject to Section 7.01 hereof) shall be fully protected in relying upon, in addition to the documents required by Section 12.04 hereof, an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such amended or supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture and that such amendment, supplement or waiver is the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Issuers and any Guarantors party thereto, enforceable against them in accordance with its terms, subject to customary exceptions, and complies with the provisions hereof (including Section 9.03). Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Opinion of Counsel will be required for the Trustee to execute any amendment or supplement adding a new Guarantor under this Indenture, provided , that that the Trustee is permitted to request an Opinion of Counsel (i) if a Default or an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or (ii) the assets of such Guarantor exceed 4.0% of Total Assets.

Section 9.07 Payment for Consent .

Neither the Issuers nor any Affiliate of the Issuers shall, directly or indirectly, pay or cause to be paid any consideration, whether by way of interest, fee or otherwise, to any Holder for or as an inducement to any consent, waiver or amendment of any of the terms or provisions of this Indenture or the Notes unless such consideration is offered to all Holders and is paid to all Holders that so consent, waive or agree to amend in the time frame set forth in solicitation documents relating to such consent, waiver or agreement.

Section 9.08 Additional Voting Terms .

All Notes issued under this Indenture shall vote and consent together on all matters (as to which any of such Notes may vote) as one class and no series of Notes will have the right to vote or consent as a separate series on any matter. Determinations as to whether Holders of the requisite aggregate principal amount of Notes have concurred in any direction, waiver or consent shall be made in accordance with this Article Nine.

 

-102-


ARTICLE 10

GUARANTEES

Section 10.01 Guarantee .

Subject to this Article 10, from and after the consummation of the Transaction, each of the Guarantors hereby, jointly and severally, irrevocably and 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 Issuers hereunder or thereunder, that: (a) the principal of, interest, premium and Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes shall 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, if any, if lawful, and all other Obligations of the Issuers to the Holders or the Trustee hereunder or thereunder shall be promptly paid in full or performed, all in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof; and (b) in case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any Notes or any of such other obligations, that same shall 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 shall 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.

The Guarantors hereby agree that their obligations hereunder shall be unconditional, irrespective of the validity, regularity or enforceability of the Notes or this Indenture, the absence of any action to enforce the same, any waiver or consent by any Holder of the Notes with respect to any provisions hereof or thereof, the recovery of any judgment against the Issuers, 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 either Issuer, any right to require a proceeding first against the Issuers, protest, notice and all demands whatsoever and covenants that this Guarantee shall not be discharged except by complete performance of the obligations contained in the Notes and this Indenture.

Each Guarantor also agrees to pay any and all costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred by the Trustee or any Holder in enforcing any rights under this Section 10.01.

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

Each Guarantor agrees that it shall 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, (x) the maturity of the obligations guaranteed hereby may be accelerated as provided in Article 6 hereof for the purposes of this Guarantee, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such acceleration in respect of the obligations guaranteed hereby, and (y) 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) shall forthwith become due and payable by the Guarantors for the purpose of this Guarantee. The Guarantors shall 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 Guarantees.

 

-103-


Each Guarantee shall remain in full force and effect and continue to be effective should any petition be filed by or against either Issuer for liquidation, reorganization, should either Issuer become insolvent or make an assignment for the benefit of creditors or should a receiver or trustee be appointed for all or any significant part of either Issuer’s assets, and shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment and performance of the Notes are, pursuant to applicable law, rescinded or reduced in amount, or must otherwise be restored or returned by any obligee on the Notes or Guarantees, whether as a “voidable preference,” “fraudulent transfer” or otherwise, all as though such payment or performance had not been made. In the event that any payment or any part thereof, is rescinded, reduced, restored or returned, the Notes shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be reinstated and deemed reduced only by such amount paid and not so rescinded, reduced, restored or returned.

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

The Guarantee issued by any Guarantor shall be a general unsecured senior obligation of such Guarantor and shall be pari passu in right of payment with all existing and future Senior Indebtedness of such Guarantor, if any.

Each payment to be made by a Guarantor in respect of its Guarantee shall be made without set-off, counterclaim, reduction or diminution of any kind or nature.

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 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 Guarantee. To effectuate the foregoing intention, the Trustee, the Holders and the Guarantors hereby irrevocably agree that the obligations of each Guarantor shall be limited to the maximum amount as 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 Guarantee not constituting a fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer under applicable law. Each Guarantor that makes a payment under its Guarantee shall be entitled upon payment in full of all guaranteed obligations under this Indenture to a contribution from each other Guarantor in an amount equal to such other Guarantor’s pro rata portion of such payment based on the respective net assets of all the Guarantors at the time of such payment determined in accordance with GAAP.

Section 10.03 Execution and Delivery .

To evidence its Guarantee set forth in Section 10.01 hereof, each Guarantor hereby agrees that this Indenture shall be executed on behalf of such Guarantor by its President, one of its Vice Presidents or one of its Assistant Vice Presidents.

 

-104-


Each Guarantor hereby agrees that its Guarantee set forth in Section 10.01 hereof shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the absence of the endorsement of any notation of such Guarantee on the Notes.

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

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

If required by Section 4.15 hereof, the Issuers shall cause any newly created or acquired Restricted Subsidiary to comply with the provisions of Section 4.15 hereof and this Article 10, to the extent applicable.

Section 10.04 Subrogation .

Each Guarantor shall be subrogated to all rights of Holders of Notes against the Issuers in respect of any amounts paid by any Guarantor pursuant to the provisions of Section 10.01 hereof; provided that, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, no Guarantor shall be entitled to enforce or receive any payments arising out of, or based upon, such right of subrogation until all amounts then due and payable by the Issuers under this Indenture or the Notes shall have been paid in full.

Section 10.05 Benefits Acknowledged .

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

Section 10.06 Release of Guarantees .

A Guarantee by a Guarantor shall be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged, and no further action by such Guarantor, the Issuers or the Trustee is required for the release of such Guarantor’s Guarantee, upon:

(1) (A) any sale, exchange or transfer (by merger or otherwise) of (i) the Capital Stock of such Guarantor (including any sale, exchange or transfer), after which the applicable Guarantor is no longer a Restricted Subsidiary or (ii) all or substantially all the assets of such Guarantor, in each case made in compliance with the applicable provisions of this Indenture;

(B) the release or discharge of the guarantee by such Guarantor of Indebtedness under the Senior Credit Facilities or such other guarantee that resulted in the creation of such Guarantee, except a discharge or release by or as a result of payment under such guarantee;

(C) the designation of any Restricted Subsidiary that is a Guarantor as an Unrestricted Subsidiary in compliance with the applicable provisions of this Indenture; or

(D) the exercise by the Issuers of their Legal Defeasance option or Covenant Defeasance option in accordance with Article 8 hereof or the discharge of the Issuers’ obligations under this Indenture in accordance with the terms of this Indenture; and

 

-105-


(2) such Guarantor delivering to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent provided for in this Indenture relating to such transaction have been complied with.

ARTICLE 11

SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

Section 11.01 Satisfaction and Discharge .

This Indenture shall be discharged and shall cease to be of further effect as to all Notes, when either:

(1) all Notes theretofore authenticated and delivered, except lost, stolen or destroyed Notes which have been replaced or paid and Notes for whose payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust, have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or

(2) (A) all Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation have become due and payable by reason of the making of a notice of redemption or otherwise, will become due and payable within one year or are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Issuers and any Issuer or any Guarantor have irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust solely for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes, cash in U.S. dollars, U.S. dollar-denominated 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 not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation for principal, premium, if any, and accrued interest to the date of maturity or redemption;

(B) no Default (other than that resulting from borrowing funds to be applied to make such deposit or any similar and simultaneous deposit relating to other Indebtedness and the granting of Liens in connection therewith) with respect to this Indenture or the Notes shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit or shall occur as a result of such deposit and such deposit will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under the Senior Credit Facilities, Senior Subordinated Notes (or the indenture governing the Senior Subordinated Notes) or any other material agreement or instrument (other than this Indenture) to which any Issuer or any Guarantor is a party or by which any Issuer or any Guarantor is bound (other than resulting from any borrowing of funds to be applied to make such deposit and any similar and simultaneous deposit relating to other Indebtedness and the granting of Liens in connection therewith);

(C) the Issuers have paid or caused to be paid all sums payable by it under this Indenture; and

(D) the Issuers have delivered irrevocable instructions to the Trustee to apply the deposited money toward the payment of the Notes at maturity or the Redemption Date, as the case may be.

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

 

-106-


Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, if money shall have been deposited with the Trustee pursuant to subclause (A) of clause (2) of this Section 11.01, the provisions of Section 11.02 and Section 8.06 hereof shall survive.

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 Notes and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including either Issuer acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Persons entitled thereto, of the principal (and premium and Additional Interest, 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 Issuers’ and any Guarantor’s obligations under this Indenture and the Notes shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to Section 11.01 hereof; provided that if the Issuers have made any payment of principal of, premium and Additional Interest, if any, or interest on any Notes because of the reinstatement of its obligations, the Issuers 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 Trust Indenture Act Section 318(c), the imposed duties shall control.

Section 12.02 Notices .

Any notice or communication by either Issuer, any Guarantor or the Trustee to the others is duly given if in writing and delivered in person or mailed by first-class mail (registered or certified, return receipt requested), fax or overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery, to the others’ address:

If to either Issuer and/or any Guarantor:

Pinnacle Food Finance LLC

c/o The Blackstone Group

345 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10154

Facsimile: (212) 583-5596

Attention: Prakash A. Melwani

 

-107-


with a copy to:

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

425 Lexington Avenue

New York, New York 10017

Facsimile: (212) 455-2502

Attention: Richard Fenyes, Esq., John Ericson, Esq.

If to the Trustee:

Wilmington Trust Company

Rodney Square North

1100 North Market Street

Wilmington, DE 19890-1611

Facsimile: (302) 636-4145

Attention: Corporate Trust Administration

Either Issuer, 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) shall be deemed to have been duly given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; five calendar days after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed by first-class mail; when receipt acknowledged, if faxed; and the next Business Day after timely delivery to the courier, if sent by overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery; provided that any notice or communication delivered to the Trustee shall be deemed effective upon actual receipt thereof.

Any notice or communication to a Holder shall 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 shall also be so mailed to any Person described in Trust Indenture Act Section 313(c), to the extent required by the Trust Indenture Act. Failure to mail a notice or communication to a Holder or any defect in it shall not affect its sufficiency with respect to other Holders.

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 Issuers mail a notice or communication to Holders, they shall 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 may communicate pursuant to Trust Indenture Act Section 312(b) with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or the Notes. The Issuers, the Trustee, the Registrar and anyone else shall have the protection of Trust Indenture Act Section 312(c).

 

-108-


Section 12.04 Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent .

Subject to Section 7.02(b), upon any request or application by either Issuer or any of the Guarantors to the Trustee to take any action under this Indenture, such Issuer or such Guarantor, as the case may be, shall furnish to the Trustee:

(a) An Officer’s Certificate in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee (which shall 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

(b) An Opinion of Counsel in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee (which shall 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 Section 4.04 hereof or Trust Indenture Act Section 314(a)(4)) shall comply with the provisions of Trust Indenture Act Section 314(e) and shall include:

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

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

(c) a statement that, in the opinion of such Person, he or she has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with (and, in the case of an Opinion of Counsel, may be limited to reliance on an Officer’s Certificate as to matters of fact); and

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

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 director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of either Issuer or any Guarantor (other than the Issuers and the Guarantors) or any of their parent companies shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuers or the Guarantors under the Notes, the Guarantees or this Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of such obligations or their creation. Each Holder by accepting Notes waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes.

 

-109-


Section 12.08 Governing Law .

THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTES AND ANY GUARANTEE WILL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

Section 12.09 Waiver of Jury Trial .

EACH OF THE ISSUERS, THE GUARANTORS AND THE TRUSTEE HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTES OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

Section 12.10 Force Majeure .

In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations under this Indenture arising out of or caused by, directly or indirectly, forces beyond its reasonable control, including without limitation strikes, work stoppages, accidents, acts of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances, nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of God, and interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, communications or computer (software or hardware) services.

Section 12.11 No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements .

This Indenture may not be used to interpret any other indenture, loan or debt agreement of the Issuers or their Restricted Subsidiaries or of any other Person. Any such indenture, loan or debt agreement may not be used to interpret this Indenture.

Section 12.12 Successors .

All agreements of each Issuer in this Indenture and the Notes shall bind its successors. All agreements of the Trustee in this Indenture shall bind its successors. All agreements of each Guarantor in this Indenture shall bind its successors, except as otherwise provided in Section 5.01(c) and Section 10.06 hereof.

Section 12.13 Severability .

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

Section 12.14 Counterpart Originals .

The parties may sign any number of copies of this Indenture. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement.

Section 12.15 Table of Contents, Headings, etc .

The Table of Contents, Cross-Reference Table and headings of the Articles and Sections of this Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not to be considered a part of this Indenture and shall in no way modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.

 

-110-


Section 12.16 Qualification of Indenture .

The Issuers and the Guarantors shall qualify this Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Registration Rights Agreement and shall pay all reasonable costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees and expenses for the Issuers, the Guarantors and the Trustee) incurred in connection therewith, including, but not limited to, costs and expenses of qualification of this Indenture and the Notes and printing this Indenture and the Notes. The Trustee shall be entitled to receive from the Issuers and the Guarantors any such Officer’s Certificates, Opinions of Counsel or other documentation as it may reasonably request in connection with any such qualification of this Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act.

[Signatures on following page]

 

-111-


PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC
By:   /s/ M. K ELLEY M AGGS
  Name:   M. Kelley Maggs
  Title:   Senior Vice President
PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE CORP.
By:   /s/ M. K ELLEY M AGGS
  Name:   M. Kelley Maggs
  Title:   Senior Vice President

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC.

PINNACLE FOODS CORPORATION

PINNACLE FOODS MANAGEMENT CORPORATION,

as Guarantors

By:   /s/ M. K ELLEY M AGGS
  Name:   /s/ M. Kelley Maggs
  Title:   Senior Vice President

Signature Page to Senior Indenture


WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY, as Trustee
By:   /s/ J AMES J. M C G INLEY
  Name:   James J. McGinley
  Title:   Authorized Signer

Signature Page to Senior Indenture


EXHIBIT A

[Face of Note]

[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 Regulation S Temporary Global Note Legend, if applicable pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture]

 

A-1


CUSIP [            ]

ISIN [            ] 1

[RULE 144A][REGULATION S] [GLOBAL] NOTE

representing up to

$[                      ]

9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015

 

No.         

[$                      ]

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC and PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE CORP.

promise to pay to CEDE & CO. or registered assigns, the principal sum [set forth on the Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note attached hereto] [of                                  United States Dollars] on April 1, 2015.

Interest Payment Dates: April 1 and October 1

Record Dates: March 15 and September 15


1

144A ISIN: US72347QAA13

144A CUSIP: 72347Q AA1

Regulation S ISIN: USU72284AA72

Regulation S CUSIP: U72284 AA7

 

A-2


IN WITNESS HEREOF, the Issuers have caused this instrument to be duly executed.

Dated: [                        ]

 

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC
By:    
  Name:
  Title:
PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE CORP.
By:    
  Name:
  Title:

 

A-3


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

 

WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY,

as Trustee

By:    
  Authorized Signatory

Dated: [                    ]

 

A-4


[Back of Note]

9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015

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

1. INTEREST. Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ( the “ Company ”), and Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp., a Delaware corporation (together with the Company, the “ Issuers ”), promise to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note at 9  1 / 4 % per annum from April 2, 2007 until maturity and shall pay the Additional Interest, if any, payable pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement referred to below. The Issuers will pay interest and Additional Interest, if any, semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 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 Issue Date; provided that the first Interest Payment Date shall be October 1, 2007. The Issuers 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 the interest rate on the Notes; they shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest and Additional Interest, if any, (without regard to any applicable grace periods) from time to time on demand at the interest rate on the Notes. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months.

2. METHOD OF PAYMENT. The Issuers will pay interest on the Notes and Additional Interest, if any, to the Persons who are registered Holders of Notes at the close of business on the March 15 or September 15 (whether or not a Business Day), as the case may be, 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. Payment of interest and Additional Interest, 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 Additional Interest, if any, on, all Global Notes and all other Notes the Holders of which shall have provided wire transfer instructions to the Issuers or the Paying Agent. Such payment shall be in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts.

3. PAYING AGENT AND REGISTRAR. Initially, Wilmington Trust Company, the Trustee under the Indenture, will act as Paying Agent and Registrar. The Issuers may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without notice to the Holders. The Issuers or any of their Subsidiaries may act in any such capacity.

4. INDENTURE. The Issuers issued the Notes under an Indenture, dated as of April 2, 2007 (the “ Indenture ”), among the Issuers, the Guarantors named therein and the Trustee. This Note is one of a duly authorized issue of notes of the Issuers’ designated as their 9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015. The Issuers shall be entitled to issue Additional Notes pursuant to Section 2.01 and 4.09 of the Indenture. 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 (the “ Trust Indenture Act ”). 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.

 

A-5


5. OPTIONAL REDEMPTION.

(a) Except as described below under clauses 5(b) and 5(c) hereof, the Notes will not be redeemable at the Issuers’ option before April 1, 2011.

(b) At any time prior to April 1, 2011, the Issuers may redeem all or a part of the Notes, upon notice in accordance with paragraph 7, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes redeemed plus the Applicable Premium as of, and accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the date of redemption (the “ Redemption Date ”), subject to the rights of Holders of Notes on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date.

(c) Until April 1, 2010, the Issuers may, at their option, on one or more occasions redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes issued by them at a redemption price equal to 109.25% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the Redemption Date, subject to the right of Holders of Notes of record on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date, with the net cash proceeds received by them from one or more Equity Offerings; provided that (i) at least 50% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes originally issued under the Indenture remain outstanding immediately after the occurrence of each such redemption and (ii) each such redemption occurs within 90 days of the date of closing of each such Equity Offering.

(d) On and after April 1, 2011, the Issuers may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, upon notice in accordance with paragraph 7, to each Holder of Notes at the address of such Holder appearing in the security register, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the Redemption Date, subject to the right of Holders of Notes of record on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on April 1 of each of the years indicated below:

 

Year

   Percentage  

2011

   104.625 %

2012

   103.313 %

2013 and thereafter

   100.000 %

(e) Any redemption pursuant to this paragraph 5 shall be made pursuant to the provisions of Sections 3.01 through 3.06 of the Indenture.

(f) Any redemption pursuant to Section 3.07 of the Indenture may, at the Issuers’ discretion, be subject to one or more conditions precedent, including, but not limited to, the completion of an Equity Offering or other corporate transaction.

6. MANDATORY REDEMPTION. The Issuers shall not be required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes.

 

A-6


7. NOTICE OF REDEMPTION. Subject to Section 3.03 of the Indenture, notice of redemption will be mailed by first-class mail, postage prepaid, at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the Redemption Date (except that redemption notices may be mailed more than 60 days prior to a Redemption Date if the notice is issued in connection with Article 8 or Article 11 of the Indenture) to each Holder whose Notes are to be redeemed at its registered address or otherwise in accordance with Applicable Procedures. Notes in denominations larger than $2,000 may be redeemed in part but only in whole multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof, unless all of the Notes held by a Holder are to be redeemed. On and after the Redemption Date, interest ceases to accrue on Notes or portions thereof called for redemption, subject to the satisfaction of any conditions pursuant to Section 3.07(f) of the Indenture.

8. OFFERS TO REPURCHASE.

(a) Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, unless the Issuers have previously or concurrently mailed a redemption notice with respect to all the outstanding Notes pursuant to Section 3.07 of the Indenture, the Issuers shall make an offer (a “ Change of Control Offer ”) to each Holder to repurchase all or any part (equal to $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 thereafter) of each Holder’s Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest thereon, if any, to the date of purchase (the “ Change of Control Payment ”). The Change of Control Offer shall be made in accordance with Section 4.14 of the Indenture.

(b) If the Issuers or any of their Restricted Subsidiaries consummate an Asset Sale, when the aggregate amount of the Excess Proceeds exceeds $25.0 million, the Issuers shall make an offer to all Holders of the Notes and, if required by the terms of any Indebtedness that is pari passu with the Notes (“ Pari Passu Indebtedness ”), to the holders of such Pari Passu Indebtedness (an “ Asset Sale Offer ”), to purchase the maximum aggregate principal amount of the Notes (including any Additional Notes) that is at least $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof and such other Pari Passu Indebtedness that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds at an offer price in cash equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof (or accreted value, if less) plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the date fixed for the closing of such offer, in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Indenture. To the extent that the aggregate amount of Notes (including any Additional Notes) and such Pari Passu Indebtedness tendered pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer is less than the Excess Proceeds, the Issuers may use any remaining Excess Proceeds for general corporate purposes, subject to other covenants contained in the Indenture. If the aggregate amount payable in respect of the Notes or the Pari Passu Indebtedness surrendered by such holders thereof exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the Issuers shall select the Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness to be purchased on a pro rata basis to the extent practicable based on the accreted value or principal amount of the Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness tendered or otherwise in accordance with Applicable Procedures. Upon completion of any such Asset Sale Offer, the amount of Excess Proceeds shall be reset at zero. Holders of Notes that are the subject of an offer to purchase will receive an Asset Sale Offer from the Issuers prior to any related purchase date and may elect to have such Notes purchased by completing the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” attached to the Notes.

9. DENOMINATIONS, TRANSFER, EXCHANGE. The Notes are in registered form without coupons in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 thereafter. 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 Issuers may require a Holder to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Issuers need not exchange or register the transfer of any Note or portion of a Note selected for redemption or tendered (and not withdrawn) for repurchase with a Change of Control or an Asset Sale Offer, except for the unredeemed or unpurchased portion of any Note being redeemed or repurchased in part. Also, the Issuers need not exchange or register the transfer of any Notes for a period of 15 days before a selection of Notes to be redeemed.

 

A-7


10. PERSONS DEEMED OWNERS. The registered Holder of a Note may be treated as its owner for all purposes.

11. AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER. The Indenture, the Guarantees or the Notes may be amended or supplemented as provided in the Indenture.

12. DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES. The Events of Default relating to the Notes are defined in Section 6.01 of the Indenture. If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 30% in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may declare the principal, premium, if any, interest and any other monetary obligations on all the then outstanding 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, the Notes or the Guarantees 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 (except a Default relating to the payment of principal, premium, if any, Additional Interest, if any, or interest) if it determines that withholding notice is in their interest. The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding by notice to the Trustee may on behalf of the Holders of all of the Notes waive any existing Default and its consequences under the Indenture except a continuing Default in payment of the principal of, premium, if any, Additional Interest, if any, or interest on, any of the Notes held by a non-consenting Holder. The Issuers and each Guarantor (to the extent that such Guarantor is so required under the Trust Indenture Act) are required to deliver to the Trustee annually a statement regarding compliance with the Indenture, and the Issuers are required within twenty (20) Business Days after becoming aware of any Default, to deliver to the Trustee a statement specifying such Default and what action the Issuers propose to take with respect thereto.

13. AUTHENTICATION. This Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose until authenticated by the manual signature of the Trustee.

14. ADDITIONAL RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF RESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTES AND RESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTES. In addition to the rights provided to Holders of Notes under the Indenture, Holders of Restricted Global Notes and Restricted Definitive Notes shall have all the rights set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 2, 2007, among the Issuers, the Guarantors named therein and the other parties named on the signature pages thereof (the “ Registration Rights Agreement ”), including the right to receive Additional Interest (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement).

15. GOVERNING LAW. THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SHALL GOVERN AND BE USED TO CONSTRUE THE INDENTURE, THE NOTES AND THE GUARANTEES.

16. CUSIP AND ISIN NUMBERS. Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures, the Issuers have caused CUSIP and ISIN numbers to be printed on the Notes, and the Trustee may use CUSIP and ISIN numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders. No representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers

 

A-8


either as printed on the Notes or as contained in any notice of redemption and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers placed thereon.

The Issuers will furnish to any Holder upon written request and without charge a copy of the Indenture and/or the Registration Rights Agreement. Requests may be made to the Issuers at the following address:

Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC

c/o The Blackstone Group

345 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10154

Attention: Prakash A. Melwani

 

A-9


ASSIGNMENT FORM

To assign this Note, fill in the form below:

(I) or (we) assign and transfer this Note to: _____________________________________________________

(Insert assignee’ 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 Issuers. 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).

 

A-10


OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE

If you want to elect to have this Note purchased by the Issuers pursuant to Section 4.10 or 4.14 of the Indenture, check the appropriate box below:

¨   Section 4.10              ¨   Section 4.14

If you want to elect to have only part of this Note purchased by the Issuers pursuant to Section 4.10 or Section 4.14 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).

 

A-11


SCHEDULE OF EXCHANGES OF INTERESTS IN THE GLOBAL NOTE*

The initial outstanding principal amount of this Global Note is $            . 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 or Definitive Note for an interest in this Global Note, have been made:

 

Date of

Exchange

  

Amount of

decrease
in Principal

Amount

   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.

 

A-12


EXHIBIT B

FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER

Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC

c/o The Blackstone Group

345 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10154

Attention: Prakash A. Melwani

Wilmington Trust Company

Rodney Square North

1100 North Market Street

Wilmington, DE 19890-1611

Attention: Corporate Trust Administration

 

 

Re:

9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015

Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of April 2, 2007 (the “ Indenture ”), among the Issuers, the Guarantors named therein and the 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 RELEVANT 144A GLOBAL NOTE OR RELEVANT DEFINITIVE NOTE PURSUANT TO RULE 144A. The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144A under the United States 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.

2. ¨   CHECK IF TRANSFEREE WILL TAKE DELIVERY OF A BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN THE RELEVANT REGULATION S GLOBAL NOTE OR RELEVANT 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

 

B-1


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, (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, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will be subject to the restrictions on Transfer enumerated in the Indenture and the Securities Act.

3. ¨   CHECK AND COMPLETE IF TRANSFEREE WILL TAKE DELIVERY OF A BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN THE RELEVANT DEFINITIVE NOTE PURSUANT TO ANY PROVISION OF THE SECURITIES ACT OTHER THAN RULE 144A OR REGULATION S. The Transfer is being effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to beneficial interests in Restricted Global Notes and Restricted Definitive Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States, and accordingly the Transferor hereby further certifies that (check one):

(a) ¨   such Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act;

or

(b) ¨   such Transfer is being effected to either Issuer or any subsidiary of either Issuer;

or

(c) ¨   such Transfer is being effected pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act and in compliance with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act.

4. ¨   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

 

B-2


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.

 

B-3


This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your benefit and the benefit of the Issuers.

 

[Insert Name of Transferor]
By:    
  Name:  
  Title:  

Dated:                                     

 

B-4


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: 72347Q AA1), or

 

  (ii) ¨   Regulation S Global Note (CUSIP: U72284 AA7), 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: 72347Q AA1), or

 

  (ii) ¨   Regulation S Global Note (CUSIP: U72284 AA7), or

 

  (iii) ¨   Unrestricted Global Note (                    ); or

 

(b) ¨   a Restricted Definitive Note; or

 

(c) ¨   an Unrestricted Definitive Note, in accordance with the terms of the Indenture.

 

B-5


EXHIBIT C

FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF EXCHANGE

Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC

c/o The Blackstone Group

345 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10154

Attention: Prakash A. Melwani

The Wilmington Trust Company

Rodney Square North

1100 North Market Street

Wilmington, DE 19890-1611

Attention: Corporate Trust Administration

 

 

Re:

9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015

Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of April 2, 2007 (the “ Indenture ”), among the Issuers, the Guarantors named therein and the 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 United States 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

 

C-1


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 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 OF THE SAME SERIES 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

 

C-2


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 Issuers and are dated                      .

 

[Insert Name of Transferor]
By:    
  Name:  
  Title:  

Dated:                     

 

C-3


EXHIBIT D

[FORM OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE

TO BE DELIVERED BY SUBSEQUENT GUARANTORS]

Supplemental Indenture (this “ Supplemental Indenture ”), dated as of              , among                          (the “ Guaranteeing Subsidiary ”), a subsidiary of Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (together with Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp., a Delaware corporation, the “ Issuers ”), and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee (the “ Trustee ”).

W I T N E S S E T H

WHEREAS, each Issuer and the Guarantors (as defined in the Indenture referred to below) has heretofore executed and delivered to the Trustee an indenture (the “ Indenture ”), dated as of April 2, 2007, providing for the issuance of $325.0 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes due 2015 (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 Issuers’ Obligations under the Notes and the Indenture on the terms and conditions set forth herein and under the Indenture (the “ 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 parties mutually covenant and agree for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the Notes as follows:

(1) Capitalized Terms . Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.

(2) Agreement to Guarantee . The Guaranteeing Subsidiary hereby agrees as follows:

(a) Along with all Guarantors named in the Indenture, to jointly and severally, irrevocable and unconditionally guarantee 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 the Indenture, the Notes or the obligations of the Issuers hereunder or thereunder, that:

(i) the principal of and interest, premium and Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes 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, if any, if lawful, and all other Obligations of the Issuers 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

(ii) 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

 

D-1


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 and the Guaranteeing Subsidiary shall be jointly and severally obligated to pay the same immediately. This is a guarantee of payment and not a guarantee of collection.

(b) The obligations hereunder shall be unconditional, irrespective of the validity, regularity or enforceability of the Notes or the 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 either Issuer, any action to enforce the same or any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a guarantor.

(c) The following is hereby waived: diligence, presentment, demand of payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of insolvency or bankruptcy of either Issuer, any right to require a proceeding first against the Issuers, protest, notice and all demands whatsoever.

(d) This Guarantee shall not be discharged except by complete performance of the obligations contained in the Notes, the Indenture and this Supplemental Indenture, and the Guaranteeing Subsidiary accepts all obligations of a Guarantor under the Indenture.

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

(f) The Guaranteeing Subsidiary shall 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.

(g) As between the Guaranteeing Subsidiary, on the one hand, and the Holders and the Trustee, on the other hand, (x) the maturity of the obligations guaranteed hereby may be accelerated as provided in Article 6 of the Indenture for the purposes of this Guarantee, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such acceleration in respect of the obligations guaranteed hereby, and (y) in the event of any declaration of acceleration of such obligations as provided in Article 6 of the Indenture, such obligations (whether or not due and payable) shall forthwith become due and payable by the Guaranteeing Subsidiary for the purpose of this Guarantee.

(h) The Guaranteeing Subsidiary shall 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 this Guarantee.

(i) Pursuant to Section 10.02 of the Indenture, after giving effect to all other contingent and fixed liabilities that are relevant under any applicable Bankruptcy Law or fraudulent conveyance 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 Article 10 of the Indenture, this new Guarantee shall be limited to the

 

D-2


maximum amount permissible such that the obligations of such Guaranteeing Subsidiary under this Guarantee will not constitute a fraudulent transfer or conveyance.

(j) This Guarantee shall remain in full force and effect and continue to be effective should any petition be filed by or against either Issuer for liquidation, reorganization, should either Issuer become insolvent or make an assignment for the benefit of creditors or should a receiver or trustee be appointed for all or any significant part of either Issuer’s assets, and shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment and performance of the Notes are, pursuant to applicable law, rescinded or reduced in amount, or must otherwise be restored or returned by any obligee on the Notes and Guarantee, whether as a “voidable preference,” “fraudulent transfer” or otherwise, all as though such payment or performance had not been made. In the event that any payment or any part thereof, is rescinded, reduced, restored or returned, the Notes shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be reinstated and deemed reduced only by such amount paid and not so rescinded, reduced, restored or returned.

(k) In case any provision of this Guarantee shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality, and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

(l) This Guarantee shall be a general unsecured senior obligation of such Guaranteeing Subsidiary, ranking pari passu with any other future Senior Indebtedness of the Guaranteeing Subsidiary, if any.

(m) Each payment to be made by the Guaranteeing Subsidiary in respect of this Guarantee shall be made without set-off, counterclaim, reduction or diminution of any kind or nature.

(3) Execution and Delivery . The Guaranteeing Subsidiary agrees that the Guarantee shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the absence of the endorsement of any notation of such Guarantee on the Notes.

(4) Merger, Consolidation or Sale of All or Substantially All Assets .

(a) Except as otherwise provided in Section 5.01(c) of the Indenture, the Guaranteeing Subsidiary may not consolidate or merge with or into or wind up into (whether or not the Guaranteeing Subsidiary is the surviving Person), or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties or assets, in one or more related transactions, to any Person unless:

(i)(A) the Guaranteeing Subsidiary is the surviving entity or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than the Guaranteeing Subsidiary) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition will have been made is a Person organized or existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of organization of the Guaranteeing Subsidiary, as the case may be, or the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia, or any territory thereof (the Guaranteeing Subsidiary or such Person, as the case may be, being herein called the “ Successor Person ”);

(B) the Successor Person, if other than the Guaranteeing Subsidiary, expressly assumes all the obligations of the Guaranteeing Subsidiary under the Indenture and the Guaranteeing

 

D-3


Subsidiary’s related Guarantee pursuant to supplemental indentures or other documents or instruments;

(C) immediately after such transaction, no Default exists; and

(D) the Issuers shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger or transfer and such supplemental indentures, if any, comply with the Indenture; or

(ii) the transaction is made in compliance with Section 4.10 of the Indenture;

(b) Subject to certain limitations described in the Indenture, the Successor Person will succeed to, and be substituted for, the Guaranteeing Subsidiary under the Indenture and the Guaranteeing Subsidiary’s Guarantee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Guaranteeing Subsidiary may (i) merge into or transfer all or part of its properties and assets to another Guarantor or either Issuer, (ii) merge with an Affiliate of the Company solely for the purpose of reincorporating such Guaranteeing Subsidiary in the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia or any territory thereof or (iii) convert into a corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability corporation or trust organized or existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of organization of such Guaranteeing Subsidiary.

(5) Releases .

The Guarantee of the Guaranteeing Subsidiary shall be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged, and no further action by the Guaranteeing Subsidiary, the Issuers or the Trustee is required for the release of the Guaranteeing Subsidiary’s Guarantee, upon:

(1)(A) any sale, exchange or transfer (by merger or otherwise) of (i) the Capital Stock of the Guaranteeing Subsidiary (including any sale, exchange or transfer), after which the Guaranteeing Subsidiary is no longer a Restricted Subsidiary or (ii) all or substantially all the assets of the Guaranteeing Subsidiary, in each case made in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Indenture;

(B) the release or discharge of the guarantee by the Guaranteeing Subsidiary of Indebtedness under the Senior Credit Facilities or the guarantee which resulted in the creation of the Guarantee, except a discharge or release by or as a result of payment under such guarantee;

(C) the designation of the Guaranteeing Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary; or

(D) the exercise by the Issuers of their Legal Defeasance option or Covenant Defeasance option in accordance with Article 8 of the Indenture or the discharge of the Issuers’ obligations under the Indenture in accordance with the terms of the Indenture; and

(2) the Guaranteeing Subsidiary delivering to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent provided for in the Indenture relating to such transaction have been complied with.

(6) No Recourse Against Others . No director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of the Guaranteeing Subsidiary or any of its parent companies (other than the Issuers and the Guarantors) shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuers or the Guarantors (including the Guaranteeing Subsidiary) under the Notes, any Guarantees, the Indenture or this Supplemental Indenture

 

D-4


or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of such obligations or their creation. Each Holder by accepting Notes waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes.

(7) Governing Law . THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE WILL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

(8) Counterparts . 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.

(9) Effect of Headings . The Section headings herein are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.

(10) The Trustee . 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.

(11) Subrogation . The Guaranteeing Subsidiary shall be subrogated to all rights of Holders of Notes against the Issuers in respect of any amounts paid by the Guaranteeing Subsidiary pursuant to the provisions of Section 2 hereof and Section 10.01 of the Indenture; provided that, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Guaranteeing Subsidiary shall not be entitled to enforce or receive any payments arising out of, or based upon, such right of subrogation until all amounts then due and payable by the Issuers under the Indenture or the Notes shall have been paid in full.

(12) Benefits Acknowledged . The Guaranteeing Subsidiary’s Guarantee is subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Indenture. The Guaranteeing Subsidiary acknowledges that it will receive direct and indirect benefits from the financing arrangements contemplated by the Indenture and this Supplemental Indenture and that the guarantee and waivers made by it pursuant to this Guarantee are knowingly made in contemplation of such benefits.

(13) Successors . All agreements of the Guaranteeing Subsidiary in this Supplemental Indenture shall bind its Successors, except as otherwise provided in Section 2(k) hereof or elsewhere in this Supplemental Indenture. All agreements of the Trustee in this Supplemental Indenture shall bind its successors.

 

D-5


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

 

[GUARANTEEING SUBSIDIARY]
By:    
  Name:  
  Title:  
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY, as Trustee
By:    
  Name:  
  Title:  

 

D-6

Exhibit 4.2

 


INDENTURE

Dated as of April 2, 2007

Among

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC,

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE CORP.,

the Guarantors listed herein

and

WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY,

as Trustee

10  5 / 8 % SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2017

 

 


 


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)

     14.03
 

(c)

     14.03

313

 

(a)

     7.06
 

(b)(1)

     N.A.
 

(b)(2)

     7.06;7.07
 

(c)

     7.06;14.02
 

(d)

     7.06

314

 

(a)

     4.03;14.02; 14.05
 

(b)

     N.A.
 

(c)(1)

     14.04
 

(c)(2)

     14.04
 

(c)(3)

     N.A.
 

(d)

     N.A.
 

(e)

     14.05
 

(f)

     N.A.

315

 

(a)

     7.01
 

(b)

     7.05;14.02
 

(c)

     7.01
 

(d)

     7.01
 

(e)

     6.14

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;9.04

317

 

(a)(1)

     6.08
 

(a)(2)

     6.12
 

(b)

     2.04

318

 

(a)

     14.01
 

(b)

     N.A.
 

(c)

     14.01

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    31

Section 1.03

   Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act    32

Section 1.04

   Rules of Construction    33

Section 1.05

   Acts of Holders    33

ARTICLE 2

  

THE NOTES

  

Section 2.01

   Form and Dating; Terms    34

Section 2.02

   Execution and Authentication    36

Section 2.03

   Registrar and Paying Agent    36

Section 2.04

   Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust    37

Section 2.05

   Holder Lists    37

Section 2.06

   Transfer and Exchange    37

Section 2.07

   Replacement Notes    49

Section 2.08

   Outstanding Notes    50

Section 2.09

   Treasury Notes    50

Section 2.10

   Temporary Notes    50

Section 2.11

   Cancellation    51

Section 2.12

   Defaulted Interest    51

Section 2.13

   CUSIP/ISIN Numbers    51

ARTICLE 3

  

REDEMPTION

  

Section 3.01

   Notices to Trustee    52

Section 3.02

   Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed or Purchased    52

Section 3.03

   Notice of Redemption    52

Section 3.04

   Effect of Notice of Redemption    53

Section 3.05

   Deposit of Redemption or Purchase Price    53

Section 3.06

   Notes Redeemed or Purchased in Part    54

Section 3.07

   Optional Redemption    54

Section 3.08

   Mandatory Redemption    55

Section 3.09

   Offers to Repurchase by Application of Excess Proceeds    55

 

-i-


          Page

ARTICLE 4

  

COVENANTS

  

Section 4.01

   Payment of Notes    57

Section 4.02

   Maintenance of Office or Agency    57

Section 4.03

   Reports and Other Information    58

Section 4.04

   Compliance Certificate    59

Section 4.05

   Taxes    59

Section 4.06

   Stay, Extension and Usury Laws    60

Section 4.07

   Limitation on Restricted Payments    60

Section 4.08

   Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries    66

Section 4.09

   Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock    68

Section 4.10

   Asset Sales    73

Section 4.11

   Transactions with Affiliates    75

Section 4.12

   Liens    77

Section 4.13

   Corporate Existence    78

Section 4.14

   Offer to Repurchase Upon Change of Control    78

Section 4.15

   Limitation on Guarantees of Indebtedness by Restricted Subsidiaries    80

Section 4.16

   Discharge and Suspension of Covenants    80

Section 4.17

   Limitation on Layering    81

ARTICLE 5

  

SUCCESSORS

  

Section 5.01

   Merger, Consolidation or Sale of All or Substantially All Assets    81

Section 5.02

   Successor Corporation Substituted    84

ARTICLE 6

  

DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

  

Section 6.01

   Events of Default    84

Section 6.02

   Acceleration    86

Section 6.03

   Other Remedies    87

Section 6.04

   Waiver of Past Defaults    87

Section 6.05

   Control by Majority    87

Section 6.06

   Limitation on Suits    87

Section 6.07

   Rights of Holders of Notes to Receive Payment    88

Section 6.08

   Collection Suit by Trustee    88

Section 6.09

   Restoration of Rights and Remedies    88

Section 6.10

   Rights and Remedies Cumulative    88

Section 6.11

   Delay or Omission Not Waiver    89

Section 6.12

   Trustee May File Proofs of Claim    89

Section 6.13

   Priorities    89

Section 6.14

   Undertaking for Costs    90

 

-ii-


          Page

ARTICLE 7

  

TRUSTEE

  

Section 7.01

   Duties of Trustee    90

Section 7.02

   Rights of Trustee    91

Section 7.03

   Individual Rights of Trustee    92

Section 7.04

   Trustee’s Disclaimer    92

Section 7.05

   Notice of Defaults    92

Section 7.06

   Reports by Trustee to Holders of the Notes    93

Section 7.07

   Compensation and Indemnity    93

Section 7.08

   Replacement of Trustee    94

Section 7.09

   Successor Trustee by Merger, etc    95

Section 7.10

   Eligibility; Disqualification    95

Section 7.11

   Preferential Collection of Claims Against Issuers    95

ARTICLE 8

  

LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE

  

Section 8.01

   Option to Effect Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance    95

Section 8.02

   Legal Defeasance and Discharge    95

Section 8.03

   Covenant Defeasance    96

Section 8.04

   Conditions to Legal or Covenant Defeasance    97

Section 8.05

   Deposited Money and Government Securities to Be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions    98

Section 8.06

   Repayment to Issuers    98

Section 8.07

   Reinstatement    98

ARTICLE 9

  

AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER

  

Section 9.01

   Without Consent of Holders of Notes    99

Section 9.02

   With Consent of Holders of Notes    100

Section 9.03

   Compliance with Trust Indenture Act    101

Section 9.04

   Revocation and Effect of Consents    102

Section 9.05

   Notation on or Exchange of Notes    102

Section 9.06

   Trustee to Sign Amendments, etc    102

Section 9.07

   Payment for Consent    102

Section 9.08

   Additional Voting Terms    103

ARTICLE 10

  

SUBORDINATION OF NOTES

   103

Section 10.01

   Agreement to Subordinate    103

Section 10.02

   Liquidation, Dissolution, Bankruptcy    103

Section 10.03

   Default on Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer    103

Section 10.04

   Acceleration of Payment of Notes    105

 

-iii-


          Page

Section 10.05

   When Distribution Must Be Paid Over    105

Section 10.06

   Subrogation    105

Section 10.07

   Relative Rights    105

Section 10.08

   Subordination May Not Be Impaired by Issuers    105

Section 10.09

   Rights of Trustee and Paying Agent    106

Section 10.10

   Distribution or Notice to Representative    106

Section 10.11

   Article 10 Not to Prevent Events of Default or Limit Right to Accelerate    106

Section 10.12

   Trust Moneys Not Subordinated    106

Section 10.13

   Trustee Entitled to Rely    106

Section 10.14

   Trustee to Effectuate Subordination    107

Section 10.15

   Trustee Not Fiduciary for Holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer    107

Section 10.16

   Reliance by Holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer on Subordination Provisions    107

ARTICLE 11

  

GUARANTEES

  

Section 11.01

   Guarantee    108

Section 11.02

   Limitation on Guarantor Liability    109

Section 11.03

   Execution and Delivery    110

Section 11.04

   Subrogation    110

Section 11.05

   Benefits Acknowledged    110

Section 11.06

   Release of Guarantees    110

ARTICLE 12

  

SUBORDINATION OF GUARANTEES

  

Section 12.01

   Agreement to Subordinate    111

Section 12.02

   Liquidation, Dissolution, Bankruptcy    111

Section 12.03

   Default on Senior Indebtedness of a Guarantor    111

Section 12.04

   Demand for Payment    113

Section 12.05

   When Distribution Must Be Paid Over    113

Section 12.06

   Subrogation    113

Section 12.07

   Relative Rights    113

Section 12.08

   Subordination May Not Be Impaired by a Guarantor    114

Section 12.09

   Rights of Trustee and Paying Agent    114

Section 12.10

   Distribution or Notice to Representative    114

Section 12.11

   Article 12 Not to Prevent Events of Default or Limit Right to Demand Payment    114

Section 12.12

   Trust Moneys Not Subordinated    114

Section 12.13

   Trustee Entitled to Rely    115

Section 12.14

   Trustee to Effectuate Subordination    115

Section 12.15

   Trustee Not Fiduciary for Holders of Senior Indebtedness of Guarantors    115

Section 12.16

   Reliance by Holders of Senior Indebtedness of a Guarantor on Subordination Provisions    115

 

-iv-


          Page

ARTICLE 13

SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

  

Section 13.01

   Satisfaction and Discharge    116

Section 13.02

   Application of Trust Money    117

ARTICLE 14

  

MISCELLANEOUS

  

Section 14.01

   Trust Indenture Act Controls    117

Section 14.02

   Notices    117

Section 14.03

   Communication by Holders of Notes with Other Holders of Notes    119

Section 14.04

   Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent    119

Section 14.05

   Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion    119

Section 14.06

   Rules by Trustee and Agents    119

Section 14.07

   No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders    120

Section 14.08

   Governing Law    120

Section 14.09

   Waiver of Jury Trial    120

Section 14.10

   Force Majeure    120

Section 14.11

   No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements    120

Section 14.12

   Successors    120

Section 14.13

   Severability    120

Section 14.14

   Counterpart Originals    121

Section 14.15

   Table of Contents, Headings, etc    121

Section 14.16

   Qualification of Indenture    121

EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit A

   Form of Note

Exhibit B

   Form of Certificate of Transfer

Exhibit C

   Form of Certificate of Exchange

Exhibit D

   Form of Supplemental Indenture to Be Delivered by Subsequent Guarantors

 

-v-


INDENTURE, dated as of April 2, 2007, among Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (and its successors in interest) (the “ Company ”), Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp., a Delaware corporation (and its successors in interest) (“ Finance Co. ” and, together with the Company, the “ Issuers ”), the Guarantors (as defined herein) listed on the signature pages hereto and Wilmington Trust Company, as Trustee.

W I T N E S S E T H

WHEREAS, the Issuers have duly authorized the creation of an issue of $250,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Issuers’ Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017 (the “ Initial Notes ”);

WHEREAS, the Issuers and each of the Guarantors have duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Issuers, the Guarantors and the Trustee agree as follows for the benefit of each other and for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the Notes.

ARTICLE 1

DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

Section 1.01 Definitions .

144A Global Note ” means a Global Note substantially in the form of Exhibit A 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 applicable series of Notes sold in reliance on Rule 144A.

Acquired Indebtedness ” means, with respect to any specified Person,

(1) Indebtedness of any other Person existing at the time such other Person is merged with or into or became a Restricted Subsidiary of such specified Person, including Indebtedness incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person merging with or into or becoming a Restricted Subsidiary of such specified Person, and

(2) Indebtedness secured by a Lien encumbering any asset acquired by such specified Person.

Additional Notes ” means additional Notes (other than the Initial Notes and other than Exchange Notes issued for such Initial Notes) issued from time to time under this Indenture in accordance with Sections 2.01 and 4.09 hereof.

Additional Interest ” means all additional interest then owing pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement.

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” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with”), as used with respect to any Person, shall mean 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.


Agent ” means the Registrar or any Paying Agent.

Applicable Premium ” means, with respect to any Note on any Redemption Date, the greater of:

(1) 1.0% of the principal amount of such Note; and

(2) the excess, if any, of (a) the present value at such Redemption Date of (i) the redemption price of such Note at April 1, 2012 (such redemption price being set forth in the table set forth in Section 3.07(d)) plus (ii) all required interest payments due on such Note through April 1, 2012 (excluding accrued but unpaid interest to the Redemption Date), computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate plus 50 basis points; over (b) the principal amount of such Note.

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

Asset Sale ” means:

(1) the sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition, whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions, of property or assets (including by way of a Sale and Lease-Back Transaction) of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (each referred to in this definition as a “disposition”); or

(2) the issuance or sale of Equity Interests of any Restricted Subsidiary (other than Preferred Stock of Restricted Subsidiaries issued in compliance with Section 4.09), whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions;

in each case, other than:

(a) any disposition of Cash Equivalents or Investment Grade Securities or obsolete or worn out equipment in the ordinary course of business or any disposition of inventory or goods (or other assets) no longer used in the ordinary course of business;

(b) the disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company in a manner permitted pursuant to Section 5.01 hereof or any disposition that constitutes a Change of Control pursuant to this Indenture;

(c) the making of any Restricted Payment or Permitted Investment that is permitted to be made, and is made, under Section 4.07 hereof;

(d) any disposition of assets or issuance or sale of Equity Interests of any Restricted Subsidiary in any transaction or series of transactions with an aggregate fair market value of less than $10.0 million;

 

-2-


(e) any disposition of property or assets or issuance of securities by a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company to the Company or by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company to another Restricted Subsidiary of the Company;

(f) to the extent allowable under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, any exchange of like property (excluding any boot thereon) for use in a Similar Business;

(g) the lease, assignment or sub-lease of any real or personal property in the ordinary course of business;

(h) any issuance or sale of Equity Interests in, or Indebtedness or other securities of, an Unrestricted Subsidiary;

(i) foreclosures, condemnation or any similar action on assets or the granting of Liens not prohibited by this Indenture;

(j) sales of accounts receivable, or participations therein, in connection with any Receivables Facility;

(k) the sale or discount of inventory, accounts receivable or notes receivable in the ordinary course of business or the conversion of accounts receivable to notes receivable;

(l) any financing transaction with respect to property built or acquired by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary after the Issue Date, including Sale and Lease-Back Transactions and asset securitizations permitted by this Indenture;

(m) the licensing or sub-licensing of intellectual property or other general intangibles in the ordinary course of business, other than the licensing of intellectual property on a long-term basis;

(n) any surrender or waiver of contract rights or the settlement, release or surrender of contract rights or other litigation claims in the ordinary course of business; and

(o) any sale to the Industrial Development Board of the City of Jackson, Tennessee in connection with a Sale and Lease-back Transaction that does not result in the recognition of the sale or the asset transfer in accordance with GAAP, or any similar transaction.

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

board of directors ” means, with respect to a corporation, the board of directors of the corporation, and with respect to any other Person, the board or committee of such Person, or board of directors of the general partner or general manager of such Person serving a similar function.

Broker-Dealer ” means a Person that is a “Broker” or a “Dealer” within the meaning of the Exchange Act.

 

-3-


Business Day ” means each day which is not a Legal Holiday.

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 or membership interests (whether general or limited); 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.

Capitalized Lease Obligation ” means, at the time any determination thereof is to be made, the amount of the liability in respect of a capital lease that would at such time be required to be capitalized and reflected as a liability on a balance sheet (excluding the footnotes thereto) prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Capitalized Software Expenditures ” means, for any period, the aggregate of all expenditures (whether paid in cash or accrued as liabilities) by a Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries during such period in respect of purchased software or internally developed software and software enhancements that, in conformity with GAAP, are or are required to be reflected as capitalized costs on the consolidated balance sheet of a Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries.

Cash Equivalents ” means:

(1) United States dollars;

(2) euro, or any national currency of any participating member state of the EMU and local currencies held by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries from time to time in the ordinary course of business;

(3) securities issued or directly and fully and unconditionally guaranteed or insured by the U.S. government or any agency or instrumentality thereof the securities of which are unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation of such government with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition;

(4) certificates of deposit, time deposits and eurodollar time deposits with maturities of one year or less from the date of acquisition, bankers’ acceptances with maturities not exceeding one year and overnight bank deposits, in each case with any commercial bank having capital and surplus of not less than $500.0 million in the case of U.S. banks and $100.0 million (or the U.S. dollar equivalent as of the date of determination) in the case of non-U.S. banks;

(5) repurchase obligations for underlying securities of the types described in clauses (3), (4) and (8) entered into with any financial institution meeting the qualifications specified in clause (4) above;

 

-4-


(6) commercial paper rated at least P-1 by Moody’s or at least A-1 by S&P and in each case maturing within 24 months after the date of creation thereof and Indebtedness or Preferred Stock issued by a Person with a rating of “A” or higher by S&P or “A2” or higher by Moody’s with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition;

(7) marketable short-term money market and similar securities having a rating of at least P-2 or A-2 from either Moody’s or S&P, respectively (or, if at any time neither Moody’s nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another Rating Agency) and in each case maturing within 24 months after the date of creation thereof;

(8) readily marketable direct obligations issued by any state, commonwealth or territory of the United States or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof having an Investment Grade Rating from either Moody’s or S&P with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition;

(9) Indebtedness or Preferred Stock issued by Persons with a rating of “A” or higher from S&P or “A2” or higher from Moody’s with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition;

(10) Investments with average maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition in money market funds rated AAA- (or the equivalent thereof) or better by S&P or Aaa3 (or the equivalent thereof) or better by Moody’s; and

(11) investment funds investing 95% of their assets in securities of the types described in clauses (1) through (10) above.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Cash Equivalents shall include amounts denominated in currencies other than those set forth in clauses (1) and (2) above, provided that such amounts are converted into any currency listed in clauses (1) and (2) as promptly as practicable and in any event within ten Business Days following the receipt of such amounts.

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

(1) the sale, lease or transfer, in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any Person other than a Permitted Holder; or

(2) the Company becomes aware of (by way of a report or any other filing pursuant to Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, proxy, vote, written notice or otherwise) the acquisition by any Person or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or Section 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act, or any successor provision), including any group acting for the purpose of acquiring, holding or disposing of securities (within the meaning of Rule 13d-5(b)(1) under the Exchange Act), other than the Permitted Holders, in a single transaction or in a related series of transactions, by way of merger, consolidation or other business combination or purchase of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, or any successor provision) of 50% or more of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Company or any of its direct or indirect parent companies holding directly or indirectly 100% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Company.

Clearstream ” means Clearstream Banking, Société Anonyme.

 

-5-


Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization Expense ” means with respect to any Person for any period, the total amount of depreciation and amortization expense, including the amortization of deferred financing fees, debt issuance costs, commissions, fees and expenses and Capitalized Software Expenditures of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period on a consolidated basis and otherwise determined in accordance with GAAP.

Consolidated Interest Expense ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, without duplication, the sum of:

(1) consolidated interest expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, to the extent such expense was deducted (and not added back) in computing Consolidated Net Income (including (a) amortization of original issue discount resulting from the issuance of Indebtedness at less than par, (b) all commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit or bankers acceptances, (c) non-cash interest payments (but excluding any non-cash interest expense attributable to the movement in the mark to market valuation of Hedging Obligations or other derivative instruments pursuant to GAAP), (d) the interest component of Capitalized Lease Obligations, and (e) net payments, if any, made (less net payments, if any, received) pursuant to interest rate Hedging Obligations with respect to Indebtedness, and excluding (t) the accretion or any expense resulting from the discounting of any Indebtedness in connection with the application of purchase accounting in connection with the Transaction or any acquisition, (u) penalties and interest relating to taxes, (v) any Additional Interest and any “additional interest” with respect to the Senior Subordinated Notes or other securities, (w) amortization of deferred financing fees, debt issuance costs, commissions, fees and expenses, (x) any expensing of bridge, commitment and other financing fees, (y) commissions, discounts, yield and other fees and charges (including any interest expense) related to any Receivables Facility and (z) any accretion or accrued interest of discounted liabilities); plus

(2) consolidated capitalized interest of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued; less

(3) interest income for such period.

For purposes of this definition, interest on a Capitalized Lease Obligation shall be deemed to accrue at an interest rate reasonably determined by such Person to be the rate of interest implicit in such Capitalized Lease Obligation in accordance with GAAP.

Consolidated Net Income ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the aggregate of the Net Income, of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, on a consolidated basis, and otherwise determined in accordance with GAAP; provided , however , that, without duplication,

(1) any after-tax effect of extraordinary, non-recurring or unusual gains or losses (less all fees and expenses relating thereto) or expenses (including relating to the Transaction to the extent incurred on or prior to April 1, 2008), severance, relocation costs and curtailments or modifications to pension and post-retirement employee benefit plans shall be excluded,

(2) the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles and changes as a result of the adoption or modification of accounting policies during such period shall be excluded,

 

-6-


(3) any after-tax effect of income (loss) from disposed, abandoned or discontinued operations and any net after-tax gains or losses on disposal of disposed, abandoned, transferred, closed or discontinued operations shall be excluded,

(4) any after-tax effect of gains or losses (less all fees and expenses relating thereto) attributable to asset dispositions or abandonments or the sale or other disposition of any Capital Stock of any Person other than in the ordinary course of business shall be excluded,

(5) the Net Income for such period of any Person that is not a Subsidiary, or is an Unrestricted Subsidiary, or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting, shall be excluded; provided that Consolidated Net Income of the Company shall be increased by the amount of dividends or distributions or other payments that are actually paid in cash (or to the extent converted into cash) to the referent Person or a Restricted Subsidiary thereof in respect of such period,

(6) solely for the purpose of determining the amount available for Restricted Payments under clause (3)(a) of Section 4.07(a) hereof, the Net Income for such period of any Restricted Subsidiary (other than any Guarantor) shall be excluded to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by that Restricted Subsidiary of its Net Income is not at the date of determination permitted without any prior governmental approval (which has not been obtained) or, directly or indirectly, by the operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule, or governmental regulation applicable to that Restricted Subsidiary or its stockholders, unless such restriction with respect to the payment of dividends or similar distributions has been legally waived; provided that Consolidated Net Income of the Company will be increased by the amount of dividends or other distributions or other payments actually paid in cash (or to the extent converted into cash or Cash Equivalents) to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary thereof in respect of such period, to the extent not already included therein,

(7) effects of adjustments (including the effects of such adjustments pushed down to the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries) in the inventory, property and equipment, software, goodwill, other intangible assets and in-process research and development, deferred revenue and debt line items in such Person’s consolidated financial statements pursuant to GAAP resulting from the application of purchase accounting in relation to the Transaction or any consummated acquisition or the amortization or write-off of any amounts thereof, net of taxes, shall be excluded,

(8) any after-tax effect of income (loss) from the early extinguishment of (i) Indebtedness, (ii) Hedging Obligations or (iii) other derivative instruments shall be excluded,

(9) any impairment charge or asset write-off or write-down, including impairment charges or asset write-offs or write-downs related to intangible assets, long-lived assets or investments in debt and equity securities or as a result of a change in law or regulation, in each case, pursuant to GAAP, and the amortization of intangibles arising pursuant to GAAP shall be excluded,

(10) any non-cash compensation charge or expense, including any such charge arising from grants of stock appreciation or similar rights, stock options, restricted stock or other rights, and any cash charges associated with the rollover, acceleration or payout of Equity Interests by management of the Company or any of its direct or indirect parent companies in connection with the Transaction, shall be excluded,

 

-7-


(11) any fees and expenses incurred during such period, or any amortization thereof for such period, in connection with any acquisition, Investment, Asset Sale, issuance or repayment of Indebtedness, issuance of Equity Interests, refinancing transaction or amendment or modification of any debt instrument (in each case, including any such transaction consummated prior to the Issue Date and any such transaction undertaken but not completed) and any charges or non-recurring merger costs incurred during such period as a result of any such transaction shall be excluded,

(12) accruals and reserves that are established or adjusted within twelve months after the Issue Date that are so required to be established as a result of the Transaction in accordance with GAAP shall be excluded; and

(13) the following items shall be excluded:

(a) any net unrealized gain or loss (after any offset) resulting in such period from Hedging Obligations and the application of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133; and

(b) any net unrealized gain or loss (after any offset) resulting in such period from currency translation gains or losses related to currency remeasurements of Indebtedness (including any net loss or gain resulting from hedge agreements for currency exchange risk).

In addition, to the extent not already included in the Consolidated Net Income of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, Consolidated Net Income shall include the amount of proceeds received from (i) business interruption insurance (or, so long as the Company has made a determination that there exists reasonable evidence that such amount will in fact be reimbursed by the insurer and only to the extent that such amount is (a) not denied by the applicable carrier in writing within 180 days and (b) in fact reimbursed within 365 days of the date of such evidence (with a deduction for any amount so added back to the extent denied by the applicable carrier in writing within 180 days or not so reimbursed within 365 days)) and (ii) reimbursements of any expenses and charges that are covered by indemnification or other reimbursement provisions in connection with any Permitted Investment or any sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition of assets permitted under the Indenture.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, for the purpose of Section 4.07 hereof only (other than clause (3)(d) of Section 4.07(a) hereof), there shall be excluded from Consolidated Net Income any income arising from any sale or other disposition of Restricted Investments made by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, any repurchases and redemptions of Restricted Investments from the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, any repayments of loans and advances which constitute Restricted Investments by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, any sale of the stock of an Unrestricted Subsidiary or any distribution or dividend from an Unrestricted Subsidiary, in each case only to the extent such amounts increase the amount of Restricted Payments permitted under clause (3)(d) of Section 4.07(a) hereof.

Contingent Obligations ” means, with respect to any Person, any obligation of such Person guaranteeing any leases, dividends or other obligations that do not constitute Indebtedness (“ primary

 

-8-


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,

(1) to purchase any such primary obligation or any property constituting direct or indirect security therefor,

(2) to advance or supply funds

(a) for the purchase or payment of any such primary obligation, or

(b) 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

(3) to purchase property, securities or services primarily for the purpose of assuring the owner of any such primary obligation of the ability of the primary obligor to make payment of such primary obligation against loss in respect thereof.

Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee ” shall be at the address of the Trustee specified in Section 14.02 hereof or such other address as to which the Trustee may give notice to the Holders and the Issuers.

Credit Facilities ” means, with respect to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, one or more debt facilities, including the Senior Credit Facilities, or other financing arrangements (including, without limitation, commercial paper facilities or indentures) providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, letters of credit or other long-term indebtedness, including any notes, mortgages, guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements executed in connection therewith, and any amendments, supplements, modifications, extensions, renewals, restatements or refundings thereof and any indentures or credit facilities or commercial paper facilities that replace, refund or refinance any part of the loans, notes, other credit facilities or commitments thereunder, including any such replacement, refunding or refinancing facility or indenture that increases the amount permitted to be borrowed thereunder or alters the maturity thereof ( provided that such increase in borrowings is permitted under Section 4.09 hereof) or adds Restricted Subsidiaries as additional borrowers or guarantors thereunder and whether by the same or any other agent, lender or group of lenders.

Custodian ” means the Trustee, as custodian with respect to the Global Notes, or any successor entity thereto.

Default ” means any event that is, or with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both would be, an Event of Default.

Definitive Note ” means a certificated Note registered in the name of the Holder thereof and issued in accordance with Section 2.06(c) hereof, substantially in the form of Exhibit A 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 any 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 provisions of this Indenture.

 

-9-


Designated Non-cash Consideration ” means the fair market value of non-cash consideration received by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary in connection with an Asset Sale that is so designated as Designated Non-cash Consideration pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate, setting forth the basis of such valuation, executed by the principal financial officer of the Company, less the amount of cash or Cash Equivalents received in connection with a subsequent sale of or collection on such Designated Non-cash Consideration.

Designated Preferred Stock ” means Preferred Stock of the Company or any parent corporation thereof (in each case other than Disqualified Stock) that is issued for cash (other than to a Restricted Subsidiary or an employee stock ownership plan or trust established by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) and is so designated as Designated Preferred Stock, pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate executed by the principal financial officer of the Company or the applicable parent corporation thereof, as the case may be, on the issuance date thereof, the cash proceeds of which are excluded from the calculation set forth in clause (3) of Section 4.07(a) hereof.

Designated Senior Indebtedness ” means:

(1) any Indebtedness under the Senior Credit Facilities; and

(2) any other Senior Indebtedness permitted under this Indenture, the principal amount of which is $50.0 million or more and that has been designated by the Issuers as “Designated Senior Indebtedness.”

Disqualified Stock ” means, with respect to any Person, any Capital Stock of such Person which, by its terms, or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is putable or exchangeable, or upon the happening of any event, matures or is mandatorily redeemable (other than solely as a result of a change of control or asset sale) pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof (other than solely as a result of a change of control or asset sale), in whole or in part, in each case prior to the date 91 days after the earlier of the maturity date of the Notes or the date the Notes are no longer outstanding; provided , however , that if such Capital Stock is issued to any plan for the benefit of employees of the Company or its Subsidiaries or by any such plan to such employees, such Capital Stock shall not constitute Disqualified Stock solely because it may be required to be repurchased by the Company or its Subsidiaries in order to satisfy applicable statutory or regulatory obligations.

EBITDA ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period

(1) increased (without duplication) by the following, in each case to the extent deducted in determining Consolidated Net Income for such period:

(a) provision for taxes based on income or profits or capital, including, without limitation, state, franchise and similar taxes (such as the Pennsylvania capital tax) and foreign withholding taxes of such Person paid or accrued during such period deducted (and not added back) in computing Consolidated Net Income; plus

(b) Fixed Charges of such Person for such period (including (x) net losses or Hedging Obligations or other derivative instruments entered into for the purpose of hedging interest rate risk, (y) bank fees and (z) costs of surety bonds in connection with financing activities, in each case, to the extent included in Fixed Charges), together with

 

-10-


items excluded from the definition of “Consolidated Interest Expense” pursuant to clauses (1)(t) through (z) thereof to the extent the same were deducted (and not added back) in calculating such Consolidated Net Income; plus

(c) Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization Expense of such Person for such period to the extent the same were deducted (and not added back) in computing Consolidated Net Income; plus

(d) any expenses or charges (other than depreciation or amortization expense) related to any Equity Offering, Permitted Investment, acquisition, disposition, recapitalization or the incurrence of Indebtedness permitted to be incurred by this Indenture (including a refinancing thereof) (whether or not successful), including (i) such fees, expenses or charges related to the offering of the Notes, the Senior Subordinated Notes and the Credit Facilities and (ii) any amendment or other modification of the Notes or the Senior Subordinated Notes, and, in each case, deducted (and not added back) in computing Consolidated Net Income; plus

(e) the amount of any restructuring charges, integration costs or other business optimization expenses or reserves deducted (and not added back) in such period in computing Consolidated Net Income, including any one-time costs incurred in connection with acquisitions after the Issue Date, and costs related to the closure and/or consolidation of facilities; plus

(f) any other non-cash charges reducing Consolidated Net Income for such period ( provided that if any such non-cash charges represent an accrual or reserve for potential cash items in any future period, the cash payment in respect thereof in such future period shall be subtracted from EBITDA to such extent, and excluding amortization of a prepaid cash item that was paid in a prior period); plus

(g) the amount of any minority interest expense consisting of Subsidiary income attributable to minority equity interests of third parties in any non-Wholly Owned Subsidiary deducted (and not added back) in such period in calculating Consolidated Net Income; plus

(h) the amount of management, monitoring, consulting and advisory fees (including termination fees) and related indemnities and expenses paid or accrued in such period under the Sponsor Management Agreement or otherwise to the Investors to the extent otherwise permitted under Section 4.11 hereof (and similar fees paid by the Company or its Affiliates to investors in the Company or its Affiliates prior to the Issue Date) and deducted (and not added back) in such period in computing Consolidated Net Income; plus

(i) the amount of net cost savings projected by the Company in good faith to be realized as a result of specified actions taken or initiated during or prior to such period (calculated on a pro forma basis as though such cost savings had been realized on the first day of such period), net of the amount of actual benefits realized during such period from such actions; provided that (x) such cost savings are reasonably identifiable and factually supportable, (y) such actions have been or are taken no later than 36 months after the Issue Date and (z) the aggregate amount of cost savings added pursuant to this clause (i) shall not exceed $30.0 million for any four consecutive quarter period (which adjustments may be incremental to pro forma cost savings adjustments made pursuant to the definition of “Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio”); plus

 

-11-


(j) the amount of loss or discount on sale of Receivables and related assets to the Receivables Subsidiary in connection with a Receivables Facility; plus

(k) any net loss from disposed or discontinued operations; plus

(l) any costs or expense incurred by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement or any stock subscription or shareholder agreement, to the extent that such cost or expenses are funded with cash proceeds contributed to the capital of the Company or net cash proceeds of an issuance of Equity Interest of the Company (other than Disqualified Stock) solely to the extent that such net cash proceeds are excluded from the calculation set forth in clause (3) of Section 4.07(a) hereof; and

(2) decreased by (without duplication) (a) non-cash gains increasing Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period, excluding any non-cash gains to the extent they represent the reversal of an accrual or reserve for a potential cash item that reduced EBITDA in any prior period and (b) any net income from disposed or discontinued operations; and

(3) increased or decreased by (without duplication), as applicable, any adjustments resulting from the application of FASB Interpretation No. 45 (Guarantees).

EMU ” means economic and monetary union as contemplated in the Treaty on European Union.

Equity Interests ” means Capital Stock and all warrants, options or other rights to acquire Capital Stock, but excluding any debt security that is convertible into, or exchangeable for, Capital Stock.

Equity Offering ” means any public or private sale of common stock or Preferred Stock of the Company or any of its direct or indirect parent companies (excluding Disqualified Stock), other than:

(1) public offerings with respect to the Company’s or any direct or indirect parent company’s common stock registered on Form S-8;

(2) issuances to any Subsidiary of the Company; and

(3) any such public or private sale that constitutes an Excluded Contribution.

euro ” means the single currency of participating member states of the EMU.

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

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

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

 

-12-


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

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

Excluded Contribution ” means net cash proceeds, marketable securities or Qualified Proceeds received by the Company from

(1) contributions to its common equity capital, and

(2) the sale (other than to a Subsidiary of the Company or to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement of the Company) of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock and Designated Preferred Stock) of the Company,

in each case designated as Excluded Contributions pursuant to an officer’s certificate executed by the principal financial officer of the Company on the date such capital contributions are made or the date such Equity Interests are sold, as the case may be, which are excluded from the calculation set forth in clause (3) of Section 4.07(a) hereof.

fair market value ” means, with respect to any asset or liability, the fair market value of such asset or liability as determined by the Company in good faith; provided that if the fair market value is equal to or exceeds $25.0 million, such determination shall be made by the board of directors of the Company in good faith.

Finance Co. ” has the meaning set forth in the first paragraph of the recitals hereto.

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the ratio of EBITDA of such Person for such period to the Fixed Charges of such Person for such period. In the event that the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary incurs, assumes, guarantees, redeems, retires or extinguishes any Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness incurred under any revolving credit facility unless such Indebtedness has been permanently repaid and has not been replaced) or issues or redeems Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock subsequent to the commencement of the period for which the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is being calculated but prior to or simultaneously with the event for which the calculation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is made (the “ Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Calculation Date ”), then the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such incurrence, assumption, guarantee, redemption, retirement or extinguishment of Indebtedness, or such issuance or redemption of Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period.

For purposes of making the computation referred to above, Investments, acquisitions, dispositions, mergers, consolidations and disposed operations (as determined in accordance with GAAP) that have been made by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries during the four-quarter reference period or subsequent to such reference period and on or prior to or simultaneously with the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Calculation Date shall be calculated on a pro forma basis assuming that all such Investments, acquisitions, dispositions, mergers, consolidations and disposed operations, including the Transaction (and the change in any associated fixed charge obligations and the change in EBITDA resulting therefrom) had occurred on the first day of the four-quarter reference period. If since the beginning of such period any Person that subsequently became a Restricted Subsidiary or was merged with or into the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries since the beginning of such period shall have made any

 

-13-


Investment, acquisition, disposition, merger, consolidation or disposed operation that would have required adjustment pursuant to this definition, then the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect thereto for such period as if such Investment, acquisition, disposition, merger, consolidation or disposed operation had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period.

For purposes of this definition, whenever pro forma effect is to be given to a transaction, the pro forma calculations shall be made in good faith by a responsible financial or accounting officer of the Company (and may include, for the avoidance of doubt, cost savings and operating expense reductions resulting from such Investment, acquisition, merger or consolidation (including the Transaction) which is being given pro forma effect that have been or are expected to be realized). If any Indebtedness bears a floating rate of interest and is being given pro forma effect, the interest on such Indebtedness shall be calculated as if the rate in effect on the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Calculation Date had been the applicable rate for the entire period (taking into account any Hedging Obligations applicable to such Indebtedness). Interest on a Capitalized Lease Obligation shall be deemed to accrue at an interest rate reasonably determined by a responsible financial or accounting officer of the Company to be the rate of interest implicit in such Capitalized Lease Obligation in accordance with GAAP. For purposes of making the computation referred to above, interest on any Indebtedness under a revolving credit facility computed on a pro forma basis shall be computed based upon the average daily balance of such Indebtedness during the applicable period except as set forth in the first paragraph of this definition. Interest on Indebtedness that may optionally be determined at an interest rate based upon a factor of a prime or similar rate, a eurocurrency interbank offered rate, or other rate, shall be deemed to have been based upon the rate actually chosen, or, if none, then based upon such optional rate chosen as the Company may designate. Any such pro forma calculation may include adjustments appropriate, in the reasonable determination of the Issuers as set forth in an Officer’s Certificate, to reflect all adjustments included in the calculation of pro forma adjusted EBITDA as set forth in footnote 3 to the “Summary Historical and Pro Forma Consolidated Financial and Other Data” under “Summary” in the Offering Memorandum to the extent such adjustments, without duplication, continue to be applicable to such four-quarter period.

Fixed Charge Coverage Test ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.07(a).

Fixed Charges ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the sum of:

(1) Consolidated Interest Expense of such Person for such period;

(2) all cash dividends or other distributions paid (excluding items eliminated in consolidation) on any series of Preferred Stock during such period; and

(3) all cash dividends or other distributions paid (excluding items eliminated in consolidation) on any series of Disqualified Stock during such period.

Foreign Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, any Restricted Subsidiary of such Person that is not organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia, or any territory thereof and any Restricted Subsidiary of such Foreign Subsidiary.

GAAP ” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States which are in effect on the Issue Date.

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

 

-14-


Global Notes ” means, individually and collectively, each of the Restricted Global Notes and the Unrestricted Global Notes, substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto, issued in accordance with Section 2.01, 2.06(b), 2.06(d) or 2.06(f) hereof.

Government Securities ” means securities that are:

(1) direct obligations of the United States of America for the timely payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged; or

(2) obligations of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America the timely payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of America,

which, in either case, are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuers thereof, and shall also include a depository receipt issued by a bank (as defined in Section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act), as custodian with respect to any such Government Securities or a specific payment of principal of or interest on any such Government Securities held by such custodian for the account of the holder of such depository receipt; provided that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depository receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the Government Securities or the specific payment of principal of or interest on the Government Securities evidenced by such depository receipt.

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 letters of credit and reimbursement agreements in respect thereof), of all or any part of any Indebtedness or other obligations.

Guarantee ” means the guarantee by any Guarantor of the Issuers’ Obligations under this Indenture.

Guarantor ” means each Restricted Subsidiary that Guarantees the Notes in accordance with the terms of this Indenture.

Hedging Obligations ” means, with respect to any Person, the obligations of such Person under any interest rate swap agreement, interest rate cap agreement, interest rate collar agreement, commodity swap agreement, commodity cap agreement, commodity collar agreement, foreign exchange contract, currency swap agreement or similar agreement providing for the transfer or mitigation of interest rate or currency risks either generally or under specific contingencies.

Holder ” means the Person in whose name a Note is registered on the Note Register.

Indebtedness ” means, with respect to any Person, without duplication:

(1) any indebtedness (including principal and premium) of such Person, whether or not contingent:

(a) in respect of borrowed money;

 

-15-


(b) evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments or letters of credit or bankers’ acceptances (or, without duplication, reimbursement agreements in respect thereof);

(c) representing the balance deferred and unpaid of the purchase price of any property (including Capitalized Lease Obligations), except (i) any such balance that constitutes an obligation in respect of a commercial letter of credit, a trade payable or similar obligation to a trade creditor, in each case accrued in the ordinary course of business and (ii) any earn-out obligations until such obligation becomes a liability on the balance sheet of such Person in accordance with GAAP and if not paid after becoming due and payable; or

(d) representing any Hedging Obligations,

if and to the extent that any of the foregoing Indebtedness (other than letters of credit and Hedging Obligations) would appear as a liability upon a balance sheet (excluding the footnotes thereto) of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP; provided , that Indebtedness of any direct or indirect parent of the Company appearing upon the balance sheet of the Company solely by reason of push-down accounting under GAAP shall be excluded;

(2) to the extent not otherwise included, any obligation by such Person to be liable for, or to pay, as obligor, guarantor or otherwise, on the obligations of the type referred to in clause (1) of a third Person (whether or not such items would appear upon the balance sheet of such obligor or guarantor), other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business; and

(3) to the extent not otherwise included, the obligations of the type referred to in clause (1) of a third Person secured by a Lien on any asset owned by such first Person, whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by such first Person, but only to the extent of the fair market value of the assets subject to such Lien;

provided , however , that notwithstanding the foregoing, Indebtedness shall be deemed not to include (a) Contingent Obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business or (b) obligations under or in respect of Receivables Facilities.

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

Independent Financial Advisor ” means an accounting, appraisal, investment banking firm or consultant to Persons engaged in Similar Businesses of nationally recognized standing that is, in the good faith judgment of the Company, qualified to perform the task for which it has been engaged.

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

Initial Notes ” as defined in the recitals hereto.

Initial Purchasers ” means Lehman Brothers Inc. and Goldman, Sachs & Co.

Interest Payment Date ” means, with respect to the Notes, April 1 and October 1 of each year to stated maturity.

 

-16-


Investment Grade Rating ” means a rating equal to or higher than Baa3 (or the equivalent) by Moody’s and BBB- (or the equivalent) by S&P, or an equivalent rating by any other Rating Agency.

Investment Grade Securities ” means:

(1) securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the United States government or any agency or instrumentality thereof (other than Cash Equivalents);

(2) debt securities or debt instruments with an Investment Grade Rating, but excluding any debt securities or instruments constituting loans or advances among the Company and its Subsidiaries;

(3) investments in any fund that invests exclusively in investments of the type described in clauses (1) and (2) which fund may also hold immaterial amounts of cash pending investment or distribution; and

(4) corresponding instruments in countries other than the United States customarily utilized for high quality investments.

Investments ” means, with respect to any Person, all investments by such Person in other Persons (including Affiliates) in the form of loans (including guarantees), advances or capital contributions (excluding accounts receivable, trade credit, advances to customers, commission, travel and similar advances to officers and employees, in each case made in the ordinary course of business), purchases or other acquisitions for consideration of Indebtedness, Equity Interests or other securities issued by any other Person and investments that are required by GAAP to be classified on the balance sheet (excluding the footnotes) of the Company in the same manner as the other investments included in this definition to the extent such transactions involve the transfer of cash or other property. For purposes of the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary” and Section 4.07 hereof:

(1) “Investments” shall include the portion (proportionate to the Company’s equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the fair market value of the net assets of a Subsidiary of the Company at the time that such Subsidiary is designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided , however , that upon a redesignation of such Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary, the Company shall be deemed to continue to have a permanent “Investment” in an Unrestricted Subsidiary in an amount (if positive) equal to:

(a) the Company’s “Investment” in such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation; less

(b) the portion (proportionate to the Company’s equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the fair market value of the net assets of such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation; and

(2) any property transferred to or from an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be valued at its fair market value at the time of such transfer.

The amount of any Investment outstanding at any time shall be the original cost of such Investment, reduced by any dividend, distribution, interest payment, return of capital, repayment or other amount received in cash by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary in respect of such Investment.

 

-17-


Investors ” means The Blackstone Group and each of its Affiliates but not including, however, any portfolio companies of any of the foregoing.

Issue Date ” means April 2, 2007.

Issuers ” has the meaning set forth in the first paragraph of the recitals hereto.

Issuer Order ” means a written request or order signed on behalf of the Issuers by an Officer of the Company, who must be the principal executive officer, the principal financial officer, the treasurer or the principal accounting officer of the Issuers, and delivered to the Trustee.

Legal Holiday ” means a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which commercial banking institutions are not required to be open in the City of New York.

Letter of Transmittal ” means the letter of transmittal to be prepared by the Issuers 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 (statutory or otherwise), pledge, hypothecation, charge, security interest, preference, priority 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; provided that in no event shall an operating lease be deemed to constitute a Lien.

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

Net Income ” means, with respect to any Person, the net income (loss) of such Person, determined in accordance with GAAP and before any reduction in respect of Preferred Stock dividends.

Net Proceeds ” means the aggregate cash proceeds received by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of any Asset Sale, including any cash received upon the sale or other disposition of any Designated Non-cash Consideration received in any Asset Sale, net of the direct costs relating to such Asset Sale and the sale or disposition of such Designated Non-cash Consideration, including legal, accounting and investment banking fees, and brokerage and sales commissions, any relocation expenses incurred as a result thereof, taxes paid or payable as a result thereof (after taking into account any available tax credits or deductions and any tax sharing arrangements), amounts required to be applied to the repayment of principal, premium, if any, and interest on Senior Indebtedness required (other than required by clause (1) of Section 4.10(b) hereof) to be paid as a result of such transaction and any deduction of appropriate amounts to be provided by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries as a reserve in accordance with GAAP against any liabilities associated with the asset disposed of in such transaction and retained by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries after such sale or other disposition thereof, including pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities and liabilities related to environmental matters or against any indemnification obligations associated with such transaction.

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

 

-18-


Notes ” means the Initial Notes authenticated and delivered under this Indenture. For all purposes of this Indenture, the term “Notes” shall also include any Additional Notes that may be issued under a supplemental indenture.

Obligations ” means any principal, interest (including any interest accruing subsequent to the filing of a petition in bankruptcy, reorganization or similar proceeding at the rate provided for in the documentation with respect thereto, whether or not such interest is an allowed claim under applicable state, federal or foreign law), penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements (including reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit and banker’s acceptances), damages and other liabilities, and guarantees of payment of such principal, interest, penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other liabilities, payable under the documentation governing any Indebtedness.

Offering Memorandum ” means the offering memorandum, dated March 21, 2007, relating to the sale of the Initial Notes.

Officer ” means the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, any Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President or Vice President, the Treasurer or the Secretary of any Issuer.

Officer’s Certificate ” means a certificate signed on behalf of any Issuer by an Officer of any Issuer, who must be the principal executive officer, the principal financial officer, the treasurer or the principal accounting officer of each of the Issuers, that meets the requirements set forth in this Indenture.

Opinion of Counsel ” means a written opinion from legal counsel who is acceptable to the Trustee. The counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Issuers.

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 Asset Swap ” means the concurrent purchase and sale or exchange of Related Business Assets or a combination of Related Business Assets and cash or Cash Equivalents between the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and another Person; provided , that any cash or Cash Equivalents received must be applied in accordance with Section 4.10 hereof.

Permitted Holders ” means each of the Investors and members of management of the Company (or its direct or indirect parent companies) on the Issue Date who are holders of Equity Interests of the Company (or any of its direct or indirect parent companies) and any group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or Section 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act or any successor provision) of which any of the foregoing are members; provided that, in the case of such group and without giving effect to the existence of such group or any other group, such Investors and members of management, collectively, have beneficial ownership of more than 50% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Company or any of its direct or indirect parent companies.

Permitted Investments ” means:

(1) any Investment in the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(2) any Investment in cash and Cash Equivalents or Investment Grade Securities;

 

-19-


(3) any Investment by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in a Person that is engaged in a Similar Business if as a result of such Investment:

(a) such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary; or

(b) such Person, in one transaction or a series of related transactions, is merged or consolidated with or into, or transfers or conveys substantially all of its assets to, or is liquidated into, the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary,

and, in each case, any Investment held by such Person; provided , that such Investment was not acquired by such Person in contemplation of such acquisition, merger, consolidation or transfer;

(4) any Investment in securities or other assets, including earnouts, not constituting cash, Cash Equivalents or Investment Grade Securities and received in connection with an Asset Sale made pursuant to the provisions described under Section 4.10 hereof or any other disposition of assets not constituting an Asset Sale;

(5) any Investment existing on the Issue Date;

(6) any Investment acquired by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries:

(a) in exchange for any other Investment or accounts receivable held by the Company or any such Restricted Subsidiary in connection with or as a result of a bankruptcy, workout, reorganization or recapitalization of the issuer of such other Investment or accounts receivable; or

(b) as a result of a foreclosure by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries with respect to any secured Investment or other transfer of title with respect to any secured Investment in default;

(7) Hedging Obligations permitted under clause (10) of Section 4.09(b) hereof;

(8) any Investment in a Similar Business having an aggregate fair market value, taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (8) that are at that time outstanding, not to exceed 3.0% of Total Assets at the time of such Investment (with the fair market value of each Investment being measured at the time made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value);

(9) Investments the payment for which consists of Equity Interests (exclusive of Disqualified Stock) of the Company, or any of its direct or indirect parent companies; provided , however , that such Equity Interests will not increase the amount available for Restricted Payments under clause (3) of Section 4.07(a) hereof;

(10) guarantees of Indebtedness permitted under Section 4.09 hereof;

(11) any transaction to the extent it constitutes an Investment that is permitted and made in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.11(b) hereof (except transactions described in clauses (2), (5) and (9) of Section 4.11(b) hereof);

 

-20-


(12) Investments consisting of purchases and acquisitions of inventory, supplies, material or equipment;

(13) additional Investments having an aggregate fair market value, taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (13) that are at that time outstanding (without giving effect to the sale of an Unrestricted Subsidiary to the extent the proceeds of such sale do not consist of cash or marketable securities), not to exceed 4.0% of Total Assets at the time of such Investment (with the fair market value of each Investment being measured at the time made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value);

(14) Investments relating to a Receivables Subsidiary that, in the good faith determination of the Company are necessary or advisable to effect any Receivables Facility or any repurchase in connection therewith;

(15) advances to, or guarantees of Indebtedness of, employees not in excess of $10.0 million outstanding at any one time, in the aggregate;

(16) loans and advances to officers, directors and employees for business-related travel expenses, moving expenses and other similar expenses, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business or consistent with past practices or to fund such Person’s purchase of Equity Interests of the Company or any direct or indirect parent company thereof; and

(17) advances, loans or extensions of trade credit in the ordinary course of business by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.

Permitted Junior Securities ” means:

(1) Equity Interests in the Issuers or any Guarantor or any direct or indirect parent of any Issuer or any Guarantor; or

(2) unsecured debt securities that are subordinated to all Senior Indebtedness (and any debt securities issued in exchange for Senior Indebtedness) to substantially the same extent as, or to a greater extent than, the Notes and the related Guarantees are subordinated to Senior Indebtedness under this Indenture;

provided , that the term “Permitted Junior Securities” shall not include any securities distributed pursuant to a plan of reorganization if the Indebtedness under the Senior Credit Facilities is treated as part of the same class as the Notes for purposes of such plan of reorganization; provided further that to the extent that any Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers or the Guarantors outstanding on the date of consummation of any such plan of reorganization is not paid in full in cash on such date, the holders of any such Senior Indebtedness not so paid in full in cash have consented to the terms of such plan of reorganization.

Permitted Liens ” means, with respect to any Person:

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

 

-21-


(2) Liens imposed by law, such as carriers’, warehousemen’s and mechanics’ Liens, in each case for sums not yet overdue for a period of more than 30 days or being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings or other Liens arising out of judgments or awards against such Person with respect to which such Person shall then be proceeding with an appeal or other proceedings for review if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of such Person in accordance with GAAP;

(3) Liens for taxes, assessments or other governmental charges not yet overdue for a period of more than 30 days or payable or subject to penalties for nonpayment or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted, if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of such Person in accordance with GAAP;

(4) Liens in favor of issuers of performance and surety bonds or bid bonds or with respect to other regulatory requirements or letters of credit issued pursuant to the request of and for the account of such Person in the ordinary course of its business;

(5) minor survey exceptions, minor encumbrances, easements or reservations of, or rights of others for, licenses, rights-of-way, sewers, electric lines, telegraph and telephone lines and other similar purposes, or zoning or other restrictions as to the use of real properties or Liens incidental, to the conduct of the business of such Person or to the ownership of its properties which were not incurred in connection with Indebtedness and which do not in the aggregate materially adversely affect the value of said properties or materially impair their use in the operation of the business of such Person;

(6) Liens securing Indebtedness permitted to be incurred pursuant to clause (4), (12) or (20) of Section 4.09(b) hereof; provided , that Liens securing Indebtedness permitted to be incurred pursuant to clause (20) extend only to assets of Foreign Subsidiaries;

(7) Liens existing on the Issue Date;

(8) Liens on property or shares of stock or other assets of a Person at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary; provided , however , such Liens are not created or incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person becoming such a Subsidiary; provided , further , however , that such Liens may not extend to any other property or assets owned by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(9) Liens on property or other assets at the time the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary acquired the property or such other assets, including any acquisition by means of a merger or consolidation with or into the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided , however , that such Liens are not created or incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such acquisition; provided , further , however , that the Liens may not extend to any other property owned by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(10) Liens securing Indebtedness or other obligations of a Restricted Subsidiary owing to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary permitted to be incurred in accordance with Section 4.09 hereof;

 

-22-


(11) Liens securing Hedging Obligations so long as related Indebtedness is, and is permitted to be under this Indenture, secured by a Lien on the same property securing such Hedging Obligations;

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

(13) leases, subleases, licenses or sublicenses granted to others in the ordinary course of business which do not materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and do not secure any Indebtedness;

(14) Liens arising from Uniform Commercial Code financing statement filings regarding operating leases entered into by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

(15) Liens in favor of any Issuer or any Guarantor;

(16) Liens on equipment of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries granted in the ordinary course of business to the Company’s clients;

(17) Liens on accounts receivable and related assets incurred in connection with a Receivables Facility;

(18) Liens to secure any refinancing, refunding, extension, renewal or replacement (or successive refinancing, refunding, extensions, renewals or replacements) as a whole, or in part, of any Indebtedness secured by any Lien referred to in the foregoing clauses (6), (7), (8) and (9); provided , however , that (a) such new Lien shall be limited to all or part of the same property that secured the original Lien (plus improvements on such property), and (b) the Indebtedness secured by such Lien at such time is not increased to any amount greater than the sum of (i) the outstanding principal amount or, if greater, committed amount of the Indebtedness described under clauses (6), (7), (8) and (9) at the time the original Lien became a Permitted Lien under this Indenture, and (ii) an amount necessary to pay any fees and expenses, including premiums, related to such refinancing, refunding, extension, renewal or replacement;

(19) deposits made in the ordinary course of business to secure liability to insurance carriers;

(20) other Liens securing obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business which obligations do not exceed $30.0 million at any one time outstanding;

(21) Liens securing judgments for the payment of money not constituting an Event of Default under clause (5) under Section 6.01 hereof so long as such Liens are adequately bonded and any appropriate legal proceedings that may have been duly initiated for the review of such judgment have not been finally terminated or the period within which such proceedings may be initiated has not expired;

 

-23-


(22) Liens 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 in the ordinary course of business;

(23) Liens (i) of a collection bank arising under Section 4-210 of the Uniform Commercial Code on items in the course of collection, (ii) attaching to commodity trading accounts or other commodity brokerage accounts incurred in the ordinary course of business, and (iii) in favor of banking institutions arising as a matter of law encumbering deposits (including the right of set-off) and which are within the general parameters customary in the banking industry;

(24) Liens deemed to exist in connection with Investments in repurchase agreements permitted under Section 4.09 hereof; provided that such Liens do not extend to any assets other than those that are the subject of such repurchase agreement;

(25) Liens encumbering reasonable customary initial deposits and margin deposits and similar Liens attaching to commodity trading accounts or other brokerage accounts incurred in the ordinary course of business and not for speculative purposes; and

(26) Liens that are contractual rights of set-off (i) relating to the establishment of depository relations with banks not given in connection with the issuance of Indebtedness, (ii) relating to pooled deposit or sweep accounts of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to permit satisfaction of overdraft or similar obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries or (iii) relating to purchase orders and other agreements entered into with customers of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business.

For purposes of this definition, the term “Indebtedness” shall be deemed to include interest on such Indebtedness.

Person ” means any individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, association, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, government or any agency or political subdivision thereof or any other entity.

Preferred Stock ” means any Equity Interest with preferential rights of payment of dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution, or winding up.

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

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

Qualified Proceeds ” means the fair market value of assets that are used or useful in, or Capital Stock of any Person engaged in, a Similar Business.

Rating Agencies ” means Moody’s and S&P or if Moody’s or S&P or both shall not make a rating on the Notes publicly available, a nationally recognized statistical rating agency or agencies, as the case may be, selected by any Issuer which shall be substituted for Moody’s or S&P or both, as the case may be.

 

-24-


Receivables Facility ” means any of one or more receivables financing facilities as amended, supplemented, modified, extended, renewed, restated or refunded from time to time, the Obligations of which are non-recourse (except for customary representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities made in connection with such facilities) to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than a Receivables Subsidiary) pursuant to which the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries sells its accounts receivable to either (a) a Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary or (b) a Receivables Subsidiary that in turn sells its accounts receivable to a Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary.

Receivables Fees ” means distributions or payments made directly or by means of discounts with respect to any accounts receivable or participation interest therein issued or sold in connection with, and other fees paid to a Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary in connection with, any Receivables Facility.

Receivables Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary formed for the purpose of, and that solely engages only in one or more Receivables Facilities and other activities reasonably related thereto.

Record Date ” for the interest or Additional Interest, if any, payable on any applicable Interest Payment Date means March 15 or September 15 (whether or not a Business Day) immediately preceding such Interest Payment Date.

Registration Rights Agreement ” means the Registration Rights Agreement with respect to the Notes and the Senior Subordinated Notes, dated as of the Issue Date, among the Issuers, the Guarantors and the Initial Purchasers, 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 between the Issuers 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 Issuers to the purchasers of Additional Notes to register such Additional Notes under the Securities Act.

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 applicable.

Regulation S Permanent Global Note ” means a permanent Global Note in the form of Exhibit A 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 upon expiration of the Restricted Period.

Regulation S Temporary Global Note ” means a temporary Global Note in the form of Exhibit A hereto, bearing the Global Note Legend, the Private Placement Legend and the Regulation S Temporary Global Note 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 Notes initially sold in reliance on Rule 903.

Regulation S Temporary Global Note Legend ” means the legend set forth in Section 2.06(g)(iii) hereof.

Related Business Assets ” means assets (other than cash or Cash Equivalents) used or useful in a Similar Business, provided that any assets received by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary

 

-25-


in exchange for assets transferred by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary shall not be deemed to be Related Business Assets if they consist of securities of a Person, unless upon receipt of the securities of such Person, such Person would become a Restricted Subsidiary.

Representative ” means any trustee, agent or other representative for an issue of Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers.

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

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

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

Restricted Investment ” means an Investment other than a Permitted Investment.

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

Restricted Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, at any time, any direct or indirect Subsidiary of such Person (including any Foreign Subsidiary) that is not then an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided , however , that upon an Unrestricted Subsidiary ceasing to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary, such Subsidiary shall be included in the definition of “Restricted Subsidiary.” Unless otherwise indicated in this Indenture, all references to Restricted Subsidiaries shall mean Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company, including, without limitation, Finance Co.

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.

S&P ” means Standard & Poor’s, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., and any successor to its rating agency business.

Sale and Lease-Back Transaction ” means any arrangement providing for the leasing by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of any real or tangible personal property, which property has been or is to be sold or transferred by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary to a third Person in contemplation of such leasing.

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

 

-26-


Secured Indebtedness ” means any Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries secured by a Lien.

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

Senior Credit Facilities ” means the Credit Facility under the Credit Agreement to be entered into as of the Issue Date by and among the Company, the lenders party thereto in their capacities as lenders thereunder and Lehman Commercial Paper Inc., as Administrative Agent, including any guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements executed in connection therewith, and any amendments, supplements, modifications, extensions, renewals, restatements, refundings or refinancings thereof and any indentures or credit facilities or commercial paper facilities with banks or other institutional lenders or investors that replace, refund or refinance any part of the loans, notes, other credit facilities or commitments thereunder, including any such replacement, refunding or refinancing facility or indenture that increases the amount borrowable thereunder or alters the maturity thereof ( provided that such increase in borrowings is permitted under Section 4.09 hereof).

Senior Indebtedness ” means:

(1) all Indebtedness of any Issuer or any Guarantor outstanding under the Senior Credit Facilities or Notes and related Guarantees (including interest accruing on or after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy or similar proceeding or for reorganization of any Issuer or any Guarantor (at the rate provided for in the documentation with respect thereto, regardless of whether or not a claim for post-filing interest is allowed in such proceedings)), and any and all other fees, expense reimbursement obligations, indemnification amounts, penalties, and other amounts (whether existing on the Issue Date or thereafter created or incurred) and all obligations of any Issuer or any Guarantor to reimburse any bank or other Person in respect of amounts paid under letters of credit, acceptances or other similar instruments;

(2) all Hedging Obligations (and guarantees thereof) owing to a Lender (as defined in the Senior Credit Facilities) or any Affiliate of such Lender (or any Person that was a Lender or an Affiliate of such Lender at the time the applicable agreement giving rise to such Hedging Obligation was entered into); provided, that such Hedging Obligations are permitted to be incurred under the terms of this Indenture;

(3) any other Indebtedness of any Issuer or any Guarantor permitted to be incurred under the terms of this Indenture, unless the instrument under which such Indebtedness is incurred expressly provides that it is on a parity with or subordinated in right of payment to the Senior Subordinated Notes or any related Guarantee; and

(4) all Obligations with respect to the items listed in the preceding clauses (1), (2) and (3);

provided , however , that Senior Indebtedness shall not include:

(a) any obligation of such Person to the Issuers or any of their Subsidiaries;

(b) any liability for federal, state, local or other taxes owed or owing by such Person;

 

-27-


(c) any accounts payable or other liability to trade creditors arising in the ordinary course of business;

(d) any Indebtedness or other Obligation of such Person which is subordinate or junior in any respect to any other Indebtedness or other Obligation of such Person; or

(e) that portion of any Indebtedness which at the time of incurrence is incurred in violation of this Indenture; provided , however that such Indebtedness shall be deemed not to have been incurred in violation of this Indenture for purposes of this clause if such Indebtedness consists of Designated Senior Indebtedness, and the holder(s) of such Indebtedness or their agent or representative (a) had no actual knowledge at the time of incurrence that the incurrence of such Indebtedness violated this Indenture and (b) shall have received a certificate from an officer of the Issuers to the effect that the incurrence of such Indebtedness does not violate the provisions of this Indenture.

Senior Subordinated Indebtedness ” means:

(1) with respect to the Issuers, Indebtedness which ranks equal in right of payment to the Notes issued by the Issuers; and

(2) with respect to any Guarantor, Indebtedness which ranks equal in right of payment to the Guarantee of such entity of the Notes.

Senior Notes ” means the $325,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Issuers’ 9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015 issued on the Issue Date and any additional notes (as defined in the indenture, dated as of the date hereof, among the Issuers, the Guarantors party thereto and the Trustee, governing the Senior Notes).

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

Significant Subsidiary ” means any Restricted 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 Issue Date.

Similar Business ” means any business conducted or proposed to be conducted by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on the Issue Date and any reasonable extension thereof or any business that is similar, reasonably related, incidental or ancillary thereto.

Sponsor Management Agreement ” means the management agreement between certain of the management companies associated with the Investors and the Issuers, as amended from time to time.

Subordinated Indebtedness ” means, with respect to the Notes,

(1) any Indebtedness of any Issuer which is by its terms subordinated in right of payment to the Notes, and

(2) any Indebtedness of any Guarantor which is by its terms subordinated in right of payment to the Guarantee of such entity of the Notes.

 

-28-


Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person:

(1) any corporation, association, or other business entity (other than a partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or similar 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) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time of determination owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof or is consolidated under GAAP with such Person at such time; and

(2) any partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or similar entity of which

(x) more than 50% of the capital accounts, distribution rights, total equity and voting interests or general or limited partnership interests, as applicable, are owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof whether in the form of membership, general, special or limited partnership or otherwise, and

(y) such Person or any Restricted Subsidiary of such Person is a controlling general partner or otherwise controls such entity.

Total Assets ” means the total assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, as shown on the most recent balance sheet of the Company or such other Person as may be expressly stated.

Transaction ” means the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement, the issuance of the Notes, the Senior Subordinated Notes and borrowings under the Senior Credit Facilities as in effect on the Issue Date and the refinancing of debt in existence on the Issue Date, including the tender offer and consent solicitation of the 8.25% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 issued by Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.

Transaction Agreement ” means the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of February 10, 2007, among Crunch Holding Corp., Peak Holdings LLC, Peak Acquisition Corp. and Peak Finance LLC.

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 three Business Days prior to the date the applicable notice of redemption is given (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 April 1, 2012.

Trust Indenture Act ” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (15 U.S.C §§ 77aaa-777bbbb).

Trustee ” means Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee, until a successor replaces it in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Indenture and thereafter means the successor serving hereunder.

 

-29-


Unrestricted Definitive Note ” means one or more Definitive Notes that do not bear and are not required to bear the Private Placement Legend.

Unrestricted Global Note ” means a permanent Global Note, substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto, that bears the Global Note Legend and that has the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” attached thereto, and that is deposited with or on behalf of and registered in the name of the Depositary, representing Notes that do not bear the Private Placement Legend.

Unrestricted Subsidiary ” means:

(1) any Subsidiary of the Company which at the time of determination is an Unrestricted Subsidiary (as designated by the Company, as provided below); and

(2) any Subsidiary of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

The Company may designate any Subsidiary of the Company (including any existing Subsidiary and any newly acquired or newly formed Subsidiary) to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary unless such Subsidiary or any of its Subsidiaries owns any Equity Interests or Indebtedness of, or owns or holds any Lien on, any property of, the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company (other than solely any Subsidiary of the Subsidiary to be so designated); provided that

(1) any Unrestricted Subsidiary must be an entity of which the Equity Interests entitled to cast at least a majority of the votes that may be cast by all Equity Interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or Persons performing a similar function are owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company;

(2) such designation complies with Section 4.07 hereof; and

(3) each of:

(a) the Subsidiary to be so designated; and

(b) its Subsidiaries

has not at the time of designation, and does not thereafter, create, incur, issue, assume, guarantee or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable with respect to any Indebtedness pursuant to which the lender has recourse to any of the assets of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary.

The Company may designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that, immediately after giving effect to such designation, no Default shall have occurred and be continuing and either:

(1) the Company could incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Test; or

(2) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries would be equal to or greater than such ratio for the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries immediately prior to such designation,

in each case on a pro forma basis taking into account such designation.

 

-30-


Any such designation by the Company shall be notified by any Issuer to the Trustee by promptly filing with the Trustee a copy of the resolution of the board of directors of the Company or any committee thereof giving effect to such designation and an Officer’s Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the foregoing provisions.

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

Voting Stock ” of any 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.

Weighted Average Life to Maturity ” means, when applied to any Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, as the case may be, at any date, the quotient obtained by dividing:

(1) the sum of the products of the number of years from the date of determination to the date of each successive scheduled principal payment of such Indebtedness or redemption or similar payment with respect to such Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock multiplied by the amount of such payment; by

(2) the sum of all such payments.

Wholly-Owned Subsidiary ” of any Person means a Subsidiary of such Person, 100% of the outstanding Equity Interests of which (other than directors’ qualifying shares) shall at the time be owned by such Person or by one or more Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries of such Person.

Section 1.02 Other Definitions .

 

Term

   Defined in
Section

“Acceptable Commitment”

   4.10

“Affiliate Transaction”

   4.11

“Asset Sale Offer”

   4.10

“Authentication Order”

   2.02

“Blockage Notice”

   10.03

“Change of Control Offer”

   4.14

“Change of Control Payment”

   4.14

“Change of Control Payment Date”

   4.14

“Covenant Defeasance”

   8.03

“Covenant Suspension Event”

   4.16

“DTC”

   2.03

“Event of Default”

   6.01

“Excess Proceeds”

   4.10

“Guarantee Blockage Notice”

   12.03

“Guarantee Payment Blockage Period”

   12.03

“Guarantor Non-Payment Default”

   12.03

“Guarantor Payment Default”

   12.03

“incur”

   4.09

“Legal Defeasance”

   8.02

“Non-Payment Default”

   10.03

“Note Register”

   2.03

 

-31-


Term

   Defined in
Section

“Offer Amount”

   3.09

“Offer Period”

   3.09

“Pari Passu Indebtedness”

   4.10

“pay its Guarantee”

   12.03

“pay the Notes”

   10.03

“Paying Agent”

   2.03

“Payment Blockage Period”

   10.03

“Payment Default”

   10.03

“Purchase Date”

   3.09

“Redemption Date”

   3.07

“Refinancing Indebtedness”

   4.09

“Refunding Capital Stock”

   4.07

“Registrar”

   2.03

“Restricted Payments”

   4.07

“Reversion Date”

   4.16

“Second Commitment”

   4.10

“Successor Company”

   5.01

“Successor Person”

   5.01

“Suspended Covenants”

   4.16

“Suspension Period”

   4.16

“Treasury Capital Stock”

   4.07

Section 1.03 Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act .

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

The following Trust Indenture Act 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 Guarantees means the Issuers and the Guarantors, respectively, and any successor obligor upon the Notes and the Guarantees, respectively.

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

 

-32-


Section 1.04 Rules of Construction .

Unless the context otherwise requires:

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

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

(c) “or” is not exclusive;

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

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

(f) provisions apply to successive events and transactions;

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

(h) unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to an “Article,” “Section” or “clause” refers to an Article, Section or clause, as the case may be, of this Indenture; and

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

Section 1.05 Acts of Holders .

(a) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to be given or taken by Holders may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such Holders in person or by an agent duly appointed in writing. Except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments or record or both are delivered to the Trustee and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Issuers. Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent, or the holding by any Person of a Note, shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Indenture and (subject to Section 7.01) conclusive in favor of the Trustee and the Issuers, if made in the manner provided in this Section 1.05.

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

(c) The ownership of Notes shall be proved by the Note Register.

 

-33-


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

(e) The Issuers may, in the circumstances permitted by the Trust Indenture Act, set a record date for purposes of determining the identity of Holders entitled to give any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or take any other act, or to vote or consent to any action by vote or consent authorized or permitted to be given or taken by Holders. Unless otherwise specified, if not set by the Issuers prior to the first solicitation of a Holder made by any Person in respect of any such action, or in the case of any such vote, prior to such vote, any such record date shall be the later of 30 days prior to the first solicitation of such consent or the date of the most recent list of Holders furnished to the Trustee prior to such solicitation.

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

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

(h) The Issuers may fix a record date for the purpose of determining the Persons who are beneficial owners of interests in any Global Note held by the Depositary entitled under the procedures of such Depositary to make, give or take, by a proxy or proxies duly appointed in writing, any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided in this Indenture to be made, given or taken by Holders. If such a record date is fixed, the Holders on such record date or their duly appointed proxy or proxies, and only such Persons, shall be entitled to make, give or take such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action, whether or not such Holders remain Holders after such record date. No such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action shall be valid or effective if made, given or taken more than 90 days after such record date.

ARTICLE 2

THE NOTES

Section 2.01 Form and Dating; Terms .

(a) General . The Notes and the Trustee’s certificate of authentication shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto. The Notes may have notations, legends or endorsements required by law, stock exchange rules or usage. Each Note shall be dated the date of its authentication. The Notes shall be in minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

 

-34-


(b) Global Notes . Notes issued in global form shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto (including the Global Note Legend thereon and the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” attached thereto). Notes issued in definitive form shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached 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 shall represent such of the outstanding Notes as shall be specified in the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” attached thereto and each shall provide that it shall represent up to the aggregate principal amount of Notes 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 applicable, 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 represented thereby shall 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.

(c) Temporary Global Notes . Notes offered and sold in reliance on Regulation S shall be issued initially in the form of the Regulation S Temporary Global Note, which shall be deposited on behalf of the purchasers of the Notes represented thereby with the Custodian 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 Issuers and authenticated by the Trustee as hereinafter provided. The Restricted Period shall be terminated upon the receipt by the Trustee of:

(i) 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 each Regulation S Temporary Global Note, to the extent the Depositary, Euroclear and Clearstream provide such certificates in the ordinary course of their business (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 shall take delivery of a beneficial ownership interest in a 144A Global Note bearing the Private Placement Legend, all as contemplated by Section 2.06(b) hereof); and

(ii) an Officer’s Certificate from the Issuers.

Following the termination of the Restricted Period, beneficial interests in each Regulation S Temporary Global Note shall be exchanged for beneficial interests in a Regulation S Permanent Global Note of the same series pursuant to the Applicable Procedures. Simultaneously with the authentication of the corresponding Regulation S Permanent Global Note, the Trustee shall cancel the corresponding Regulation S Temporary Global Note. The aggregate principal amount of a Regulation S Temporary Global Note and a Regulation S Permanent Global Note 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) Terms . The aggregate principal amount of Notes that may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited.

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

 

-35-


The Notes shall be subject to repurchase by the Issuers pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer as provided in Section 4.10 hereof or a Change of Control Offer as provided in Section 4.14 hereof. The Notes shall not be redeemable, other than as provided in Article 3.

Additional Notes ranking pari passu with the Initial Notes may be created and issued from time to time by the Issuers without notice to or consent of the Holders and shall be consolidated with and form a single class with the Initial Notes and shall have the same terms as to status, redemption or otherwise as the Initial Notes; provided that the Issuers’ ability to issue Additional Notes shall be subject to the Issuers’ compliance with Section 4.09 hereof.

(e) 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 shall be applicable to transfers of beneficial interests in the Regulation S Temporary Global Note and the Regulation S Permanent Global Notes that are held by Participants through Euroclear or Clearstream.

Section 2.02 Execution and Authentication .

At least one Officer shall execute the Notes on behalf of each Issuer 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 shall nevertheless be valid.

A Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under this Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose until authenticated substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto by the manual signature of the Trustee. The signature shall be conclusive evidence that the Note has been duly authenticated and delivered under this Indenture.

On the Issue Date, the Trustee shall, upon receipt of an Issuer Order (an “ Authentication Order ”), authenticate and deliver the Initial Notes. In addition, at any time, from time to time, the Trustee shall upon an Authentication Order authenticate and deliver any Additional Notes and Exchange Notes for an aggregate principal amount specified in such Authentication Order for such Additional Notes or Exchange Notes issued hereunder. Each Note shall be dated the date of its authentication by the Trustee.

The Trustee may appoint an authenticating agent acceptable to the Issuers 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, the Issuers or Affiliates of the Issuers.

Section 2.03 Registrar and Paying Agent .

The Issuers shall maintain (i) an office or agency where Notes may be presented for registration of transfer or for exchange (“ Registrar ”) and (ii) an office or agency in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York, the State of New York where Notes may be presented for payment (“ Paying Agent ”). The Registrar shall keep a register of the Notes (“ Note Register ”) and of their transfer and exchange. The Issuers may appoint one or more additional paying agents. The term “Paying Agent” includes the Paying Agent and any additional paying agent. The Registrar shall have an office or agency in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York, the State of New York where Notes may be presented for transfer and exchange. The Issuers may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without prior notice to

 

-36-


any Holder. The Issuers shall notify the Trustee in writing of the name and address of any Agent not a party to this Indenture. If the Issuers fail to appoint or maintain another entity as Registrar or Paying Agent, the Trustee shall, to the extent that it is capable, act as such. Either Issuer or any Subsidiaries of the Issuers may act as Paying Agent or Registrar.

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

The Issuers initially appoint the Trustee to act as the Registrar and the Paying Agent for the Notes and to act as Custodian with respect to the Global Notes.

Section 2.04 Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust .

The Issuers shall require each Paying Agent other than the Trustee to agree in writing that the Paying Agent shall hold in trust for the benefit of Holders or the Trustee all money held by the Paying Agent for the payment of principal, premium, if any, or Additional Interest, if any, or interest on the Notes, and will notify the Trustee of any default by the Issuers 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 Issuers 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 an Issuer or a Subsidiary) shall have no further liability for the money. If an Issuer or a Subsidiary acts as Paying Agent, it shall segregate and hold in a separate trust fund for the benefit of the Holders all money held by it as Paying Agent. Upon any bankruptcy or reorganization proceedings relating to an Issuer, the Trustee shall serve as Paying Agent for the Notes.

Section 2.05 Holder Lists .

The Trustee shall preserve in as current a form as is reasonably practicable the most recent list available to it of the names and addresses of all Holders and shall otherwise comply with Trust Indenture Act Section 312(a). If the Trustee is not the Registrar, the Issuers shall furnish to the Trustee at least five Business Days before each Interest Payment Date and at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, a list in such form and as of such date as the Trustee may reasonably require of the names and addresses of the Holders and the Issuers shall otherwise comply with Trust Indenture Act Section 312(a).

Section 2.06 Transfer and Exchange .

(a) Transfer and Exchange of Global Notes . Except as otherwise set forth in this Section 2.06, a Global Note may be transferred, in whole and not in part, only to another nominee of the applicable Depositary or to a successor thereto or a nominee of such successor thereto. A beneficial interest in a Global Note may not be exchanged for a Definitive Note unless (i) the Depositary (x) notifies the Issuers that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for such Global Note or (y) has ceased to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, and, in either case, a successor Depositary is not appointed by the Issuers within 120 days or (ii) there shall have occurred and be continuing an Event of Default with respect to the Notes. Upon the occurrence of any of the preceding events in (i) or (ii) above, Definitive Notes delivered in exchange for any Global Note or beneficial interests therein will be registered in the names, and issued in any approved denominations, requested by or on behalf of the Depositary (in accordance with its customary procedures). 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 authenticated and delivered in exchange for, or in lieu of, a Global Note or any portion thereof, pursuant to this Section 2.06 or

 

-37-


Section 2.07 or 2.10 hereof, shall be authenticated and delivered in the form of, and shall be, a Global Note, except for Definitive Notes issued subsequent to any of the preceding events in (i) or (ii) above and pursuant to Section 2.06(c) hereof. A Global Note may not be exchanged for another Note other than as provided in this Section 2.06(a); provided , 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 shall be effected through the Depositary in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture and the Applicable Procedures. Beneficial interests in the Restricted Global Notes shall 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 shall require compliance with either subparagraph (i) or (ii) below, as applicable, as well as one or more of the other following subparagraphs, as applicable:

(i) Transfer of Beneficial Interests in the Same Global Note . Beneficial interests in any Restricted Global Note may be transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in the same Restricted Global Note 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 may be transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note. 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)(i).

(ii) 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)(i) hereof, the transferor of such beneficial interest must deliver to the Registrar either (A) (1) 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 (2) instructions given in accordance with the Applicable Procedures containing information regarding the Participant account to be credited with such increase or (B) (1) 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 of the same series in an amount equal to the beneficial interest to be transferred or exchanged and (2) 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 a 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. Upon consummation of an Exchange Offer by the Issuers in accordance with Section 2.06(f) hereof, the requirements of this Section 2.06(b)(ii) 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.

 

-38-


(iii) 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)(ii) hereof and the Registrar receives the following:

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

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

(iv) 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 may be exchanged by any holder thereof for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note if the exchange or transfer complies with the requirements of Section 2.06(b)(ii) hereof and:

(A) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to the Exchange Offer in accordance with the 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 (1) a Broker-Dealer, (2) a Person participating in the distribution of the Exchange Notes or (3) a Person who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Issuers;

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

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

(D) the Registrar receives the following:

(1) 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 of the same series, a certificate from such Holder substantially in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (1)(a) thereof; or

(2) 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 of the same 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

 

-39-


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 has not yet been issued, the Issuers 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 in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of beneficial interests transferred pursuant to subparagraph (B) or (D) above.

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

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

(i) Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes to Restricted Definitive Notes . If any holder of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a Restricted Definitive Note or to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Restricted Definitive Note, then, upon the occurrence of any of the events in paragraph (i) or (ii) of Section 2.06(a) hereof and receipt by the Registrar of the following documentation:

(A) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a Restricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such holder substantially 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 substantially in the form of 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 substantially in the form of 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 substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(a) thereof;

(E) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to the Issuers or any of their Restricted Subsidiaries, a certificate substantially in the form of 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 substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(c) thereof,

 

-40-


the Trustee shall cause the aggregate principal amount of the applicable Global Note to be reduced accordingly pursuant to Section 2.06(h) hereof, and the Issuers shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and mail to the Person designated in the instructions a Definitive Note in the applicable 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 mail 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)(i) shall bear the Private Placement Legend and shall be subject to all restrictions on transfer contained therein.

(ii) Beneficial Interests in Regulation S Temporary Global Note to Definitive Notes . Notwithstanding Sections 2.06(c)(i)(A) and (C) hereof, a beneficial interest in the Regulation S Temporary Global Note may not be exchanged for a Definitive Note or transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Definitive 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(b)(3)(ii)(B) of 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.

(iii) Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes . A holder of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note may exchange such beneficial interest for an Unrestricted Definitive Note or may transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note only upon the occurrence of any of the events in subsection (i) or (ii) of Section 2.06(a) hereof and if:

(A) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to the Exchange Offer in accordance with the 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 (1) a Broker-Dealer, (2) a Person participating in the distribution of the Exchange Notes or (3) a Person who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Issuers;

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

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

(D) the Registrar receives the following:

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

(2) 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 an Unrestricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such holder substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (4) thereof;

 

-41-


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.

(iv) Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes . If any holder of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a Definitive Note or to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Definitive Note, then, upon the occurrence of any of the events in subsection (i) or (ii) of Section 2.06(a) hereof and satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 2.06(b)(ii) hereof, the Trustee shall cause the aggregate principal amount of the applicable Global Note to be reduced accordingly pursuant to Section 2.06(h) hereof, and the Issuers shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and mail to the Person designated in the instructions a Definitive Note in the applicable principal amount. Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest pursuant to this Section 2.06(c)(iv) 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 or through the applicable Depositary and the Participant or Indirect Participant. The Trustee shall mail such Definitive Notes to the Persons in whose names such Notes are so registered. Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest pursuant to this Section 2.06(c)(iv) shall not bear the Private Placement Legend.

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

(i) Restricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes . If any Holder of a Restricted Definitive Note proposes to exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note or to transfer such Restricted Definitive Note to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note, 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 substantially 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 substantially in the form of 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 substantially in the form of 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 substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(a) thereof;

 

-42-


(E) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to the Issuers or any of their Restricted Subsidiaries, a certificate substantially in the form of 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 substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(c) thereof,

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

(ii) Restricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes . A Holder of a Restricted Definitive Note may exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note 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 only if:

(A) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to the Exchange Offer in accordance with the 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 (1) a Broker-Dealer, (2) a Person participating in the distribution of the Exchange Notes or (3) a Person who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Issuers;

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

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

(D) the Registrar receives the following:

(1) 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 substantially in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (1)(c) thereof; or

(2) 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 substantially 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.

 

-43-


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

(iii) Unrestricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes . A Holder of an Unrestricted Definitive Note may exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or transfer such Definitive Notes to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note at any time. Upon receipt of a request for such an exchange or transfer, the Trustee shall 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 subparagraph (ii)(B), (ii)(D) or (iii) above at a time when an Unrestricted Global Note has not yet been issued, the Issuers 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 in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of Definitive Notes so transferred.

(e) Transfer and Exchange of Definitive Notes for Definitive Notes . Upon request by a Holder of Definitive Notes and such Holder’s compliance with the provisions of this Section 2.06(e), the Registrar shall register the transfer or exchange of Definitive Notes. Prior to such registration of transfer or exchange, the requesting Holder shall 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 shall provide any additional certifications, documents and information, as applicable, required pursuant to the following provisions of this Section 2.06(e):

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

(A) if the transfer will be made pursuant to a QIB in accordance with Rule 144A, then the transferor must deliver a certificate substantially 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; or

(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 required by item (3) thereof, if applicable.

 

-44-


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

(A) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to the Exchange Offer in accordance with the 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 (1) a Broker-Dealer, (2) a Person participating in the distribution of the Exchange Notes or (3) a Person who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Issuers;

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

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

(D) the Registrar receives the following:

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

(2) 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 substantially 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.

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

(f) Exchange Offer . Upon the occurrence of the Exchange Offer in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement, the Issuers shall issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.02 hereof and an Opinion of Counsel in accordance with Sections 2.06(b)(iv) and 2.06(c)(iii) hereof, the Trustee shall authenticate (i) one or more Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the beneficial interests in the Restricted Global Notes tendered for acceptance by Persons that certify in the applicable Letters of Transmittal that (x) they are not Broker-Dealers, (y) they are not participating in a distribution of the Exchange Notes and (z) they are not affiliates (as defined in Rule 144) of the Issuers, and accepted for exchange in the Exchange Offer and (ii) Unrestricted Definitive Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Restricted Definitive Notes tendered for acceptance by Persons that certify in the applicable Letters of Transmittal that (x) they are not Broker-Dealers, (y) they are not participating in a distribution of the Exchange Notes and (z) they are not affiliates (as defined in Rule 144) of the Issuers, and accepted for

 

-45-


exchange in the Exchange Offer. Concurrently with the issuance of such Notes, the Trustee shall cause the aggregate principal amount of the applicable Restricted Global Notes to be reduced accordingly, and the Issuers shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and mail to the Persons designated by the Holders of Definitive Notes so accepted Unrestricted Definitive Notes in the applicable principal amount. Any Notes that remain outstanding after the consummation of the Exchange Offer, and Exchange Notes issued in connection with the Exchange Offer, shall be treated as a single class of securities under this Indenture.

(g) Legends . The following legends shall 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:

(i) 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 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) AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT PRIOR TO (X) THE DATE WHICH IS [ IN THE CASE OF RULE 144A GLOBAL NOTES: TWO YEARS (OR SUCH SHORTER PERIOD OF TIME AS PERMITTED BY RULE 144(k) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR ANY SUCCESSOR PROVISION THEREUNDER)][ IN THE CASE OF REGULATION S GLOBAL NOTES: 40 DAYS] AFTER THE LATER OF THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE HEREOF (OR OF ANY PREDECESSOR OF THIS NOTE) OR THE LAST DAY ON WHICH THE ISSUERS OR ANY AFFILIATE OF THE ISSUERS 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 AN ISSUER, (B) PURSUANT TO A REGISTRATION STATEMENT WHICH HAS BEEN DECLARED EFFECTIVE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (C) FOR SO LONG AS THE NOTES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR RESALE PURSUANT TO RULE 144A, TO A PERSON IT REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER” AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT 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 INSIDE THE UNITED STATES, (D) PURSUANT TO OFFERS AND SALES TO NON-U.S. PERSONS THAT OCCUR OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE MEANING OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR (E) PURSUANT TO ANY OTHER AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION

 

-46-


REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND (2) 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 ISSUERS, THE TRUSTEE AND THE REGISTRAR SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT PRIOR TO ANY SUCH OFFER, SALE OR TRANSFER (I) PURSUANT TO CLAUSE (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 THE 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 “UNITED STATES” AND “U.S. PERSON” HAVE THE MEANINGS GIVEN TO THEM BY REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.”

In addition, in the case of any Note that is a Regulation S Global Note, such Note shall bear an additional legend substantially in the following form unless otherwise agreed to by the Issuers and the Holder of such Note:

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

(B) Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Global Note or Definitive Note issued pursuant to subparagraph (b)(iv), (c)(iii), (c)(iv), (d)(ii), (d)(iii), (e)(ii), (e)(iii) or (f) of this Section 2.06 (and all Notes issued in exchange therefor or substitution thereof) shall not bear the Private Placement Legend.

(ii) Global Note Legend . Each Global Note representing Notes shall 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 (I) THE TRUSTEE MAY MAKE SUCH NOTATIONS HEREON AS MAY BE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.06(h) OF THE INDENTURE, (II) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE BUT NOT IN PART PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.06(a) OF THE INDENTURE, (III) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE DELIVERED TO THE TRUSTEE FOR CANCELLATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.11 OF THE INDENTURE AND (IV) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY WITH THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE ISSUERS. 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

 

-47-


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 ISSUERS OR THEIR 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.”

(iii) Regulation S Temporary Global Note Legend . The Regulation S Temporary Global Note shall 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).”

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

(i) General Provisions Relating to Transfers and Exchanges .

(i) To permit registrations of transfers and exchanges, the Issuers shall execute and the Trustee shall 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.

(ii) No service charge shall 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 Issuers 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 2.07, 2.10, 3.06, 3.09, 4.10, 4.14 and 9.05 hereof).

 

-48-


(iii) Neither the Registrar nor the Issuers shall be required to register the transfer of or exchange any Note selected for redemption or tendered (and not withdrawn) for repurchase with a Change of Control Offer or an Asset Sale Offer, in whole or in part, except the unredeemed or unpurchased portion of any Note being redeemed or repurchased in part.

(iv) All Global Notes and Definitive Notes issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Global Notes or Definitive Notes shall be the valid obligations of the Issuers, 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.

(v) The Issuers shall not be required (A) to issue, to register the transfer of or to exchange any Notes during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of any selection of Notes 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 or tendered (and not withdrawn) for repurchase with a Change of Control Offer or an Asset Sale Offer, in whole or in part, except the unredeemed or unpurchased portion of any Note being redeemed or repurchased in part or (C) to register the transfer of or to exchange a Note between a Record Date and the next succeeding Interest Payment Date.

(vi) Prior to due presentment for the registration of a transfer of any Note, the Trustee, any Agent and the Issuers 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 premium, if any) and interest (including Additional Interest, if any) on such Notes and for all other purposes, and none of the Trustee, any Agent or the Issuers shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

(vii) Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Note at the office or agency of the Issuers designated pursuant to Section 4.02 hereof, the Issuers shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and mail, in the name of the designated transferee or transferees, one or more replacement Notes of any authorized denomination or denominations of a like aggregate principal amount.

(viii) At the option of the Holder, Notes may be exchanged for other Notes of any authorized denomination or denominations of a like aggregate principal amount upon surrender of the Notes to be exchanged at such office or agency. Whenever any Global Notes or Definitive Notes are so surrendered for exchange, the Issuers shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and mail, the replacement Global Notes and Definitive Notes which the Holder making the exchange is entitled to in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.02 hereof.

(ix) 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, the Registrar or the Issuers and the Trustee receives evidence to its satisfaction of the ownership and destruction, loss or theft of any Note, the Issuers shall issue and the Trustee, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, shall authenticate a replacement Note if the Trustee’s requirements are met. If required by the Trustee or the Issuers, an

 

-49-


indemnity bond must be supplied by the Holder that is sufficient in the reasonable judgment of the Trustee and the Issuers to protect the Issuers, the Trustee, any Agent and any authenticating agent from any loss that any of them may suffer if a Note is replaced. The Issuers may charge for their expenses in replacing a Note.

Every replacement Note is a contractual obligation of the Issuers and shall 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 Notes outstanding at any time are all the Notes 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 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 either Issuer or an Affiliate of either Issuer holds the 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 bona fide 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 Issuers, a Subsidiary or an Affiliate of either Issuer) 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 shall be deemed to be no longer outstanding and shall cease to accrue interest.

Section 2.09 Treasury Notes .

In determining whether the Holders of the required principal amount of Notes have concurred in any direction, waiver or consent, Notes owned by either Issuer, or by any Affiliate of either Issuer, shall be considered as though not outstanding, except that for the purposes of determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying on any such direction, waiver or consent, only Notes that a Responsible Officer of the Trustee knows are so owned shall be so disregarded. Notes so owned which have been pledged in good faith shall not be disregarded if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee’s right to deliver any such direction, waiver or consent with respect to the Notes and that the pledgee is not either Issuer or any obligor upon the Notes or any Affiliate of either Issuer or of such other obligor.

Section 2.10 Temporary Notes .

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

 

-50-


Holders and beneficial holders, as the case may be, of temporary Notes shall be entitled to all of the benefits accorded to Holders, or beneficial holders, respectively, of Notes under this Indenture.

Section 2.11 Cancellation .

The Issuers at any time may deliver Notes to the Trustee for cancellation. The Registrar and Paying Agent shall forward to the Trustee any Notes surrendered to them for registration of transfer, exchange or payment. The Trustee or, at the direction of the Trustee, the Registrar or the Paying Agent and no one else shall cancel all Notes surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange, payment, replacement or cancellation and shall destroy cancelled Notes (subject to the record retention requirement of the Exchange Act). Certification of the destruction of all cancelled Notes shall be delivered to the Issuers. The Issuers 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 Issuers default in a payment of interest on the Notes, they shall pay the defaulted interest in any lawful manner plus, to the extent lawful, interest payable on the defaulted interest to the Persons who are Holders on a subsequent special record date, in each case at the rate provided in the Notes and in Section 4.01 hereof. The Issuers shall notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of defaulted interest proposed to be paid on each Note and the date of the proposed payment, and at the same time the Issuers shall deposit with the Trustee an amount of money equal to the aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of such defaulted interest or shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for such deposit prior to the date of the proposed payment, such money when deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such defaulted interest as provided in this Section 2.12. The Trustee shall fix or cause to be fixed each such special record date and payment date; provided that no such special record date shall be less than 10 days prior to the related payment date for such defaulted interest. The Trustee shall promptly notify the Issuers of such special record date. At least 15 days before the special record date, the Issuers (or, upon the written request of the Issuers, the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Issuers) shall mail or cause to be mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to each Holder, with a copy to the Trustee, a notice at his or her address as it appears in the Note Register that states the special record date, the related payment date and the amount of such interest to be paid.

Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.12 and for greater certainty, each Note delivered under this Indenture upon registration of transfer of or in exchange for or in lieu of any other Note shall carry the rights to interest accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, which were carried by such other Note.

Section 2.13 CUSIP/ISIN Numbers .

The Issuers in issuing the Notes may use CUSIP and ISIN numbers (if then generally in use) and, if so, the Trustee shall use CUSIP and ISIN numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders; provided , that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers either as printed on the Notes or contained in any notice of redemption and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Notes, and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers. The Issuers will as promptly as practicable notify the Trustee of any change in the CUSIP and ISIN numbers.

 

-51-


ARTICLE 3

REDEMPTION

Section 3.01 Notices to Trustee .

If the Issuers elect to redeem Notes pursuant to Section 3.07 hereof, they shall furnish to the Trustee, at least 2 Business Days before notice of redemption is required to be mailed or caused to be mailed to Holders pursuant to Section 3.03 hereof but not more than 60 days before a Redemption Date, an Officer’s Certificate setting forth (i) the paragraph or subparagraph of such Note and/or Section of this Indenture pursuant to which the redemption shall occur, (ii) the Redemption Date, (iii) the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed and (iv) the redemption price.

Section 3.02 Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed or Purchased .

If less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed or purchased in an offer to purchase at any time, the Trustee shall select the Notes to be redeemed or purchased (a) if the Notes are listed on any national securities exchange, in compliance with the requirements of the principal national securities exchange on which the Notes are listed, (b) on a pro rata basis to the extent practicable or, to the extent that selection on a pro rata basis is not practicable for any reason, by lot or by such other method the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate, or (c) by lot or such other similar method in accordance with the procedures with the Depositary. In the event of partial redemption or purchase by lot, the particular Notes to be redeemed or purchased shall be selected, unless otherwise provided herein, not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date by the Trustee from the outstanding Notes not previously called for redemption or purchase.

The Trustee shall promptly notify the Issuers in writing of the Notes selected for redemption or purchase and, in the case of any Note selected for partial redemption or purchase, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed or purchased. Notes and portions of Notes selected shall be in amounts of $2,000 or whole multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof; no Notes of less than $2,000 can be redeemed in part, 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 Notes called for redemption or purchase.

Section 3.03 Notice of Redemption .

Subject to Section 3.09 hereof, the Issuers shall mail or cause to be mailed by first-class mail, postage prepaid, notices of redemption at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the Redemption Date to each Holder of Notes to be redeemed at such Holder’s registered address or otherwise in accordance with Applicable Procedures, except that redemption notices may be mailed more than 60 days prior to a Redemption Date if the notice is issued in connection with Article 8 or Article 13 hereof. Except as set forth in Section 3.07(f) hereof, notices of redemption may not be conditional.

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

(a) the Redemption Date;

(b) the redemption price;

 

-52-


(c) if any Note is to be redeemed in part only, the portion of the principal amount of that Note that is to be redeemed and that, after the Redemption Date upon surrender of such Note, a new Note or Notes in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the original Note representing the same indebtedness to the extent not redeemed will be issued in the name of the Holder of the Notes upon cancellation of the original Note;

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

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

(f) that, unless the Issuers default in making such redemption payment, interest on Notes called for redemption ceases to accrue on and after the Redemption Date, subject to the satisfaction of any conditions pursuant to Section 3.07(f) hereof;

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

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

(i) to the extent provided in Section 3.07(f), any condition to such redemption.

At the Issuers’ request, the Trustee shall give the notice of redemption in the Issuers’ name and at its expense; provided that the Issuers shall have delivered to the Trustee, at least 2 Business Days before notice of redemption is required to be mailed or caused to be mailed to Holders pursuant to this Section 3.03 (unless a shorter notice shall be agreed to by the Trustee), an Officer’s 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 (except as provided for in Section 3.07(f) hereof). The notice, if mailed in a manner herein provided, shall be conclusively presumed to have been given, whether or not the Holder receives such notice. In any case, failure to give such notice by mail or any defect in the notice to the Holder of any Note designated for redemption in whole or in part shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any other Note. Subject to Section 3.05 hereof and the satisfaction of any conditions pursuant to Section 3.07(f) hereof, on and after the Redemption Date, interest ceases to accrue on Notes or portions of Notes called for redemption.

Section 3.05 Deposit of Redemption or Purchase Price .

(a) With respect to the Notes, prior to 10:00 a.m. (New York City time) on the redemption or purchase date, the Issuers shall deposit with the Trustee or with the Paying Agent money sufficient to pay the redemption or purchase price of and accrued and unpaid interest (including Additional Interest, if any) on all Notes to be redeemed or purchased on that date. The Trustee or the Paying Agent shall promptly return to the Issuers any money deposited with the Trustee or the Paying Agent by the Issuers in excess of the amounts necessary to pay the redemption price of, and accrued and unpaid interest on, all Notes to be redeemed or purchased.

 

-53-


(b) If the Issuers comply with the provisions of the preceding paragraph (a), on and after the redemption or purchase date, interest shall cease to accrue on the Notes or the portions of Notes called for redemption or purchase, subject to the satisfaction of any conditions pursuant to Section 3.07(f) hereof. If a Note is redeemed or purchased on or after a Record Date but on or prior to the related Interest Payment Date, then any accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption or purchase date 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 shall not be so paid upon surrender for redemption or purchase because of the failure of the Issuers 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 accrued to the redemption or purchase date not paid on such unpaid principal, in each case at the rate provided in the 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 Issuers shall issue and the Trustee shall authenticate for the Holder at the expense of the Issuers a new Note equal in principal amount to the unredeemed or unpurchased portion of the Note surrendered representing the same indebtedness to the extent not redeemed or purchased; provided that each new Note will be in a principal amount of $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof. It is understood that, notwithstanding anything in this Indenture to the contrary, only an Authentication Order and not an Opinion of Counsel or Officer’s Certificate is required for the Trustee to authenticate such new Note, except that the Trustee is permitted to request an Opinion of Counsel or an Officer’s Certificate if a Default or an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

Section 3.07 Optional Redemption .

(a) At any time prior to April 1, 2012, the Issuers may redeem all or a part of the Notes upon notice in accordance with Section 3.03 hereof, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of such Notes redeemed plus the Applicable Premium as of, and accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the date of redemption (the “ Redemption Date ”), subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date.

(b) Until April 1, 2010, the Issuers may, at their option, redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes issued by them at a redemption price equal to 110.625% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the Redemption Date, subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date, with the net cash proceeds received by them from one or more Equity Offerings; provided that (i) at least 50% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes originally issued under this Indenture remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of each such redemption; and (ii) each such redemption occurs within 90 days of the date of closing of each such Equity Offering.

(c) Except pursuant to clause (a) or (b) of this Section 3.07, the Notes will not be redeemable at the Issuers’ option prior to April 1, 2012.

(d) On and after April 1, 2012, the Issuers may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, upon notice in accordance with Section 3.03 hereof at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of

 

-54-


principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the Redemption Date, subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on April 1 of each of the years indicated below:

 

Year

   Notes
Percentage
 

2012

   105.313 %

2013

   103.542 %

2014

   101.771 %

2015 and thereafter

   100.000 %

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

(f) Any redemption pursuant to Section 3.07 hereof may, at the Issuers’ discretion, be subject to one or more conditions precedent, including, but not limited to, the completion of an Equity Offering or other corporate transaction.

Section 3.08 Mandatory Redemption .

The Issuers shall not be required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes.

Section 3.09 Offers to Repurchase by Application of Excess Proceeds .

(a) In the event that, pursuant to Section 4.10 hereof, the Issuers shall be required to commence an Asset Sale Offer, they shall follow the procedures specified below.

(b) The Asset Sale Offer shall remain open for a period of 20 Business Days following its commencement and no longer, except to the extent that a longer period is required by applicable law (the “ Offer Period ”). No later than five Business Days after the termination of the Offer Period (the “ Purchase Date ”), the Issuers shall apply all Excess Proceeds (the “ Offer Amount ”) to the purchase of Notes and, if required, Pari Passu Indebtedness (on a pro rata basis, if applicable), or, if less than the Offer Amount has been tendered, all Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness tendered in response to the Asset Sale Offer. Payment for any Notes so purchased shall be made in the same manner as interest payments are made.

(c) If the Purchase Date is on or after a Record Date and on or before the related Interest Payment Date, any accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, up to but excluding the Purchase Date, shall be paid to the Person in whose name a Note is registered at the close of business on such Record Date, and no additional interest shall be payable to Holders who tender Notes pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer.

(d) Upon the commencement of an Asset Sale Offer, the Issuers shall send, by first-class mail, a notice to each of the Holders, with a copy to the Trustee. The notice shall contain all instructions and materials necessary to enable such Holders to tender Notes pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer.

 

-55-


The Asset Sale Offer shall be made to all Holders and holders of Pari Passu Indebtedness. The notice, which shall govern the terms of the Asset Sale Offer, shall state:

(i) that the Asset Sale Offer is being made pursuant to this Section 3.09 and Section 4.10 hereof and the length of time the Asset Sale Offer shall remain open;

(ii) the Offer Amount, the purchase price and the Purchase Date;

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

(iv) that, unless the Issuers default in making such payment, any Note accepted for payment pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer shall cease to accrue interest after the Purchase Date;

(v) that Holders electing to have a Note purchased pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer may elect to have Notes purchased in denominations of $2,000 or whole multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof;

(vi) that Holders electing to have a Note purchased pursuant to any Asset Sale Offer shall be required to surrender the Note, with the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” attached to the Note completed, or transfer by book-entry transfer, to the Issuers, the Depositary, if applicable, or a Paying Agent at the address specified in the notice at least three days before the Purchase Date;

(vii) that Holders shall be entitled to withdraw their election if the Issuers, the Depositary or the Paying Agent, as the case may be, receives, not later than the expiration of the Offer Period, a telegram, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the Holder, the principal amount of the Note the Holder delivered for purchase and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing his election to have such Note purchased;

(viii) that, if the aggregate principal amount of Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness surrendered by the holders thereof exceeds the Offer Amount, the Issuers shall select the Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness to be purchased on a pro rata basis to the extent practicable based on the accreted value or principal amount of the Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness tendered (with such adjustments as may be deemed appropriate by the Trustee so that only Notes in denominations of $2,000 or whole multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof shall be purchased) or otherwise in accordance with Applicable Procedures; and

(ix) that Holders whose Notes were purchased only in part shall be issued new Notes equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered (or transferred by book-entry transfer) representing the same indebtedness to the extent not repurchased.

(e) On or before the Purchase Date, the Issuers shall, to the extent lawful, (1) accept for payment, on a pro rata basis to the extent necessary, the Offer Amount of Notes or portions thereof validly tendered pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer, or if less than the Offer Amount has been tendered, all Notes tendered and (2) deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee the Notes properly accepted together with an Officer’s Certificate stating the aggregate principal amount of Notes or portions thereof so tendered.

 

-56-


(f) The Issuers, the Depositary or the Paying Agent, as the case may be, shall promptly mail or deliver to each tendering Holder an amount equal to the purchase price of the Notes properly tendered by such Holder and accepted by the Issuers for purchase, and the Issuers shall promptly issue a new Note, and the Trustee, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, shall authenticate and mail or deliver (or cause to be transferred by book-entry) such new Note to such Holder (it being understood that, notwithstanding anything in this Indenture to the contrary, no Opinion of Counsel or Officer’s Certificate is required for the Trustee to authenticate and mail or deliver such new Note, except that the Trustee is permitted to request an Opinion of Counsel or an Officer’s Certificate if a Default or an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing) in a principal amount equal to any unpurchased portion of the Note surrendered representing the same indebtedness to the extent not repurchased; provided , that each such new Note shall be in a principal amount of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. Any Note not so accepted shall be promptly mailed or delivered by the Issuers to the Holder thereof. The Issuers shall publicly announce the results of the Asset Sale Offer on or as soon as practicable after the Purchase Date.

Other than as specifically provided in this Section 3.09 or Section 4.10 hereof, any purchase pursuant to this Section 3.09 shall be made pursuant to the applicable provisions of Sections 3.01 through 3.06 hereof.

ARTICLE 4

COVENANTS

Section 4.01 Payment of Notes .

The Issuers, jointly and severally, shall pay or cause to be paid the principal of, premium, if any, Additional Interest, if any, and interest on the Notes on the dates and in the manner provided in the Notes. Principal, premium, if any, Additional Interest, if any, and interest shall be considered paid on the date due if the Paying Agent, if other than the Issuers or a Subsidiary of an Issuer, holds as of noon Eastern Time on the due date money deposited by the Issuers in immediately available funds and designated for and sufficient to pay all principal, premium, if any, and interest then due.

The Issuers shall pay all Additional Interest, if any, in the same manner on the dates and in the amounts set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.

The Issuers shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal at the rate equal to the then applicable interest rate on the Notes to the extent lawful; they shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest and Additional Interest (without regard to any applicable grace period) at the same rate to the extent lawful.

Section 4.02 Maintenance of Office or Agency .

The Issuers shall maintain the offices or agencies (which may be an office of the Trustee or an affiliate of the Trustee or Registrar) required under Section 2.03 where Notes may be surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Issuers in respect of the Notes and this Indenture may be served. The Issuers shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of such office or agency. If at any time the Issuers shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee.

 

-57-


The Issuers may also from time to time designate one or more other offices or agencies where the Notes may be presented or surrendered for any or all such purposes and may from time to time rescind such designations; provided that no such designation or rescission shall in any manner relieve the Issuers of their obligation to maintain such offices or agencies as required by Section 2.03 for such purposes. The Issuers shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such other office or agency.

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

Section 4.03 Reports and Other Information .

(a) Notwithstanding that the Company may not be subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act or otherwise report on an annual and quarterly basis on forms provided for such annual and quarterly reporting pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC, the Company shall file with the SEC (and make available to the Trustee and Holders of the Notes (without exhibits), without cost to any Holder, within 15 days after the Company files them with the SEC) from and after the Issue Date,

(1) within 90 days (or any other time period then in effect under the rules and regulations of the Exchange Act with respect to the filing of a Form 10-K by a non-accelerated filer) after the end of each fiscal year, annual reports on Form 10-K, or any successor or comparable form, containing the information required to be contained therein, or required in such successor or comparable form;

(2) within 45 days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year, reports on Form 10-Q containing all quarterly information that would be required to be contained in Form 10-Q, or any successor or comparable form;

(3) promptly from time to time after the occurrence of an event required to be therein reported, such other reports on Form 8-K, or any successor or comparable form; and

(4) any other information, documents and other reports which the Company would be required to file with the SEC if it were subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act;

in each case, in a manner that complies in all material respects with the requirements specified in such form; provided that the Company shall not be so obligated to file such reports with the SEC if the SEC does not permit such filing, in which event the Company shall make available such information to prospective purchasers of Notes, in addition to providing such information to the Trustee and the Holders of the Notes, in each case within 15 days after the time the Company would be required to file such information with the SEC, if it were subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Delivery of such reports, information and documents to the Trustee is for informational purposes only, and the Trustee’s receipt of such shall not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein, including the Company’s compliance with any of its covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on Officers’ Certificates). In addition, to the extent not satisfied by the foregoing, the Company shall furnish to Holders and to securities analysts and prospective investors, upon their request, the information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act.

 

-58-


(b) In the event that any direct or indirect parent company of the Company becomes a guarantor of the Notes, the Company may satisfy its obligations under this Section 4.03 with respect to financial information relating to the Company by furnishing financial information relating to such parent; provided that the same is accompanied by consolidating information that explains in reasonable detail the differences between the information relating to such parent, on the one hand, and the information relating to the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a standalone basis, on the other hand.

(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the requirements of this Section 4.03 shall be deemed satisfied prior to the commencement of the Exchange Offer or the effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement by (1) the filing with the SEC of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement or Shelf Registration Statement (or any other similar registration statement), and any amendments thereto, with such financial information that satisfies Regulation S-X of the Securities Act, subject to exceptions consistent with the presentation of financial information in the Offering Memorandum, or (2) by posting on its website or providing to the Trustee within 15 days of the time periods after the Company would have been required to file annual and interim reports with the SEC, the financial information (including a “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section) that would be required to be included in such reports, subject to exceptions consistent with the presentation of financial information in the Offering Memorandum.

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company will not be deemed to have failed to comply with any of its obligations hereunder for purposes of clause of clause (3) of Section 6.01 until at least 120 days after the date any report hereunder is due.

Section 4.04 Compliance Certificate .

(a) Each Issuer and each Guarantor (to the extent that such Guarantor is so required under the Trust Indenture Act) shall deliver to the Trustee, within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year ending after the Issue Date, a certificate from the principal executive officer, principal financial officer or principal accounting officer stating that a review of the activities of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries during the preceding fiscal year has been made under the supervision of the signing Officer with a view to determining whether the Issuers have kept, observed, performed and fulfilled their obligations under this Indenture, and further stating, as to such Officer signing such certificate, that to the best of his or her knowledge, the Issuers have kept, observed, performed and fulfilled each and every condition and covenant contained in this Indenture and are not in default in the performance or observance of any of the terms, provisions, covenants and conditions of this Indenture (or, if a Default shall have occurred, describing all such Defaults of which he or she may have knowledge and what action the Issuers are taking or propose to take with respect thereto).

(b) When any Default has occurred and is continuing under this Indenture, or if the Trustee or the holder of any other evidence of Indebtedness of the Company or any Subsidiary gives any notice or takes any other action with respect to a claimed Default, the Issuers shall promptly (which shall be no more than twenty (20) Business Days) deliver to the Trustee by registered or certified mail or by facsimile transmission an Officer’s Certificate specifying such event and what action the Issuers propose to take with respect thereto.

Section 4.05 Taxes .

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

 

-59-


Section 4.06 Stay, Extension and Usury Laws .

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

Section 4.07 Limitation on Restricted Payments .

(a) The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly:

(I) declare or pay any dividend or make any payment or distribution on account of the Company’s, or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries’ Equity Interests, including any dividend or distribution payable in connection with any merger or consolidation other than:

(a) dividends or distributions by the Company payable solely in Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company; or

(b) dividends or distributions by a Restricted Subsidiary so long as, in the case of any dividend or distribution payable on or in respect of any class or series of securities issued by a Restricted Subsidiary other than a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary, the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary receives at least its pro rata share of such dividend or distribution in accordance with its Equity Interests in such class or series of securities;

(II) purchase, redeem, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value any Equity Interests of the Company or any direct or indirect parent of the Company, including in connection with any merger or consolidation;

(III) make any principal payment on, or redeem, repurchase, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value in each case, prior to any scheduled repayment, sinking fund payment or maturity, any Subordinated Indebtedness, other than:

(a) Indebtedness permitted under clauses (7) and (8) of Section 4.09(b) hereof; or

(b) the purchase, repurchase or other acquisition of Subordinated Indebtedness purchased in anticipation of satisfying a sinking fund obligation, principal installment or final maturity, in each case due within one year of the date of purchase, repurchase or acquisition; or

(IV) make any Restricted Investment

 

-60-


(all such payments and other actions set forth in clauses (I) through (IV) above (other than any exception thereto contained in clauses (I) through (IV)) being collectively referred to as “ Restricted Payments ”), unless, at the time of such Restricted Payment:

(1) no Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a consequence thereof;

(2) immediately after giving effect to such transaction on a pro forma basis, the Company could incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in Section 4.09(a) hereof (the “ Fixed Charge Coverage Test ”); and

(3) such Restricted Payment, together with the aggregate amount of all other Restricted Payments made by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries after the Issue Date (including Restricted Payments permitted by clauses (1), (2) (with respect to the payment of dividends on Refunding Capital Stock (as defined below) pursuant to clause (b) thereof only), (6)(c), (9) and (14) of Section 4.07(b) hereof, but excluding all other Restricted Payments permitted by Section 4.07(b) hereof, is less than the sum of (without duplication):

(a) 50% of the Consolidated Net Income of the Company for the period (taken as one accounting period) beginning January 1, 2007, to the end of the Company’s recently ended fiscal quarter for which internal financial statements are available at the time of such Restricted Payment, or, in the case such Consolidated Net Income for such period is a deficit, minus 100% of such deficit; plus

(b) 100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds and the fair market value of marketable securities or other property received by the Company since immediately after the Issue Date (other than net cash proceeds to the extent such net cash proceeds have been used to incur Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock pursuant to clause (12)(a) of Section 4.09(b) hereof) from the issue or sale of:

(i)(A) Equity Interests of the Company, excluding cash proceeds and the fair market value of marketable securities or other property received from the sale of:

(x) Equity Interests to members of management, directors or consultants of the Company, any direct or indirect parent company of the Company and the Company’s Subsidiaries after the Issue Date to the extent such amounts have been applied to Restricted Payments made in accordance with clause (4) Section 4.07(b) hereof; and

(y) Designated Preferred Stock;

and (B) to the extent such net cash proceeds are actually contributed to the Company, Equity Interests of the Company’s direct or indirect parent companies (excluding contributions of the proceeds from the sale of Designated Preferred Stock of such companies or contributions to the extent such amounts have been applied to Restricted Payments made in accordance with clause (6) of Section 4.07(b) hereof; or

 

-61-


(ii) debt securities of the Company that have been converted into or exchanged for such Equity Interests of the Company;

provided , however , that this clause (b) shall not include the proceeds from (W) Refunding Capital Stock (as defined below), (X) Equity Interests or convertible debt securities of the Company sold to a Restricted Subsidiary, (Y) Disqualified Stock or debt securities that have been converted into Disqualified Stock or (Z) Excluded Contributions; plus

(c) 100% of the aggregate amount of cash and the fair market value of marketable securities or other property contributed to the capital of the Company following the Issue Date (other than (i) net cash proceeds to the extent such net cash proceeds have been used to incur Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock pursuant to clause (12)(a) of Section 4.09(b) hereof, (ii) contributions from a Restricted Subsidiary and (iii) any Excluded Contributions); plus

(d) 100% of the aggregate amount received in cash and the fair market value of marketable securities or other property received by means of:

(i) the sale or other disposition (other than to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary) of Restricted Investments made by the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries and repurchases and redemptions of such Restricted Investments from the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries and repayments of loans or advances, and releases of guarantees, which constitute Restricted Investments by the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries, in each case after the Issue Date; or

(ii) the sale (other than to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary) of the stock of an Unrestricted Subsidiary or a distribution from an Unrestricted Subsidiary (other than in each case to the extent the Investment in such Unrestricted Subsidiary was made by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to clause (7) of Section 4.07(b) hereof or to the extent such Investment constituted a Permitted Investment) or a dividend from an Unrestricted Subsidiary after the Issue Date; plus

(e) in the case of the redesignation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary after the Issue Date, the fair market value of the Investment in such Unrestricted Subsidiary (which, if the fair market value of such Investment shall exceed $25.0 million, shall be set forth in writing by an Independent Financial Advisor), at the time of the redesignation of such Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary to the extent the Investment in such Unrestricted Subsidiary was made by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to clause (7) of Section 4.07(b) hereof or to the extent such Investment constituted a Permitted Investment.

(b) The foregoing provisions of Section 4.07(a) hereof will not prohibit:

(1) the payment of any dividend within 60 days after the date of declaration thereof, if at the date of declaration such payment would have complied with the provisions of this Indenture;

 

-62-


(2) (a) the redemption, repurchase, retirement or other acquisition of any Equity Interests (“ Treasury Capital Stock ”) or Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company or any Equity Interests of any direct or indirect parent company of the Company, in exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale (other than to a Restricted Subsidiary) of, Equity Interests of the Company or any direct or indirect parent company of the Company to the extent contributed to the Company (in each case, other than any Disqualified Stock and any Excluded Contributions) (“ Refunding Capital Stock ”) and (b) if immediately prior to the retirement of Treasury Capital Stock, the declaration and payment of dividends thereon was permitted under clause (6) of this Section 4.07(b), the declaration and payment of dividends on the Refunding Capital Stock (other than Refunding Capital Stock the proceeds of which were used to redeem, repurchase, retire or otherwise acquire any Equity Interests of any direct or indirect parent company of the Company) in an aggregate amount per year no greater than the aggregate amount of dividends per annum that were declarable and payable on such Treasury Capital Stock immediately prior to such retirement;

(3) the defeasance, redemption, repurchase or other acquisition or retirement of Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary made by exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale of, new Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, which is incurred in compliance with Section 4.09 hereof so long as:

(a) the principal amount (or accreted value) of such new Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount of (or accreted value, if applicable), plus any accrued and unpaid interest on, the Subordinated Indebtedness being so redeemed, repurchased, acquired or retired for value, plus the amount of any reasonable premium (including reasonable tender premiums), defeasance costs and any reasonable fees and expenses incurred in connection with the issuance of such new Indebtedness;

(b) such new Indebtedness is subordinated to the Notes or the applicable Guarantee at least to the same extent as such Subordinated Indebtedness so purchased, exchanged, redeemed, repurchased, acquired or retired for value;

(c) such new Indebtedness has a final scheduled maturity date equal to or later than the final scheduled maturity date of the Subordinated Indebtedness being so redeemed, repurchased, acquired or retired; and

(d) such new Indebtedness has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater than the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Subordinated Indebtedness being so redeemed, repurchased, acquired or retired;

(4) a Restricted Payment to pay for the repurchase, retirement or other acquisition or retirement for value of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company or any of its direct or indirect parent companies held by any future, present or former employee, director or consultant of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of its direct or indirect parent companies pursuant to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement; provided , however , that the aggregate Restricted Payments made under this clause (4) do not exceed in any calendar year $15.0 million (which shall increase to $30.0 million subsequent to the consummation of an underwritten public Equity Offering by the Company or any direct or indirect parent entity of the Company) (with unused amounts in any calendar year being carried over to succeeding calendar years subject to a maximum (without

 

-63-


giving effect to the following proviso) of $20.0 million in any calendar year (which shall increase to $40.0 million subsequent to the consummation of an underwritten public Equity Offering by the Company or any direct or indirect parent corporation of the Company)); provided further that such amount in any calendar year may be increased by an amount equal to:

(a) the cash proceeds from the sale of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company and, to the extent contributed to the Company, Equity Interests of any of the Company’s direct or indirect parent companies, in each case to members of management, directors or consultants of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of its direct or indirect parent companies that occurs after the Issue Date, to the extent the cash proceeds from the sale of such Equity Interests are not Excluded Contributions and have not otherwise been applied to the payment of Restricted Payments by virtue of clause (3) of Section 4.07(a) hereof; plus

(b) the cash proceeds of key man life insurance policies received by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary after the Issue Date; less

(c) the amount of any Restricted Payments previously made with the cash proceeds described in clauses (a) and (b) of this clause (4);

and provided further that cancellation of Indebtedness owing to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary from members of management of the Company, any of the Company’s direct or indirect parent companies or any of the Company’s Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with a repurchase of Equity Interests of the Company or any of its direct or indirect parent companies will not be deemed to constitute a Restricted Payment for purposes of this Section 4.07 or any other provision of this Indenture;

(5) the declaration and payment of dividends to holders of any class or series of Disqualified Stock of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or any class or series of Preferred Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary issued in accordance with Section 4.09 hereof to the extent such dividends are included in the definition of “Fixed Charges”;

(6) (a) the declaration and payment of dividends to holders of any class or series of Designated Preferred Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) issued by the Company after the Issue Date;

(b) the declaration and payment of dividends to a direct or indirect parent company of the Company, the proceeds of which will be used to fund the payment of dividends to holders of any class or series of Designated Preferred Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of such parent corporation issued after the Issue Date, provided that the amount of dividends paid pursuant to this clause (b) shall not exceed the aggregate amount of cash actually contributed to the Company from the sale of such Designated Preferred Stock; or

(c) the declaration and payment of dividends on Refunding Capital Stock that is Preferred Stock in excess of the dividends declarable and payable thereon pursuant to clause (2) of this Section 4.07(b);

provided , however , in the case of each of (a) and (c) of this clause (6), that for the most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date of issuance of such Designated Preferred Stock or the declaration of such

 

-64-


dividends on Refunding Capital Stock that is Preferred Stock, after giving effect to such issuance or declaration on a pro forma basis, the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis would have had a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of at least 2.00 to 1.00;

(7) Investments in Unrestricted Subsidiaries having an aggregate fair market value, taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (7) that are at the time outstanding, without giving effect to the sale of an Unrestricted Subsidiary to the extent the proceeds of such sale do not consist of cash or marketable securities, not to exceed the greater of $30.0 million and 1.5% of Total Assets at the time of such Investment (with the fair market value of each Investment being measured at the time made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value);

(8) repurchases of Equity Interests deemed to occur upon exercise of stock options or warrants if such Equity Interests represent a portion of the exercise price of such options or warrants;

(9) the declaration and payment of dividends on the Company’s common stock (or the payment of dividends to any direct or indirect parent entity to fund a payment of dividends on such entity’s common stock), following the first public offering of the Company’s common stock or the common stock of any of its direct or indirect parent companies after the Issue Date, of up to 6% per annum of the net cash proceeds received by or contributed to the Company in or from any such public offering, other than public offerings with respect to the Company’s common stock registered on Form S-8 and other than any public sale constituting an Excluded Contribution;

(10) Restricted Payments that are made with Excluded Contributions;

(11) other Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount taken together with all other Restricted Payments made pursuant to this clause (11) not to exceed 2.0% of Total Assets at the time made;

(12) distributions or payments of Receivables Fees;

(13) any Restricted Payment made in connection with the Transaction and the fees and expenses related thereto or made to fund amounts owed to Affiliates (including dividends to any direct or indirect parent of the Company to fund such payment), in each case to the extent permitted by Section 4.11 hereof;

(14) the repurchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement for value of any Subordinated Indebtedness in accordance with the provisions similar to those described under Section 4.10 and Section 4.14 hereof; provided that all Notes validly tendered by Holders in connection with a Change of Control Offer or Asset Sale Offer, as applicable, have been repurchased, redeemed or acquired for value;

(15) the declaration and payment of dividends or distributions by the Company to, or the making of loans to, any direct or indirect parent in amounts required for any direct or indirect parent companies to pay, in each case without duplication,

(a) franchise and excise taxes and other fees, taxes and expenses required to maintain their corporate existence;

 

-65-


(b) so long as the Company is treated as a pass-through entity of which such direct or indirect parent is owner, member or a partner (directly or through entities that are pass-through entities), or is a member of a consolidated or combined group that includes such direct or indirect parent, federal, state and local income taxes, to the extent such income taxes are attributable to the income of the Company and its Subsidiaries; provided that in each case the amount of such payments in any fiscal year does not exceed the amount that the Company and its Subsidiaries would be required to pay in respect of federal, state and local taxes for such fiscal year were the Company and its Subsidiaries (to the extent described above) members of a consolidated or combined group of which the Company was the common parent;

(c) customary salary, bonus and other benefits payable to officers and employees of any direct or indirect parent company of the Company to the extent such salaries, bonuses and other benefits are attributable to the ownership or operation of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(d) general corporate operating and overhead costs and expenses of any direct or indirect parent company of the Company to the extent such costs and expenses are attributable to the ownership or operation of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries; and

(e) fees and expenses other than to Affiliates of the Company related to any unsuccessful equity or debt offering of such parent entity; and

(16) the distribution, by dividend or otherwise, of shares of Capital Stock of, or Indebtedness owed to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary by, Unrestricted Subsidiaries (other than Unrestricted Subsidiaries, the primary assets of which are cash and/or Cash Equivalents);

provided , however , that at the time of, and after giving effect to, any Restricted Payment permitted under clauses (11) and (16) of this Section 4.07(b), no Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a consequence thereof.

(c) The Company will not permit any Unrestricted Subsidiary to become a Restricted Subsidiary except pursuant to the last sentence of the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary.” For purposes of designating any Restricted Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, all outstanding Investments by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries (except to the extent repaid) in the Subsidiary so designated will be deemed to be Restricted Payments in an amount determined as set forth in the last sentence of the definition of “Investment.” Such designation will be permitted only if a Restricted Payment in such amount would be permitted at such time, whether pursuant to Section 4.07(a) hereof or under clause (7), (10) or (11) of Section 4.07(b) hereof, or pursuant to the definition of “Permitted Investments,” and if such Subsidiary otherwise meets the definition of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

Section 4.08 Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries .

(a) The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors to, directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or consensual restriction on the ability of any such non-Guarantor Restricted Subsidiary to:

(1) (A) pay dividends or make any other distributions to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries on its Capital Stock or with respect to any other interest or participation in, or measured by, its profits, or

 

-66-


(B) pay any Indebtedness owed to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(2) make loans or advances to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; or

(3) sell, lease or transfer any of its properties or assets to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.

(b) The restrictions in Section 4.08(a) hereof shall not apply to encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason of:

(1) contractual encumbrances or restrictions in effect on the Issue Date, including pursuant to the Senior Credit Facilities and the related documentation, Hedging Obligations and the indenture governing the Senior Notes and the related documentation;

(2) this Indenture and the Notes;

(3) purchase money obligations for property acquired in the ordinary course of business that impose restrictions of the nature discussed in clause (3) of Section 4.08(a) hereof on the property so acquired;

(4) applicable law or any applicable rule, regulation or order;

(5) any agreement or other instrument of a Person acquired by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in existence at the time of such acquisition or at the time it merges with or into the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or assumed in connection with the acquisition of assets from such Person (but, in any such case, not created in contemplation thereof), which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person and its Subsidiaries, or the property or assets of the Person and its Subsidiaries, so acquired or the property or assets so assumed;

(6) contracts for the sale of assets, including customary restrictions with respect to a Subsidiary of the Company pursuant to an agreement that has been entered into for the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the Capital Stock or assets of such Subsidiary;

(7) Secured Indebtedness otherwise permitted to be incurred pursuant to Section 4.09 and Section 4.12 hereof that limit the right of the debtor to dispose of the assets securing such Indebtedness;

(8) restrictions on cash or other deposits or net worth imposed by customers under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business;

(9) other Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of Foreign Subsidiaries permitted to be incurred subsequent to the Issue Date pursuant to the provisions of Section 4.09 hereof;

 

-67-


(10) customary provisions in joint venture agreements and other agreements or arrangements relating solely to such joint venture;

(11) customary provisions contained in leases, licenses or similar agreements, including with respect to intellectual property and other agreements, in each case, entered into in the ordinary course of business;

(12) any encumbrances or restrictions of the type referred to in clauses (1), (2) and (3) of Section 4.08(a) hereof imposed by any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings of the contracts, instruments or obligations referred to in clauses (1) through (11) of this Section 4.08(b); provided that such amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings are, in the good faith judgment of the Company, no more restrictive with respect to such encumbrance and other restrictions taken as a whole than those prior to such amendment, modification, restatement, renewal, increase, supplement, refunding, replacement or refinancing; and

(13) restrictions created in connection with any Receivables Facility that, in the good faith determination of the Company, are necessary or advisable to effect such Receivables Facility.

Section 4.09 Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock .

(a) The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, issue, assume, guarantee or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable, contingently or otherwise (collectively, “ incur ” and collectively, an “ incurrence ”) with respect to any Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness) and the Company will not issue any shares of Disqualified Stock and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to issue any shares of Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock; provided , however , that the Company may incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness) or issue shares of Disqualified Stock, and any Restricted Subsidiary may incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness), issue shares of Disqualified Stock and issue shares of Preferred Stock, if the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio on a consolidated basis for the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries’ most recently ended four fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date on which such additional Indebtedness is incurred or such Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock is issued would have been at least 2.00 to 1.00, determined on a pro forma basis (including a pro forma application of the net proceeds therefrom), as if the additional Indebtedness had been incurred, or the Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock had been issued, as the case may be, and the application of proceeds therefrom had occurred at the beginning of such four-quarter period.

(b) The provisions of Section 4.09(a) hereof shall not apply to:

(1) the incurrence of Indebtedness under Credit Facilities by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and the issuance and creation of letters of credit and bankers’ acceptances thereunder (with letters of credit and bankers’ acceptances being deemed to have a principal amount equal to the face amount thereof), up to an aggregate principal amount of $1,600.0 million outstanding at any one time;

(2) the incurrence by the Company and any Guarantor of Indebtedness represented by (a) the Notes (including any Guarantee) and the exchange notes and related guarantees to be issued

 

-68-


in exchange for Notes and the Guarantees pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement (other than any Additional Notes) and (b) the Senior Notes issued on the Issue Date (including any guarantee thereof) and the exchange notes and related exchange guarantees to be issued in exchange for the Senior Notes and the guarantees thereof pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement;

(3) Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries in existence on the Issue Date (other than Indebtedness described in clauses (1) and (2) of this Section 4.09(b));

(4) Indebtedness (including Capitalized Lease Obligations), Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock incurred by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, to finance the purchase, lease or improvement of property (real or personal) or equipment that is used or useful in a Similar Business, whether through the direct purchase of assets or the Capital Stock of any Person owning such assets in an aggregate principal amount, together with any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof and all other Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock and/or Preferred Stock issued and outstanding under this clause (4) not to exceed 4.0% of Total Assets at any time outstanding; so long as such Indebtedness exists at the date of such purchase, lease or improvement, or is created within 270 days thereafter;

(5) Indebtedness incurred by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries constituting reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit issued in the ordinary course of business, including letters of credit in respect of workers’ compensation claims, or other Indebtedness with respect to reimbursement type obligations regarding workers’ compensation claims; provided , that upon the drawing of such letters of credit or the incurrence of such Indebtedness, such obligations are reimbursed within 30 days following such drawing or incurrence;

(6) Indebtedness arising from agreements of the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries providing for indemnification, adjustment of purchase price or similar obligations, in each case, incurred or assumed in connection with the disposition of any business, assets or a Subsidiary, other than guarantees of Indebtedness incurred by any Person acquiring all or any portion of such business, assets or a Subsidiary for the purpose of financing such acquisition; provided , however , that such Indebtedness is not reflected on the balance sheet of the Company, or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (contingent obligations referred to in a footnote to financial statements and not otherwise reflected on the balance sheet will not be deemed to be reflected on such balance sheet for purposes of this clause (6));

(7) Indebtedness of the Company to a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that any such Indebtedness owing to a Restricted Subsidiary that is not Finance Co. or a Guarantor is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Notes; provided further that any subsequent issuance or transfer of any Capital Stock or any other event which results in any Restricted Subsidiary ceasing to be a Restricted Subsidiary or any other subsequent transfer of any such Indebtedness (except to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary) shall be deemed, in each case, to be an incurrence of such Indebtedness;

(8) Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary; provided that if a Guarantor or Finance Co. incurs such Indebtedness to a Restricted Subsidiary that is neither Finance Co. or a Guarantor, such Indebtedness is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Notes, in the case of Finance Co., or the Guarantee of the Notes, in the case of such Guarantor; provided further that any subsequent transfer of any such Indebtedness (except to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary) shall be deemed, in each case, to be an incurrence of such Indebtedness not permitted by this clause (8);

 

-69-


(9) shares of Preferred Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary issued to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary; provided that any subsequent issuance or transfer of any Capital Stock or any other event which results in any such Restricted Subsidiary ceasing to be a Restricted Subsidiary or any other subsequent transfer of any such shares of Preferred Stock (except to the Company or another of its Restricted Subsidiaries) shall be deemed in each case to be an issuance of such shares of Preferred Stock not permitted by this clause (9);

(10) Hedging Obligations (excluding Hedging Obligations entered into for speculative purposes) for the purpose of limiting interest rate risk with respect to any Indebtedness permitted to be incurred pursuant to this Section 4.09, exchange rate risk or commodity pricing risk;

(11) obligations in respect of performance, bid, appeal and surety bonds and completion guarantees provided by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

(12) (a) Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock of the Company and Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary equal to 200.0% of the net cash proceeds received by the Company since immediately after the Issue Date from the issue or sale of Equity Interests of the Company or cash contributed to the capital of the Company (in each case, other than proceeds of an Excluded Contribution or from the issue or sale of Disqualified Stock or sales of Equity Interests to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) as determined in accordance with clauses (3)(b) and (3)(c) of Section 4.07(a) hereof to the extent such net cash proceeds or cash have not been applied pursuant to such clauses to make Restricted Payments or to make other Investments, payments or exchanges pursuant to Section 4.07(b) hereof or to make Permitted Investments (other than Permitted Investments specified in clauses (1) and (3) of the definition thereof) and (b) Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock of the Company and Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary not otherwise permitted hereunder in an aggregate principal amount or liquidation preference, which when aggregated with the principal amount and liquidation preference of all other Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock then outstanding and incurred pursuant to this clause (12)(b), does not at any one time outstanding exceed $150.0 million (it being understood that any Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock incurred pursuant to this clause (12)(b) shall cease to be deemed incurred or outstanding for purposes of this clause (12)(b) but shall be deemed incurred for the purposes of Section 4.09(a) hereof from and after the first date on which the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary could have incurred such Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock under Section 4.09(a) hereof without reliance on this clause (12)(b));

(13) the incurrence by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock which serves to refund or refinance any Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock incurred as permitted under Section 4.09(a) hereof and clauses (2), (3), (4) and (12) of this Section 4.09(b), this clause (13) and clause (14) of this Section 4.09(b) or any Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock issued to so refund or refinance such Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock including additional Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock incurred to pay premiums (including reasonable tender premiums), defeasance costs and fees in connection therewith (the “ Refinancing Indebtedness ”) prior to its respective maturity; provided , however , that such Refinancing Indebtedness:

(a) has a final maturity date later than the final maturity date of, and has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity at the time such Refinancing Indebtedness is incurred which is not less than the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of, the Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock being refunded or refinanced,

 

-70-


(b) to the extent such Refinancing Indebtedness refinances (i) Indebtedness subordinated or pari passu to the Notes or any Guarantee thereof, such Refinancing Indebtedness is subordinated or pari passu to the Notes or the Guarantee at least to the same extent as the Indebtedness being refinanced or refunded or (ii) Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, such Refinancing Indebtedness must be Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, respectively, and

(c) shall not include:

(i) Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of a Subsidiary of the Company that is not a Guarantor (other than Finance Co.) that refinances Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of the Company; or

(ii) Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of a Subsidiary of the Company that is not a Guarantor (other than Finance Co.) that refinances Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of Finance Co. or a Guarantor;

and provided further that subclause (a) of this clause (13) will not apply to any refunding or refinancing of any Senior Indebtedness;

(14) Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of (x) the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary incurred to finance an acquisition or (y) Persons that are acquired by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary or merged into the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary in accordance with the terms of this Indenture; provided, that after giving effect to such acquisition or merger, either

(a) the Company would be permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Test, or

(b) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries is equal to or greater than immediately prior to such acquisition or merger;

(15) 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, provided that such Indebtedness is extinguished within five Business Days of its incurrence;

(16) Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries supported by a letter of credit issued pursuant to any Credit Facilities, in a principal amount not in excess of the stated amount of such letter of credit;

(17) (a) any guarantee by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of Indebtedness or other obligations of any Restricted Subsidiary so long as the incurrence of such Indebtedness incurred by such Restricted Subsidiary is permitted under the terms of this Indenture, or

 

-71-


(b) any guarantee by a Restricted Subsidiary of Indebtedness of the Company; provided that such guarantee is incurred in accordance with Section 4.15 hereof;

(18) Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries consisting of (i) the financing of insurance premiums or (ii) take-or-pay obligations contained in supply arrangements in each case, incurred in the ordinary course of business;

(19) Indebtedness issued by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to current or former officers, directors and employees thereof, their respective estates, spouses or former spouses, in each case to finance the purchase or redemption of Equity Interests of the Company or any direct or indirect parent company of the Company to the extent described in clause (4) of Section 4.07(b) hereof;

(20) Indebtedness of Foreign Subsidiaries of the Company not to exceed at any one time outstanding and together with any other Indebtedness incurred under this clause (20) $50.0 million (it being understood that any Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (20) shall cease to be deemed to be incurred or outstanding for purposes of this clause (20) but shall be deemed incurred for the purposes of Section 4.09(a) from and after the first date on which such Foreign Subsidiary could have incurred such Indebtedness under the first paragraph of this covenant without reliance on this clause (20);

(21) customer deposits and advance payments received in the ordinary course of business from customers for goods purchased in the ordinary course of business;

(22) Indebtedness owed on a short-term basis of no longer than 30 days to banks and other financial institutions incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries with such banks or financial institutions that arises in connection with ordinary banking arrangements to manage cash balances of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(23) Indebtedness incurred by a Restricted Subsidiary in connection with bankers’ acceptances, discounted bills of exchange or the discounting or factoring of receivables for credit management purposes, in each case incurred or undertaken in the ordinary course of business on arm’s length commercial terms on a recourse basis; and

(24) Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries consisting of (i) the financing of insurance premiums or (ii) take-or-pay obligations contained in supply arrangements in each case, incurred in the ordinary course of business.

(c) For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 4.09:

(1) in the event that an item of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock (or any portion thereof) meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of permitted Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock described in clauses (1) through (24) of Section 4.09(b) hereof or is entitled to be incurred pursuant to Section 4.09(a) hereof, the Company, in its sole discretion, will classify or reclassify such item of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock (or any portion thereof) and will only be required to include the amount and type of such Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock in one of the above clauses or under Section 4.09(a); provided that all Indebtedness outstanding under the Credit Facilities on the Issue Date will be treated as incurred on the Issue Date under clause (1) of Section 4.09(b) hereof; and

 

-72-


(2) at the time of incurrence, the Company will be entitled to divide and classify an item of Indebtedness in more than one of the types of Indebtedness described in Section 4.09(a) and Section 4.09(b) hereof.

Accrual of interest or dividends, the accretion of accreted value, the accretion or amortization of original issue discount and the payment of interest or dividends in the form of additional Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, as the case may be, of the same class will not be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock for purposes of this Section 4.09.

For purposes of determining compliance with any U.S. dollar-denominated restriction on the incurrence of Indebtedness, the U.S. dollar-equivalent principal amount of Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency shall be calculated based on the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date such Indebtedness was incurred, in the case of term debt, or first committed, in the case of revolving credit debt; provided that if such Indebtedness is incurred to refinance other Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency, and such refinancing would cause the applicable U.S. dollar-denominated restriction to be exceeded if calculated at the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date of such refinancing, such U.S. dollar-denominated restriction shall be deemed not to have been exceeded so long as the principal amount of such refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount of such Indebtedness being refinanced.

The principal amount of any Indebtedness incurred to refinance other Indebtedness, if incurred in a different currency from the Indebtedness being refinanced, shall be calculated based on the currency exchange rate applicable to the currencies in which such respective Indebtedness is denominated that is in effect on the date of such refinancing.

Section 4.10 Asset Sales .

(a) The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to consummate, directly or indirectly, an Asset Sale, unless:

(1) the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, receives consideration at the time of such Asset Sale at least equal to the fair market value of the assets sold or otherwise disposed of; and

(2) except in the case of a Permitted Asset Swap, at least 75% of the consideration therefor received by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, is in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents; provided that the amount of:

(a) any liabilities (as shown on the Company’s or such Restricted Subsidiary’s most recent balance sheet or in the footnotes thereto or, if incurred or increased subsequent to the date of such balance sheet, such liabilities that would have been shown on the Company’s or such Restricted Subsidiary’s balance sheet or in the footnotes thereto if such incurrence or increase had taken place on the date of such balance sheet, as determined by the Company) of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, other than liabilities that are by their terms subordinated to the Notes, that are assumed by the transferee of any such assets and for which the Company and all of its Restricted Subsidiaries have been validly released by all creditors in writing,

(b) any securities received by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary from such transferee that are converted by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary into cash (to the extent of the cash received) within 180 days following the closing of such Asset Sale, and

 

-73-


(c) any Designated Non-cash Consideration received by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary in such Asset Sale having an aggregate fair market value, taken together with all other Designated Non-cash Consideration received pursuant to this clause (c) that is at that time outstanding, not to exceed 5.0% of Total Assets at the time of the receipt of such Designated Non-cash Consideration, with the fair market value of each item of Designated Non-cash Consideration being measured at the time received and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value,

shall be deemed to be cash for purposes of this provision and for no other purpose.

(b) Within 450 days after the receipt of any Net Proceeds of any Asset Sale, the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, at its option, may apply the Net Proceeds from such Asset Sale,

(1) to permanently reduce:

(a) Obligations under Senior Indebtedness, and to correspondingly reduce commitments with respect thereto;

(b) Obligations under other Senior Subordinated Indebtedness (and to correspondingly reduce commitments with respect thereto), provided , that to the extent the Issuers reduce Obligations under Senior Indebtedness other than the Notes, the Issuers shall equally and ratably reduce Obligations under the Notes as provided under Section 3.07 hereof through open-market purchases (to the extent such purchases are at or above 100% of the principal amount thereof) or by making an offer (in accordance with the procedures set forth below under Section 4.10(c) hereof) to all Holders to purchase their Notes at 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus the amount of accrued but unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, on the amount of Notes that would otherwise be prepaid; or

(c) Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor, other than Indebtedness owed to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary; or

(2) to make (a) an Investment in any one or more businesses, provided that if such business is not a Restricted Subsidiary, such Investment is in the form of the acquisition of Capital Stock and results in the Company or another of its Restricted Subsidiaries, as the case may be, owning an amount of the Capital Stock of such business such that it constitutes a Restricted Subsidiary, (b) an Investment in properties, (c) capital expenditures or (d) acquisitions of other assets, that, in each of clauses (a), (b), (c) and (d), are used or useful in a Similar Business or replace the businesses, properties and/or assets that are the subject of such Asset Sale;

provided that, in the case of clause (2) above, a binding commitment shall be treated as a permitted application of the Net Proceeds from the date of such commitment so long as the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary enters into such commitment with the good faith expectation that such Net Proceeds will be applied to satisfy such commitment within 180 days of such commitment (an “ Acceptable Commitment ”) and, in the event any Acceptable Commitment is later cancelled or terminated for any reason before the Net Proceeds are applied in connection therewith, the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary enters into another Acceptable Commitment (a “ Second Commitment ”) within 180 days of such cancellation or termination; provided further that if any Second Commitment is later cancelled or terminated for any reason before such Net Proceeds are applied, then such Net Proceeds shall constitute Excess Proceeds.

 

-74-


(c) Any Net Proceeds from any Asset Sale that are not invested or applied as provided and within the time period set forth in the first sentence of the preceding paragraph will be deemed to constitute “ Excess Proceeds .” When the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $25.0 million, the Issuers shall make an offer to all Holders of the Notes and, if required by the terms of any Indebtedness that is pari passu with the Notes (“ Pari Passu Indebtedness ”), to the holders of such Pari Passu Indebtedness (an “ Asset Sale Offer ”), to purchase the maximum aggregate principal amount of the Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness that is at least $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 thereafter, that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds at an offer price in cash equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof (or accreted value, if less), plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the date fixed for the closing of such offer, in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Indenture. The Issuers will commence an Asset Sale Offer with respect to Excess Proceeds within ten Business Days after the date that Excess Proceeds exceed $25.0 million by mailing the notice required pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, with a copy to the Trustee. The Issuers may satisfy the foregoing obligations with respect to any Net Proceeds from an Asset Sale by making an Asset Sale Offer with respect to such Net Proceeds prior to the expiration of the relevant 450 days or with respect to Excess Proceeds of $25.0 million or less.

To the extent that the aggregate amount of Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness tendered pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer is less than the Excess Proceeds, the Issuers may use any remaining Excess Proceeds for general corporate purposes, subject to other covenants contained in this Indenture. If the aggregate amount payable in respect of Notes or the Pari Passu Indebtedness surrendered by such holders thereof exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the Issuers shall select the Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness to be purchased on a pro rata basis to the extent practicable based on the accreted value or principal amount of the Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness tendered or otherwise in accordance with Applicable Procedures. Upon completion of any such Asset Sale Offer, the amount of Excess Proceeds shall be reset to zero.

(d) Pending the final application of any Net Proceeds pursuant to this Section 4.10, the holder of such Net Proceeds may apply such Net Proceeds temporarily to reduce Indebtedness outstanding under a revolving credit facility or otherwise invest such Net Proceeds in any manner not prohibited by this Indenture.

(e) The Issuers will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent such laws or regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of the Notes pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of this Indenture, the Issuers will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations described in this Indenture by virtue thereof.

Section 4.11 Transactions with Affiliates .

(a) The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, make any payment to, or sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its properties or assets to, or purchase any property or assets from, or enter into or make or amend any transaction, contract, agreement, understanding, loan, advance or guarantee with, or for the benefit of, any Affiliate of the Company (each of the foregoing, an “ Affiliate Transaction ”) involving aggregate payments or consideration in excess of $10.0 million, unless:

(1) such Affiliate Transaction is on terms that are not materially less favorable to the Company or its relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those that would have been obtained in a comparable transaction by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary with an unrelated Person on an arm’s-length basis; and

 

-75-


(2) the Company delivers to the Trustee with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate payments or consideration in excess of $20.0 million, a resolution adopted by the majority of the board of directors of the Company approving such Affiliate Transaction and set forth in an Officer’s Certificate certifying that such Affiliate Transaction complies with clause (1) of this Section 4.11(a).

(b) The provisions of Section 4.11(a) will not apply to the following:

(1) transactions between or among the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(2) Restricted Payments permitted by Section 4.07 hereof and the definition of “Permitted Investments”;

(3) the payment of management, consulting, monitoring and advisory fees and related expenses to the Investors pursuant to the Sponsor Management Agreement (plus any unpaid management, consulting, monitoring and advisory fees and related expenses accrued in any prior year) and the termination fees pursuant to the Sponsor Management Agreement, or any amendment thereto so long as any such amendment is not more disadvantageous in the good faith judgment of the Company to the Holders when, taken as a whole, compared to the Sponsor Management Agreement in effect on the Issue Date;

(4) the payment of reasonable and customary fees paid to, and indemnities provided for the benefit of, current or former officers, directors, employees or consultants of the Company, any of its direct or indirect parent companies or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(5) transactions in which the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, as the case may be, delivers to the Trustee a letter from an Independent Financial Advisor stating that such transaction is fair to the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary from a financial point of view or stating that the terms are not materially less favorable to the Company or its relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those that would have been obtained in a comparable transaction by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary with an unrelated Person on an arm’s-length basis;

(6) any agreement as in effect as of the Issue Date, or any amendment thereto (so long as any such amendment is not disadvantageous to the Holders when taken as a whole as compared to the applicable agreement as in effect on the Issue Date);

(7) the existence of, or the performance by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of its obligations under the terms of, any stockholders agreement (including any registration rights agreement or purchase agreement related thereto) to which it is a party as of the Issue Date and any similar agreements which it may enter into thereafter; provided , however , that the existence of, or the performance by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of obligations under any future amendment to any such existing agreement or under any similar agreement entered into after the Issue Date shall only be permitted by this clause (7) to the extent that the terms of any such amendment or new agreement are not otherwise disadvantageous to the Holders when taken as a whole;

 

-76-


(8) the Transaction and the payment of all fees and expenses related to the Transaction, in each case as contemplated by the Offering Memorandum;

(9) transactions with customers, clients, suppliers, or purchasers or sellers of goods or services, in each case in the ordinary course of business and otherwise in compliance with the terms of this Indenture which are fair to the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, in the reasonable determination of the board of directors of the Company or the senior management thereof, or are on terms at least as favorable as might reasonably have been obtained at such time from an unaffiliated party;

(10) the issuance of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company to any Permitted Holder or to any director, officer, employee or consultant of the Company, any of its direct or indirect parent companies or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(11) sales of accounts receivable, or participations therein, in connection with any Receivables Facility;

(12) payments by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to any of the Investors made for any financial advisory, financing, underwriting or placement services or in respect of other investment banking activities, including, without limitation, in connection with acquisitions or divestitures which payments are approved by a majority of the board of directors of the Company in good faith;

(13) payments or loans (or cancellation of loans) to employees or consultants of the Company, any of its direct or indirect parent companies or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and employment agreements, stock option plans and other similar arrangements with such employees or consultants which, in each case, are approved by the Company in good faith; and

(14) investments by the Investors in securities of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (and the payment of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Investors in connection therewith) so long as (i) the investment is being offered generally to other investors on the same or more favorable terms and (ii) the investment constitutes less than 5% of the proposed or outstanding issue amount of such class of securities.

Section 4.12 Liens .

The Issuers shall not, and the Company shall not permit any Guarantor to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien (except Permitted Liens) that secures obligations under any Indebtedness ranking pari passu with or subordinated to the Notes or any related Guarantee, on any asset or property of the Issuers or any Guarantor, or any income or profits therefrom, or assign or convey any right to receive income therefrom, unless:

(1) in the case of Liens securing Subordinated Indebtedness, the Notes and related Guarantees are secured by a Lien on such property, assets or proceeds that is senior in priority to such Liens; or

 

-77-


(2) in all other cases, the Notes or the Guarantees are equally and ratably secured, except that the foregoing shall not apply to (A) Liens securing the Notes and the related Guarantees and (B) Liens securing Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers or any Guarantor.

Section 4.13 Corporate Existence .

Subject to Article 5 hereof, the Issuers shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect (i) their corporate or other existence, and the corporate, partnership or other existence of each of the Company’s other Restricted Subsidiaries, in accordance with the respective organizational documents (as the same may be amended from time to time) of the Issuers or any such Restricted Subsidiary and (ii) the rights (charter and statutory), licenses and franchises of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided 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 Restricted Subsidiaries, if the Company in good faith shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

Section 4.14 Offer to Repurchase Upon Change of Control .

If a Change of Control occurs, unless the Issuers have previously or concurrently mailed a redemption notice with respect to all the outstanding Notes pursuant to Section 3.07 hereof, the Issuers shall make an offer to purchase all of the Notes pursuant to the offer described below (the “ Change of Control Offer ”) at a price in cash (the “ Change of Control Payment ”) equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the date of purchase, subject to the right of Holders of the Notes of record on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date. Within 30 days following any Change of Control, the Issuers shall send notice of such Change of Control Offer by first-class mail, with a copy to the Trustee, to each Holder of Notes to the address of such Holder appearing in the security register or otherwise in accordance with Applicable Procedures, with a copy to the Trustee, with the following information:

(1) that a Change of Control Offer is being made pursuant to this Section 4.14 and that all Notes properly tendered pursuant to such Change of Control Offer will be accepted for payment by the Issuers;

(2) the purchase price and the purchase date, which will be no earlier than 30 days nor later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed (the “ Change of Control Payment Date ”);

(3) that any Note not properly tendered will remain outstanding and continue to accrue interest;

(4) that unless the Issuers default 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 on 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 such Notes, with the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” on the reverse of such Notes completed, to the paying agent specified in the notice 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;

 

-78-


(6) that Holders will be entitled to withdraw their tendered Notes and their election to require the Issuers to purchase such Notes, provided that the paying agent receives, not later than the close of business on the expiration date of the Change of Control Offer, a telegram, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the Holder of the Notes, the principal amount of Notes tendered for purchase, and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing its tendered Notes, or a specified portion thereof, and its election to have such Notes purchased;

(7) that if the Issuers are redeeming less than all of the Notes, the Holders of the remaining Notes will be issued new Notes and such new Notes will be equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered. The unpurchased portion of the Notes must be equal to at least $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 thereafter;

(8) if such notice is mailed prior to the occurrence of a Change of Control, stating that the Change of Control Offer is conditional on the occurrence of such Change of Control; and

(9) the other instructions, as determined by the Issuers, consistent with this Section 4.14, that a Holder must follow.

The notice, if mailed in a manner herein provided, shall be conclusively presumed to have been given, whether or not the Holder receives such notice. If (a) the notice is mailed in a manner herein provided and (b) any Holder fails to receive such notice or a Holder receives such notice but it is defective, such Holder’s failure to receive such notice or such defect shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the purchase of the Notes as to all other Holders that properly received such notice without defect. The Issuers shall comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent such laws or regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of Notes pursuant to a Change of Control Offer. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of this Indenture, the Issuers shall comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached their obligations under this Indenture by virtue thereof.

(b) On the Change of Control Payment Date, the Issuers shall, to the extent permitted by law,

(1) accept for payment all Notes issued by them or portions thereof properly tendered pursuant to the Change of Control Offer,

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

(3) deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Trustee for cancellation the Notes so accepted together with an Officer’s Certificate to the Trustee stating that such Notes or portions thereof have been tendered to and purchased by the Issuers.

(c) The Issuers shall not be required to make a Change of Control Offer following a Change of Control if a third party makes the Change of Control Offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth in this Indenture applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by the Issuers and purchases all Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn under such Change of Control Offer. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, a Change of Control Offer may be made in advance of a Change of Control, conditional upon such Change of Control, if a definitive agreement is in place for the Change of Control at the time of making of the Change of Control Offer.

 

-79-


(d) Other than as specifically provided in this Section 4.14, any purchase pursuant to this Section 4.14 shall be made pursuant to the provisions of Sections 3.02, 3.05 and 3.06 hereof.

Section 4.15 Limitation on Guarantees of Indebtedness by Restricted Subsidiaries .

The Company shall not permit any of its Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries that are Restricted Subsidiaries (and non-Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries if such non-Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries guarantee other capital markets debt securities), other than Finance Co. or a Guarantor, to guarantee the payment of any Indebtedness (or any interest on such Indebtedness) of either Issuer or any other Guarantor unless:

(1) such Restricted Subsidiary within 30 days executes and delivers a supplemental indenture to this Indenture, the form of which is attached as Exhibit D hereto, providing for a Guarantee by such Restricted Subsidiary, provided that (a) if such Indebtedness is by its express terms subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or such Guarantor’s Guarantee, any such guarantee by such Restricted Subsidiary with respect to such Indebtedness shall be subordinated in right of payment to such Restricted Subsidiary’s Guarantee substantially to the same extent as such Indebtedness is subordinated to the Notes and (b) if the Notes or such Guarantor’s Guarantee are subordinated in right of payment to such Indebtedness, the Guarantee under the supplemental indenture shall be subordinated to such Restricted Subsidiary’s guarantee with respect to such Indebtedness substantially to the same extent as the Notes are subordinated to such Indebtedness; and

(2) such Restricted Subsidiary waives and shall not in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any rights of reimbursement, indemnity or subrogation or any other rights against the Company or any other Restricted Subsidiary as a result of any payment by such Restricted Subsidiary under its Guarantee;

provided, that this Section 4.15 shall not be applicable to any guarantee of any Restricted Subsidiary that existed at the time such Person became a Restricted Subsidiary and was not incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary.

Section 4.16 Discharge and Suspension of Covenants .

(a) If after the Issue Date (i) the Notes have Investment Grade Ratings from both Rating Agencies and (ii) no Default has occurred and is continuing under this Indenture then, beginning on that day (the occurrence of the events described in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii) being collectively referred to as a “ Covenant Suspension Event ”), Section 4.07 hereof, Section 4.08 hereof, Section 4.09 hereof, Section 4.10 hereof, Section 4.11 hereof, Section 4.14 hereof, Section 4.15 hereof, Section 4.17 hereof and clause (4) of Section 5.01(a) hereof shall not be applicable to the Notes (collectively, the “ Suspended Covenants ”).

(b) During any period that the foregoing covenants have been suspended, the Company may not designate any of its Subsidiaries as Unrestricted Subsidiaries pursuant to the second sentence of the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary.”

(c) In the event that the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries are not subject to the Suspended Covenants under this Indenture for any period of time as a result of the foregoing, and on any subsequent date (the “ Reversion Date ”) one or both of the Rating Agencies withdraw their Investment Grade Rating or downgrade the rating assigned to the Notes below an Investment Grade Rating, then the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries will thereafter again be subject to the Suspended

 

-80-


Covenants under this Indenture with respect to future events. The period of time between the Suspension Date and the Reversion Date is referred to in this Section 4.16 as the “ Suspension Period .” The Guarantees of the Guarantors will be suspended during the Suspension Period. Additionally, upon the occurrence of a Covenant Suspension Event, the amount of Excess Proceeds from Asset Sales shall be reset to zero.

(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of any such reinstatement, no action taken or omitted to be taken by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries prior to such reinstatement will give rise to a Default or Event of Default under this Indenture with respect to the Notes; provided that (1) with respect to Restricted Payments made after such reinstatement, the amount of Restricted Payments made will be calculated as though the limitations contained in Section 4.07 hereof had been in effect prior to, but not during, the Suspension Period; and (2) all Indebtedness incurred, or Disqualified Stock issued, during the Suspension Period will be deemed to have been incurred or issued pursuant to Section 4.09(b)(3).

(e) The Issuers shall deliver promptly to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate notifying it of any such Covenant Suspension Event or Reversion Date under this Section 4.16.

Section 4.17 Limitation on Layering .

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the Issuers shall not, and shall not permit any Guarantor to, directly or indirectly, incur any Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness) that is subordinate in right of payment to any Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer or such Guarantor, as the case may be, unless such Indebtedness is either:

(a) equal in right of payment with the Notes or such Guarantor’s Guarantee of the Notes, as the case may be; or

(b) expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or such Guarantor’s Guarantee of the Notes, as the case may be.

For the purposes of this Indenture, Indebtedness that is unsecured is not deemed to be subordinated or junior to Secured Indebtedness merely because it is unsecured, and Senior Indebtedness is not deemed to be subordinated or junior to any other Senior Indebtedness merely because it has a junior priority with respect to the same collateral.

ARTICLE 5

SUCCESSORS

Section 5.01 Merger, Consolidation or Sale of All or Substantially All Assets .

(a) The Company shall not consolidate or merge with or into or wind up into (whether or not the Company is the surviving corporation), or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties or assets, in one or more related transactions, to any Person unless:

(1) the Company is the surviving entity or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than the Company) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition will have been made is a Person organized or existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of organization of the Company or the laws of the United

 

-81-


States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia, or any territory thereof (such Person, as the case may be, being herein called the “ Successor Company ”); provided , that in the case where the surviving Person is not a corporation, a co-obligor of the Notes is a corporation;

(2) the Successor Company, if other than the Company, expressly assumes all the obligations of the Company under the Notes pursuant to supplemental indentures or other documents or instruments;

(3) immediately after such transaction, no Default exists;

(4) immediately after giving pro forma effect to such transaction and any related financing transactions, as if such transactions had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period,

(a) the Successor Company or the Company would be permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Test, or

(b) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Successor Company, the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries would be equal to or greater than the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries immediately prior to such transaction;

(5) each Guarantor, unless it is the other party to the transactions described above, in which case either Section 5.01(c)(1)(A) or Section 5.01(d), as applicable, hereof shall apply, shall have by supplemental indenture confirmed that its Guarantee shall apply to such Person’s obligations under this Indenture, the Notes and the Registration Rights Agreement; and

(6) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger or transfer and such supplemental indentures, if any, comply with this Indenture.

(b) The Successor Company will succeed to, and be substituted for the Company under this Indenture, the Guarantees and the Notes, as applicable. Notwithstanding the clauses (3) and (4) of Section 5.01(a) hereof,

(1) any Restricted Subsidiary may consolidate with or merge into or transfer all or part of its properties and assets to the Company, and

(2) the Company may merge with an Affiliate of the Company solely for the purpose of reorganizing the Company in the United States and any state thereof, the District of Columbia or any territory thereof, so long as the amount of Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries is not increased thereby.

(c) Subject to certain limitations described in this Indenture governing release of a Guarantee upon the sale, disposition or transfer of a guarantor, no Guarantor will, and the Company will not permit any Guarantor to, consolidate or merge with or into or wind up into (whether or not the Guarantor is the surviving Person), or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties or assets, in one or more related transactions, to any Person unless:

(1) (A) such Guarantor is the surviving entity or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than such Guarantor) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition will have been made is a Person organized or existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of organization of such Guarantor, as the case may be, or the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia, or any territory thereof (such Guarantor or such Person, as the case may be, being herein called the “ Successor Person ”);

 

-82-


(B) the Successor Person, if other than such Guarantor, expressly assumes all the obligations of such Guarantor under this Indenture and such Guarantor’s related Guarantee pursuant to supplemental indentures or other documents or instruments;

(C) immediately after such transaction, no Default exists; and

(D) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger or transfer and such supplemental indentures, if any, comply with this Indenture; or

(2) the transaction is made in compliance with Section 4.10 hereof.

(d) Subject to certain limitations described in this Indenture, the Successor Person will succeed to, and be substituted for, such Guarantor under this Indenture and such Guarantor’s Guarantee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Guarantor may (i) merge into or transfer all or part of its properties and assets to another Guarantor or either Issuer, (ii) merge with an Affiliate of the Company solely for the purpose of reincorporating the Guarantor in the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia or any territory thereof or (iii) convert into a corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability corporation or trust organized or existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of organization of such Guarantor.

(e) Finance Co. may not, directly or indirectly, consolidate or merge with or into or wind up into (whether or not Finance Co. is the surviving corporation), or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of Finance Co.’s properties or assets, in one or more related transactions, to any Person unless:

(1)(a) concurrently therewith, a corporate Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Company organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia or any territory thereof (which may be the continuing Person as a result of such transaction) expressly assumes all the obligations of Finance Co. under the Notes, pursuant to supplemental indentures or other documents or instruments in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, and the Registration Rights Agreement if the exchange offer contemplated therein has not been consummated or if the Issuers continue to have an obligation to file or maintain the effectiveness of a shelf registration statement as provided under such agreement; or

(b) after giving effect thereto, at least one obligor on the notes shall be a corporation organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia or any territory thereof;

(2) immediately after such transaction, no Default or Event of Default will have occurred and be continuing; and

 

-83-


(3) Finance Co. shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger or transfer and such supplemental indenture, if any, comply with the Indenture.

(f) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the merger contemplated by the Transaction Agreement shall be permitted without compliance with this Section 5.01.

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 assets of either Issuer in accordance with Section 5.01 hereof, the successor Person formed by such consolidation or into or with which such Issuer 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, lease, conveyance or other disposition, the provisions of this Indenture referring to such Issuer shall refer instead to the successor corporation and not to such Issuer), and may exercise every right and power of such Issuer under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor Person had been named as such Issuer herein; provided that the predecessor Issuer shall not be relieved from the obligation to pay the principal of and interest and Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes except in the case of a sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of all of such Issuer’s assets that meets the requirements of Section 5.01 hereof.

ARTICLE 6

DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

Section 6.01 Events of Default .

(a) An “ Event of Default ” wherever used herein, means any one of the following events (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body):

(1) default in payment when due and payable, upon redemption, acceleration or otherwise, of principal of, or premium, if any, on the Notes (whether or not prohibited by the subordination provisions of this Indenture);

(2) default for 30 days or more in the payment when due of interest or Additional Interest on or with respect to the Notes (whether or not prohibited by the subordination provisions of this Indenture);

(3) failure by either Issuer or any Guarantor for 60 days after receipt of written notice given by the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 30% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes to comply with any of its obligations, covenants or agreements (other than a default referred to in clauses (1) and (2) above) contained in this Indenture or the Notes;

 

-84-


(4) default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there is issued or by which there is secured or evidenced any Indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or the payment of which is guaranteed by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, other than Indebtedness owed to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary, whether such Indebtedness or guarantee now exists or is created after the issuance of the Notes, if both:

(a) such default either results from the failure to pay any principal of such Indebtedness at its stated final maturity (after giving effect to any applicable grace periods) or relates to an obligation other than the obligation to pay principal of any such Indebtedness at its stated final maturity and results in the holder or holders of such Indebtedness causing such Indebtedness to become due prior to its stated maturity; and

(b) the principal amount of such Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other such Indebtedness in default for failure to pay principal at stated final maturity (after giving effect to any applicable grace periods), or the maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregate $25.0 million or more at any one time outstanding;

(5) failure by any Issuer or any Significant Subsidiary (or any group of Subsidiaries that together would constitute a Significant Subsidiary) to pay final judgments aggregating in excess of $25.0 million, which final judgments remain unpaid, undischarged and unstayed for a period of more than 60 days after such judgment becomes final, and in the event such judgment is covered by insurance, an enforcement proceeding has been commenced by any creditor upon such judgment or decree which is not promptly stayed;

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

(i) commences proceedings to be adjudicated bankrupt or insolvent;

(ii) consents to the institution of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings against it, or the filing by it of a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization or relief under applicable Bankruptcy Law;

(iii) consents to the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of it or for all or substantially all of its property;

(iv) makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors; or

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

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

(i) is for relief against the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, in a proceeding in which the Company or any such Restricted Subsidiary that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, is to be adjudicated bankrupt or insolvent;

(ii) appoints a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that is a Significant

 

-85-


Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, or for all or substantially all of the property of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary; or

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

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

(8) the Guarantee of any Significant Subsidiary shall for any reason cease to be in full force and effect or be declared null and void or any responsible officer of any Guarantor that is a Significant Subsidiary, as the case may be, denies that it has any further liability under its Guarantee or gives notice to such effect, other than by reason of the termination of this Indenture or the release of any such Guarantee in accordance with this Indenture.

(b) In the event of any Event of Default specified in clause (4) of Section 6.01(a) hereof, such Event of Default and all consequences thereof (excluding any resulting payment default, other than as a result of acceleration of the Notes) shall be annulled, waived and rescinded, automatically and without any action by the Trustee or the Holders, if within 20 days after such Event of Default arose:

(1) the Indebtedness or guarantee that is the basis for such Event of Default has been discharged; or

(2) holders thereof have rescinded or waived the acceleration, notice or action (as the case may be) giving rise to such Event of Default; or

(3) the default that is the basis for such Event of Default has been cured.

Section 6.02 Acceleration .

If any Event of Default (other than an Event of Default specified in clause (6) or (7) of Section 6.01(a) hereof) occurs and is continuing under this Indenture, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 30% in principal amount of the then total outstanding Notes may declare the principal, premium, if any, interest and any other monetary obligations on all the then outstanding Notes to be due and payable immediately. Upon the effectiveness of such declaration, such principal and interest shall be due and payable immediately; provided, however, that so long as any Indebtedness permitted to be incurred under this Indenture as part of the Senior Credit Facilities shall be outstanding, no such acceleration shall be effective until the earlier of:

(1) acceleration of any such Indebtedness under the Senior Credit Facilities; or

(2) five Business Days after the giving of written notice of such acceleration to the Issuers and the administrative agent under the Senior Credit Facilities.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an Event of Default arising under clause (6) or (7) of Section 6.01(a) hereof, all outstanding Notes shall be due and payable immediately without further action or notice.

 

-86-


The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes by written notice to the Trustee may on behalf of all of the Holders of all of the Notes rescind an acceleration and its consequences if the rescission would not conflict with any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction and if all existing Events of Default (except nonpayment of principal, interest, Additional Interest, if any, or premium that has become due solely because of the acceleration) have been cured or waived. In addition, the Trustee will have no obligation to accelerate the Notes if, in the best judgment of the Trustee, acceleration is not in the best interests of the Holders of the Notes.

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, if any, and interest on the Notes or to enforce the performance of any provision of the Notes or this Indenture.

The Trustee may maintain a proceeding even if it does not possess any of the Notes or does not produce any of them in the proceeding. A delay or omission by the Trustee or any Holder 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 by notice to the Trustee may on behalf of the Holders of all of the Notes waive any existing Default and its consequences hereunder, except a continuing Default in the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, Additional Interest, if any, or interest on, any Note held by a non-consenting Holder, including in connection with an Asset Sale Offer or a Change of Control Offer; provided , subject to Section 6.02 hereof, that the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes 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 principal amount of the then total outstanding Notes may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or of exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee. The Trustee, however, may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or this Indenture or that the Trustee determines is unduly prejudicial to the rights of any other Holder of a Note or that would involve the Trustee in personal liability.

Section 6.06 Limitation on Suits .

Subject to Section 6.07 hereof, no Holder of a Note may pursue any remedy with respect to this Indenture or the Notes unless:

(1) such Holder has previously given the Trustee notice that an Event of Default is continuing;

 

-87-


(2) Holders of at least 30% in principal amount of the total outstanding Notes have requested the Trustee to pursue the remedy;

(3) Holders of the Notes have offered the Trustee security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee against any loss, liability or expense;

(4) the Trustee has not complied with such request within 60 days after the receipt thereof and the offer of security or indemnity; and

(5) Holders of a majority in principal amount of the total outstanding Notes have not given the Trustee a direction inconsistent with such request within such 60-day period.

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, if any, and Additional Interest, if any, and interest on the Note, on or after the respective due dates expressed in the Note (including in connection with an Asset Sale Offer or a Change of Control Offer), 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(a)(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 Issuers for the whole amount of principal of, premium, if any, and Additional Interest, if any, and interest remaining unpaid on the Notes 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 Restoration of Rights and Remedies .

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

Section 6.10 Rights and Remedies Cumulative .

Except as otherwise provided with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Notes in Section 2.07 hereof, no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the Holders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.

 

-88-


Section 6.11 Delay or Omission Not Waiver .

No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder of any Note to exercise any right or remedy accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or an acquiescence therein. Every right and remedy given by this Article or by law to the Trustee or to the Holders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders, as the case may be.

Section 6.12 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 Issuers (or any other obligor upon the Notes including the Guarantors), their creditors or their property and shall be entitled and empowered to participate as a member in any official committee of creditors appointed in such matter and to collect, receive and distribute any money or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and any custodian in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make such payments to the Trustee, and in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due to it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due 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 any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Notes or the rights of any Holder, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding.

Section 6.13 Priorities .

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

(i) to the Trustee, such Agent, their agents and attorneys for amounts due to them under this Indenture, including payment of all compensation, expenses and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Trustee or such Agent and the costs and expenses of collection;

(ii) to holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers and, if such money or property has been collected from a Guarantor, to holders of Senior Indebtedness of such Guarantor, in each case to the extent required by Article 10 and/or Article 12 hereof, as applicable;

(iii) to Holders of Notes for amounts due and unpaid on the Notes for principal, premium, if any, and Additional Interest, if any, and interest, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on the Notes for principal, premium, if any, and Additional Interest, if any, and interest, respectively; and

 

-89-


(iv) to the Issuers or to such party as a court of competent jurisdiction shall direct, including a Guarantor, if applicable.

The Trustee may fix a record date and payment date for any payment to Holders of Notes pursuant to this Section 6.13.

Section 6.14 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 6.14 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 principal amount of the then outstanding Notes.

ARTICLE 7

TRUSTEE

Section 7.01 Duties of Trustee .

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

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

(i) the duties of the Trustee shall 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

(ii) 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, in the case of any such certificates or opinions which by any provision hereof are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee shall examine the certificates and opinions to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture but shall not otherwise be required to verify the contents thereof.

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

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

 

-90-


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

(iii) the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in accordance with a direction received by it pursuant to Section 6.02, 6.04 or 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 the provisions of this Section 7.01.

(e) The Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under this Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders of the Notes unless the Holders have offered to the Trustee indemnity or security reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee against any loss, liability or expense.

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

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, but the Trustee may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records and premises of the Issuers, personally or by agent or attorney at the sole cost of the Issuers and shall incur no liability or additional liability of any kind by reason of such inquiry or investigation.

(b) Before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, or whenever in the administration of this Indenture the Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, it may require an Officer’s Certificate or an Opinion of Counsel or both, except to the extent expressly provided in Section 3.06, 3.08(f), the last paragraph of Section 9.01 and Section 9.06 hereof. The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in reliance on such Officer’s Certificate or Opinion of Counsel. The Trustee may consult with counsel of its selection and the written advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall 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 shall not be responsible for the misconduct or negligence of any agent or attorney appointed with due care.

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

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

 

-91-


(f) None of the provisions of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise to incur any liability, financial or otherwise, in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it against such risk or liability is not assured to it.

(g) The Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice of any Default or Event of Default unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge thereof or unless written notice of any event which is in fact such a Default or Event of Default is received by the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and such notice references the Notes and this Indenture

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

(i) The rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including, without limitation, its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder, and each agent, custodian and other Person employed to act hereunder.

(j) In the event the Issuers are required to pay Additional Interest, the Issuers will provide written notice to the Trustee of the Issuers’ obligation to pay Additional Interest no later than 15 days prior to the next Interest Payment Date, which notice shall set forth the amount of the Additional Interest to be paid by the Issuers. The Trustee shall not at any time be under any duty or responsibility to any Holders to determine whether the Additional Interest is payable and the amount thereof.

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 either Issuer or any Affiliate of either Issuer 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 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 shall 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 Issuers’ use of the proceeds from the Notes or any money paid to the Issuers or upon the Issuers’ direction under any provision of this Indenture, it shall not be responsible for the use or application of any money received by any Paying Agent other than the Trustee, and it shall not be responsible for any statement or recital herein or any statement in the Notes or any other document in connection with the sale of the Notes or pursuant to this Indenture other than its certificate of authentication.

Section 7.05 Notice of Defaults .

If a Default occurs and is continuing and if it is actually known to the Trustee, the Trustee shall mail to Holders of Notes a notice of the Default within 90 days after it occurs. Except in the case of

 

-92-


a Default relating to the payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest on any Note, the Trustee may withhold (and shall be fully protected in withholding) from the Holders notice of any continuing Default 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. The Trustee shall not be deemed to know of any Default unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge thereof or unless written notice of any event which is such a Default is received by the Trustee in accordance with Section 14.02 hereof at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee and such notice references the Notes.

Section 7.06 Reports by Trustee to Holders of the Notes .

Within 60 days after each April 15, beginning on April 15, 2008, and for so long as Notes remain outstanding, the Trustee shall mail to the Holders of the Notes a brief report dated as of such reporting date that complies with Trust Indenture Act Section 313(a) (but if no event described in Trust Indenture Act Section 313(a) has occurred within the twelve months preceding the reporting date, no report need be transmitted). The Trustee also shall comply with Trust Indenture Act Section 313(b)(2). The Trustee shall also transmit by mail all reports as required by Trust Indenture Act Section 313(c).

A copy of each report at the time of its mailing to the Holders of Notes shall be mailed to the Issuers and filed with the SEC and each stock exchange on which the Notes are listed in accordance with Trust Indenture Act Section 313(d). The Issuers shall promptly notify the Trustee when the Notes are listed on any stock exchange.

Section 7.07 Compensation and Indemnity .

The Issuers, jointly and severally, shall pay to the Trustee from time to time such compensation for its acceptance of this Indenture and services hereunder as the parties shall agree in writing from time to time. The Trustee’s compensation shall not be limited by any law on compensation of a trustee of an express trust. The Issuers, jointly and severally, shall 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 shall include the reasonable compensation, disbursements and expenses of the Trustee’s agents and counsel.

The Issuers and the Guarantors, jointly and severally, shall indemnify the Trustee and its officers, directors, employees, agents and any predecessor trustee and its officers, directors, employees and agents for, and hold the Trustee harmless against, any and all loss, damage, claims, liability or expense (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by it in connection with the acceptance or administration of this trust and the performance of its duties hereunder (including the costs and expenses of enforcing this Indenture against the Issuers or any of the Guarantors (including this Section 7.07) or defending itself against any claim whether asserted by any Holder, either Issuer, any Guarantor or any other Person, or liability in connective with the acceptance, exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder). The Trustee shall notify the Issuers promptly of any claim for which it may seek indemnity. Failure by the Trustee to so notify the Issuers shall not relieve the Issuers of their obligations hereunder. The Issuers shall be entitled to defend the claim (provided, however, that if, in the opinion of counsel, a conflict of interest exists in the judgment of the Trustee, the Issuers shall not be entitled to assume the defense of such claim) and the Trustee may have separate counsel, and the Issuers shall pay the fees and expenses of such counsel. The Issuers need not reimburse any expense or indemnify against any loss, liability or expense to the extent incurred by the Trustee through the Trustee’s own willful misconduct, negligence or bad faith.

 

-93-


The obligations of the Issuers under this Section 7.07 shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or the earlier resignation or removal of the Trustee.

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

When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services after an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(a)(6) or (7) 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.

The Trustee shall comply with the provisions of Trust Indenture Act Section 313(b)(2) to the extent applicable.

Section 7.08 Replacement of Trustee .

A resignation or removal of the Trustee and appointment of a successor Trustee shall become effective only upon the successor Trustee’s acceptance of appointment as provided in this Section 7.08. The Trustee may resign in writing at any time and be discharged from the trust hereby created by so notifying the Issuers. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may remove the Trustee by so notifying the Trustee and the Issuers in writing. The Issuers may remove the Trustee if:

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

(b) 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;

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

(d) the Trustee becomes incapable of acting.

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

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

If the Trustee, after written request by any Holder who has been a Holder for at least six months, fails to comply with 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.

A successor Trustee shall deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring Trustee and to the Issuers. Thereupon, the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become

 

-94-


effective, and the successor Trustee shall have all the rights, powers and duties of the Trustee under this Indenture. The successor Trustee shall mail a notice of its succession to Holders. The retiring Trustee shall promptly transfer all property held by it as Trustee to the successor Trustee; provided all 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 Issuers’ obligations under Section 7.07 hereof shall 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 shall be the successor Trustee.

Section 7.10 Eligibility; Disqualification .

There shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder that is a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States 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, together with its parent, a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 as set forth in its most recent published annual report of condition.

This Indenture shall always have a Trustee who satisfies the requirements of Trust Indenture Act Sections 310(a)(1), (2) and (5). The Trustee is subject to Trust Indenture Act Section 310(b).

Section 7.11 Preferential Collection of Claims Against Issuers .

The Trustee is subject to Trust Indenture Act Section 311(a), excluding any creditor relationship listed in Trust Indenture Act Section 311(b). A Trustee who has resigned or been removed shall be subject to Trust Indenture Act Section 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 Issuers may, at their option and at any time, elect to have either Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof applied to all outstanding Notes upon compliance with the conditions set forth below in this Article 8.

Section 8.02 Legal Defeasance and Discharge .

Upon the Issuers’ exercise under Section 8.01 hereof of the option applicable to this Section 8.02, the Issuers and the Guarantors shall, 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 and Guarantees on the date the conditions set forth below are satisfied (“ Legal Defeasance ”). For this purpose, Legal Defeasance means that the Issuers shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire Indebtedness represented by the outstanding Notes, which shall 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 (a) and (b) below, and to have satisfied all its other obligations under such Notes and this Indenture

 

-95-


including that of the Guarantors (and the Trustee, on demand of and at the expense of the Issuers, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging the same), except for the following provisions which shall survive until otherwise terminated or discharged hereunder:

(a) the rights of Holders of Notes to receive payments in respect of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes when such payments are due solely out of the trust created pursuant to this Indenture referred to in Section 8.04 hereof;

(b) the Issuers’ obligations with respect to Notes concerning issuing temporary Notes, registration of such Notes, mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Notes and the maintenance of an office or agency for payment and money for security payments held in trust;

(c) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee, and the Issuers’ obligations in connection therewith; and

(d) this Section 8.02.

Subject to compliance with this Article 8, the Issuers may exercise their 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 Issuers’ exercise under Section 8.01 hereof of the option applicable to this Section 8.03, the Issuers and the Guarantors shall, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8.04 hereof, be released from their obligations under the covenants contained in Sections 4.03, 4.04, 4.05, 4.07, 4.08, 4.09, 4.10, 4.11, 4.12, 4.13, 4.14, 4.15 and 4.17 hereof and clauses (4) and (5) of Section 5.01(a), Sections 5.01(c) and 5.01(d) hereof with respect to the outstanding Notes on and after the date the conditions set forth in Section 8.04 hereof are satisfied (“ Covenant Defeasance ”), and the Notes shall thereafter be deemed not “outstanding” for the purposes of any direction, waiver, consent or declaration or act of Holders (and the consequences of any thereof) in connection with such covenants, but shall continue to be deemed “outstanding” for all other purposes hereunder (it being understood that such Notes shall not be deemed outstanding for accounting purposes). For this purpose, Covenant Defeasance means that, with respect to the outstanding Notes, the Issuers may omit to comply with and shall have no liability in respect of any term, condition or limitation set forth in any such covenant, whether directly or indirectly, by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to any such covenant or by reason of any reference in any such covenant to any other provision herein or in any other document, and such omission to comply shall not constitute a Default or an Event of Default under Section 6.01 hereof, but, except as specified above, the remainder of this Indenture and such Notes shall be unaffected thereby. In addition, upon the Issuers’ exercise under Section 8.01 hereof of the option applicable to this Section 8.03 hereof, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8.04 hereof, Sections 6.01(a)(3), 6.01(a)(4), 6.01(a)(5), 6.01(a)(6) (solely with respect to Restricted Subsidiaries that are Significant Subsidiaries or that, taken together, would constitute Significant Subsidiaries), 6.01(a)(7) (solely with respect to Restricted Subsidiaries that are Significant Subsidiaries or that, taken together, would constitute Significant Subsidiaries) and 6.01(a)(8) hereof shall not constitute Events of Default.

 

-96-


Section 8.04 Conditions to Legal or Covenant Defeasance .

The following shall be the conditions to the application of either Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof to the outstanding Notes:

(1) the Issuers must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, in trust, for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes, cash in U.S. dollars, U.S. dollar-denominated Government Securities, or a combination thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants, to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest due on the Notes on the stated maturity date or on the Redemption Date, as the case may be, of such principal, premium, if any, or interest on such Notes and the Issuers must specify whether such Notes are being defeased to maturity or to a particular Redemption Date;

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

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

(b) since the issuance of the Notes, there has been a change in the applicable U.S. federal income tax law,

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

(3) in the case of Covenant Defeasance, the Issuers shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that, subject to customary assumptions and exclusions, the Holders of the Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to such 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 (other than that resulting from borrowing funds to be applied to make such deposit and any similar and simultaneous deposit relating to other Indebtedness and, in each case, the granting of Liens in connection therewith) shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit;

(5) such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under the Senior Credit Facilities, the Senior Notes or the indenture pursuant to which the Senior Notes were issued or any other material agreement or instrument (other than this Indenture) to which any Issuer or any Guarantor is a party or by which any Issuer or any Guarantor is bound (other than that resulting from any borrowing of funds to be applied to make the deposit required to effect such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance and any similar and simultaneous deposit relating to other Indebtedness, and the granting of Liens in connection therewith);

(6) the Issuers shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that, as of the date of such opinion and subject to customary assumptions and exclusions following the deposit, the trust funds will not be subject to the effect of Section 547 of Title 11 of the United States Code;

 

-97-


(7) the Issuers shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate stating that the deposit was not made by the Issuers with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding any creditors of any Issuer or any Guarantor or others; and

(8) the Issuers shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel (which Opinion of Counsel may be subject to customary assumptions and exclusions) each stating that all conditions precedent provided for or relating to the Legal Defeasance or the Covenant Defeasance, as the case may be, 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 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 the outstanding Notes shall 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 either Issuer or a Guarantor 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 Additional Interest, if any, and interest, but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. Money and Government Securities so held in trust are not subject to Article 10 or Article 12 hereof.

The Issuers shall pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against the cash or 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 the outstanding Notes.

Anything in this Article 8 to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall deliver or pay to the Issuers from time to time upon the request of the Issuers any money or 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(a) 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 Issuers .

Subject to any applicable abandoned property law, any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by the Issuers, in trust for the payment of the principal of, premium and Additional Interest, if any, or interest on any Note and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal, and premium and Additional Interest, if any, or interest has become due and payable shall be paid to the Issuers on their request or (if then held by the Issuers) shall be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Note shall thereafter look only to the Issuers for payment thereof, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money, and all liability of the Issuers as trustee thereof, shall thereupon cease.

Section 8.07 Reinstatement .

If the Trustee or Paying Agent is unable to apply any United States dollars or 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

 

-98-


such application, then the Issuers’ obligations under this Indenture and the Notes shall 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 that, if the Issuers make any payment of principal of, premium and Additional Interest, if any, or interest on any Note following the reinstatement of its obligations, the Issuers shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Notes to receive such payment from the money held by the Trustee or Paying Agent.

ARTICLE 9

AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER

Section 9.01 Without Consent of Holders of Notes .

Notwithstanding Section 9.02 hereof, the Issuers, any Guarantor (with respect to a Guarantee or this Indenture) and the Trustee may amend or supplement this Indenture and any Guarantee or the Notes without the consent of any Holder:

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

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

(3) to comply with Section 5.01 hereof;

(4) to provide for the assumption of the Issuers’ or any Guarantor’s obligations to the Holders;

(5) to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the Holders or that does not adversely affect the legal rights under this Indenture of any such Holder;

(6) to add covenants for the benefit of the Holders or to surrender any right or power conferred upon any Issuer or any Guarantor;

(7) to comply with requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the qualification of this Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act;

(8) to evidence and provide for the acceptance and appointment under this Indenture of a successor Trustee thereunder pursuant to the requirements thereof;

(9) to provide for the issuance of exchange notes or private exchange notes, which are identical to exchange notes except that they are not freely transferable;

(10) to add a Guarantor under this Indenture;

(11) to conform the text of this Indenture, the Guarantees or the Notes to any provision of the “Description of Senior Subordinated Notes” section of the Offering Memorandum to the extent that such provision in such “Description of Senior Subordinated Notes” section was intended to be a verbatim recitation of a provision of this Indenture, the Guarantees or the Notes; or

 

-99-


(12) to make any amendment to the provisions of this Indenture relating to the transfer and legending of Notes as permitted by this Indenture, including, without limitation to facilitate the issuance and administration of the Notes; provided , however , that (i) compliance with this Indenture as so amended would not result in Notes being transferred in violation of the Securities Act or any applicable securities law and (ii) such amendment does not materially and adversely affect the rights of Holders to transfer Notes.

Upon the request of the Issuers 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 and Section 9.06 hereof, the Trustee shall join with the Issuers 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 shall not be obligated to enter into such amended or supplemental indenture that affects its own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Opinion of Counsel shall be required in connection with the addition of a Guarantor under this Indenture upon execution and delivery by such Guarantor and the Trustee of a supplemental indenture to this Indenture, the form of which is attached as Exhibit D hereto, and delivery of an Officer’s Certificate, provided , that that the Trustee is permitted to request an Opinion of Counsel (i) if a Default or an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or (ii) the assets of such Guarantor exceed 4.0% of Total Assets.

Section 9.02 With Consent of Holders of Notes .

Except as provided below in this Section 9.02, the Issuers and the Trustee may amend or supplement this Indenture, the Notes and the Guarantees with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Notes (including Additional Notes, if any) then outstanding voting as a single class (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for, or purchase of, the 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 and Additional Interest, if any, or interest on the Notes, except a payment default resulting from an acceleration that has been rescinded) or compliance with any provision of this Indenture, the Guarantees or the Notes may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes (including Additional Notes, if any) voting as a single class (including consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for, or purchase of, the Notes). Section 2.08 hereof and Section 2.09 hereof shall determine which Notes are considered to be “outstanding” for the purposes of this Section 9.02.

Upon the request of the Issuers 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 as aforesaid, and upon receipt by the Trustee of the documents described in Section 7.02 hereof, the Trustee shall join with the Issuers 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 shall not be obligated to, enter into such amended or supplemental indenture.

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

 

-100-


After an amendment, supplement or waiver under this Section 9.02 becomes effective, the Issuers shall mail to the Holders of Notes affected thereby a notice briefly describing the amendment, supplement or waiver. Any failure of the Issuers to mail such notice, or any defect therein, shall not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of any such amended or supplemental indenture or waiver.

Without the consent of each affected Holder of Notes, an amendment 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 such Notes whose Holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver;

(2) reduce the principal of or change the fixed final maturity of any such Note or alter or waive the provisions with respect to the redemption of such Notes (other than provisions relating to Section 3.09, Section 4.10 and Section 4.14 hereof to the extent that any such amendment or waiver does not have the effect of reducing the principal of or changing the fixed final maturity of any such Note or altering or waiving the provisions with respect to the redemption of such Notes);

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

(4) waive a Default in the payment of principal of or premium, if any, or interest on the Notes, except a rescission of acceleration of the Notes by the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration, or in respect of a covenant or provision contained in this Indenture or any Guarantee which cannot be amended or modified without the consent of all Holders;

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

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

(7) make any change in these amendment and waiver provisions;

(8) impair the right of any Holder to receive payment of principal of, or interest on such Holder’s Notes on or after the due dates therefor or to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to such Holder’s Notes;

(9) make any change in the subordination provisions hereof that would adversely affect the Holders; or

(10) except as expressly permitted by this Indenture, modify the Guarantees of any Significant Subsidiary in any manner adverse to the Holders of the Notes.

Section 9.03 Compliance with Trust Indenture Act .

Every amendment or supplement to this Indenture or the Notes shall be set forth in an amended or supplemental indenture that complies with the Trust Indenture Act as then in effect.

 

-101-


Section 9.04 Revocation and Effect of Consents .

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

The Issuers may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders entitled to consent to any amendment, supplement, or waiver. If a record date is fixed, then, notwithstanding the preceding paragraph, those Persons who were Holders at such record date (or their duly designated proxies), and only such Persons, shall be entitled to consent to such amendment, supplement, or waiver or to revoke any consent previously given, whether or not such Persons continue to be Holders after such record date. No such consent shall be valid or effective for more than 120 days after such record date unless the consent of the requisite number of Holders has been obtained.

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 Issuers, in exchange for all Notes, may issue and the Trustee shall, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, authenticate new Notes that reflect the amendment, supplement or waiver.

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

Section 9.06 Trustee to Sign Amendments, etc .

The Trustee shall sign any amendment, supplement or waiver 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 Issuers may not sign an amendment, supplement or waiver until the board of directors and board of managers, as the case may be, approves it. In executing any amendment, supplement or waiver, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive and (subject to Section 7.01 hereof) shall be fully protected in relying upon, in addition to the documents required by Section 14.04 hereof, an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such amended or supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture and that such amendment, supplement or waiver is the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Issuers and any Guarantors party thereto, enforceable against them in accordance with its terms, subject to customary exceptions, and complies with the provisions hereof (including Section 9.03). Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Opinion of Counsel will be required for the Trustee to execute any amendment or supplement adding a new Guarantor under this Indenture, provided , that that the Trustee is permitted to request an Opinion of Counsel (i) if a Default or an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or (ii) the assets of such Guarantor exceed 4.0% of Total Assets.

Section 9.07 Payment for Consent .

Neither the Issuers nor any Affiliate of the Issuers shall, directly or indirectly, pay or cause to be paid any consideration, whether by way of interest, fee or otherwise, to any Holder for or as an inducement to any consent, waiver or amendment of any of the terms or provisions of this Indenture or

 

-102-


the Notes unless such consideration is offered to all Holders and is paid to all Holders that so consent, waive or agree to amend in the time frame set forth in solicitation documents relating to such consent, waiver or agreement.

Section 9.08 Additional Voting Terms .

All Notes issued under this Indenture shall vote and consent together on all matters (as to which any of such Notes may vote) as one class and no series of Notes will have the right to vote or consent as a separate series on any matter. Determinations as to whether Holders of the requisite aggregate principal amount of Notes have concurred in any direction, waiver or consent shall be made in accordance with this Article Nine.

ARTICLE 10

SUBORDINATION OF NOTES

Section 10.01 Agreement to Subordinate .

The Issuers agree, and each Holder by accepting a Note agrees, that the payment of all Obligations owing in respect of the Notes is subordinated in right of payment, to the extent and in the manner provided in this Article 10, to the prior payment in full of all existing and future Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers and that the subordination is for the benefit of and enforceable by the holders of such Senior Indebtedness. The Notes shall in all respects rank pari passu in right of payment with all existing and future Senior Subordinated Indebtedness of the Issuers, and will be senior in right of payment to all existing and future Subordinated Indebtedness of the Issuers; and only Indebtedness of the Issuers that is Senior Indebtedness shall rank senior to the Notes in accordance with the provisions set forth herein. All provisions of this Article 10 shall be subject to Section 10.12.

Section 10.02 Liquidation, Dissolution, Bankruptcy .

Upon any payment or distribution of the assets of the Issuers to creditors upon a total or partial liquidation or a total or partial dissolution of the Issuers or in a reorganization of or similar proceeding relating to the Issuers or their property:

(i) the holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers shall be entitled to receive payment in full in cash of such Senior Indebtedness before the Holders of the Notes shall be entitled to receive any payment, except that Holders may receive Permitted Junior Securities; and

(ii) until the Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers is paid in full in cash, any payment or distribution to which the Holders of the Notes would be entitled but for the subordination provisions of this Indenture shall be made to holders of such Senior Indebtedness as their interests may appear, except that the Holders of the Notes may receive Permitted Junior Securities.

Section 10.03 Default on Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer .

The Issuers shall not pay principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the Notes (or pay any other Obligations relating to the Notes, including Additional Interest, fees, costs, expenses, indemnities and rescission or damage claims) or make any deposit pursuant to Article 8 or Article 13 hereof and may not purchase, redeem or otherwise retire any Notes (collectively, “ pay the Notes ”) (except in the form of Permitted Junior Securities) if either of the following occurs (a “ Payment Default ”):

(i) any Obligation on any Designated Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer is not paid in full in cash when due (after giving effect to any applicable grace period); or

 

-103-


(ii) any other default on Designated Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers occurs and the maturity of such Designated Senior Indebtedness is accelerated in accordance with its terms;

unless, in either case, the Payment Default has been cured or waived and any such acceleration has been rescinded or such Designated Senior Indebtedness has been paid in full in cash; provided , however , that the Issuers shall be entitled to pay the Notes without regard to the foregoing if the Issuers and the Trustee receive written notice approving such payment from the Representatives of all Designated Senior Indebtedness with respect to which the Payment Default has occurred and is continuing.

During the continuance of any default other than a Payment Default (a “ Non-Payment Default ”) with respect to any Designated Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers pursuant to which the maturity thereof may be accelerated without further notice (except such notice as may be required to effect such acceleration) or the expiration of any applicable grace periods, the Issuers shall not pay the Notes (except in the form of Permitted Junior Securities) for a period (a “ Payment Blockage Period ”) commencing upon the receipt by the Trustee (with a copy to the Issuers) of written notice (a “ Blockage Notice ”) of such Non-Payment Default from the Representative of such Designated Senior Indebtedness specifying an election to effect a Payment Blockage Period and ending 179 days thereafter. So long as there shall remain outstanding any Senior Indebtedness under the Senior Credit Facilities, a Blockage Notice may be given only by the administrative agent thereunder unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the requisite lenders named therein. The Payment Blockage Period shall end earlier if such Payment Blockage Period is terminated (i) by written notice to the Trustee and the Issuers from the Person or Persons who gave such Blockage Notice; (ii) because the default giving rise to such Blockage Notice is cured, waived or otherwise no longer continuing; or (iii) because such Designated Senior Indebtedness has been discharged or repaid in full in cash.

Notwithstanding the provisions described in the immediately preceding three sentences (but subject to the provisions contained in the first sentence of this Section 10.03 and Section 10.02 hereof), unless the holders of such Designated Senior Indebtedness or the Representative of such Designated Senior Indebtedness shall have accelerated the maturity of such Designated Senior Indebtedness or a Payment Default has occurred and is continuing, the Issuers shall be entitled to resume paying the Notes after the end of such Payment Blockage Period. The Notes shall not be subject to more than one Payment Blockage Period in any consecutive 360-day period irrespective of the number of defaults with respect to Designated Senior Indebtedness during such period; provided , that if any Blockage Notice is delivered to the Trustee by or on behalf of the holders of Designated Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers other than the holders of Indebtedness under the Senior Credit Facilities, a Representative of holders of Indebtedness under the Senior Credit Facilities may give another Blockage Notice within such period. However, in no event shall the total number of days during which any Payment Blockage Period or Periods on the Notes is in effect exceed 179 days in the aggregate during any consecutive 360-day period, and there must be at least 181 days during any consecutive 360-day period during which no Payment Blockage Period is in effect. Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, no default that existed or was continuing on the date of delivery of any Blockage Notice to the Trustee shall be, or be made, the basis for a subsequent Blockage Notice unless such default shall have been waived for a period of not less than 90 days (it being acknowledged that any subsequent action, or any breach of any financial covenants during the period after the date of delivery of a Blockage Notice, that, in either case, would give rise to a Non-Payment Default pursuant to any provisions under which a Non-Payment Default previously existed or was continuing shall constitute a new Non-Payment Default for this purpose).

 

-104-


Section 10.04 Acceleration of Payment of Notes .

If payment of the Notes is accelerated because of an Event of Default, the Issuers shall promptly notify the holders of the Designated Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers or the Representative of such Designated Senior Indebtedness of the acceleration; provided , that any failure to give such notice shall have no effect whatsoever on the provisions of this Article 10. If any Designated Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers is outstanding, the Issuers may not pay the Notes until five Business Days after the Representatives of all the issuers of such Designated Senior Indebtedness receive notice of such acceleration and, thereafter, may pay the Notes only if this Indenture otherwise permits payment at that time.

Section 10.05 When Distribution Must Be Paid Over .

If a distribution is made to Holders that, due to these subordination provisions, should not have been made to them, such Holders are required to hold it in trust for the holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers and pay it over to the holders of Senior Indebtedness as their interests may appear.

Section 10.06 Subrogation .

After all Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers is paid in full and until the Notes are paid in full, Holders shall be subrogated to the rights of holders of such Senior Indebtedness to receive distributions applicable to such Senior Indebtedness. A distribution made under this Article 10 to holders of such Senior Indebtedness which otherwise would have been made to Holders is not, as between the Issuers and Holders, a payment by the Issuers on the Notes.

Section 10.07 Relative Rights .

This Article 10 defines the relative rights of Holders and holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers. Nothing in this Indenture shall:

(i) impair, as between the Issuers and Holders, the obligation of the Issuers, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes in accordance with their terms;

(ii) prevent the Trustee or any Holder from exercising its available remedies upon a Default or Event of Default, subject to the rights of holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers to receive payments or distributions otherwise payable to Holders and such other rights of such holders of Senior Indebtedness as set forth herein; or

(iii) affect the relative rights of Holders and creditors of the Issuers other than their rights in relation to holders of Senior Indebtedness.

Section 10.08 Subordination May Not Be Impaired by Issuers .

No right of any holder of Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers to enforce the subordination of the Indebtedness evidenced by the Notes shall be impaired by any act or failure to act by the Issuers or by their failure to comply with this Indenture.

 

-105-


Section 10.09 Rights of Trustee and Paying Agent .

Notwithstanding Section 10.03 hereof, the Trustee or any Paying Agent may continue to make payments on the Notes and shall not be charged with knowledge of the existence of facts that would prohibit the making of any payments unless, not less than five Business Days prior to the date of such payment, a Responsible Officer of the Trustee receives written notice satisfactory to him that payments may not be made under this Article 10. The Issuers, the Registrar, the Paying Agent, a Representative or a holder of Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers shall be entitled to give the notice; provided , however , that, if an issue of Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers has a Representative, only the Representative shall be entitled to give the notice.

The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity shall be entitled to hold Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers with the same rights it would have if it were not the Trustee. The Registrar and any Paying Agent shall be entitled to do the same with like rights. The Trustee shall be entitled to all the rights set forth in this Article 10 with respect to any Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers which may at any time be held by it, to the same extent as any other holder of such Senior Indebtedness; and nothing in Article 7 shall deprive the Trustee of any of its rights as such holder. Nothing in this Article 10 shall apply to claims of, or payments to, the Trustee under or pursuant to Section 7.07 hereof or any other Section of this Indenture.

Section 10.10 Distribution or Notice to Representative .

Whenever a distribution is to be made or a notice given to holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers, the distribution may be made and the notice given to their Representative (if any).

Section 10.11 Article 10 Not to Prevent Events of Default or Limit Right to Accelerate .

The failure to make a payment pursuant to the Notes by reason of any provision in this Article 10 shall not be construed as preventing the occurrence of a Default. Nothing in this Article 10 shall have any effect on the right of the Holders or the Trustee to accelerate the maturity of the Notes.

Section 10.12 Trust Moneys Not Subordinated .

Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, payments from money or the proceeds of Government Securities held in trust by the Trustee for the payment of principal of and interest on the Notes pursuant to Article 8 or Article 13 hereof shall not be subordinated to the prior payment of any Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers or subject to the restrictions set forth in this Article 10, and none of the Holders shall be obligated to pay over any such amount to the Issuers or any holder or Representative of Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers or any other creditor of the Issuers, provided that the subordination provisions of this Article 10 were not violated at the time the applicable amounts were deposited in trust pursuant to Article 8 or Article 13 hereof, as the case may be.

Section 10.13 Trustee Entitled to Rely .

Upon any payment or distribution pursuant to this Article 10, the Trustee and the Holders shall be entitled to rely (a) upon any order or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction in which any proceedings of the nature referred to in Section 10.02 hereof are pending, (b) upon a certificate of the liquidating trustee or agent or other Person making such payment or distribution to the Trustee or to the Holders or (c) upon the Representatives of Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers for the purpose of ascertaining the Persons entitled to participate in such payment or distribution, the holders of such Senior Indebtedness and other Indebtedness of the Issuers, the amount thereof or payable thereon, the amount or amounts paid or distributed thereon and all other facts pertinent thereto or to this Article 10. In the event

 

-106-


that the Trustee determines, in good faith, that evidence is required with respect to the right of any Person as a holder of Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers to participate in any payment or distribution pursuant to this Article 10, the Trustee shall be entitled to request such Person to furnish evidence to the reasonable satisfaction of the Trustee as to the amount of such Senior Indebtedness held by such Person, the extent to which such Person is entitled to participate in such payment or distribution and other facts pertinent to the rights of such Person under this Article 10, and, if such evidence is not furnished, the Trustee shall be entitled to defer any payment to such Person pending judicial determination as to the right of such Person to receive such payment. The provisions of Sections 7.01 and 7.02 hereof shall be applicable to all actions or omissions of actions by the Trustee pursuant to this Article 10.

Section 10.14 Trustee to Effectuate Subordination .

A Holder by its acceptance of a Note agrees to be bound by this Article 10 and authorizes and expressly directs the Trustee, on its behalf, to take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate the subordination between the Holders and the holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers as provided in this Article 10 and appoints the Trustee as its attorney-in-fact for any and all such purposes.

Section 10.15 Trustee Not Fiduciary for Holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer .

The Trustee shall not be deemed to owe any fiduciary duty to the holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers and shall not be liable to any such holders if it shall mistakenly pay over or distribute to Holders or the Issuers or any other Person, money or assets to which any holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers shall be entitled by virtue of this Article 10 or otherwise.

Section 10.16 Reliance by Holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer on Subordination Provisions .

Each Holder by accepting a Note acknowledges and agrees that the foregoing subordination provisions are, and are intended to be, an inducement and a consideration to each holder of any Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers, whether such Senior Indebtedness was created or acquired before or after the issuance of the Notes, to acquire and continue to hold, or to continue to hold, such Senior Indebtedness and such holder of such Senior Indebtedness shall be deemed conclusively to have relied on such subordination provisions in acquiring and continuing to hold, or in continuing to hold, such Senior Indebtedness.

Without in any way limiting the generality of the foregoing paragraph, the holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers may, at any time and from time to time, without the consent of or notice to the Trustee or the Holders, without incurring responsibility to the Trustee or the Holders and without impairing or releasing the subordination provided in this Article 10 or the obligations hereunder of the Holders to the holders of the Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers, do any one or more of the following: (i) change the manner, place or terms of payment or extend the time of payment of, or renew or alter, Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers, or otherwise amend or supplement in any manner Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers, or any instrument evidencing the same or any agreement under which Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers is outstanding; (ii) sell, exchange, release or otherwise deal with any property pledged, mortgaged or otherwise securing Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers; (iii) release any Person liable in any manner for the payment or collection of Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers; and (iv) exercise or refrain from exercising any rights against the Issuers and any other Person.

 

-107-


ARTICLE 11

GUARANTEES

Section 11.01 Guarantee .

Subject to this Article 11, from and after the consummation of the Transaction, each of the Guarantors hereby, jointly and severally, irrevocably and 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 Issuers hereunder or thereunder, that: (a) the principal of, interest, premium and Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes shall 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, if any, if lawful, and all other Obligations of the Issuers to the Holders or the Trustee hereunder or thereunder shall be promptly paid in full or performed, all in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof; and (b) in case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any Notes or any of such other obligations, that same shall 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 shall 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.

The Guarantors hereby agree that their obligations hereunder shall be unconditional, irrespective of the validity, regularity or enforceability of the Notes or this Indenture, the absence of any action to enforce the same, any waiver or consent by any Holder of the Notes with respect to any provisions hereof or thereof, the recovery of any judgment against the Issuers, 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 either Issuer, any right to require a proceeding first against the Issuers, protest, notice and all demands whatsoever and covenants that this Guarantee shall not be discharged except by complete performance of the obligations contained in the Notes and this Indenture.

Each Guarantor also agrees to pay any and all costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred by the Trustee or any Holder in enforcing any rights under this Section 11.01.

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

Each Guarantor agrees that it shall 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, (x) the maturity of the obligations guaranteed hereby may be accelerated as provided in Article 6 hereof for the purposes of this Guarantee, notwithstanding any

 

-108-


stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such acceleration in respect of the obligations guaranteed hereby, and (y) 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) shall forthwith become due and payable by the Guarantors for the purpose of this Guarantee. The Guarantors shall 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 Guarantees.

Each Guarantee shall remain in full force and effect and continue to be effective should any petition be filed by or against either Issuer for liquidation, reorganization, should either Issuer become insolvent or make an assignment for the benefit of creditors or should a receiver or trustee be appointed for all or any significant part of either Issuer’s assets, and shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment and performance of the Notes are, pursuant to applicable law, rescinded or reduced in amount, or must otherwise be restored or returned by any obligee on the Notes or Guarantees, whether as a “voidable preference,” “fraudulent transfer” or otherwise, all as though such payment or performance had not been made. In the event that any payment or any part thereof, is rescinded, reduced, restored or returned, the Notes shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be reinstated and deemed reduced only by such amount paid and not so rescinded, reduced, restored or returned.

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

The Guarantee issued by any Guarantor shall be a general unsecured senior subordinated obligation of such Guarantor and shall be subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future Senior Indebtedness of such Guarantor, if any.

Each payment to be made by a Guarantor in respect of its Guarantee shall be made without set-off, counterclaim, reduction or diminution of any kind or nature.

Section 11.02 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 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 Guarantee. To effectuate the foregoing intention, the Trustee, the Holders and the Guarantors hereby irrevocably agree that the obligations of each Guarantor shall be limited to the maximum amount as 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 11, result in the obligations of such Guarantor under its Guarantee not constituting a fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer under applicable law. Each Guarantor that makes a payment under its Guarantee shall be entitled upon payment in full of all guaranteed obligations under this Indenture to a contribution from each other Guarantor in an amount equal to such other Guarantor’s pro rata portion of such payment based on the respective net assets of all the Guarantors at the time of such payment determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

-109-


Section 11.03 Execution and Delivery .

To evidence its Guarantee set forth in Section 11.01 hereof, each Guarantor hereby agrees that this Indenture shall be executed on behalf of such Guarantor by its President, one of its Vice Presidents or one of its Assistant Vice Presidents.

Each Guarantor hereby agrees that its Guarantee set forth in Section 11.01 hereof shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the absence of the endorsement of any notation of such Guarantee on the Notes.

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

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

If required by Section 4.15 hereof, the Issuers shall cause any newly created or acquired Restricted Subsidiary to comply with the provisions of Section 4.15 hereof and this Article 11, to the extent applicable.

Section 11.04 Subrogation .

Each Guarantor shall be subrogated to all rights of Holders of Notes against the Issuers in respect of any amounts paid by any Guarantor pursuant to the provisions of Section 11.01 hereof; provided that, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, no Guarantor shall be entitled to enforce or receive any payments arising out of, or based upon, such right of subrogation until all amounts then due and payable by the Issuers under this Indenture or the Notes shall have been paid in full.

Section 11.05 Benefits Acknowledged .

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

Section 11.06 Release of Guarantees .

A Guarantee by a Guarantor shall be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged, and no further action by such Guarantor, the Issuers or the Trustee is required for the release of such Guarantor’s Guarantee, upon:

(1) (A) any sale, exchange or transfer (by merger or otherwise) of (i) the Capital Stock of such Guarantor (including any sale, exchange or transfer), after which the applicable Guarantor is no longer a Restricted Subsidiary or (ii) all or substantially all the assets of such Guarantor, in each case made in compliance with the applicable provisions of this Indenture;

(B) the release or discharge of the guarantee by such Guarantor of Indebtedness under the Senior Credit Facilities or such other guarantee that resulted in the creation of such Guarantee, except a discharge or release by or as a result of payment under such guarantee;

 

-110-


(C) the designation of any Restricted Subsidiary that is a Guarantor as an Unrestricted Subsidiary in compliance with the applicable provisions of this Indenture; or

(D) the exercise by the Issuers of their Legal Defeasance option or Covenant Defeasance option in accordance with Article 8 hereof or the discharge of the Issuers’ obligations under this Indenture in accordance with the terms of this Indenture; and

(2) such Guarantor delivering to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent provided for in this Indenture relating to such transaction have been complied with.

ARTICLE 12

SUBORDINATION OF GUARANTEES

Section 12.01 Agreement to Subordinate .

Each Guarantor agrees, and each Holder by accepting a Note agrees, that the Obligations of such Guarantor under its Guarantee are subordinated in right of payment, to the extent and in the manner provided in this Article 12, to the prior payment in full of all existing and future Senior Indebtedness of such Guarantor and that the subordination is for the benefit of and enforceable by the holders of such Senior Indebtedness. A Guarantor’s Obligations under its Guarantee shall in all respects rank pari passu in right of payment with all existing and future Senior Subordinated Indebtedness of such Guarantor, and will be senior in right of payment to all existing and future Subordinated Indebtedness of such Guarantor; and only Indebtedness of such Guarantor that is Senior Indebtedness shall rank senior to the Obligations of such Guarantor under its Guarantee in accordance with the provisions set forth herein. All provisions of this Article 12 shall be subject to Section 12.12.

Section 12.02 Liquidation, Dissolution, Bankruptcy .

Upon any payment or distribution of the assets of a Guarantor to creditors upon a total or partial liquidation or a total or partial dissolution of such Guarantor or in a reorganization of or similar proceeding relating to such Guarantor or its property:

(i) the holders of Senior Indebtedness of such Guarantor shall be entitled to receive payment in full in cash of such Senior Indebtedness before the Holders of the Notes shall be entitled to receive any payment, except that Holders may receive Permitted Junior Securities; and

(ii) until the Senior Indebtedness of such Guarantor is paid in full in cash, any payment or distribution to which the Holders of the Notes would be entitled but for the subordination provisions of this Indenture shall be made to holders of such Senior Indebtedness as their interests may appear, except that the Holders of the Notes may receive Permitted Junior Securities.

Section 12.03 Default on Senior Indebtedness of a Guarantor .

A Guarantor shall not make any payment pursuant to its Guarantee (or pay any other Obligations relating to its Guarantee, including Additional Interest, fees, costs, expenses, indemnities and rescission or damage claims) and may not purchase, redeem or otherwise retire any Notes (collectively, “ pay its Guarantee ”) (except in the form of Permitted Junior Securities) if either of the following occurs (a “ Guarantor Payment Default ”):

(i) any Obligation on any Designated Senior Indebtedness of such Guarantor is not paid in full in cash when due (after giving effect to any applicable grace period); or

 

-111-


(ii) any other default on Designated Senior Indebtedness of such Guarantor occurs and the maturity of such Designated Senior Indebtedness is accelerated in accordance with its terms;

unless, in either case, the Guarantor Payment Default has been cured or waived and any such acceleration has been rescinded or such Designated Senior Indebtedness has been paid in full in cash; provided , however , that such Guarantor shall be entitled to pay its Guarantee without regard to the foregoing if such Guarantor and the Trustee receive written notice approving such payment from the Representatives of all Designated Senior Indebtedness with respect to which the Guarantor Payment Default has occurred and is continuing.

During the continuance of any default (other than a Guarantor Payment Default) (a “ Guarantor Non-Payment Default ”) with respect to any Designated Senior Indebtedness of a Guarantor pursuant to which the maturity thereof may be accelerated without further notice (except such notice as may be required to effect such acceleration) or the expiration of any applicable grace periods, such Guarantor shall not pay its Guarantee (except in the form of Permitted Junior Securities) for a period (a “ Guarantee Payment Blockage Period ”) commencing upon the receipt by the Trustee (with a copy to such Guarantor and the Issuers) of written notice (a “ Guarantee Blockage Notice ”) of such Guarantor Non-Payment Default from the Representative of such Designated Senior Indebtedness specifying an election to effect a Guarantee Payment Blockage Period and ending 179 days thereafter. So long as there shall remain outstanding any Senior Indebtedness under the Senior Credit Facilities, a Guarantee Blockage Notice may be given only by the administrative agent thereunder unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the requisite lenders named therein. The Guarantee Payment Blockage Period shall end earlier if such Guarantee Payment Blockage Period is terminated (i) by written notice to the Trustee, the relevant Guarantor and the Issuers from the Person or Persons who gave such Guarantee Blockage Notice; (ii) because the default giving rise to such Guarantee Blockage Notice is cured, waived or otherwise no longer continuing; or (iii) because such Designated Senior Indebtedness has been discharged or repaid in full in cash.

Notwithstanding the provisions described in the immediately preceding three sentences (but subject to the provisions contained in the first sentence of this Section 12.03 and Section 12.02 hereof), unless the holders of such Designated Senior Indebtedness or the Representative of such Designated Senior Indebtedness shall have accelerated the maturity of such Designated Senior Indebtedness or a Guarantor Payment Default has occurred and is continuing, the relevant Guarantor shall be entitled to resume paying its Guarantee after the end of such Guarantee Payment Blockage Period. Each Guarantee shall not be subject to more than one Guarantee Payment Blockage Period in any consecutive 360-day period irrespective of the number of defaults with respect to Designated Senior Indebtedness of the relevant Guarantor during such period; provided that if any Guarantee Blockage Notice is delivered to the Trustee by or on behalf of the holders of Designated Senior Indebtedness of such Guarantor (other than the holders of Indebtedness under the Senior Credit Facilities), a Representative of holders of Indebtedness under the Senior Credit Facilities may give another Guarantee Blockage Notice within such period. However, in no event shall the total number of days during which any Guarantee Payment Blockage Period or Periods on a Guarantee is in effect exceed 179 days in the aggregate during any consecutive 360-day period, and there must be at least 181 days during any consecutive 360-day period during which no Guarantee Payment Blockage Period is in effect. Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, no default that existed or was continuing on the date of delivery of any Guarantee Blockage Notice to the Trustee shall be, or be made, the basis for a subsequent Guarantee Blockage Notice unless such default shall have been waived for a period of not less than 90 days (it being acknowledged that any subsequent action, or

 

-112-


any breach of any financial covenants during the period after the date of delivery of a Guarantee Blockage Notice, that, in either case, would give rise to a Guarantor Non-Payment Default pursuant to any provisions under which a Guarantor Non-Payment Default previously existed or was continuing shall constitute a new Guarantor Non-Payment Default for this purpose).

Section 12.04 Demand for Payment .

If payment of the Notes is accelerated because of an Event of Default and a demand for payment is made on a Guarantor pursuant to Article 11 hereof, the Issuers or such Guarantor shall promptly notify the holders of the Designated Senior Indebtedness of such Guarantor or the Representative of such Designated Senior Indebtedness of such demand; provided that any failure to give such notice shall have no effect whatsoever on the provisions of this Article 12. If any Designated Senior Indebtedness of a Guarantor is outstanding, such Guarantor may not pay its Guarantee until five Business Days after the Representatives of all the issuers of such Designated Senior Indebtedness receive notice of such acceleration and, thereafter, may pay its Guarantee only if this Indenture otherwise permits payment at that time.

Section 12.05 When Distribution Must Be Paid Over .

If a distribution is made to Holders that, due to these subordination provisions, should not have been made to them, such Holders are required to hold it in trust for the holders of Senior Indebtedness of the relevant Guarantor and pay it over to the holders of Senior Indebtedness as their interests may appear.

Section 12.06 Subrogation .

After all Senior Indebtedness of a Guarantor is paid in full and until the Notes are paid in full, Holders shall be subrogated to the rights of holders of such Senior Indebtedness to receive distributions applicable to such Senior Indebtedness. A distribution made under this Article 12 to holders of such Senior Indebtedness which otherwise would have been made to Holders is not, as between the relevant Guarantor and Holders, a payment by such Guarantor on the Notes.

Section 12.07 Relative Rights .

This Article 12 defines the relative rights of Holders and holders of Senior Indebtedness of a Guarantor. Nothing in this Indenture shall:

(i) impair, as between such Guarantor and Holders, the obligation of such Guarantor, which is absolute and unconditional, to make payments under its Guarantee in accordance with its terms;

(ii) prevent the Trustee or any Holder from exercising its available remedies upon a default by such Guarantor under its obligations with respect to its Guarantee, subject to the rights of holders of Senior Indebtedness of such Guarantor to receive payments or distributions otherwise payable to Holders and such other rights of such holders of Senior Indebtedness as set forth herein; or

(iii) affect the relative rights of Holders and creditors of such Guarantor other than their rights in relation to holders of Senior Indebtedness.

 

-113-


Section 12.08 Subordination May Not Be Impaired by a Guarantor .

No right of any holder of Senior Indebtedness of a Guarantor to enforce the subordination of the Obligations of such Guarantor under its Guarantee shall be impaired by any act or failure to act by such Guarantor or by its failure to comply with this Indenture.

Section 12.09 Rights of Trustee and Paying Agent .

Notwithstanding Section 12.03 hereof, the Trustee or any Paying Agent may continue to make payments on the Notes and shall not be charged with knowledge of the existence of facts that would prohibit the making of any payments unless, not less than five Business Days prior to the date of such payment, a Responsible Officer of the Trustee receives written notice satisfactory to him that payments may not be made under this Article 12. A Guarantor, the Registrar, the Paying Agent, a Representative or a holder of Senior Indebtedness of such Guarantor shall be entitled to give the notice; provided , however , that, if an issue of Senior Indebtedness of such Guarantor has a Representative, only the Representative shall be entitled to give the notice.

The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity shall be entitled to hold Senior Indebtedness of a Guarantor with the same rights it would have if it were not the Trustee. The Registrar and any Paying Agent shall be entitled to do the same with like rights. The Trustee shall be entitled to all the rights set forth in this Article 12 with respect to any Senior Indebtedness of a Guarantor which may at any time be held by it, to the same extent as any other holder of such Senior Indebtedness; and nothing in Article 7 shall deprive the Trustee of any of its rights as such holder. Nothing in this Article 12 shall apply to claims of, or payments to, the Trustee under or pursuant to Section 7.07 hereof or any other Section of this Indenture.

Section 12.10 Distribution or Notice to Representative .

Whenever a distribution is to be made or a notice given to holders of Senior Indebtedness of a Guarantor, the distribution may be made and the notice given to their Representative (if any).

Section 12.11 Article 12 Not to Prevent Events of Default or Limit Right to Demand Payment .

The failure of a Guarantor to make a payment pursuant its Guarantee by reason of any provision in this Article 12 shall not be construed as preventing the occurrence of a default by such Guarantor under its Guarantee. Nothing in this Article 12 shall have any effect on the right of the Holders or the Trustee to make a demand for payment on a Guarantor pursuant to Article 11 hereof.

Section 12.12 Trust Moneys Not Subordinated .

Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, payments from money or the proceeds of Government Securities held in trust by the Trustee for the payment of principal of and interest on the Notes pursuant to Article 8 or Article 13 hereof shall not be subordinated to the prior payment of any Senior Indebtedness of any Guarantor or subject to the restrictions set forth in this Article 12, and none of the Holders shall be obligated to pay over any such amount to such Guarantor or any holder or Representative of Senior Indebtedness of such Guarantor or any other creditor of such Guarantor, provided that the subordination provisions of this Article 12 were not violated at the time the applicable amounts were deposited in trust pursuant to Article 8 or Article 13 hereof, as the case may be.

 

-114-


Section 12.13 Trustee Entitled to Rely .

Upon any payment or distribution pursuant to this Article 12, the Trustee and the Holders shall be entitled to rely (a) upon any order or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction in which any proceedings of the nature referred to in Section 12.02 hereof are pending, (b) upon a certificate of the liquidating trustee or agent or other Person making such payment or distribution to the Trustee or to the Holders or (c) upon the Representatives of Senior Indebtedness of a Guarantor for the purpose of ascertaining the Persons entitled to participate in such payment or distribution, the holders of such Senior Indebtedness and other Indebtedness of such Guarantor, the amount thereof or payable thereon, the amount or amounts paid or distributed thereon and all other facts pertinent thereto or to this Article 12. In the event that the Trustee determines, in good faith, that evidence is required with respect to the right of any Person as a holder of Senior Indebtedness of a Guarantor to participate in any payment or distribution pursuant to this Article 12, the Trustee shall be entitled to request such Person to furnish evidence to the reasonable satisfaction of the Trustee as to the amount of such Senior Indebtedness held by such Person, the extent to which such Person is entitled to participate in such payment or distribution and other facts pertinent to the rights of such Person under this Article 12, and, if such evidence is not furnished, the Trustee shall be entitled to defer any payment to such Person pending judicial determination as to the right of such Person to receive such payment. The provisions of Sections 7.01 and 7.02 hereof shall be applicable to all actions or omissions of actions by the Trustee pursuant to this Article 12.

Section 12.14 Trustee to Effectuate Subordination .

A Holder by its acceptance of a Note agrees to be bound by this Article 12 and authorizes and expressly directs the Trustee, on its behalf, to take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate the subordination between the Holders and the holders of Senior Indebtedness of a Guarantor as provided in this Article 12 and appoints the Trustee as its attorney-in-fact for any and all such purposes.

Section 12.15 Trustee Not Fiduciary for Holders of Senior Indebtedness of Guarantors .

The Trustee shall not be deemed to owe any fiduciary duty to the holders of Senior Indebtedness of a Guarantor and shall not be liable to any such holders if it shall mistakenly pay over or distribute to Holders or such Guarantor or any other Person, money or assets to which any holders of Senior Indebtedness of such Guarantor shall be entitled by virtue of this Article 12 or otherwise.

Section 12.16 Reliance by Holders of Senior Indebtedness of a Guarantor on Subordination Provisions .

Each Holder by accepting a Note acknowledges and agrees that the foregoing subordination provisions are, and are intended to be, an inducement and a consideration to each holder of any Senior Indebtedness of a Guarantor, whether such Senior Indebtedness was created or acquired before or after the issuance of the Notes, to acquire and continue to hold, or to continue to hold, such Senior Indebtedness and such holder of such Senior Indebtedness shall be deemed conclusively to have relied on such subordination provisions in acquiring and continuing to hold, or in continuing to hold, such Senior Indebtedness.

Without in any way limiting the generality of the foregoing paragraph, the holders of Senior Indebtedness of a Guarantor may, at any time and from time to time, without the consent of or notice to the Trustee or the Holders, without incurring responsibility to the Trustee or the Holders and

 

-115-


without impairing or releasing the subordination provided in this Article 12 or the obligations hereunder of the Holders to the holders of the Senior Indebtedness of such Guarantor, do any one or more of the following: (i) change the manner, place or terms of payment or extend the time of payment of, or renew or alter, Senior Indebtedness of such Guarantor, or otherwise amend or supplement in any manner Senior Indebtedness of such Guarantor, or any instrument evidencing the same or any agreement under which Senior Indebtedness of such Guarantor is outstanding; (ii) sell, exchange, release or otherwise deal with any property pledged, mortgaged or otherwise securing Senior Indebtedness of such Guarantor; (iii) release any Person liable in any manner for the payment or collection of Senior Indebtedness of such Guarantor; and (iv) exercise or refrain from exercising any rights against such Guarantor and any other Person.

ARTICLE 13

SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

Section 13.01 Satisfaction and Discharge .

This Indenture shall be discharged and shall cease to be of further effect as to all Notes, when either:

(1) all Notes theretofore authenticated and delivered, except lost, stolen or destroyed Notes which have been replaced or paid and Notes for whose payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust, have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or

(2) (A) all Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation have become due and payable by reason of the making of a notice of redemption or otherwise, will become due and payable within one year or are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Issuers and any Issuer or any Guarantor have irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust solely for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes, cash in U.S. dollars, U.S. dollar-denominated 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 not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation for principal, premium, if any, and accrued interest to the date of maturity or redemption;

(B) no Default (other than that resulting from borrowing funds to be applied to make such deposit or any similar and simultaneous deposit relating to other Indebtedness and the granting of Liens in connection therewith) with respect to this Indenture or the Notes shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit or shall occur as a result of such deposit and such deposit will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under the Senior Credit Facilities, Senior Notes (or the indenture governing the Senior Notes) or any other material agreement or instrument (other than this Indenture) to which any Issuer or any Guarantor is a party or by which any Issuer or any Guarantor is bound (other than resulting from any borrowing of funds to be applied to make such deposit and any similar and simultaneous deposit relating to other Indebtedness and the granting of Liens in connection therewith);

(C) the Issuers have paid or caused to be paid all sums payable by it under this Indenture; and

 

-116-


(D) the Issuers have delivered irrevocable instructions to the Trustee to apply the deposited money toward the payment of the Notes at maturity or the Redemption Date, as the case may be.

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

Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, if money shall have been deposited with the Trustee pursuant to subclause (A) of clause (2) of this Section 13.01, the provisions of Section 13.02 and Section 8.06 hereof shall survive.

Section 13.02 Application of Trust Money .

Subject to the provisions of Section 8.06 hereof, all money deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 13.01 hereof shall be held in trust and applied by it, in accordance with the provisions of the Notes and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including either Issuer acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Persons entitled thereto, of the principal (and premium and Additional Interest, 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 13.01 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 Issuers’ and any Guarantor’s obligations under this Indenture and the Notes shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to Section 13.01 hereof; provided that if the Issuers have made any payment of principal of, premium and Additional Interest, if any, or interest on any Notes because of the reinstatement of its obligations, the Issuers 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 14

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 14.01 Trust Indenture Act Controls .

If any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with the duties imposed by Trust Indenture Act Section 318(c), the imposed duties shall control.

Section 14.02 Notices .

Any notice or communication by either Issuer, any Guarantor or the Trustee to the others is duly given if in writing and delivered in person or mailed by first-class mail (registered or certified, return receipt requested), fax or overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery, to the others’ address:

If to either Issuer and/or any Guarantor:

Pinnacle Food Finance LLC

c/o The Blackstone Group

345 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10154

Facsimile: (212) 583-5596

Attention: Prakash A. Melwani

 

-117-


with a copy to:

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

425 Lexington Avenue

New York, New York 10017

Facsimile: (212) 455-2502

Attention: Richard Fenyes, Esq., John Ericson, Esq.

If to the Trustee:

Wilmington Trust Company

Rodney Square North

1100 North Market Street

Wilmington, DE 19890-1611

Facsimile: (302) 636-4145

Attention: Corporate Trust Administration

Either Issuer, 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) shall be deemed to have been duly given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; five calendar days after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed by first-class mail; when receipt acknowledged, if faxed; and the next Business Day after timely delivery to the courier, if sent by overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery; provided that any notice or communication delivered to the Trustee shall be deemed effective upon actual receipt thereof.

Any notice or communication to a Holder shall 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 shall also be so mailed to any Person described in Trust Indenture Act Section 313(c), to the extent required by the Trust Indenture Act. Failure to mail a notice or communication to a Holder or any defect in it shall not affect its sufficiency with respect to other Holders.

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 Issuers mail a notice or communication to Holders, they shall mail a copy to the Trustee and each Agent at the same time.

 

-118-


Section 14.03 Communication by Holders of Notes with Other Holders of Notes .

Holders may communicate pursuant to Trust Indenture Act Section 312(b) with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or the Notes. The Issuers, the Trustee, the Registrar and anyone else shall have the protection of Trust Indenture Act Section 312(c).

Section 14.04 Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent .

Subject to Section 7.02(b), upon any request or application by either Issuer or any of the Guarantors to the Trustee to take any action under this Indenture, such Issuer or such Guarantor, as the case may be, shall furnish to the Trustee:

(a) An Officer’s Certificate in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee (which shall include the statements set forth in Section 14.05 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

(b) An Opinion of Counsel in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee (which shall include the statements set forth in Section 14.05 hereof) stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all such conditions precedent and covenants have been satisfied.

Section 14.05 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 Section 4.04 hereof or Trust Indenture Act Section 314(a)(4)) shall comply with the provisions of Trust Indenture Act Section 314(e) and shall include:

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

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

(c) a statement that, in the opinion of such Person, he or she has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with (and, in the case of an Opinion of Counsel, may be limited to reliance on an Officer’s Certificate as to matters of fact); and

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

Section 14.06 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.

 

-119-


Section 14.07 No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders .

No director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of either Issuer or any Guarantor (other than the Issuers and the Guarantors) or any of their parent companies shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuers or the Guarantors under the Notes, the Guarantees or this Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of such obligations or their creation. Each Holder by accepting Notes waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes.

Section 14.08 Governing Law .

THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTES AND ANY GUARANTEE WILL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

Section 14.09 Waiver of Jury Trial .

EACH OF THE ISSUERS, THE GUARANTORS AND THE TRUSTEE HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTES OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

Section 14.10 Force Majeure .

In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations under this Indenture arising out of or caused by, directly or indirectly, forces beyond its reasonable control, including without limitation strikes, work stoppages, accidents, acts of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances, nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of God, and interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, communications or computer (software or hardware) services.

Section 14.11 No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements .

This Indenture may not be used to interpret any other indenture, loan or debt agreement of the Issuers or their Restricted Subsidiaries or of any other Person. Any such indenture, loan or debt agreement may not be used to interpret this Indenture.

Section 14.12 Successors .

All agreements of each Issuer in this Indenture and the Notes shall bind its successors. All agreements of the Trustee in this Indenture shall bind its successors. All agreements of each Guarantor in this Indenture shall bind its successors, except as otherwise provided in Section 5.01(c) and Section 11.06 hereof.

Section 14.13 Severability .

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

 

-120-


Section 14.14 Counterpart Originals .

The parties may sign any number of copies of this Indenture. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement.

Section 14.15 Table of Contents, Headings, etc .

The Table of Contents, Cross-Reference Table and headings of the Articles and Sections of this Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not to be considered a part of this Indenture and shall in no way modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.

Section 14.16 Qualification of Indenture .

The Issuers and the Guarantors shall qualify this Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Registration Rights Agreement and shall pay all reasonable costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees and expenses for the Issuers, the Guarantors and the Trustee) incurred in connection therewith, including, but not limited to, costs and expenses of qualification of this Indenture and the Notes and printing this Indenture and the Notes. The Trustee shall be entitled to receive from the Issuers and the Guarantors any such Officer’s Certificates, Opinions of Counsel or other documentation as it may reasonably request in connection with any such qualification of this Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act.

[Signatures on following page]

 

-121-


PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC
By:   / S / M. K ELLEY M AGGS
  Name: M. Kelley Maggs
  Title: Senior Vice President
PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE CORP.
By:   / S / M. K ELLEY M AGGS
  Name: M. Kelley Maggs
  Title: Senior Vice President

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC.

PINNACLE FOODS CORPORATION

PINNACLE FOODS MANAGEMENT CORPORATION, as Guarantors

By:   / S / M. K ELLEY M AGGS
  Name: M. Kelley Maggs
  Title: Senior Vice President

Signature Page to Senior Subordinated Indenture


WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY,

as Trustee

By:   / S / J AMES J. G INLEY
  Name: James J. Ginley
  Title: Authorized Signer

Signature Page to Senior Subordinated Indenture


EXHIBIT A

[Face of Note]

[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 Regulation S Temporary Global Note Legend, if applicable pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture]

 

A-1


CUSIP [                ]

ISIN [                ] 1

[RULE 144A][REGULATION S] [GLOBAL] NOTE

representing up to

$[                          ]

10  5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017

 

No.             [$                          ]

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC and PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE CORP.

promise to pay to CEDE & CO. or registered assigns, the principal sum [set forth on the Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note attached hereto] [of                                                       United States Dollars] on April 1, 2017.

Interest Payment Dates: April 1 and October 1

Record Dates: March 15 and September 15


1

144A ISIN: US72347QAB95

144A CUSIP: 72347Q AB9

Regulation S ISIN: USU72284AB55

Regulation S CUSIP: U72284 AB5

 

A-2


IN WITNESS HEREOF, the Issuers have caused this instrument to be duly executed.

Dated: [                            ]

 

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC
By:    
  Name:
  Title:
PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE CORP.
By:    
  Name:
  Title:

 

A-3


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

 

WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY,

as Trustee

By:    
  Authorized Signatory

Dated: [                        ]

 

A-4


[Back of Note]

10  5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017

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

1. INTEREST. Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ( the “ Company ”), and Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp., a Delaware corporation (together with the Company, the “ Issuers ”), promise to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note at 10  5 / 8 % per annum from April 2, 2007 until maturity and shall pay the Additional Interest, if any, payable pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement referred to below. The Issuers will pay interest and Additional Interest, if any, semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 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 Issue Date; provided that the first Interest Payment Date shall be October 1, 2007. The Issuers 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 the interest rate on the Notes; they shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest and Additional Interest, if any, (without regard to any applicable grace periods) from time to time on demand at the interest rate on the Notes. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months.

2. METHOD OF PAYMENT. The Issuers will pay interest on the Notes and Additional Interest, if any, to the Persons who are registered Holders of Notes at the close of business on the March 15 or September 15 (whether or not a Business Day), as the case may be, 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. Payment of interest and Additional Interest, 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 Additional Interest, if any, on, all Global Notes and all other Notes the Holders of which shall have provided wire transfer instructions to the Issuers or the Paying Agent. Such payment shall be in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts.

3. PAYING AGENT AND REGISTRAR. Initially, Wilmington Trust Company, the Trustee under the Indenture, will act as Paying Agent and Registrar. The Issuers may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without notice to the Holders. The Issuers or any of their Subsidiaries may act in any such capacity.

4. INDENTURE. The Issuers issued the Notes under an Indenture, dated as of April 2, 2007 (the “ Indenture ”), among the Issuers, the Guarantors named therein and the Trustee. This Note is one of a duly authorized issue of notes of the Issuers’ designated as their 10  5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017. The Issuers shall be entitled to issue Additional Notes pursuant to Section 2.01 and 4.09 of the Indenture. 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 (the “ Trust Indenture Act ”). 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.

 

A-5


5. OPTIONAL REDEMPTION.

(a) Except as described below under clauses 5(b) and 5(c) hereof, the Notes will not be redeemable at the Issuers’ option before April 1, 2012.

(b) At any time prior to April 1, 2012, the Issuers may redeem all or a part of the Notes, upon notice in accordance with paragraph 7, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes redeemed plus the Applicable Premium as of, and accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the date of redemption (the “ Redemption Date ”), subject to the rights of Holders of Notes on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date.

(c) Until April 1, 2012, the Issuers may, at their option, on one or more occasions redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes issued by them at a redemption price equal to 110.625% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the Redemption Date, subject to the right of Holders of Notes of record on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date, with the net cash proceeds received by them from one or more Equity Offerings; provided that (i) at least 50% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes originally issued under the Indenture remain outstanding immediately after the occurrence of each such redemption and (ii) each such redemption occurs within 90 days of the date of closing of each such Equity Offering.

(d) On and after April 1, 2012, the Issuers may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, upon notice in accordance with paragraph 7, to each Holder of Notes at the address of such Holder appearing in the security register, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the Redemption Date, subject to the right of Holders of Notes of record on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on April 1 of each of the years indicated below:

 

Year

   Percentage  

2012

   105.313 %

2013

   103.542 %

2014

   101.771 %

2015 and thereafter

   100.000 %

(e) Any redemption pursuant to this paragraph 5 shall be made pursuant to the provisions of Sections 3.01 through 3.06 of the Indenture.

(f) Any redemption pursuant to Section 3.07 of the Indenture may, at the Issuers’ discretion, be subject to one or more conditions precedent, including, but not limited to, the completion of an Equity Offering or other corporate transaction.

6. MANDATORY REDEMPTION. The Issuers shall not be required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes.

 

A-6


7. NOTICE OF REDEMPTION. Subject to Section 3.03 of the Indenture, notice of redemption will be mailed by first-class mail, postage prepaid, at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the Redemption Date (except that redemption notices may be mailed more than 60 days prior to a Redemption Date if the notice is issued in connection with Article 8 or Article 13 of the Indenture) to each Holder whose Notes are to be redeemed at its registered address or otherwise in accordance with Applicable Procedures. Notes in denominations larger than $2,000 may be redeemed in part but only in whole multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof, unless all of the Notes held by a Holder are to be redeemed. On and after the Redemption Date, interest ceases to accrue on Notes or portions thereof called for redemption, subject to the satisfaction of any conditions pursuant to Section 3.07(f) of the Indenture.

8. OFFERS TO REPURCHASE.

(a) Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, unless the Issuers have previously or concurrently mailed a redemption notice with respect to all the outstanding Notes pursuant to Section 3.07 of the Indenture, the Issuers shall make an offer (a “ Change of Control Offer ”) to each Holder to repurchase all or any part (equal to $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 thereafter) of each Holder’s Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest thereon, if any, to the date of purchase (the “ Change of Control Payment ”). The Change of Control Offer shall be made in accordance with Section 4.14 of the Indenture.

(b) If the Issuers or any of their Restricted Subsidiaries consummate an Asset Sale, when the aggregate amount of the Excess Proceeds exceeds $25.0 million, the Issuers shall make an offer to all Holders of the Notes and, if required by the terms of any Indebtedness that is pari passu with the Notes (“ Pari Passu Indebtedness ”), to the holders of such Pari Passu Indebtedness (an “ Asset Sale Offer ”), to purchase the maximum aggregate principal amount of the Notes (including any Additional Notes) that is at least $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof and such other Pari Passu Indebtedness that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds at an offer price in cash equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof (or accreted value, if less) plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the date fixed for the closing of such offer, in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Indenture. To the extent that the aggregate amount of Notes (including any Additional Notes) and such Pari Passu Indebtedness tendered pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer is less than the Excess Proceeds, the Issuers may use any remaining Excess Proceeds for general corporate purposes, subject to other covenants contained in the Indenture. If the aggregate amount payable in respect of the Notes or the Pari Passu Indebtedness surrendered by such holders thereof exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the Issuers shall select the Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness to be purchased on a pro rata basis to the extent practicable based on the accreted value or principal amount of the Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness tendered or otherwise in accordance with Applicable Procedures. Upon completion of any such Asset Sale Offer, the amount of Excess Proceeds shall be reset at zero. Holders of Notes that are the subject of an offer to purchase will receive an Asset Sale Offer from the Issuers prior to any related purchase date and may elect to have such Notes purchased by completing the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” attached to the Notes.

9. DENOMINATIONS, TRANSFER, EXCHANGE. The Notes are in registered form without coupons in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 thereafter. 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 Issuers may require a Holder to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Issuers need not exchange or register the transfer of any Note or portion of a Note selected for redemption or tendered (and not withdrawn) for repurchase with a Change of Control or an Asset Sale Offer, except for the unredeemed or unpurchased portion of any Note being redeemed or repurchased in part. Also, the Issuers need not exchange or register the transfer of any Notes for a period of 15 days before a selection of Notes to be redeemed.

 

A-7


10. SUBORDINATION. The Notes and the Guarantees are subordinated to Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers and the Guarantors on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Indenture. To the extent provided in the Indenture, Senior Indebtedness must be paid before the Notes and Guarantees may be paid. The Issuers agree, and each Holder by accepting a Note agrees, to the subordination provisions contained in the Indenture and authorizes the Trustee to give it effect and appoints the Trustee as attorney-in-fact for such purpose.

11. PERSONS DEEMED OWNERS. The registered Holder of a Note may be treated as its owner for all purposes.

12. AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER. The Indenture, the Guarantees or the Notes may be amended or supplemented as provided in the Indenture.

13. DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES. The Events of Default relating to the Notes are defined in Section 6.01 of the Indenture. If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 30% in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may declare the principal, premium, if any, interest and any other monetary obligations on all the then outstanding 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, the Notes or the Guarantees 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 (except a Default relating to the payment of principal, premium, if any, Additional Interest, if any, or interest) if it determines that withholding notice is in their interest. The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding by notice to the Trustee may on behalf of the Holders of all of the Notes waive any existing Default and its consequences under the Indenture except a continuing Default in payment of the principal of, premium, if any, Additional Interest, if any, or interest on, any of the Notes held by a non-consenting Holder. The Issuers and each Guarantor (to the extent that such Guarantor is so required under the Trust Indenture Act) are required to deliver to the Trustee annually a statement regarding compliance with the Indenture, and the Issuers are required within twenty (20) Business Days after becoming aware of any Default, to deliver to the Trustee a statement specifying such Default and what action the Issuers propose to take with respect thereto.

14. AUTHENTICATION. This Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose until authenticated by the manual signature of the Trustee.

15. ADDITIONAL RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF RESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTES AND RESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTES. In addition to the rights provided to Holders of Notes under the Indenture, Holders of Restricted Global Notes and Restricted Definitive Notes shall have all the rights set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 2, 2007, among the Issuers, the Guarantors named therein and the other parties named on the signature pages thereof (the “ Registration Rights Agreement ”), including the right to receive Additional Interest (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement).

 

A-8


16. GOVERNING LAW. THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SHALL GOVERN AND BE USED TO CONSTRUE THE INDENTURE, THE NOTES AND THE GUARANTEES.

17. CUSIP AND ISIN NUMBERS. Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures, the Issuers have caused CUSIP and ISIN numbers to be printed on the Notes, and the Trustee may use CUSIP and ISIN numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders. No representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers either as printed on the Notes or as contained in any notice of redemption and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers placed thereon.

The Issuers will furnish to any Holder upon written request and without charge a copy of the Indenture and/or the Registration Rights Agreement. Requests may be made to the Issuers at the following address:

Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC

c/o The Blackstone Group

345 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10154

Attention: Prakash A. Melwani

 

A-9


ASSIGNMENT FORM

To assign this Note, fill in the form below:

 

(I) or (we) assign and transfer this Note to:     
   (Insert assignee’ 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 Issuers. 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).

 

A-10


OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE

If you want to elect to have this Note purchased by the Issuers pursuant to Section 4.10 or 4.14 of the Indenture, check the appropriate box below:

¨    Section 4.10             ¨   Section 4.14

If you want to elect to have only part of this Note purchased by the Issuers pursuant to Section 4.10 or Section 4.14 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).

 

A-11


SCHEDULE OF EXCHANGES OF INTERESTS IN THE GLOBAL NOTE*

The initial outstanding principal amount of this Global Note is $                          . 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 or Definitive Note for an interest in this Global Note, have been made:

 

Date of Exchange

   Amount of
decrease
in Principal
Amount
   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.

 

A-12


EXHIBIT B

FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER

Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC

c/o The Blackstone Group

345 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10154

Attention: Prakash A. Melwani

Wilmington Trust Company

Rodney Square North

1100 North Market Street

Wilmington, DE 19890-1611

Attention: Corporate Trust Administration

 

 

Re:

10  5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017

Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of April 2, 2007 (the “ Indenture ”), among the Issuers, the Guarantors named therein and the 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 RELEVANT 144A GLOBAL NOTE OR RELEVANT DEFINITIVE NOTE PURSUANT TO RULE 144A. The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144A under the United States 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.

2. ¨ CHECK IF TRANSFEREE WILL TAKE DELIVERY OF A BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN THE RELEVANT REGULATION S GLOBAL NOTE OR RELEVANT 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

 

B-1


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, (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, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will be subject to the restrictions on Transfer enumerated in the Indenture and the Securities Act.

3. ¨ CHECK AND COMPLETE IF TRANSFEREE WILL TAKE DELIVERY OF A BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN THE RELEVANT DEFINITIVE NOTE PURSUANT TO ANY PROVISION OF THE SECURITIES ACT OTHER THAN RULE 144A OR REGULATION S. The Transfer is being effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to beneficial interests in Restricted Global Notes and Restricted Definitive Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States, and accordingly the Transferor hereby further certifies that (check one):

(a) ¨ such Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act;

or

(b) ¨ such Transfer is being effected to either Issuer or any subsidiary of either Issuer;

or

(c) ¨ such Transfer is being effected pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act and in compliance with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act.

4. ¨ 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

 

B-2


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.

 

B-3


This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your benefit and the benefit of the Issuers.

 

[Insert Name of Transferor]
By:    
  Name:
  Title:

Dated:                                 

 

B-4


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: 72347Q AB9), or

 

  (ii) ¨ Regulation S Global Note (CUSIP: U72284 AB5), 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: 72347Q AB9), or

 

  (ii) ¨ Regulation S Global Note (CUSIP: U72284 AB5), or

 

  (iii) ¨ Unrestricted Global Note (                        ); or

 

(b) ¨ a Restricted Definitive Note; or

 

(c) ¨ an Unrestricted Definitive Note, in accordance with the terms of the Indenture.

 

B-5


EXHIBIT C

FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF EXCHANGE

Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC

c/o The Blackstone Group

345 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10154

Attention: Prakash A. Melwani

The Wilmington Trust Company

Rodney Square North

1100 North Market Street

Wilmington, DE 19890-1611

Attention: Corporate Trust Administration

 

 

Re:

10  5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017

Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of April 2, 2007 (the “ Indenture ”), among the Issuers, the Guarantors named therein and the 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 United States 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

 

C-1


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 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 OF THE SAME SERIES 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

 

C-2


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 Issuers and are dated                                               .

 

[Insert Name of Transferor]
By:    
  Name:
  Title:

Dated:                                     

 

C-3


EXHIBIT D

[FORM OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE

TO BE DELIVERED BY SUBSEQUENT GUARANTORS]

Supplemental Indenture (this “ Supplemental Indenture ”), dated as of                      , among                                  (the “ Guaranteeing Subsidiary ”), a subsidiary of Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (together with Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp., a Delaware corporation, the “ Issuers ”), and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee (the “ Trustee ”).

W I T N E S S E T H

WHEREAS, each Issuer and the Guarantors (as defined in the Indenture referred to below) has heretofore executed and delivered to the Trustee an indenture (the “ Indenture ”), dated as of April 2, 2007, providing for the issuance of $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Subordinated Notes due 2015 (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 Issuers’ Obligations under the Notes and the Indenture on the terms and conditions set forth herein and under the Indenture (the “ 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 parties mutually covenant and agree for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the Notes as follows:

(1) Capitalized Terms . Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.

(2) Agreement to Guarantee . The Guaranteeing Subsidiary hereby agrees as follows:

(a) Along with all Guarantors named in the Indenture, to jointly and severally, irrevocable and unconditionally guarantee 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 the Indenture, the Notes or the obligations of the Issuers hereunder or thereunder, that:

(i) the principal of and interest, premium and Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes 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, if any, if lawful, and all other Obligations of the Issuers 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

(ii) 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

 

D-1


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 and the Guaranteeing Subsidiary shall be jointly and severally obligated to pay the same immediately. This is a guarantee of payment and not a guarantee of collection.

(b) The obligations hereunder shall be unconditional, irrespective of the validity, regularity or enforceability of the Notes or the 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 either Issuer, any action to enforce the same or any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a guarantor.

(c) The following is hereby waived: diligence, presentment, demand of payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of insolvency or bankruptcy of either Issuer, any right to require a proceeding first against the Issuers, protest, notice and all demands whatsoever.

(d) This Guarantee shall not be discharged except by complete performance of the obligations contained in the Notes, the Indenture and this Supplemental Indenture, and the Guaranteeing Subsidiary accepts all obligations of a Guarantor under the Indenture.

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

(f) The Guaranteeing Subsidiary shall 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.

(g) As between the Guaranteeing Subsidiary, on the one hand, and the Holders and the Trustee, on the other hand, (x) the maturity of the obligations guaranteed hereby may be accelerated as provided in Article 6 of the Indenture for the purposes of this Guarantee, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such acceleration in respect of the obligations guaranteed hereby, and (y) in the event of any declaration of acceleration of such obligations as provided in Article 6 of the Indenture, such obligations (whether or not due and payable) shall forthwith become due and payable by the Guaranteeing Subsidiary for the purpose of this Guarantee.

(h) The Guaranteeing Subsidiary shall 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 this Guarantee.

(i) Pursuant to Section 11.02 of the Indenture, after giving effect to all other contingent and fixed liabilities that are relevant under any applicable Bankruptcy Law or fraudulent conveyance 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 Article 11 of the Indenture, this new Guarantee shall be limited to the maximum amount permissible such that the obligations of such Guaranteeing Subsidiary under this Guarantee will not constitute a fraudulent transfer or conveyance.

 

D-2


(j) This Guarantee shall remain in full force and effect and continue to be effective should any petition be filed by or against either Issuer for liquidation, reorganization, should either Issuer become insolvent or make an assignment for the benefit of creditors or should a receiver or trustee be appointed for all or any significant part of either Issuer’s assets, and shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment and performance of the Notes are, pursuant to applicable law, rescinded or reduced in amount, or must otherwise be restored or returned by any obligee on the Notes and Guarantee, whether as a “voidable preference,” “fraudulent transfer” or otherwise, all as though such payment or performance had not been made. In the event that any payment or any part thereof, is rescinded, reduced, restored or returned, the Notes shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be reinstated and deemed reduced only by such amount paid and not so rescinded, reduced, restored or returned.

(k) In case any provision of this Guarantee shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality, and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

(l) This Guarantee shall be a general unsecured senior subordinated obligation of such Guaranteeing Subsidiary, and shall be subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future Senior Indebtedness of the Guaranteeing Subsidiary, if any.

(m) Each payment to be made by the Guaranteeing Subsidiary in respect of this Guarantee shall be made without set-off, counterclaim, reduction or diminution of any kind or nature.

(3) Execution and Delivery . The Guaranteeing Subsidiary agrees that the Guarantee shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the absence of the endorsement of any notation of such Guarantee on the Notes.

(4) Merger, Consolidation or Sale of All or Substantially All Assets .

(a) Except as otherwise provided in Section 5.01(c) of the Indenture, the Guaranteeing Subsidiary may not consolidate or merge with or into or wind up into (whether or not the Guaranteeing Subsidiary is the surviving Person), or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties or assets, in one or more related transactions, to any Person unless:

(i)(A) the Guaranteeing Subsidiary is the surviving entity or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than the Guaranteeing Subsidiary) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition will have been made is a Person organized or existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of organization of the Guaranteeing Subsidiary, as the case may be, or the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia, or any territory thereof (the Guaranteeing Subsidiary or such Person, as the case may be, being herein called the “ Successor Person ”);

(B) the Successor Person, if other than the Guaranteeing Subsidiary, expressly assumes all the obligations of the Guaranteeing Subsidiary under the Indenture and the Guaranteeing Subsidiary’s related Guarantee pursuant to supplemental indentures or other documents or instruments;

 

D-3


(C) immediately after such transaction, no Default exists; and

(D) the Issuers shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger or transfer and such supplemental indentures, if any, comply with the Indenture; or

(ii) the transaction is made in compliance with Section 4.10 of the Indenture;

(b) Subject to certain limitations described in the Indenture, the Successor Person will succeed to, and be substituted for, the Guaranteeing Subsidiary under the Indenture and the Guaranteeing Subsidiary’s Guarantee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Guaranteeing Subsidiary may (i) merge into or transfer all or part of its properties and assets to another Guarantor or either Issuer, (ii) merge with an Affiliate of the Company solely for the purpose of reincorporating such Guaranteeing Subsidiary in the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia or any territory thereof or (iii) convert into a corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability corporation or trust organized or existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of organization of such Guaranteeing Subsidiary.

(5) Releases .

The Guarantee of the Guaranteeing Subsidiary shall be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged, and no further action by the Guaranteeing Subsidiary, the Issuers or the Trustee is required for the release of the Guaranteeing Subsidiary’s Guarantee, upon:

(1)(A) any sale, exchange or transfer (by merger or otherwise) of (i) the Capital Stock of the Guaranteeing Subsidiary (including any sale, exchange or transfer), after which the Guaranteeing Subsidiary is no longer a Restricted Subsidiary or (ii) all or substantially all the assets of the Guaranteeing Subsidiary, in each case made in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Indenture;

(B) the release or discharge of the guarantee by the Guaranteeing Subsidiary of Indebtedness under the Senior Credit Facilities or the guarantee which resulted in the creation of the Guarantee, except a discharge or release by or as a result of payment under such guarantee;

(C) the designation of the Guaranteeing Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary; or

(D) the exercise by the Issuers of their Legal Defeasance option or Covenant Defeasance option in accordance with Article 8 of the Indenture or the discharge of the Issuers’ obligations under the Indenture in accordance with the terms of the Indenture; and

(2) the Guaranteeing Subsidiary delivering to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent provided for in the Indenture relating to such transaction have been complied with.

(6) No Recourse Against Others . No director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of the Guaranteeing Subsidiary or any of its parent companies (other than the Issuers and the Guarantors) shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuers or the Guarantors (including the Guaranteeing Subsidiary) under the Notes, any Guarantees, the Indenture or this Supplemental Indenture

 

D-4


or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of such obligations or their creation. Each Holder by accepting Notes waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes.

(7) Governing Law . THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE WILL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

(8) Counterparts . 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.

(9) Effect of Headings . The Section headings herein are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.

(10) The Trustee . 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.

(11) Subrogation . The Guaranteeing Subsidiary shall be subrogated to all rights of Holders of Notes against the Issuers in respect of any amounts paid by the Guaranteeing Subsidiary pursuant to the provisions of Section 2 hereof and Section 10.01 of the Indenture; provided that, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Guaranteeing Subsidiary shall not be entitled to enforce or receive any payments arising out of, or based upon, such right of subrogation until all amounts then due and payable by the Issuers under the Indenture or the Notes shall have been paid in full.

(12) Benefits Acknowledged . The Guaranteeing Subsidiary’s Guarantee is subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Indenture. The Guaranteeing Subsidiary acknowledges that it will receive direct and indirect benefits from the financing arrangements contemplated by the Indenture and this Supplemental Indenture and that the guarantee and waivers made by it pursuant to this Guarantee are knowingly made in contemplation of such benefits.

(13) Successors . All agreements of the Guaranteeing Subsidiary in this Supplemental Indenture shall bind its Successors, except as otherwise provided in Section 2(k) hereof or elsewhere in this Supplemental Indenture. All agreements of the Trustee in this Supplemental Indenture shall bind its successors.

 

D-5


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

 

[GUARANTEEING SUBSIDIARY]
By:    
  Name:
  Title:
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY, as Trustee
By:    
  Name:
  Title:

 

D-6

Exhibit 4.3

 


REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

Dated as of April 2, 2007

Among

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC,

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE CORP.,

the Guarantors listed herein

and

LEHMAN BROTHERS INC.

and

GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.

9.250% Senior Notes due 2015

10.625% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017

 



TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page
1.   

Definitions

   1
2.   

Exchange Offer

   5
3.   

Shelf Registration

   8
4.   

Additional Interest

   10
5.   

Registration Procedures

   11
6.   

Registration Expenses

   18
7.   

Indemnification and Contribution.

   18
8.   

Rules 144 and 144A

   22
9.   

Underwritten Registrations

   22
10.   

Miscellaneous

   23

 

-i-


REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

This Registration Rights Agreement (this “ Agreement ”) is dated as of April 2, 2007, among PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Company ”), PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE CORP., a Delaware corporation (“ Finance Co. ” and, together with the Company, the “ Issuers ”) the guarantors listed on Schedule I hereto (the “ Guarantors ”) and LEHMAN BROTHERS INC. and GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO. (together, the “ Initial Purchasers ”).

This Agreement is entered into in connection with the Purchase Agreement, dated March 21, 2007 (the “ Purchase Agreement ”), between Peak Finance LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and the Initial Purchasers, which provides for, among other things, the sale by the Issuers to the Initial Purchasers of $400,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of the Issuers’ 9.250% senior notes due 2015 (the “ Senior Notes ”) and $250,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of the Issuers’ 10.625% senior subordinated notes due 2017 (the “ Senior Subordinated Notes ” and, together with the Senior Notes, the “ Notes ”). Finance Co. and the Guarantors have become parties to the Purchase Agreement by virtue of the Joinder Agreement, dated as of the date hereof (the “ Joinder Agreement ”), among Finance Co., the Guarantors and the Initial Purchasers. The Senior Notes are issued under an indenture, dated as of the date hereof (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the “ Senior Note Indenture ”), among the Issuers, the Guarantors and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee (the “ Trustee ”) and the Senior Subordinated Notes are issued under an indenture, dated as of the date hereof (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the “ Senior Subordinated Note Indenture ” and, together with the Senior Note Indenture, the “ Indentures ”), among the Issuers, the Guarantors and the Trustee. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Joinder Agreement and the Indentures, the Guarantors are required to guarantee, on an unsecured senior basis with respect to the Senior Notes (the “ Senior Note Guarantees ”), and on an unsecured senior subordinated basis with respect to the Senior Subordinated Notes (the “ Senior Subordinated Note Guarantees ” and, together with the Senior Note Guarantees, the “ Guarantees ”) the Issuers’ obligations under the Notes and the Indentures. References to the “ Securities ” shall mean, collectively, the Notes and the Guarantees. In order to induce the Initial Purchasers to enter into the Purchase Agreement, the Issuers have agreed to provide the registration rights set forth in this Agreement for the benefit of the Initial Purchasers and any subsequent holder or holders of the Securities. The execution and delivery of this Agreement is a condition to the Initial Purchasers’ obligations under the Purchase Agreement.

The parties hereby agree as follows:

 

  1. Definitions

As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

Additional Interest : See Section 4(a) hereof.

Advice : See the last paragraph of Section 5 hereof.

Agreement : See the introductory paragraphs hereto.

Applicable Period : See Section 2(b) hereof.


Business Day : Shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Rule 14d-1 under the Exchange Act.

Effectiveness Date : With respect to any Shelf Registration Statement, the 90th day after the Filing Date with respect thereto; provided , however , that if the Effectiveness Date would otherwise fall on a day that is not a Business Day, then the Effectiveness Date shall be the next succeeding Business Day.

Effectiveness Period : See Section 3(a) hereof.

Exchange Act : The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.

Exchange Notes : See Section 2(a) hereof.

Exchange Offer : See Section 2(a) hereof.

Exchange Offer Registration Statement : See Section 2(a) hereof.

Exchange Securities : See Section 2(a) hereof.

Exchange Senior Notes : See Section 2(a) hereof.

Exchange Subordinated Notes : See Section 2(a) hereof.

Exchange Senior Note Guarantees : See Section 2(a) hereof.

Exchange Subordinated Note Guarantees : See Section 2(a) hereof.

Filing Date : The 90th day after the delivery of a Shelf Notice as required pursuant to Section 2(c) hereof; provided , however , that if the Filing Date would otherwise fall on a day that is not a Business Day, then the Filing Date shall be the next succeeding Business Day.

Guarantees : See the introductory paragraphs hereto.

Guarantors : See the introductory paragraphs hereto.

Holder : Any holder of a Registrable Security or Registrable Securities.

Indentures : See the introductory paragraphs hereto.

Information : See Section 5(n) hereof.

Initial Purchasers : See the introductory paragraphs hereto.

Initial Shelf Registration : See Section 3(a) hereof.

 

-2-


Inspectors : See Section 5(n) hereof.

Issue Date : April 2, 2007, the date of original issuance of the Notes.

Issuers : See the introductory paragraphs hereto.

Joinder Agreement : See the introductory paragraphs hereto.

NASD : See Section 5(r) hereof.

Notes : See the introductory paragraphs hereto.

Participant : See Section 7(a) hereof.

Participating Broker-Dealer: See Section 2(b) hereof.

Person : An individual, trustee, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated association, union, business association, firm or other legal entity.

Private Exchange : See Section 2(b) hereof.

Private Exchange Notes : See Section 2(b) hereof.

Prospectus : The prospectus included in any Registration Statement (including, without limitation, any prospectus subject to completion and a prospectus that includes any information previously omitted from a prospectus filed as part of an effective registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A under the Securities Act and any term sheet filed pursuant to Rule 434 under the Securities Act), as amended or supplemented by any prospectus supplement, and all other amendments and supplements to the Prospectus, including post-effective amendments, and all material incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such Prospectus.

Purchase Agreement : See the introductory paragraphs hereof.

Records : See Section 5(n) hereof.

Registrable Securities : Each Security upon its original issuance and at all times subsequent thereto, each Exchange Security as to which Section 2(c)(iv) hereof is applicable upon original issuance and at all times subsequent thereto and each Private Exchange Note (and the related Guarantees) upon original issuance thereof and at all times subsequent thereto, until, in each case, the earliest to occur of (i) a Registration Statement (other than, with respect to any Exchange Securities as to which Section 2(c)(iv) hereof is applicable, the Exchange Offer Registration Statement) covering such Security, Exchange Security or Private Exchange Note (and the related Guarantees) has been declared effective by the SEC and such Security, Exchange Security or such Private Exchange Note (and the related Guarantees), as the case may be, has been disposed of in accordance with such effective Registration Statement, (ii) such Security has been exchanged pursuant to the Exchange Offer for an Exchange Security or Exchange Securities that may be resold without restriction under state and federal securities laws, (iii) such

 

-3-


Security, Exchange Security or Private Exchange Note (and the related Guarantees), as the case may be, ceases to be outstanding for purposes of the applicable Indenture or (iv) such Security, Exchange Security or Private Exchange Note (and the related Guarantees), as the case may be, may be resold without restriction pursuant to Rule 144(k) (as amended or replaced) under the Securities Act.

Registration Statement : Any registration statement of the Issuers that covers any of the Securities, the Exchange Securities or the Private Exchange Notes (and the related Guarantees) filed with the SEC under the Securities Act, including, in each case, the Prospectus, amendments and supplements to such registration statement, including post-effective amendments, all exhibits, and all material incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such registration statement.

Rule 144 : Rule 144 under the Securities Act.

Rule 144A : Rule 144A under the Securities Act.

Rule 405 : Rule 405 under the Securities Act.

Rule 415 : Rule 415 under the Securities Act.

Rule 424 : Rule 424 under the Securities Act.

SEC : The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Securities : See the introductory paragraphs hereto.

Securities Act : The Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.

Senior Notes : See the introductory paragraphs hereto.

Senior Subordinated Notes : See the introductory paragraphs hereto.

Shelf Notice : See Section 2(c) hereof.

Shelf Registration : See Section 3(b) hereof.

Shelf Registration Statement : Any Registration Statement relating to a Shelf Registration.

Shelf Suspension Period : See Section 3(a) hereof.

Subsequent Shelf Registration : See Section 3(b) hereof.

TIA : The Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.

 

-4-


Trustee : The trustee under the Indentures and the trustee under any indenture (if different) governing the Exchange Securities and Private Exchange Notes (and the related Guarantees).

Underwritten registration or underwritten offering : A registration in which securities of the Issuers are sold to an underwriter for reoffering to the public.

Except as otherwise specifically provided, all references in this Agreement to acts, laws, statutes, rules, regulations, releases, forms, no-action letters and other regulatory requirements (collectively, “ Regulatory Requirements ”) shall be deemed to refer also to any amendments thereto and all subsequent Regulatory Requirements adopted as a replacement thereto having substantially the same effect therewith; provided that Rule 144 shall not be deemed to amend or replace Rule 144A.

 

  2. Exchange Offer

(a) Unless the Exchange Offer would violate applicable law or any applicable interpretation of the staff of the SEC, the Issuers shall use their reasonable best efforts to file with the SEC one or more Registration Statements (each, an “ Exchange Offer Registration Statement ”) on an appropriate registration form with respect to a registered offer (the “ Exchange Offer ”) to exchange any and all of the Registrable Securities for a like aggregate principal amount of debt securities of the applicable series of the Issuers (such debt securities, the “ Exchange Senior Notes ” or the “ Exchange Senior Subordinated Notes ”, as applicable, and, together, the “ Exchange Notes ”), guaranteed, to the extent applicable, on an unsecured senior basis by the Guarantors, with respect to the Exchange Senior Notes (the “ Exchange Senior Note Guarantees ”), and on an unsecured senior subordinated basis by the Guarantors, with respect to the Senior Subordinated Notes (the “ Exchange Senior Subordinated Note Guarantees ” and, together with the Exchange Senior Note Guarantees and the Exchange Notes, the “ Exchange Securities ”), that are substantially identical in all material respects to the Senior Notes or Senior Subordinated Notes, as applicable, except that the Exchange Notes (i) shall contain no restrictive legend thereon, (ii) shall accrue interest from (A) the later of (x) the last date on which interest was paid on such Notes or (y) if such Notes are surrendered for exchange on a date in a period that includes the record for an interest payment date to occur on or after the date of such exchange and as to which interest will be paid, the date of such interest payment date or (B) if no such interest has been paid, from the Issue Date and (iii) shall be entitled to the benefits of the Senior Note Indenture or Senior Subordinated Note Indenture, as applicable, or a trust indenture which is identical in all material respects to the Senior Note Indenture or Senior Subordinated Note Indenture, as applicable (other than such changes to the Senior Note Indenture or Senior Subordinated Note Indenture, as applicable, or any such identical trust indenture as are necessary to comply with the TIA) and which, in either case, have been qualified under the TIA. The Exchange Offer shall comply with all applicable tender offer rules and regulations under the Exchange Act and other applicable laws. The Issuers shall use their reasonable best efforts to (x) prepare and file with the SEC the Exchange Offer Registration Statement with respect to the Exchange Offer; (y) keep the Exchange Offer open for at least 20 Business Days (or longer if required by applicable law) after the date that notice of the Exchange Offer is mailed to Holders; and (z) consummate the Exchange Offer on or prior to the 360th day following the Issue Date.

Each Holder (including, without limitation, each Participating Broker-Dealer) that participates in the Exchange Offer, as a condition to participation in the Exchange Offer, will be required to

 

-5-


represent to the Issuers in writing (which may be contained in the applicable letter of transmittal) that: (i) any Exchange Securities acquired in exchange for Registrable Securities tendered are being acquired in the ordinary course of business of the Person receiving such Exchange Securities, whether or not such recipient is such Holder itself; (ii) at the time of the commencement or consummation of the Exchange Offer neither such Holder nor, to the actual knowledge of such Holder, any other Person receiving Exchange Securities from such Holder has an arrangement or understanding with any Person to participate in the distribution (within the meaning of the Securities Act) of the Exchange Securities in violation of the provisions of the Securities Act; (iii) neither the Holder nor, to the knowledge of such Holder, any other Person receiving Exchange Securities from such Holder is an “affiliate” (as defined in Rule 405) of either Issuer; (iv) if such Holder is not a broker-dealer, neither such Holder nor, to the knowledge of such Holder, any other Person receiving Exchange Securities from such Holder is engaging in or intends to engage in a distribution of the Exchange Securities; and (v) if such Holder is a Participating Broker-Dealer, such Holder has acquired the Registrable Securities for its own account in exchange for Securities that were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities and that it will comply with the applicable provisions of the Securities Act (including, but not limited to, the prospectus delivery requirements thereunder).

Upon consummation of the Exchange Offer in accordance with this Section 2, the provisions of this Agreement shall continue to apply, mutatis mutandis , solely with respect to Registrable Securities that are Private Exchange Notes (and the related Guarantees), Exchange Securities as to which Section 2(c)(iv) is applicable and Exchange Securities held by Participating Broker-Dealers, and the Issuers shall have no further obligation to register Registrable Securities (other than Private Exchange Notes (and the related Guarantees) and Exchange Securities as to which clause 2(c)(iv) hereof applies) pursuant to Section 3 hereof.

No securities other than the Exchange Securities shall be included in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement.

(b) The Issuers shall include within the Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement a section entitled “Plan of Distribution,” which shall contain a summary statement of the positions taken or policies made by the staff of the SEC with respect to the potential “underwriter” status of any broker-dealer that is the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of Exchange Notes received by such broker-dealer in the Exchange Offer (a “ Participating Broker-Dealer ”), whether such positions or policies have been publicly disseminated by the staff of the SEC or such positions or policies represent the prevailing views of the staff of the SEC. Such “Plan of Distribution” section shall also expressly permit, to the extent permitted by applicable policies and regulations of the SEC, the use of the Prospectus by all Participating Broker-Dealers, and include a statement describing the means by which Participating Broker-Dealers may resell the Exchange Securities in compliance with the Securities Act.

The Issuers shall use their reasonable best efforts to keep the Exchange Offer Registration Statement effective and to amend and supplement the Prospectus contained therein in order to permit such Prospectus to be lawfully delivered by all Persons subject to the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act for such period of time as is necessary to comply with applicable law in connection with any resale of the Exchange Securities; provided , however , that such period shall not be required to exceed 90 days, such longer period if extended pursuant to the last paragraph of Section 5 hereof (the “ Applicable Period ”).

 

-6-


If, prior to consummation of the Exchange Offer, the Initial Purchasers hold any Notes acquired by them that have the status of an unsold allotment in the initial distribution, the Issuers, upon the request of the Initial Purchasers, shall simultaneously with the delivery of the Exchange Notes issue and deliver to the Initial Purchasers, in exchange (the “ Private Exchange ”) for such Notes held by any such Holder, a like principal amount of notes (the “ Private Exchange Notes ”) of the Issuers, guaranteed by the Guarantors, that are identical in all material respects to the Exchange Notes except for the placement of a restrictive legend on such Private Exchange Notes. The Private Exchange Notes shall be issued pursuant to the same indenture as the Exchange Notes and bear the same CUSIP number as the Exchange Notes if permitted by the CUSIP Service Bureau.

In connection with the Exchange Offer, the Issuers shall:

(1) mail, or cause to be mailed, to each Holder of record entitled to participate in the Exchange Offer a copy of the Prospectus forming part of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, together with an appropriate letter of transmittal and related documents;

(2) use their respective reasonable best efforts to keep the Exchange Offer open for not less than 20 Business Days from the date that notice of the Exchange Offer is mailed to Holders (or longer if required by applicable law);

(3) utilize the services of a depositary for the Exchange Offer with an address in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York or in Wilmington, Delaware;

(4) permit Holders to withdraw tendered Notes at any time prior to the close of business, New York time, on the last Business Day on which the Exchange Offer remains open; and

(5) otherwise comply in all material respects with all laws, rules and regulations applicable to the Exchange Offer.

As soon as practicable after the close of the Exchange Offer and any Private Exchange, the Issuers shall:

(1) accept for exchange all Registrable Securities validly tendered and not validly withdrawn pursuant to the Exchange Offer and any Private Exchange;

(2) deliver to the Trustee for cancellation all Registrable Securities so accepted for exchange; and

(3) cause the Trustee to authenticate and deliver promptly to each Holder of Notes, Exchange Notes or Private Exchange Notes, as the case may be, equal in principal amount to the Notes of such Holder so accepted for exchange; provided that, in the case of any Notes held in global form by a depositary, authentication and delivery to such depositary of one or more replacement Notes in global form in an equivalent principal amount thereto for the account of such Holders in accordance with the Indenture shall satisfy such authentication and delivery requirement.

 

-7-


The Exchange Offer and the Private Exchange shall not be subject to any conditions, other than that (i) the Exchange Offer or Private Exchange, as the case may be, does not violate applicable law or any applicable interpretation of the staff of the SEC; (ii) no action or proceeding shall have been instituted or threatened in any court or by any governmental agency which might materially impair the ability of the Issuers to proceed with the Exchange Offer or the Private Exchange, and no material adverse development shall have occurred in any existing action or proceeding with respect to the Issuers; (iii) all governmental approvals shall have been obtained, which approvals the Issuers deem necessary for the consummation of the Exchange Offer or Private Exchange and (iv) the Holders shall have satisfied customary conditions relating to the delivery of Securities and the execution and delivery of customary documentation relating to the Exchange Offer.

The Exchange Securities and the Private Exchange Notes (and related guarantees) shall be issued under (i) the Senior Note Indenture or Senior Subordinated Note Indenture, as applicable, or (ii) indentures substantially identical in all material respects to the Senior Note Indenture or Senior Subordinated Note Indenture, as applicable, and which, in either case, have been qualified under the TIA or are exempt from such qualification and shall provide that the Exchange Securities shall not be subject to the transfer restrictions set forth in the Indentures. The Indentures or such other indentures shall provide that the Exchange Notes, the Private Exchange Notes and the Notes shall vote and consent together on all matters as one class and that none of the Exchange Notes, the Private Exchange Notes or the Notes will have the right to vote or consent as a separate class on any matter.

(c) If, (i) because of any change in law or in currently prevailing interpretations of the staff of the SEC, the Issuers are not permitted to effect the Exchange Offer, (ii) the Exchange Offer is not consummated within 360 days of the Issue Date, (iii) any holder of Private Exchange Notes so requests in writing to the Issuers at any time within 30 days after the consummation of the Exchange Offer, or (iv) in the case of any Holder that participates in the Exchange Offer, such Holder does not receive Exchange Securities on the date of the exchange that may be sold without restriction under state and federal securities laws (other than due solely to the status of such Holder as an affiliate of either Issuer within the meaning of the Securities Act) and so notifies the Issuers within 30 days after such Holder first becomes aware of such restrictions, in the case of each of clauses (i) to and including (iv) of this sentence, then the Issuers shall promptly deliver to the Trustee (to deliver to the Holders) written notice thereof (the “ Shelf Notice ”) and shall file a Shelf Registration pursuant to Section 3 hereof.

 

  3. Shelf Registration

If at any time a Shelf Notice is delivered as contemplated by Section 2(c) hereof, then:

(a) Shelf Registration . The Issuers shall promptly file with the SEC a Registration Statement for an offering to be made on a continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 covering all of the Registrable Securities (the “ Initial Shelf Registration ”). The Issuers shall use their reasonable best efforts to file with the SEC the Initial Shelf Registration on or prior to the Filing Date. The Initial Shelf Registration shall be on Form S-1 or another appropriate form permitting registration of such Registrable

 

-8-


Securities for resale by Holders in the manner or manners designated by them (including, without limitation, one or more underwritten offerings). The Issuers shall not permit any securities other than the Registrable Securities and the Guarantees to be included in the Initial Shelf Registration or any Subsequent Shelf Registration (as defined below).

The Issuers shall use their respective reasonable best efforts to cause the Shelf Registration to be declared effective under the Securities Act on or prior to the Effectiveness Date and to keep the Initial Shelf Registration continuously effective under the Securities Act until the earliest of (i) the date that is two years from the Issue Date (ii) such shorter period ending when all Registrable Securities covered by the Initial Shelf Registration have been sold in the manner set forth and as contemplated in the Initial Shelf Registration or, if applicable, a Subsequent Shelf Registration or (iii) the date upon which all Registrable Securities become eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144(k) (the “ Effectiveness Period ”); provided , however , that the Effectiveness Period in respect of the Initial Shelf Registration shall be extended to the extent required to permit dealers to comply with the applicable prospectus delivery requirements of Rule 174 under the Securities Act and as otherwise provided herein. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, at any time, the Issuers may delay the filing of any Initial Shelf Registration Statement or delay or suspend the effectiveness thereof, for a reasonable period of time, but not in excess of 60 consecutive days or more than three (3) times during any calendar year (each, a “ Shelf Suspension Period ”), if the Board of Directors or the members or Board of Managers, as applicable, of each Issuer determines reasonably and in good faith that the filing of any such Initial Shelf Registration Statement or the continuing effectiveness thereof would require the disclosure of non-public material information that, in the reasonable judgment of the Board of Directors or the members or Board of Managers, as applicable, of each Issuer, would be detrimental to either Issuer if so disclosed or would otherwise materially adversely affect a financing, acquisition, disposition, merger or other material transaction or such action is required by applicable law.

(b) Withdrawal of Stop Orders; Subsequent Shelf Registrations . If the Initial Shelf Registration or any Subsequent Shelf Registration ceases to be effective for any reason at any time during the Effectiveness Period (other than because of the sale of all of the Securities registered thereunder), the Issuers shall use their reasonable best efforts to obtain the prompt withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness thereof, and in any event shall file an additional Shelf Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 415 covering all of the Registrable Securities covered by and not sold under the Initial Shelf Registration or an earlier Subsequent Shelf Registration (each, a “ Subsequent Shelf Registration ”). If a Subsequent Shelf Registration is filed, the Issuers shall use their reasonable best efforts to cause the Subsequent Shelf Registration to be declared effective under the Securities Act as soon as practicable after such filing and to keep such subsequent Shelf Registration continuously effective for a period equal to the number of days in the Effectiveness Period less the aggregate number of days during which the Initial Shelf Registration or any Subsequent Shelf Registration was previously continuously effective. As used herein the term “ Shelf Registration ” means the Initial Shelf Registration and any Subsequent Shelf Registration.

(c) Supplements and Amendments . The Issuers shall promptly supplement and amend the Shelf Registration if required by the rules, regulations or instructions applicable to the registration form used for such Shelf Registration, if required by the Securities Act, or if reasonably requested by the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Securities (or their counsel) covered by such Registration Statement with respect to the information included therein with respect to

 

-9-


one or more of such Holders, or, if reasonably requested by any underwriter of such Registrable Securities, with respect to the information included therein with respect to such underwriter.

 

  4. Additional Interest

(a) The Issuers and the Initial Purchasers agree that the Holders will suffer damages if the Issuers fail to fulfill their obligations under Section 2 or Section 3 hereof and that it would not be feasible to ascertain the extent of such damages with precision. Accordingly, the Issuers agree to pay, jointly and severally, as liquidated damages, additional interest on the Notes (“ Additional Interest ”) if (A) the Issuers have neither (i) exchanged Exchange Securities for all Securities validly tendered in accordance with the terms of the Exchange Offer nor (ii) had a Shelf Registration Statement declared effective, in either case on or prior to the 360th day after the Issue Date, (B) notwithstanding clause (A), the Issuers are required to file a Shelf Registration Statement and such Shelf Registration Statement is not declared effective on or prior to the 360th day after the date such Shelf Registration Statement filing was requested or required or (C), if applicable, a Shelf Registration has been declared effective and such Shelf Registration ceases to be effective at any time during the Effectiveness Period (other than because of the sale of all of the Securities registered thereunder), then Additional Interest shall accrue on the principal amount of the Notes at a rate of 0.25% per annum (which rate will be increased by an additional 0.25% per annum for each subsequent 90-day period that such Additional Interest continues to accrue, provided that the rate at which such Additional Interest accrues may in no event exceed 1.00% per annum) (such Additional Interest to be calculated by the Issuers) commencing on the (x) 361st day after the Issue Date, in the case of (A) above, (y) the 361st day after the date such Shelf Registration Statement filing was requested or required in the case of (B) above or (z) the day such Shelf Registration ceases to be effective in the case of (C) above; provided , however , that upon the exchange of the Exchange Securities for all Securities tendered (in the case of clause (A) of this Section 4), upon the effectiveness of the applicable Shelf Registration Statement (in the case of (B) of this Section 4), or upon the effectiveness of the applicable Shelf Registration Statement which had ceased to remain effective (in the case of (C) of this Section 4), Additional Interest on the Notes in respect of which such events relate as a result of such clause (or the relevant subclause thereof), as the case may be, shall cease to accrue. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Section 4, the Issuers shall not be obligated to pay Additional Interest provided in Section 4(a)(B) during a Shelf Suspension Period permitted by Section 3(a) hereof.

(b) The Issuers shall notify the Trustee within five Business Days after each and every date on which an event occurs in respect of which Additional Interest is required to be paid. Any amounts of Additional Interest due pursuant to clause (a) of this Section 4 will be payable in cash semiannually on each April 1 and October 1 (to the holders of record on the March 15 and September 15 immediately preceding such dates), in each case commencing with the first such date occurring after any such Additional Interest commences to accrue. The amount of Additional Interest will be determined by the Issuers by multiplying the applicable Additional Interest rate by the principal amount of the Registrable Securities, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days such Additional Interest rate was applicable during such period (determined on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30 day months and, in the case of a partial month, the actual number of days elapsed), and the denominator of which is 360.

 

-10-


  5. Registration Procedures

In connection with the filing of any Registration Statement pursuant to Section 2 or 3 hereof, the Issuers shall effect such registrations to permit the sale of the securities covered thereby in accordance with the intended method or methods of disposition thereof, and pursuant thereto and in connection with any Registration Statement filed by the Issuers hereunder the Issuers shall:

(a) Use their reasonable best efforts to prepare and file with the SEC (prior to the applicable Filing Date in the case of a Shelf Registration), a Registration Statement or Registration Statements as prescribed by Section 2 or 3 hereof, and use their reasonable best efforts to cause each such Registration Statement to become effective and remain effective as provided herein; provided , however , that if (1) such filing is pursuant to Section 3 hereof or (2) a Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement filed pursuant to Section 2 hereof is required to be delivered under the Securities Act by any Participating Broker-Dealer who seeks to sell Exchange Securities during the Applicable Period relating thereto from whom the Issuers have received prior written notice that it will be a Participating Broker-Dealer in the Exchange Offer, before filing any Registration Statement or Prospectus or any amendments or supplements thereto, the Issuers shall furnish to and afford counsel for the Holders of the Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement (with respect to a Registration Statement filed pursuant to Section 3 hereof) or counsel for such Participating Broker-Dealer (with respect to any such Registration Statement), as the case may be, and counsel to the managing underwriters, if any, a reasonable opportunity to review copies of all such documents (including copies of any documents to be incorporated by reference therein and all exhibits thereto) proposed to be filed (in each case at least three Business Days prior to such filing). The Issuers shall not file any Registration Statement or Prospectus or any amendments or supplements thereto if the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement, their counsel, or the managing underwriters, if any, shall reasonably object.

(b) Prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and post-effective amendments to each Shelf Registration Statement or Exchange Offer Registration Statement, as the case may be, as may be necessary to keep such Registration Statement continuously effective for the Effectiveness Period, the Applicable Period or until consummation of the Exchange Offer, as the case may be; cause the related Prospectus to be supplemented by any Prospectus supplement required by applicable law, and as so supplemented to be filed pursuant to Rule 424; and comply with the provisions of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act applicable to them with respect to the disposition of all securities covered by such Registration Statement as so amended or in such Prospectus as so supplemented and with respect to the subsequent resale of any securities being sold by an Participating Broker-Dealer covered by any such Prospectus in all material respects. The Issuers shall be deemed not to have used their reasonable best efforts to keep a Registration Statement effective if they voluntarily take any action that is reasonably expected to result in selling Holders of the Registrable Securities covered thereby or Participating Broker-Dealers seeking to sell Exchange Securities not being able to sell such Registrable Securities or such Exchange Securities during that period unless such action is required by applicable law or permitted by this Agreement.

(c) If (1) a Shelf Registration is filed pursuant to Section 3 hereof or (2) a Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement filed pursuant to Section 2 hereof is required to

 

-11-


be delivered under the Securities Act by any Participating Broker-Dealer who seeks to sell Exchange Securities during the Applicable Period relating thereto from whom the Issuers have received written notice that it will be a Participating Broker-Dealer in the Exchange Offer, notify the selling Holders of Registrable Securities (with respect to a Registration Statement filed pursuant to Section 3 hereof), or each such Participating Broker-Dealer (with respect to any such Registration Statement), as the case may be, their counsel and the managing underwriters, if any, promptly (but in any event within three Business Days), and confirm such notice in writing, (i) when a Prospectus or any Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment has been filed, and, with respect to a Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment, when the same has become effective under the Securities Act (including in such notice a written statement that any Holder may, upon request, obtain, at the sole expense of the Issuers, one conformed copy of such Registration Statement or post-effective amendment including financial statements and schedules, documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference and exhibits), (ii) of the issuance by the SEC of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of a Registration Statement or of any order preventing or suspending the use of any preliminary prospectus or the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose, (iii) if at any time when a prospectus is required by the Securities Act to be delivered in connection with sales of the Registrable Securities or resales of Exchange Securities by Participating Broker-Dealers the representations and warranties of the Issuers contained in any agreement (including any underwriting agreement) contemplated by Section 5(m) hereof cease to be true and correct in all material respects, (iv) of the receipt by the Issuers of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification or exemption from qualification of a Registration Statement or any of the Registrable Securities or the Exchange Securities to be sold by any Participating Broker-Dealer for offer or sale in any jurisdiction, or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose, (v) of the happening of any event, the existence of any condition or any information becoming known that makes any statement made in such Registration Statement or related Prospectus or any document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated therein by reference untrue in any material respect or that requires the making of any changes in or amendments or supplements to such Registration Statement, Prospectus or documents so that, in the case of the Registration Statement, it will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and that in the case of the Prospectus, it will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, and (vi) of the Issuers’ determination that a post-effective amendment to a Registration Statement would be appropriate.

(d) Use their reasonable best efforts to prevent the issuance of any order suspending the effectiveness of a Registration Statement or of any order preventing or suspending the use of a Prospectus or suspending the qualification (or exemption from qualification) of any of the Registrable Securities or the Exchange Securities to be sold by any Participating Broker-Dealer, for sale in any jurisdiction.

(e) If a Shelf Registration is filed pursuant to Section 3 and if requested during the Effectiveness Period by the managing underwriter or underwriters (if any) or the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Securities being sold in connection with an underwritten offering, (i) as promptly as practicable incorporate in a prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment such information as the managing underwriter or underwriters (if any), such Holders or counsel for either of them reasonably request to be included therein and (ii) make all required filings of such prospectus

 

-12-


supplement or such post-effective amendment as soon as practicable after the Issuers have received notification of the matters to be incorporated in such prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment.

(f) If (1) a Shelf Registration is filed pursuant to Section 3 hereof, or (2) a Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement filed pursuant to Section 2 hereof is required to be delivered under the Securities Act by any Participating Broker-Dealer who seeks to sell Exchange Securities during the Applicable Period, furnish to each selling Holder of Registrable Securities (with respect to a Registration Statement filed pursuant to Section 3 hereof) and to each such Participating Broker-Dealer (with respect to any such Registration Statement) and to their respective counsel and each managing underwriter, if any, upon request and at the sole expense of the Issuers, one conformed copy of the Registration Statement or Registration Statements and each post-effective amendment thereto, including financial statements and schedules, and, if requested, all documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated therein by reference and all exhibits.

(g) If (1) a Shelf Registration is filed pursuant to Section 3 hereof, or (2) a Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement filed pursuant to Section 2 hereof is required to be delivered under the Securities Act by any Participating Broker-Dealer who seeks to sell Exchange Securities during the Applicable Period, deliver to each selling Holder of Registrable Securities (with respect to a Registration Statement filed pursuant to Section 3 hereof), or each such Participating Broker-Dealer (with respect to any such Registration Statement), as the case may be, their respective counsel, and the underwriters, if any, at the sole expense of the Issuers, as many copies of the Prospectus or Prospectuses (including each form of preliminary prospectus) and each amendment or supplement thereto and any documents incorporated by reference therein as such Persons may reasonably request; and, subject to the last paragraph of this Section 5, the Issuers hereby consent to the use of such Prospectus and each amendment or supplement thereto by each of the selling Holders of Registrable Securities or each such Participating Broker-Dealer, as the case may be, and the underwriters or agents, if any, and dealers, if any, in connection with the offering and sale of the Registrable Securities covered by, or the sale by Participating Broker-Dealers of the Exchange Securities pursuant to, such Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto.

(h) Prior to any public offering of Registrable Securities or any delivery of a Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement by any Participating Broker-Dealer who seeks to sell Exchange Securities during the Applicable Period, use its reasonable best efforts to register or qualify, and to cooperate with the selling Holders of Registrable Securities or each such Participating Broker-Dealer, as the case may be, the managing underwriter or underwriters, if any, and their respective counsel in connection with the registration or qualification (or exemption from such registration or qualification) of such Registrable Securities for offer and sale under the securities or Blue Sky laws of such jurisdictions within the United States as any selling Holder, Participating Broker-Dealer, or the managing underwriter or underwriters reasonably request in writing; provided , however , that where Exchange Securities held by Participating Broker-Dealers or Registrable Securities are offered other than through an underwritten offering, the Issuers agree to cause their counsel to perform Blue Sky investigations and file registrations and qualifications required to be filed pursuant to this Section 5(h), keep each such registration or qualification (or exemption therefrom) effective during the period such Registration Statement is required to be kept effective and do any and all other acts or things necessary or advisable to enable the disposition in such jurisdictions of the Exchange Securities held by Participating Broker-Dealers or the

 

-13-


Registrable Securities covered by the applicable Registration Statement; provided , however , that the Issuers shall not be required to (A) qualify generally to do business in any jurisdiction where they are not then so qualified, (B) take any action that would subject them to general service of process in any such jurisdiction where they are not then so subject or (C) subject themselves to taxation in excess of a nominal dollar amount in any such jurisdiction where they are not then so subject.

(i) If a Shelf Registration is filed pursuant to Section 3 hereof, cooperate with the selling Holders of Registrable Securities and the managing underwriter or underwriters, if any, to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing Registrable Securities to be sold, which certificates shall not bear any restrictive legends and shall be in a form eligible for deposit with The Depository Trust Company; and enable such Registrable Securities to be in such denominations (subject to applicable requirements contained in the Indenture) and registered in such names as the managing underwriter or underwriters, if any, or Holders may request.

(j) Use their reasonable best efforts to cause the Registrable Securities covered by the Registration Statement to be registered with or approved by such other U.S. governmental agencies or authorities as may be necessary to enable the seller or sellers thereof or the underwriter or underwriters, if any, to consummate the disposition of such Registrable Securities, except as may be required solely as a consequence of the nature of such selling Holder’s business, in which case the Issuers will cooperate in all reasonable respects with the filing of such Registration Statement and the granting of such approvals.

(k) If (1) a Shelf Registration is filed pursuant to Section 3 hereof, or (2) a Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement filed pursuant to Section 2 hereof is required to be delivered under the Securities Act by any Participating Broker-Dealer who seeks to sell Exchange Securities during the Applicable Period, upon the occurrence of any event contemplated by paragraph 5(c)(v) or 5(c)(vi) hereof, as promptly as practicable prepare and (subject to Section 5(a) hereof) file with the SEC, at the sole expense of the Issuers, a supplement or post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement or a supplement to the related Prospectus or any document incorporated therein by reference, or file any other required document so that, as thereafter delivered to the purchasers of the Registrable Securities being sold thereunder (with respect to a Registration Statement filed pursuant to Section 3 hereof) or to the purchasers of the Exchange Securities to whom such Prospectus will be delivered by a Participating Broker-Dealer (with respect to any such Registration Statement), any such Prospectus will not 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 light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

(l) Prior to the effective date of the first Registration Statement relating to the Registrable Securities, (i) provide the Trustee with certificates for the Registrable Securities in a form eligible for deposit with The Depository Trust Company and (ii) provide a CUSIP number for the Registrable Securities.

(m) In connection with any underwritten offering of Registrable Securities pursuant to a Shelf Registration, enter into an underwriting agreement as is customary in underwritten offerings of debt securities similar to the Securities (including, without limitation, a customary condition to the obligations of the underwriters that the underwriters shall have received “cold comfort” letters and updates

 

-14-


thereof in form, scope and substance reasonably satisfactory to the managing underwriter or underwriters from the independent certified public accountants of the Issuers (and, if necessary, any other independent certified public accountants of the Issuers, or of any business acquired by the Issuers, for which financial statements and financial data are, or are required to be, included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement), addressed to each of the underwriters, such letters to be in customary form and covering matters of the type customarily covered in “cold comfort” letters in connection with underwritten offerings of debt securities similar to the Securities), and take all such other actions as are reasonably requested by the managing underwriter or underwriters in order to expedite or facilitate the registration or the disposition of such Registrable Securities and, in such connection, (i) make such representations and warranties to, and covenants with, the underwriters with respect to the business of the Issuers (including any acquired business, properties or entity, if applicable), and the Registration Statement, Prospectus and documents, if any, incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference therein, in each case, as are customarily made by issuers to underwriters in underwritten offerings of debt securities similar to the Securities, and confirm the same in writing if and when reasonably requested; (ii) obtain the written opinions of counsel to the Issuers, and written updates thereof in form, scope and substance reasonably satisfactory to the managing underwriter or underwriters, addressed to the underwriters covering the matters customarily covered in opinions reasonably requested in underwritten offerings; and (iii) if an underwriting agreement is entered into, the same shall contain indemnification provisions and procedures no less favorable to the sellers and underwriters, if any, than those set forth in Section 7 hereof (or such other provisions and procedures reasonably acceptable to Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement and the managing underwriter or underwriters or agents, if any). The above shall be done at each closing under such underwriting agreement, or as and to the extent required thereunder.

(n) If (1) a Shelf Registration is filed pursuant to Section 3 hereof, or (2) a Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement filed pursuant to Section 2 hereof is required to be delivered under the Securities Act by any Participating Broker-Dealer who seeks to sell Exchange Securities during the Applicable Period, make available for inspection by any Initial Purchaser, any selling Holder of such Registrable Securities being sold (with respect to a Registration Statement filed pursuant to Section 3 hereof), or each such Participating Broker-Dealer, as the case may be, any underwriter participating in any such disposition of Registrable Securities, if any, and any attorney, accountant or other agent retained by any such selling Holder or each such Participating Broker-Dealer (with respect to any such Registration Statement), as the case may be, or underwriter (any such Initial Purchasers, Holders, Participating Broker-Dealers, underwriters, attorneys, accountants or agents, collectively, the “ Inspectors ”), upon written request, at the offices where normally kept, during reasonable business hours, all pertinent financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents and instruments of each Issuer and subsidiaries of each Issuer (collectively, the “ Records ”), as shall be reasonably necessary to enable them to exercise any applicable due diligence responsibilities, and cause the officers, directors and employees of the Issuer and any of its subsidiaries to supply all information (“ Information ”) reasonably requested by any such Inspector in connection with such due diligence responsibilities. Each Inspector shall agree in writing that it will keep the Records and Information confidential, to use the Information only for due diligence purposes, to abstain from using the Information as the basis for any market transactions in Securities of the Issuers and that it will not disclose any of the Records or Information that the Issuers determine, in good faith, to be confidential and notifies the Inspectors in writing are confidential unless (i) the disclosure of such Records or Information is necessary to avoid or correct a misstatement or omission in

 

-15-


such Registration Statement or Prospectus, (ii) the release of such Records or Information is ordered pursuant to a subpoena or other order from a court of competent jurisdiction, (iii) disclosure of such Records or Information is necessary or advisable, in the opinion of counsel for any Inspector, in connection with any action, claim, suit or proceeding, directly or indirectly, involving or potentially involving such Inspector and arising out of, based upon, relating to, or involving this Agreement or the Purchase Agreement, or any transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or arising hereunder or thereunder, or (iv) the information in such Records or Information has been made generally available to the public other than by an Inspector or an “affiliate” (as defined in Rule 405) thereof; provided , however , that prior notice shall be provided as soon as practicable to the Issuers of the potential disclosure of any information by such Inspector pursuant to clauses (i) or (ii) of this sentence to permit the Issuers to obtain a protective order (or waive the provisions of this paragraph (n)) and that such Inspector shall take such actions as are reasonably necessary to protect the confidentiality of such information (if practicable) to the extent such action is otherwise not inconsistent with, an impairment of or in derogation of the rights and interests of the Holder or any Inspector.

(o) Provide an indenture trustee for the Registrable Securities or the Exchange Securities, as the case may be, and cause the Senior Note Indenture or Senior Subordinated Note Indenture, as applicable, or the trust indentures provided for in Section 2(a) hereof, as the case may be, to be qualified under the TIA not later than the effective date of the first Registration Statement relating to the Registrable Securities; and in connection therewith, cooperate with the trustee under any such indentures and the Holders of the Registrable Securities, to effect such changes (if any) to such indentures as may be required for such indentures to be so qualified in accordance with the terms of the TIA; and execute, and use its commercially reasonable best efforts to cause such trustee to execute, all documents as may be required to effect such changes, and all other forms and documents required to be filed with the SEC to enable such indentures to be so qualified in a timely manner.

(p) Comply in all material respects with all applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and make generally available to their securityholders with regard to any applicable Registration Statement, a consolidated earning statement satisfying the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158 thereunder (or any similar rule promulgated under the Securities Act) no later than 45 days after the end of any fiscal quarter (or 90 days after the end of any 12-month period if such period is a fiscal year) (i) commencing at the end of any fiscal quarter in which Registrable Securities are sold to underwriters in a firm commitment or best efforts underwritten offering and (ii) if not sold to underwriters in such an offering, commencing on the first day of the first fiscal quarter of the Issuer after the effective date of a Registration Statement, which statements shall cover said 12-month periods; provided that this requirement shall be deemed satisfied by the Issuers by complying with Section 4.03 of the Indentures.

(q) Upon consummation of the Exchange Offer or a Private Exchange, obtain an opinion of counsel to the Issuers, in a form customary for underwritten transactions, addressed to the Trustee for the benefit of all Holders of Registrable Securities participating in the Exchange Offer or the Private Exchange, as the case may be, that the Exchange Securities or Private Exchange Notes (and the related Guarantees), as the case may be, the related guarantee and the related indentures constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of each Issuer, enforceable against each Issuer in accordance with their respective terms, subject to customary exceptions and qualifications. If the Exchange Offer or a Private Exchange is to be consummated, upon delivery of the Registrable Securities by Holders to the Issuers (or

 

-16-


to such other Person as directed by the Issuers), in exchange for the Exchange Securities or the Private Exchange Notes (and the related Guarantees), as the case may be, the Issuers shall mark, or cause to be marked, on such Registrable Securities that such Registrable Securities are being cancelled in exchange for the Exchange Securities or the Private Exchange Notes (and the related Guarantees), as the case may be; in no event shall such Registrable Securities be marked as paid or otherwise satisfied.

(r) Use reasonable efforts to cooperate with each seller of Registrable Securities covered by any Registration Statement and each underwriter, if any, participating in the disposition of such Registrable Securities and their respective counsel in connection with any filings required to be made with the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the “ NASD ”).

(s) Use their respective reasonable best efforts to take all other steps reasonably necessary to effect the registration of the Exchange Securities and/or Registrable Securities covered by a Registration Statement contemplated hereby.

The Issuers may require each seller of Registrable Securities as to which any registration is being effected to furnish to the Issuers such information regarding such seller and the distribution of such Registrable Securities as the Issuers may, from time to time, reasonably request. The Issuers may exclude from such registration the Registrable Securities of any seller so long as such seller fails to furnish such information within a reasonable time after receiving such request. Each seller as to which any Shelf Registration is being effected agrees to furnish promptly to the Issuers all information required to be disclosed in order to make the information previously furnished to the Issuers by such seller not materially misleading.

If any such Registration Statement refers to any Holder by name or otherwise as the holder of any securities of the Issuers, then such Holder shall have the right to require (i) the insertion therein of language, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to such Holder, to the effect that the holding by such Holder of such securities is not to be construed as a recommendation by such Holder of the investment quality of the securities covered thereby and that such holding does not imply that such Holder will assist in meeting any future financial requirements of the Issuers, or (ii) in the event that such reference to such Holder by name or otherwise is not required by the Securities Act or any similar federal statute then in force, the deletion of the reference to such Holder in any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement filed or prepared subsequent to the time that such reference ceases to be required.

Each Holder of Registrable Securities and each Participating Broker-Dealer agrees by its acquisition of such Registrable Securities or Exchange Securities to be sold by such Participating Broker-Dealer, as the case may be, that, upon actual receipt of any notice from the Issuers of the happening of any event of the kind described in Section 5(c)(ii), 5(c)(iv), 5(c)(v), or 5(c)(vi) hereof, such Holder will forthwith discontinue disposition of such Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement or Prospectus or Exchange Securities to be sold by such Holder or Participating Broker-Dealer, as the case may be, until such Holder’s or Participating Broker-Dealer’s receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended Prospectus contemplated by Section 5(k) hereof, or until it is advised in writing (the “ Advice ”) by the Issuers that the use of the applicable Prospectus may be resumed, and has received copies of any amendments or supplements thereto. In the event that the Issuers shall give any such notice, each of the Applicable Period and the Effectiveness Period shall be extended by the number of days

 

-17-


during such periods from and including the date of the giving of such notice to and including the date when each seller of Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement or Exchange Securities to be sold by such Participating Broker-Dealer, as the case may be, shall have received (x) the copies of the supplemented or amended Prospectus contemplated by Section 5(k) hereof or (y) the Advice.

 

  6. Registration Expenses

All fees and expenses incident to the performance of or compliance with this Agreement by the Issuers of their obligations under Sections 2, 3, 5 and 8 shall be borne by the Issuers, jointly and severally, whether or not the Exchange Offer Registration Statement or any Shelf Registration Statement is filed or becomes effective or the Exchange Offer is consummated, including, without limitation, (i) all registration and filing fees (including, without limitation, (A) fees with respect to filings required to be made with the NASD in connection with an underwritten offering and (B) fees and expenses of compliance with state securities or Blue Sky laws (including, without limitation, reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel in connection with Blue Sky qualifications of the Registrable Securities or Exchange Securities and determination of the eligibility of the Registrable Securities or Exchange Securities for investment under the laws of such jurisdictions in the United States (x) where the Holders of Registrable Securities are located, in the case of the Exchange Securities, or (y) as provided in Section 5(h) hereof, in the case of Registrable Securities or Exchange Securities to be sold by a Participating Broker-Dealer during the Applicable Period)), (ii) printing expenses, including, without limitation, printing Prospectuses if the printing of Prospectuses is requested by the managing underwriter or underwriters, if any, by the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Securities included in any Registration Statement or in respect of Registrable Securities or Exchange Securities to be sold by any Participating Broker-Dealer during the Applicable Period, as the case may be, (iii) fees and expenses of the Trustee, any exchange agent and their counsel, (iv) fees and disbursements of counsel for the Issuers and, in the case of a Shelf Registration, reasonable fees and disbursements of one special counsel for all of the sellers of Registrable Securities selected by the Holder of a majority in aggregate principal amount of Registrable Securities covered by such Shelf Registration (which counsel shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Issuers) exclusive of any counsel retained pursuant to Section 7 hereof), (v) fees and disbursements of all independent certified public accountants referred to in Section 5(m) hereof (including, without limitation, the expenses of any “cold comfort” letters required by or incident to such performance), (vi) rating agency fees, if any, and any fees associated with making the Registrable Securities or Exchange Securities eligible for trading through The Depository Trust Company, (vii) Securities Act liability insurance, if the Issuers desire such insurance, (viii) fees and expenses of all other Persons retained by the Issuers, (ix) internal expenses of the Issuers (including, without limitation, all salaries and expenses of officers and employees of the Issuers performing legal or accounting duties), (x) the expense of any annual audit, (xi) any fees and expenses incurred in connection with the listing of the securities to be registered on any securities exchange, and the obtaining of a rating of the securities, in each case, if applicable and (xii) the expenses relating to printing, word processing and distributing all Registration Statements, underwriting agreements, indentures and any other documents necessary in order to comply with this Agreement.

 

  7. Indemnification and Contribution .

(a) The Issuers and the Guarantors jointly and severally agree to indemnify and hold harmless each Holder of Registrable Securities and each Participating Broker-Dealer selling Exchange

 

-18-


Securities during the Applicable Period, and each Person, if any, who controls such Person or its affiliates within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act (each, a “ Participant ”) against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which any Participant may become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, insofar as any such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon:

(i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in any Registration Statement (or any amendment thereto) or Prospectus (as amended or supplemented if the Issuer shall have furnished any amendments or supplements thereto) or any preliminary prospectus; or

(ii) the omission or alleged omission to state, in any Registration Statement (or any amendment thereto) or Prospectus (as amended or supplemented if the Issuer shall have furnished any amendments or supplements thereto) or any preliminary prospectus or any other document or any amendment or supplement thereto, a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading;

and agree (subject to the limitations set forth in the proviso to this sentence) to reimburse, as incurred, the Participant for any reasonable legal or other expenses incurred by the Participant in connection with investigating, defending against or appearing as a third-party witness in connection with any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action; provided , however , neither the Issuers nor the Guarantors will be liable in any case under this Section 7(a) to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage, or liability arises out of or is based upon any untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or alleged omission made in any Registration Statement (or any amendment thereto) or Prospectus (as amended or supplemented if the Issuer shall have furnished any amendments or supplements thereto) or any preliminary prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto in reliance upon and in conformity with written information relating to any Participant furnished to the Issuers by such Participant specifically for use therein. The indemnity provided for in this Section 7 will be in addition to any liability that the Issuers may otherwise have to the indemnified parties. The Issuers and the Guarantors shall not be liable under this Section 7 to any indemnified party regarding any settlement 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 is consented to by the Issuers and the Guarantors, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

(b) Each Participant, severally and not jointly, agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Issuers, the Guarantors, their respective directors (or equivalent), their respective officers who sign any Registration Statement and each person, if any, who controls the Issuers within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities to which the Issuers, the Guarantors or any such director, officer or controlling person may become subject under the Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in any Registration Statement or Prospectus, any amendment or supplement thereto, or any preliminary prospectus, or (ii) the omission or the alleged omission to state therein a material fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, in each case to the extent,

 

-19-


but only to the extent, that such untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or alleged omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information concerning such Participant furnished to the Issuers by or on behalf of such Participant specifically for use therein; and subject to the limitation set forth immediately preceding this clause, will reimburse, as incurred, any reasonable legal or other expenses incurred by the Issuers, the Guarantors or any such director, officer or controlling person in connection with investigating or defending against or appearing as a third-party witness in connection with any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action in respect thereof. The indemnity provided for in this Section 7 will be in addition to any liability that the Participants may otherwise have to the indemnified parties. The Participants shall not be liable under this Section 7 to any indemnified party regarding any settlement 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 is consented to by the Participants, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

(c) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this Section 7 of 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 7, notify the indemnifying party of the commencement thereof in writing; but the omission to so notify the indemnifying party (i) will not relieve it from any 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 paragraphs (a) and (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 (based on the advice of counsel to the indemnified person); (ii) such action includes both the indemnified party and the indemnifying party and the indemnified party shall have reasonably concluded (based on the advice of counsel to the indemnified person) 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 separate counsel at the expense of the indemnifying party. It is understood and agreed that the indemnifying person shall not, in connection with any proceeding or separate but related or substantially similar proceedings in the same jurisdiction arising out of the same general allegations or circumstances, be liable for the reasonable fees and expenses of more than one separate firm (in addition to any local

 

-20-


counsel) representing the indemnified parties under paragraph (a) or paragraph (b) of this Section 7, as the case may be, who are parties to such action or actions. Any such separate firm for any Participants shall be designated in writing by Participants who sold a majority in interest of the Registrable Securities and Exchange Securities sold by all such Participants in the case of paragraph (a) of this Section 7 or the Issuers in the case of paragraph (b) of this Section 7. 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 and does not include any statement as to, or any admission of, fault, culpability or failure to act by or on behalf of any indemnified party. All fees and expenses reimbursed pursuant to this paragraph (c) shall be reimbursed as they are incurred.

(d) After notice from the indemnifying party to such indemnified party of its election so to assume the defense thereof and approval by such indemnified party of counsel appointed to defend such action, the indemnifying party will not be liable to such indemnified party under this Section 7 for any legal or other expenses, other than reasonable costs of investigation, subsequently incurred by such indemnified party in connection with the defense thereof, unless (i) the indemnified party shall have employed separate counsel in accordance with the third sentence of paragraph (c) of this Section 7 or (ii) the indemnifying party has authorized in writing the employment of counsel for the indemnified party at the expense of the indemnifying party. After such notice from the indemnifying party to such indemnified party, the indemnifying party will not be liable for the costs and expenses of any settlement of such action effected by such indemnified party without the prior written consent of the indemnifying party (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), unless such indemnified party waived in writing its rights under this Section 7, in which case the indemnified party may effect such a settlement without such consent.

(e) In circumstances in which the indemnity agreement provided for in the preceding paragraphs of this Section 7 is unavailable to, or insufficient to hold harmless, an indemnified party in respect of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) (other than by virtue of the failure of an indemnified party to notify the indemnifying party of its right to indemnification pursuant to paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section 7, where such failure materially prejudices the indemnifying party (through the forfeiture of substantial rights or defenses)), each indemnifying party, in order to provide for just and equitable contribution, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect (i) the relative benefits received by the indemnifying party or parties on the one hand and the indemnified party on the other from the offering of the Securities or (ii) if the allocation provided by the foregoing clause (i) is not permitted by applicable law, not only such relative benefits but also the relative fault of the indemnifying party or parties on the one hand and the indemnified party on the other in connection with the statements or omissions or alleged statements or omissions that resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof). The relative benefits received by the Issuers and the Guarantors on the one hand and the Participants on the other shall be deemed to be in the same proportion that the total net proceeds from the offering (before deducting expenses) of the Securities received by the Issuers bear to the total discounts and commissions received by the Participants

 

-21-


in connection with the sale of the Securities. The relative fault of the parties shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Issuers on the one hand, or the Participants on the other hand, the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission or alleged statement or omission, and any other equitable considerations appropriate in the circumstances. The parties agree that it would not be equitable if the amount of such contribution were determined by pro rata or per capita allocation or by any other method of allocation that does not take into account the equitable considerations referred to in the first sentence of this paragraph (e). Notwithstanding any other provision of this paragraph (e), no Participant shall be obligated to make contributions hereunder that in the aggregate exceed the total discounts, commissions and other compensation or net proceeds on the sale of Securities received by such Participant in connection with the sale of the Securities, less the aggregate amount of any damages that such Participant has otherwise been required to pay by reason of the untrue or alleged untrue statements or the omissions or alleged omissions to state a material fact, and 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 misrepresentation. For purposes of this paragraph (e), each person, if any, who controls a Participant within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act shall have the same rights to contribution as the Participants, and each director, member or manager, as applicable, of each Issuer and the Guarantors, each officer of each Issuer and the Guarantors and each person, if any, who controls the Issuers and the Guarantors within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, shall have the same rights to contribution as the Issuers.

 

  8. Rules 144 and 144A

The Issuers covenant and agree that they will use their reasonable best efforts to file the reports required to be filed by it under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations adopted by the SEC thereunder in a timely manner in accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and, if at any time the Issuers are not required to file such reports, the Issuers will, upon the request of any Holder or beneficial owner of Registrable Securities, make available such information necessary to permit sales pursuant to Rule 144A. The Issuers further covenant and agree, for so long as any Registrable Securities remain outstanding that they will take such further action as any Holder of Registrable Securities may reasonably request, all to the extent required from time to time to enable such holder to sell Registrable Securities without registration under the Securities Act within the limitation of the exemptions provided by Rule 144(k) under the Securities Act and Rule 144A unless the Issuers are then subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and reports filed thereunder satisfy the information requirements of Rule 144A then in effect.

 

  9. Underwritten Registrations

The Issuers shall not be required to assist in an underwritten offering unless requested by the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Securities. If any of the Registrable Securities covered by any Shelf Registration are to be sold in an underwritten offering, the investment banker or investment bankers and manager or managers that will manage the offering will be selected by the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of such Registrable Securities included in such offering and shall be reasonably acceptable to the Issuers.

 

-22-


No Holder of Registrable Securities may participate in any underwritten registration hereunder unless such Holder (a) agrees to sell such Holder’s Registrable Securities on the basis provided in any underwriting arrangements approved by the Persons entitled hereunder to approve such arrangements and (b) completes and executes all questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements and other documents required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements.

 

  10. Miscellaneous

(a) No Inconsistent Agreements . The Issuers have not as of the date hereof, and the Issuers shall not, after the date of this Agreement, enter into any agreement with respect to any of their securities that is inconsistent with the rights granted to the Holders of Registrable Securities in this Agreement or otherwise conflicts with the provisions hereof. The rights granted to the Holders hereunder do not in any way conflict with and are not inconsistent with the rights granted to the holders of the Issuers’ other issued and outstanding securities, if any, under any such agreements. The Issuers will not enter into any agreement with respect to any of their securities which will grant to any Person piggy-back registration rights with respect to any Registration Statement.

(b) Adjustments Affecting Registrable Securities . The Issuers shall not, directly or indirectly, take any action with respect to the Registrable Securities as a class that would adversely affect the ability of the Holders of Registrable Securities to include such Registrable Securities in a registration undertaken pursuant to this Agreement.

(c) Amendments and Waivers . The provisions of this Agreement may not be amended, 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 (I) each Issuer, and (II) (A) the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Registrable Securities and (B) in circumstances that would adversely affect the Participating Broker-Dealers, the Participating Broker-Dealers holding not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Exchange Notes held by all Participating Broker-Dealers; provided , however , that Section 7 and this Section 10(c) may not be amended, modified or supplemented without the prior written consent of each Holder and each Participating Broker-Dealer (including any person who was a Holder or Participating Broker-Dealer of Registrable Securities or Exchange Securities, as the case may be, disposed of pursuant to any Registration Statement) affected by any such amendment, modification or supplement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a waiver or consent to depart from the provisions hereof with respect to a matter that relates exclusively to the rights of Holders of Registrable Securities whose securities are being sold pursuant to a Registration Statement and that does not directly or indirectly affect, impair, limit or compromise the rights of other Holders of Registrable Securities may be given by Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Securities being sold pursuant to such Registration Statement.

(d) Notices . All notices and other communications (including, without limitation, any notices or other communications to the Trustee) provided for or permitted hereunder shall be made in writing by hand-delivery, registered first-class mail, next-day air courier or facsimile:

(i) if to a Holder of the Registrable Securities or any Participating Broker-Dealer, at the most current address of such Holder or Participating Broker-Dealer, as the case may be, set

 

-23-


forth on the records of the registrar under the applicable Indenture, with a copy in like manner to the Initial Purchasers as follows:

Lehman Brothers Inc.

745 Seventh Avenue

New York, New York 10005

Facsimile No.: 212-526-0943

Attention: Syndicate Department

with a copy to:

Latham & Watkins LLP

885 Third Avenue, Suite 1000

New York, New York 10022

Facsimile No.: (212) 906-1284

Attention: Kirk A. Davenport, Esq.

(ii) if to the Initial Purchasers, at the address specified in Section 10(d)(i);

(iii) if to the Issuers, at the address as follows:

Pinnacle Food Finance LLC

c/o The Blackstone Group

345 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10154

Facsimile: (212) 583-5596

Attention: Prakash A. Melwani

with a copy to:

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

425 Lexington Avenue

New York, New York 10017

Facsimile: (212) 455-2502

Attention: Richard Fenyes, Esq., John Ericson, Esq.

All such notices and communications shall be deemed to have been duly given: when delivered by hand, if personally delivered; five Business Days after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed; one Business Day after being timely delivered to a next-day air courier; and upon receipt of confirmation, if sent by facsimile.

Copies of all such notices, demands or other communications shall be concurrently delivered by the Person giving the same to the Trustee at the address and in the manner specified in such Indenture.

 

-24-


(e) Successors and Assigns . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors and assigns of each of the parties hereto, the Holders and the Participating Broker-Dealers; provided , however , that nothing herein shall be deemed to permit any assignment, transfer or other disposition of Registrable Securities in violation of the terms of the Purchase Agreement or the Indentures.

(f) Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

(g) Headings . The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.

(h) Governing Law . THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT.

(i) Severability . If any term, provision, covenant or restriction of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions set forth herein shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated, and the parties hereto shall use their best efforts to find and employ an alternative means to achieve the same or substantially the same result as that contemplated by such term, provision, covenant or restriction. It is hereby stipulated and declared to be the intention of the parties that they would have executed the remaining terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions without including any of such that may be hereafter declared invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable.

(j) Notes Held by Either Issuer or Its Affiliates . Whenever the consent or approval of Holders of a specified percentage of Registrable Securities is required hereunder, Registrable Securities held by either Issuer or its affiliates (as such term is defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) shall not be counted in determining whether such consent or approval was given by the Holders of such required percentage.

(k) Third-Party Beneficiaries . Holders of Registrable Securities and Participating Broker-Dealers are intended third-party beneficiaries of this Agreement, and this Agreement may be enforced by such Persons.

(l) Entire Agreement . This Agreement, together with the Purchase Agreement, the Joinder Agreement and the Indentures, is intended by the parties as a final and exclusive statement of the agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein and therein and any and all prior oral or written agreements, representations, or warranties, contracts, understandings, correspondence, conversations and memoranda between the Holders on the one hand and the Issuers on the other, or between or among any agents, representatives, parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, predecessors in interest or successors in interest with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof are merged herein and replaced hereby.

 

-25-


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC
By:   / S / M. K ELLEY M AGGS
  Name: M. Kelley Maggs
  Title: Senior Vice President
PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE CORP.
By:   / S / M. K ELLEY M AGGS
  Name: M. Kelley Maggs
  Title: Senior Vice President
PINNACLE FOOD GROUP INC.
By:   / S / M. K ELLEY M AGGS
  Name: M. Kelley Maggs
  Title: Senior Vice President
PINNACLE FOOD CORPORATION
By:   / S / M. K ELLEY M AGGS
  Name: M. Kelley Maggs
  Title: Senior Vice President
PINNACLE FOODS MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
By:   / S / M. K ELLEY M AGGS
  Name: M. Kelley Maggs
  Title: Senior Vice President

Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement


The foregoing Agreement is hereby confirmed and accepted as of the date first above written.
LEHMAN BROTHERS INC.,
GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
By:   Lehman Brothers Inc.
By:   /s/ P ETER J. T OAL
  Name: Peter J. Toal
  Title: Managing Director

For itself, and the other Initial Purchaser.

Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement


SCHEDULE I

THE GUARANTORS

Guarantor

Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.

Pinnacle Foods Corporation

Pinnacle Foods Management Corporation

Exhibit 4.4

FORM OF RULE 144A GLOBAL NOTE 9  1 / 4 % SENIOR NOTES DUE 2015

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 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) 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) OR THE LAST DAY ON WHICH THE ISSUERS OR ANY AFFILIATE OF THE ISSUERS 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 AN ISSUER, (B) PURSUANT TO A REGISTRATION STATEMENT WHICH HAS BEEN DECLARED EFFECTIVE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (C) FOR SO LONG AS THE NOTES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR RESALE PURSUANT TO RULE 144A, TO A PERSON IT REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER” AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT 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 INSIDE THE UNITED STATES, (D) PURSUANT TO OFFERS AND SALES TO NON-U.S. PERSONS THAT OCCUR OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE MEANING OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR (E) PURSUANT TO ANY OTHER AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND (2) 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 ISSUERS, THE TRUSTEE AND THE REGISTRAR SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT PRIOR TO ANY SUCH OFFER, SALE OR TRANSFER (I) PURSUANT TO CLAUSE (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 THE 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 “UNITED STATES” AND “U.S. PERSON” HAVE THE MEANINGS GIVEN TO THEM BY REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.

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 (I) THE TRUSTEE MAY MAKE SUCH NOTATIONS HEREON AS MAY BE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.06(h) OF THE INDENTURE, (II) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE BUT NOT IN PART PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.06(a) OF THE INDENTURE, (III) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE DELIVERED TO THE TRUSTEE FOR CANCELLATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.11 OF THE INDENTURE AND (IV) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY WITH THE PRIOR WRITTEN


CONSENT OF THE ISSUERS. 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 ISSUERS OR THEIR 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.


CUSIP 72347Q AA1

ISIN US72347QAA13

RULE 144A GLOBAL NOTE

representing up to

$325,000,000

9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015

 

No. A-1    Up to $325,000,000

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC and PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE CORP.

promise to pay to CEDE & CO. or registered assigns, the principal sum set forth on the Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note attached hereto on April 1, 2015.

Interest Payment Dates: April 1 and October 1

Record Dates: March 15 and September 15


IN WITNESS HEREOF, the Issuers have caused this instrument to be duly executed.

Dated: April 2, 2007

 

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC
By:    
  Name:    
  Title:    
PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE CORP.
By:    
  Name:    
  Title:    


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

 

WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY,
as Trustee
By:    
          Authorized Signatory

Dated: April 2, 2007


9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015

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

1. INTEREST. Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ( the “ Company ”), and Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp., a Delaware corporation (together with the Company, the “ Issuers ”), promise to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note at 9  1 / 4 % per annum from April 2, 2007 until maturity and shall pay the Additional Interest, if any, payable pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement referred to below. The Issuers will pay interest and Additional Interest, if any, semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 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 Issue Date; provided that the first Interest Payment Date shall be October 1, 2007. The Issuers 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 the interest rate on the Notes; they shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest and Additional Interest, if any, (without regard to any applicable grace periods) from time to time on demand at the interest rate on the Notes. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months.

2. METHOD OF PAYMENT. The Issuers will pay interest on the Notes and Additional Interest, if any, to the Persons who are registered Holders of Notes at the close of business on the March 15 or September 15 (whether or not a Business Day), as the case may be, 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. Payment of interest and Additional Interest, 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 Additional Interest, if any, on, all Global Notes and all other Notes the Holders of which shall have provided wire transfer instructions to the Issuers or the Paying Agent. Such payment shall be in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts.

3. PAYING AGENT AND REGISTRAR. Initially, Wilmington Trust Company, the Trustee under the Indenture, will act as Paying Agent and Registrar. The Issuers may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without notice to the Holders. The Issuers or any of their Subsidiaries may act in any such capacity.

4. INDENTURE. The Issuers issued the Notes under an Indenture, dated as of April 2, 2007 (the “ Indenture ”), among the Issuers, the Guarantors named therein and the Trustee. This Note is one of a duly authorized issue of notes of the Issuers’ designated as their 9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015. The Issuers shall be entitled to issue Additional Notes pursuant to Section 2.01 and 4.09 of the Indenture. 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 (the “ Trust Indenture Act ”). 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.


5. OPTIONAL REDEMPTION.

(a) Except as described below under clauses 5(b) and 5(c) hereof, the Notes will not be redeemable at the Issuers’ option before April 1, 2011.

(b) At any time prior to April 1, 2011, the Issuers may redeem all or a part of the Notes, upon notice in accordance with paragraph 7, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes redeemed plus the Applicable Premium as of, and accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the date of redemption (the “ Redemption Date ”), subject to the rights of Holders of Notes on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date.

(c) Until April 1, 2010, the Issuers may, at their option, on one or more occasions redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes issued by them at a redemption price equal to 109.25% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the Redemption Date, subject to the right of Holders of Notes of record on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date, with the net cash proceeds received by them from one or more Equity Offerings; provided that (i) at least 50% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes originally issued under the Indenture remain outstanding immediately after the occurrence of each such redemption and (ii) each such redemption occurs within 90 days of the date of closing of each such Equity Offering.

(d) On and after April 1, 2011, the Issuers may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, upon notice in accordance with paragraph 7, to each Holder of Notes at the address of such Holder appearing in the security register, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the Redemption Date, subject to the right of Holders of Notes of record on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on April 1 of each of the years indicated below:

 

Year

   Percentage  

2011

   104.625 %

2012

   103.313 %

2013 and thereafter

   100.000 %

(e) Any redemption pursuant to this paragraph 5 shall be made pursuant to the provisions of Sections 3.01 through 3.06 of the Indenture.

(f) Any redemption pursuant to Section 3.07 of the Indenture may, at the Issuers’ discretion, be subject to one or more conditions precedent, including, but not limited to, the completion of an Equity Offering or other corporate transaction.

6. MANDATORY REDEMPTION. The Issuers shall not be required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes.

7. NOTICE OF REDEMPTION. Subject to Section 3.03 of the Indenture, notice of redemption will be mailed by first-class mail, postage prepaid, at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the Redemption Date (except that redemption notices may be mailed more than 60 days prior to a Redemption Date if the notice is issued in connection with Article 8 or Article 11 of the Indenture) to each Holder whose Notes are to be redeemed at its registered address or otherwise in accordance with


Applicable Procedures. Notes in denominations larger than $2,000 may be redeemed in part but only in whole multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof, unless all of the Notes held by a Holder are to be redeemed. On and after the Redemption Date, interest ceases to accrue on Notes or portions thereof called for redemption, subject to the satisfaction of any conditions pursuant to Section 3.07(f) of the Indenture.

8. OFFERS TO REPURCHASE.

(a) Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, unless the Issuers have previously or concurrently mailed a redemption notice with respect to all the outstanding Notes pursuant to Section 3.07 of the Indenture, the Issuers shall make an offer (a “ Change of Control Offer ”) to each Holder to repurchase all or any part (equal to $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 thereafter) of each Holder’s Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest thereon, if any, to the date of purchase (the “ Change of Control Payment ”). The Change of Control Offer shall be made in accordance with Section 4.14 of the Indenture.

(b) If the Issuers or any of their Restricted Subsidiaries consummate an Asset Sale, when the aggregate amount of the Excess Proceeds exceeds $25.0 million, the Issuers shall make an offer to all Holders of the Notes and, if required by the terms of any Indebtedness that is pari passu with the Notes (“ Pari Passu Indebtedness ”), to the holders of such Pari Passu Indebtedness (an “ Asset Sale Offer ”), to purchase the maximum aggregate principal amount of the Notes (including any Additional Notes) that is at least $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof and such other Pari Passu Indebtedness that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds at an offer price in cash equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof (or accreted value, if less) plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the date fixed for the closing of such offer, in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Indenture. To the extent that the aggregate amount of Notes (including any Additional Notes) and such Pari Passu Indebtedness tendered pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer is less than the Excess Proceeds, the Issuers may use any remaining Excess Proceeds for general corporate purposes, subject to other covenants contained in the Indenture. If the aggregate amount payable in respect of the Notes or the Pari Passu Indebtedness surrendered by such holders thereof exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the Issuers shall select the Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness to be purchased on a pro rata basis to the extent practicable based on the accreted value or principal amount of the Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness tendered or otherwise in accordance with Applicable Procedures. Upon completion of any such Asset Sale Offer, the amount of Excess Proceeds shall be reset at zero. Holders of Notes that are the subject of an offer to purchase will receive an Asset Sale Offer from the Issuers prior to any related purchase date and may elect to have such Notes purchased by completing the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” attached to the Notes.

9. DENOMINATIONS, TRANSFER, EXCHANGE. The Notes are in registered form without coupons in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 thereafter. 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 Issuers may require a Holder to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Issuers need not exchange or register the transfer of any Note or portion of a Note selected for redemption or tendered (and not withdrawn) for repurchase with a Change of Control or an Asset Sale Offer, except for the unredeemed or unpurchased portion of any Note being redeemed or repurchased in part. Also, the Issuers need not exchange or register the transfer of any Notes for a period of 15 days before a selection of Notes to be redeemed.

10. PERSONS DEEMED OWNERS. The registered Holder of a Note may be treated as its owner for all purposes.


11. AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER. The Indenture, the Guarantees or the Notes may be amended or supplemented as provided in the Indenture.

12. DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES. The Events of Default relating to the Notes are defined in Section 6.01 of the Indenture. If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 30% in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may declare the principal, premium, if any, interest and any other monetary obligations on all the then outstanding 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, the Notes or the Guarantees 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 (except a Default relating to the payment of principal, premium, if any, Additional Interest, if any, or interest) if it determines that withholding notice is in their interest. The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding by notice to the Trustee may on behalf of the Holders of all of the Notes waive any existing Default and its consequences under the Indenture except a continuing Default in payment of the principal of, premium, if any, Additional Interest, if any, or interest on, any of the Notes held by a non-consenting Holder. The Issuers and each Guarantor (to the extent that such Guarantor is so required under the Trust Indenture Act) are required to deliver to the Trustee annually a statement regarding compliance with the Indenture, and the Issuers are required within twenty (20) Business Days after becoming aware of any Default, to deliver to the Trustee a statement specifying such Default and what action the Issuers propose to take with respect thereto.

13. AUTHENTICATION. This Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose until authenticated by the manual signature of the Trustee.

14. ADDITIONAL RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF RESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTES AND RESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTES. In addition to the rights provided to Holders of Notes under the Indenture, Holders of Restricted Global Notes and Restricted Definitive Notes shall have all the rights set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 2, 2007, among the Issuers, the Guarantors named therein and the other parties named on the signature pages thereof (the “ Registration Rights Agreement ”), including the right to receive Additional Interest (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement).

15. GOVERNING LAW. THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SHALL GOVERN AND BE USED TO CONSTRUE THE INDENTURE, THE NOTES AND THE GUARANTEES.

16. CUSIP AND ISIN NUMBERS. Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures, the Issuers have caused CUSIP and ISIN numbers to be printed on the Notes, and the Trustee may use CUSIP and ISIN numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders. No representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers either as printed on the Notes or as contained in any notice of redemption and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers placed thereon.


The Issuers will furnish to any Holder upon written request and without charge a copy of the Indenture and/or the Registration Rights Agreement. Requests may be made to the Issuers at the following address:

Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC

c/o The Blackstone Group

345 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10154

Attention: Prakash A. Melwani


ASSIGNMENT FORM

To assign this Note, fill in the form below:

 

(I) or (we) assign and transfer this Note to:     
   (Insert assignee’ 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 Issuers. 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).


OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE

If you want to elect to have this Note purchased by the Issuers pursuant to Section 4.10 or 4.14 of the Indenture, check the appropriate box below:

¨   Section 4.10             ¨    Section 4.14

If you want to elect to have only part of this Note purchased by the Issuers pursuant to Section 4.10 or Section 4.14 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).


SCHEDULE OF EXCHANGES OF INTERESTS IN THE GLOBAL NOTE*

The initial outstanding principal amount of this Global Note is $322,250,000. 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 or Definitive Note for an interest in this Global Note, have been made:

 

Date of
Exchange

 

Amount of
decrease
in Principal
Amount

 

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.

Exhibit 4.5

FORM OF REGULATION S GLOBAL NOTE 9  1 / 4 % SENIOR NOTES DUE 2015

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 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) AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT PRIOR TO (X) THE DATE WHICH IS 40 DAYS AFTER THE LATER OF THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE HEREOF (OR OF ANY PREDECESSOR OF THIS NOTE) OR THE LAST DAY ON WHICH THE ISSUERS OR ANY AFFILIATE OF THE ISSUERS 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 AN ISSUER, (B) PURSUANT TO A REGISTRATION STATEMENT WHICH HAS BEEN DECLARED EFFECTIVE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (C) FOR SO LONG AS THE NOTES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR RESALE PURSUANT TO RULE 144A, TO A PERSON IT REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER” AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT 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 INSIDE THE UNITED STATES, (D) PURSUANT TO OFFERS AND SALES TO NON-U.S. PERSONS THAT OCCUR OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE MEANING OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR (E) PURSUANT TO ANY OTHER AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND (2) 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 ISSUERS, THE TRUSTEE AND THE REGISTRAR SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT PRIOR TO ANY SUCH OFFER, SALE OR TRANSFER (I) PURSUANT TO CLAUSE (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 THE 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 “UNITED STATES” AND “U.S. PERSON” HAVE THE MEANINGS GIVEN TO THEM BY REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.

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 (I) THE TRUSTEE MAY MAKE SUCH NOTATIONS HEREON AS MAY BE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.06(h) OF THE INDENTURE, (II) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE BUT NOT IN PART PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.06(a) OF THE INDENTURE, (III) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE DELIVERED TO THE TRUSTEE FOR CANCELLATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.11 OF THE INDENTURE AND (IV) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY WITH THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE ISSUERS. 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 ISSUERS OR THEIR 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.

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


CUSIP U72284 AA7

ISIN USU72284AA72

REGULATION S GLOBAL NOTE

representing up to

$325,000,000

9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015

 

No. A-2

   Up to $ 325,000,000

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC and PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE CORP.

promise to pay to CEDE & CO. or registered assigns, the principal sum set forth on the Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note attached hereto on April 1, 2015.

Interest Payment Dates: April 1 and October 1

Record Dates: March 15 and September 15


IN WITNESS HEREOF, the Issuers have caused this instrument to be duly executed.

Dated: April 2, 2007

 

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC
By:    
  Name:    
  Title:    
PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE CORP.
By:    
  Name:    
  Title:    


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

 

WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY, as Trustee
By:    
          Authorized Signatory

Dated: April 2, 2007


9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015

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

1. INTEREST. Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ( the “ Company ”), and Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp., a Delaware corporation (together with the Company, the “ Issuers ”), promise to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note at 9  1 / 4 % per annum from April 2, 2007 until maturity and shall pay the Additional Interest, if any, payable pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement referred to below. The Issuers will pay interest and Additional Interest, if any, semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 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 Issue Date; provided that the first Interest Payment Date shall be October 1, 2007. The Issuers 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 the interest rate on the Notes; they shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest and Additional Interest, if any, (without regard to any applicable grace periods) from time to time on demand at the interest rate on the Notes. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months.

2. METHOD OF PAYMENT. The Issuers will pay interest on the Notes and Additional Interest, if any, to the Persons who are registered Holders of Notes at the close of business on the March 15 or September 15 (whether or not a Business Day), as the case may be, 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. Payment of interest and Additional Interest, 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 Additional Interest, if any, on, all Global Notes and all other Notes the Holders of which shall have provided wire transfer instructions to the Issuers or the Paying Agent. Such payment shall be in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts.

3. PAYING AGENT AND REGISTRAR. Initially, Wilmington Trust Company, the Trustee under the Indenture, will act as Paying Agent and Registrar. The Issuers may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without notice to the Holders. The Issuers or any of their Subsidiaries may act in any such capacity.

4. INDENTURE. The Issuers issued the Notes under an Indenture, dated as of April 2, 2007 (the “ Indenture ”), among the Issuers, the Guarantors named therein and the Trustee. This Note is one of a duly authorized issue of notes of the Issuers’ designated as their 9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015. The Issuers shall be entitled to issue Additional Notes pursuant to Section 2.01 and 4.09 of the Indenture. 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 (the “ Trust Indenture Act ”). 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.


5. OPTIONAL REDEMPTION.

(a) Except as described below under clauses 5(b) and 5(c) hereof, the Notes will not be redeemable at the Issuers’ option before April 1, 2011.

(b) At any time prior to April 1, 2011, the Issuers may redeem all or a part of the Notes, upon notice in accordance with paragraph 7, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes redeemed plus the Applicable Premium as of, and accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the date of redemption (the “ Redemption Date ”), subject to the rights of Holders of Notes on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date.

(c) Until April 1, 2010, the Issuers may, at their option, on one or more occasions redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes issued by them at a redemption price equal to 109.25% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the Redemption Date, subject to the right of Holders of Notes of record on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date, with the net cash proceeds received by them from one or more Equity Offerings; provided that (i) at least 50% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes originally issued under the Indenture remain outstanding immediately after the occurrence of each such redemption and (ii) each such redemption occurs within 90 days of the date of closing of each such Equity Offering.

(d) On and after April 1, 2011, the Issuers may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, upon notice in accordance with paragraph 7, to each Holder of Notes at the address of such Holder appearing in the security register, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the Redemption Date, subject to the right of Holders of Notes of record on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on April 1 of each of the years indicated below:

 

Year

   Percentage  

2011

   104.625 %

2012

   103.313 %

2013 and thereafter

   100.000 %

(e) Any redemption pursuant to this paragraph 5 shall be made pursuant to the provisions of Sections 3.01 through 3.06 of the Indenture.

(f) Any redemption pursuant to Section 3.07 of the Indenture may, at the Issuers’ discretion, be subject to one or more conditions precedent, including, but not limited to, the completion of an Equity Offering or other corporate transaction.

6. MANDATORY REDEMPTION. The Issuers shall not be required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes.

7. NOTICE OF REDEMPTION. Subject to Section 3.03 of the Indenture, notice of redemption will be mailed by first-class mail, postage prepaid, at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the Redemption Date (except that redemption notices may be mailed more than 60 days prior to a Redemption Date if the notice is issued in connection with Article 8 or Article 11 of the Indenture) to each Holder whose Notes are to be redeemed at its registered address or otherwise in accordance with


Applicable Procedures. Notes in denominations larger than $2,000 may be redeemed in part but only in whole multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof, unless all of the Notes held by a Holder are to be redeemed. On and after the Redemption Date, interest ceases to accrue on Notes or portions thereof called for redemption, subject to the satisfaction of any conditions pursuant to Section 3.07(f) of the Indenture.

8. OFFERS TO REPURCHASE.

(a) Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, unless the Issuers have previously or concurrently mailed a redemption notice with respect to all the outstanding Notes pursuant to Section 3.07 of the Indenture, the Issuers shall make an offer (a “ Change of Control Offer ”) to each Holder to repurchase all or any part (equal to $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 thereafter) of each Holder’s Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest thereon, if any, to the date of purchase (the “ Change of Control Payment ”). The Change of Control Offer shall be made in accordance with Section 4.14 of the Indenture.

(b) If the Issuers or any of their Restricted Subsidiaries consummate an Asset Sale, when the aggregate amount of the Excess Proceeds exceeds $25.0 million, the Issuers shall make an offer to all Holders of the Notes and, if required by the terms of any Indebtedness that is pari passu with the Notes (“ Pari Passu Indebtedness ”), to the holders of such Pari Passu Indebtedness (an “ Asset Sale Offer ”), to purchase the maximum aggregate principal amount of the Notes (including any Additional Notes) that is at least $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof and such other Pari Passu Indebtedness that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds at an offer price in cash equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof (or accreted value, if less) plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the date fixed for the closing of such offer, in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Indenture. To the extent that the aggregate amount of Notes (including any Additional Notes) and such Pari Passu Indebtedness tendered pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer is less than the Excess Proceeds, the Issuers may use any remaining Excess Proceeds for general corporate purposes, subject to other covenants contained in the Indenture. If the aggregate amount payable in respect of the Notes or the Pari Passu Indebtedness surrendered by such holders thereof exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the Issuers shall select the Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness to be purchased on a pro rata basis to the extent practicable based on the accreted value or principal amount of the Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness tendered or otherwise in accordance with Applicable Procedures. Upon completion of any such Asset Sale Offer, the amount of Excess Proceeds shall be reset at zero. Holders of Notes that are the subject of an offer to purchase will receive an Asset Sale Offer from the Issuers prior to any related purchase date and may elect to have such Notes purchased by completing the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” attached to the Notes.

9. DENOMINATIONS, TRANSFER, EXCHANGE. The Notes are in registered form without coupons in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 thereafter. 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 Issuers may require a Holder to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Issuers need not exchange or register the transfer of any Note or portion of a Note selected for redemption or tendered (and not withdrawn) for repurchase with a Change of Control or an Asset Sale Offer, except for the unredeemed or unpurchased portion of any Note being redeemed or repurchased in part. Also, the Issuers need not exchange or register the transfer of any Notes for a period of 15 days before a selection of Notes to be redeemed.

10. PERSONS DEEMED OWNERS. The registered Holder of a Note may be treated as its owner for all purposes.


11. AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER. The Indenture, the Guarantees or the Notes may be amended or supplemented as provided in the Indenture.

12. DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES. The Events of Default relating to the Notes are defined in Section 6.01 of the Indenture. If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 30% in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may declare the principal, premium, if any, interest and any other monetary obligations on all the then outstanding 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, the Notes or the Guarantees 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 (except a Default relating to the payment of principal, premium, if any, Additional Interest, if any, or interest) if it determines that withholding notice is in their interest. The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding by notice to the Trustee may on behalf of the Holders of all of the Notes waive any existing Default and its consequences under the Indenture except a continuing Default in payment of the principal of, premium, if any, Additional Interest, if any, or interest on, any of the Notes held by a non-consenting Holder. The Issuers and each Guarantor (to the extent that such Guarantor is so required under the Trust Indenture Act) are required to deliver to the Trustee annually a statement regarding compliance with the Indenture, and the Issuers are required within twenty (20) Business Days after becoming aware of any Default, to deliver to the Trustee a statement specifying such Default and what action the Issuers propose to take with respect thereto.

13. AUTHENTICATION. This Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose until authenticated by the manual signature of the Trustee.

14. ADDITIONAL RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF RESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTES AND RESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTES. In addition to the rights provided to Holders of Notes under the Indenture, Holders of Restricted Global Notes and Restricted Definitive Notes shall have all the rights set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 2, 2007, among the Issuers, the Guarantors named therein and the other parties named on the signature pages thereof (the “ Registration Rights Agreement ”), including the right to receive Additional Interest (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement).

15. GOVERNING LAW. THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SHALL GOVERN AND BE USED TO CONSTRUE THE INDENTURE, THE NOTES AND THE GUARANTEES.

16. CUSIP AND ISIN NUMBERS. Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures, the Issuers have caused CUSIP and ISIN numbers to be printed on the Notes, and the Trustee may use CUSIP and ISIN numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders. No representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers either as printed on the Notes or as contained in any notice of redemption and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers placed thereon.


The Issuers will furnish to any Holder upon written request and without charge a copy of the Indenture and/or the Registration Rights Agreement. Requests may be made to the Issuers at the following address:

Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC

c/o The Blackstone Group

345 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10154

Attention: Prakash A. Melwani


ASSIGNMENT FORM

To assign this Note, fill in the form below:

 

(I) or (we) assign and transfer this Note to:     
   (Insert assignee’ 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 Issuers. 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).


OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE

If you want to elect to have this Note purchased by the Issuers pursuant to Section 4.10 or 4.14 of the Indenture, check the appropriate box below:

¨   Section 4.10             ¨   Section 4.14

If you want to elect to have only part of this Note purchased by the Issuers pursuant to Section 4.10 or Section 4.14 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).


SCHEDULE OF EXCHANGES OF INTERESTS IN THE GLOBAL NOTE*

The initial outstanding principal amount of this Global Note is $2,750,000. 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 or Definitive Note for an interest in this Global Note, have been made:

 

Date of
Exchange

 

Amount of
decrease
in Principal
Amount

 

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.

Exhibit 4.6

FORM OF RULE 144A GLOBAL NOTE 10  5 / 8 % SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2017

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 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) 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) OR THE LAST DAY ON WHICH THE ISSUERS OR ANY AFFILIATE OF THE ISSUERS 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 AN ISSUER, (B) PURSUANT TO A REGISTRATION STATEMENT WHICH HAS BEEN DECLARED EFFECTIVE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (C) FOR SO LONG AS THE NOTES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR RESALE PURSUANT TO RULE 144A, TO A PERSON IT REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER” AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT 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 INSIDE THE UNITED STATES, (D) PURSUANT TO OFFERS AND SALES TO NON-U.S. PERSONS THAT OCCUR OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE MEANING OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR (E) PURSUANT TO ANY OTHER AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND (2) 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 ISSUERS, THE TRUSTEE AND THE REGISTRAR SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT PRIOR TO ANY SUCH OFFER, SALE OR TRANSFER (I) PURSUANT TO CLAUSE (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 THE 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 “UNITED STATES” AND “U.S. PERSON” HAVE THE MEANINGS GIVEN TO THEM BY REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.

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 (I) THE TRUSTEE MAY MAKE SUCH NOTATIONS HEREON AS MAY BE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.06(h) OF THE INDENTURE, (II) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE BUT NOT IN PART PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.06(a) OF THE INDENTURE, (III) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE DELIVERED TO THE TRUSTEE FOR CANCELLATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.11 OF THE INDENTURE AND (IV) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY WITH THE PRIOR WRITTEN


CONSENT OF THE ISSUERS. 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 ISSUERS OR THEIR 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.


CUSIP 72347Q AB9

ISIN US72347QAB95

RULE 144A GLOBAL NOTE

representing up to

$250,000,000

10  5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017

 

No. A-1    Up to $250,000,000

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC and PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE CORP.

promise to pay to CEDE & CO. or registered assigns, the principal sum set forth on the Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note attached hereto on April 1, 2017.

Interest Payment Dates: April 1 and October 1

Record Dates: March 15 and September 15


IN WITNESS HEREOF, the Issuers have caused this instrument to be duly executed.

Dated: April 2, 2007

 

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC
By:    
  Name:
  Title:

 

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE CORP.
By:    
  Name:
  Title:


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

 

WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY, as Trustee
By:    
  Authorized Signatory

Dated: April 2, 2007


10  5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017

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

1. INTEREST. Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ( the “ Company ”), and Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp., a Delaware corporation (together with the Company, the “ Issuers ”), promise to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note at 10  5 / 8 % per annum from April 2, 2007 until maturity and shall pay the Additional Interest, if any, payable pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement referred to below. The Issuers will pay interest and Additional Interest, if any, semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 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 Issue Date; provided that the first Interest Payment Date shall be October 1, 2007. The Issuers 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 the interest rate on the Notes; they shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest and Additional Interest, if any, (without regard to any applicable grace periods) from time to time on demand at the interest rate on the Notes. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months.

2. METHOD OF PAYMENT. The Issuers will pay interest on the Notes and Additional Interest, if any, to the Persons who are registered Holders of Notes at the close of business on the March 15 or September 15 (whether or not a Business Day), as the case may be, 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. Payment of interest and Additional Interest, 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 Additional Interest, if any, on, all Global Notes and all other Notes the Holders of which shall have provided wire transfer instructions to the Issuers or the Paying Agent. Such payment shall be in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts.

3. PAYING AGENT AND REGISTRAR. Initially, Wilmington Trust Company, the Trustee under the Indenture, will act as Paying Agent and Registrar. The Issuers may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without notice to the Holders. The Issuers or any of their Subsidiaries may act in any such capacity.

4. INDENTURE. The Issuers issued the Notes under an Indenture, dated as of April 2, 2007 (the “ Indenture ”), among the Issuers, the Guarantors named therein and the Trustee. This Note is one of a duly authorized issue of notes of the Issuers’ designated as their 10   5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017. The Issuers shall be entitled to issue Additional Notes pursuant to Section 2.01 and 4.09 of the Indenture. 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 (the “ Trust Indenture Act ”). 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.

5. OPTIONAL REDEMPTION.

(a) Except as described below under clauses 5(b) and 5(c) hereof, the Notes will not be redeemable at the Issuers’ option before April 1, 2012.

(b) At any time prior to April 1, 2012, the Issuers may redeem all or a part of the Notes, upon notice in accordance with paragraph 7, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes redeemed plus the Applicable Premium as of, and accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the date of redemption (the “ Redemption Date ”), subject to the rights of Holders of Notes on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date.

(c) Until April 1, 2012, the Issuers may, at their option, on one or more occasions redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes issued by them at a redemption price equal to 110.625% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the Redemption Date, subject to the right of Holders of Notes of record on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date, with the net cash proceeds received by them from one or more Equity Offerings; provided that (i) at least 50% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes originally issued under the Indenture remain outstanding immediately after the occurrence of each such redemption and (ii) each such redemption occurs within 90 days of the date of closing of each such Equity Offering.

(d) On and after April 1, 2012, the Issuers may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, upon notice in accordance with paragraph 7, to each Holder of Notes at the address of such Holder appearing in the security register, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the Redemption Date, subject to the right of Holders of Notes of record on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on April 1 of each of the years indicated below:

 

Year

   Percentage  

2012

   105.313 %

2013

   103.542 %

2014

   101.771 %

2015 and thereafter

   100.000 %

(e) Any redemption pursuant to this paragraph 5 shall be made pursuant to the provisions of Sections 3.01 through 3.06 of the Indenture.

(f) Any redemption pursuant to Section 3.07 of the Indenture may, at the Issuers’ discretion, be subject to one or more conditions precedent, including, but not limited to, the completion of an Equity Offering or other corporate transaction.

6. MANDATORY REDEMPTION. The Issuers shall not be required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes.


7. NOTICE OF REDEMPTION. Subject to Section 3.03 of the Indenture, notice of redemption will be mailed by first-class mail, postage prepaid, at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the Redemption Date (except that redemption notices may be mailed more than 60 days prior to a Redemption Date if the notice is issued in connection with Article 8 or Article 13 of the Indenture) to each Holder whose Notes are to be redeemed at its registered address or otherwise in accordance with Applicable Procedures. Notes in denominations larger than $2,000 may be redeemed in part but only in whole multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof, unless all of the Notes held by a Holder are to be redeemed. On and after the Redemption Date, interest ceases to accrue on Notes or portions thereof called for redemption, subject to the satisfaction of any conditions pursuant to Section 3.07(f) of the Indenture.

8. OFFERS TO REPURCHASE.

(a) Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, unless the Issuers have previously or concurrently mailed a redemption notice with respect to all the outstanding Notes pursuant to Section 3.07 of the Indenture, the Issuers shall make an offer (a “ Change of Control Offer ”) to each Holder to repurchase all or any part (equal to $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 thereafter) of each Holder’s Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest thereon, if any, to the date of purchase (the “ Change of Control Payment ”). The Change of Control Offer shall be made in accordance with Section 4.14 of the Indenture.

(b) If the Issuers or any of their Restricted Subsidiaries consummate an Asset Sale, when the aggregate amount of the Excess Proceeds exceeds $25.0 million, the Issuers shall make an offer to all Holders of the Notes and, if required by the terms of any Indebtedness that is pari passu with the Notes (“ Pari Passu Indebtedness ”), to the holders of such Pari Passu Indebtedness (an “ Asset Sale Offer ”), to purchase the maximum aggregate principal amount of the Notes (including any Additional Notes) that is at least $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof and such other Pari Passu Indebtedness that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds at an offer price in cash equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof (or accreted value, if less) plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the date fixed for the closing of such offer, in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Indenture. To the extent that the aggregate amount of Notes (including any Additional Notes) and such Pari Passu Indebtedness tendered pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer is less than the Excess Proceeds, the Issuers may use any remaining Excess Proceeds for general corporate purposes, subject to other covenants contained in the Indenture. If the aggregate amount payable in respect of the Notes or the Pari Passu Indebtedness surrendered by such holders thereof exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the Issuers shall select the Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness to be purchased on a pro rata basis to the extent practicable based on the accreted value or principal amount of the Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness tendered or otherwise in accordance with Applicable Procedures. Upon completion of any such Asset Sale Offer, the amount of Excess Proceeds shall be reset at zero. Holders of Notes that are the subject of an offer to purchase will receive an Asset Sale Offer from the Issuers prior to any related purchase date and may elect to have such Notes purchased by completing the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” attached to the Notes.

9. DENOMINATIONS, TRANSFER, EXCHANGE. The Notes are in registered form without coupons in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 thereafter. 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 Issuers may require a Holder to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Issuers need not exchange or register the transfer of any Note or portion of a Note selected for redemption or tendered (and not withdrawn) for repurchase with a Change of Control or an Asset Sale Offer, except for the unredeemed or unpurchased portion of any Note being


redeemed or repurchased in part. Also, the Issuers need not exchange or register the transfer of any Notes for a period of 15 days before a selection of Notes to be redeemed.

10. SUBORDINATION. The Notes and the Guarantees are subordinated to Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers and the Guarantors on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Indenture. To the extent provided in the Indenture, Senior Indebtedness must be paid before the Notes and Guarantees may be paid. The Issuers agree, and each Holder by accepting a Note agrees, to the subordination provisions contained in the Indenture and authorizes the Trustee to give it effect and appoints the Trustee as attorney-in-fact for such purpose.

11. PERSONS DEEMED OWNERS. The registered Holder of a Note may be treated as its owner for all purposes.

12. AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER. The Indenture, the Guarantees or the Notes may be amended or supplemented as provided in the Indenture.

13. DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES. The Events of Default relating to the Notes are defined in Section 6.01 of the Indenture. If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 30% in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may declare the principal, premium, if any, interest and any other monetary obligations on all the then outstanding 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, the Notes or the Guarantees 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 (except a Default relating to the payment of principal, premium, if any, Additional Interest, if any, or interest) if it determines that withholding notice is in their interest. The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding by notice to the Trustee may on behalf of the Holders of all of the Notes waive any existing Default and its consequences under the Indenture except a continuing Default in payment of the principal of, premium, if any, Additional Interest, if any, or interest on, any of the Notes held by a non-consenting Holder. The Issuers and each Guarantor (to the extent that such Guarantor is so required under the Trust Indenture Act) are required to deliver to the Trustee annually a statement regarding compliance with the Indenture, and the Issuers are required within twenty (20) Business Days after becoming aware of any Default, to deliver to the Trustee a statement specifying such Default and what action the Issuers propose to take with respect thereto.

14. AUTHENTICATION. This Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose until authenticated by the manual signature of the Trustee.

15. ADDITIONAL RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF RESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTES AND RESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTES. In addition to the rights provided to Holders of Notes under the Indenture, Holders of Restricted Global Notes and Restricted Definitive Notes shall have all the rights set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 2, 2007, among the Issuers, the Guarantors named therein and the other parties named on the signature pages thereof (the “ Registration Rights Agreement ”), including the right to receive Additional Interest (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement).


16. GOVERNING LAW. THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SHALL GOVERN AND BE USED TO CONSTRUE THE INDENTURE, THE NOTES AND THE GUARANTEES.

17. CUSIP AND ISIN NUMBERS. Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures, the Issuers have caused CUSIP and ISIN numbers to be printed on the Notes, and the Trustee may use CUSIP and ISIN numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders. No representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers either as printed on the Notes or as contained in any notice of redemption and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers placed thereon.

The Issuers will furnish to any Holder upon written request and without charge a copy of the Indenture and/or the Registration Rights Agreement. Requests may be made to the Issuers at the following address:

Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC

c/o The Blackstone Group

345 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10154

Attention: Prakash A. Melwani


ASSIGNMENT FORM

To assign this Note, fill in the form below:

(I) or (we) assign and transfer this Note to:_____________________________________________________________________

(Insert assignee’ 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 Issuers. 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).


OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE

If you want to elect to have this Note purchased by the Issuers pursuant to Section 4.10 or 4.14 of the Indenture, check the appropriate box below:

¨ Section 4.10          ¨ Section 4.14

If you want to elect to have only part of this Note purchased by the Issuers pursuant to Section 4.10 or Section 4.14 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).


SCHEDULE OF EXCHANGES OF INTERESTS IN THE GLOBAL NOTE*

The initial outstanding principal amount of this Global Note is $248,915,000. 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 or Definitive Note for an interest in this Global Note, have been made:

 

Date of Exchange

   Amount of decrease
in Principal Amount
   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.

Exhibit 4.7

FORM OF REGULATION S GLOBAL NOTE 10  5 / 8 % SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2017

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 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) AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT PRIOR TO (X) THE DATE WHICH IS 40 DAYS AFTER THE LATER OF THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE HEREOF (OR OF ANY PREDECESSOR OF THIS NOTE) OR THE LAST DAY ON WHICH THE ISSUERS OR ANY AFFILIATE OF THE ISSUERS 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 AN ISSUER, (B) PURSUANT TO A REGISTRATION STATEMENT WHICH HAS BEEN DECLARED EFFECTIVE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (C) FOR SO LONG AS THE NOTES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR RESALE PURSUANT TO RULE 144A, TO A PERSON IT REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER” AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT 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 INSIDE THE UNITED STATES, (D) PURSUANT TO OFFERS AND SALES TO NON-U.S. PERSONS THAT OCCUR OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE MEANING OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR (E) PURSUANT TO ANY OTHER AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND (2) 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 ISSUERS, THE TRUSTEE AND THE REGISTRAR SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT PRIOR TO ANY SUCH OFFER, SALE OR TRANSFER (I) PURSUANT TO CLAUSE (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 THE 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 “UNITED STATES” AND “U.S. PERSON” HAVE THE MEANINGS GIVEN TO THEM BY REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.

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 (I) THE TRUSTEE MAY MAKE SUCH NOTATIONS HEREON AS MAY BE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.06(h) OF THE INDENTURE, (II) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE BUT NOT IN PART PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.06(a) OF THE INDENTURE, (III) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE DELIVERED TO THE TRUSTEE FOR CANCELLATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.11 OF THE INDENTURE AND (IV) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY WITH THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE ISSUERS. 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 ISSUERS OR THEIR 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.

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


CUSIP U72284 AB5

ISIN USU72284AB55

REGULATION S GLOBAL NOTE

representing up to

$250,000,000

10  5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017

 

No. A-2    Up to $250,000,000

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC and PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE CORP.

promise to pay to CEDE & CO. or registered assigns, the principal sum set forth on the Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note attached hereto on April 1, 2017.

Interest Payment Dates: April 1 and October 1

Record Dates: March 15 and September 15


IN WITNESS HEREOF, the Issuers have caused this instrument to be duly executed.

Dated: April 2, 2007

 

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC
By:    
  Name:
  Title:

 

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE CORP.
By:    
  Name:
  Title:


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

 

WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY, as Trustee
By:    
  Authorized Signatory

Dated: April 2, 2007


10  5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017

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

1. INTEREST. Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ( the “ Company ”), and Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp., a Delaware corporation (together with the Company, the “ Issuers ”), promise to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note at 10  5 / 8 % per annum from April 2, 2007 until maturity and shall pay the Additional Interest, if any, payable pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement referred to below. The Issuers will pay interest and Additional Interest, if any, semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 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 Issue Date; provided that the first Interest Payment Date shall be October 1, 2007. The Issuers 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 the interest rate on the Notes; they shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest and Additional Interest, if any, (without regard to any applicable grace periods) from time to time on demand at the interest rate on the Notes. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months.

2. METHOD OF PAYMENT. The Issuers will pay interest on the Notes and Additional Interest, if any, to the Persons who are registered Holders of Notes at the close of business on the March 15 or September 15 (whether or not a Business Day), as the case may be, 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. Payment of interest and Additional Interest, 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 Additional Interest, if any, on, all Global Notes and all other Notes the Holders of which shall have provided wire transfer instructions to the Issuers or the Paying Agent. Such payment shall be in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts.

3. PAYING AGENT AND REGISTRAR. Initially, Wilmington Trust Company, the Trustee under the Indenture, will act as Paying Agent and Registrar. The Issuers may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without notice to the Holders. The Issuers or any of their Subsidiaries may act in any such capacity.

4. INDENTURE. The Issuers issued the Notes under an Indenture, dated as of April 2, 2007 (the “ Indenture ”), among the Issuers, the Guarantors named therein and the Trustee. This Note is one of a duly authorized issue of notes of the Issuers’ designated as their 10   5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017. The Issuers shall be entitled to issue Additional Notes pursuant to Section 2.01 and 4.09 of the Indenture. 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 (the “ Trust Indenture Act ”). 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.

5. OPTIONAL REDEMPTION.

(a) Except as described below under clauses 5(b) and 5(c) hereof, the Notes will not be redeemable at the Issuers’ option before April 1, 2012.

(b) At any time prior to April 1, 2012, the Issuers may redeem all or a part of the Notes, upon notice in accordance with paragraph 7, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes redeemed plus the Applicable Premium as of, and accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the date of redemption (the “ Redemption Date ”), subject to the rights of Holders of Notes on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date.

(c) Until April 1, 2012, the Issuers may, at their option, on one or more occasions redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes issued by them at a redemption price equal to 110.625% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the Redemption Date, subject to the right of Holders of Notes of record on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date, with the net cash proceeds received by them from one or more Equity Offerings; provided that (i) at least 50% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes originally issued under the Indenture remain outstanding immediately after the occurrence of each such redemption and (ii) each such redemption occurs within 90 days of the date of closing of each such Equity Offering.

(d) On and after April 1, 2012, the Issuers may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, upon notice in accordance with paragraph 7, to each Holder of Notes at the address of such Holder appearing in the security register, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the Redemption Date, subject to the right of Holders of Notes of record on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on April 1 of each of the years indicated below:

 

Year

   Percentage  

2012

   105.313 %

2013

   103.542 %

2014

   101.771 %

2015 and thereafter

   100.000 %

(e) Any redemption pursuant to this paragraph 5 shall be made pursuant to the provisions of Sections 3.01 through 3.06 of the Indenture.

(f) Any redemption pursuant to Section 3.07 of the Indenture may, at the Issuers’ discretion, be subject to one or more conditions precedent, including, but not limited to, the completion of an Equity Offering or other corporate transaction.

6. MANDATORY REDEMPTION. The Issuers shall not be required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes.


7. NOTICE OF REDEMPTION. Subject to Section 3.03 of the Indenture, notice of redemption will be mailed by first-class mail, postage prepaid, at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the Redemption Date (except that redemption notices may be mailed more than 60 days prior to a Redemption Date if the notice is issued in connection with Article 8 or Article 13 of the Indenture) to each Holder whose Notes are to be redeemed at its registered address or otherwise in accordance with Applicable Procedures. Notes in denominations larger than $2,000 may be redeemed in part but only in whole multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof, unless all of the Notes held by a Holder are to be redeemed. On and after the Redemption Date, interest ceases to accrue on Notes or portions thereof called for redemption, subject to the satisfaction of any conditions pursuant to Section 3.07(f) of the Indenture.

8. OFFERS TO REPURCHASE.

(a) Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, unless the Issuers have previously or concurrently mailed a redemption notice with respect to all the outstanding Notes pursuant to Section 3.07 of the Indenture, the Issuers shall make an offer (a “ Change of Control Offer ”) to each Holder to repurchase all or any part (equal to $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 thereafter) of each Holder’s Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest thereon, if any, to the date of purchase (the “ Change of Control Payment ”). The Change of Control Offer shall be made in accordance with Section 4.14 of the Indenture.

(b) If the Issuers or any of their Restricted Subsidiaries consummate an Asset Sale, when the aggregate amount of the Excess Proceeds exceeds $25.0 million, the Issuers shall make an offer to all Holders of the Notes and, if required by the terms of any Indebtedness that is pari passu with the Notes (“ Pari Passu Indebtedness ”), to the holders of such Pari Passu Indebtedness (an “ Asset Sale Offer ”), to purchase the maximum aggregate principal amount of the Notes (including any Additional Notes) that is at least $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof and such other Pari Passu Indebtedness that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds at an offer price in cash equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof (or accreted value, if less) plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the date fixed for the closing of such offer, in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Indenture. To the extent that the aggregate amount of Notes (including any Additional Notes) and such Pari Passu Indebtedness tendered pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer is less than the Excess Proceeds, the Issuers may use any remaining Excess Proceeds for general corporate purposes, subject to other covenants contained in the Indenture. If the aggregate amount payable in respect of the Notes or the Pari Passu Indebtedness surrendered by such holders thereof exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the Issuers shall select the Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness to be purchased on a pro rata basis to the extent practicable based on the accreted value or principal amount of the Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness tendered or otherwise in accordance with Applicable Procedures. Upon completion of any such Asset Sale Offer, the amount of Excess Proceeds shall be reset at zero. Holders of Notes that are the subject of an offer to purchase will receive an Asset Sale Offer from the Issuers prior to any related purchase date and may elect to have such Notes purchased by completing the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” attached to the Notes.

9. DENOMINATIONS, TRANSFER, EXCHANGE. The Notes are in registered form without coupons in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 thereafter. 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 Issuers may require a Holder to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Issuers need not exchange or register the transfer of any Note or portion of a Note selected for redemption or tendered (and not withdrawn) for repurchase with a Change of Control or an Asset Sale Offer, except for the unredeemed or unpurchased portion of any Note being redeemed or repurchased in part. Also, the Issuers need not exchange or register the transfer of any Notes for a period of 15 days before a selection of Notes to be redeemed.


10. SUBORDINATION. The Notes and the Guarantees are subordinated to Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers and the Guarantors on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Indenture. To the extent provided in the Indenture, Senior Indebtedness must be paid before the Notes and Guarantees may be paid. The Issuers agree, and each Holder by accepting a Note agrees, to the subordination provisions contained in the Indenture and authorizes the Trustee to give it effect and appoints the Trustee as attorney-in-fact for such purpose.

11. PERSONS DEEMED OWNERS. The registered Holder of a Note may be treated as its owner for all purposes.

12. AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER. The Indenture, the Guarantees or the Notes may be amended or supplemented as provided in the Indenture.

13. DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES. The Events of Default relating to the Notes are defined in Section 6.01 of the Indenture. If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 30% in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may declare the principal, premium, if any, interest and any other monetary obligations on all the then outstanding 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, the Notes or the Guarantees 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 (except a Default relating to the payment of principal, premium, if any, Additional Interest, if any, or interest) if it determines that withholding notice is in their interest. The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding by notice to the Trustee may on behalf of the Holders of all of the Notes waive any existing Default and its consequences under the Indenture except a continuing Default in payment of the principal of, premium, if any, Additional Interest, if any, or interest on, any of the Notes held by a non-consenting Holder. The Issuers and each Guarantor (to the extent that such Guarantor is so required under the Trust Indenture Act) are required to deliver to the Trustee annually a statement regarding compliance with the Indenture, and the Issuers are required within twenty (20) Business Days after becoming aware of any Default, to deliver to the Trustee a statement specifying such Default and what action the Issuers propose to take with respect thereto.

14. AUTHENTICATION. This Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose until authenticated by the manual signature of the Trustee.

15. ADDITIONAL RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF RESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTES AND RESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTES. In addition to the rights provided to Holders of Notes under the Indenture, Holders of Restricted Global Notes and Restricted Definitive Notes shall have all the rights set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 2, 2007, among the Issuers, the Guarantors named therein and the other parties named on the signature pages thereof (the “ Registration Rights Agreement ”), including the right to receive Additional Interest (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement).


16. GOVERNING LAW. THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SHALL GOVERN AND BE USED TO CONSTRUE THE INDENTURE, THE NOTES AND THE GUARANTEES.

17. CUSIP AND ISIN NUMBERS. Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures, the Issuers have caused CUSIP and ISIN numbers to be printed on the Notes, and the Trustee may use CUSIP and ISIN numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders. No representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers either as printed on the Notes or as contained in any notice of redemption and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers placed thereon.

The Issuers will furnish to any Holder upon written request and without charge a copy of the Indenture and/or the Registration Rights Agreement. Requests may be made to the Issuers at the following address:

Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC

c/o The Blackstone Group

345 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10154

Attention: Prakash A. Melwani


ASSIGNMENT FORM

To assign this Note, fill in the form below: ______________________________________________________________________

(I) or (we) assign and transfer this Note to:

 


(Insert assignee’ 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 Issuers. 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).


OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE

If you want to elect to have this Note purchased by the Issuers pursuant to Section 4.10 or 4.14 of the Indenture, check the appropriate box below:

¨ Section 4.10              ¨ Section 4.14

If you want to elect to have only part of this Note purchased by the Issuers pursuant to Section 4.10 or Section 4.14 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).


SCHEDULE OF EXCHANGES OF INTERESTS IN THE GLOBAL NOTE*

The initial outstanding principal amount of this Global Note is $1,085,000. 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 or Definitive Note for an interest in this Global Note, have been made:

 

Date of Exchange

   Amount of decrease
in Principal Amount
   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.

Exhibit 4.8

EXECUTION

 


$1,375,000,000

CREDIT AGREEMENT

Dated as of April 2, 2007

among

PEAK FINANCE LLC (to be merged with and into PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC),

as the Borrower,

PEAK FINANCE HOLDINGS LLC,

as Holdings,

LEHMAN COMMERCIAL PAPER INC.,

as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent,

Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer,

GOLDMAN SACHS CREDIT PARTNERS L.P.,

as Syndication Agent

and

THE OTHER LENDERS PARTY HERETO

 


LEHMAN BROTHERS INC.,

GOLDMAN SACHS CREDIT PARTNERS L.P.,

as Joint Lead Arrangers,

LEHMAN BROTHERS INC. and

GOLDMAN SACHS CREDIT PARTNERS L.P.,

as Joint Bookrunners

MIZUHO CORPORATE BANK, LTD. and

GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION,

as Co-Documentation Agents

 



TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

       Page

ARTICLE I Definitions and Accounting Terms

   2

SECTION 1.01. Defined Terms

   2

SECTION 1.02. Other Interpretive Provisions

   52

SECTION 1.03. Accounting Terms

   53

SECTION 1.04. Rounding

   53

SECTION 1.05. References to Agreements, Laws, Etc.

   53

SECTION 1.06. Times of Day

   53

SECTION 1.07. Timing of Payment of Performance

   54

SECTION 1.08. Currency Equivalents Generally

   54

ARTICLE II The Commitments and Credit Extensions

   54

SECTION 2.01. The Loans

   54

SECTION 2.02. Borrowings, Conversions and Continuations of Loans

   55

SECTION 2.03. Letters of Credit

   57

SECTION 2.04. Swing Line Loans

   65

SECTION 2.05. Prepayments

   68

SECTION 2.06. Termination or Reduction of Commitments

   71

SECTION 2.07. Repayment of Loans

   72

SECTION 2.08. Interest

   73

SECTION 2.09. Fees

   73

SECTION 2.10. Computation of Interest and Fees

   74

SECTION 2.11. Evidence of Indebtedness

   74

SECTION 2.12. Payments Generally

   75

SECTION 2.13. Sharing of Payments

   77

SECTION 2.14. Incremental Credit Extensions

   77

ARTICLE III Taxes, Increased Costs Protection and Illegality

   79

SECTION 3.01. Taxes

   79

SECTION 3.02. Illegality

   82

SECTION 3.03. Inability to Determine Rates

   82

SECTION 3.04. Increased Cost and Reduced Return; Capital Adequacy; Reserves on Eurocurrency Rate Loans

   83

SECTION 3.05. Funding Losses

   84

SECTION 3.06. Matters Applicable to All Requests for Compensation

   84

SECTION 3.07. Replacement of Lenders under Certain Circumstances

   85

SECTION 3.08. Survival

   87

ARTICLE IV Conditions Precedent to Credit Extensions

   87

SECTION 4.01. Conditions of Initial Credit Extension

   87

SECTION 4.02. Conditions to All Credit Extensions

   89

 

i


ARTICLE V Representations and Warranties

   90

SECTION 5.01. Existence, Qualification and Power; Compliance with Laws

   90

SECTION 5.02. Authorization; No Contravention

   90

SECTION 5.03. Governmental Authorization; Other Consents

   91

SECTION 5.04. Binding Effect

   91

SECTION 5.05. Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Effect

   91

SECTION 5.06. Litigation

   92

SECTION 5.07. No Default

   93

SECTION 5.08. Ownership of Property; Liens

   93

SECTION 5.09. Environmental Compliance

   93

SECTION 5.10. Taxes

   94

SECTION 5.11. ERISA Compliance

   94

SECTION 5.12. Subsidiaries; Equity Interests

   95

SECTION 5.13. Margin Regulations; Investment Company Act

   95

SECTION 5.14. Disclosure

   95

SECTION 5.15. Intellectual Property; Licenses, Etc.

   96

SECTION 5.16. Solvency

   96

SECTION 5.17. Subordination of Junior Financing

   96

ARTICLE VI Affirmative Covenants

   96

SECTION 6.01. Financial Statements

   96

SECTION 6.02. Certificates; Other Information

   98

SECTION 6.03. Notices

   99

SECTION 6.04. Payment of Obligations

   100

SECTION 6.05. Preservation of Existence, Etc.

   100

SECTION 6.06. Maintenance of Properties

   100

SECTION 6.07. Maintenance of Insurance

   100

SECTION 6.08. Compliance with Laws

   100

SECTION 6.09. Books and Records

   100

SECTION 6.10. Inspection Rights

   101

SECTION 6.11. Covenant to Guarantee Obligations and Give Security

   101

SECTION 6.12. Compliance with Environmental Laws

   103

SECTION 6.13. Further Assurances and Post-Closing Conditions

   103

SECTION 6.14. Designation of Subsidiaries

   104

SECTION 6.15. Post-Closing Matters

   105

ARTICLE VII Negative Covenants

   105

SECTION 7.01. Liens

   105

SECTION 7.02. Investments

   109

SECTION 7.03. Indebtedness

   113

SECTION 7.04. Fundamental Changes

   117

SECTION 7.05. Dispositions

   119

SECTION 7.06. Restricted Payments

   121

SECTION 7.07. Change in Nature of Business

   125

 

ii


SECTION 7.08. Transactions with Affiliates

   125

SECTION 7.09. Burdensome Agreements

   126

SECTION 7.10. Use of Proceeds

   127

SECTION 7.11. Accounting Changes

   127

SECTION 7.12. Prepayments, Etc. of Indebtedness

   127

SECTION 7.13. Equity Interests of Certain Restricted Subsidiaries

   128

SECTION 7.14. Senior Secured Leverage Ratio

   128

ARTICLE VIII Events of Default and Remedies

   129

SECTION 8.01. Events of Default

   129

SECTION 8.02. Remedies Upon Event of Default

   132

SECTION 8.03. Exclusion of Immaterial Subsidiaries

   133

SECTION 8.04. Application of Funds

   133

SECTION 8.05. Borrower’s Right to Cure.

   134

ARTICLE IX Administrative Agent and Other Agents

   134

SECTION 9.01. Appointment and Authorization of Agents

   134

SECTION 9.02. Delegation of Duties

   135

SECTION 9.03. Liability of Agents

   136

SECTION 9.04. Reliance by Agents

   136

SECTION 9.05. Notice of Default

   137

SECTION 9.06. Credit Decision; Disclosure of Information by Agents

   137

SECTION 9.07. Indemnification of Agents

   137

SECTION 9.08. Agents in their Individual Capacities

   138

SECTION 9.09. Successor Agents

   138

SECTION 9.10. Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim

   139

SECTION 9.11. Collateral and Guaranty Matters

   140

SECTION 9.12. Other Agents; Arrangers and Managers

   141

SECTION 9.13. Appointment of Supplemental Administrative Agents

   141

SECTION 9.14. Withholding Tax

   142

ARTICLE X Miscellaneous

   142

SECTION 10.01. Amendments, Etc.

   142

SECTION 10.02. Notices and Other Communications; Facsimile Copies

   144

SECTION 10.03. No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies

   146

SECTION 10.04. Attorney Costs and Expenses

   146

SECTION 10.05. Indemnification by the Borrower

   146

SECTION 10.06. Payments Set Aside

   147

SECTION 10.07. Successors and Assigns

   148

SECTION 10.08. Confidentiality

   152

SECTION 10.09. Setoff

   152

SECTION 10.10. Interest Rate Limitation

   153

SECTION 10.11. Counterparts

   153

SECTION 10.12. Integration

   154

 

iii


SECTION 10.13. Survival of Representations and Warranties

   154

SECTION 10.14. Severability

   154

SECTION 10.15. Tax Forms

   154

SECTION 10.16. GOVERNING LAW

   156

SECTION 10.17. WAIVER OF RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY

   156

SECTION 10.18. Binding Effect

   157

SECTION 10.19. Judgment Currency

   157

SECTION 10.20. Lender Action

   157

SECTION 10.21. USA PATRIOT Act

   158

SECTION 10.22. Agent for Service of Process

   158

SECTION 10.23. Delivery of Lender Addenda.

   158

SCHEDULES

 

I    Guarantors
1.01A    Certain Security Interests and Guarantees
1.01B    Unrestricted Subsidiaries
1.01D    Excluded Subsidiaries
5.05    Certain Liabilities
5.10    Taxes
5.11(a)    ERISA Compliance
5.12    Subsidiaries and Other Equity Investments
6.15    Mortgaged Properties
7.01(b)    Existing Liens
7.02(g)    Existing Investments
7.03(c)    Existing Indebtedness
7.05(k)    Dispositions
7.08    Transactions with Affiliates
7.09    Existing Restrictions
10.02    Administrative Agent’s Office, Certain Addresses for Notices

EXHIBITS

 

Form of   
A    Committed Loan Notice
B    Swing Line Loan Notice
C-1    Term Note
C-2    Revolving Credit Note
D    Compliance Certificate
E    Assignment and Assumption
F    Guaranty
G    Security Agreement
H    Opinion Matters — Counsel to Loan Parties
I    Intellectual Property Security Agreement
J    Lender Addendum

 

iv


CREDIT AGREEMENT

This CREDIT AGREEMENT (“ Agreement ”) is entered into as of April 2, 2007, among PEAK FINANCE LLC (“ Finance Sub ” and, prior to the Merger (as defined below), the “ Borrower ”), a Delaware limited liability company to be merged with and into PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ New Crunch ” and, after the Merger, the “ Borrower ”), PEAK FINANCE HOLDINGS LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Holdings ”), LEHMAN COMMERCIAL PAPER INC. (“ LCPI ”), as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer, GOLDMAN SACHS CREDIT PARTNERS L.P., as Syndication Agent, MIZUHO CORPORATE BANK, Ltd. and GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, as Co-Documentation Agents and each lender from time to time party hereto (collectively, the “ Lenders ” and individually, a “ Lender ”).

PRELIMINARY STATEMENTS

Pursuant to the Merger Agreement (as this and other capitalized terms used in these preliminary statements are defined in Section 1.01 below), Merger Sub will merge with and into Crunch Holding, and Finance Sub will merge with and into New Crunch (collectively, the “ Merger ”), with (i) subject to dissenters’ rights, the Purchase Price being paid, (ii) Crunch Holding surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of Peak Holdings, and New Crunch surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of Holdings and (iii) New Crunch assuming by operation of law all of the Obligations of Finance Sub under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents (and all references herein and in the other Loan Documents to the term “Borrower” shall thereupon be deemed to be references to New Crunch).

The Borrower has requested that simultaneously with the consummation of the Merger, the Lenders extend credit to the Borrower in the form of (i) Term Loans in an initial aggregate amount of $1,250,000,000, and (ii) Revolving Credit Commitments in an initial aggregate amount of $125,000,000 (the “ Revolving Credit Facility ”). The Revolving Credit Facility may include one or more Swing Line Loans and one or more Letters of Credit from time to time.

The proceeds of the Term Loans and the Initial Revolving Borrowing (to the extent permitted in accordance with the definition of the term “Permitted Initial Revolving Borrowing Purposes”), together with the proceeds of (i) the issuance of the High Yield Notes and (iii) the Equity Contribution, will be used to finance the repayment of all amounts outstanding under the Existing Credit Agreement and certain other existing Indebtedness of PFGI and pay the Purchase Price and the Transaction Expenses. The proceeds of Revolving Credit Loans made after the Closing Date will be used for working capital and other general corporate purposes of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, including the financing of Permitted Acquisitions. Swing Line Loans and Letters of Credit will be used for general corporate purposes of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.

The applicable Lenders have indicated their willingness to lend, and the L/C Issuers have indicated their willingness to issue Letters of Credit, in each case, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein.


In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, the parties hereto covenant and agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

Definitions and Accounting Terms

SECTION 1.01. Defined Terms . As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

Acquired EBITDA ” means, with respect to any Acquired Entity or Business or any Converted Restricted Subsidiary for any period, the amount for such period of Consolidated EBITDA of such Acquired Entity or Business, all as determined on a consolidated basis for such Acquired Entity or Business.

Acquired Entity or Business ” has the meaning specified in the definition of the term “Consolidated EBITDA”.

Additional Lender ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.14(a).

Administrative Agent ” means Lehman Commercial Paper Inc., in its capacity as administrative agent under the Loan Documents, or any successor administrative agent.

Administrative Agent’s Office ” means, with respect to any currency, the Administrative Agent’s address and, as appropriate, account as set forth on Schedule 10.02 with respect to such currency, or such other address or account with respect to such currency as the Administrative Agent may from time to time notify the Borrower and the Lenders.

Administrative Questionnaire ” means an Administrative Questionnaire in a form supplied by the Administrative Agent.

Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, another Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person specified. “Control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. “Controlling” and “Controlled” have meanings correlative thereto.

Agent-Related Persons ” means the Agents, together with their respective Affiliates, and the officers, directors, employees, agents and attorneys-in-fact of such Persons and Affiliates.

Agents ” means, collectively, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Syndication Agent, the Co-Documentation Agents and the Supplemental Administrative Agents (if any).

Aggregate Commitments ” means the Commitments of all the Lenders.

 

2


Agreement ” means this Credit Agreement.

Applicable Rate ” means a percentage per annum equal to (a) until delivery of financial statements for the first full fiscal quarter commencing on or after the Closing Date pursuant to Section 6.01, (i) for Eurocurrency Rate Loans that are Revolving Credit Loans, 2.75%, (ii) for Base Rate Loans that are Revolving Credit Loans, 1.75%, (iii) for Letter of Credit fees, 2.75% less the fronting fee payable in respect of the applicable Letter of Credit, (D) for commitment fees, 0.50%, (iv) for Eurocurrency Rate Loans that are Term Loans, 2.75% and (v) for Base Rate Loans that are Term Loans, 1.75% and (b) thereafter, the following percentages per annum, based upon the Total Leverage Ratio as set forth in the most recent Compliance Certificate received by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 6.02(a):

Applicable Rate

 

Pricing Level

   Total Leverage Ratio    Eurocurrency
Rate for
Revolving
Loans and
Letter of
Credit Fees
    Base Rate
for
Revolving
Loans
    Commitment
Fees Rate
    Eurocurrency
Rate for
Term Loans
   

Base Rate
for

Term Loans

 

1

   >6.5:1    2.75 %   1.75 %   0.50 %   2.75 %   1.75 %

2

   £ 6.5:1 but >6.0:1    2.50 %   1.50 %   0.50 %   2.50 %   1.50 %

3

   £ 6.0:1 but >5.5:1    2.25 %   1.25 %   0.50 %   2.50 %   1.50 %

4

   £ 5.5:1    2.00 %   1.00 %   0.375 %   2.50 %   1.50 %

Any increase or decrease in the Applicable Rate resulting from a change in the Total Leverage Ratio shall become effective as of the first Business Day immediately following the date a Compliance Certificate is delivered pursuant to Section 6.02(a); provided that at the option of the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders, the highest Pricing Level shall apply (x) as of the first Business Day after the date on which a Compliance Certificate was required to have been delivered but was not delivered, and shall continue to so apply to and including the date on which such Compliance Certificate is so delivered (and thereafter the Pricing Level otherwise determined in accordance with this definition shall apply) and (y) as of the first Business Day after an Event of Default under Section 8.01(a) shall have occurred and be continuing, and shall continue to so apply to but excluding the date on which such Event of Default is cured or waived (and thereafter the Pricing Level otherwise determined in accordance with this definition shall apply).

Appropriate Lender ” means, at any time, (a) with respect to Loans of any Class, the Lenders of such Class, (b) with respect to any Letters of Credit, (i) the relevant L/C Issuers and (ii) with respect to any Letters of Credit issued pursuant to Section 2.03(a), the Revolving Credit Lenders and (c) with respect to the Swing Line Facility, (i) the Swing Line Lender and (ii) if any Swing Line Loans are outstanding pursuant to Section 2.04(a), the Revolving Credit Lenders.

Approved Fund ” means, with respect to any Lender, any Fund that is administered, advised or managed by (a) such Lender, (b) an Affiliate of such Lender or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers, advises or manages such Lender.

 

3


Arrangers ” means Lehman Brothers Inc. and Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P., in their capacities as Joint Lead Arrangers under this Agreement.

Assignees ” has the meaning specified in Section 10.07(b).

Assignment and Assumption ” means an Assignment and Assumption substantially in the form of Exhibit E .

Attorney Costs ” means and includes all reasonable fees, expenses and disbursements of any law firm or other external legal counsel.

Attributable Indebtedness ” means, on any date, in respect of any Capitalized Lease of any Person, the capitalized amount thereof that would appear on a balance sheet of such Person prepared as of such date in accordance with GAAP.

Audited Financial Statements ” means the audited consolidated balance sheets of PFGI as of each of December 31, 2006 and December 25, 2005, and the related audited consolidated statements of income, business/stockholders’ equity and cash flows for PFGI for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006 and December 25, 2005 and for the periods November 25, 2003 through July 31, 2004 and August 1, 2004 through December 26, 2004 and for the period August 1, 2003 through November 24, 2003.

Auto-Renewal Letter of Credit ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.03(b)(iii).

Available Amount ” means, at any time (the “ Reference Date ”), an amount equal to (a) the greater of (i) the percentage of Excess Cash Flow not required to be prepaid pursuant to Section 2.05(b)(i) and (ii) 50% of Consolidated Net Income (or 75% of Consolidated Net Income if the Senior Secured Leverage Ratio is less than 3.25 to 1.00) for the period commencing at the beginning of the fiscal quarter in which the Closing Date occurs and ending on the last day of the most recent fiscal quarter or fiscal year, as applicable, for which financial statements required to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.01(a) or Section 6.01(b), and the related Compliance Certificate required to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.02(a), have been received by the Administrative Agent (or in the case such Consolidated Net Income for such period is a deficit, minus 100% of such deficit); plus (b) the aggregate amount of Retained Declined Proceeds retained by the Borrower during the period from and including the Business Day immediately following the Closing Date through and including the Reference Date; plus (c) the aggregate amount of net cash proceeds of Scheduled Dispositions received by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary during the period from and including the Business Day immediately following the Closing Date through and including the Reference Date; plus (d) the amount of any capital contributions or Net Cash Proceeds from Permitted Equity Issuances (or issuance of debt securities that have been converted or exchanged into Qualified Equity Interests) (other than the Equity Contribution) received or made by the Borrower (or any direct or indirect parent thereof and contributed by such parent to the Borrower) during the period from and including the Business Day immediately following the Closing Date through and including the Reference Date; plus (e) to the extent not (A) already included in the calculation of Consolidated Net Income of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries or (B) already reflected as a return of

 

4


capital or deemed reduction in the amount of such Investment pursuant to clauses (h) and (i) below, the aggregate amount of all cash dividends and other cash distributions received by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary from any minority investments or Unrestricted Subsidiaries during the period from and including the Business Day immediately following the Closing Date through and including the Reference Date; plus (f) to the extent not (A) already included in the calculation of Consolidated Net Income of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries or (B) already reflected as a return of capital or deemed reduction in the amount of such Investment pursuant to clauses (h) and (i) below, the aggregate amount of all cash repayments of principal received by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary from any minority investments or Unrestricted Subsidiaries during the period from and including the Business Day immediately following the Closing Date through and including the Reference Date in respect of loans or advances made by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to such minority investments or Unrestricted Subsidiaries; plus (g) to the extent not (A) already included in the calculation of Consolidated Net Income of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, (B) already reflected as a return of capital or deemed reduction in the amount of such Investment pursuant to clauses (h) and (i) below and (C) required to be applied to prepay Term Loans in accordance with Section 2.05(b)(i), the aggregate amount of all Net Cash Proceeds received by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in connection with the sale, transfer or other disposition of its ownership interest in any minority investment or Unrestricted Subsidiary during the period from and including the Business Day immediately following the Closing Date through and including the Reference Date; minus (h) the aggregate amount of any Investments made pursuant to Section 7.02(o)(ii) (net of any return of capital in respect of such Investment or deemed reduction in the amount of such Investment including, without limitation, upon the re-designation of any Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary or the Disposition of any such Investment), any Restricted Payment made pursuant to Section 7.06(f)(i) or any payment made pursuant to Section 7.12(a)(iv)(2)(B) during the period commencing on the Closing Date and ending on prior to the Reference Date (and, for purposes of this clause (h), without taking account of the intended usage of the Available Amount on such Reference Date); and minus (i) the aggregate amount of any Restricted Payment made pursuant to Section 7.06(n)(3) or any payment made pursuant to Section 7.12(a)(iv)(2)(C) during the period commencing on the Closing Date and ending on prior to the Reference Date.

Base Rate ” means for any day a fluctuating rate per annum equal to the higher of (a) the Federal Funds Rate plus 1/2 of 1% and (b) the rate of interest in effect for such day as publicly announced from time to time by the Administrative Agent as its “Prime Rate.” The “Prime Rate” is a rate set by the British Banking Association Telerate Page 5 (or such other comparable page as may, in the opinion of the Administrative Agent, replace such page for the purpose of displaying such rate), as in effect from time to time. The Prime Rate is a reference rate and does not necessarily represent the lowest or best rate actually available. Any change in the Base Rate due to a change in the Prime Rate or the Federal Funds Rate shall be effective as of the opening of business on the day specified in the public announcement of such change in the Prime Rate, or the Federal Funds Rate, respectively.

Base Rate Loan ” means a Loan that bears interest at the Base Rate.

Borrower ” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph to this Agreement.

 

5


Borrowing ” means a Revolving Credit Borrowing, a Swing Line Borrowing or a Term Borrowing, as the context may require.

Business Day ” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks are authorized to close under the Laws of, or are in fact closed in, the state where the Administrative Agent’s Office is located and if such day relates to any interest rate settings as to a Eurocurrency Rate Loan, any fundings, disbursements, settlements and payments in respect of any such Eurocurrency Rate Loan, or any other dealings to be carried out pursuant to this Agreement in respect of any such Eurocurrency Rate Loan, means any such day on which dealings in deposits are conducted by and between banks in the London interbank eurodollar market.

Capital Expenditures ” means, for any period, the aggregate of (a) all expenditures (whether paid in cash or accrued as liabilities) by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries during such period that, in conformity with GAAP, are or are required to be included as additions during such period to property, plant or equipment reflected in the consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, (b) all Capitalized Software Expenditures for such period, (c) the value of all assets under Capitalized Leases incurred by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries during such period (other than as a result of purchase accounting) and (d) less any capital grants received from a Governmental Authority that are reflected as a reduction of fixed assets in conformity with GAAP; provided that the term “Capital Expenditures” shall not include (i) expenditures made in connection with the replacement, substitution, restoration or repair of assets to the extent financed with (x) insurance proceeds paid on account of the loss of or damage to the assets being replaced, restored or repaired or (y) awards of compensation arising from the taking by eminent domain or condemnation of the assets being replaced, (ii) the purchase price of equipment that is purchased simultaneously with the trade-in of existing equipment to the extent that the gross amount of such purchase price is reduced by the credit granted by the seller of such equipment for the equipment being traded in at such time, (iii) the purchase of plant, property or equipment or software to the extent financed with the proceeds of Dispositions that are not required to be applied to prepay Term Loans pursuant to Section 2.05(b), (iv) expenditures that constitute any part of Consolidated Lease Expense, (v) expenditures that are accounted for as capital expenditures by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary and that actually are paid for by a Person other than the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary and for which none of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary has provided or is required to provide or incur, directly or indirectly, any consideration or obligation to such Person or any other Person (whether before, during or after such period), (vi) the book value of any asset owned by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary prior to or during such period to the extent that such book value is included as a capital expenditure during such period as a result of such Person reusing or beginning to reuse such asset during such period without a corresponding expenditure actually having been made in such period; provided that (x) any expenditure necessary in order to permit such asset to be reused shall be included as a Capital Expenditure during the period in which such expenditure actually is made and (y) such book value shall have been included in Capital Expenditures when such asset was originally acquired, (vii) expenditures that constitute Permitted Acquisitions, (viii) any capitalized interest expense reflected as additions to property, plant or equipment in the consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries or (ix) any non-cash compensation or other non-cash costs reflected as additions to property, plant or equipment in the consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries.

 

6


Capitalized Lease Obligation ” means, at the time any determination thereof is to be made, the amount of the liability in respect of a Capitalized Lease that would at such time be required to be capitalized and reflected as a liability on a balance sheet (excluding the footnotes thereto) prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Capitalized Leases ” means all leases that are required in accordance with GAAP, recorded as capitalized leases; provided that for all purposes hereunder the amount of obligations under any Capitalized Lease shall be the amount thereof accounted for as a liability in accordance with GAAP.

Capitalized Software Expenditures ” means, for any period, the aggregate of all expenditures (whether paid in cash or accrued as liabilities) by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries during such period in respect of licensed or purchased software or internally developed software and software enhancements that, in conformity with GAAP, are or are required to be reflected as capitalized costs on the consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries.

Cash Collateral ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.03(f).

Cash Collateral Account ” means a blocked account at any commercial bank selected in compliance with Section 9.09 in the name of the Administrative Agent and under the sole dominion and control of the Administrative Agent, and otherwise established in a manner satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

Cash Collateralize ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.03(f).

Cash Equivalents ” means any of the following types of Investments, to the extent owned by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary:

(1) Dollars;

(2) (a) Sterling, Euros or any national currency of any participating member state of the EMU or (b) in the case of any Foreign Subsidiary that is a Restricted Subsidiary, such local currencies held by it from time to time in the ordinary course of business;

(3) securities issued or directly and fully and unconditionally guaranteed or insured by the United States government or any agency or instrumentality thereof the securities of which are unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation of such government with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition;

(4) certificates of deposit, time deposits and eurodollar time deposits with maturities of one year or less from the date of acquisition, bankers’ acceptances with maturities not exceeding one year and overnight bank deposits, in each case with any domestic or foreign commercial bank having capital and surplus of not less than $500,000,000 in the case of U.S. banks and $100,000,000 (or the Dollar equivalent as of the date of determination) in the case of non-U.S. banks;

 

7


(5) repurchase obligations for underlying securities of the types described in clauses (3), (4) and (8) entered into with any financial institution meeting the qualifications specified in clause (4) above;

(6) commercial paper rated at least P-1 by Moody’s or at least A-1 by S&P and in each case maturing within 24 months after the date of creation thereof and Indebtedness or preferred stock issued by Persons with a rating of “A” or higher from S&P or “A2” or higher from Moody’s with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition;

(7) marketable short-term money market and similar securities having a rating of at least P-2 or A-2 from either Moody’s or S&P, respectively (or, if at any time neither Moody’s nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another nationally recognized statistical rating agency selected by the Borrower) and in each case maturing within 24 months after the date of creation or acquisition thereof;

(8) readily marketable direct obligations issued by any state, commonwealth or territory of the United States or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof having an Investment Grade Rating from either Moody’s or S&P with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition;

(9) readily marketable direct obligations issued by any foreign government or any political subdivision or public instrumentality thereof, in each case having an Investment Grade Rating from either Moody’s or S&P with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition;

(10) Investments with average maturities of 12 months or less from the date of acquisition in money market funds rated within the top three rating categories by S&P or Moody’s; and

(11) investment funds investing 90% of their assets in securities of the types described in clauses (1) through (10) above.

In the case of Investments by any Foreign Subsidiary that is a Restricted Subsidiary or Investments made in a country outside the United States of America, Cash Equivalents shall also include (i) investments of the type and maturity described in clauses (1) through (8) and clauses (10) and (11) above of foreign obligors, which Investments or obligors (or the parents of such obligors) have ratings described in such clauses or equivalent ratings from comparable foreign rating agencies and (ii) other short-term investments utilized by Foreign Subsidiaries that are Restricted Subsidiaries in accordance with normal investment practices for cash management in investments analogous to the foregoing investments in clauses (1) through (11) and in this paragraph.

 

8


Notwithstanding the foregoing, Cash Equivalents shall include amounts denominated in currencies other than those set forth in clauses (1) and (2) above, provided that such amounts are converted into any currency listed in clauses (1) and (2) as promptly as practicable and in any event within ten Business Days following the receipt of such amounts. At any time at which the value, calculated in accordance with GAAP, of all investments of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries that were deemed, when made, to be Cash Equivalents in accordance with clauses (1) through (11) above exceeds the Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, “Cash Equivalents” shall also mean any investment (a “ Qualifying Investment ”) that satisfies the following two conditions: (a) the Qualifying Investment is of a type described in clauses (1) through (10) and the immediately preceding paragraph of this definition, but has an effective maturity (whether by reason of final maturity, a put option or, in the case of an asset-backed security, an average life) of five years and one month or less from the date of such Qualifying Investment (notwithstanding any provision contained in such clauses (1) through (10) and the immediately preceding paragraph requiring a shorter maturity); and (b) the weighted average effective maturity of such Qualifying Investment and all other investments that were made as Qualifying Investments in accordance with this paragraph, does not exceed two years from the date of such Qualifying Investment.

Cash Management Bank ” means any Lender or any Affiliate of a Lender providing Cash Management Services to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary.

Cash Management Obligations ” means obligations owed by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to any Lender or any Affiliate of a Lender in respect of any overdraft and related liabilities arising from treasury, depository and/or cash management services or any automated clearing house transfers of funds.

Casualty Event ” means any event that gives rise to the receipt by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of any insurance proceeds or condemnation awards in respect of any equipment, fixed assets or real property (including any improvements thereon) to replace or repair such equipment, fixed assets or real property.

Change of Control ” means the earliest to occur of

(a) the Permitted Holders ceasing to have the power, directly or indirectly, to vote or direct the voting of securities having a majority of the ordinary voting power for the election of directors of Holdings; provided that the occurrence of the foregoing event shall not be deemed a Change of Control if,

(i) any time prior to the consummation of a Qualifying IPO, and for any reason whatsoever, (A) the Permitted Holders otherwise have the right, directly or indirectly, to designate (and do so designate) a majority of the board of directors of Holdings at such time or (B) the Permitted Holders own a majority of the outstanding voting Equity Interests of Holdings at such time, or

(ii) at any time upon or after the consummation of a Qualifying IPO, and for any reason whatsoever, (A) no “person” or “group” (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act, but excluding any employee benefit plan

 

9


of such person and its Subsidiaries, and any person or entity acting in its capacity as trustee, agent or other fiduciary or administrator of any such plan), excluding the Permitted Holders, shall become the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rules 13(d)-3 and 13(d)-5 under such Act), directly or indirectly, of more than the greater of (x) thirty-five percent (35%) of then outstanding voting stock of Holdings and (y) the percentage of then outstanding voting stock of Holdings owned, directly or indirectly, beneficially by the Permitted Holders, and (B) during each period of twelve (12) consecutive months, the board of directors of Holdings shall consist of a majority of the Continuing Directors; or

(b) any “Change of Control” (or any comparable term) in any document pertaining to the High Yield Notes or any Junior Financing with an aggregate outstanding principal amount in excess of the Threshold Amount; or

(c) the Borrower ceasing to be a directly or indirectly wholly owned Subsidiary of Holdings or an Intermediate Holding Company;

Class ” (a) when used with respect to Lenders, refers to whether such Lenders are Revolving Credit Lenders or Term Lenders, (b) when used with respect to Commitments, refers to whether such Commitments are Revolving Credit Commitments or Term Commitments and (c) when used with respect to Loans or a Borrowing, refers to whether such Loans, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are Revolving Credit Loans or Term Loans.

Closing Date ” means the first date all the conditions precedent in Section 4.01 are satisfied or waived in accordance with Section 4.01.

Closing Date Material Adverse Effect ” means any change, effect, event, circumstance or development (each a “ Change “, and collectively, “ Changes ”), individually or in the aggregate, together with all other Changes, that (A) has had or would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect or change in the business, operations, assets, liabilities, condition (financial or otherwise) or results of operations of Holdings, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole or (B) would reasonably be expected to materially adversely effect the ability of the Parent and its Subsidiaries to timely consummate the Merger or any of the other transactions contemplated thereby; provided , however, that, in determining whether there has been a Closing Date Material Adverse Effect or whether a Closing Date Material Adverse Effect would occur, this definition shall exclude any change, effect or occurrence to the extent arising out of, attributable to or resulting from: (a) any generally applicable change in Applicable Laws (as defined in the Merger Agreement) or GAAP or interpretation of any thereof, (b) to the extent specifically demonstrated by the Parent, (i) any public announcement prior to the date of the Merger Agreement of discussions among the parties thereto regarding the transactions contemplated thereby, (ii) the announcement of the Merger Agreement, (iii) the pendency of the consummation of the Merger or the transactions contemplated thereby or (iv) any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with the Merger Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby, (c) actions or inactions taken by the Parent or its Subsidiaries in accordance with the express provisions of the Merger Agreement, (d) changes in conditions generally affecting the industries in which the Parent and its Subsidiaries conduct their business, (e) general economic, political or financial market conditions, (f) any outbreak or escalation of hostilities (including, without limitation, any declaration of war by the U.S. Congress) or acts of

 

10


terrorism and (g) any failure by the Parent to meet internal projections or forecasts; provided , that the underlying cause of any such failure may be taken into consideration in making such determination; provided , further, that, in the case of the foregoing clauses (a), (d), (e) and (f), the impact of such change, effect or occurrence is not disproportionately adverse to the Parent and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as compared to other companies in the industries in which the Parent and its Subsidiaries operate.

Co-Documentation Agents ” means Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd. and General Electric Capital Corporation, as Co-Documentation Agents under this Agreement.

Code ” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, and rules and regulations related thereto.

Collateral ” means all the “Collateral” as defined in any Collateral Document and shall include the Mortgaged Properties.

Collateral Agent ” means LCPI, in its capacity as collateral agent under any of the Loan Documents, or any successor collateral agent.

Collateral and Guarantee Requirement ” means, at any time, the requirement that:

(a) the Administrative Agent shall have received each Collateral Document required to be delivered on the Closing Date pursuant to Section 4.01(a)(iii) or pursuant to Section 6.11 or Section 6.13 at such time, duly executed by each Loan Party thereto;

(b) all Obligations shall have been unconditionally guaranteed (the “ Guarantees ”) by Holdings, any Intermediate Holding Company and each Restricted Subsidiary that is a Material Domestic Subsidiary and not an Excluded Subsidiary including those that are listed on Schedule I hereto (each, a “ Guarantor ”);

(c) all guarantees issued or to be issued in respect of the Senior Subordinated Notes (i) shall be subordinated to the Guarantees to the same extent that the Senior Subordinated Notes are subordinated to the Obligations and (ii) shall provide for their automatic release upon a release of the corresponding Guarantee;

(d) the Obligations and the Guarantees shall have been secured by a first-priority security interest in (i) all the Equity Interests of the Borrower, (ii) all Equity Interests (other than Equity Interests of Unrestricted Subsidiaries and any Equity Interest of any Restricted Subsidiary pledged to secure Indebtedness permitted under Section 7.03(h)) of each wholly owned Material Domestic Subsidiary of Holdings, any Intermediate Holding Company, the Borrower or any Guarantor that is the direct Subsidiary of Holdings, any Intermediate Holding Company, the Borrower or such Guarantor and (iii) 65% of the issued and outstanding voting Equity Interests (and 100% of the issued and outstanding non-voting Equity Interests, if any) of each wholly owned Material Foreign Subsidiary that is directly owned by Holdings, the Borrower or any Domestic Subsidiary of Holdings that is a Guarantor (other than any Equity Interest of any Restricted Subsidiary pledged to secure Indebtedness permitted under Section 7.03(h));

 

11


(e) except to the extent otherwise provided hereunder or under any Collateral Document, the Obligations and the Guarantees shall have been secured by a perfected security interest (other than in the case of mortgages, to the extent such security interest may be perfected by delivering certificated securities, filing UCC financing statements or making any necessary filings with the United States Patent and Trademark Office or United States Copyright Office) in, and mortgages on, substantially all tangible and intangible assets of Holdings, any Intermediate Holding Company, the Borrower and each other Guarantor (including accounts (other than deposit accounts or other bank or securities accounts and any Securitization Assets), inventory, equipment, investment property, contract rights, intellectual property, other general intangibles, owned (but not leased) real property and proceeds of the foregoing) and all Equity Interests owned by Holdings and any Intermediate Holding Company, in each case, with the priority required by the Collateral Documents; provided that security interests in real property shall be limited to the Mortgaged Properties;

(f) none of the Collateral shall be subject to any Liens other than Liens permitted by Section 7.01; and

(g) the Collateral Agent shall have received (i) counterparts of a Mortgage with respect to each Material Real Property required to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.11 (the “ Mortgaged Properties ”) duly executed and delivered by the record owner of such property, (ii) a policy or policies of title insurance issued by a nationally recognized title insurance company insuring the Lien of each such Mortgage as a valid Lien on the property described therein, free of any other Liens except as expressly permitted by Section 7.01, together with such endorsements, coinsurance and reinsurance as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request, and (iii) such existing surveys, existing abstracts, existing appraisals, legal opinions and other documents as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request with respect to any such Mortgaged Property.

The foregoing definition shall not require the creation or perfection of pledges of or security interests in, or the obtaining of title insurance or surveys with respect to, particular assets if and for so long as, in the reasonable judgment of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, the cost of creating or perfecting such pledges or security interests in such assets or obtaining title insurance or surveys in respect of such assets shall be excessive in view of the benefits to be obtained by the Lenders therefrom.

The Administrative Agent may grant extensions of time for the perfection of security interests in or the obtaining of title insurance and surveys with respect to particular assets (including extensions beyond the Closing Date for the perfection of security interests in the assets of the Loan Parties on such date) where it reasonably determines, in consultation with the Borrower, that perfection cannot be accomplished without undue effort or expense by the time or times at which it would otherwise be required by this Agreement or the Collateral Documents.

 

12


Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this definition or anything in this Agreement or any other Loan Document to the contrary, (a) Liens required to be granted from time to time pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement shall be subject to exceptions and limitations set forth in the Collateral Documents, and (b) the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement shall not apply to any of the following assets: (i) any fee-owned real property that is not a Material Real Property and any leasehold interests in real property, (ii) motor vehicles and other assets subject to certificates of title, letter of credit rights and commercial tort claims, (iii) assets for which a pledge thereof or a security interest therein is prohibited by law or by agreements containing anti-assignment clauses not overridden by Uniform Commercial Code or other applicable law and (iv) assets (including deposit and securities accounts) specifically requiring perfection through control agreements.

Collateral Documents ” means, collectively, the Security Agreement, the Intellectual Property Security Agreement, the Mortgages, each of the mortgages, collateral assignments, Security Agreement Supplements, security agreements, pledge agreements or other similar agreements delivered to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders pursuant to Section 6.11 or Section 6.13, the Guaranty and each of the other agreements, instruments or documents that creates or purports to create a Lien or Guarantee in favor of the Administrative Agent (or Collateral Agent) for the benefit of the Secured Parties.

Commitment ” means a Term Commitment or a Revolving Credit Commitment, as the context may require.

Committed Loan Notice ” means a notice of (a) a Term Borrowing, (b) a Revolving Credit Borrowing, (c) a conversion of Loans from one Type to the other, or (d) a continuation of Eurocurrency Rate Loans, pursuant to Section 2.02(a), which, if in writing, shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A .

Compensation Period ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.12(c)(ii).

Compliance Certificate ” means a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit D .

Consent Solicitation ” means the solicitation of consents from the holders of the Existing Notes to amend the indenture governing the Existing Notes to eliminate the significant restrictive covenants and certain default provisions contained therein, to be effected concurrently with the Tender Offer.

Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization Expense ” means with respect to any Person for any period, the total amount of depreciation and amortization expense, including the amortization of deferred financing fees or costs and Capitalized Software Expenditures of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period on a consolidated basis and otherwise determined in accordance with GAAP.

Consolidated EBITDA ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period:

 

13


(a) increased (without duplication) by the following, in each case to the extent deducted in determining Consolidated Net Income for such period:

(i) provision for taxes based on income or profits or capital, including, without limitation, state, franchise and similar taxes and foreign withholding taxes of such Person paid or accrued during such period deducted (and not added back) in calculating such Consolidated Net Income; plus

(ii) Consolidated Interest Expense of such Person for such period (including (x) net losses or any obligations under any Swap Contracts or other derivative instruments entered into for the purpose of hedging interest rate risk, (y) bank fees and (z) costs of surety bonds in connection with financing activities, plus amounts excluded from Consolidated Interest Expense as set forth in sub-clauses (vi) to (xii) of clause (a) of the definition thereof) to the extent the same were deducted (and not added back) in calculating such Consolidated Net Income; plus

(iii) Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization Expense of such Person for such period to the extent the same were deducted (and not added back) in computing Consolidated Net Income; plus

(iv) any expenses or charges (other than depreciation or amortization expense) related to any equity offering, Investment, acquisition, disposition, or recapitalization permitted hereunder or the incurrence of Indebtedness permitted to be incurred hereunder (including a refinancing thereof) (whether or not successful), including (A) such fees, expenses or charges related to the offering of the Senior Notes, the Senior Subordinated Notes, the Loans and any credit facilities and (B) any amendment or other modification of the Senior Notes, Senior Subordinated Notes, the Loans and the credit facilities and, in each case, deducted (and not added back) in computing Consolidated Net Income; plus

(v) the amount of any restructuring charges, integration costs or other business optimization expenses (including cost and expenses relating to inventory optimization programs and new systems design and implementation costs), costs associated with new facilities up to the point of commercial production or reserves deducted (and not added back) in such period in computing Consolidated Net Income, including any one-time costs incurred in connection with acquisitions after the Closing Date, and costs related to the closure and/or consolidation of facilities; plus

(vi) any other non-cash charges, (collectively, the “ Non-Cash Charges ”) including any write offs or write downs reducing Consolidated Net Income for such period ( provided that if any such non-cash charges represent an accrual or reserve for potential cash items in any future period, the cash payment in respect thereof in such future period shall be subtracted from Consolidated EBITDA to such extent, and excluding amortization of a prepaid cash item that was paid in a prior period); plus

 

14


(vii) the amount of any minority interest expense consisting of Subsidiary income attributable to minority equity interests of third parties in any non-wholly owned Subsidiary deducted (and not added back) in such period in calculating Consolidated Net Income; plus

(viii) the amount of management, monitoring, consulting and advisory fees (including termination fees) and related indemnities and expenses paid or accrued in such period to the Sponsor to the extent permitted under Section 7.08 (and with respect to the calculation of Consolidated EBITDA for the first four quarter period following the Closing Date, similar fees paid by the Borrower or its Affiliates to investors in the Borrower or its Affiliates prior to the Closing Date) and deducted (and not added back) in such period in computing Consolidated Net Income; plus

(ix) the amount of net cost savings projected by the Borrower in good faith to be realized as a result of specified actions taken or initiated during or prior to such period (calculated on a pro forma basis as though such cost savings had been realized on the first day of such period), net of the amount of actual benefits realized during such period from such actions; provided that (A) such cost savings are reasonably identifiable and factually supportable, (B) such actions are taken no later than 36 months after the Closing Date and (C) the aggregate amount of cost savings added pursuant to this clause (ix) shall not exceed $30,000,000 for any four consecutive quarter period (which adjustments may be incremental to pro forma cost savings adjustments made pursuant to Section 1.03); plus

(x) the amount of loss on sale of receivables, Securitization Assets and related assets to any Securitization Subsidiary in connection with a Qualified Securitization Financing; plus

(xi) any costs or expense incurred by the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement or any stock subscription or shareholder agreement, to the extent that such cost or expenses are funded with cash proceeds contributed to the capital of the Borrower or net cash proceeds of an issuance of Equity Interests of the Borrower (other than Disqualified Equity Interests) solely to the extent that such net cash proceeds are Not Otherwise Applied; plus

(xii) any net loss from disposed or discontinued operations; plus

(xiii) cash receipts (or any netting arrangements resulting in reduced cash expenditures) not representing Consolidated EBITDA or Consolidated Net Income in any period to the extent non-cash gains relating to such income were deducted in the calculation of Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to paragraph (b) below for any previous period and not added back;

 

15


(b) decreased (without duplication) by the following, in each case to the extent included in determining Consolidated Net Income for such period:

(i) non-cash gains increasing Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period, excluding any non-cash gains to the extent they represent the reversal of an accrual or reserve for a potential cash item that reduced Consolidated EBITDA in any prior period and any non-cash gains with respect to cash actually received in a prior period so long as such cash did not increase Consolidated EBITDA in such prior period; plus

(ii) any net income from disposed or discontinued operations; and

(c) increased or decreased without duplication, as applicable, by any adjustments resulting from the application of FASB Interpretation No. 45 (Guarantees).

There shall be included in determining Consolidated EBITDA for any period, without duplication, (A) the Acquired EBITDA of any Person, property, business or asset acquired by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary during such period (but not the Acquired EBITDA of any related Person, property, business or assets to the extent not so acquired), to the extent not subsequently sold, transferred or otherwise disposed by the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary during such period (each such Person, property, business or asset acquired and not subsequently so disposed of, an “ Acquired Entity or Business ”) and the Acquired EBITDA of any Unrestricted Subsidiary that is converted into a Restricted Subsidiary during such period (each a “ Converted Restricted Subsidiary ”), based on the actual Acquired EBITDA of such Acquired Entity or Business or Converted Restricted Subsidiary for such period (including the portion thereof occurring prior to such acquisition) and (B) for the purposes of the definition of the term “Permitted Acquisition” and compliance with the Senior Secured Incurrence Test and the Senior Secured Leverage Test, an adjustment in respect of each Acquired Entity or Business equal to the amount of the Pro Forma Adjustment with respect to such Acquired Entity or Business for such period (including the portion thereof occurring prior to such acquisition) as specified in a certificate executed by a Responsible Officer and delivered to the Lenders and the Administrative Agent and (C) for purposes of determining the Total Leverage Ratio and the Senior Secured Leverage Ratio only, there shall be excluded in determining Consolidated EBITDA for any period the Disposed EBITDA of any Person, property, business or asset (other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary) sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of, closed or classified as discontinued operations by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary during such period (each such Person, property, business or asset so sold or disposed of, a “ Sold Entity or Business ”) and the Disposed EBITDA of any Restricted Subsidiary that is converted into an Unrestricted Subsidiary during such period (each a “ Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary ”), based on the actual Disposed EBITDA of such Sold Entity or Business or Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary for such period (including the portion thereof occurring prior to such sale, transfer or disposition.

 

16


Consolidated Interest Expense ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, without duplication, the sum of:

(a) consolidated interest expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, to the extent such expense was deducted (and not added back) in computing Consolidated Net Income, including (i) amortization of original issue discount resulting from the issuance of Indebtedness at less than par, (ii) all commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit or bankers acceptances, (iii) non-cash interest payments (but excluding any non-cash interest expense attributable to the movement in the mark to market valuation of obligations under any Swap Contracts or other derivative instruments pursuant to GAAP), (iv) the interest component of Capitalized Lease Obligations, and (v) net payments, if any, made (less net payments, if any, received) pursuant to interest rate obligations under any Swap Contracts with respect to Indebtedness, and excluding (vi) any expense resulting from the discounting of any Indebtedness in connection with the application of purchase accounting in connection with the Transaction or any acquisition, (vii) penalties and interest relating to taxes, (viii) any additional interest owing pursuant to the registration rights agreement with respect to the Senior Notes and the Senior Subordinated Notes or other securities, (ix) amortization of deferred financing fees, debt issuance costs, commissions, fees and expenses, (x) any expensing of bridge, commitment and other financing fees, (xi) commissions, discounts, yield and other fees and charges (including any interest expense) related to any Qualified Securitization Financing and (xii) any accretion of accrued interest on discounted liabilities; plus

(b) consolidated capitalized interest of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued; less

(c) interest income for such period.

For purposes of this definition, interest on a Capitalized Lease Obligation shall be deemed to accrue at an interest rate reasonably determined by such Person to be the rate of interest implicit in such Capitalized Lease Obligation in accordance with GAAP. For purposes of determining Consolidated Interest Expense for any period ending prior to the first anniversary of the Closing Date, after giving pro forma effect to the Transaction, Consolidated Interest Expense shall be $44,000,000 for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2006, $41,000,000 for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2006, and $41,000,000 for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2006.

Consolidated Lease Expense ” means, for any period, all rental expenses of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries during such period under operating leases for real or personal property (including in connection with sale-leaseback transactions permitted by Section 7.05(f)), excluding real estate taxes, insurance costs and common area maintenance charges and net of sublease income, other than (a) obligations under vehicle leases entered into in the ordinary course of business, (b) all such rental expenses associated with assets acquired pursuant to a Permitted Acquisition to the extent such rental expenses relate to operating leases in effect at the time of (and immediately prior to) such acquisition and related to periods prior to such acquisition and (c) all obligations under Capitalized Leases, all as determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

 

17


Consolidated Net Income ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the aggregate of the Net Income, of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, on a consolidated basis, and otherwise determined in accordance with GAAP; provided , however , that, without duplication,

(a) any after-tax effect of extraordinary, non-recurring or unusual gains or losses (less all fees and expenses relating thereto) or expenses (including relating to the Transaction Expenses or any multi-year strategic initiatives), severance, relocation costs and curtailments or modifications to pension and post-retirement employee benefit plans shall be excluded,

(b) the Net Income for such period shall not include the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles and changes as a result of the adoption or modification of accounting policies during such period,

(c) any net after-tax gains or losses on disposal of disposed, abandoned or discontinued operations shall be excluded,

(d) any after-tax effect of gains or losses (less all fees and expenses relating thereto) attributable to asset dispositions or abandonments or the sale or other disposition of any Equity Interests of any Person other than in the ordinary course of business shall be excluded,

(e) the Net Income for such period of any Person that is not a Subsidiary, or is an Unrestricted Subsidiary, or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting, shall be excluded; provided that Consolidated Net Income of the Borrower shall be increased by the amount of dividends or distributions or other payments that are actually paid in cash (or to the extent converted into cash) to the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary thereof in respect of such period,

(f) solely for the purpose of calculating the Available Amount, the Net Income for such period of any Restricted Subsidiary (other than any Guarantor) shall be excluded to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by such Restricted Subsidiary of its Net Income is not at the date of determination permitted without any prior governmental approval (which has not been obtained) or, directly or indirectly, by the operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule, or governmental regulation applicable to that Restricted Subsidiary or its stockholders, unless such restriction with respect to the payment of dividends or similar distributions has been legally waived, provided that Consolidated Net Income of the Borrower will be increased by the amount of dividends or other distributions or other payments actually paid in cash (or to the extent converted into cash) to the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary thereof in respect of such period, to the extent not already included therein,

(g) effects of adjustments (including the effects of such adjustments pushed down to the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries) in the inventory, property and equipment, software, goodwill, other intangible assets, in-process research and

 

18


development, deferred revenue and debt line items in such Person’s consolidated financial statements pursuant to GAAP resulting from the application of purchase accounting in relation to the Transaction or any consummated acquisition or the amortization or write-off of any amounts thereof, net of taxes, shall be excluded,

(h) any after-tax effect of income (loss) from the early extinguishment of (i) Indebtedness, (ii) obligations under any Swaps Contracts or (iii) other derivative instruments shall be excluded,

(i) any impairment charge or asset write-off or write-down, including impairment charges or asset write-offs or write-downs related to intangible assets, long-lived assets, investments in debt and equity securities or as a result of a change in law or regulation, in each case, pursuant to GAAP, and the amortization of intangibles arising pursuant to GAAP shall be excluded,

(j) any non-cash compensation charge or expense, including any such charge arising from the grants of stock appreciation or similar rights, stock options, restricted stock or other rights shall be excluded,

(k) any fees and expenses incurred during such period, or any amortization thereof for such period, in connection with any acquisition, Investment, Disposition, issuance or repayment of Indebtedness, issuance of Equity Interests, refinancing transaction or amendment or modification of any debt instrument (in each case, including any such transaction consummated prior to the Closing Date and any such transaction undertaken but not completed) and any charges or non-recurring merger costs incurred during such period as a result of any such transaction shall be excluded, and

(l) accruals and reserves that are established within twelve months after the Closing Date that are so required to be established as a result of the Transaction in accordance with GAAP shall be excluded, and

(m) the following items shall be excluded:

(i) any net unrealized gain or loss (after any offset) resulting in such period from obligations under any Swap Contracts and the application of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133; and

(ii) any net unrealized gain or loss (after any offset) resulting in such period from currency translation gains or losses related to currency remeasurements of Indebtedness (including any net loss or gain resulting from hedge agreements for currency exchange risk).

In addition, to the extent not already included in the Consolidated Net Income of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, Consolidated Net Income shall include the amount of proceeds received from business interruption insurance and reimbursements of any expenses and charges that are covered by indemnification or other reimbursement provisions in connection with any investment or any sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition of assets permitted hereunder.

 

19


Consolidated Senior Secured Debt ” means, as of any date of determination, (a) the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries outstanding on such date, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP (but excluding the effects of any discounting of Indebtedness resulting from the application of purchase accounting in connection with the Transaction or any Permitted Acquisition), consisting of (i) Loans and Unreimbursed Amounts hereunder, (ii) any Indebtedness incurred pursuant to Section 7.03(f) and (iii) any other Indebtedness for borrowed money or debt obligations evidenced by promissory notes or similar instruments that are secured by a Lien, minus (b) the aggregate amount of cash and Cash Equivalents (in each case, free and clear of all Liens, other than nonconsensual Liens permitted by Section 7.01 and Liens permitted by Section 7.01(s) and clauses (i) and (ii) of Section 7.01(u)) included in the consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries as of such date; provided that Consolidated Senior Secured Debt shall not include (i) all Letters of Credit, except to the extent of Unreimbursed Amounts thereunder and (ii) obligations under Swap Contracts.

Consolidated Total Debt ” means, as of any date of determination, (a) the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries outstanding on such date, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP (but excluding the effects of any discounting of Indebtedness resulting from the application of purchase accounting in connection with the Transaction or any Permitted Acquisition), consisting of Indebtedness for borrowed money, obligations in respect of Capitalized Leases and debt obligations evidenced by promissory notes or similar instruments, minus (b) the aggregate amount of cash and Cash Equivalents (in each case, free and clear of all Liens, other than nonconsensual Liens permitted by Section 7.01 and Liens permitted by Section 7.01(s) and clauses (i) and (ii) of Section 7.01(u)) included in the consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries as of such date; provided that Consolidated Total Debt shall not include Indebtedness in respect of any Qualified Securitization Financing; provided that Consolidated Total Debt shall not include (i) all Letters of Credit, except to the extent of Unreimbursed Amounts thereunder and (ii) obligations under Swap Contracts.

Consolidated Working Capital ” means, at any date, the excess of (a) the sum of (i) all amounts (other than Cash and Cash Equivalents) that would, in conformity with GAAP, be set forth opposite the caption “total current assets” (or any like caption) on a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries at such date and (ii) long-term accounts receivable over (b) the sum of (i) all amounts that would, in conformity with GAAP, be set forth opposite the caption “total current liabilities” (or any like caption) on a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries on such date and (ii) long-term deferred revenue, but excluding, without duplication, (a) the current portion of any Funded Debt, (b) all Indebtedness consisting of Revolving Loans, Swing Line Loans and L/C Obligations to the extent otherwise included therein, (c) the current portion of interest, (d) the current portion of current and deferred income taxes, (e) the current portion of any Capitalized Lease Obligations and (f) deferred revenue arising from cash receipts that are earmarked for specific projects.

Continuing Directors ” means the directors of Holdings on the Closing Date, as elected or appointed after giving effect to the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby, and each other director, if, in each case, such other director’s nomination for election to the board of directors of Holdings (or the direct or indirect parent of Holdings after a Qualifying

 

20


IPO of such direct or indirect parent) is recommended by a majority of the then Continuing Directors or such other director receives the vote of the Permitted Holders in his or her election by the stockholders of Holdings (or the direct or indirect parent of Holdings after a Qualifying IPO of such direct or indirect parent).

Contract Consideration ” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Excess Cash Flow”.

Contractual Obligation ” means, as to any Person, any provision of any security issued by such Person or of any agreement, instrument or other undertaking to which such Person is a party or by which it or any of its property is bound.

Control ” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Affiliate.”

Converted Restricted Subsidiary ” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Consolidated EBITDA”.

Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary ” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Consolidated EBITDA”.

Credit Extension ” means each of the following: (a) a Borrowing and (b) an L/C Credit Extension.

“Crunch Holding” means Crunch Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation.

Debtor Relief Laws ” means the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, and all other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization, or similar debtor relief Laws of the United States or other applicable jurisdictions from time to time in effect and affecting the rights of creditors generally.

Declined Proceeds ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.05(b)(vi).

Default ” means any event or condition that constitutes an Event of Default or that, with the giving of any notice, the passage of time, or both, would be an Event of Default.

Default Rate ” means an interest rate equal to (a) the Base Rate plus (b) the Applicable Rate applicable to Base Rate Loans plus (c) 2.0% per annum; provided that with respect to a Eurocurrency Rate Loan, the Default Rate shall be an interest rate equal to the interest rate (including any Applicable Rate) otherwise applicable to such Loan plus 2.0% per annum, in each case, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws.

Defaulting Lender ” means any Lender that (a) has failed to fund any portion of the Term Loans, Revolving Credit Loans, participations in L/C Obligations or participations in Swing Line Loans required to be funded by it hereunder within one (1) Business Day of the date required to be funded by it hereunder, unless the subject of a good faith dispute (or a good faith dispute that is subsequently cured), (b) has otherwise failed to pay over to the Administrative Agent or any other Lender any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder within one (1)

 

21


Business Day of the date when due, unless the subject of a good faith dispute (or a good faith dispute that is subsequently cured), or (c) has been deemed insolvent or become the subject of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding.

Designated Non-Cash Consideration ” means the fair market value of non-cash consideration received by the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary in connection with a Disposition pursuant to Section 7.05(j) that is designated as Designated Non-Cash Consideration pursuant to a certificate of a Responsible Officer, setting forth the basis of such valuation (which amount will be reduced by the fair market value of the portion of the non-cash consideration converted to cash within 180 days following the consummation of the applicable Disposition).

Disposed EBITDA ” means, with respect to any Sold Entity or Business or any Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary for any period, the amount for such period of Consolidated EBITDA of such Sold Entity or Business or such Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary, all as determined on a consolidated basis for such Sold Entity or Business or such Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary.

Disposition ” or “ Dispose ” means the sale, transfer, license, lease or other disposition (including any sale and leaseback transaction and any sale of Equity Interests) of any property by any Person, including any sale, assignment, transfer or other disposal, with or without recourse, of any notes or accounts receivable or any rights and claims associated therewith; provided that “ Disposition ” and “ Dispose ” shall not be deemed to include any issuance by Holdings of any of its Equity Interests to another Person.

Disqualified Equity Interests ” means any Equity Interest which, by its terms (or by the terms of any security or other Equity Interests into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable), or upon the happening of any event or condition (a) matures or is mandatorily redeemable (other than solely for Qualified Equity Interests), pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise (except as a result of a change of control or asset sale so long as any rights of the holders thereof upon the occurrence of a change of control or asset sale event shall be subject to the prior repayment in full of the Loans and all other Obligations that are accrued and payable and the termination of the Commitments and all outstanding Letters of Credit), (b) is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof (other than solely for Qualified Equity Interests), in whole or in part, (c) provides for the scheduled payments of dividends in cash, or (d) is or becomes convertible into or exchangeable for Indebtedness or any other Equity Interests that would constitute Disqualified Equity Interests, in each case, prior to the date that is ninety-one (91) days after the Maturity Date of the Term Loans.

Dollar ” and “ $ ” mean lawful money of the United States.

“Domestic Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary that is organized under the Laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia.

ECF Percentage ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.05(b)(i).

Eligible Assignee ” means any Assignee permitted by and consented to in accordance with Section 10.07(b).

 

22


EMU ” means the economic and monetary union as contemplated in the Treaty on European Union.

Environmental Laws ” means any and all Laws relating to pollution, the protection of the environment, natural resources or to the release of any Hazardous Materials into the environment, or, to the extent relating to exposure to Hazardous Materials, human health.

Environmental Liability ” means any liability, contingent or otherwise (including any liability for damages, costs of environmental remediation, fines, penalties or indemnities) of any Loan Party or any of their respective Subsidiaries directly or indirectly resulting from or based upon (a) violation of any Environmental Law, (b) the generation, use, handling, transportation, storage, treatment or disposal of any Hazardous Materials, (c) exposure to any Hazardous Materials, (d) the release or threatened release of any Hazardous Materials into the environment or (e) any contract, agreement or other consensual arrangement pursuant to which liability is assumed or imposed with respect to any of the foregoing.

Environmental Permit ” means any permit, approval, identification number, license or other authorization required under any Environmental Law.

Equity Contribution ” means, collectively, (a) the contribution by the Equity Investors of an aggregate amount of cash of not less than 18% of the aggregate pro forma capitalization of the Borrower on the Closing Date to the Borrower or one or more direct or indirect holding company parents of the Borrower, and (b) the further contribution to the Borrower of any portion of such cash contribution proceeds not directly received by the Borrower or used by Parent or Holdings to finance the Transaction or to pay Transaction Expenses.

Equity Interests ” means, with respect to any Person, all of the shares, interests, rights, participations or other equivalents (however designated) of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests or units in) such Person and all of the warrants, options or other rights for the purchase, acquisition or exchange from such Person of any of the foregoing (including through convertible securities).

Equity Investors ” means the Sponsor and the Management Stockholders.

ERISA ” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time.

ERISA Affiliate ” means any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that is under common control with any Loan Party and is treated as a single employer within the meaning of Section 414 of the Code or Section 4001 of ERISA.

ERISA Event ” means (a) a Reportable Event with respect to a Pension Plan; (b) a withdrawal by any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate from a Pension Plan subject to Section 4063 of ERISA during a plan year in which it was a substantial employer (as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA) or a cessation of operations that is treated as a termination under Section 4062(e) of ERISA; (c) a complete or partial withdrawal by any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate from a Multiemployer Plan, notification of any Loan Party or ERISA Affiliate

 

23


concerning the imposition of withdrawal liability or notification that a Multiemployer Plan is insolvent or is in reorganization within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA (or, after the effectiveness of the Pension Act, that is in endangered or critical status, within the meaning of Section 305 of ERISA); (d) the filing of a notice of intent to terminate, the treatment of a Plan amendment as a termination under Sections 4041 or 4041A of ERISA, or the commencement of proceedings by the PBGC to terminate a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; (e) an event or condition which constitutes grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; (f) the imposition of any liability under Title IV of ERISA, other than for PBGC premiums due but not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA, upon any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate or (g) on and after the effectiveness of the Pension Act, a determination that any Pension Plan is, or is expected to be, in “at-risk” status (within the meaning of Section 303(i)(4)(A) of ERISA or Section 430(i)(4)(A) of the Code).

Eurocurrency Rate ” means, for any Interest Period with respect to any Eurocurrency Rate Loan:

(a) the rate per annum equal to the rate determined by the Administrative Agent to be the offered rate that appears on the page of the Dow Jones Market screen (or any successor thereto) that displays an average British Bankers Association Interest Settlement Rate for deposits in Dollars (for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period) with a term equivalent to such Interest Period, determined as of approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two (2) Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period, or, if different, the date on which quotations would customarily be provided by leading banks in the London Interbank Market for deposits of amounts in the relevant currency for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period, or

(b) if the rate referenced in the preceding clause (a) does not appear on such page or service or such page or service shall not be available, the rate per annum equal to the rate determined by the Administrative Agent to be the offered rate on such other page or other service that displays an average British Bankers Association Interest Settlement Rate for deposits in Dollars (for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period) with a term equivalent to such Interest Period, determined as of approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two (2) Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period, or, if different, the date on which quotations would customarily be provided by leading banks in the London Interbank Market for deposits of amounts in the relevant currency for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period, or

(c) if the rates referenced in the preceding clauses (a) and (b) are not available, the rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent as the rate of interest at which deposits in Dollars for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period in Same Day Funds in the approximate amount of the Eurocurrency Rate Loan being made, continued or converted by Administrative Agent and with a term equivalent to such Interest Period would be offered by a London Affiliate of Administrative Agent to major banks in the London interbank eurodollar market at their request at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two (2) Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period or, if different, the date on which quotations would customarily be provided by leading banks in the London Interbank Market for deposits of amounts in the relevant currency for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period.

 

24


Eurocurrency Rate Loan ” means a Loan that bears interest at a rate based on the Eurocurrency Rate.

Event of Default ” has the meaning specified in Section 8.01.

Excess Cash Flow ” means, for any period, an amount equal to the excess of:

(a) the sum, without duplication, of:

(i) Consolidated Net Income for such period,

(ii) an amount equal to the amount of all non-cash charges (including depreciation and amortization) to the extent deducted in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income,

(iii) decreases in Consolidated Working Capital for such period (other than any such decreases arising from acquisitions by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries completed during such period or the application of purchase accounting), and

(iv) an amount equal to the aggregate net non-cash loss on Dispositions by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries during such period (other than Dispositions in the ordinary course of business) to the extent deducted in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income; over

(b) the sum, without duplication, of:

(i) an amount equal to the amount of all non-cash credits included in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income and cash charges included in clauses (a) through (f) of the definition of Consolidated Net Income,

(ii) without duplication of amounts deducted pursuant to clause (xi) below in prior fiscal years, the amount of Capital Expenditures or acquisitions of intellectual property made in cash during such period, except to the extent that such Capital Expenditures or acquisitions were financed with the proceeds of Indebtedness of the Borrower or the Restricted Subsidiaries,

(iii) the aggregate amount of all principal payments of Indebtedness of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries (including (A) the principal component of payments in respect of Capitalized Leases and (B) the amount of any mandatory prepayment of Term Loans pursuant to Section 2.05(b)(ii) to the extent required due to a Disposition that resulted in an increase to such Consolidated Net Income and not in excess of the amount of such increase but excluding (X) all other prepayments of Term Loans, (Y) all prepayments of Revolving Credit Loans and Swing Line Loans and (Z) all prepayments in respect

 

25


of any other revolving credit facility, except, in the case of clauses (Y) and (Z), to the extent there is an equivalent permanent reduction in commitments thereunder) made during such period, except to the extent financed with the proceeds of other Indebtedness of the Borrower or the Restricted Subsidiaries,

(iv) an amount equal to the aggregate net non-cash gain on Dispositions by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries during such period (other than Dispositions in the ordinary course of business) to the extent included in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income,

(v) increases in Consolidated Working Capital for such period (other than any such increases arising from acquisitions by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries completed during such period or the application of purchase accounting),

(vi) cash payments by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries during such period in respect of long-term liabilities of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries other than Indebtedness,

(vii) without duplication of amounts deducted pursuant to clause (xi) below in prior fiscal years, the amount of Investments and acquisitions made during such period pursuant to Section 7.02(b), (j) or (o) to the extent that such Investments and acquisitions were financed with internally generated cash flow of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries;

(viii) the amount of Restricted Payments paid during such period pursuant to Section 7.06(j) to the extent such Restricted Payments were financed with internally generated cash flow of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries;

(ix) the aggregate amount of expenditures actually made by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries in cash during such period (including expenditures for the payment of financing fees) to the extent that such expenditures are not expensed during such period,

(x) the aggregate amount of any premium, make-whole or penalty payments actually paid in cash by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries during such period that are required to be made in connection with any prepayment of Indebtedness,

(xi) without duplication of amounts deducted from Excess Cash Flow in prior periods, the aggregate consideration required to be paid in cash by the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to binding contracts (the “ Contract Consideration ”) entered into prior to or during such period relating to Permitted Acquisitions, Capital Expenditures or acquisitions of intellectual property to be consummated or made during the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters of the Borrower following the end of such period; provided that to the extent the aggregate amount of internally generated cash flow actually utilized to

 

26


finance such Permitted Acquisitions, Capital Expenditures or acquisitions of intellectual property during such period of four consecutive fiscal quarters is less than the Contract Consideration, the amount of such shortfall shall be added to the calculation of Excess Cash Flow at the end of such period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, and

(xii) the amount of cash taxes paid or tax reserves set aside or payable (without duplication) in such period to the extent they exceed the amount of tax expense deducted in determining Consolidated Net Income for such period.

Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Excluded Subsidiary ” means (a) any Subsidiary that is not a wholly owned Subsidiary, (b) any Securitization Subsidiary, (c) each Subsidiary listed on Schedule 1.01D hereto, (d) any Subsidiary that is prohibited by applicable Law from guaranteeing the Obligations, (e) any Domestic Subsidiary that is a Subsidiary of a Foreign Subsidiary, (f) any Restricted Subsidiary acquired pursuant to a Permitted Acquisition and subject (as borrower or credit support party) to any Indebtedness assumed pursuant to Section 7.03(h) and each Restricted Subsidiary thereof that guarantees such Indebtedness; provided that each such Restricted Subsidiary shall cease to be an Excluded Subsidiary under this clause (f) if such secured Indebtedness is repaid or becomes unsecured or if such Restricted Subsidiary ceases to guarantee such secured Indebtedness, as applicable and (g) any other Subsidiary with respect to which, in the reasonable judgment of the Administrative Agent (confirmed in writing by notice to the Borrower), the cost or other consequences (including any adverse tax consequences) of providing a Guarantee shall be excessive in view of the benefits to be obtained by the Lenders therefrom, and each Unrestricted Subsidiary.

Existing Credit Agreement ” means the Credit Agreement dated as of November 25, 2003 among Parent, PFGI, the lenders party thereto, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Administrative Agent, General Electric Capital Corporation, as Syndication Agent, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, Citicorp North America, Inc., and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commence, as Co-Documentation Agents.

Existing Notes ” means 8   1 / 4 % senior subordinated notes due December 1, 2013, issued on November, 2003 and on February, 2004, pursuant to an indenture dated as of November, 2003.

Facility ” means the Term Loans or the Revolving Credit Facility, as the context may require.

Federal Funds Rate ” means, for any day, the rate per annum equal to the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers on such day, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank on the Business Day next succeeding such day; provided that (a) if such day is not a Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be such rate on such transactions on the next preceding Business Day as so published on the next succeeding Business Day, and (b) if no such rate is so published on such next succeeding Business Day, the Federal

 

27


Funds Rate for such day shall be the average rate (rounded upward, if necessary, to a whole multiple of 1/100 of 1%) charged to Administrative Agent on such day on such transactions as determined by the Administrative Agent.

Finance Sub ” means Peak Finance LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Foreign Casualty Event ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.05(b)(vii).

Foreign Disposition ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.05(b)(vii).

Foreign Lender ” has the meaning specified in Section 10.15(a)(i).

Foreign Plan ” means any employee benefit plan, program, policy, arrangement or agreement maintained or contributed to by, or entered into with, any Loan Party or any Subsidiary with respect to employees employed outside the United States.

Foreign Subsidiary ” means any direct or indirect Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower which is not a Domestic Subsidiary.

Foreign Subsidiary Total Assets ” means the total assets of the Foreign Subsidiaries, as determined in accordance with GAAP in good faith by a Responsible Officer, without intercompany eliminations.

FRB ” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States.

Fund ” means any Person (other than a natural person) that is engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course.

Funded Debt ” means all Indebtedness of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for borrowed money that matures more than one year from the date of its creation or matures within one year from such date that is renewable or extendable, at the option of such Person, to a date more than one year from such date or arises under a revolving credit or similar agreement that obligates the lender or lenders to extend credit during a period of more than one year from such date, including Indebtedness in respect of the Loans.

GAAP ” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, as in effect from time to time; provided , however , that if the Borrower notifies the Administrative Agent that the Borrower requests an amendment to any provision hereof to eliminate the effect of any change occurring after the Closing Date in GAAP or in the application thereof on the operation of such provision (or if the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower that the Required Lenders request an amendment to any provision hereof for such purpose), regardless of whether any such notice is given before or after such change in GAAP or in the application thereof, then such provision shall be interpreted on the basis of GAAP as in effect and applied immediately before such change shall have become effective until such notice shall have been withdrawn or such provision amended in accordance herewith.

 

28


Governmental Authority ” means any nation or government, any state or other political subdivision thereof, any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, administrative tribunal, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government.

Granting Lender ” has the meaning specified in Section 10.07(h).

Guarantee ” means, as to any Person, without duplication, (a) any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of such Person guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other monetary obligation payable or performable by another Person (the “ primary obligor ”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of such Person, direct or indirect, (i) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation, (ii) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness or monetary other obligation of the payment or performance of such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation, (iii) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity or level of income or cash flow of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation, or (iv) entered into for the purpose of assuring in any other manner the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation of the payment or performance thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part), or (b) any Lien on any assets of such Person securing any Indebtedness or other monetary obligation of any other Person, whether or not such Indebtedness or monetary other obligation is assumed by such Person (or any right, contingent or otherwise, of any holder of such Indebtedness to obtain any such Lien); provided that the term “Guarantee” shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit, in either case in the ordinary course of business, or customary and reasonable indemnity obligations in effect on the Closing Date or entered into in connection with any acquisition or disposition of assets permitted under this Agreement (other than such obligations with respect to Indebtedness). The amount of any Guarantee shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or determinable amount of the related primary obligation, or portion thereof, in respect of which such Guarantee is made or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof as determined by the guaranteeing Person in good faith. The term “Guarantee” as a verb has a corresponding meaning.

Guarantors ” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Collateral and Guarantee Requirement”.

Guaranty ” means (a) the guaranty made by Holdings and the Subsidiary Guarantors in favor of the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties, substantially in the form of Exhibit F and (b) each other guaranty and guaranty supplement delivered pursuant to Section 6.11.

Hazardous Materials ” means all explosive or radioactive substances or wastes and all hazardous or toxic substances, wastes or pollutants, including petroleum or petroleum distillates, asbestos or asbestos-containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls, radon gas, infectious or medical wastes and all other substances or wastes of any nature regulated pursuant to any Environmental Law.

 

29


Hedge Bank ” means any Person that is a Lender, an Arranger or an Affiliate of the foregoing at the time it enters into a Secured Hedge Agreement, in its capacity as a party thereto.

High Yield Notes ” means the Senior Notes and Senior Subordinated Notes.

High Yield Notes Documentation ” means the High Yield Notes, and all documents executed and delivered with respect to the High Yield Notes, including the High Yield Notes Indentures.

“High Yield Notes Indentures ” means the Senior Notes Indenture and the Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture.

Holdings ” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph to this Agreement.

Honor Date ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.03(c)(i).

IDB ” means the Industrial Development Board of the City of Jackson, Tennessee.

Incremental Acquisition Loans ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.14(a).

Incremental Amendment ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.14(a).

Incremental Availability ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.14(a).

Incremental Facility Closing Date ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.14(a).

Incremental Term Loans ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.14(a).

Indebtedness ” means, as to any Person at a particular time, without duplication, all of the following, whether or not included as indebtedness or liabilities in accordance with GAAP:

(a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money and all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, loan agreements or other similar instruments;

(b) the maximum amount (after giving effect to any prior drawings or reductions which may have been reimbursed) of all letters of credit (including standby and commercial), bankers’ acceptances, bank guaranties, surety bonds, performance bonds and similar instruments issued or created by or for the account of such Person;

(c) net obligations of such Person under any Swap Contract;

(d) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred purchase price of property or services (other than (i) trade accounts payable in the ordinary course of

 

30


business and (ii) any earn-out obligation until such obligation becomes a liability on the balance sheet of such Person in accordance with GAAP and if not paid after becoming due and payable);

(e) indebtedness (excluding prepaid interest thereon) secured by a Lien on property owned or being purchased by such Person (including indebtedness arising under conditional sales or other title retention agreements and mortgage, industrial revenue bond, industrial development bond and similar financings), whether or not such indebtedness shall have been assumed by such Person or is limited in recourse;

(f) all Attributable Indebtedness;

(g) all obligations of such Person in respect of Disqualified Equity Interests; and

(h) all Guarantees of such Person in respect of any of the foregoing.

For all purposes hereof, the Indebtedness of any Person shall (A) include the Indebtedness of any partnership or joint venture (other than a joint venture that is itself a corporation or limited liability company) in which such Person is a general partner or a joint venturer, except to the extent such Person’s liability for such Indebtedness is otherwise limited and only to the extent such Indebtedness would be included in the calculation of Consolidated Total Debt and (B) in the case of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, exclude all intercompany Indebtedness having a term not exceeding 364 days (inclusive of any roll-over or extensions of terms) and made in the ordinary of business consistent with past practice. The amount of any net obligation under any Swap Contract on any date shall be deemed to be the Swap Termination Value thereof as of such date. The amount of Indebtedness of any Person for purposes of clause (e) shall be deemed to be equal to the lesser of (i) the aggregate unpaid amount of such Indebtedness and (ii) the fair market value of the property encumbered thereby as determined by such Person in good faith.

Indemnified Liabilities ” has the meaning specified in Section 10.05.

Indemnitees ” has the meaning specified in Section 10.05.

Information ” has the meaning specified in Section 10.08.

Initial Revolving Borrowing ” means one or more borrowings of Revolving Credit Loans or issuances or deemed issuances of Letters of Credit on the Closing Date specified in the definition of the term “Permitted Initial Revolving Borrowing Purposes”.

Intellectual Property Security Agreement ” means the Intellectual Property Security Agreement, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit I .

Interest Payment Date ” means, (a) as to any Loan other than a Base Rate Loan, the last day of each Interest Period applicable to such Loan and the Maturity Date of the Facility under which such Loan was made; provided that if any Interest Period for a Eurocurrency Rate

 

31


Loan exceeds three months, the respective dates that fall every three months after the beginning of such Interest Period shall also be Interest Payment Dates; and (b) as to any Base Rate Loan (including a Swing Line Loan), the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December and the Maturity Date of the Facility under which such Loan was made.

Interest Period ” means, as to each Eurocurrency Rate Loan, the period commencing on the date such Eurocurrency Rate Loan is disbursed or converted to or continued as a Eurocurrency Rate Loan and ending on the date one, two, three or six months thereafter, or to the extent available to each Lender of such Eurocurrency Rate Loan, nine or twelve months or less than one month thereafter, as selected by the Borrower in its Committed Loan Notice; provided that:

(a) any Interest Period that would otherwise end on a day that is not a Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless such Business Day falls in another calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day;

(b) any Interest Period that begins on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period; and

(c) no Interest Period shall extend beyond the Maturity Date of the Facility under which such Loan was made.

Intermediate Holding Company ” means any Subsidiary of Holdings (which prior to a Qualifying IPO must be wholly owned by Holdings) that, directly or indirectly, owns 100% of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of the Borrower.

Investment ” means, as to any Person, any direct or indirect acquisition or investment by such Person, whether by means of (a) the purchase or other acquisition of Equity Interests or debt or other securities of another Person, (b) a loan, advance or capital contribution to, Guarantee or assumption of Indebtedness of, or purchase or other acquisition of any other debt or equity participation or interest in, another Person, including any partnership or joint venture interest in such other Person (excluding, in the case of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, intercompany loans, advances, or Indebtedness having a term not exceeding 364 days (inclusive of any roll-over or extensions of terms) and made in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice) or (c) the purchase or other acquisition (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of all or substantially all of the property and assets or business of another Person or assets constituting a business unit, line of business or division of such Person. For purposes of covenant compliance, the amount of any Investment shall be the amount actually invested, without adjustment for subsequent increases or decreases in the value of such Investment.

Investment Grade Rating ” means a rating equal to or higher than Baa3 (or the equivalent) by Moody’s and BBB- (or the equivalent) by S&P, or an equivalent rating by any other nationally recognized statistical rating agency selected by the Borrower.

IP Rights ” has the meaning specified in Section 5.15.

 

32


IRS ” means the United States Internal Revenue Service.

Jackson Transaction ” means (a) the sale of project equipment by PFGI to IDB in exchange for master industrial development revenue notes and (b) the lease by PFGI of such project equipment from IDB.

Junior Financing ” has the meaning specified in Section 7.12(a).

Junior Financing Documentation ” means any documentation governing any Junior Financing.

Laws ” means, collectively, all international, foreign, Federal, state and local statutes, treaties, rules, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, codes and administrative or judicial precedents or authorities, including the interpretation or administration thereof by any Governmental Authority charged with the enforcement, interpretation or administration thereof, and all applicable administrative orders, directed duties, requests, licenses, authorizations and permits of, and agreements with, any Governmental Authority.

“LCPI” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph to this Agreement.

L/C Advance ” means, with respect to each Revolving Credit Lender, such Lender’s funding of its participation in any L/C Borrowing in accordance with its Pro Rata Share.

L/C Borrowing ” means an extension of credit resulting from a drawing under any Letter of Credit which has not been reimbursed on the applicable Honor Date or refinanced as a Revolving Credit Borrowing.

L/C Credit Extension ” means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, the issuance thereof or extension of the expiration date thereof, or the renewal or increase of the amount thereof.

L/C Issuer ” means LCPI, any other Lender and any of their respective Affiliates that becomes a L/C Issuer in accordance with Section 2.03(j) or 10.07(j), in each case, in its capacity as an issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder, or any successor issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder. To the extent there is more than one L/C Issuer, each reference to “L/C Issuer” herein shall be deemed, where appropriate, to be a reference to the relevant L/C Issuer with respect to the relevant Letter of Credit.

L/C Obligation ” means, as at any date of determination, the aggregate maximum amount then available to be drawn under all outstanding Letters of Credit (whether or not such maximum amount is then in effect under any such Letter of Credit if such maximum amount increases periodically pursuant to the terms of such Letter of Credit) plus the aggregate of all Unreimbursed Amounts in respect of Letters of Credit, including all L/C Borrowings.

Lender ” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph to this Agreement and, as the context requires, includes an L/C Issuer and the Swing Line Lender, and their respective successors and assigns as permitted hereunder, each of which is referred to herein as a “Lender.”

 

33


Lender Addendum ” means, with respect to any initial Lender, a Lender Addendum, substantially in the form of Exhibit J, or otherwise acceptable to the Administrative Agent, to be executed and delivered by such Lender on the Closing Date as provided in Section 10.23.

Lending Office ” means, as to any Lender, the office or offices of such Lender described as such in such Lender’s Administrative Questionnaire, or such other office or offices as a Lender may from time to time notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.

Letter of Credit ” means any letter of credit issued hereunder. A Letter of Credit may be a commercial letter of credit or a standby letter of credit.

Letter of Credit Application ” means an application and agreement for the issuance or amendment of a Letter of Credit in the form from time to time in use by the relevant L/C Issuer.

Letter of Credit Expiration Date ” means the day that is five (5) Business Days prior to the scheduled Maturity Date then in effect for the Revolving Credit Facility (or, if such day is not a Business Day, the next preceding Business Day).

Letter of Credit Sublimit ” means an amount equal to the lesser of (a) $25,000,000 and (b) the aggregate amount of the Revolving Credit Commitments.

Lien ” means any mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, encumbrance, lien (statutory or other), charge, or preference, priority or other security interest or preferential arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any easement, right of way or other encumbrance on title to real property, and any Capitalized Lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing).

Loan ” means an extension of credit by a Lender to a the Borrower under Article II in the form of a Term Loan, a Revolving Credit Loan or a Swing Line Loan (including any Incremental Term Loans, any extensions of credit under any Revolving Commitment Increases and any Incremental Acquisition Loans).

Loan Documents ” means, collectively, (i) this Agreement, (ii) the Notes, (iii) the Guaranty, (iv) the Collateral Documents and (v) each Letter of Credit Application.

Loan Parties ” means, collectively, (i) Holdings, (ii) any Intermediate Holding Company, (iii) the Borrower, (iv) each Guarantor that is a Domestic Subsidiary of the Borrower and (v) each other Guarantor that satisfies the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement.

Majority Revolving Facility Lenders ” shall mean, at any time, Lenders having Revolving Credit Exposure representing greater than 50% of the sum of the aggregate Revolving Credit Exposure; provided that any portion of the Revolving Credit Exposure held or deemed held by, any Defaulting Lender or the Borrower or any Affiliate thereof shall be excluded for purposes of making a determination of Majority Revolving Facility Lenders.

 

34


Management Stockholders ” means the members of management of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries including the Borrower who are investors in Holdings or any direct or indirect parent thereof.

Master Agreement ” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Swap Contract.”

Material Adverse Effect ” means (a) a material adverse effect on the business, operations, assets, liabilities (actual or contingent) or financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (b) a material adverse effect on the ability of the Loan Parties and the Guarantors (taken as a whole) to perform their respective payment obligations under any Loan Document to which any of the Loan Parties or Guarantors is a party or (c) a material adverse effect on the rights and remedies of the Lenders or the Agents under any Loan Document.

Material Domestic Subsidiary ” means, at any date of determination, each of the Borrower’s Domestic Subsidiaries (a) whose total assets at the last day of the most recent Test Period were equal to or greater than 5% of the Total Assets of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries at such date or (b) whose gross revenues for such Test Period were equal to or greater than 5% of the consolidated gross revenues of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, in each case determined in accordance with GAAP.

Material Foreign Subsidiary ” means, at any date of determination, each of the Borrower’s Foreign Subsidiaries (a) whose total assets at the last day of the most recent Test Period were equal to or greater than 5% of the Total Assets of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries at such date or (b) whose gross revenues for such Test Period were equal to or greater than 5% of the consolidated gross revenues of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, in each case determined in accordance with GAAP.

Material Real Property ” means any real property owned by any Loan Party with a book value in excess of $10,000,000.

Material Subsidiary ” means any Material Domestic Subsidiary or any Material Foreign Subsidiary.

Maturity Date ” means (a) with respect to the Revolving Credit Facility, the sixth anniversary of the Closing Date and (b) with respect to the Term Loans, the seventh anniversary of the Closing Date; provided that if either such day is not a Business Day, the Maturity Date shall be the Business Day immediately preceding such day.

Maximum Rate ” has the meaning specified in Section 10.10.

Merger ” has the meaning specified in the preliminary statements to this Agreement.

 

35


Merger Agreement ” means the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of February 10, 2007, by and among Crunch Holding, Peak Holdings, Merger Sub and Finance Sub.

“Merger Sub” means Peak Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation.

Moody’s ” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and any successor thereto.

Mortgage ” means collectively, the deeds of trust, trust deeds, hypothecs and mortgages made by the Loan Parties in favor or for the benefit of the Administrative agent on behalf of the Lenders in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, and any other mortgages executed and delivered pursuant to Section 6.11.

Mortgage Policies ” has the meaning specified in Section 6.13(b)(ii).

Mortgaged Properties ” has the meaning specified in paragraph (g) of the definition of Collateral and Guarantee Requirement.

Multiemployer Plan ” means any employee benefit plan of the type described in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA, to which any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate makes, has made, is obligated to make or has been obligated to make contributions.

Net Cash Proceeds ” means:

(a) with respect to the Disposition of any asset by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary or any Casualty Event, the excess, if any, of (i) the sum of cash and Cash Equivalents received in connection with such Disposition or Casualty Event (including any cash or Cash Equivalents received by way of deferred payment pursuant to, or by monetization of, a note receivable or otherwise, but only as and when so received and, with respect to any Casualty Event, any insurance proceeds or condemnation awards in respect of such Casualty Event actually received by or paid to or for the account of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary) over (ii) the sum of (A) the principal amount, premium or penalty, if any, interest and other amounts on any Indebtedness that is secured by the asset subject to such Disposition or Casualty Event and that is required to be repaid (and is timely repaid) in connection with such Disposition or Casualty Event (other than Indebtedness under the Loan Documents), (B) the out-of-pocket fees and expenses (including attorneys’ fees, investment banking fees, survey costs, title insurance premiums, and related search and recording charges, transfer taxes, deed or mortgage recording taxes, other customary expenses and brokerage, consultant and other customary fees) actually incurred by the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary in connection with such Disposition or Casualty Event, (C) taxes paid or reasonably estimated to be actually payable in connection therewith, and (D) any reserve for adjustment in respect of (x) the sale price of such asset or assets established in accordance with GAAP and (y) any liabilities associated with such asset or assets and retained by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary after such sale or other disposition thereof, including pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities and liabilities related to environmental matters or against any indemnification obligations associated with such transaction and it being understood that “Net Cash Proceeds” shall

 

36


include any cash or Cash Equivalents (i) received upon the Disposition of any non-cash consideration received by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in any such Disposition and (ii) upon the reversal (without the satisfaction of any applicable liabilities in cash in a corresponding amount) of any reserve described in clause (D) above or, if such liabilities have not been satisfied in cash and such reserve is not reversed within three hundred and sixty-five (365) days after such Disposition or Casualty Event, the amount of such reserve; provided that (x) no net cash proceeds calculated in accordance with the foregoing realized in a single transaction or series of related transactions shall constitute Net Cash Proceeds unless such net cash proceeds shall exceed an amount of $10,000,000, (y) no such net cash proceeds shall constitute Net Cash Proceeds under this clause (a) in any fiscal year until the aggregate amount of all such net cash proceeds in such fiscal year shall exceed an amount of $30,000,000 (and thereafter only net cash proceeds in excess of such amount shall constitute Net Cash Proceeds under this clause (a)) and (z) net cash proceeds from Scheduled Dispositions should not constitute Net Cash Proceeds; and

(b) (i) with respect to the incurrence or issuance of any Indebtedness by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary or any equity issuance by the Borrower, the excess, if any, of (x) the sum of the cash received in connection with such incurrence or issuance over (y) the investment banking fees, underwriting discounts, commissions, costs and other out-of-pocket expenses and other customary expenses, incurred by the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary in connection with such incurrence or issuance and (ii) with respect to any Permitted Equity Issuance by any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower, the amount of cash from such Permitted Equity Issuance contributed to the capital of the Borrower.

Net Income ” means, with respect to any Person, the net income (loss) of such Person, determined in accordance with GAAP and before any reduction in respect of preferred stock dividends.

“New Crunch” means Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Non-Cash Charges ” has the meaning specified in the definition of the term “ Consolidated EBITDA ”.

Non-Consenting Lender ” has the meaning specified in Section 3.07(d).

Non-Loan Party ” means any Subsidiary of the Borrower that is not a Loan Party.

Nonrenewal Notice Date ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.03(b)(iii).

Note ” means a Term Note or a Revolving Credit Note as the context may require.

Not Otherwise Applied ” means, with reference to any amount of Net Cash Proceeds of any transaction or event or of the Available Amount that is proposed to be applied to

 

37


a particular use or transaction, that such amount (a) was not required to be applied to prepay the Loans pursuant to Section 2.05(b), and (b) has not previously been (and is not simultaneously being) applied to anything other than that such particular use or transaction.

Obligations ” means all (x) advances to, and debts, liabilities, obligations, covenants and duties of, any Loan Party, any Guarantor and their respective Subsidiaries arising under any Loan Document or otherwise with respect to any Loan or Letter of Credit, whether direct or indirect (including those acquired by assumption), absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising and including interest and fees that accrue after the commencement by or against any Loan Party, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws naming such Person as the debtor in such proceeding, regardless of whether such interest and fees are allowed claims in such proceeding, (y) obligations of any Loan Party, any Guarantor and their respective Subsidiaries arising under any Secured Hedge Agreement, and (z) Cash Management Obligations. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Obligations of the Loan Parties and the Guarantors under the Loan Documents (and any of their Subsidiaries to the extent they have obligations under the Loan Documents) include (a) the obligation (including guarantee obligations) to pay principal, interest, Letter of Credit commissions, reimbursement obligations, charges, expenses, fees, Attorney Costs, indemnities and other amounts payable by any Loan Party, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries under any Loan Document and (b) the obligation of any Loan Party, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries to reimburse any amount in respect of any of the foregoing that any Lender, in its sole discretion, may elect to pay or advance on behalf of such Loan Party, such Guarantor or such Subsidiary.

Organization Documents ” means, (a) with respect to any corporation, the certificate or articles of incorporation and the bylaws (or equivalent or comparable constitutive documents with respect to any non-U.S. jurisdiction); (b) with respect to any limited liability company, the certificate or articles of formation or organization and operating agreement; and (c) with respect to any partnership, joint venture, trust or other form of business entity, the partnership, joint venture or other applicable agreement of formation or organization and any agreement, instrument, filing or notice with respect thereto filed in connection with its formation or organization with the applicable Governmental Authority in the jurisdiction of its formation or organization and, if applicable, any certificate or articles of formation or organization of such entity.

Other Taxes ” has the meaning specified in Section 3.01(b).

Outstanding Amount ” means (a) with respect to the Term Loans, Revolving Credit Loans and Swing Line Loans on any date, the amount thereof after giving effect to any borrowings and prepayments or repayments of Term Loans, Revolving Credit Loans (including any refinancing of outstanding Unreimbursed Amounts under Letters of Credit or L/C Credit Extensions as a Revolving Credit Borrowing) and Swing Line Loans, as the case may be, occurring on such date; and (b) with respect to any L/C Obligations on any date, the amount thereof on such date after giving effect to any related L/C Credit Extension occurring on such date and any other changes thereto as of such date, including as a result of any reimbursements of outstanding Unreimbursed Amounts under related Letters of Credit (including any refinancing of outstanding Unreimbursed Amounts under related Letters of Credit or related L/C Credit Extensions as a Revolving Credit Borrowing) or any reductions in the maximum amount available for drawing under related Letters of Credit taking effect on such date.

 

38


Overnight Rate ” means, for any day, the Federal Funds Rate.

Parent ” means (i) prior to the Merger, Merger Sub and (ii) after the Merger, Crunch Holding.

Participant ” has the meaning specified in Section 10.07(e).

PBGC ” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

“Peak Holdings” means Peak Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Pension Act ” means the Pension Protection Act of 2006, as amended.

Pension Plan ” means any “employee pension benefit plan” (as such term is defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA), other than a Multiemployer Plan, that is subject to Title IV of ERISA and is sponsored or maintained by any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate or to which any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate contributes or has an obligation to contribute.

Permitted Acquisition ” has the meaning specified in Section 7.02(j).

Permitted Equity Issuance ” means any sale or issuance of any Qualified Equity Interests of Holdings or any direct or indirect parent of Holdings and after a Qualifying IPO, of any Intermediate Holding Company, in each case to the extent permitted hereunder.

Permitted Holders ” means each of (i) the Sponsor and (ii) the Management Stockholders.

Permitted Initial Revolving Borrowing Purposes ” means (a) one or more Borrowings of Revolving Credit Loans in an amount not to exceed $10,000,000 to finance the Transaction and to pay Transaction Expenses and (b) the issuance of Letters of Credit in replacement of, or as a backstop for, letters of credit of the Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries outstanding on the Closing Date.

Permitted Refinancing ” means, with respect to any Person, any modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal or extension of any Indebtedness of such Person; provided that (a) the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) thereof does not exceed the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) of the Indebtedness so modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed or extended except by an amount equal to unpaid accrued interest and premium thereon plus other reasonable amounts paid, and fees and expenses reasonably incurred, in connection with such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal or extension and by an amount equal to any existing commitments unutilized thereunder, (b) other than with respect to a Permitted Refinancing in respect of Indebtedness permitted pursuant to Section 7.03(f), such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal or extension has a final maturity date equal to or later than the final maturity date of, and has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater than the

 

39


Weighted Average Life to Maturity of, the Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed or extended, (c) other than with respect to a Permitted Refinancing in respect of Indebtedness permitted pursuant to Section 7.03(f), at the time thereof, no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, (d) if such Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed or extended is Indebtedness permitted pursuant to Section 7.03(c), 7.03(u) or is Junior Financing, (i) to the extent such Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed or extended is subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations, such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal or extension is subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations on terms at least as favorable to the Lenders as those contained in the documentation governing the Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed or extended, (ii) the terms and conditions (including, if applicable, as to collateral but excluding as to subordination, interest rate and redemption premium) of any such modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed or extended Indebtedness, taken as a whole, are not materially less favorable to the Loan Parties or the Lenders than the terms and conditions of the Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed or extended; provided that a certificate of a Responsible Officer delivered to the Administrative Agent at least five Business Days prior to the incurrence of such Indebtedness, together with a reasonably detailed description of the material terms and conditions of such Indebtedness or drafts of the documentation relating thereto, stating that the Borrower has determined in good faith that such terms and conditions satisfy the foregoing requirement shall be conclusive evidence that such terms and conditions satisfy the foregoing requirement unless the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower within such five Business Day period that it disagrees with such determination (including a reasonable description of the basis upon which it disagrees) and (iii) such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal or extension is incurred by the Person who is the obligor of the Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed or extended, and (e) in the case of any Permitted Refinancing in respect of the Indebtedness under any Second Lien Facility, such Permitted Refinancing is secured only by all or any portion of the Collateral (but not by any other assets) pursuant to one or more security agreements subject to the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement (or another intercreditor agreement containing terms that are at least as favorable to the Secured Parties as those contained in the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement).

Person ” means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity.

PFGI ” means Pinnacle Foods Group Inc., a Delaware corporation.

Plan ” means any “employee benefit plan” (as such term is defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA), other than a Foreign Plan, established by any Loan Party or, with respect to any such plan that is subject to Section 412 of the Code or Title IV of ERISA, any ERISA Affiliate.

Pledged Debt ” has the meaning specified in the Security Agreement.

Pledged Equity ” has the meaning specified in the Security Agreement.

Post-Acquisition Period ” means, with respect to any Permitted Acquisition, the period beginning on the date such Permitted Acquisition is consummated and ending on the last day of the sixth full consecutive fiscal quarter immediately following the date on which such Permitted Acquisition is consummated.

 

40


Principal L/C Issuer ” means any L/C Issuer that has issued Letters of Credit under the Revolving Credit Facility having an aggregate Outstanding Amount in excess of $10,000,000.

Pro Forma Adjustment ” means, for any Test Period that includes all or any part of a fiscal quarter included in any Post-Acquisition Period, with respect to the Acquired EBITDA of the applicable Acquired Entity or Business or Converted Restricted Subsidiary or the Consolidated EBITDA of the Borrower, the pro forma increase or decrease in such Acquired EBITDA or such Consolidated EBITDA, as the case may be, projected by the Borrower in good faith as a result of (a) actions taken during such Post-Acquisition Period for the purposes of realizing reasonably identifiable and factually supportable cost savings or (b) any additional costs incurred during such Post-Acquisition Period, in each case in connection with the combination of the operations of such Acquired Entity or Business or Converted Restricted Subsidiary with the operations of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries; provided that, (i) at the election of the Borrower, such Pro Forma Adjustment shall not be required to be determined for any Acquired Entity or Business or Converted Restricted Subsidiary to the extent the aggregate consideration paid in connection with such acquisition was less than $5,000,000 and (ii) so long as such actions are taken during such Post-Acquisition Period or such costs are incurred during such Post-Acquisition Period, as applicable, for purposes of projecting such pro forma increase or decrease to such Acquired EBITDA or such Consolidated EBITDA, as the case may be, it may be assumed that such cost savings will be realizable during the entirety of such Test Period, or such additional costs, as applicable, will be incurred during the entirety of such Test Period; provided further that any such pro forma increase or decrease to such Acquired EBITDA or such Consolidated EBITDA, as the case may be, shall be without duplication for cost savings or additional costs already included in such Acquired EBITDA or such Consolidated EBITDA, as the case may be, for such Test Period.

Pro Forma Balance Sheet ” has the meaning specified in Section 5.05(a)(ii).

Pro Forma Basis ” and “ Pro Forma Effect ” mean, with respect to compliance with any test hereunder, that (A) to the extent applicable, the Pro Forma Adjustment shall have been made and (B) all Specified Transactions and the following transactions in connection therewith shall be deemed to have occurred as of the first day of the applicable period of measurement in such test: (a) income statement items (whether positive or negative) attributable to the property or Person subject to such Specified Transaction, (i) in the case of a Disposition of all or substantially all Equity Interests in any Subsidiary of the Borrower or any division, product line, or facility used for operations of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, shall be excluded, and (ii) in the case of a Permitted Acquisition or Investment described in the definition of “Specified Transaction”, shall be included, (b) any retirement of Indebtedness, and (c) any Indebtedness incurred or assumed by the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries in connection therewith and if such Indebtedness has a floating or formula rate, shall have an implied rate of interest for the applicable period for purposes of this definition determined by utilizing the rate which is or would be in effect with respect to such Indebtedness as at the relevant date of determination; provided that, without limiting the application of the Pro Forma

 

41


Adjustment pursuant to (A) above, the foregoing pro forma adjustments may be applied to any such test solely to the extent that such adjustments are consistent with the definition of Consolidated EBITDA and give effect to events (including operating expense reductions) that are (as determined by the Borrower in good faith) (i) (x) directly attributable to such transaction, (y) expected to have a continuing impact on the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries and (z) factually supportable or (ii) otherwise consistent with the definition of Pro Forma Adjustment.

Pro Forma Financial Statements ” has the meaning specified in Section 5.05(a)(ii).

Pro Rata Share ” means, with respect to each Lender at any time a fraction (expressed as a percentage, carried out to the ninth decimal place), the numerator of which is the amount of the Commitments of such Lender under the applicable Facility or Facilities at such time and the denominator of which is the amount of the Aggregate Commitments under the applicable Facility or Facilities at such time; provided that if such Commitments have been terminated, then the Pro Rata Share of each Lender shall be determined based on the Pro Rata Share of such Lender immediately prior to such termination and after giving effect to any subsequent assignments made pursuant to the terms hereof.

Projections ” shall have the meaning specified in Section 6.01(c).

“Purchase Price” has the meaning assigned thereto in the Merger Agreement.

Qualified Equity Interests ” means any Equity Interests that are not Disqualified Equity Interests.

Qualified Securitization Financing ” means any Securitization Financing of a Securitization Subsidiary that meets the following conditions: (a) the board of directors of the Borrower shall have determined in good faith that such Qualified Securitization Financing (including financing terms, covenants, termination events and other provisions) is in the aggregate economically fair and reasonable to the Borrower and the Securitization Subsidiary, (b) all sales and/or contributions of Securitization Assets and related assets to the Securitization Subsidiary are made at fair market value (as determined in good faith by the Borrower) and (iii) the financing terms, covenants, termination events and other provisions thereof shall be market terms (as determined in good faith by the Borrower) and may include Standard Securitization Undertakings. The grant of a security interest in any Securitization Assets of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than a Securitization Subsidiary) to secure Indebtedness under this Agreement prior to engaging in any Securitization Financing shall not be deemed a Qualified Securitization Financing.

Qualifying IPO ” means, as applicable, the issuance by Holdings, any direct or indirect parent of Holdings or any Intermediate Holding Company of its common Equity Interests in an underwritten primary public offering (other than a public offering pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-8) pursuant to an effective registration statement filed with the SEC in accordance with the Securities Act (whether alone or in connection with a secondary public offering).

 

42


Refinanced Term Loans ” has the meaning specified in Section 10.01.

Replacement Term Loans ” has the meaning specified in Section 10.01.

Register ” has the meaning specified in Section 10.07(d).

Rejection Notice ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.05(b)(vi).

Reportable Event ” means with respect to any Plan any of the events set forth in Section 4043(c) of ERISA or the regulations issued thereunder, other than events for which the thirty (30) day notice period has been waived.

Request for Credit Extension ” means (a) with respect to a Borrowing, conversion or continuation of Term Loans or Revolving Credit Loans, a Committed Loan Notice, (b) with respect to an L/C Credit Extension, a Letter of Credit Application, and (c) with respect to a Swing Line Loan, a Swing Line Loan Notice.

Required Lenders ” means, as of any date of determination, Lenders having more than 50% of the sum of the (a) Total Outstandings (with the aggregate amount of each Lender’s risk participation and funded participation in L/C Obligations and Swing Line Loans being deemed “held” by such Lender for purposes of this definition), (b) aggregate unused Term Commitments and (c) aggregate unused Revolving Credit Commitments; provided that the unused Term Commitment and unused Revolving Credit Commitment of, and the portion of the Total Outstandings held or deemed held by, any Defaulting Lender or the Borrower or any Affiliate thereof shall be excluded for purposes of making a determination of Required Lenders.

Responsible Officer ” means the chief executive officer, president, vice president, chief financial officer, treasurer, controller or assistant treasurer or other similar officer of a Loan Party or a Guarantor and, as to any document delivered on the Closing Date, any secretary or assistant secretary of a Loan Party or a Guarantor. Any document delivered hereunder that is signed by a Responsible Officer of a Loan Party or Guarantor shall be conclusively presumed to have been authorized by all necessary corporate, partnership and/or other action on the part of such Loan Party or such Guarantor and such Responsible Officer shall be conclusively presumed to have acted on behalf of such Loan Party or such Guarantor.

Restricted Payment ” means any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) with respect to any Equity Interest of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, or any payment (whether in cash, securities or other property), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, defeasance, acquisition, cancellation or termination of any such Equity Interest, or on account of any return of capital to the Borrower’s stockholders, partners or members (or the equivalent Persons thereof).

Restricted Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary of the Borrower other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

Retained Declined Proceeds ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.05(b)(vii).

 

43


Revolving Commitment Increase ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.14(a).

Revolving Commitment Increase Lender ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.14(a).

Revolving Credit Borrowing ” means a borrowing consisting of Revolving Credit Loans of the same Type and, in the case of Eurocurrency Rate Loans, having the same Interest Period made by each of the Revolving Credit Lenders pursuant to Section 2.01(b).

Revolving Credit Commitment ” means, as to each Revolving Credit Lender, its obligation to (a) make Revolving Credit Loans to the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.01(b), (b) purchase participations in L/C Obligations in respect of Letters of Credit and (c) purchase participations in Swing Line Loans, in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed the amount set forth, and opposite such Lender’s name under the caption “Revolving Credit Commitment” on Schedule 1 to the Lender Addendum delivered by such Lender, or, as the case may be, in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender becomes a party hereto, as applicable, as such amount may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with this Agreement. The aggregate Revolving Credit Commitments of all Revolving Credit Lenders shall be $125,000,000 on the Closing Date, as such amount may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

Revolving Credit Exposure ” means, as to each Revolving Credit Lender, the sum of the outstanding principal amount of such Revolving Credit Lender’s Revolving Credit Loans and its Pro Rata Share of the L/C Obligations and the Swing Line Obligations at such time.

Revolving Credit Facility ” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Revolving Credit Lender ” means, at any time, any Lender that has a Revolving Credit Commitment at such time.

Revolving Credit Loan ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.01(b).

Revolving Credit Note ” means a promissory note of the Borrower payable to any Revolving Credit Lender or its registered assigns, in substantially the form of Exhibit C-2 hereto, evidencing the aggregate Indebtedness of the Borrower to such Revolving Credit Lender resulting from the Revolving Credit Loans made by such Revolving Credit Lender.

S&P ” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., and any successor thereto.

Same Day Funds ” means immediately available funds.

Scheduled Dispositions ” has the meaning specified in Section 7.05(k).

 

44


SEC ” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any of its principal functions.

Second Lien Facility ” means a senior secured credit facility providing for the making of term loans to the Borrower, which credit facility may be secured on a second-priority basis by all or any portion of the Collateral (but not by any other assets) and may be guaranteed by each Guarantor; provided that (a) the Indebtedness under such credit facility will not mature prior to the date that is 91 days after the Maturity Date of the Term Loans, (b) such credit facility shall provide for no scheduled amortization, payments of principal, sinking fund or similar scheduled payments (other than regularly scheduled payments of interest), (c) such credit facility has covenant, default and remedy provisions and provisions relating to mandatory prepayment, repurchase, redemption and offers to purchase that, taken as a whole, are consistent with those customarily found in second lien financings and (d) concurrently with the effectiveness of such credit facility, the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall have been entered into and shall at all times thereafter be in full force and effect.

Second Lien Facility Documentation ” means the credit agreement or loan agreement evidencing the Second Lien Facility, the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement and all security agreements, guarantees, pledge agreements and other agreements or instruments executed in connection therewith.

Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement ” means an intercreditor agreement among Holdings, the Borrower, the Subsidiary Guarantors, the Collateral Agent and the collateral agent under the Second Lien Facility, pursuant to which it is agreed that the Liens on the Collateral securing the obligations under the Second Lien Facility are subordinated to the Liens on the Collateral securing the Obligations on customary terms and conditions reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower.

Secured Hedge Agreement ” means any Swap Contract permitted under Section 7.03(g) that is entered into by and between any Loan Party or any Restricted Subsidiary and any Hedge Bank.

Secured Parties ” means, collectively, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Lenders, the Hedge Banks, the Cash Management Banks, the Supplemental Administrative Agent and each co-agent or sub-agent appointed by the Administrative Agent from time to time pursuant to Section 9.01(c).

Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933.

Securitization Assets ” means the accounts receivable, royalty or other revenue streams and other rights to payment related to the Specified Contract Rights subject to a Qualified Securitization Financing and the proceeds thereof.

Securitization Fees ” means distributions or payments made directly or by means of discounts with respect to any participation interest issued or sold in connection with, and other fees paid to a Person that is not a Securitization Subsidiary in connection with any Qualified Securitization Financing.

 

45


Securitization Financing ” means any transaction or series of transactions that may be entered into by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to which the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries may sell, convey or otherwise transfer to (a) a Securitization Subsidiary (in the case of a transfer by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries) or (b) any other Person (in the case of a transfer by a Securitization Subsidiary), or may grant a security interest in, any Securitization Assets of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, and any assets related thereto, including all collateral securing such Securitization Assets, all contracts and all guarantees or other obligations in respect of such Securitization Assets, proceeds of such Securitization Assets and other assets that are customarily transferred or in respect of which security interests are customarily granted in connection with asset securitization transactions involving Securitization Assets.

Securitization Repurchase Obligation ” means any obligation of a seller of Securitization Assets in a Qualified Securitization Financing to repurchase Securitization Assets arising as a result of a breach of a representation, warranty or covenant or otherwise, including as a result of a receivable or portion thereof becoming subject to any asserted defense, dispute, off set or counterclaim of any kind as a result of any action taken by, any failure to take action by or any other event relating to the seller.

Securitization Subsidiary ” means a wholly owned Subsidiary of the Borrower (or another Person formed for the purposes of engaging in a Qualified Securitization Financing in which the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower makes an Investment and to which the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower transfers Securitization Assets and related assets) that engages in no activities other than in connection with the financing of Securitization Assets of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries, all proceeds thereof and all rights (contingent and other), collateral and other assets relating thereto, and any business or activities incidental or related to such business, and which is designated by the board of directors of the Borrower or such other Person (as provided below) as a Securitization Subsidiary and (a) no portion of the Indebtedness or any other obligations (contingent or otherwise) of which (i) is guaranteed by the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower, other than another Securitization Subsidiary (excluding guarantees of obligations (other than the principal of, and interest on, Indebtedness) pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings), (ii) is recourse to or obligates the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower, other than another Securitization Subsidiary, in any way other than pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings or (iii) subjects any property or asset of the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower, other than another Securitization Subsidiary, directly or indirectly, contingently or otherwise, to the satisfaction thereof, other than pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings, (b) with which none of the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower, other than another Securitization Subsidiary, has any material contract, agreement, arrangement or understanding other than on terms which the Borrower reasonably believes to be no less favorable to the Borrower or such Subsidiary than those that might be obtained at the time from Persons that are not Affiliates of Parent and (c) to which none of the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower, other than another Securitization Subsidiary, has any obligation to maintain or preserve such entity’s financial condition or cause such entity to achieve certain levels of operating results. Any such designation by the board of directors of the Borrower or such other Person shall be evidenced to the Administrative Agent by delivery to the Administrative Agent of a certified copy of the resolution of the board of directors of the Borrower or such other Person giving effect to such designation and a certificate executed by a Responsible Officer certifying that such designation complied with the foregoing conditions.

 

46


Security Agreement ” means, collectively, the Security Agreement executed by the Loan Parties, substantially in the form of Exhibit G , together with each other security agreement supplement executed and delivered pursuant to Section 6.11.

Security Agreement Supplement ” has the meaning specified in the Security Agreement.

Senior Notes ” means $325,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of the Borrower’s senior unsecured notes due 2015.

Senior Secured Incurrence Test ” means, with respect to the most recent Test Period in any fiscal year of the Borrower set forth below, the Senior Secured Leverage Ratio (calculated on a Pro Forma Basis) shall be no greater than the ratio set forth below opposite such date:

 

Fiscal Year

  

Senior Secured Leverage Ratio

2007

   5.00 to 1.00

2008

   4.75 to 1.00

2009 and thereafter

   4.50 to 1.00

Senior Secured Leverage Test ” means, with respect to the most recent Test Period in any fiscal year of the Borrower set forth below, the Senior Secured Leverage Ratio (calculated on a Pro Forma Basis) shall be no greater than the ratio set forth below opposite such date:

 

Fiscal Year

  

Senior Secured Leverage Ratio

2007

   5.25 to 1.00

2008

   5.00 to 1.00

2009 and thereafter

   4.75 to 1.00

Senior Secured Leverage Ratio ” means, with respect to any Test Period, the ratio of (a) Consolidated Senior Secured Debt as of the last day of such Test Period to (b) Consolidated EBITDA of the Borrower for such Test Period.

Senior Notes Indenture ” means the Indenture for the Senior Notes, dated as of April 2, 2007.

Senior Subordinated Notes ” means $250,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of the Borrower’s senior subordinated notes due 2017.

Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture ” means the Indenture for the Senior Subordinated Notes, dated as of April 2, 2007.

 

47


Sold Entity or Business ” has the meaning specified in the definition of the term “Consolidated EBITDA”.

Solvent ” and “ Solvency ” mean, with respect to any Person on any date of determination, that on such date (a) the fair value of the property of such Person is greater than the total amount of liabilities, including contingent liabilities, of such Person, (b) the present fair salable value of the assets of such Person is not less than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of such Person on its debts as they become absolute and matured, (c) such Person does not intend to, and does not believe that it will, incur debts or liabilities beyond such Person’s ability to pay such debts and liabilities as they mature and (d) such Person is not engaged in business or a transaction, and is not about to engage in business or a transaction, for which such Person’s property would constitute an unreasonably small capital. 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.

SPC ” has the meaning specified in Section 10.07(h).

Specified Contract Rights ” means certain intellectual property licenses, agreements or other contracts giving rise to not more than $10,000,000 of annual accounts receivable, royalty or other intellectual property revenue streams or other rights to payment.

Specified Transaction ” means any Investment, Disposition, incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness, Restricted Payment, Subsidiary designation, Incremental Term Loan, Revolving Commitment Increase that by the terms of this Agreement requires such test to be calculated on a “Pro Forma Basis” or after giving “Pro Forma Effect”; provided that a Revolving Commitment Increase, for purposes of this “Specified Transaction” definition, shall be deemed to be fully drawn.

Sponsor ” means The Blackstone Group and its Affiliates and funds or partnerships managed by The Blackstone Group or any of its Affiliates, but not including, however, any portfolio companies of The Blackstone Group or any of its Affiliates.

Sponsor Management Agreement ” means the management agreement between the management company associated with the Sponsor or its advisors and the Borrower.

Sponsor Termination Fees ” means the one time payment under the Sponsor Management Agreement of a termination fee to the Sponsor and its Affiliates in the event of either a Change of Control or the completion of a Qualifying IPO.

Standard Securitization Undertakings ” means representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities entered into by the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower which the Borrower has determined in good faith to be customary, necessary or advisable in a Securitization Financing.

Subsidiary ” of a Person means a corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other business entity of which a majority of the shares of securities or other interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other governing body

 

48


(other than securities or interests having such power only by reason of the happening of a contingency) are at the time beneficially owned, or the management of which is otherwise controlled, directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, or both, by such Person. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to a “Subsidiary” or to “Subsidiaries” shall refer to a Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of the Borrower.

Subsidiary Guarantor ” means, collectively, the Subsidiaries of the Borrower that are Guarantors.

Successor Borrower ” has the meaning specified in Section 7.04(d).

Supplemental Administrative Agent ” has the meaning specified in Section 9.13 and “Supplemental Administrative Agents” shall have the corresponding meaning.

Swap Contract ” means (a) any and all rate swap transactions, basis swaps, credit derivative transactions, forward rate transactions, commodity swaps, commodity options, forward commodity contracts, equity or equity index swaps or options, bond or bond price or bond index swaps or options or forward bond or forward bond price or forward bond index transactions, interest rate options, forward foreign exchange transactions, cap transactions, floor transactions, collar transactions, currency swap transactions, cross-currency rate swap transactions, currency options, spot contracts, or any other similar transactions or any combination of any of the foregoing (including any options to enter into any of the foregoing), whether or not any such transaction is governed by or subject to any master agreement, and (b) any and all transactions of any kind, and the related confirmations, which are subject to the terms and conditions of, or governed by, any form of master agreement published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., any International Foreign Exchange Master Agreement, or any other master agreement (any such master agreement, together with any related schedules, a “ Master Agreement ”), including any such obligations or liabilities under any Master Agreement.

Swap Termination Value ” means, in respect of any one or more Swap Contracts, after taking into account the effect of any legally enforceable netting agreement relating to such Swap Contracts, (a) for any date on or after the date such Swap Contracts have been closed out and termination value(s) determined in accordance therewith, such termination value(s), and (b) for any date prior to the date referenced in clause (a), the amount(s) determined as the mark-to-market value(s) for such Swap Contracts, as determined based upon one or more mid-market or other readily available quotations provided by any recognized dealer in such Swap Contracts (which may include a Lender or any Affiliate of a Lender).

Swing Line Borrowing ” means a borrowing of a Swing Line Loan pursuant to Section 2.04(a).

Swing Line Facility ” means the revolving credit facility made available by the Swing Line Lender pursuant to Section 2.04.

Swing Line Lender ” means LCPI, in its capacity as provider of Swing Line Loans, or any successor swing line lender hereunder.

 

49


Swing Line Loan ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.04(a).

Swing Line Loan Notice ” means a notice of a Swing Line Borrowing pursuant to Section 2.04(b), which, if in writing, shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit B .

Swing Line Obligations ” means, as at any date of determination, the aggregate principal amount of all Swing Line Loans outstanding.

Swing Line Sublimit ” means an amount equal to the lesser of (a) $25,000,000 and (b) the aggregate amount of the Revolving Credit Commitments. The Swing Line Sublimit is part of, and not in addition to, the Revolving Credit Commitments.

Syndication Agent ” means Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P., as Syndication Agent under this Agreement.

Taxes ” has the meaning specified in Section 3.01(a).

Tender Offer ” means the offer by PFGI to purchase any and all outstanding Existing Notes.

Term Borrowing ” means a borrowing consisting of Term Loans of the same Type and currency and, in the case of Eurocurrency Rate Loans, having the same Interest Period made by each of the Term Lenders pursuant to Section 2.01.

Term Commitment ” means, as to each Term Lender, its obligation to make a Term Loan to the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.01(a) in an aggregate amount not to exceed the amount set forth opposite such Lender’s name under the caption “Term Commitment” on Schedule 1 to the Lender Addendum delivered by such Lender, or, as the case may be, in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Term Lender becomes a party hereto, as applicable, as such amount may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with this Agreement. The initial aggregate amount of the Term Commitments is $1,250,000,000.

Term Lender ” means, at any time, any Lender that has a Term Commitment or a Term Loan at such time.

Term Loan ” means a Loan made pursuant to Section 2.01(a).

Term Note ” means a promissory note of the Borrower payable to any Term Lender or its registered assigns, in substantially the form of Exhibit C-1 hereto, evidencing the aggregate Indebtedness of the Borrower to such Term Lender resulting from the Term Loans made by such Term Lender.

Test Period ” in effect at any time shall mean the most recent period of four consecutive fiscal quarters of the Borrower ended on or prior to such time (taken as one accounting period) in respect of which financial statements for each quarter or fiscal year in such period have been or are required to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.01(a) or (b); provided that, prior to the first date that financial statements have been or are required to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.01(a) or (b), the Test Period in effect shall be the period of four consecutive fiscal

 

50


quarters of PFGI ended December 31, 2007. A Test Period may be designated by reference to the last day thereof (i.e., the “March 31, 2007 Test Period” refers to the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters of the Borrower ended March 31, 2007), and a Test Period shall be deemed to end on the last day thereof.

Threshold Amount ” means $25,000,000.

Total Assets ” means the total assets of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, as shown on the most recent balance sheet of the Borrower delivered pursuant to Section 6.01(a) or (b) or, for the period prior to the time any such statements are so delivered pursuant to Section 6.01(a) or (b), the pro forma financial statements of PFGI giving effect to the Transaction as set forth in the Offering Memorandum dated April 2, 2007, relating to the High Yield Notes.

Total Leverage Ratio ” means, with respect to any Test Period, the ratio of (a) Consolidated Total Debt as of the last day of such Test Period to (b) Consolidated EBITDA of the Borrower for such Test Period.

Total Outstandings ” means the aggregate Outstanding Amount of all Loans and all L/C Obligations.

Transaction ” means, collectively, (a) the Equity Contribution, (b) the Merger, (c) the issuance of the High Yield Notes, (d) the funding of the Term Loans and the Initial Revolving Borrowing on the Closing Date, (e) the repayment of the Existing Credit Agreement and other existing indebtedness of PFGI, including the Tender Offer and Consent Solicitation, (f) the consummation of any other transactions in connection with the foregoing, and (g) the payment of the fees and expenses incurred in connection with any of the foregoing.

Transaction Expenses ” means any fees or expenses incurred or paid by Parent, Holdings, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in connection with the Transaction, this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.

Triggered Usage Period ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 7.14.

Type ” means, with respect to any Loan, its character as a Base Rate Loan or a Eurocurrency Rate Loan.

Unaudited Financial Statements ” has the meaning specified in Section 4.01(f).

Uniform Commercial Code ” means the Uniform Commercial Code as the same may from time to time be in effect in the State of New York or the Uniform Commercial Code (or similar code or statute) of another jurisdiction, to the extent it may be required to apply to any item or items of Collateral.

United States ” and “ U.S. ” mean the United States of America.

 

51


Unreimbursed Amount ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.03(c)(i).

Unrestricted Subsidiary ” means (i) each Subsidiary of the Borrower listed on Schedule 1.01B , (ii) each Securitization Subsidiary, (iii) any Subsidiary of the Borrower designated by the board of directors of the Borrower as an Unrestricted Subsidiary pursuant to Section 6.14 subsequent to the date hereof and (iv) any Subsidiary of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

USA PATRIOT Act ” means The Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (Title III of Pub. L. No. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)), as amended or modified from time to time.

U.S. Lender ” has the meaning specified in Section 10.15(b).

Weighted Average Life to Maturity ” means, when applied to any Indebtedness at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing: (i) the sum of the products obtained by multiplying (a) the amount of each then remaining installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required payments of principal, including payment at final maturity, in respect thereof, by (b) the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) that will elapse between such date and the making of such payment by (ii) the then outstanding principal amount of such Indebtedness.

wholly owned ” means, with respect to a Subsidiary of a Person, a Subsidiary of such Person all of the outstanding Equity Interests of which (other than (x) director’s qualifying shares and (y) shares issued to foreign nationals to the extent required by applicable Law) are owned by such Person and/or by one or more wholly owned Subsidiaries of such Person.

Withdrawal Liability ” means the liability of a Multiemployer Plan as a result of a complete or partial withdrawal from such Multiemployer Plan, as such terms are defined in Part I of Subtitle E of Title IV of ERISA.

SECTION 1.02. Other Interpretive Provisions . With reference to this Agreement and each other Loan Document, unless otherwise specified herein or in such other Loan Document:

(a) The meanings of defined terms are equally applicable to the singular and plural forms of the defined terms.

(b) (i) The words “herein,” “hereto,” “hereof” and “hereunder” and words of similar import when used in any Loan Document shall refer to such Loan Document as a whole and not to any particular provision thereof.

(ii) Article, Section, Exhibit and Schedule references are to the Loan Document in which such reference appears.

(iii) The term “including” is by way of example and not limitation.

 

52


(iv) The term “documents” includes any and all instruments, documents, agreements, certificates, notices, reports, financial statements and other writings, however evidenced, whether in physical or electronic form.

(c) In the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word “from” means “from and including;” the words “to” and “until” each mean “to but excluding;” and the word “through” means “to and including.”

(d) Section headings herein and in the other Loan Documents are included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

(e) References in this Agreement to a particular date as the fiscal quarter or year end of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or direct or indirect parent companies shall be deemed to be a reference to the quarter or year end, as the case may be, ending on or about such date.

SECTION 1.03. Accounting Terms .

(a) All accounting terms not specifically or completely defined herein shall be construed in conformity with, and all financial data (including financial ratios and other financial calculations) required to be submitted pursuant to this Agreement shall be prepared in conformity with, GAAP, applied in a manner consistent with that used in preparing the Audited Financial Statements, except as otherwise specifically prescribed herein.

(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, for purposes of determining compliance with any test contained in this Agreement with respect to any period during which any Specified Transaction occurs, the Total Leverage Ratio and Senior Secured Leverage Ratio shall be calculated with respect to such period and such Specified Transaction on a Pro Forma Basis.

SECTION 1.04. Rounding . Any financial ratios required to be satisfied in order for a specific action to be permitted under this Agreement shall be calculated by dividing the appropriate component by the other component, carrying the result to one place more than the number of places by which such ratio is expressed herein and rounding the result up or down to the nearest number (with a rounding-up if there is no nearest number).

SECTION 1.05. References to Agreements, Laws, Etc. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, (a) references to Organization Documents, agreements (including the Loan Documents) and other contractual instruments shall be deemed to include all subsequent amendments, restatements, extensions, supplements and other modifications thereto, but only to the extent that such amendments, restatements, extensions, supplements and other modifications are permitted by any Loan Document; and (b) references to any Law shall include all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending, replacing, supplementing or interpreting such Law.

SECTION 1.06. Times of Day . Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to times of day shall be references to Eastern time (daylight or standard, as applicable).

 

53


SECTION 1.07. Timing of Payment of Performance . When the payment of any obligation or the performance of any covenant, duty or obligation is stated to be due or performance required on a day which is not a Business Day, the date of such payment (other than as described in the definition of Interest Period) or performance shall extend to the immediately succeeding Business Day.

SECTION 1.08. Currency Equivalents Generally .

(a) Any amount specified in this Agreement (other than in Articles II, IX and X or as set forth in paragraph (b) of this Section) or any of the other Loan Documents to be in Dollars shall also include the equivalent of such amount in any currency other than Dollars, such equivalent amount to be determined at the rate of exchange quoted by the Reuters World Currency Page for the applicable currency at 11:00 a.m. (London time) on such day (or, in the event such rate does not appear on any Reuters World Currency Page, by reference to such other publicly available service for displaying exchange rates as may be agreed upon by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, or, in the absence of such agreement, such rate shall instead be the arithmetic average of the spot rates of exchange of the Administrative Agent in the market where its foreign currency exchange operations in respect of such currency are then being conducted, at or about 10:00 a.m. (New York City time) on such date for the purchase of Dollars for delivery two Business Days later). Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of determining compliance with Sections 7.01, 7.02 and 7.03 with respect to any amount of Indebtedness or Investment in a currency other than Dollars, no Default shall be deemed to have occurred solely as a result of changes in rates of exchange occurring after the time such Indebtedness or Investment is incurred; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, the foregoing provisions of this Section 1.08 shall otherwise apply to such Sections, including with respect to determining whether any Indebtedness or Investment may be incurred at any time under such Sections.

(b) For purposes of determining compliance under Sections 7.02, 7.05 and 7.06, any amount in a currency other than Dollars will be converted to Dollars in a manner consistent with that used in calculating net income in the Borrower’s annual financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 6.01(a); provided, however, that the foregoing shall not be deemed to apply to the determination of any amount of Indebtedness.

ARTICLE II

The Commitments and Credit Extensions

SECTION 2.01. The Loans .

(a) The Term Borrowings . Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Term Lender severally agrees to make to the Borrower a single loan denominated in Dollars in an amount equal to such Term Lender’s Term Commitment on the Closing Date. Amounts borrowed under this Section 2.01(a) and repaid or prepaid may not be reborrowed. Term Loans may be Base Rate Loans or Eurocurrency Rate Loans, as further provided herein.

 

54


(b) The Revolving Credit Borrowings . Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein each Revolving Credit Lender severally agrees to make loans denominated in Dollars to the Borrower as elected by the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.02 (each such loan, a “ Revolving Credit Loan ”) from time to time, on any Business Day after the Closing Date until the Maturity Date ( provided that each Revolving Credit Lender agrees to make loans in an aggregate amount not exceeding the Initial Revolving Borrowing, at the request of the Borrower, on the Closing Date), in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any time outstanding the amount of such Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment; provided that after giving effect to any Revolving Credit Borrowing, the aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Revolving Credit Loans of any Lender, plus such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations, plus such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the Outstanding Amount of all Swing Line Loans shall not exceed such Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment. Within the limits of each Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment, and subject to the other terms and conditions hereof, the Borrower may borrow under this Section 2.01(b), prepay under Section 2.05, and reborrow under this Section 2.01(b). Revolving Credit Loans may be Base Rate Loans or Eurocurrency Rate Loans, as further provided herein.

SECTION 2.02. Borrowings, Conversions and Continuations of Loans .

(a) Each Term Borrowing, each Revolving Credit Borrowing, each conversion of Term Loans or Revolving Credit Loans from one Type to the other, and each continuation of Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall be made upon the Borrower’s irrevocable notice to the Administrative Agent, which may be given by telephone. Each such notice must be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 12:00 p.m. (New York, New York time)) (i) three (3) Business Days prior to the requested date of any Borrowing or continuation of Eurocurrency Rate Loans or any conversion of Base Rate Loans to Eurocurrency Rate Loans, and (ii) one (1) Business Day before the requested date of any Borrowing of Base Rate Loans. Each telephonic notice by the Borrower pursuant to this Section 2.02(a) must be confirmed promptly by delivery to the Administrative Agent of a written Committed Loan Notice, appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower. Each Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall be in a principal amount of $2,500,000 or a whole multiple of $500,000 in excess thereof in the case of Term Loans. Except as provided in Sections 2.03(c) and 2.04(c), each Borrowing of or conversion to Base Rate Loans shall be in a principal amount of $500,000 or a whole multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof. Each Committed Loan Notice (whether telephonic or written) shall specify (i) whether the Borrower is requesting a Term Borrowing, a Revolving Credit Borrowing , a conversion of Term Loans or Revolving Credit Loans from one Type to the other, or a continuation of Eurocurrency Rate Loans, (ii) the requested date of the Borrowing, conversion or continuation, as the case may be (which shall be a Business Day), (iii) the principal amount of Loans to be borrowed, converted or continued (iv) the Type of Loans to be borrowed or to which existing Term Loans or Revolving Credit Loans are to be converted, and (v) if applicable, the duration of the Interest Period with respect thereto. If the Borrower fails to specify a Type of Loan in a Committed Loan Notice or fails to give a timely notice requesting a conversion or continuation, then the applicable Term Loans or Revolving Credit Loans shall be made as, or converted to, Base Rate Loans. Any such automatic conversion to Base Rate Loans shall be effective as of the last day of the Interest Period then in effect with respect to the applicable Eurocurrency Rate Loans. If the Borrower requests a Borrowing of, conversion to, or continuation of Eurocurrency Rate Loans in any such Committed Loan Notice, but fails to specify an Interest Period, it will be deemed to have specified an Interest Period of one (1) month. The requested Borrowing shall be in Dollars.

 

55


(b) Following receipt of a Committed Loan Notice, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender of the amount of its Pro Rata Share of the applicable Class of Loans, and if no timely notice of a conversion or continuation is provided by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent shall notify each Lender of the details of any automatic conversion to Base Rate Loans or continuation described in Section 2.02(a). In the case of each Borrowing, each Appropriate Lender shall make the amount of its Loan available to the Administrative Agent in Same Day Funds at the Administrative Agent’s Office not later than 1:00 p.m. on the Business Day specified in the applicable Committed Loan Notice. Upon satisfaction of the applicable conditions set forth in Section 4.02 (and, if such Borrowing is the initial Credit Extension, Section 4.01), the Administrative Agent shall make all funds so received available to the Borrower in like funds as received by the Administrative Agent by wire transfer of such funds, in each case in accordance with instructions provided to (and reasonably acceptable to) the Administrative Agent by the Borrower; provided that if, on the date the Committed Loan Notice with respect to such Borrowing is given by the Borrower, there are Swing Line Loans or L/C Borrowings outstanding, then the proceeds of such Borrowing shall be applied, first, to the payment in full of any such L/C Borrowings, second, to the payment in full of any such Swing Line Loans, and third, to the Borrower as provided above.

(c) Except as otherwise provided herein, a Eurocurrency Rate Loan may be continued or converted only on the last day of an Interest Period for such Eurocurrency Rate Loan unless the Borrower pays the amount due, if any, under Section 3.05 in connection therewith. During the existence of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders may require that no Loans may be converted to or continued as Eurocurrency Rate Loans.

(d) The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower and the Lenders of the interest rate applicable to any Interest Period for Eurocurrency Rate Loans upon determination of such interest rate. The determination of the Eurocurrency Rate by the Administrative Agent shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error. At any time that Base Rate Loans are outstanding, the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders of any change in Administrative Agent’s Prime Rate used in determining the Base Rate promptly following the public announcement of such change.

(e) After giving effect to all Term Borrowings, all Revolving Credit Borrowings, all conversions of Term Loans or Revolving Credit Loans from one Type to the other, and all continuations of Term Loans or Revolving Credit Loans as the same Type, there shall not be more than fifteen (15) Interest Periods in effect.

(f) The failure of any Lender to make the Loan to be made by it as part of any Borrowing shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligation, if any, hereunder to make its Loan on the date of such Borrowing, but no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to make the Loan to be made by such other Lender on the date of any Borrowing.

 

56


(g) Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the date of any Borrowing that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s portion of such Borrowing, the Administrative Agent may, with the Borrower’s consent, assume that such Lender has made such portion available to the Administrative Agent on the date of such Borrowing in accordance with paragraph (b) above, and the Administrative Agent may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrower on such date a corresponding amount. If the Administrative Agent shall have so made funds available, then, to the extent that such Lender shall not have made such portion available to the Administrative Agent, each of such Lender and the Borrower severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount together with interest thereon, for each day from the date such amount is made available to the Borrower until the date such amount is repaid to the Administrative Agent at (i) in the case of the Borrower, the interest rate applicable at the time to the Loans comprising such Borrowing and (ii) in the case of such Lender, the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation. A certificate of the Administrative Agent submitted to any Lender with respect to any amounts owing under this Section 2.02(g) shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error. If such Lender’s portion of such Borrowing is not made available to the Administrative Agent by such Lender within three Business Days after such the date of such Borrowing, the Administrative Agent shall also be entitled to recover such amount with interest thereon accruing from the date on which the Administrative Agent made the funds available to the Borrower at the rate per annum applicable to ABR Loans under the relevant Facility, on demand, from the Borrower. If such Lender shall repay to the Administrative Agent such corresponding amount, such amount shall constitute such Lender’s Loan as part of such Borrowing for purposes of this Agreement, and the Borrower’s obligation to repay the Administrative Agent such corresponding amount pursuant to this Section 2.02(g) shall cease.

SECTION 2.03. Letters of Credit .

(a) The Letters of Credit .

(i) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, (1) each L/C Issuer agrees, in reliance upon the agreements of the other Revolving Credit Lenders set forth in this Section 2.03, (x) from time to time on any Business Day during the period from the Closing Date until the Letter of Credit Expiration Date applicable to Letters of Credit issued under the Revolving Credit Facility, to issue Letters of Credit for the account of the Borrower ( provided , that any Letter of Credit may be for the benefit of any Subsidiary of the Borrower) and to amend or renew Letters of Credit previously issued by it, in accordance with Section 2.03(b), and (y) to honor drafts under the Letters of Credit and (2) the Revolving Credit Lenders severally agree to participate in Letters of Credit issued pursuant to this Section 2.03; provided that no L/C Issuer shall be obligated to make any L/C Credit Extension with respect to any Letter of Credit, and no Lender shall be obligated to participate in any Letter of Credit, if as of the date of such L/C Credit Extension the Revolving Credit Exposure of any Lender would exceed such Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment or the Outstanding Amount of the Revolving L/C Obligations would exceed the Letter of Credit Sublimit. Within the foregoing limits, and subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Borrower’s ability to obtain Letters of Credit shall be fully revolving, and accordingly the Borrower may, during the foregoing period, obtain Letters of Credit to replace Letters of Credit that have expired or that have been drawn upon and reimbursed.

 

57


(ii) An L/C Issuer shall be under no obligation to issue any Letter of Credit if:

(A) any order, judgment or decree of any Governmental Authority or arbitrator shall by its terms purport to enjoin or restrain such L/C Issuer from issuing such Letter of Credit, or any Law applicable to such L/C Issuer or any directive (whether or not having the force of law) from any Governmental Authority with jurisdiction over such L/C Issuer shall prohibit, or direct that such L/C Issuer refrain from, the issuance of letters of credit generally or such Letter of Credit in particular or shall impose upon such L/C Issuer with respect to such Letter of Credit any restriction, reserve or capital requirement (for which such L/C Issuer is not otherwise compensated hereunder) not in effect on the Closing Date, or shall impose upon such L/C Issuer any unreimbursed loss, cost or expense which was not applicable on the Closing Date (for which such L/C Issuer is not otherwise compensated hereunder);

(B) subject to Section 2.03(b)(iii), the expiration date of such requested Letter of Credit would occur more than twelve months after the date of issuance or last renewal, unless the Required Lenders have approved such expiration date;

(C) the expiration date of such requested Letter of Credit would occur after applicable Letter of Credit Expiration Date, unless all the Revolving Credit Lenders have approved such expiration date; or

(D) the issuance of such Letter of Credit would violate any Laws binding upon such L/C Issuer.

(iii) An L/C Issuer shall be under no obligation to amend any Letter of Credit if (A) such L/C Issuer would have no obligation at such time to issue such Letter of Credit in its amended form under the terms hereof, or (B) the beneficiary of such Letter of Credit does not accept the proposed amendment to such Letter of Credit.

(b) Procedures for Issuance and Amendment of Letters of Credit; Auto-Renewal Letters of Credit .

(i) Each Letter of Credit shall be issued or amended, as the case may be, upon the request of the Borrower delivered to an L/C Issuer (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) in the form of a Letter of Credit Application, appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower. Such Letter of Credit Application must be received by the relevant L/C Issuer and the Administrative Agent not later than 12:00 p.m. at least two (2) Business Days prior to the proposed issuance date or date of amendment, as the case may be; or, in each case, such later date and time as the relevant L/C Issuer may agree in a particular instance in its sole discretion. In the case of a request for an initial issuance of a Letter of Credit, such Letter of Credit Application shall specify in form and detail reasonably satisfactory to the

 

58


relevant L/C Issuer: (a) the proposed issuance date of the requested Letter of Credit (which shall be a Business Day); (b) the amount thereof; (c) the expiration date thereof; (d) the name and address of the beneficiary thereof; (e) the documents to be presented by such beneficiary in case of any drawing thereunder; (f) the full text of any certificate to be presented by such beneficiary in case of any drawing thereunder; and (g) such other matters as the relevant L/C Issuer may reasonably request. In the case of a request for an amendment of any outstanding Letter of Credit, such Letter of Credit Application shall specify in form and detail reasonably satisfactory to the relevant L/C Issuer (1) the Letter of Credit to be amended; (2) the proposed date of amendment thereof (which shall be a Business Day); (3) the nature of the proposed amendment; and (4) such other matters as the relevant L/C Issuer may reasonably request.

(ii) Promptly after receipt of any Letter of Credit Application, the relevant L/C Issuer will confirm with the Administrative Agent ((by telephone or in writing) that the Administrative Agent has received a copy of such Letter of Credit Application from the Borrower and, if not, such L/C Issuer will provide the Administrative Agent with a copy thereof. Upon receipt by the relevant L/C Issuer of confirmation from the Administrative Agent that the requested issuance or amendment is permitted in accordance with the terms hereof, then, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, such L/C Issuer shall, on the requested date, issue a Letter of Credit for the account of the Borrower or enter into the applicable amendment, as the case may be. Immediately upon the issuance of each Letter of Credit, each Revolving Credit Lender shall be deemed to, and hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to, acquire from the relevant L/C Issuer a risk participation in such Letter of Credit in an amount equal to the product of such Revolving Credit Lender’s Pro Rata Share times the amount of such Letter of Credit.

(iii) If the Borrower so requests in any applicable Letter of Credit Application, the relevant L/C Issuer shall agree to issue a Letter of Credit that has automatic renewal provisions (each, an “ Auto-Renewal Letter of Credit ”); provided that any such Auto-Renewal Letter of Credit must permit the relevant L/C Issuer to prevent any such renewal at least once in each twelve-month period (commencing with the date of issuance of such Letter of Credit) by giving prior notice to the beneficiary thereof not later than a day (the “ Nonrenewal Notice Date ”) in each such twelve-month period to be agreed upon at the time such Letter of Credit is issued. Unless otherwise directed by the relevant L/C Issuer, the Borrower shall not be required to make a specific request to the relevant L/C Issuer for any such renewal. Once an Auto-Renewal Letter of Credit has been issued, the applicable Lenders shall be deemed to have authorized (but may not require) the relevant L/C Issuer to permit the renewal of such Letter of Credit at any time to an expiration date not later than the applicable Letter of Credit Expiration Date; provided that the relevant L/C Issuer shall not permit any such renewal if (A) the relevant L/C Issuer has determined that it would have no obligation at such time to issue such Letter of Credit in its renewed form under the terms hereof (by reason of the provisions of Section 2.03(a)(ii) or otherwise), or (B) it has received notice (which may be by telephone or in writing) on or before the day that is five (5) Business Days before the Nonrenewal Notice Date from the Administrative Agent or any Revolving Credit Lender, as applicable, or the Borrower that one or more of the applicable conditions specified in Section 4.02 is not then satisfied.

(iv) Promptly after its delivery of any Letter of Credit or any amendment to a Letter of Credit to an advising bank with respect thereto or to the beneficiary thereof, the relevant L/C Issuer will also deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent a true and complete copy of such Letter of Credit or amendment.

 

59


(c) Drawings and Reimbursements; Funding of Participations .

(i) Upon receipt from the beneficiary of any Letter of Credit of any notice of a drawing under such Letter of Credit, the relevant L/C Issuer shall notify promptly the Borrower and the Administrative Agent thereof. On the Business Day on which the Borrower shall have received notice of any payment by an L/C Issuer under a Letter of Credit (or, if the Borrower shall have received such notice later than 10:00 a.m. on any Business Day, on the immediately following Business Day) (each such date, an “ Honor Date ”), the Borrower shall reimburse such L/C Issuer through the Administrative Agent in an amount equal to the amount of such drawing. If the Borrower fails to so reimburse such L/C Issuer by such time, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Appropriate Lender of the Honor Date, the amount of the unreimbursed drawing (the “ Unreimbursed Amount ”), and the amount of such Appropriate Lender’s Pro Rata Share thereof. In such event, the Borrower shall be deemed to have requested a Revolving Credit Borrowing of Base Rate Loans, in each case to be disbursed on the Honor Date in an amount equal to the Unreimbursed Amount, without regard to the minimum and multiples specified in Section 2.02 for the principal amount of Eurocurrency Rate Loans or Base Rate Loans, but subject to the amount of the unutilized portion of the Revolving Credit Commitments of the Appropriate Lenders and Revolving Credit Lenders, and subject to the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 (other than the delivery of a Committed Loan Notice). Any notice given by an L/C Issuer or the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section 2.03(c)(i) may be given by telephone if immediately confirmed in writing; provided that the lack of such an immediate confirmation shall not affect the conclusiveness or binding effect of such notice.

(ii) Each Revolving Credit Lender (including any such Lender acting as an L/C Issuer) shall upon any notice pursuant to Section 2.03(c)(i) make funds available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the relevant L/C Issuer at the Administrative Agent’s Office for payments in an amount equal to its Pro Rata Share of any Unreimbursed Amount in respect of a Letter of Credit not later than 1:00 p.m. on the Business Day specified in such notice by the Administrative Agent, whereupon, subject to the provisions of Section 2.03(c)(iii), each Revolving Credit Lender that so makes funds available shall be deemed to have made a Base Rate Loan to the Borrower in such amount. The Administrative Agent shall remit the funds so received to the relevant L/C Issuer.

(iii) With respect to any Unreimbursed Amount in respect of a Letter of Credit that is not fully refinanced by a Revolving Credit Borrowing of Base Rate Loans because the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 cannot be satisfied or for any other reason, the Borrower shall be deemed to have incurred from the relevant L/C Issuer a L/C Borrowing in the amount of the Unreimbursed Amount that is not so refinanced, which L/C Borrowing shall be due and payable on demand (together with interest) and shall bear interest at the Default Rate. In such event, each Revolving Credit Lender’s payment to the Administrative Agent for the account of the relevant L/C Issuer pursuant to Section 2.03(c)(ii) shall be deemed payment in respect of its participation in such L/C Borrowing and shall constitute a L/C Advance from such Lender in satisfaction of its participation obligation under this Section 2.03.

 

60


(iv) Until each Revolving Credit Lender funds its Revolving Credit Loan or L/C Advance pursuant to this Section 2.03(c) to reimburse the relevant L/C Issuer for any amount drawn under any Letter of Credit, interest in respect of such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of such amount shall be solely for the account of the relevant L/C Issuer.

(v) Each Revolving Credit Lender’s obligation to make Revolving Credit Loans or L/C Advances to reimburse an L/C Issuer for amounts drawn under Letters of Credit, as contemplated by this Section 2.03(c), shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance, including (A) any setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which such Lender may have against the relevant L/C Issuer, the Borrower or any other Person for any reason whatsoever; (B) the occurrence or continuance of a Default; or (C) any other occurrence, event or condition, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing; provided that each Revolving Credit Lender’s obligation to make Revolving Credit Loans pursuant to this Section 2.03(c) is subject to the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 (other than delivery by the Borrower of a Committed Loan Notice). No such making of an L/C Advance shall relieve or otherwise impair the obligation of the Borrower to reimburse the relevant L/C Issuer for the amount of any payment made by such L/C Issuer under any Letter of Credit, together with interest as provided herein.

(vi) If any Revolving Credit Lender fails to make available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the relevant L/C Issuer any amount required to be paid by such Lender pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.03(c) by the time specified in Section 2.03(c)(ii), such L/C Issuer shall be entitled to recover from such Lender (acting through the Administrative Agent), on demand, such amount with interest thereon for the period from the date such payment is required to the date on which such payment is immediately available to such L/C Issuer at a rate per annum equal to the applicable Overnight Rate from time to time in effect. A certificate of the relevant L/C Issuer submitted to any Revolving Credit Lender (through the Administrative Agent) with respect to any amounts owing under this Section 2.03(c)(vi) shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

(vii) If, at any time after an L/C Issuer has made a payment under any Letter of Credit and has received from any Revolving Credit Lender such Lender’s L/C Advance in respect of such payment in accordance with this Section 2.03(c), the Administrative Agent receives for the account of such L/C Issuer any payment in respect of the related Unreimbursed Amount or interest thereon (whether directly from the Borrower or otherwise, including proceeds of Cash Collateral applied thereto by the Administrative Agent), the Administrative Agent will distribute to such Lender its Pro Rata Share thereof (appropriately adjusted, in the case of interest payments, to reflect the period of time during which such Lender’s L/C Advance was outstanding) in the same funds as those received by the Administrative Agent.

(viii) If any payment received by the Administrative Agent for the account of an L/C Issuer pursuant to Section 2.03(c)(i) is required to be returned under any of the circumstances described in Section 10.06 (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by such L/C Issuer in its discretion), each Revolving Lender shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of such L/C Issuer its Pro Rata Share thereof on demand of the Administrative Agent, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such amount is returned by such Lender, at a rate per annum equal to the applicable Overnight Rate from time to time in effect.

 

61


(d) Obligations Absolute . The obligation of the Borrower to reimburse the relevant L/C Issuer for each drawing under each Letter of Credit issued by it and to repay each L/C Borrowing shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be paid strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under all circumstances, including the following:

(i) any lack of validity or enforceability of such Letter of Credit, this Agreement, or any other agreement or instrument relating thereto;

(ii) the existence of any claim, counterclaim, setoff, defense or other right that any Loan Party or Guarantor may have at any time against any beneficiary or any transferee of such Letter of Credit (or any Person for whom any such beneficiary or any such transferee may be acting), the relevant L/C Issuer or any other Person, whether in connection with this Agreement, the transactions contemplated hereby or by such Letter of Credit or any agreement or instrument relating thereto, or any unrelated transaction;

(iii) any draft, demand, certificate or other document presented under such 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; or any loss or delay in the transmission or otherwise of any document required in order to make a drawing under such Letter of Credit;

(iv) any payment by the relevant L/C Issuer under such Letter of Credit against presentation of a draft or certificate that does not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit; or any payment made by the relevant L/C Issuer under such Letter of Credit to any Person purporting to be a trustee in bankruptcy, debtor-in-possession, assignee for the benefit of creditors, liquidator, receiver or other representative of or successor to any beneficiary or any transferee of such Letter of Credit, including any arising in connection with any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law;

(v) any exchange, release or nonperfection of any Collateral, or any release or amendment or waiver of or consent to departure from the Guaranty or any other guarantee, for all or any of the Obligations any Loan Party or Guarantor in respect of such Letter of Credit; or

(vi) any other circumstance or happening whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing, including any other circumstance that might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, any Loan Party or Guarantor;

provided that the foregoing shall not excuse any L/C Issuer from liability to the Borrower to the extent of any direct damages (as opposed to consequential damages, claims in respect of which are waived by the Borrower to the extent permitted by applicable Law) suffered by the Borrower that are caused by such L/C Issuer’s gross negligence or willful misconduct when determining whether drafts and other documents presented under a Letter of Credit comply with the terms thereof.

 

62


(e) Role of L/C Issuers . Each Lender and the Borrower agree that, in paying any drawing under a Letter of Credit, the relevant L/C Issuer shall not have any responsibility to obtain any document (other than any sight draft, certificates and documents expressly required by the Letter of Credit) or to ascertain or inquire as to the validity or accuracy of any such document or the authority of the Person executing or delivering any such document. None of the L/C Issuers, any Agent-Related Person nor any of the respective correspondents, participants or assignees of any L/C Issuer shall be liable to any Lender for (i) any action taken or omitted in connection herewith at the request or with the approval of the Lenders or the Required Lenders, as applicable; (ii) any action taken or omitted in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct; or (iii) the due execution, effectiveness, validity or enforceability of any document or instrument related to any Letter of Credit or Letter of Credit Application. The Borrower hereby assumes all risks of the acts or omissions of any beneficiary or transferee with respect to its use of any Letter of Credit; provided that this assumption is not intended to, and shall not, preclude the Borrower’s pursuing such rights and remedies as it may have against the beneficiary or transferee at law or under any other agreement. None of the L/C Issuers, any Agent-Related Person, nor any of the respective correspondents, participants or assignees of any L/C Issuer, shall be liable or responsible for any of the matters described in clauses (i) through (iii) of this Section 2.03(e); provided that anything in such clauses to the contrary notwithstanding, the Borrower may have a claim against an L/C Issuer, and such L/C Issuer may be liable to the Borrower, to the extent, but only to the extent, of any direct, as opposed to consequential or exemplary, damages suffered by the Borrower which the Borrower proves were caused by such L/C Issuer’s willful misconduct or gross negligence or such L/C Issuer’s willful or grossly negligent failure to pay under any Letter of Credit after the presentation to it by the beneficiary of a sight draft and certificate(s) strictly complying with the terms and conditions of a Letter of Credit. In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, each L/C Issuer may accept documents that appear on their face to be in order, without responsibility for further investigation, regardless of any notice or information to the contrary, and no L/C Issuer shall be responsible for the validity or sufficiency of any instrument transferring or assigning or purporting to transfer or assign a Letter of Credit or the rights or benefits thereunder or proceeds thereof, in whole or in part, which may prove to be invalid or ineffective for any reason.

(f) Cash Collateral . (i) If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing and the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders, as applicable, require the Borrower to Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations pursuant to Section 8.02(c) or (ii) an Event of Default set forth under Section 8.01(f) or (g) occurs and is continuing, then the Borrower shall Cash Collateralize then Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations (in an amount equal to such Outstanding Amount determined as of the date of such Event of Default), and shall do so not later than 2:00 p.m., New York City time, on (x) in the case of the immediately preceding clause (i), (1) the Business Day that the Borrower receives notice thereof, if such notice is received on such day prior to 12:00 Noon, New York City time, or (2) if clause (1) above does not apply, the Business Day immediately following the day that the Borrower receives such notice and (y) in the case of the immediately preceding clause (ii), the Business Day on which an Event of Default set forth under Section 8.01(f) or (g) occurs or, if such day is not a Business Day, the Business Day immediately succeeding such day. For purposes hereof, “ Cash Collateralize ” means to pledge and deposit with or deliver to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the relevant L/C Issuer and the Revolving Credit Lenders, as collateral for the L/C Obligations, cash or deposit account balances (“ Cash Collateral ”) pursuant to documentation in form and substance reasonably

 

63


satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the relevant L/C Issuer (which documents are hereby consented to by the Revolving Credit Lenders). Derivatives of such term have corresponding meanings. The Borrower hereby grants to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the L/C Issuers and the Revolving Lenders, a security interest in all such cash, deposit accounts and all balances therein and all proceeds of the foregoing. Cash Collateral shall be maintained in blocked accounts at Administrative Agent (or another Lender to be agreed upon by the Borrower and the Administrative Agent) and may be invested in readily available Cash Equivalents. If at any time the Administrative Agent determines that any funds held as Cash Collateral are subject to any right or claim of any Person other than the Administrative Agent (on behalf of the Secured Parties) or that the total amount of such funds is less than the aggregate Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations, the Borrower will, forthwith upon demand by the Administrative Agent, pay to the Administrative Agent, as additional funds to be deposited and held in the deposit accounts at Administrative Agent (or such other Lender) as aforesaid, an amount equal to the excess of (a) such aggregate Outstanding Amount over (b) the total amount of funds, if any, then held as Cash Collateral that the Administrative Agent reasonably determines to be free and clear of any such right and claim. Upon the drawing of any Letter of Credit for which funds are on deposit as Cash Collateral, such funds shall be applied, to the extent permitted under applicable Law, to reimburse the relevant L/C Issuer. To the extent the amount of any Cash Collateral exceeds then Outstanding Amount of such L/C Obligations and so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the excess shall be refunded to the Borrower. If such Event of Default is cured or waived and no other Event of Default is then occurring and continuing, the amount of any Cash Collateral shall be refunded to the Borrower.

(g) Letter of Credit Fees .

The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Revolving Credit Lender in accordance with its Pro Rata Share a Letter of Credit fee for each Letter of Credit issued pursuant to this Agreement equal to the Applicable Rate times the daily maximum amount then available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit (whether or not such maximum amount is then in effect under such Letter of Credit if such maximum amount increases periodically pursuant to the terms of such Letter of Credit). Such letter of credit fees shall be computed on a quarterly basis in arrears. Such letter of credit fees shall be due and payable in Dollars on the first Business Day after the end of each March, June, September and December, commencing with the first such date to occur after the issuance of such Letter of Credit, on the Letter of Credit Expiration Date relating to Letters of Credit and thereafter on demand. If there is any change in the Applicable Rate during any quarter, the daily maximum amount of each Letter of Credit shall be computed and multiplied by the Applicable Rate separately for each period during such quarter that such Applicable Rate was in effect.

(h) Fronting Fee and Documentary and Processing Charges Payable to L/C Issuers . The Borrower shall pay directly to each L/C Issuer for its own account a fronting fee with respect to each Letter of Credit issued by it equal to 0.125% per annum of the daily maximum amount then available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit (whether or not such maximum amount is then in effect under such Letter of Credit if such maximum amount increases periodically pursuant to the terms of such Letter of Credit). Such fronting fees shall be computed on a quarterly basis in arrears. Such fronting fees shall be due and payable on the first Business Day after the end of each March, June, September and December, commencing with

 

64


the first such date to occur after the issuance of such Letter of Credit, on the Letter of Credit Expiration Date and thereafter on demand. In addition, the Borrower shall pay directly to each L/C Issuer for its own account the customary issuance, presentation, amendment and other processing fees, and other standard costs and charges, of such L/C Issuer relating to letters of credit as from time to time in effect. Such customary fees and standard costs and charges are due and payable within ten (10) Business Days of demand and are nonrefundable.

(i) Conflict with Letter of Credit Application . Notwithstanding anything else to the contrary in any Letter of Credit Application, in the event of any conflict between the terms hereof and the terms of any Letter of Credit Application, the terms hereof shall control.

(j) Addition of an L/C Issuer .

Any Revolving Credit Lender and any Affiliate thereof may become an additional L/C Issuer hereunder pursuant to a written agreement among the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and each such Revolving Credit Lender or Affiliate.

SECTION 2.04. Swing Line Loans .

(a) The Swing Line . Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Swing Line Lender agrees to make loans in Dollars (each such loan, a “ Swing Line Loan ”) to the Borrower from time to time on any Business Day (other than the Closing Date) until the Maturity Date in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any time outstanding the amount of the Swing Line Sublimit, notwithstanding the fact that such Swing Line Loans, when aggregated with the Pro Rata Share of the Outstanding Amount of Revolving Credit Loans and L/C Obligations of the Lender acting as Swing Line Lender, may exceed the amount of such Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment; provided that, after giving effect to any Swing Line Loan, the aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Revolving Credit Loans of any Lender, plus such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations, plus such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the Outstanding Amount of all Swing Line Loans shall not exceed such Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment then in effect; provided further that, the Borrower shall not use the proceeds of any Swing Line Loan to refinance any outstanding Swing Line Loan. Within the foregoing limits, and subject to the other terms and conditions hereof, the Borrower may borrow under this Section 2.04, prepay under Section 2.05, and reborrow under this Section 2.04. Each Swing Line Loan shall be a Base Rate Loan. Swing Line Loans shall only be denominated in Dollars. Immediately upon the making of a Swing Line Loan, each Revolving Credit Lender shall be deemed to, and hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to, purchase from the Swing Line Lender a risk participation in such Swing Line Loan in an amount equal to the product of such Lender’s Pro Rata Share times the amount of such Swing Line Loan.

(b) Borrowing Procedures . Each Swing Line Borrowing shall be made upon the Borrower’s irrevocable notice to the Swing Line Lender and the Administrative Agent, which may be given by telephone. Each such notice must be received by the Swing Line Lender and the Administrative Agent not later than 1:00 p.m. on the requested borrowing date, and shall specify (i) the amount to be borrowed, which shall be a minimum of $100,000 (and any amount in excess of $100,000 shall be an integral multiple of $25,000), and (ii) the requested borrowing date, which shall be a Business Day. Each such telephonic notice must be confirmed promptly

 

65


by delivery to the Swing Line Lender and the Administrative Agent of a written Swing Line Loan Notice, appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower. Promptly after receipt by the Swing Line Lender of any telephonic Swing Line Loan Notice, the Swing Line Lender will confirm with the Administrative Agent (by telephone or in writing) that the Administrative Agent has also received such Swing Line Loan Notice and, if not, the Swing Line Lender will notify the Administrative Agent (in writing) of the contents thereof. Unless the Swing Line Lender has received notice (in writing) from the Administrative Agent (including at the request of any Revolving Credit Lender) prior to 2:00 p.m. on the date of the proposed Swing Line Borrowing (A) directing the Swing Line Lender not to make such Swing Line Loan as a result of the limitations set forth in the first proviso to the first sentence of Section 2.04(a), or (B) that one or more of the applicable conditions specified in Section 4.02 is not then satisfied, then, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Swing Line Lender will, not later than 3:00 p.m. on the borrowing date specified in such Swing Line Loan Notice, make the amount of its Swing Line Loan available to the Borrower.

(c) Refinancing of Swing Line Loans .

(i) The Swing Line Lender at any time in its sole and absolute discretion may request, on behalf of the Borrower (which hereby irrevocably authorizes the Swing Line Lender to so request on its behalf), that each Revolving Credit Lender make a Base Rate Loan in an amount equal to such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the amount of Swing Line Loans then outstanding. Such request shall be made in writing (which written request shall be deemed to be a Committed Loan Notice for purposes hereof) and in accordance with the requirements of Section 2.02, without regard to the minimum and multiples specified therein for the principal amount of Base Rate Loans, but subject to the unutilized portion of the aggregate Revolving Credit Commitments and the conditions set forth in Section 4.02. The Swing Line Lender shall furnish the Borrower with a copy of the applicable Committed Loan Notice promptly after delivering such notice to the Administrative Agent. Each Revolving Credit Lender shall make an amount equal to its Pro Rata Share of the amount specified in such Committed Loan Notice available to the Administrative Agent in Same Day Funds for the account of the Swing Line Lender at the Administrative Agent’s Office not later than 1:00 p.m. on the day specified in such Committed Loan Notice, whereupon, subject to Section 2.04(c)(ii), each Revolving Credit Lender that so makes funds available shall be deemed to have made a Base Rate Loan to the Borrower in such amount. The Administrative Agent shall remit the funds so received to the Swing Line Lender.

(ii) If for any reason any Swing Line Loan cannot be refinanced by such a Revolving Credit Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.04(c)(i), the request for Base Rate Loans submitted by the Swing Line Lender as set forth herein shall be deemed to be a request by the Swing Line Lender that each of the Revolving Credit Lenders fund its risk participation in the relevant Swing Line Loan and each Revolving Credit Lender’s payment to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Swing Line Lender pursuant to Section 2.04(c)(i) shall be deemed payment in respect of such participation.

(iii) If any Revolving Credit Lender fails to make available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Swing Line Lender any amount required to be paid by such Lender pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.04(c) by the time specified

 

66


in Section 2.04(c)(i), the Swing Line Lender shall be entitled to recover from such Lender (acting through the Administrative Agent), on demand, such amount with interest thereon for the period from the date such payment is required to the date on which such payment is immediately available to the Swing Line Lender at a rate per annum equal to the applicable Overnight Rate from time to time in effect. A certificate of the Swing Line Lender submitted to any Lender (through the Administrative Agent) with respect to any amounts owing under this clause (iii) shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

(iv) Each Revolving Credit Lender’s obligation to make Revolving Credit Loans or to purchase and fund risk participations in Swing Line Loans pursuant to this Section 2.04(c) shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance, including (A) any setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which such Lender may have against the Swing Line Lender, the Borrower or any other Person for any reason whatsoever, (B) the occurrence or continuance of a Default, or (C) any other occurrence, event or condition, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing; provided that each Revolving Credit Lender’s obligation to make Revolving Credit Loans pursuant to this Section 2.04(c) is subject to the conditions set forth in Section 4.02. No such funding of risk participations shall relieve or otherwise impair the obligation of the Borrower to repay Swing Line Loans, together with interest as provided herein.

(d) Repayment of Participations .

(i) At any time after any Revolving Credit Lender has purchased and funded a risk participation in a Swing Line Loan, if the Swing Line Lender receives any payment on account of such Swing Line Loan, the Swing Line Lender will distribute to such Lender its Pro Rata Share of such payment (appropriately adjusted, in the case of interest payments, to reflect the period of time during which such Lender’s risk participation was funded) in the same funds as those received by the Swing Line Lender.

(ii) If any payment received by the Swing Line Lender in respect of principal or interest on any Swing Line Loan is required to be returned by the Swing Line Lender under any of the circumstances described in Section 10.06 (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the Swing Line Lender in its discretion), each Revolving Credit Lender shall pay to the Swing Line Lender its Pro Rata Share thereof on demand of the Administrative Agent, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such amount is returned, at a rate per annum equal to the applicable Overnight Rate. The Administrative Agent will make such demand upon the request of the Swing Line Lender.

(e) Interest for Account of Swing Line Lender . The Swing Line Lender shall be responsible for invoicing the Borrower for interest on the Swing Line Loans. Until each Revolving Credit Lender funds its Base Rate Loan or risk participation pursuant to this Section 2.04 to refinance such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of any Swing Line Loan, interest in respect of such Pro Rata Share shall be solely for the account of the Swing Line Lender.

(f) Payments Directly to Swing Line Lender . The Borrower shall make all payments of principal and interest in respect of the Swing Line Loans directly to the Swing Line Lender.

 

67


SECTION 2.05. Prepayments .

(a) Optional .

(i) The Borrower may, upon notice to the Administrative Agent, at any time or from time to time voluntarily prepay Term Loans and Revolving Credit Loans in whole or in part without premium or penalty; provided that (1) such notice must be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 12:00 p.m. (New York, New York time) (A) two (2) Business Days prior to any date of prepayment of Eurocurrency Rate Loans and (B) on the date of prepayment of Base Rate Loans; (2) any prepayment of Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall be in a principal amount of (x) $2,500,000 or a whole multiple of $500,000 in excess thereof in the case of Term Loans; and (3) any prepayment of Base Rate Loans shall be in a principal amount of $500,000 or a whole multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof or, in each case, if less, the entire principal amount thereof then outstanding. Each such notice shall specify the date and amount of such prepayment and the Class(es) and Type(s) of Loans to be prepaid. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify each Appropriate Lender of its receipt of each such notice, and of the amount of such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of such prepayment. If such notice is given by a the Borrower, the Borrower shall make such prepayment and the payment amount specified in such notice shall be due and payable on the date specified therein. Any prepayment of a Eurocurrency Rate Loan shall be accompanied by all accrued interest thereon, together with any additional amounts required pursuant to Section 3.05. Each prepayment of the Loans pursuant to this Section 2.05(a) shall be paid to the Appropriate Lenders in accordance with their respective Pro Rata Shares.

(ii) The Borrower may, upon notice to the Swing Line Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), at any time or from time to time, voluntarily prepay Swing Line Loans in whole or in part without premium or penalty; provided that (1) such notice must be received by the Swing Line Lender and the Administrative Agent not later than 1:00 p.m. on the date of the prepayment, and (2) any such prepayment shall be in a minimum principal amount of $100,000 or a whole multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof or, if less, the entire principal amount thereof then outstanding. Each such notice shall specify the date and amount of such prepayment. If such notice is given by the Borrower, the Borrower shall make such prepayment and the payment amount specified in such notice shall be due and payable on the date specified therein. All Swing Line Loans shall be denominated in Dollars only.

(iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the Borrower may rescind any notice of prepayment under Section 2.05(a)(i) or 2.05(a)(ii) if such prepayment would have resulted from a refinancing of all of the Facilities, which refinancing shall not be consummated or shall otherwise be delayed.

(b) Mandatory .

(i) Within five (5) Business Days after financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 6.01(a) and the related Compliance Certificate has been delivered pursuant to Section 6.02(a), the Borrower shall cause to be prepaid an aggregate amount of Term Loans equal to (A) 50% (such percentage as it may be reduced as described below, the “ ECF Percentage ”) of Excess Cash Flow, if any, for the fiscal year covered by such financial

 

68


statements (commencing with the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008) minus (B) the sum of (i) all voluntary prepayments of Term Loans during such fiscal year and (ii) all voluntary prepayments of Revolving Credit Loans during such fiscal year to the extent the Revolving Credit Commitments are permanently reduced by the amount of such payments, in the case of each of the immediately preceding clauses (i) and (ii), to the extent such prepayments are not funded with the proceeds of Indebtedness; provided that (x) the ECF Percentage shall be 25% if the Total Leverage Ratio for the fiscal year covered by such financial statements was less than 5.50 to 1.00 and greater than or equal to 4.50 to 1.00 and (y) the ECF Percentage shall be 0% if the Total Leverage Ratio for the fiscal year covered by such financial statements was less than 4.50 to 1.00.

(ii) (A) If (x) the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary Disposes of any property or assets (other than any Disposition of any property or assets permitted by Section 7.05(a), (b), (c), (d) (to the extent constituting a Disposition to a Loan Party), (e), (f)(A), (g), (h), (k), (m), (n), (o) or (p)) or (y) any Casualty Event occurs, which in the aggregate results in the realization or receipt by the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary of Net Cash Proceeds, the Borrower shall cause to be prepaid on or prior to the date which is ten (10) Business Days after the date of the realization or receipt of such Net Cash Proceeds an aggregate amount of Term Loans equal to 100% of all such Net Cash Proceeds realized or received; provided that no such prepayment shall be required pursuant to this Section 2.05(b)(ii)(A) with respect to such portion of such Net Cash Proceeds that the Borrower shall have, on or prior to such date, given written notice to the Administrative Agent of its intent to reinvest in accordance with Section 2.05(b)(ii)(B) (which notice may only be provided if no Event of Default has occurred and is then continuing), and no such prepayment shall be required under this Section 2.05(b)(ii)(A) if no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing and the Senior Secured Leverage Ratio is less than 3.25 to 1.00;

(B) With respect to any Net Cash Proceeds realized or received with respect to any Disposition (other than any Disposition specifically excluded from the application of Section 2.05(b)(ii)(A)) or any Casualty Event, at the option of the Borrower, the Borrower may reinvest all or any portion of such Net Cash Proceeds in assets useful for its business within (x) fifteen (15) months following receipt of such Net Cash Proceeds or (y) if the Borrower enters into a legally binding commitment to reinvest such Net Cash Proceeds within fifteen (15) months following receipt thereof, within the later of (1) fifteen (15) months following receipt thereof or (2) one hundred and eighty (180) days of the date of such legally binding commitment; provided that (i) so long as an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Borrower shall not be permitted to make any such reinvestments (other than pursuant to a legally binding commitment that the Borrower entered into at a time when no Event of Default is continuing) and (ii) if any Net Cash Proceeds are no longer intended to be or cannot be so reinvested at any time after delivery of a notice of reinvestment election, an amount equal to any such Net Cash Proceeds shall be applied within five (5) Business Days after the Borrower reasonably determines that such Net Cash Proceeds are no longer intended to be or cannot be so reinvested to the prepayment of the Term Loans as set forth in this Section 2.05.

(iii) If the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary incurs or issues any Indebtedness not expressly permitted to be incurred or issued pursuant to Section 7.03, the Borrower shall cause to be prepaid an aggregate amount of Term Loans equal to 100% of all Net Cash Proceeds received therefrom on or prior to the date which is five (5) Business Days after the receipt of such Net Cash Proceeds.

 

69


(iv) If for any reason the aggregate Revolving Credit Exposures at any time exceeds the aggregate Revolving Credit Commitments then in effect, the Borrower shall promptly prepay or cause to be promptly prepaid Revolving Credit Loans and Swing Line Loans and/or Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations in an aggregate amount equal to such excess; provided that the Borrower shall not be required to Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations pursuant to this Section 2.05(b)(iv) unless after the prepayment in full of the Revolving Credit Loans and Swing Line Loans such aggregate Outstanding Amount exceeds the aggregate Revolving Credit Commitments then in effect.

(v) (X) Each prepayment of Term Loans pursuant to this Section 2.05(b) shall be applied in direct order of maturity to repayments thereof required pursuant to Section 2.07(a); and (Y) each such prepayment shall be paid to the Lenders in accordance with their respective Pro Rata Shares subject to clause (vi) of this Section 2.05(b).

(vi) The Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent in writing of any mandatory prepayment of Term Loans required to be made pursuant to clauses (i) through (iii) of this Section 2.05(b) at least three (3) Business Days prior to the date of such prepayment. Each such notice shall specify the date of such prepayment and provide a reasonably detailed calculation of the amount of such prepayment. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify each Appropriate Lender of the contents of the Borrower’s prepayment notice and of such Appropriate Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the prepayment. Each Appropriate Lender may reject all or a portion of its Pro Rata Share of any mandatory prepayment (such declined amounts, the “ Declined Proceeds ”) of Term Loans required to be made pursuant to clauses (i) through (iii) of this Section 2.05(b) by providing written notice (each, a “ Rejection Notice ”) to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower no later than 5:00 p.m. (New York time) one Business Day after the date of such Lender’s receipt of notice from the Administrative Agent regarding such prepayment. Each Rejection Notice from a given Lender shall specify the principal amount of the mandatory prepayment of Term Loans to be rejected by such Lender. If a Lender fails to deliver a Rejection Notice to the Administrative Agent within the time frame specified above or such Rejection Notice fails to specify the principal amount of the Term Loans to be rejected, any such failure will be deemed an acceptance of the total amount of such mandatory repayment of Term Loans. Any Declined Proceeds shall be retained by the Borrower (“ Retained Declined Proceeds ”).

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Section 2.05(b), (i) to the extent that any of or all the Net Cash Proceeds of any Disposition by a Foreign Subsidiary giving rise to a prepayment event pursuant to Section 2.05(b)(ii) (a “ Foreign Disposition ”), the Net Cash Proceeds of any Casualty Event from a Foreign Subsidiary (a “ Foreign Casualty Event ”), or Excess Cash Flow are prohibited or delayed by applicable local law from being repatriated to the United States, the portion of such Net Cash Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow so affected will not be required to be applied to repay Term Loans at the times provided in this Section 2.05(b) but may be retained by the applicable Foreign Subsidiary so long, but only so long, as the applicable local law will not permit repatriation to the United States (the Borrower hereby agreeing to cause the applicable Foreign Subsidiary to promptly take all actions reasonably required by the applicable

 

70


local law to permit such repatriation), and once such repatriation of any of such affected Net Cash Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow is permitted under the applicable local law, such repatriation will be immediately effected and such repatriated Net Cash Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow will be promptly (and in any event not later than two Business Days after such repatriation) applied (net of additional taxes payable or reserved against as a result thereof) to the repayment of the Term Loans pursuant to this Section 2.05(b) to the extent provided herein and (ii) to the extent that the Borrower has determined in good faith that repatriation of any of or all the Net Cash Proceeds of any Foreign Disposition, any Foreign Casualty Event or Excess Cash Flow would have a material adverse tax cost consequence with respect to such Net Cash Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow, the Net Cash Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow so affected may be retained by the applicable Foreign Subsidiary, provided that, in the case of this clause (ii), on or before the date on which any Net Cash Proceeds so retained would otherwise have been required to be applied to reinvestments or prepayments pursuant to this Section 2.05(b) (or such Excess Cash Flow would have been so required if it were Net Cash Proceeds), (x) the Borrower applies an amount equal to such Net Cash Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow to such reinvestments or prepayments as if such Net Cash Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow had been received by the Borrower rather than such Foreign Subsidiary, less the amount of additional taxes that would have been payable or reserved against if such Net Cash Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow had been repatriated (or, if less, the Net Cash Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow that would be calculated if received by such Foreign Subsidiary) or (y) such Net Cash Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow are applied to the repayment of Indebtedness of a Foreign Subsidiary.

(c) Interest, Funding Losses, Etc . All prepayments under this Section 2.05 shall be accompanied by all accrued interest thereon, together with, in the case of any such prepayment of a Eurocurrency Rate Loan on a date other than the last day of an Interest Period therefor, any amounts owing in respect of such Eurocurrency Rate Loan pursuant to Section 3.05.

Notwithstanding any of the other provisions of Section 2.05, so long as no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, if any prepayment of Eurocurrency Rate Loans is required to be made under this Section 2.05, prior to the last day of the Interest Period therefor and less than three months are remaining in such Interest Period, in lieu of making any payment pursuant to this Section 2.05 in respect of any such Eurocurrency Rate Loan prior to the last day of the Interest Period therefor, the Borrower may, in its sole discretion, deposit the amount of any such prepayment otherwise required to be made thereunder into a Cash Collateral Account until the last day of such Interest Period, at which time the Administrative Agent shall be authorized (without any further action by or notice to or from the Borrower or any other Loan Party) to apply such amount to the prepayment of such Loans in accordance with this Section 2.05. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, the Administrative Agent shall also be authorized (without any further action by or notice to or from the Borrower or any other Loan Party) to apply such amount to the prepayment of the outstanding Loans in accordance with the relevant provisions of this Section 2.05.

SECTION 2.06. Termination or Reduction of Commitments .

(a) Optional . The Borrower may, upon written notice to the Administrative Agent, terminate the unused Commitments of any Class, or from time to time permanently

 

71


reduce the unused Commitments of any Class; provided that (i) any such notice shall be received by the Administrative Agent three (3) Business Days prior to the date of termination or reduction, (ii) any such partial reduction shall be in an aggregate amount of $500,000 or any whole multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof and (iii) if, after giving effect to any reduction of the Commitments, the Letter of Credit Sublimit or the Swing Line Sublimit exceeds the aggregate amount of the Revolving Credit Facility, such sublimit shall be automatically reduced by the amount of such excess. The amount of any such Commitment reduction shall not be applied to the Letter of Credit Sublimit or the Swing Line Sublimit unless otherwise specified by the Borrower. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower may rescind or postpone any notice of termination of the Commitments if such termination would have resulted from a refinancing of all of the Facilities, which refinancing shall not be consummated or otherwise shall be delayed.

(b) Mandatory . The Term Commitment of each Term Lender shall be automatically and permanently reduced to $0 upon the making of such Term Lender’s Term Loans pursuant to Section 2.01(a). The Revolving Credit Commitments shall terminate on the applicable Maturity Date for each such Facility.

(c) Application of Commitment Reductions; Payment of Fees . The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Lenders of any termination or reduction of unused portions of the Letter of Credit Sublimit, or the Swing Line Sublimit or the unused Commitments of any Class under this Section 2.06. Upon any reduction of unused Commitments of any Class, the Commitment of each Lender of such Class shall be reduced by such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the amount by which such Commitments are reduced (other than the termination of the Commitment of any Lender as provided in Section 3.07). All commitment fees accrued until the effective date of any termination of the Revolving Credit Commitments shall be paid on the effective date of such termination.

SECTION 2.07. Repayment of Loans .

(a) Term Loans . The Borrower shall repay to the Administrative Agent for the ratable account of the Term Lenders (i) on the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December, commencing with the last Business Day of September 2007, an aggregate amount equal to 0.25% of the aggregate amount of all Term Loans outstanding on the Closing Date (which payments shall be reduced as a result of the application of prepayments in accordance with the order of priority set forth in Section 2.05) and (ii) on the Maturity Date for the Term Loans, the aggregate principal amount of all Term Loans outstanding on such date.

(b) Revolving Credit Loans . The Borrower shall repay to the Administrative Agent for the ratable account of the Appropriate Lenders on the Maturity Date for the Revolving Credit Facility the aggregate principal amount of all of its Revolving Credit Loans outstanding on such date.

(c) Swing Line Loans . The Borrower shall repay its Swing Line Loans on the earlier to occur of (i) the date five (5) Business Days after such Loan is made and (ii) the Maturity Date for the Revolving Credit Facility.

 

72


(d) For the avoidance of doubt, all Loans shall be repaid, whether pursuant to this Section 2.07 or otherwise, in the currency in which they were made.

SECTION 2.08. Interest .

(a) Subject to the provisions of Section 2.08(b), (i) each Eurocurrency Rate Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof for each Interest Period at a rate per annum equal to the Eurocurrency Rate for such Interest Period plus the Applicable Rate; (ii) each Base Rate Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof from the applicable borrowing date at a rate per annum equal to the Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate and (iii) each Swing Line Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof from the applicable borrowing date at a rate per annum equal to the Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate for Revolving Credit Loans.

(b) The Borrower shall pay interest on past due amounts hereunder at a fluctuating interest rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws. Accrued and unpaid interest on past due amounts (including interest on past due interest) shall be due and payable upon demand.

(c) Interest on each Loan shall be due and payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date applicable thereto and at such other times as may be specified herein. Interest hereunder shall be due and payable in accordance with the terms hereof before and after judgment, and before and after the commencement of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law.

(d) Interest on each Loan shall be payable in the currency in which each Loan was made.

SECTION 2.09. Fees . In addition to certain fees described in Sections 2.03(g) and (h):

(a) Commitment Fee . The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Revolving Credit Lender in accordance with its Pro Rata Share, a commitment fee equal to the Applicable Rate with respect to commitment fees times the actual daily amount by which the aggregate Revolving Credit Commitment exceeds the sum of (A) the Outstanding Amount of Revolving Credit Loans and (B) the Outstanding Amount of L/C Obligations; provided that any commitment fee accrued with respect to any of the Revolving Commitments of a Defaulting Lender during the period prior to the time such Lender became a Defaulting Lender and unpaid at such time shall not be payable by the Borrower so long as such Lender shall be a Defaulting Lender except to the extent that such commitment fee shall otherwise have been due and payable by the Borrower prior to such time; and provided further that no commitment fee shall accrue on any of the Revolving Credit Commitments of a Defaulting Lender so long as such Lender shall be a Defaulting Lender. The commitment fees shall accrue at all times from the Closing Date until the Maturity Date for the Revolving Credit Facility, including at any time during which one or more of the conditions in Article IV is not met, and shall be due and payable quarterly in arrears on the last Business Day of each March, June, September

 

73


and December, commencing with the first such date to occur after the Closing Date, and on the Maturity Date for the Revolving Credit Facility. The commitment fee shall be calculated quarterly in arrears, and if there is any change in the Applicable Rate during any quarter, the actual daily amount shall be computed and multiplied by the Applicable Rate separately for each period during such quarter that such Applicable Rate was in effect.

(b) Other Fees . The Borrower shall pay to the Agents such fees as shall have been separately agreed upon in writing in the amounts and at the times so specified. Such fees shall be fully earned when paid and shall not be refundable for any reason whatsoever (except as expressly agreed between the Borrower and the applicable Agent).

SECTION 2.10. Computation of Interest and Fees . All computations of interest for Base Rate Loans when the Base Rate is determined by the Prime Rate shall be made on the basis of a year of three hundred and sixty-five (365) days or three hundred and sixty-six (366) days, as the case may be, and actual days elapsed. All other computations of fees and interest shall be made on the basis of a three hundred and sixty (360) day year and actual days elapsed. Interest shall accrue on each Loan for the day on which the Loan is made, and shall not accrue on a Loan, or any portion thereof, for the day on which the Loan or such portion is paid; provided that any Loan that is repaid on the same day on which it is made shall, subject to Section 2.12(a), bear interest for one (1) day. Each determination by the Administrative Agent of an interest rate or fee hereunder shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.

SECTION 2.11. Evidence of Indebtedness .

(a) The Credit Extensions made by each Lender shall be evidenced by one or more accounts or records maintained by such Lender and evidenced by one or more entries in the Register maintained by the Administrative Agent, acting solely for purposes of Treasury Regulation Section 5f.103-1(c), as agent for the Borrower, in each case in the ordinary course of business. The accounts or records maintained by the Administrative Agent and each Lender shall be prima facie evidence absent manifest error of the amount of the Credit Extensions made by the Lenders to the Borrower and the interest and payments thereon. Any failure to so record or any error in doing so shall not, however, limit or otherwise affect the obligation of the Borrower hereunder to pay any amount owing with respect to the Obligations. In the event of any conflict between the accounts and records maintained by any Lender and the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent in respect of such matters, the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent shall control in the absence of manifest error. Upon the request of any Lender made through the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall execute and deliver to such Lender (through the Administrative Agent) a Note payable to such Lender, which shall evidence such Lender’s Loans in addition to such accounts or records. Each Lender may attach schedules to its Note and endorse thereon the date, Type (if applicable), amount and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto.

(b) In addition to the accounts and records referred to in Section 2.11(a), each Lender and the Administrative Agent shall maintain in accordance with its usual practice accounts or records and, in the case of the Administrative Agent, entries in the Register, evidencing the purchases and sales by such Lender of participations in Letters of Credit and

 

74


Swing Line Loans. In the event of any conflict between the accounts and records maintained by the Administrative Agent and the accounts and records of any Lender in respect of such matters, the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent shall control in the absence of manifest error.

(c) Entries made in good faith by the Administrative Agent in the Register pursuant to Sections 2.11(a) and (b), and by each Lender in its account or accounts pursuant to Sections 2.11(a) and (b), shall be prima facie evidence of the amount of principal and interest due and payable or to become due and payable from the Borrower to, in the case of the Register, each Lender and, in the case of such account or accounts, such Lender, under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, absent manifest error; provided that the failure of the Administrative Agent or such Lender to make an entry, or any finding that an entry is incorrect, in the Register or such account or accounts shall not limit or otherwise affect the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

SECTION 2.12. Payments Generally .

(a) All payments to be made by the Borrower shall be made without condition or deduction for any counterclaim, defense, recoupment or setoff. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all payments by the Borrowers hereunder shall be made to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the respective Lenders to which such payment is owed, at the applicable Administrative Agent’s Office in Dollars and in Same Day Funds not later than 2:00 p.m. on the date specified herein. The Administrative Agent will promptly distribute to each Lender its Pro Rata Share (or other applicable share as provided herein) of such payment in like funds as received by wire transfer to such Lender’s Lending Office. All payments received by the Administrative Agent after 2:00 p.m. shall be deemed received on the next succeeding Business Day and any applicable interest or fee shall continue to accrue.

(b) If any payment to be made by the Borrower shall come due on a day other than a Business Day, payment shall be made on the next following Business Day, and such extension of time shall be reflected in computing interest or fees, as the case may be; provided that, if such extension would cause payment of interest on or principal of Eurocurrency Rate Loans to be made in the next succeeding calendar month, such payment shall be made on the immediately preceding Business Day.

(c) Unless the Borrower or any Lender has notified the Administrative Agent, prior to the date any payment is required to be made by it to the Administrative Agent hereunder, that the Borrower or such Lender, as the case may be, will not make such payment, the Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrower or such Lender, as the case may be, has timely made such payment and may (but shall not be so required to), in reliance thereon, make available a corresponding amount to the Person entitled thereto. If and to the extent that such payment was not in fact made to the Administrative Agent in Same Day Funds, then:

(i) if the Borrower failed to make such payment, each Lender shall forthwith on demand repay to the Administrative Agent the portion of such assumed payment that was made available to such Lender in Same Day Funds, together with interest thereon in respect of each day from and including the date such amount was made available by the

 

75


Administrative Agent to such Lender to the date such amount is repaid to the Administrative Agent in Same Day Funds at the applicable Overnight Rate from time to time in effect; and

(ii) if any Lender failed to make such payment, such Lender shall forthwith on demand pay to the Administrative Agent the amount thereof in Same Day Funds, together with interest thereon for the period from the date such amount was made available by the Administrative Agent to the Borrower to the date such amount is recovered by the Administrative Agent (the “ Compensation Period ”) at a rate per annum equal to the applicable Overnight Rate from time to time in effect. When such Lender makes payment to the Administrative Agent (together with all accrued interest thereon), then such payment amount (excluding the amount of any interest which may have accrued and been paid in respect of such late payment) shall constitute such Lender’s Loan included in the applicable Borrowing. If such Lender does not pay such amount forthwith upon the Administrative Agent’s demand therefor, the Administrative Agent may make a demand therefor upon the Borrower, and the Borrower shall pay such amount to the Administrative Agent, together with interest thereon for the Compensation Period at a rate per annum equal to the rate of interest applicable to the applicable Borrowing. Nothing herein shall be deemed to relieve any Lender from its obligation to fulfill its Commitment or to prejudice any rights which the Administrative Agent or the Borrower may have against any Lender as a result of any default by such Lender hereunder.

A notice of the Administrative Agent to any Lender or the Borrower with respect to any amount owing under this Section 2.12(c) shall be conclusive, absent manifest error.

(d) If any Lender makes available to the Administrative Agent funds for any Loan to be made by such Lender as provided in the foregoing provisions of this Article II, and such funds are not made available to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent because the conditions to the applicable Credit Extension set forth in Article IV are not satisfied or waived in accordance with the terms hereof, the Administrative Agent shall return such funds (in like funds as received from such Lender) to such Lender, without interest.

(e) The obligations of the Lenders hereunder to make Loans and to fund participations in Letters of Credit and Swing Line Loans are several and not joint. The failure of any Lender to make any Loan or to fund any such participation on any date required hereunder shall not relieve any other Lender of its corresponding obligation to do so on such date, and no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to so make its Loan or purchase its participation.

(f) Nothing herein shall be deemed to obligate any Lender to obtain the funds for any Loan in any particular place or manner or to constitute a representation by any Lender that it has obtained or will obtain the funds for any Loan in any particular place or manner.

(g) Whenever any payment received by the Administrative Agent under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents is insufficient to pay in full all amounts due and payable to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders under or in respect of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents on any date, such payment shall be distributed by the Administrative

 

76


Agent and applied by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders in the order of priority set forth in Section 8.04. If the Administrative Agent receives funds for application to the Obligations of the Loan Parties and Guarantors under or in respect of the Loan Documents under circumstances for which the Loan Documents do not specify the manner in which such funds are to be applied, the Administrative Agent may, but shall not be obligated to, elect to distribute such funds to each of the Lenders in accordance with such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the sum of (a) the Outstanding Amount of all Loans outstanding at such time and (b) the Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations outstanding at such time, in repayment or prepayment of such of the outstanding Loans or other Obligations then owing to such Lender.

SECTION 2.13. Sharing of Payments . If, other than as expressly provided elsewhere herein, any Lender shall obtain on account of the Loans made by it, or the participations in L/C Obligations and Swing Line Loans held by it, any payment (whether voluntary, involuntary, through the exercise of any right of setoff, or otherwise) in excess of its ratable share (or other share contemplated hereunder) thereof, such Lender shall immediately (a) notify the Administrative Agent of such fact, and (b) purchase from the other Lenders such participations in the Loans made by them and/or such subparticipations in the participations in L/C Obligations or Swing Line Loans held by them, as the case may be, as shall be necessary to cause such purchasing Lender to share the excess payment in respect of such Loans or such participations, as the case may be, pro rata with each of them; provided that if all or any portion of such excess payment is thereafter recovered from the purchasing Lender under any of the circumstances described in Section 10.06 (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the purchasing Lender in its discretion), such purchase shall to that extent be rescinded and each other Lender shall repay to the purchasing Lender the purchase price paid therefor, together with an amount equal to such paying Lender’s ratable share (according to the proportion of (i) the amount of such paying Lender’s required repayment to (ii) the total amount so recovered from the purchasing Lender) of any interest or other amount paid or payable by the purchasing Lender in respect of the total amount so recovered, without further interest thereon. The Borrower agrees that any Lender so purchasing a participation from another Lender may, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, exercise all its rights of payment (including the right of setoff, but subject to Section 10.09) with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were the direct creditor of the Borrower in the amount of such participation. The Administrative Agent will keep records (which shall be conclusive and binding in the absence of manifest error) of participations purchased under this Section 2.13 and will in each case notify the Lenders following any such purchases or repayments. Each Lender that purchases a participation pursuant to this Section 2.13 shall from and after such purchase have the right to give all notices, requests, demands, directions and other communications under this Agreement with respect to the portion of the Obligations purchased to the same extent as though the purchasing Lender were the original owner of the Obligations purchased.

SECTION 2.14. Incremental Credit Extensions .

(a) The Borrower may at any time or from time to time after the Closing Date, by notice to the Administrative Agent (whereupon the Administrative Agent shall promptly deliver a copy to each of the Lenders), request (a) one or more additional tranches of term loans (the “ Incremental Term Loans ”) or (b) one or more increases in the amount of the Revolving Credit Commitments (each such increase, a “ Revolving Commitment Increase ”), provided that

 

77


both at the time of any such request and upon the effectiveness of any Incremental Amendment referred to below, no Default or Event of Default shall exist and at the time that any such Incremental Term Loan is made (and after giving effect thereto) no Default or Event of Default shall exist. Each tranche of Incremental Term Loans and each Revolving Commitment Increase shall be in an aggregate principal amount that is not less than $25,000,000 ( provided that such amount may be less than $25,000,000 if such amount represents all remaining availability under the limit set forth in the next sentence). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the aggregate amount of the Incremental Term Loans and the Revolving Commitment Increases shall not exceed $200,000,000 (the “ Incremental Availability ”); provided , that the Borrower may incur additional Incremental Term Loans hereunder and effect additional Revolving Commitment Increases hereunder (the “ Incremental Acquisition Loans ”), so long as, after giving effect to the incurrence of such Incremental Term Loan or borrowing under such Revolving Commitment Increase, the Senior Secured Incurrence Test (on a Pro Forma Basis) would be satisfied (it being understood that Incremental Acquisition Loans may be effected by the Borrower whether or not there is any unused Incremental Availability (subject to satisfaction of the Senior Secured Incurrence Test (on a Pro Forma Basis)); provided , further , that the Incremental Availability shall be reduced on a dollar-for-dollar basis by the aggregate amount of all Indebtedness incurred pursuant to Section 7.03(v). The Incremental Term Loans (a) shall rank pari passu in right of payment and of security with the Revolving Credit Loans and the Term Loans, (b) shall not mature earlier than the Maturity Date with respect to the Term Loans, (c) shall be “Loans” hereunder and (d) shall be treated substantially the same as the Term Loans (in each case, including with respect to mandatory and voluntary prepayments), provided that (i) the terms and conditions applicable to Incremental Term Loans may be materially different from those of the Term Loans to the extent such differences are reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and (ii) the interest rates and amortization schedule applicable to the Incremental Term Loans shall be determined by the Borrower and the lenders thereof. Each notice from the Borrower pursuant to this Section shall set forth the requested amount and proposed terms of the relevant Incremental Term Loans or Revolving Commitment Increases. Incremental Term Loans may be made, and Revolving Commitment Increases may be provided, by any existing Lender or by any other bank or other financial institution (any such other bank or other financial institution being called an “ Additional Lender ”), provided that the Administrative Agent shall have consented (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld) to such Lender’s or Additional Lender’s making such Incremental Term Loans or providing such Revolving Commitment Increases if, in the case of an existing Lender, such consent would be required under Section 10.07(b) for an assignment of Loans or Revolving Credit Commitments, as applicable, to such Lender. Commitments in respect of Incremental Term Loans and Revolving Commitment Increases shall become Commitments (or in the case of a Revolving Commitment Increase to be provided by an existing Revolving Credit Lender, an increase in such Lender’s applicable Revolving Credit Commitment) under this Agreement pursuant to an amendment (an “ Incremental Amendment ”) to this Agreement and, as appropriate, the other Loan Documents, executed by Holdings, the Borrower, each Lender agreeing to provide such Commitment, if any, each Additional Lender, if any, and the Administrative Agent. The Incremental Amendment may, without the consent of any other Lenders, effect such amendments to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as may be necessary or appropriate, in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to effect the provisions of this Section. The effectiveness of (and, in the case of any Incremental Amendment for an Incremental

 

78


Term Loan, the borrowing under) any Incremental Amendment shall be subject to the satisfaction on the date thereof (each, an “ Incremental Facility Closing Date ”) of each of the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 (it being understood that all references to “the date of such Credit Extension” or similar language in such Section 4.02 shall be deemed to refer to the effective date of such Incremental Amendment) and such other conditions as the parties thereto shall agree. The Borrower will use the proceeds of the Incremental Term Loans and Revolving Commitment Increases for any purpose not prohibited by this Agreement. No Lender shall be obligated to provide any Incremental Term Loans or Revolving Commitment Increases, unless it so agrees. Upon each increase in the Revolving Credit Commitments pursuant to this Section, each Revolving Credit Lender immediately prior to such increase will automatically and without further act be deemed to have assigned to each Lender providing a portion of the Revolving Commitment Increase (each a “ Revolving Commitment Increase Lender ”) in respect of such increase, and each such Revolving Commitment Increase Lender will automatically and without further act be deemed to have assumed, a portion of such Revolving Credit Lender’s participations hereunder in outstanding Letters of Credit and Swing Line Loans such that, after giving effect to each such deemed assignment and assumption of participations, the percentage of the aggregate outstanding (i) participations hereunder in Letters of Credit and (ii) participations hereunder in Swing Line Loans held by each Revolving Credit Lender (including each such Revolving Commitment Increase Lender) will equal the percentage of the aggregate Revolving Credit Commitments of all Revolving Credit Lenders represented by such Revolving Credit Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment and (b) if, on the date of such increase, there are any Revolving Credit Loans outstanding, such Revolving Credit Loans shall on or prior to the effectiveness of such Revolving Commitment Increase be prepaid from the proceeds of additional Revolving Credit Loans made hereunder (reflecting such increase in Revolving Credit Commitments), which prepayment shall be accompanied by accrued interest on the Revolving Credit Loans being prepaid and any costs incurred by any Lender in accordance with Section 3.05. The Administrative Agent and the Lenders hereby agree that the minimum borrowing, pro rata borrowing and pro rata payment requirements contained elsewhere in this Agreement shall not apply to the transactions effected pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence.

(b) This Section 2.14 shall supersede any provisions in Section 2.13 or 10.01 to the contrary.

ARTICLE III

Taxes, Increased Costs Protection and Illegality

SECTION 3.01. Taxes .

(a) Except as provided in this Section 3.01, any and all payments by or on behalf of the Borrower (the term the Borrower under Article III being deemed to include any Subsidiary for whose account a Letter of Credit is issued) or any Guarantor to or for the account of any Agent or any Lender under any Loan Document shall be made free and clear of and without deduction for any and all present or future taxes, duties, levies, imposts, deductions, assessments, fees, withholdings or similar charges, and all liabilities (including additions to tax, penalties and interest) with respect thereto, excluding, in the case of each Agent and each

 

79


Lender, net income taxes (including branch profits taxes), and franchise (and similar) taxes imposed on it in lieu of net income taxes, by the jurisdiction (or any political subdivision thereof) under the Laws of which such Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, is organized or maintains a Lending Office, and all liabilities (including additions to tax, penalties and interest) with respect thereto (all such non-excluded taxes, duties, levies, imposts, deductions, assessments, fees, withholdings or similar charges, and liabilities being hereinafter referred to as “ Taxes ”). If any Taxes or Other Taxes are required by law to be deducted or withheld from or in respect of any sum payable under any Loan Document to any Agent or any Lender, (i) the sum payable by the Borrower or any Guarantor shall be increased as necessary so that after making all required deductions or withholdings (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 3.01), each of such Agent and such Lender receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions been made, (ii) the Borrower shall make or cause to be made such deductions, (iii) the Borrower shall pay or cause to be paid the full amount deducted to the relevant taxation authority or other authority in accordance with applicable Laws, and (iv) within thirty (30) days after the date of such payment (or, if receipts or evidence are not available within thirty (30) days, as soon as possible thereafter), the Borrower shall furnish or cause to be furnished to such Agent or Lender (as the case may be) the original or a facsimile copy of a receipt evidencing payment thereof to the extent such a receipt is issued therefor, or other written proof of payment thereof that is reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent. If the Borrower fails to remit to any Agent or any Lender the required receipts or other required documentary evidence (to the extent such information is reasonably available to the Borrower), the Borrower shall indemnify such Agent and such Lender for any incremental taxes, interest or penalties that may become payable by such Agent or such Lender arising out of such failure.

(b) In addition, the Borrower agrees to pay any and all present or future stamp, court or documentary taxes and any other excise, property, intangible or mortgage recording taxes or charges or similar levies which arise from any payment made under any Loan Document or from the execution, delivery, performance, enforcement or registration of, or otherwise with respect to, any Loan Document excluding, in each case, such amounts that result from an Assignment and Assumption, grant of a Participation, transfer or assignment to or designation of a new applicable Lending Office or other office for receiving payments under any Loan Document, except to the extent that any such change is requested or required in writing by the Borrower (all such non-excluded taxes described in this Section 3.01(b) being hereinafter referred to as “ Other Taxes ”).

(c) The Borrower agrees to indemnify each Agent and each Lender for (i) the full amount of Taxes and Other Taxes (including any Taxes or Other Taxes imposed or asserted by any jurisdiction on amounts payable and paid under this Section 3.01) payable by such Agent and such Lender and (ii) any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, in each case whether or not such Taxes or Other Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority; provided such Agent or Lender, as the case may be, provides the Borrower with a written statement thereof setting forth in reasonable detail the basis and calculation of such amounts. Payment under this Section 3.01(c) shall be made within ten (10) days after the date such Lender or such Agent makes a demand therefor.

 

80


(d) The Borrower shall not be required pursuant to this Section 3.01 to pay any additional amount to, or to indemnify, any Lender or Agent, as the case may be, to the extent that such Lender or such Agent becomes subject to Taxes subsequent to the Closing Date (or, if later, the date such Lender or Agent becomes a party to this Agreement) as a result of a change in the place of organization or place of doing business of such Lender or Agent or a change in the lending office of such Lender, except to the extent that any such change is requested or required in writing by the Borrower (and provided that nothing in this clause (d) shall be construed as relieving the Borrower from any obligation to make such payments or indemnification in the event of a change in lending office or place of organization that precedes a change in Law to the extent such Taxes result from a change in Law).

(e) Notwithstanding anything else herein to the contrary, if a Lender or an Agent is subject to U.S. federal withholding tax at a rate in excess of zero percent at the time such Lender or such Agent, as the case may be, first becomes a party to this Agreement, U.S. federal withholding tax (including additions to tax, penalties and interest imposed with respect to such U.S. federal withholding tax which is excluded from Taxes under this clause (e)) at such rate shall be considered excluded from Taxes unless such Lender or Agent, as the case may be, is subject to a lesser rate of withholding and provides the appropriate forms certifying that a lesser rate applies, whereupon U.S. federal withholding tax at such lesser rate only shall be considered excluded from Taxes for periods governed by such forms for which such lesser rate applies; provided that, if at the date of the Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to which a Lender becomes a party to this Agreement, the Lender’s assignor was entitled to payments under clause (a) of this Section 3.01 in respect of U.S. federal withholding tax with respect to interest paid at such date, then, to such extent, the term Taxes shall include the U.S. federal withholding tax, if any, applicable with respect to such Lender on such date.

(f) If any Lender or Agent determines, in its reasonable discretion, that it is entitled to receive a refund in respect of any Taxes or Other Taxes as to which indemnification or additional amounts have been paid to it by the Borrower pursuant to this Section 3.01, it shall use its reasonable best efforts to receive such refund and upon receipt of any such refund shall promptly remit such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made, or additional amounts paid, by the Borrower under this Section 3.01 with respect to the Taxes or Other Taxes giving rise to such refund plus any interest included in such refund by the relevant taxing authority attributable thereto) to the Borrower, net of all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses of the Lender or Agent, as the case may be and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant taxing authority with respect to such refund); provided that the Borrower, upon the request of the Lender or Agent, as the case may be, agrees promptly to return such refund to such party in the event such party is required to repay such refund to the relevant taxing authority. Such Lender or Agent, as the case may be, shall, at the Borrower’s request, provide the Borrower with a copy of any notice of assessment or other evidence of the requirement to repay such refund received from the relevant taxing authority ( provided that such Lender or Agent may delete any information therein that such Lender or Agent deems confidential). Nothing herein contained shall interfere with the right of a Lender or Agent to arrange its tax affairs in whatever manner it thinks fit nor oblige any Lender or Agent to make available its tax returns or disclose any information relating to its tax affairs or any computations in respect thereof or require any Lender or Agent to do anything that would prejudice its ability to benefit from any other refunds, credits, reliefs, remissions or repayments to which it may be entitled.

 

81


(g) Each Lender agrees that, upon the occurrence of any event giving rise to the operation of Section 3.01(a) or (c) with respect to such Lender it will, if requested by the Borrower, use commercially reasonable efforts (subject to legal and regulatory restrictions) to designate another Lending Office for any Loan or Letter of Credit affected by such event; provided that such efforts are made on terms that, in the sole judgment of such Lender, cause such Lender and its Lending Office(s) to suffer no material economic, legal or regulatory disadvantage, and provided further that nothing in this Section 3.01(g) shall affect or postpone any of the Obligations of the Borrower or the rights of such Lender pursuant to Section 3.01(a) or (c).

SECTION 3.02. Illegality . If any Lender determines that any Law has made it unlawful, or that any Governmental Authority has asserted that it is unlawful, for any Lender or its applicable Lending Office to make, maintain or fund Eurocurrency Rate Loans, or to determine or charge interest rates based upon the Eurocurrency Rate, then, on notice thereof by such Lender to the Borrower through the Administrative Agent, any obligation of such Lender to make or continue Eurocurrency Rate Loans or to convert Base Rate Loans to Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall be suspended until such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Borrower that the circumstances giving rise to such determination no longer exist. Upon receipt of such notice, the Borrower shall upon demand from such Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), prepay or, if applicable, convert all Eurocurrency Rate Loans of such Lender to Base Rate Loans, either on the last day of the Interest Period therefor, if such Lender may lawfully continue to maintain such Eurocurrency Rate Loans to such day, or promptly, if such Lender may not lawfully continue to maintain such Eurocurrency Rate Loans. Upon any such prepayment or conversion, the Borrower shall also pay accrued interest on the amount so prepaid or converted and all amounts due, if any, in connection with such prepayment or conversion under Section 3.05. Each Lender agrees to designate a different Lending Office if such designation will avoid the need for such notice and will not, in the good faith judgment of such Lender, otherwise be materially disadvantageous to such Lender.

SECTION 3.03. Inability to Determine Rates . If the Required Lenders determine that for any reason adequate and reasonable means do not exist for determining the Eurocurrency Rate for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed Eurocurrency Rate Loan, or that the Eurocurrency Rate for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed Eurocurrency Rate Loan does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of funding such Loan, or that Dollar deposits are not being offered to banks in the London interbank eurodollar market for the applicable amount and the Interest Period of such Eurocurrency Rate Loan, the Administrative Agent will promptly so notify the Borrower and each Lender. Thereafter, the obligation of the Lenders to make or maintain Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall be suspended until the Administrative Agent (upon the instruction of the Required Lenders) revokes such notice. Upon receipt of such notice, the Borrower may revoke any pending request for a Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Eurocurrency Rate Loans or, failing that, will be deemed to have converted such request into a request for a Borrowing of Base Rate Loans in the amount specified therein.

 

82


SECTION 3.04. Increased Cost and Reduced Return; Capital Adequacy; Reserves on Eurocurrency Rate Loans .

(a) If any Lender determines that as a result of the introduction of or any change in or in the interpretation of any Law, in each case after the date hereof, or such Lender’s compliance therewith, there shall be any increase in the cost to such Lender of agreeing to make or making, funding or maintaining Eurocurrency Rate Loans or issuing or participating in Letters of Credit, or a reduction in the amount received or receivable by such Lender in connection with any of the foregoing (excluding for purposes of this Section 3.04(a) any such increased costs or reduction in amount resulting from (i) Taxes or Other Taxes covered by Section 3.01, (ii) the imposition of, or any change in the rate of, any taxes payable by such Lender, or (iii) reserve requirements contemplated by Section 3.04(c), then from time to time within fifteen (15) days after demand by such Lender setting forth in reasonable detail such increased costs (with a copy of such demand to the Administrative Agent given in accordance with Section 3.06), the Borrower shall pay to such Lender such additional amounts as will compensate such Lender for such increased cost or reduction.

(b) If any Lender determines that the introduction of any Law regarding capital adequacy or any change therein or in the interpretation thereof, in each case after the date hereof, or compliance by such Lender (or its Lending Office) therewith, has the effect of reducing the rate of return on the capital of such Lender or any corporation controlling such Lender as a consequence of such Lender’s obligations hereunder (taking into consideration its policies with respect to capital adequacy and such Lender’s desired return on capital), then from time to time upon demand of such Lender setting forth in reasonable detail the charge and the calculation of such reduced rate of return (with a copy of such demand to the Administrative Agent given in accordance with Section 3.06), the Borrower shall pay to such Lender such additional amounts as will compensate such Lender for such reduction within fifteen (15) days after receipt of such demand.

(c) The Borrower shall pay to each Lender, (i) as long as such Lender shall be required to maintain reserves with respect to liabilities or assets consisting of or including Eurocurrency funds or deposits, additional interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Eurocurrency Rate Loan equal to the actual costs of such reserves allocated to such Loan by such Lender (as determined by such Lender in good faith, which determination shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error), and (ii) as long as such Lender shall be required to comply with any reserve ratio requirement or analogous requirement of any other central banking or financial regulatory authority imposed in respect of the maintenance of the Commitments or the funding of the Eurocurrency Rate Loans, such additional costs (expressed as a percentage per annum and rounded upwards, if necessary, to the nearest five decimal places) equal to the actual costs allocated to such Commitment or Loan by such Lender (as determined by such Lender in good faith, which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) which in each case shall be due and payable on each date on which interest is payable on such Loan, provided the Borrower shall have received at least fifteen (15) days’ prior notice (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) of such additional interest or cost from such Lender. If a Lender fails to give notice fifteen (15) days prior to the relevant Interest Payment Date, such additional interest or cost shall be due and payable fifteen (15) days from receipt of such notice.

 

83


(d) Failure or delay on the part of any Lender to demand compensation pursuant to this Section 3.04 shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s right to demand such compensation, provided that the Borrower shall not be required to compensate a Lender pursuant to Section 3.04(a), (b) or (c) for any such increased cost or reduction incurred more than one hundred and eighty (180) days prior to the date that such Lender demands, or notifies the Borrower of its intention to demand, compensation therefor, provided further that, if the circumstance giving rise to such increased cost or reduction is retroactive, then such 180-day period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof.

(e) If any Lender requests compensation under this Section 3.04, then such Lender will, if requested by the Borrower, use commercially reasonable efforts to designate another Lending Office for any Loan or Letter of Credit affected by such event; provided that such efforts are made on terms that, in the reasonable judgment of such Lender, cause such Lender and its Lending Office(s) to suffer no material economic, legal or regulatory disadvantage, and provided further that nothing in this Section 3.04(e) shall affect or postpone any of the Obligations of the Borrower or the rights of such Lender pursuant to Section 3.04(a), (b), (c) or (d).

SECTION 3.05. Funding Losses . Upon demand of any Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) from time to time, the Borrower shall promptly compensate such Lender for and hold such Lender harmless from any loss, cost or expense incurred by it as a result of:

(a) (i) any continuation, conversion, payment or prepayment of any Loan other than a Base Rate Loan on a day other than the last day of the Interest Period for such Loan; or

(b) any failure by the Borrower (for a reason other than the failure of such Lender to make a Loan) to prepay, borrow, continue or convert any Loan other than a Base Rate Loan on the date or in the amount notified by the Borrower;

including any loss or expense arising from the liquidation or reemployment of funds obtained by it to maintain such Loan or from fees payable to terminate the deposits from which such funds were obtained.

For purposes of calculating amounts payable by the Borrower to the Lenders under this Section 3.05, each Lender shall be deemed to have funded each Eurocurrency Rate Loan made by it at the Eurocurrency Rate for such Loan by a matching deposit or other borrowing in the London interbank eurodollar market for a comparable amount and for a comparable period, whether or not such Eurocurrency Rate Loan was in fact so funded.

SECTION 3.06. Matters Applicable to All Requests for Compensation .

(a) Any Agent or any Lender claiming compensation under this Article III shall deliver a certificate to the Borrower setting forth the additional amount or amounts to be paid to it hereunder which shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error. In determining such amount, such Agent or such Lender may use any reasonable averaging and attribution methods.

 

84


(b) With respect to any Lender’s claim for compensation under Sections 3.01, 3.02, 3.03 or 3.04, no the Borrower shall be required to compensate such Lender for any amount incurred more than one hundred and eighty (180) days prior to the date that such Lender notifies the Borrower of the event that gives rise to such claim; provided that, if the circumstance giving rise to such claim is retroactive, then such 180-day period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof. If any Lender requests compensation by the Borrower under Section 3.04, the Borrower may, by notice to such Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), suspend the obligation of such Lender to make or continue from one Interest Period to another Eurocurrency Rate Loans, or to convert Base Rate Loans into Eurocurrency Rate Loans, until the event or condition giving rise to such request ceases to be in effect (in which case the provisions of Section 3.06(c) shall be applicable); provided that such suspension shall not affect the right of such Lender to receive the compensation so requested.

(c) If the obligation of any Lender to make or continue from one Interest Period to another any Eurocurrency Rate Loan, or to convert Base Rate Loans into Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall be suspended pursuant to Section 3.06(b) hereof, such Lender’s Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall be automatically converted into Base Rate Loans on the last day(s) of then current Interest Period(s) for such Eurocurrency Rate Loans (or, in the case of an immediate conversion required by Section 3.02, on such earlier date as required by Law) and, unless and until such Lender gives notice as provided below that the circumstances specified in Section 3.01, 3.02, 3.03 or 3.04 hereof that gave rise to such conversion no longer exist:

(i) to the extent that such Lender’s Eurocurrency Rate Loans have been so converted, all payments and prepayments of principal that would otherwise be applied to such Lender’s Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall be applied instead to its Base Rate Loans; and

(ii) all Loans that would otherwise be made or continued from one Interest Period to another by such Lender as Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall be made or continued instead as Base Rate Loans, and all Base Rate Loans of such Lender that would otherwise be converted into Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall remain as Base Rate Loans.

(d) If any Lender gives notice to the Borrower (with a copy to the Agent) that the circumstances specified in Section 3.01, 3.02, 3.03 or 3.04 hereof that gave rise to the conversion of such Lender’s Eurocurrency Rate Loans pursuant to this Section 3.06 no longer exist (which such Lender agrees to do promptly upon such circumstances ceasing to exist) at a time when Eurocurrency Rate Loans made by other Lenders are outstanding, such Lender’s Base Rate Loans shall be automatically converted, on the first day(s) of the next succeeding Interest Period(s) for such outstanding Eurocurrency Rate Loans, to the extent necessary so that, after giving effect thereto, all Loans held by the Lenders holding Eurocurrency Rate Loans and by such Lender are held pro rata (as to principal amounts, interest rate basis, and Interest Periods) in accordance with their respective Commitments.

SECTION 3.07. Replacement of Lenders under Certain Circumstances .

(a) If at any time (i) any Lender requests reimbursement for amounts owing pursuant to Section 3.01 or 3.04 as a result of any condition described in such Sections or any

 

85


Lender ceases to make Eurocurrency Rate Loans as a result of any condition described in Section 3.02 or Section 3.04, (ii) any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender or (iii) any Lender becomes a Non-Consenting Lender, then the Borrower may, on ten (10) Business Days’ prior written notice to the Administrative Agent and such Lender, replace such Lender by causing such Lender to (and such Lender shall be obligated to) assign pursuant to Section 10.07(b) (with the assignment fee to be paid by the Borrower in such instance) all of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (or, with respect to clause (iii) above, all of its rights and obligations with respect to the Class of Loans or Commitments that is the subject of the related consent, waiver or amendment) to one or more Eligible Assignees; provided that neither the Administrative Agent nor any Lender shall have any obligation to the Borrower to find a replacement Lender or other such Person; and provided further that (A) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 3.04 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 3.01, such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments and (B) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a Lender becoming a Non-Consenting Lender, the applicable Eligible Assignees shall have agreed to the applicable departure, waiver or amendment of the Loan Documents.

(b) Any Lender being replaced pursuant to Section 3.07(a) above shall (i) execute and deliver an Assignment and Assumption with respect to such Lender’s Commitment and outstanding Loans and participations in L/C Obligations and Swing Line Loans, and (ii) deliver any Notes evidencing such Loans to the Borrower or Administrative Agent. Pursuant to such Assignment and Assumption, (A) the assignee Lender shall acquire all or a portion, as the case may be, of the assigning Lender’s Commitment and outstanding Loans and participations in L/C Obligations and Swing Line Loans, (B) all obligations of the Borrower owing to the assigning Lender relating to the Loans and participations so assigned shall be paid in full by the assignee Lender to such assigning Lender concurrently with such assignment and assumption and (C) upon such payment and, if so requested by the assignee Lender, delivery to the assignee Lender of the appropriate Note or Notes executed by the Borrower, the assignee Lender shall become a Lender hereunder and the assigning Lender shall cease to constitute a Lender hereunder with respect to such assigned Loans, Commitments and participations, except with respect to indemnification provisions under this Agreement, which shall survive as to such assigning Lender.

(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained above, any Lender that acts as an L/C Issuer may not be replaced hereunder at any time that it has any Letter of Credit outstanding hereunder unless arrangements reasonably satisfactory to such L/C Issuer (including the furnishing of a back-up standby letter of credit in form and substance, and issued by an issuer reasonably satisfactory to such L/C Issuer or the depositing of cash collateral into a cash collateral account in amounts and pursuant to arrangements reasonably satisfactory to such L/C Issuer) have been made with respect to each such outstanding Letter of Credit and the Lender that acts as the Administrative Agent may not be replaced hereunder except in accordance with the terms of Section 9.09.

(d) In the event that (i) the Borrower or the Administrative Agent has requested that the Lenders consent to a departure or waiver of any provisions of the Loan Documents or agree to any amendment thereto, (ii) the consent, waiver or amendment in question requires the agreement of all affected Lenders in accordance with the terms of

 

86


Section 10.01 or all the Lenders with respect to a certain Class of the Loans and (iii) the Required Lenders have agreed to such consent, waiver or amendment, then any Lender who does not agree to such consent, waiver or amendment shall be deemed a “ Non-Consenting Lender .”

SECTION 3.08. Survival . All of the Borrower’s obligations under this Article III shall survive termination of the Aggregate Commitments and repayment of all other Obligations hereunder.

ARTICLE IV

Conditions Precedent to Credit Extensions

SECTION 4.01. Conditions of Initial Credit Extension . The obligation of each Lender to make its initial Credit Extension hereunder is subject to satisfaction of the following conditions precedent except as otherwise agreed between the Borrower and the Administrative Agent:

(a) The Administrative Agent’s receipt of the following, each of which shall be originals or facsimiles (followed promptly by originals) unless otherwise specified, each properly executed by a Responsible Officer of the signing Loan Party or Guarantor, as applicable, each in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and its legal counsel:

(i) executed counterparts of this Agreement and each Guaranty;

(ii) a Note executed by the Borrower in favor of each Lender that has requested a Note at least two Business Days in advance of the Closing Date;

(iii) the Security Agreement and each Collateral Document set forth on Schedule 1.01A required to be executed on the Closing Date as indicated on such schedule, duly executed by each Loan Party or Guarantor, as applicable, thereto, together with:

(A) certificates, if any, representing the Pledged Equity referred to therein accompanied by undated stock powers executed in blank and instruments evidencing the Pledged Debt indorsed in blank,

(B) to the extent required under the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement, opinions of local counsel for the Loan Parties in states in which the Mortgaged Properties are located, with respect to the enforceability and perfection of the Mortgages and any related fixture filings in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent; and

(C) evidence that all other actions, recordings and filings that the Administrative Agent may deem reasonably necessary to satisfy the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement shall have been taken, completed or otherwise provided for in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;

 

87


(iv) such certificates of resolutions or other action, incumbency certificates and/or other certificates of Responsible Officers of each Loan Party and each Guarantor as the Administrative Agent may reasonably require evidencing the identity, authority and capacity of each Responsible Officer thereof authorized to act as a Responsible Officer in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which such Loan Party or such Guarantor is a party or is to be a party on the Closing Date;

(v) an opinion from Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, New York counsel to the Loan Parties substantially in the form of Exhibit H ;

(vi) a certificate signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower certifying that since December 31, 2006, there has been no Closing Date Material Adverse Effect;

(vii) a certificate attesting to the Solvency of the Loan Parties (taken as a whole) on the Closing Date after giving effect to the Transaction, from the Chief Financial Officer of the Borrower;

(viii) evidence that all insurance (including title insurance) required to be maintained pursuant to the Loan Documents has been obtained and is in effect and that the Administrative Agent has been named as loss payee and additional insured under each insurance policy with respect to such insurance as to which the Administrative Agent shall have requested to be so named;

(ix) certified copies of the Merger Agreement, duly executed by the parties thereto, together with all material agreements, instruments and other documents delivered in connection therewith as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request, each including certification by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower that such documents are in full force and effect as of the Closing Date;

(x) a Committed Loan Notice or Letter of Credit Application, as applicable, relating to the initial Credit Extension;

(xi) copies of a recent Lien and judgment search in each jurisdiction reasonably requested by the Collateral Agent with respect to the Loan Parties; and

(xii) a Lender Addendum executed and delivered by each Lender and accepted by the Borrower.

(b) All fees and expenses required to be paid hereunder and invoiced on or before the Closing Date shall have been paid in full in cash.

(c) Prior to or substantially simultaneously with the initial Credit Extension, (i) the Equity Contribution shall have been funded in full in cash; (ii) the Borrower shall

 

88


have received (whether directly as a result of the Equity Contribution or as a result of an equity contribution by Holdings) cash proceeds from the Equity Contribution in an aggregate amount equal to at least 18% of the aggregate pro forma capitalization of the Borrower on the Closing Date; and (iii) the Merger shall be consummated in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement (without giving effect to any amendments or waivers thereto that are materially adverse to the Lenders without the reasonable consent of the Agents) and in compliance with applicable material Laws.

(d) Prior to or substantially simultaneously with the initial Credit Extensions, the Borrower shall have received at least $575,000,000 in gross cash proceeds from the issuance of the High Yield Notes.

(e) Prior to or simultaneously with the initial Credit Extensions, the Borrower shall have terminated the Existing Credit Agreement and any other existing indebtedness of PFGI (other than Indebtedness set forth on Schedule 7.03(c) , the Consent Solicitation shall have been effected and the supplemental indenture amending the indenture governing the Existing Notes contemplated thereby shall have been executed and delivered by the trustee thereunder and each other party thereto, and the Borrower shall have taken all other necessary actions such that, after giving effect to the Transaction, (i) Holdings and its Subsidiaries shall have outstanding no Indebtedness or preferred Equity Interests other than (A) the Loans and L/C Obligations, (B) the High Yield Notes, (C) Indebtedness listed on Schedule 7.03(c) and (D) Existing Notes not tendered in connection with the Tender Offer and (ii) the Borrower shall have outstanding no Equity Interests (or securities convertible into or exchangeable for Equity Interests or rights or options to acquire Equity Interests) other than common stock owned by Holdings and preferred stock owned by Holdings, with terms and conditions reasonably acceptable to the Arrangers to the extent material to the interests of the Lenders.

(f) The Administrative Agent shall have received (i) the Audited Financial Statements and the audit report for such financial statements (which shall not be subject to any qualification) and (ii) unaudited consolidated balance sheets and related statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows of PFGI and its Subsidiaries for each subsequent fiscal quarter ended at least forty-five (45) days before the Closing Date (the “ Unaudited Financial Statements ”), which financial statements shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP.

(g) The Arrangers shall have received all documentation and other information reasonably requested in writing by them in order to allow the Arrangers and the Lenders to comply with applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the USA PATRIOT Act.

SECTION 4.02. Conditions to All Credit Extensions . The obligation of each Lender to honor any Request for Credit Extension (other than a Committed Loan Notice requesting only a conversion of Loans to the other Type, or a continuation of Eurocurrency Rate Loans) is subject to the following conditions precedent:

 

89


(a) The representations and warranties of the Borrower and each other Loan Party contained in Article V or any other Loan Document (except, in the case of the initial Credit Extensions, the representations contained in Sections 5.03, 5.05, 5.06, 5.07, 5.08, 5.09, 5.10, 5.11, 5.12, 5.14, 5.15 and 5.16 and in any other Loan Document) shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date of such Credit Extension; provided that, to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, they shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date; provided , further that, any representation and warranty that is qualified as to “materiality,” “Material Adverse Effect” or similar language shall be true and correct (after giving effect to any qualification therein) in all respects on such respective dates.

(b) Except in the case of the initial Credit Extensions, no Default shall exist, or would result from such proposed Credit Extension or from the application of the proceeds therefrom.

(c) The Administrative Agent and, if applicable, the relevant L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender shall have received a Request for Credit Extension in accordance with the requirements hereof.

Each Request for Credit Extension (other than a Committed Loan Notice requesting only a conversion of Loans to the other Type or a continuation of Eurocurrency Rate Loans) submitted by the Borrower shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty that the conditions specified in Sections 4.02(a) and (b) have been satisfied on and as of the date of the applicable Credit Extension.

ARTICLE V

Representations and Warranties

The Borrower represents and warrants to the Agents and the Lenders that:

SECTION 5.01. Existence, Qualification and Power; Compliance with Laws . Each Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries (a) is a Person duly organized or formed, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization, (b) has all requisite power and authority to (i) own or lease its assets and carry on its business and (ii) execute, deliver and perform its obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party, (c) is duly qualified and in good standing under the Laws of each jurisdiction where its ownership, lease or operation of properties or the conduct of its business requires such qualification, (d) is in compliance with all Laws, orders, writs, injunctions and orders and (e) has all requisite governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals to operate its business as currently conducted; except in each case referred to in clause (c), (d) or (e), to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 5.02. Authorization; No Contravention . The execution, delivery and performance by each Loan Party of each Loan Document to which such Person is a party, and the consummation of the Transaction, are within such Loan Party’s corporate or other powers, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other organizational action, and do not

 

90


and will not (a) contravene the terms of any of such Person’s Organization Documents, (b) conflict with or result in any breach or contravention of, or the creation of any Lien under (other than as permitted by Section 7.01), or require any payment to be made under (i) any Contractual Obligation to which such Person is a party or affecting such Person or the properties of such Person or any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) any material order, injunction, writ or decree of any Governmental Authority or any arbitral award to which such Person or its property is subject; or (c) violate any material Law; except with respect to any conflict, breach or contravention or payment (but not creation of Liens) referred to in clause (b)(i), to the extent that such conflict, breach, contravention or payment could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 5.03. Governmental Authorization; Other Consents . No material approval, consent, exemption, authorization, or other action by, or notice to, or filing with, any Governmental Authority or any other Person is necessary or required in connection with (a) the execution, delivery or performance by, or enforcement against, any Loan Party of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or for the consummation of the Transaction, (b) the grant by any Loan Party of the Liens granted by it pursuant to the Collateral Documents, (c) the perfection or maintenance of the Liens created under the Collateral Documents (including the priority thereof) or (d) the exercise by the Administrative Agent or any Lender of its rights under the Loan Documents or the remedies in respect of the Collateral pursuant to the Collateral Documents, except for (i) filings necessary to perfect the Liens on the Collateral granted by the Loan Parties in favor of the Secured Parties, (ii) the approvals, consents, exemptions, authorizations, actions, notices and filings which have been duly obtained, taken, given or made and are in full force and effect and (iii) those approvals, consents, exemptions, authorizations or other actions, notices or filings, the failure of which to obtain or make could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 5.04. Binding Effect . This Agreement and each other Loan Document has been duly executed and delivered by each Loan Party and each Guarantor that is party thereto. This Agreement and each other Loan Document constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Loan Party or Guarantor, as the case may be, enforceable against each Loan Party and each Guarantor that is party thereto in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by Debtor Relief Laws and by general principles of equity.

SECTION 5.05. Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Effect .

(a) (i) The Audited Financial Statements and the Unaudited Financial Statements fairly present in all material respects the financial condition of PFGI and its Subsidiaries as of the dates thereof and their results of operations for the period covered thereby in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the periods covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein. During the period from December 31, 2006 to and including the Closing Date, there has been (i) no sale, transfer or other disposition by PFGI or any of its Subsidiaries of any material part of the business or property of PFGI or any of its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole and (ii) no purchase or other acquisition by PFGI or any of its Subsidiaries of any business or property (including any Equity Interests of any other Person) material in relation to the consolidated financial condition of PFGI and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, in each case, which is not reflected in the foregoing financial statements or in the notes thereto or has not otherwise been disclosed in writing to the Administrative Agent prior to the Closing Date.

 

91


(ii) The unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at December 31, 2006 (including the notes thereto) (the “ Pro Forma Balance Sheet ”) and the unaudited pro forma consolidated statement of operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 (together with the Pro Forma Balance Sheet, the “ Pro Forma Financial Statements ”), copies of which have heretofore been furnished to the Administrative Agent, have been prepared giving effect (as if such events had occurred on such date or at the beginning of such periods, as the case may be) to the Transaction, each material acquisition by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries consummated after December 31, 2006 and prior to the Closing Date and all other transactions that would be required to be given pro forma effect by Regulation S-X promulgated under the Exchange Act (including other adjustments consistent with the definition of Pro Forma Adjustment or as otherwise agreed between the Borrower and the Arrangers). The Pro Forma Financial Statements have been prepared in good faith, based on assumptions believed by the Borrower to be reasonable as of the date of delivery thereof, and present fairly in all material respects on a pro forma basis the estimated financial position of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at December 31, 2006 and their estimated results of operations for the periods covered thereby, assuming that the events specified in the preceding sentence had actually occurred at such date or at the beginning of the periods covered thereby.

(b) Since the Closing Date, there has been no event or circumstance, either individually or in the aggregate, that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(c) The forecasts of consolidated balance sheets, income statements and cash flow statements of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for each fiscal year ending after the Closing Date until the seventh anniversary of the Closing Date, copies of which have been furnished to the Administrative Agent prior to the Closing Date in a form reasonably satisfactory to it, have been prepared in good faith on the basis of the assumptions stated therein, which assumptions were believed to be reasonable at the time of preparation of such forecasts, it being understood that actual results may vary from such forecasts and that such variations may be material.

(d) As of the Closing Date, neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary has any Indebtedness or other obligations or liabilities, direct or contingent (other than (i) the liabilities reflected on Schedule 5.05 , (ii) obligations arising under this Agreement and (iii) liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business) that, either individually or in the aggregate, have had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 5.06. Litigation . There are no actions, suits, proceedings, claims or disputes pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened in writing or contemplated, at law, in equity, in arbitration or before any Governmental Authority, by or against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or against any of their properties or revenues that either individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

92


SECTION 5.07. No Default . Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary is in default under or with respect to, or a party to, any Contractual Obligation that could, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 5.08. Ownership of Property; Liens . Each Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries has good record and marketable title in fee simple to, or valid leasehold interests in, or easements or other limited property interests in, all real property necessary in the ordinary conduct of its business, free and clear of all Liens except for minor defects in title that do not materially interfere with its ability to conduct its business or to utilize such assets for their intended purposes and Liens permitted by Section 7.01 and except where the failure to have such title or other interest could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 5.09. Environmental Compliance .

(a) There are no pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened claims, actions, suits, or proceedings alleging potential liability or responsibility for violation of, or otherwise relating to, any Environmental Law that could, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) Except as could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, to the knowledge of the Borrower, (i) there are no and never have been any underground or aboveground storage tanks or any surface impoundments, septic tanks, pits, sumps or lagoons in which Hazardous Materials are being or have been treated, stored or disposed on any property currently owned, leased or operated by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries or on any property formerly owned or operated by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries; (ii) there is no asbestos or asbestos-containing material on any property currently owned or operated by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries; and (iii) Hazardous Materials have not been released, discharged or disposed of by any Person on any property currently or formerly owned, leased or operated by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries and Hazardous Materials have not otherwise been released, discharged or disposed of by any of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries at any other location.

(c) To the knowledge of the Borrower, the properties currently or formerly owned, leased or operated by the Borrower and the Subsidiaries do not contain any Hazardous Materials in amounts or concentrations which (i) constitute a violation of, (ii) require remedial action under, or (iii) could give rise to liability under, Environmental Laws, which violations, remedial actions and liabilities, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

(d) Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is undertaking, either individually or together with other potentially responsible parties, any investigation or assessment or remedial or response action relating to any actual or threatened release, discharge or disposal of Hazardous Materials at any site, location or operation, either voluntarily or pursuant to the order of any Governmental Authority or the requirements of any Environmental Law except for such investigation or assessment or remedial or response action that, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

93


(e) To the knowledge of the Borrower, all Hazardous Materials transported by or on behalf of any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries from any property currently or formerly owned or operated by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries for off-site disposal have been disposed of in a manner not reasonably expected to result, individually or in the aggregate, in a Material Adverse Effect.

(f) Except as would not reasonably be expected to result, individually or in the aggregate, in a Material Adverse Effect, none of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries has contractually assumed any liability or obligation under or relating to any Environmental Law.

(g) Except as would not reasonably be expected to result, individually or in the aggregate, in a Material Adverse Effect, the Loan Parties and each of their Subsidiaries and their respective businesses, operations and properties are and have been in compliance with all Environmental Laws.

SECTION 5.10. Taxes . Except as set forth in Schedule 5.10 or except as could not, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries have timely filed all Federal and state and other tax returns and reports required to be filed, and have timely paid all Federal and state and other taxes, assessments, fees and other governmental charges levied or imposed upon them or their properties, income or assets otherwise due and payable, except those which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted and for which adequate reserves have been provided in accordance with GAAP.

SECTION 5.11. ERISA Compliance .

(a) Except as set forth in Schedule 5.11(a) or as could not, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, each Plan is in compliance in with the applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code and other Federal or state Laws.

(b) (i) No ERISA Event has occurred; (ii) no Pension Plan has an “accumulated funding deficiency” (as defined in Section 412 of the Code), whether or not waived and, on and after the effectiveness of the Pension Act, no Pension Plan has failed to satisfy the minimum funding standards (within the meaning of Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA) applicable to such Pension Plan; (iii) neither any Loan Party nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred, or reasonably expects to incur, any liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to any Pension Plan (other than premiums due and not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA); (iv) neither any Loan Party nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred, or reasonably expects to incur, any liability (and no event has occurred which, with the giving of notice under Section 4219 of ERISA, would result in such liability) under Sections 4201 et seq. or 4243 of ERISA with respect to a Multiemployer Plan; and (v) neither any Loan Party nor any ERISA Affiliate has engaged in a transaction that could be subject to Sections 4069 or 4212(c) of ERISA, except, with respect to each of the foregoing clauses of this Section 5.11(b), as could not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

94


(c) Except where noncompliance would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, each Foreign Plan has been maintained in substantial compliance with its terms and with the requirements of any and all applicable laws, statutes, rules, regulations and orders, and neither a Loan Party nor any Subsidiary have incurred any material obligation in connection with the termination of or withdrawal from any Foreign Plan. Except as would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, the present value of the accrued benefit liabilities (whether or not vested) under each Foreign Plan which is funded, determined as of the end of the most recently ended fiscal year of a Loan Party or Subsidiary (based on the actuarial assumptions used for purposes of the applicable jurisdiction’s financial reporting requirements), did not exceed the current value of the assets of such Foreign Plan, and for each Foreign Plan which is not funded, the obligations of such Foreign Plan are properly accrued.

SECTION 5.12. Subsidiaries; Equity Interests . As of the Closing Date, neither the Borrower nor any other Loan Party has any Subsidiaries other than those specifically disclosed in Schedule 5.12 , and all of the outstanding Equity Interests in the Borrower and the Material Subsidiaries have been validly issued, are fully paid and nonassessable and all Equity Interests owned by Holdings or any other Loan Party are owned free and clear of all Liens except (i) those created under the Collateral Documents and (ii) any nonconsensual Lien that is permitted under Section 7.01. As of the Closing Date, Schedule 5.12 (a)  sets forth the name and jurisdiction of each Subsidiary, (b) sets forth the ownership interest of Holdings, the Borrower and any of their Subsidiaries in each of their Subsidiaries, including the percentage of such ownership and (c) identifies each Person the Equity Interests of which are required to be pledged on the Closing Date pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement.

SECTION 5.13. Margin Regulations; Investment Company Act .

(a) No Loan Party is engaged nor will it engage, principally or as one of its important activities, in the business of purchasing or carrying margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U issued by the FRB), or extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock, and no proceeds of any Borrowings or drawings under any Letter of Credit will be used for any purpose that violates Regulation U.

(b) None of the Borrower, any Person Controlling the Borrower or any Subsidiary is or is required to be registered as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

SECTION 5.14. Disclosure . No report, financial statement, certificate or other written information furnished by or on behalf of any Loan Party to any Agent or any Lender in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and the negotiation of this Agreement or delivered hereunder or any other Loan Document (as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished) when taken as a whole contains any material misstatement of fact or omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not materially misleading; provided that, with respect to projected financial information and pro forma financial information, the Borrower represents only that such information was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time of preparation; it being understood that such projections may vary from actual results and that such variances may be material.

 

95


SECTION 5.15. Intellectual Property; Licenses, Etc. To the knowledge of the Borrower, each of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries own, license or possess the right to use, all of the trademarks, service marks, trade names, domain names, copyrights, patents, patent rights, technology, software, know-how database rights, design rights, trade secrets, and other intellectual property rights including any applications or registrations relating thereto (collectively, “ IP Rights ”) that are reasonably necessary for the operation of their respective businesses as currently conducted, and, without conflict with the rights of any Person, except to the extent such conflicts, either individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. To the knowledge of the Borrower, no such IP Rights infringe upon any rights held by any Person except for such infringements, individually or in the aggregate, which could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No claim or litigation regarding any such IP Rights, is pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened against any Loan Party or Subsidiary, which, either individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 5.16. Solvency . On the Closing Date after giving effect to the Transaction the Loan Parties, on a consolidated basis, are Solvent.

SECTION 5.17. Subordination of Junior Financing . The Obligations are “Senior Debt,” “Senior Indebtedness,” “Guarantor Senior Debt” or “Senior Secured Financing” (or any comparable term) under, and as defined in, any Junior Financing Documentation.

ARTICLE VI

Affirmative Covenants

So long as any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, any Loan or other Obligation hereunder which is accrued and payable shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, or any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding, the Borrower shall, and shall (except in the case of the covenants set forth in Sections 6.01, 6.02 and 6.03) cause each Restricted Subsidiary to:

SECTION 6.01. Financial Statements . Deliver to the Administrative Agent for prompt further distribution to each Lender:

(a) as soon as available, but in any event within one hundred and twenty (120) days after the end of the 2007 fiscal year and within ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, beginning with the 2008 fiscal year a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal year, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for such fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and prepared in accordance with GAAP, audited and accompanied by a report and opinion of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP or any other independent registered public accounting firm of nationally recognized standing, which report and opinion shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and shall not be subject to any “going concern” or like qualification or exception or any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit;

 

96


(b) as soon as available, but in any event within forty-five (45) days after the end of each of the first three (3) fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of the Borrower (commencing with the fiscal quarter ended on or about June 30, 2007), a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal quarter, and the related (i) consolidated statements of income or operations for such fiscal quarter and for the portion of the fiscal year then ended and (ii) consolidated statements of cash flows for the portion of the fiscal year then ended, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding fiscal quarter of the previous fiscal year and the corresponding portion of the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and certified by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower as fairly presenting in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP, subject only to normal year-end adjustments and the absence of footnotes;

(c) as soon as available, and in any event no later than ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, a detailed consolidated budget for the following fiscal year (including a projected consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the end of the following fiscal year, the related consolidated statements of projected cash flow and projected income and a summary of the material underlying assumptions applicable thereto) (collectively, the “ Projections ”), which Projections shall in each case be accompanied by a certificate of a Responsible Officer stating that such Projections have been prepared in good faith on the basis of the assumptions stated therein, which assumptions were believed to be reasonable at the time of preparation of such Projections, it being understood that actual results may vary from such Projections and that such variations may be material; and

(d) simultaneously with the delivery of each set of consolidated financial statements referred to in Sections 6.01(a) and 6.01(b) above, the related consolidating financial statements reflecting the adjustments necessary to eliminate the accounts of Unrestricted Subsidiaries (if any) from such consolidated financial statements.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 6.01 may be satisfied with respect to financial information of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries by furnishing (A) the applicable financial statements of any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower that holds all of the Equity Interests of the Borrower or (B) the Borrower’s (or any direct or indirect parent thereof), as applicable, Form 10-K or 10-Q, as applicable, filed with the SEC; provided that, with respect to each of clauses (A) and (B), (i) to the extent such information relates to a parent of the Borrower, such information is accompanied by consolidating information that explains in reasonable detail the differences between the information relating to the Borrower (or such parent), on the one hand, and the information relating to the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries on a standalone basis, on the other hand and (ii) to the extent such information is in lieu of information required to be provided under Section 6.01(a), such materials are accompanied by a report and opinion of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP or any other independent registered public accounting firm of nationally recognized standing, which report

 

97


and opinion shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and shall not be subject to any “going concern” or like qualification or exception or any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit.

SECTION 6.02. Certificates; Other Information . Deliver to the Administrative Agent for prompt further distribution to each Lender:

(a) no later than five (5) days after the delivery of the financial statements referred to in Section 6.01(a) and (b), a duly completed Compliance Certificate signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower, setting forth, among other things, computations in reasonable detail demonstrating compliance with the covenant contained in Section 7.14 at any time that a Triggered Usage Period is in effect;

(b) with respect to the Borrower, promptly after the same are publicly available, copies of all annual, regular, periodic and special reports and registration statements which any Loan Party files with the SEC or with any Governmental Authority that may be substituted therefor (other than amendments to any registration statement (to the extent such registration statement, in the form it became effective, is delivered), exhibits to any registration statement and, if applicable, any registration statement on Form S-8) and in any case not otherwise required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant hereto;

(c) promptly after the furnishing thereof, copies of any material requests or material notices received by any Loan Party (other than in the ordinary course of business) or material statements or material reports furnished to any holder of debt securities of any Loan Party or of any of its Subsidiaries having an aggregate outstanding principal amount greater than the Threshold Amount or pursuant to the terms of any High Yield Notes Documentation or Junior Financing Documentation, in each case, so long as the aggregate outstanding principal amount thereunder is greater than the Threshold Amount and not otherwise required to be furnished to the Lenders pursuant to any other clause of this Section 6.02;

(d) together with the delivery of the financial statements pursuant to Section 6.01(a) and each Compliance Certificate pursuant to Section 6.02(a), (i) a report setting forth the information required by Section 3.03(c) of the Security Agreement or confirming that there has been no change in such information since the Closing Date or the date of the last such report), (ii) a description of each event, condition or circumstance during the last fiscal quarter covered by such Compliance Certificate requiring a mandatory prepayment under Section 2.05(b) and (iii) a list of each Subsidiary that identifies each Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary or an Unrestricted Subsidiary as of the date of delivery of such Compliance Certificate or a confirmation that there is no change in such information since the later of the Closing Date or the date of the last such list;

(e) (i) promptly following any request by a Lender therefor, on and after the effectiveness of the Pension Act, copies of (i) any documents described in Section 101(k)(1) of ERISA that the Borrower and any of its ERISA Affiliates have received with

 

98


respect to any Multiemployer Plan and (ii) any notices described in Section 101(l)(1) of ERISA that the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates have received with respect to any Plan or Multiemployer Plan; provided that if the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates have not received such documents or notices from the administrator or sponsor of the applicable Plan or Multiemployer Plan, the Borrower or its ERISA Affiliates shall promptly make a request for such documents or notices from such administrator or sponsor and shall provide copies of such documents and notices promptly after receipt thereof; and

(f) promptly, such additional information regarding the business, legal, financial or corporate affairs of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary, or compliance with the terms of the Loan Documents, as the Administrative Agent or any Lender through the Administrative Agent may from time to time reasonably request.

Documents required to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.01(a) or (b) or Section 6.02(c) may be delivered electronically and if so delivered, shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date (i) on which the Borrower posts such documents, or provides a link thereto on the Borrower’s website on the Internet at the website address listed on Schedule 10.02 ; or (ii) on which such documents are posted on the Borrower’s behalf on IntraLinks/IntraAgency or another relevant website, if any, to which each Lender and the Administrative Agent have access (whether a commercial, third-party website or whether sponsored by the Administrative Agent); provided that: (i) upon written request by the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall deliver paper copies of such documents to the Administrative Agent for further distribution to each Lender until a written request to cease delivering paper copies is given by the Administrative Agent and (ii) the Borrower shall notify (which may be by facsimile or electronic mail) the Administrative Agent of the posting of any such documents and provide to the Administrative Agent by electronic mail electronic versions (i.e., soft copies) of such documents. Notwithstanding anything contained herein, in every instance the Borrower shall be required to provide paper copies of the Compliance Certificates required by Section 6.02(a) to the Administrative Agent. Each Lender shall be solely responsible for timely accessing posted documents or requesting delivery of paper copies of such documents from the Administrative Agent and maintaining its copies of such documents.

SECTION 6.03. Notices . Promptly after obtaining actual knowledge thereof, notify the Administrative Agent:

(a) of the occurrence of any Default; and

(b) of any matter that has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, including such matters arising out of or resulting from (i) breach or non-performance of, or any default or event of default under, a Contractual Obligation of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary, (ii) any dispute, litigation, investigation or proceeding between any Loan Party or any Subsidiary and any Governmental Authority, (iii) the commencement of, or any material development in, any litigation or proceeding affecting any Loan Party or any Subsidiary, including pursuant to any applicable Environmental Laws or in respect of IP Rights or the assertion or occurrence of any noncompliance by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries with, or liability under, any Environmental Law or Environmental Permit, or (iv) the occurrence of any ERISA Event.

 

99


Each notice pursuant to this Section shall be accompanied by a written statement of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower (x) that such notice is being delivered pursuant to Section 6.03(a) or (b) (as applicable) and (y) setting forth details of the occurrence referred to therein and stating what action the Borrower has taken and proposes to take with respect thereto.

SECTION 6.04. Payment of Obligations . Pay, discharge or otherwise satisfy as the same shall become due and payable, all its obligations and liabilities in respect of taxes, assessments and governmental charges or levies imposed upon it or upon its income or profits or in respect of its property, except, in each case, to the extent the failure to pay or discharge the same could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 6.05. Preservation of Existence, Etc . (a) Preserve, renew and maintain in full force and effect its legal existence under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its organization except in a transaction permitted by Section 7.04 or 7.05 and (b) take all reasonable action to maintain all rights, privileges (including its good standing), permits, licenses and franchises necessary or desirable in the normal conduct of its business, except (i) to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or (ii) pursuant to a transaction permitted by Section 7.04 or 7.05.

SECTION 6.06. Maintenance of Properties . Except if the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (a) maintain, preserve and protect all of its material properties and equipment necessary in the operation of its business in good working order, repair and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted and casualty or condemnation excepted, and (b) make all necessary renewals, replacements, modifications, improvements, upgrades, extensions and additions thereof or thereto in accordance with prudent industry practice.

SECTION 6.07. Maintenance of Insurance . Maintain with financially sound and reputable insurance companies, insurance with respect to its properties and business against loss or damage of the kinds customarily insured against by Persons engaged in the same or similar business, of such types and in such amounts (after giving effect to any self-insurance reasonable and customary for similarly situated Persons engaged in the same or similar businesses as the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries) as are customarily carried under similar circumstances by such other Persons.

SECTION 6.08. Compliance with Laws . Comply in all respects with the requirements of all Laws and all orders, writs, injunctions and decrees applicable to it or to its business or property, other than such orders, writs, injunctions and decrees as to which an appeal has been timely and properly taken in good faith, except if the failure to comply therewith could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 6.09. Books and Records . Maintain proper books of record and account, in which entries that are full, true and correct in all material respects and are in conformity with GAAP consistently applied shall be made of all material financial transactions and matters involving the assets and business of the Borrower or such Subsidiary, as the case may be.

 

100


SECTION 6.10. Inspection Rights . Permit representatives and independent contractors of the Administrative Agent and each Lender to visit and inspect any of its properties, to examine its corporate, financial and operating records, and make copies thereof or abstracts therefrom (other than the records of the Board of Directors of such Loan Party or such Subsidiary) and to discuss its affairs, finances and accounts with its directors, officers, and independent public accountants, all at the reasonable expense of the Borrower and at such reasonable times during normal business hours and as often as may be reasonably desired, upon reasonable advance notice to the Borrower; provided that, excluding any such visits and inspections during the continuation of an Event of Default, only the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders may exercise rights of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders under this Section 6.10 and the Administrative Agent shall not exercise such rights more often than two (2) times during any calendar year absent the existence of an Event of Default and only one (1) such time shall be at the Borrower’s expense; provided further that when an Event of Default exists, the Administrative Agent or any Lender (or any of their respective representatives or independent contractors) may do any of the foregoing at the expense of the Borrower at any time during normal business hours and upon reasonable advance notice. The Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall give the Borrower the opportunity to participate in any discussions with the Borrower’s independent public accountants. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 6.10, none of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary will be required to disclose, permit the inspection, examination or making copies or abstracts of, or discussion of, any document, information or other matter that (i) constitutes non-financial trade secrets or non-financial proprietary information, (ii) in respect of which disclosure to the Administrative Agent or any Lender (or their respective representatives or contractors) is prohibited by Law or any binding agreement or (iii) is subject to attorney-client or similar privilege or constitutes attorney work product.

SECTION 6.11. Covenant to Guarantee Obligations and Give Security . At the Borrower’s expense, take all action necessary or reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent to ensure that the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement continues to be satisfied, including:

(a) upon the formation or acquisition of any new direct or indirect wholly owned Subsidiary (in each case, other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary or an Excluded Subsidiary) by any Loan Party, the designation in accordance with Section 6.14 of any existing direct or indirect wholly owned Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary or any Subsidiary becoming a Material Subsidiary:

(i) within forty five (45) days after such formation, acquisition or designation or such longer period as the Administrative Agent may agree in its discretion:

(A) cause each such Domestic Subsidiary that is required to become a Guarantor under the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement to furnish to the Administrative Agent a description of the Material Real Properties owned by such Restricted Subsidiary in detail reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;

 

101


(B) cause each such Domestic Subsidiary that is required to become a Guarantor pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement to duly execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent (as appropriate) the Guaranty, Mortgages, Security Agreement Supplements, Intellectual Property Security Agreements and other security agreements and documents (including, with respect to Mortgages, the documents listed in Section 6.13(b)), as reasonably requested by and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (consistent with the Mortgages, Security Agreement, Intellectual Property Security Agreements and other Collateral Documents in effect on the Closing Date), in each case granting Liens required by the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement;

(C) cause each such Restricted Subsidiary that is required to become a Guarantor pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement to deliver any and all certificates representing Equity Interests (to the extent certificated) that are required to be pledged pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement, accompanied by undated stock powers or other appropriate instruments of transfer executed in blank (or any other documents customary under local law) and instruments evidencing the intercompany Indebtedness held by such Restricted Subsidiary and required to be pledged pursuant to the Collateral Documents, indorsed in blank to the Collateral Agent;

(D) take and cause such Restricted Subsidiary and each direct or indirect parent of such Restricted Subsidiary that is required to become a Guarantor pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement to take whatever action (including, in the case of Domestic Subsidiaries, the recording of Mortgages, the filing of Uniform Commercial Code financing statements and delivery of stock and membership interest certificates) may be necessary in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent to vest in the Administrative Agent (or in any representative of the Administrative Agent designated by it) valid Liens required by the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement, enforceable against all third parties in accordance with their terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by Debtor Relief Laws and by general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in equity or at law),

(ii) within thirty (30) days after the request therefor by the Administrative Agent (or such longer period as the Administrative Agent may agree in its sole discretion), deliver to the Administrative Agent a signed copy of an opinion, addressed to the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, of counsel for the Loan Parties reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent as to such matters set forth in this Section 6.11(a) as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request, and

 

102


(iii) as promptly as practicable after the request therefor by the Administrative Agent, deliver to the Administrative Agent with respect to each Material Real Property, any existing title reports, surveys or environmental assessment reports.

(b) (i) the Borrower shall obtain the security interests and Guarantees set forth on Schedule 1.01A on or prior to the dates corresponding to such security interests and Guarantees set forth on Schedule 1.01A ; and

(ii) after the Closing Date, promptly after the acquisition of any Material Real Property by any Loan Party, and if such Material Real Property shall not already be subject to a perfected Lien pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement, the Borrower shall give notice thereof to the Administrative Agent and promptly thereafter shall cause such real property to be subjected to a Lien to the extent required by the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement and will take, or cause the relevant Loan Party to take, such actions as shall be necessary or reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent to grant and perfect or record such Lien, including, as applicable, the actions referred to in Section 6.13(b).

SECTION 6.12. Compliance with Environmental Laws . Except, in each case, to the extent that the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, (a) comply, and take commercially reasonable actions to cause any lessees and other Persons operating or occupying its properties to comply with all applicable Environmental Laws and Environmental Permits; (b) obtain and renew all Environmental Permits necessary for its operations and properties; and, (c) in each case to the extent required by applicable Environmental Laws, conduct any investigation, study, sampling and testing, and undertake any cleanup, removal, remedial or other action necessary to remove and clean up all Hazardous Materials from any of its properties, in accordance with the requirements of all applicable Environmental Laws.

SECTION 6.13. Further Assurances and Post-Closing Conditions .

(a) Promptly upon reasonable request by the Administrative Agent (i) correct any material defect or error that may be discovered in the execution, acknowledgment, filing or recordation of any Collateral Document or other document or instrument relating to any Collateral, and (ii) do, execute, acknowledge, deliver, record, re-record, file, re-file, register and re-register any and all such further acts, deeds, certificates, assurances and other instruments as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request from time to time in order to carry out more effectively the purposes of the Collateral Documents.

(b) In the case of any Material Real Property, provide the Administrative Agent with Mortgages with respect to such owned real property within thirty (30) days (or such longer period as the Administrative Agent may agree in its sole discretion) of the acquisition of, or, if requested by the Administrative Agent, entry into, or renewal of, a ground lease in respect of, such real property in each case together with:

 

103


(i) evidence that counterparts of the Mortgages have been duly executed, acknowledged and delivered and are in form suitable for filing or recording in all filing or recording offices that the Administrative Agent may deem reasonably necessary or desirable in order to create a valid and subsisting perfected Lien on the property and/or rights described therein in favor of the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent (as appropriate) for the benefit of the Secured Parties and that all filing and recording taxes and fees have been paid or otherwise provided for in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;

(ii) fully paid American Land Title Association Lender’s Extended Coverage title insurance policies or the equivalent or other form available in each applicable jurisdiction (the “ Mortgage Policies ”) in form and substance, with endorsements and in amount, reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent (not to exceed the value of the real properties covered thereby), issued, coinsured and reinsured by title insurers reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, insuring the Mortgages to be valid subsisting Liens on the property described therein, free and clear of all defects and encumbrances, subject to Liens permitted by Section 7.01, and providing for such other affirmative insurance (including endorsements for future advances under the Loan Documents) and such coinsurance and direct access reinsurance as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request;

(iii) opinions of local counsel for the Loan Parties in states in which the real properties are located, with respect to the enforceability and perfection of the Mortgages and any related fixture filings in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent; and

(iv) such other evidence that all other actions that the Administrative Agent may reasonably deem necessary or desirable in order to create valid and subsisting Liens on the property described in the Mortgages has been taken.

SECTION 6.14. Designation of Subsidiaries . The board of directors of the Borrower may at any time designate any Restricted Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary or any Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that (i) immediately before and after such designation, no Default shall have occurred and be continuing, (ii) other than for purposes of designating a Restricted Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary that is a Securitization Subsidiary in connection with the establishment of a Qualified Securitization Financing, immediately after giving effect to such designation, the Borrower shall be in compliance with the Senior Secured Leverage Test (calculated on a Pro Forma Basis) (and, as a condition precedent to the effectiveness of any such designation, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a certificate setting forth in reasonable detail the calculations demonstrating satisfaction of such test) and (iii) no Subsidiary may be designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary if it is a “Restricted Subsidiary” for the purpose of the High Yield Notes or any Junior Financing, as applicable. The designation of any Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall constitute an Investment by the Borrower therein at the date of designation in an

 

104


amount equal to the net book value of the Borrower’s investment therein. The designation of any Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary shall constitute the incurrence at the time of designation of any Indebtedness or Liens of such Subsidiary existing at such time.

SECTION 6.15. Post-Closing Matters . To the extent such items have not been delivered as of the Closing Date, within ninety (90) days after the Closing Date, unless waived or extended by the Collateral Agent in its sole discretion, the applicable Loan Party shall deliver to the Collateral Agent, with respect to the Mortgaged Properties listed on Schedule 6.15, the following:

(i) duly executed and acknowledged Mortgages, financing statements and other instruments meeting the requirements of Section 4.01(a)(iii);

(ii) a Title Policy meeting the requirements of Section 4.01(a)(viii);

(iii) evidence of payment of all applicable title insurance premiums, mortgage recording taxes, fees, charges, costs and expenses required for the recording of each Mortgage and issuance of the Title Policies as required by Section 4.01(a)(iii)(C);

(iv) surveys with respect to each Mortgaged Property, to the extent that such surveys already exist on or before the Closing Date; and

(v) favorable written opinions of local counsel in the states in which each such Mortgaged Property is located and any related fixture filings as required by Section 4.01(a)(iii)(B).

ARTICLE VII

Negative Covenants

So long as any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, any Loan or other Obligation hereunder which is accrued and payable shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, or any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding, the Borrower shall not, nor shall it permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly:

SECTION 7.01. Liens . Create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien upon any of its property, assets or revenues, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, other than the following:

(a) Liens pursuant to any Loan Document;

(b) Liens existing on the date hereof and listed on Schedule 7.01(b) ;

(c) Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges which are not overdue for a period of more than thirty (30) days or which are being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted, if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of the applicable Person to the extent required in accordance with GAAP;

 

105


(d) statutory or common law Liens of landlords, carriers, warehousemen, mechanics, materialmen, repairmen, construction contractors or other like Liens arising in the ordinary course of business which secure amounts not overdue for a period of more than thirty (30) days or if more than thirty (30) days overdue, are unfiled and no other action has been taken to enforce such Lien or which are being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted, if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of the Borrower or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, to the extent required in accordance with GAAP;

(e) (i) pledges or deposits in the ordinary course of business in connection with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security legislation and (ii) pledges and deposits in the ordinary course of business securing liability for reimbursement or indemnification obligations of (including obligations in respect of letters of credit or bank guarantees for the benefit of) insurance carriers providing property, casualty or liability insurance to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary;

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

(g) easements, rights-of-way, restrictions, encroachments, protrusions and other similar encumbrances and minor title defects affecting real property which, in the aggregate, do not in any case materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Borrower or any Material Subsidiary and any exception on the title polices issued in connection with the Mortgaged Property;

(h) Liens securing judgments for the payment of money not constituting an Event of Default under Section 8.01(h);

(i) (x) Liens securing Indebtedness permitted under Section 7.03(f); provided that (i) such Liens attach concurrently with or within two hundred and seventy (270) days after the acquisition, construction, repair, replacement or improvement (as applicable) of the property subject to such Liens, (ii) such Liens do not at any time encumber any property other than the property financed by such Indebtedness, replacements thereof and additions and accessions to such property and the proceeds and the products thereof and customary security deposits and (iii) with respect to Capitalized Leases, such Liens do not at any time extend to or cover any assets (except for additions and accessions to such assets, replacements and products thereof and customary security deposits) other than the assets subject to such Capitalized Leases; provided that individual financings of equipment provided by one lender may be cross collateralized to other financings of equipment provided by such lender and (y) Liens on assets of Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties securing Indebtedness permitted pursuant to Section 7.03(o);

 

106


(j) leases, licenses, subleases or sublicenses granted to others in the ordinary course of business which do not (i) interfere in any material respect with the business of the Borrower or any material Subsidiary, taken as a whole, or (ii) secure any Indebtedness;

(k) Liens 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 in the ordinary course of business;

(l) Liens (i) of a collection bank arising under Section 4-210 of the Uniform Commercial Code on the items in the course of collection, (ii) attaching to commodity trading accounts or other commodities brokerage accounts incurred in the ordinary course of business and (iii) in favor of a banking or other financial institution arising as a matter of law encumbering deposits or other funds maintained with a financial institution (including the right of set off) and which are within the general parameters customary in the banking industry;

(m) Liens (i) on cash advances in favor of the seller of any property to be acquired in an Investment permitted pursuant to Section 7.02(j) or (o) to be applied against the purchase price for such Investment and (ii) consisting of an agreement to Dispose of any property in a Disposition permitted under Section 7.05, in each case, solely to the extent such Investment or Disposition, as the case may be, would have been permitted on the date of the creation of such Lien;

(n) Liens on property of any Foreign Subsidiary securing Indebtedness incurred pursuant to Section 7.03(i) or Section 7.03(w) in an aggregate amount outstanding not exceeding $50,000,000;

(o) Liens securing Indebtedness incurred pursuant to Section 7.03(h);

(p) Liens in favor of the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary securing Indebtedness permitted under Section 7.03(e) other than Indebtedness owed to a Person that is not a Loan Party;

(q) Liens existing on property at the time of its acquisition or existing on the property of any Person at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary (other than by designation as a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to Section 6.14), in each case after the date hereof (other than Liens on the Equity Interests of any Person that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary) and the replacement, extension or renewal of any Lien permitted by this clause (q) upon or in the same property previously subject thereto in connection with the replacement, extension or renewal (without increase in the amount or any change in any direct or contingent obligor) of the amount or value secured thereby; provided that (i) such Lien was not created in contemplation of such acquisition or such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary, (ii) such Lien does not extend to or cover any other assets or property (other than the proceeds or products thereof and other than after-acquired property subjected to a Lien securing Indebtedness and other obligations incurred prior to such time and which Indebtedness and other obligations are permitted

 

107


hereunder that require, pursuant to their terms at such time, a pledge of after-acquired property, it being understood that such requirement shall not be permitted to apply to any property to which such requirement would not have applied but for such acquisition), and (iii) the Indebtedness secured thereby is permitted under Section 7.03(f) or (h);

(r) any interest or title of a lessor under leases entered into by the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

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

(t) Liens deemed to exist in connection with Investments in repurchase agreements under Section 7.02 and reasonable customary initial deposits and margin deposits and similar Liens attaching to commodity trading accounts or other brokerage accounts maintained in the ordinary course of business and not for speculative purposes;

(u) Liens that are contractual rights of set-off (i) relating to the establishment of depository relations with banks or other financial institutions not given in connection with the issuance of Indebtedness, (ii) relating to pooled deposit or sweep accounts of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to permit satisfaction of overdraft or similar obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries or (iii) relating to purchase orders and other agreements entered into with customers of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business;

(v) Liens solely on any cash earnest money deposits made by the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with any letter of intent or purchase agreement permitted hereunder;

(w) [Reserved];

(x) ground leases in respect of real property on which facilities owned or leased by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries are located;

(y) Liens arising from precautionary Uniform Commercial Code financing statement filings;

(z) Liens on insurance policies and the proceeds thereof securing the financing of the premiums with respect thereto;

(aa) Liens on the Collateral (but not any other assets) securing Indebtedness under any Second Lien Facility (or any Permitted Refinancing in respect thereof); provided such Liens are subject to the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement (or, in the case of any Permitted Refinancing thereof, another intercreditor agreement containing terms that are at least as favorable to the Secured Parties as those contained in the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement);

 

108


(bb) Liens on the Securitization Assets arising in connection with a Qualified Securitization Financing;

(cc) any zoning or similar law or right reserved to or vested in any Governmental Authority to control or regulate the use of any real property that does not materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Borrower or any Material Subsidiary;

(dd) Liens on specific items of inventory or other goods and the proceeds thereof securing such Person’s obligations in respect of documentary letters of credit or banker’s acceptances issued or created for the account of such Person to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory or goods;

(ee) Liens securing letters of credit in a currency other than Dollars permitted under Section 7.03(q) in an aggregate amount not to exceed $15,000,000 at any time outstanding;

(ff) the modification, replacement, renewal or extension of any Lien permitted by clauses (b), (i), (q) and (aa) of this Section 7.01; provided that (i) the Lien does not extend to any additional property other than (A) after-acquired property that is affixed or incorporated into the property (x) covered by such Lien or (y) financed by Indebtedness permitted under Section 7.03(c)(1), (f) (h) or (v), as applicable, and (B) proceeds and products thereof, and (ii) the renewal, extension or refinancing of the obligations secured or benefited by such Liens is permitted by Section 7.03; and

(gg) other Liens securing Indebtedness or other obligations in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $75,000,000 at any time outstanding.

SECTION 7.02. Investments . Make or hold any Investments, except:

(a) Investments by the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary in assets that were Cash Equivalents when such Investment was made;

(b) loans or advances to officers, directors and employees of the Borrower (or any direct or indirect parent thereof) and the Restricted Subsidiaries (i) for reasonable and customary business-related travel, entertainment, relocation and analogous ordinary business purposes, (ii) in connection with such Person’s purchase of Equity Interests of the Borrower (or any direct or indirect parent thereof or after a Qualifying IPO any Intermediate Holding Company) ( provided that the amount of such loans and advances shall be contributed to the Borrower in cash as common equity) and (iii) for purposes not described in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii), in an aggregate principal amount outstanding not to exceed $10,000,000;

(c) asset purchases (including purchases of inventory, supplies and materials) and the licensing or contribution of intellectual property pursuant to joint marketing arrangements with other Persons, in each case in the ordinary course of business;

 

109


(d) Investments (i) by any Loan Party in any other Loan Party (other than Holdings or any Intermediate Holding Company), (ii) by any Non-Loan Party in any other Non-Loan Party that is a Restricted Subsidiary, (iii) by any Non-Loan Party in any Loan Party, (iv) by any Loan Party in any Non-Loan Party that is a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that all such Investments pursuant to this clause (iv) shall be in the form of intercompany loans and evidenced by notes that have been pledged (individually or pursuant to a global note) to the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Lenders ( provided that in order to comply with the laws and regulations of a jurisdiction where such Non-Loan Party is located or organized, Investments in an aggregate amount not to exceed $50,000,000 may be structured as an equity contribution or otherwise in a form other than an intercompany loan (with unused amounts in any calendar year being carried over to the next succeeding calendar year only, subject to a maximum of $100,000,000 in any calendar year)); provided, further that to the extent that the amount of intercompany loans outstanding to any Non-Loan Party pursuant to this clause (iv) exceeds $30,000,000, such Non-Loan Party shall not be entitled to incur secured Indebtedness in excess of 50% of the aggregate amount of all such intercompany loans outstanding to such Non-Loan Party;

(e) Investments consisting of extensions of credit in the nature of accounts receivable or notes receivable arising from the grant of trade credit in the ordinary course of business, and Investments received in satisfaction or partial satisfaction thereof from financially troubled account debtors and other credits to suppliers in the ordinary course of business;

(f) Investments consisting of Liens, Indebtedness, fundamental changes, Dispositions and Restricted Payments permitted under Sections 7.01, 7.03, 7.04, 7.05 and 7.06, respectively;

(g) Investments (i) existing or contemplated on the date hereof and set forth on Schedule 7.02(g) and any modification, replacement, renewal, reinvestment or extension thereof and (ii) existing on the date hereof by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary and any modification, renewal or extension thereof; provided that the amount of any Investment permitted pursuant to this Section 7.02(g) is not increased from the amount of such Investment on the Closing Date except pursuant to the terms of such Investment as of the Closing Date or as otherwise permitted by this Section 7.02;

(h) Investments in Swap Contracts permitted under Section 7.03;

(i) promissory notes and other noncash consideration received in connection with Dispositions permitted by Section 7.05;

(j) the purchase or other acquisition of property and assets or businesses of any Person or of assets constituting a business unit, a line of business or division of such Person, or Equity Interests in a Person that, upon the consummation thereof, will be a Subsidiary of the Borrower (including as a result of a merger or consolidation); provided that, with respect to each purchase or other acquisition made pursuant to this Section 7.02(j) (each, a “ Permitted Acquisition ”):

(A) subject to clause (B) below, a majority of all property, assets and businesses acquired in such purchase or other acquisition shall constitute Collateral and each applicable Loan Party and any such newly created or acquired Subsidiary (and, to the extent required under the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement, the Subsidiaries of such created or acquired Subsidiary) shall be Guarantors and shall have complied with the requirements of Section 6.11, within the times specified therein (for the avoidance of doubt, this clause (A) shall not override any provisions of the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement);

 

110


(B) the aggregate amount of consideration paid in respect of acquisitions of Persons that do not become Loan Parties (giving effect to any Investments permitted under Section 7.02(r)) shall not exceed the greater of $30,000,000 and 1.5% of Total Assets at the time of each such Investment (with the fair market value of each such Investment being measured at the time made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value) (net of any return representing a return of capital in respect of any such Investment);

(C) the acquired property, assets, business or Person is in the same or complimentary line of business as the Borrower and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;

(D) the board of directors (or similar governing body) of the person to be so purchased or acquired shall not have indicated publicly its opposition to the consummation of such purchase or acquisition (which opposition has not been publicly withdrawn);

(E) (1) immediately before and immediately after giving Pro Forma Effect to any such purchase or other acquisition, no Default shall have occurred and be continuing and (2) immediately after giving effect to such purchase or other acquisition, the Senior Secured Leverage Ratio (calculated on a Pro Forma Basis) shall be no greater than 5.25 to 1.00 and, satisfaction of such requirement shall be evidenced by a certificate from the Chief Financial Officer or Treasurer of the Borrower demonstrating such satisfaction calculation in reasonable detail; and

(F) the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Lenders, no later than five (5) Business Days after the date on which any such purchase or other acquisition is consummated, a certificate of a Responsible Officer, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, certifying that all of the requirements set forth in this clause (i) have been satisfied or will be satisfied on or prior to the consummation of such purchase or other acquisition;

 

111


(k) the Transaction;

(l) Investments in the ordinary course of business consisting of Article III endorsements for collection or deposit and Article IV customary trade arrangements with customers consistent with past practices;

(m) Investments (including debt obligations and Equity Interests) received in connection with the bankruptcy or reorganization of suppliers and customers or in settlement of delinquent obligations of, or other disputes with, customers and suppliers arising in the ordinary course of business or upon the foreclosure with respect to any secured Investment or other transfer of title with respect to any secured Investment;

(n) loans and advances to the Borrower (or any direct or indirect parent thereof) in lieu of, and not in excess of the amount of (after giving effect to any other loans, advances or Restricted Payments in respect thereof), Restricted Payments to the extent permitted to be made to the Borrower (or such direct or indirect parent) in accordance with Section 7.06(f) or (g);

(o) so long as immediately after giving effect to any such Investment no Default has occurred and is continuing, other Investments that do not exceed the greater of (i) $100,000,000 and (ii) 4% of Total Assets in the aggregate, net of any return representing return of capital in respect of any such investment and valued at the time of the making thereof; provided that, such amount shall be increased by (i) the Net Cash Proceeds of Permitted Equity Issuances contributed to the Borrower that are Not Otherwise Applied and (ii) without duplication of clause (i) above, if as of the last day of the immediately preceding Test Period, the Borrower shall have been in compliance with the Senior Secured Leverage Test (calculated on a Pro Forma Basis), the Available Amount that is Not Otherwise Applied;

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

(q) Investments to the extent that payment for such Investments is made solely with Qualified Equity Interests of Holdings (or by any Intermediate Holding Company or direct or indirect parent of Holdings after a Qualifying IPO of Holdings, such Intermediate Holding Company or such direct or indirect parent of Holdings);

(r) Investments held by a Restricted Subsidiary acquired after the Closing Date or of a corporation merged into the Borrower or merged or consolidated with a Restricted Subsidiary in accordance with Section 7.04 after the Closing Date to the extent that such Investments were not made in contemplation of or in connection with such acquisition, merger or consolidation and were in existence on the date of such acquisition, merger or consolidation;

 

112


(s) Guarantees by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of leases (other than Capitalized Leases) or of other obligations that do not constitute Indebtedness, in each case entered into in the ordinary course of business;

(t) (i) Investments in a Securitization Subsidiary or any Investment by a Securitization Subsidiary in any other Person in connection with a Qualified Securitization Financing; provided , however , that any such Investment in a Securitization Subsidiary is in the form of a contribution of additional Securitization Assets or as equity, and (ii) distributions or payments of Securitization Fees and purchases of Securitization Assets pursuant to a Securitization Repurchase Obligation in connection with a Qualified Securitization Financing;

(u) Investments constituting the non-cash portion of consideration received in a Disposition permitted by Section 7.05; and

(v) Investments in, and solely to the extent contemplated by the organizational documents (as in existence on the date hereof) of, joint ventures to which the Borrower or the Restricted Subsidiaries are a party on the date hereof;

provided that no Investment in an Unrestricted Subsidiary that would otherwise be permitted under this Section 7.02 shall be permitted hereunder to the extent that any portion of such Investment is used to make any prepayments, redemptions, purchases, defeasances and other payments in respect of any Junior Financing.

SECTION 7.03. Indebtedness . Create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Indebtedness, except:

(a) Unsecured Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary; provided that both immediately prior and after giving Pro Forma Effect to such incurrence no Default or Event of Default shall exist or result therefrom;

(b) Indebtedness of the Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries under the Loan Documents;

(c) Indebtedness (i) outstanding on the date hereof and listed on Schedule 7.03(c) and any Permitted Refinancing thereof and (ii) intercompany Indebtedness outstanding on the date hereof;

(d) Guarantees by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary otherwise permitted hereunder (except that a Restricted Subsidiary that is a Non-Loan Party may not, by virtue of this Section 7.03(d), Guarantee Indebtedness that such Restricted Subsidiary could not otherwise incur under this Section 7.03); provided that (A) no Guarantee by any Restricted Subsidiary of any High Yield Note, Second Lien Facility or Junior Financing shall be permitted unless such Restricted Subsidiary shall have also provided a Guarantee of the Obligations substantially on the terms set forth in the Guaranty and (B) if the Indebtedness being Guaranteed is subordinated to the Obligations, such Guarantee shall be subordinated to the Guarantee of the Obligations on terms at least as favorable to the Lenders as those contained in the subordination of such Indebtedness;

 

113


(e) Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary owing to the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary to the extent constituting an Investment permitted by Section 7.02; provided that, all such Indebtedness of any Loan Party owed to any Person that is not a Loan Party shall be subject to the subordination terms set forth in Section 5.03 of the Security Agreement;

(f) so long as the aggregate amount of Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (f) does not exceed the greater of $100,000,000 and 4% of Total Assets, (i) Attributable Indebtedness and other Indebtedness (including Capitalized Leases) financing the acquisition, construction, repair, replacement or improvement of fixed or capital assets; provided that such Indebtedness is incurred concurrently with or within two hundred and seventy (270) days after the applicable acquisition, construction, repair, replacement or improvement, (ii) Attributable Indebtedness arising out of sale-leaseback transactions permitted by Section 7.05(f) and (iii) any Permitted Refinancing of any Indebtedness set forth in the immediately preceding clauses (i) and (ii);

(g) Indebtedness in respect of Swap Contracts designed to hedge against interest rates, foreign exchange rates or commodities pricing risks incurred in the ordinary course of business and not for speculative purposes;

(h) Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary assumed in connection with any Permitted Acquisition, provided that (x) such Indebtedness (i) was not incurred in contemplation of such Permitted Acquisition, (ii) is secured only by the assets acquired in the applicable Permitted Acquisition (including any acquired Equity Interests), (iii) the only obligors with respect to any Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this paragraph shall be those Persons who were obligors of such Indebtedness prior to such Permitted Acquisition (and any owner of any Equity Interests of a Subsidiary acquired in such Permitted Acquisition, which owner may provide only a non-recourse pledge of such Equity Interests to support such Indebtedness), and (y) both immediately prior and after giving effect thereto no Default shall exist or result therefrom;

(i) (i) Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary (A) assumed in connection with any Permitted Acquisition; provided that such Indebtedness is not incurred in contemplation of such Permitted Acquisition, or (B) incurred to finance a Permitted Acquisition and (ii) any Permitted Refinancing of the foregoing; provided , that in the case of each of (i) and (ii) above, such Indebtedness and all Indebtedness resulting from any Permitted Refinancing thereof (w) is unsecured or is subordinated to the Obligations on terms no less favorable to the Lenders than the subordination terms set forth in the Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture as of the Closing Date, (x) both immediately prior and after giving effect thereto, no Default shall exist or result therefrom, (y) matures after, and does not require any scheduled amortization or other scheduled payments of principal prior to, the Maturity Date of the Term Loans (it being understood that such Indebtedness may have mandatory prepayment, repurchase or redemptions provisions satisfying the requirement of clause (z) hereof) and (z) has terms and conditions (other

 

114


than interest rate and redemption premiums), taken as a whole, that are not materially less favorable to the Borrower as the terms and conditions of the Senior Subordinated Notes as of the Closing Date; provided that a certificate of a Responsible Officer delivered to the Administrative Agent at least five Business Days prior to the incurrence of such Indebtedness, together with a reasonably detailed description of the material terms and conditions of such Indebtedness or drafts of the documentation relating thereto, stating that the Borrower has determined in good faith that such terms and conditions satisfy the foregoing requirement shall be conclusive evidence that such terms and conditions satisfy the foregoing requirement unless the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower within such five Business Day period that it disagrees with such determination (including a reasonable description of the basis upon which it disagrees); provided further that notwithstanding anything contained in the Loan Documents to the contrary, (a) the only obligors with respect to any Indebtedness incurred pursuant to clause (A) of this paragraph or any Permitted Refinancing of Indebtedness in respect thereof shall be those Persons who were obligors of such Indebtedness immediately prior to such Permitted Acquisition and (b) Restricted Subsidiaries that are Non-Loan Parties may not incur Indebtedness pursuant to this clause (i) in an aggregate outstanding amount in excess of 5% of Foreign Subsidiary Total Assets;

(j) Indebtedness representing deferred compensation to employees of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries incurred in the ordinary course of business;

(k) Indebtedness to current or former officers, directors, managers, consultants and employees, their respective estates, spouses or former spouses to finance the purchase or redemption of Equity Interests of the Borrower (or any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower) permitted by Section 7.06;

(l) Indebtedness incurred by the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries in a Permitted Acquisition, any other Investment expressly permitted hereunder or any Disposition, in each case to the extent constituting indemnification obligations or obligations in respect of purchase price (including earn-outs) or other similar adjustments;

(m) Indebtedness consisting of obligations of the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries under deferred compensation or other similar arrangements incurred by such Person in connection with the Transaction and Permitted Acquisitions or any other Investment expressly permitted hereunder;

(n) Cash Management Obligations and other Indebtedness in respect of netting services, automatic clearinghouse arrangements, overdraft protections and similar arrangements in each case in connection with deposit accounts;

(o) Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $75,000,000 at any time outstanding;

 

115


(p) Indebtedness consisting of (a) the financing of insurance premiums or (b) take-or-pay obligations contained in supply arrangements, in each case, in the ordinary course of business;

(q) Indebtedness incurred by the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of letters of credit, bank guarantees, bankers’ acceptances, warehouse receipts or similar instruments issued or created in the ordinary course of business, including in respect of workers compensation claims, health, disability or other employee benefits or property, casualty or liability insurance or self-insurance or other Indebtedness with respect to reimbursement-type obligations regarding workers compensation claims; provided that any reimbursement obligations in respect thereof are reimbursed within 30 days following the incurrence thereof;

(r) obligations in respect of performance, bid, appeal and surety bonds and performance and completion guarantees and similar obligations provided by the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries or obligations in respect of letters of credit, bank guarantees or similar instruments related thereto, in each case in the ordinary course of business or consistent with past practice;

(s) Indebtedness incurred by a Securitization Subsidiary in a Qualified Securitization Financing that is non recourse (except for Standard Securitization Undertakings) to the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(t) Indebtedness supported by a Letter of Credit, in a principal amount not to exceed the face amount of such Letter of Credit;

(u) Indebtedness in respect of the High Yield Notes and any Permitted Refinancing thereof;

(v)(i) Indebtedness under a Second Lien Facility in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $100,000,000 at any time outstanding; provided that at the time of the incurrence of such Indebtedness and after giving Pro Forma Effect thereto, no Default exists or would result therefrom, and (ii) Permitted Refinancings in respect thereof; provided that the amount of Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (v) shall reduce on a dollar-for-dollar basis the Incremental Availability; and

(w) Indebtedness incurred by a Foreign Subsidiary which, when aggregated with the principal amount of all other Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (w) and then outstanding, does not exceed 5% of Foreign Subsidiary Total Assets, which Indebtedness shall be secured only to the extent permitted by Section 7.01(n); and

(x) all premiums (if any), interest (including post-petition interest), fees, expenses, charges and additional or contingent interest on obligations described in clauses (a) through (w) above.

For purposes of determining compliance with any Dollar-denominated restriction on the incurrence of Indebtedness, the Dollar-equivalent principal amount of Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency shall be calculated based on the relevant currency exchange rate in effect

 

116


on the date such Indebtedness was incurred, in the case of term debt, or first committed, in the case of revolving credit debt; provided that if such Indebtedness is incurred to extend, replace, refund, refinance, renew or defease other Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency, and such extension, replacement, refunding, refinancing, renewal or defeasance would cause the applicable Dollar-denominated restriction to be exceeded if calculated at the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date of such extension, replacement, refunding, refinancing, renewal or defeasance, such Dollar-denominated restriction shall be deemed not to have been exceeded so long as the principal amount of such refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount of such Indebtedness being extended, replaced, refunded, refinanced, renewed or defeased.

The accrual of interest, the accretion of accreted value and the payment of interest in the form of additional Indebtedness shall not be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness for purposes of this Section 7.03.

For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 7.03, in the event that an item of Indebtedness meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of Indebtedness described in clauses (a) through (x) above, the Borrower shall, in its sole discretion, classify and reclassify or later divide, classify or reclassify such item of Indebtedness (or any portion thereof) and will only be required to include the amount and type of such Indebtedness in one or more of the above clauses; provided that (i) all Indebtedness outstanding under the Loan Documents will be deemed to have been incurred on such date in reliance only on the exception in clause (b) of Section 7.03, and (ii) all Indebtedness outstanding under the High Yield Notes will be deemed to have been incurred on such date in reliance only on the exception of clause (u) of Section 7.03.

SECTION 7.04. Fundamental Changes . Merge, dissolve, liquidate, consolidate with or into another Person, or Dispose of (whether in one transaction or in a series of transactions) all or substantially all of its assets (whether now owned or hereafter acquired) to or in favor of any Person, except that:

(a) Any Intermediate Holding Company or any Restricted Subsidiary may merge with (i) the Borrower (including a merger, the purpose of which is to reorganize the Borrower into a new jurisdiction); provided that (x) the Borrower shall be the continuing or surviving Person and (y) such merger does not result in the Borrower ceasing to be organized under the Laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia, or (ii) any Intermediate Holding Company or any one or more other Restricted Subsidiaries other than the Borrower; provided that when any Restricted Subsidiary that is a Loan Party or any Intermediate Holding Company is merging with another Restricted Subsidiary, a Loan Party (other than any Intermediate Holding Company) shall be the continuing or surviving Person;

(b) (i) any Subsidiary that is a Non-Loan Party may merge or consolidate with or into any other Subsidiary that is a Non-Loan Party and (ii) any Subsidiary (other than the Borrower) may liquidate or dissolve or change its legal form if the Borrower determines in good faith that such action is in the best interests of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and if not materially disadvantageous to the Lenders (for the avoidance of doubt, any Domestic Subsidiary of the Borrower that is a corporation may convert to a limited liability company and such conversion shall not be deemed to be materially disadvantageous to the Lenders);

 

117


(c) any Restricted Subsidiary may Dispose of all or substantially all of its assets (upon voluntary liquidation or otherwise) to another Restricted Subsidiary; provided that if the transferor in such a transaction is a Loan Party, then (i) the transferee must be a Loan Party or (ii) to the extent constituting an Investment, such Investment must be a permitted Investment in or Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary which is not a Loan Party in accordance with Sections 7.02 and 7.03, respectively;

(d) so long as no Default exists or would result therefrom, the Borrower may merge with any other Person; provided that (i) the Borrower shall be the continuing or surviving corporation or (ii) if the Person formed by or surviving any such merger or consolidation is not the Borrower (any such Person, the “ Successor Borrower ”), (A) the Successor Borrower shall be an entity organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia or any territory thereof, (B) the Successor Borrower shall expressly assume all the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which the Borrower is a party pursuant to a supplement hereto or thereto in form reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (including a Security Agreement Supplement (as defined in the Security Agreement)), (C) each Guarantor, unless it is the other party to such merger or consolidation, shall have by a supplement to the Guaranty confirmed that its Guarantee shall apply to the Successor Borrower’s obligations under this Agreement, (D) each Loan Party, unless it is the other party to such merger or consolidation, shall have by a supplement to the Security Agreement confirmed that its obligations thereunder shall apply to the Successor Borrower’s obligations under this Agreement, (E) each mortgagor of a Mortgaged Property, unless it is the other party to such merger or consolidation, shall have by an amendment to or restatement of the applicable Mortgage (or other instrument reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent) confirmed that its obligations thereunder shall apply to the Successor Borrower’s obligations under this Agreement, and (F) the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent an officer’s certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that such merger or consolidation and such supplement to this Agreement or any Collateral Document comply with this Agreement; provided , further , that if the foregoing are satisfied, the Successor Borrower will succeed to, and be substituted for, the Borrower under this Agreement;

(e) so long as no Default exists or would result therefrom, any Restricted Subsidiary (other than the Borrower) may merge with any other Person in order to effect an Investment permitted pursuant to Section 7.02; provided that the continuing or surviving Person shall be a Restricted Subsidiary, which together with each of its Restricted Subsidiaries, shall have complied with the requirements of Section 6.11;

(f) so long as no Default exists or would result therefrom and no material assets have been transferred to such Subsidiaries from the Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof from the Closing Date to the date of such dissolution or liquidation, the Subsidiaries listed on Schedule 7.04(f) may be dissolved or liquidated;

 

118


(g) the Merger may be consummated; and

(h) so long as no Default exists or would result therefrom, a merger, dissolution, liquidation, consolidation or Disposition, the purpose of which is to effect a Disposition permitted pursuant to Section 7.05.

SECTION 7.05. Dispositions . Make any Disposition or enter into any agreement to make any Disposition, except:

(a) Dispositions of obsolete, worn out or surplus property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, in the ordinary course of business and Dispositions of property no longer used or useful in the conduct of the business of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries;

(b) Dispositions of inventory and immaterial assets in the ordinary course of business (including allowing any registrations or any applications for registration of any immaterial IP Rights to lapse or go abandoned in the ordinary course of business);

(c) Dispositions of property to the extent that (i) such property is exchanged for credit against the purchase price of similar replacement property that is promptly purchased or (ii) the proceeds of such Disposition are promptly applied to the purchase price of such replacement property (which replacement property is actually promptly purchased);

(d) Dispositions of property to the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that if the transferor of such property is a Loan Party (i) the transferee thereof must be a Loan Party or (ii) to the extent such transaction constitutes an Investment, such transaction is permitted under Section 7.02;

(e) Dispositions permitted by Sections 7.02, 7.04 and 7.06 and Liens permitted by Section 7.01;

(f)(A) Dispositions of property pursuant to the Jackson Transaction and (B) Dispositions of property pursuant to sale-leaseback transactions; provided that (i) with respect to such property owned by the Borrower, the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries on the Closing Date, the fair market value of all property so Disposed of after the Closing Date (taken together with the aggregate book value of all property Disposed of pursuant to Section 7.05(j)) shall not exceed five percent (5%) of Total Assets per year (with unused amounts in any calendar year being carried over to the next succeeding calendar year only) and (ii) with respect to such property acquired by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary after the Closing Date, the applicable sale-leaseback transaction occurs within two hundred and seventy (270) days after the acquisition or construction (as applicable) of such property;

(g) Dispositions in the ordinary course of business of Cash Equivalents;

(h) leases, subleases, licenses or sublicenses (including the provision of software under an open source license), in each case in the ordinary course of business and which do not materially interfere with the business of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;

 

119


(i) transfers of property subject to Casualty Events upon receipt of the Net Cash Proceeds of such Casualty Event;

(j) Dispositions of property not otherwise permitted under this Section 7.05; provided that (i) at the time of such Disposition (other than any such Disposition made pursuant to a legally binding commitment entered into at a time when no Default exists), no Default shall exist or would result from such Disposition, (ii) the aggregate book value of all property Disposed of in reliance on this clause (j) (taken together with the aggregate fair market value of all property Disposed of pursuant to Section 7.05(f)) shall not exceed five percent (5%) of Total Assets per year (with unused amounts in any calendar year being carried over to the next succeeding calendar year only) and (iii) with respect to any Disposition pursuant to this clause (j) for a purchase price in excess of $20,000,000, the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary shall receive not less than 75% of such consideration in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents (in each case, free and clear of all Liens at the time received, other than nonconsensual Liens permitted by Section 7.01 and Liens permitted by Section 7.01(a), Section 7.01(l) and clauses (i) and (ii) of Section 7.01(t)); provided , however , that for the purposes of this clause (iii), (A) any liabilities (as shown on the Borrower’s or such Restricted Subsidiary’s most recent balance sheet provided hereunder or in the footnotes thereto) of the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary, other than liabilities that are by their terms subordinated to the payment in cash of the Obligations, that are assumed by the transferee with respect to the applicable Disposition and for which all of the Restricted Subsidiaries shall have been validly released by all applicable creditors in writing, (B) any securities received by such Restricted Subsidiary from such transferee that are converted by such Restricted Subsidiary into cash (to the extent of the cash received) within 180 days following the closing of the applicable Disposition and (C) any Designated Non-Cash Consideration received in respect of such Disposition having an aggregate fair market value, taken together with all other Designated Non-Cash Consideration received pursuant to this clause (C) that is at that time outstanding, not in excess of 2.5% of Total Assets at the time of the receipt of such Designated Non-Cash Consideration, with the fair market value of each item of Designated Non-Cash Consideration being measured at the time received and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value, shall be deemed to be cash;

(k) Dispositions listed on Schedule 7.05(k) (“ Scheduled Dispositions ”) ;

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

(m) any Disposition of Securitization Assets to a Securitization Subsidiary;

(n) Dispositions of accounts receivable in connection with the collection or compromise thereof;

 

120


(o) any issuance or sale of Equity Interests in, or Indebtedness or other securities of, an Unrestricted Subsidiary; and

(p) the unwinding of any Swap Contract;

provided that any Disposition of any property pursuant to this Section 7.05 (except pursuant to Sections 7.05(e) and (i) and except for Dispositions from a Loan Party to another Loan Party), shall be for no less than the fair market value of such property at the time of such Disposition. To the extent any Collateral is Disposed of as expressly permitted by this Section 7.05 to any Person other than the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, such Collateral shall be sold free and clear of the Liens created by the Loan Documents, and, if requested by the Administrative Agent, upon the certification by the Borrower that such Disposition is permitted by this Agreement, the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as applicable, shall be authorized to take any actions deemed appropriate in order to effect the foregoing.

SECTION 7.06. Restricted Payments . Declare or make, directly or indirectly, any Restricted Payment, except:

(a) each Restricted Subsidiary may make Restricted Payments to the Borrower and to other Restricted Subsidiaries (and, in the case of a Restricted Payment by a non-wholly owned Restricted Subsidiary, to the Borrower and any other Restricted Subsidiary and to each other owner of Equity Interests of such Restricted Subsidiary based on their relative ownership interests of the relevant class of Equity Interests);

(b) the Borrower may (i) redeem in whole or in part any of its Equity Interests for another class of Equity Interests or rights to acquire its Equity Interests or with proceeds from substantially concurrent equity contributions or issuances of new Equity Interests, provided that any terms and provisions material to the interests of the Lenders, when taken as a whole, contained in such other class of Equity Interests are at least as advantageous to the Lenders as those contained in the Equity Interests redeemed thereby or (ii) the Borrower and each Restricted Subsidiary may declare and make dividend payments or other distributions payable solely in the Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests not otherwise permitted by Section 7.03) of such Person;

(c) Restricted Payments made on the Closing Date to consummate the Transaction;

(d) to the extent constituting Restricted Payments, the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries may enter into and consummate transactions expressly permitted by any provision of Section 7.02, 7.04 or 7.08 other than Section 7.08(f);

(e) repurchases of Equity Interests in Holdings, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary deemed to occur upon exercise of stock options or warrants if such Equity Interests represent a portion of the exercise price of such options or warrants;

(f) the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary may pay (or make Restricted Payments to allow any direct or indirect parent thereof (including Holdings) to pay) for the repurchase, retirement or other acquisition or retirement for value of Equity Interests

 

121


of the Borrower or any such direct or indirect parent thereof (including Holdings) by any future, present or former employee, director or consultant (or any spouses, former spouses, successors, executors, administrators, heirs, legatees or distributees of any of the foregoing) of the Borrower or any such direct or indirect parent thereof (including Holdings) or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to any employee or director equity plan, employee or director stock option plan or any other employee or director benefit plan or any agreement (including any stock subscription or shareholder agreement) with any employee, director or consultant of the Borrower or any such direct or indirect parent thereof (including Holdings) or any of its Subsidiaries; provided that the aggregate amount of Restricted Payments made pursuant to this clause (f) shall not exceed $15,000,000 in any calendar year (which shall increase to $30,000,000 subsequent to the consummation of a Qualifying IPO of Holdings or any direct or indirect parent thereof, as the case may be) (with unused amounts in any calendar year being carried over to succeeding calendar years subject to a maximum (without giving effect to the following proviso) of $20,000,000 in any calendar year (which shall increase to $40,000,000 subsequent to the consummation of a Qualifying IPO of Holdings or any direct or indirect parent thereof, as the case may be)); provided further that such amount in any calendar year may be increased by an amount not to exceed:

(i) the Net Cash Proceeds from the sale of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests) of the Borrower and, to the extent contributed to the Borrower, Equity Interests of any of the Borrower’s direct or indirect parent companies, in each case to members of management, directors or consultants of the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or any of its direct or indirect parent companies that occurs after the Closing Date; plus

(ii) the Net Cash Proceeds of key man life insurance policies received by Holdings (to the extent contributed to the Borrower), the Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries; less

(iii) the amount of any Restricted Payments previously made with the cash proceeds described in clauses (i) and (ii) of this Section 7.06(f);

and provided further that cancellation of Indebtedness owing to Holdings or the Borrower from members of management of the Borrower, any of the Borrower’s direct or indirect parent companies or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with a repurchase of Equity Interests of the Borrower or any of its direct or indirect parent companies will not be deemed to constitute a Restricted Payment for purposes of this covenant or any other provision of this Agreement; provided , further , that the value of any Equity Interests repurchased, retired or acquired pursuant to this clause (f) shall be determined based on the imputed per share (or interest) price of any such Equity Interest as of the Closing Date.

(g) the Borrower may make Restricted Payments to any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower:

 

122


(i) so long as the Borrower is treated as a pass-through entity of which such direct or indirect parent is a owner or a partner, or is a member of a consolidated or combined group that includes such direct or indirect parent, for U.S. federal, state or local income tax purposes, the Borrower may pay to such direct or indirect parent the amount of U.S. federal, state and local income taxes, as the case may be, incurred by such direct or indirect parent but only to the extent such income taxes are attributable to the income of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (excluding any Subsidiaries that are neither a pass-through entity nor a member of a consolidated or a combined group that includes a direct or indirect parent); provided that the amount of such payments in any fiscal year does not exceed the amount that the Borrower and its Subsidiaries would have been required to pay in respect of such federal, state and local taxes for such fiscal year if the Borrower and its Subsidiaries were members of a consolidated or combined group of which the Borrower was the common parent corporation.

(ii) the proceeds of which shall be used to pay its operating costs and expenses incurred in the ordinary course of business and other corporate overhead costs and expenses (including administrative, legal, accounting and similar expenses provided by third parties), which are reasonable and customary and incurred in the ordinary course of business, attributable to the ownership or operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (including any reasonable and customary indemnification claims made by directors or officers of any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower attributable to the ownership or operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries);

(iii) the proceeds of which shall be used to pay the Borrower’s pro rata share of any franchise taxes and other fees, taxes and expenses required to maintain its (or so long as its direct or indirect parents directly or indirectly own no other assets than the Equity Interest in the Borrower any of its direct or indirect parents’) corporate existence;

(iv) to finance any Investment permitted to be made pursuant to Section 7.02; provided that (A) such Restricted Payment shall be made substantially concurrently with the closing of such Investment and (B) the Borrower shall, immediately following the closing thereof, cause (1) all property acquired (whether assets or Equity Interests) to be held by it or contributed to a Restricted Subsidiary or (2) the merger (to the extent permitted in Section 7.04) of the Person formed or acquired into a Restricted Subsidiary in order to consummate such Permitted Acquisition, in each case, in accordance with the requirements of Section 6.11;

(v) the proceeds of which shall be used to pay customary costs, fees and expenses (other than to Affiliates) related to any unsuccessful equity or debt offering permitted by this Agreement; and

(vi) the proceeds of which shall be used to pay customary salary, bonus and other benefits payable to officers and employees of any direct or indirect

 

123


parent company of the Borrower to the extent such salaries, bonuses and other benefits are attributable to the ownership or operation of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(h) the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary may (a) pay cash in lieu of fractional Equity Interests in connection with any dividend, split or combination thereof or any Permitted Acquisition and (b) honor any conversion request by a holder of convertible Indebtedness and make cash payments in lieu of fractional shares in connection with any such conversion and may make payments on convertible Indebtedness in accordance with its terms;

(i) [Reserved;]

(j) the payment of any dividend or distribution within 60 days after the date of declaration thereof, if at the date of declaration such payment would have complied with the provisions of this Agreement;

(k) the declaration and payment of dividends on the Borrower’s common stock following the first public offering of the Borrower’s common stock or the common stock of any of its direct or indirect parents after the Closing Date, of up to 6% per annum of the net proceeds received by or contributed to the Borrower in or from any such public offering, other than public offerings with respect to the Borrower’s common stock registered on Form S–4 or Form S–8;

(l) payments made or expected to be made by the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of withholding or similar Taxes payable by any future, present or former employee, director, manager or consultant (or any spouses, former spouses, successors, executors, administrators, heirs, legatees or distributees of any of the foregoing) and any repurchases of Equity Interests in consideration of such payments including deemed repurchases in connection with the exercise of stock options;

(m) Restricted Payments in an amount equal to any reduction in taxes actually realized by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries in the form of refunds or credits or from deductions when applied to offset income or gain as a direct result of (i) Transaction Expenses, (ii) commitment and other financing fees or (iii) severance, change in control and other compensation expense incurred in connection with the exercise, repurchase, rollover or payout of stock options or bonuses, in each case in connection with the Transaction; and

(n) in addition to the foregoing Restricted Payments and so long as no Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom and the Senior Secured Leverage Ratio (after giving Pro Forma Effect to such additional Restricted Payments) shall be no greater than 4.25 to 1.00, the Borrower may make additional Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount, together with the aggregate amount of (1) prepayments, redemptions, purchases, defeasances and other payments in respect of Junior Financings made pursuant to Section 7.12(a)(iv) and (2) loans and advances to any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower made pursuant to Section 7.02(n) in lieu of

 

124


Restricted Payments permitted by this clause (n), not to exceed the sum of (i) greater of $50,000,000 and two percent (2%) of Total Assets, (ii) the aggregate amount of the Net Cash Proceeds of Permitted Equity Issuances contributed to the Borrower that are Not Otherwise Applied and (iii) without duplication of clause (ii) above, the amount of the Available Amount that is Not Otherwise Applied.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, make any Restricted Payment consisting of any proceeds from a Qualified Securitization Transaction.

SECTION 7.07. Change in Nature of Business . Engage in any material line of business substantially different from those lines of business conducted by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries on the date hereof or any business reasonably related or ancillary thereto.

SECTION 7.08. Transactions with Affiliates . Enter into any transaction of any kind with Parent or any Affiliate of Parent, whether or not in the ordinary course of business, other than (a) transactions between or among the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary or any entity that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary as a result of such transaction, (b) transactions on terms substantially as favorable to the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary as would be obtainable by the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary at the time in a comparable arm’s-length transaction with a Person other than an Affiliate, (c) the Transaction and the payment of fees and expenses related to the Transaction, (d) the issuance of Equity Interests to any officer, director, employee or consultant of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower in connection with the Transaction, (e) the payment of management and monitoring fees to the Sponsor in an aggregate amount in any fiscal year not to exceed the amount permitted to be paid pursuant to the Sponsor Management Agreement as in effect on the date hereof and any Sponsor Termination Fees not to exceed the amount set forth in the Sponsor Management Agreement as in effect on the date hereof and related indemnities and reasonable expenses, (f) equity issuances, repurchases, retirements or other acquisitions or retirements of Equity Interests by the Borrower permitted under Section 7.06, (g) loans and other transactions by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries to the extent permitted under this Article VII, (h) employment and severance arrangements between the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries and their respective officers and employees in the ordinary course of business and transactions pursuant to stock option plans and employee benefit plans and arrangements, (i) payments by the Borrower (and any direct or indirect parent thereof) and the Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to the tax sharing agreements among the Borrower (and any such direct or indirect parent thereof) and the Restricted Subsidiaries on customary terms to the extent attributable to the ownership or operation of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, (j) the payment of customary fees and reasonable out of pocket costs to, and indemnities provided on behalf of, directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries or any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower in the ordinary course of business to the extent attributable to the ownership or operation of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, (k) transactions pursuant to permitted agreements in existence on the Closing Date and set forth on Schedule 7.08 or any amendment thereto to the extent such an amendment is not adverse to the Lenders in any material respect, (l) dividends, redemptions and repurchases permitted under Section 7.06 , (m) customary payments by the Borrower and any Restricted Subsidiaries to the Sponsor made for any financial advisory, financing, underwriting

 

125


or placement services or in respect of other investment banking activities (including in connection with acquisitions or divestitures), which payments are approved by the majority of the members of the board of directors or a majority of the disinterested members of the board of directors of the Borrower in good faith and (n) any Disposition of Securitization Assets or related assets in connection with any Qualified Securitization Financing.

SECTION 7.09. Burdensome Agreements . Enter into or permit to exist any Contractual Obligation (other than this Agreement or any other Loan Document) that limits the ability of (a) any Restricted Subsidiary that is a Non-Loan Party to make Restricted Payments to any Loan Party or (b) any Loan Party to create, incur, assume or suffer to exist Liens on property of such Person for the benefit of the Lenders with respect to the Facilities and the Obligations or under the Loan Documents; provided that the foregoing clauses (a) and (b) shall not apply to Contractual Obligations which (i) (x) exist on the date hereof and (to the extent not otherwise permitted by this Section 7.09) are listed on Schedule 7.09 hereto and (y) to the extent Contractual Obligations permitted by clause (x) are set forth in an agreement evidencing Indebtedness, are set forth in any agreement evidencing any permitted renewal, extension or refinancing of such Indebtedness so long as such renewal, extension or refinancing does not expand the scope of such Contractual Obligation, (ii) are binding on a Restricted Subsidiary at the time such Restricted Subsidiary first becomes a Restricted Subsidiary, so long as such Contractual Obligations were not entered into in contemplation of such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary; provided further that this clause (ii) shall not apply to Contractual Obligations that are binding on a Person that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to Section 6.14, (iii) represent Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary which is a Non-Loan Party which is permitted by Section 7.03, (iv) arise in connection with any Lien permitted by Section 7.01(v) or any Disposition permitted by Section 7.05, (v) are customary provisions in joint venture agreements and other similar agreements applicable to joint ventures permitted under Section 7.02 and applicable solely to such joint venture entered into in the ordinary course of business, (vi) are negative pledges and restrictions on Liens in favor of any holder of Indebtedness permitted under Section 7.03 but solely to the extent any negative pledge relates to the property financed by or the subject of such Indebtedness (and excluding in any event any Indebtedness constituting any Junior Financing) and the proceeds and products thereof, (vii) are customary restrictions on leases, subleases, licenses or asset sale agreements otherwise permitted hereby so long as such restrictions relate to the assets subject thereto, (viii) comprise restrictions imposed by any agreement relating to secured Indebtedness permitted pursuant to Section 7.03(f), 7.03(g), 7.03(o) or 7.03(v) to the extent that such restrictions apply only to the property or assets securing such Indebtedness or, in the case of Indebtedness incurred pursuant to Section 7.03(h) only, to the Restricted Subsidiaries incurring or guaranteeing such Indebtedness (ix) are customary provisions restricting subletting or assignment of any lease governing a leasehold interest of any Restricted Subsidiary, (x) are customary provisions restricting assignment of any agreement entered into in the ordinary course of business, (xi) are restrictions on cash or other deposits imposed by customers under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business, (xii) are customary restrictions contained in the Second Lien Facility, The Senior Notes Indenture or the Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture and (xiii) arise in connection with cash or other deposits permitted under Section 7.01.

 

126


SECTION 7.10. Use of Proceeds . Use the proceeds of any Credit Extension, whether directly or indirectly, in a manner inconsistent with the uses set forth in the preliminary statements to this Agreement.

SECTION 7.11. Accounting Changes . Make any change in fiscal year; provided , however , that the Borrower may, upon written notice to the Administrative Agent, change its fiscal year to any other fiscal year reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, in which case, the Borrower and the Administrative Agent will, and are hereby authorized by the Lenders to, make any adjustments to this Agreement that are necessary to reflect such change in fiscal year.

SECTION 7.12. Prepayments, Etc. of Indebtedness .

(a) Prepay, redeem, purchase, defease or otherwise satisfy prior to the scheduled maturity thereof in any manner (it being understood that payments of regularly scheduled principal, interest and mandatory prepayments (with respect to the Second Lien Facility) shall be permitted) the Senior Subordinated Notes, the Second Lien Facility, any subordinated Indebtedness incurred under Sections 7.03(a), 7.03(h) or 7.03(n) or any other Indebtedness that is or is required to be subordinated to the Obligations pursuant to the terms of the Loan Documents (collectively, “ Junior Financing ”) or make any payment in violation of any subordination terms of any Junior Financing Documentation, except (i) the refinancing thereof with the Net Cash Proceeds of any Indebtedness (to the extent such Indebtedness constitutes a Permitted Refinancing and, if applicable, is permitted pursuant to Section 7.03(h)), to the extent not required to prepay any Loans or Facility pursuant to Section 2.05(b) or the prepayment thereof with Declined Proceeds, (ii) the conversion of any Junior Financing to Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests) of Holdings or any of its direct or indirect parents, (iii) the prepayment of Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to the extent permitted by the Collateral Documents and (iv) if, as of the last day of the immediately preceding Test Period (after giving Pro Forma Effect to such prepayments, redemptions, purchases, defeasances and other payments) the Borrower is in compliance with the Senior Secured Leverage Test, prepayments, redemptions, purchases, defeasances and other payments in respect of Junior Financings prior to their scheduled maturity in an aggregate amount, together with the aggregate amount of (1) Restricted Payments made pursuant to Section 7.06(n) and (2) loans and advances to Holdings made pursuant to Section 7.02(n), not to exceed the sum of (A) the greater of $50,000,000 or 2% of Total Assets, (B) the amount of the Net Cash Proceeds of Permitted Equity Issuances contributed to the Borrower that are Not Otherwise Applied, (C) without duplication of clause (B) above, the Available Amount that is Not Otherwise Applied and (D) Declined Proceeds; provided , that the restrictions in this clause (a) shall not apply to any prepayment, redemption, purchase, defeasance or any other satisfaction of any Junior Financing consummated within a period of 12 months prior to the scheduled maturity thereof, so long as such Junior Financing is scheduled to mature prior to the Maturity Date.

(b) Amend, modify or change in any manner materially adverse to the interests of the Lenders any term or condition of any Junior Financing Documentation or Second Lien Facility Documentation without the consent of the Arrangers.

 

127


SECTION 7.13. Equity Interests of Certain Restricted Subsidiaries . Permit any wholly owned Domestic Subsidiary that is a Restricted Subsidiary to become a non-wholly owned Subsidiary, except (other than with respect to the Borrower) to the extent such Restricted Subsidiary continues to be a Guarantor or in connection with a Disposition of all or substantially all of the assets or all of the Equity Interests of such Restricted Subsidiary permitted by Section 7.05 or the designation of such Restricted Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary pursuant to Section 6.14.

SECTION 7.14. Senior Secured Leverage Ratio . At all times that there are Revolving Credit Loans outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility in an aggregate amount greater than $10,000,000 (not including any Letters of Credit issued, or any Swing Line Loans outstanding, under the Revolving Credit Facility) (the “ Triggered Usage Period ”), permit the Senior Secured Leverage Ratio as at the last day of any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters of the Borrower (or, if less, the number of full fiscal quarters subsequent to the Closing Date) ending with the last day of any fiscal quarter set forth below to exceed the ratio set forth below opposite the last day of such fiscal quarter:

 

Fiscal Quarter Ending On Closest To:

  

Senior Secured Leverage Ratio:

September 30, 2007    7.00 to 1.00
December 31, 2007    7.00 to 1.00
March 31, 2008    6.50 to 1.00
June 30, 2008    6.50 to 1.00
September 30, 2008    6.50 to 1.00
December 31, 2008    6.50 to 1.00
March 31, 2009    5.75 to 1.00
June 30, 2009    5.75 to 1.00
September 30, 2009    5.75 to 1.00
December 31, 2009    5.75 to 1.00
March 31, 2010    5.00 to 1.00
June 30, 2010    5.00 to 1.00
September 30, 2010    5.00 to 1.00
December 31, 2010    5.00 to 1.00
March 31, 2011    4.00 to 1.00
June 30, 2011    4.00 to 1.00
September 30, 2011    4.00 to 1.00
December 31, 2011    4.00 to 1.00
March 31, 2012    4.00 to 1.00

 

128


Fiscal Quarter Ending On Closest To:

  

Senior Secured Leverage Ratio:

June 30, 2012    4.00 to 1.00
September 30, 2012    4.00 to 1.00
December 31, 2012    4.00 to 1.00
March 31, 2013    4.00 to 1.00
June 30, 2013    4.00 to 1.00
September 30, 2013    4.00 to 1.00
December 31, 2013    4.00 to 1.00
March 31, 2014    4.00 to 1.00

ARTICLE VIII

Events of Default and Remedies

SECTION 8.01. Events of Default . Any of the following events referred to in any of clauses (a) through (m) inclusive of this Section 8.01 shall constitute an “ Event of Default ”:

(a) Non-Payment . Any Loan Party or any other Guarantor fails to pay (i) when and as required to be paid herein, any amount of principal of any Loan, or (ii) within five (5) Business Days after the same becomes due, any interest on any Loan or any other amount payable hereunder or with respect to any other Loan Document; or

(b) Specific Covenants . The Borrower fails to perform or observe any term, covenant or agreement contained in any of Sections 6.03(a) or 6.05(a) (solely with respect to the Borrower) or Article VII, provided that any Event of Default under Section 7.14 shall not constitute an Event of Default with respect to the Term Loans or any Incremental Term Loans until the earlier of (i) the date that is 45 days after the date such Event of Default arises and is continuing with respect to the Revolving Credit Loans and (ii) the date on which the Administrative Agent or the Revolving Credit Lenders exercise any remedies with respect to the Revolving Credit Loans in accordance with this Article VIII and provided further that any Event of Default under Section 7.14 may be waived, amended or otherwise modified from time to time pursuant to clause (iv) of the second proviso to Section 10.01; or

(c) Other Defaults . Any Loan Party or any other Guarantor fails to perform or observe any other covenant or agreement (not specified in Section 8.01(a) or (b) above) contained in any Loan Document on its part to be performed or observed and such failure continues for thirty (30) days after receipt by the Borrower of written notice thereof by the Administrative Agent to the Borrower; or

 

129


(d) Representations and Warranties . Any representation, warranty, certification or statement of fact made or deemed made by or on behalf of any Loan Party herein, in any other Loan Document, or in any document required to be delivered in connection herewith or therewith shall be incorrect or misleading in any material respect when made or deemed made; provided that, those representations and warranties in Section 5.09 (b), (c) and (e) (other than those regarding formerly owned, leased or operated properties) that are qualified by the knowledge of Holdings or the Borrower shall be deemed not so qualified for the purpose of determining the occurrence of an Event of Default; or

(e) Cross-Default . Any Loan Party or any Restricted Subsidiary (A) fails to make any payment beyond the applicable grace period with respect thereto, if any (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand, or otherwise) in respect of any Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness hereunder) having an aggregate principal amount of not less than the Threshold Amount, or (B) fails to observe or perform any other agreement or condition relating to any such Indebtedness, or any other event occurs (other than, with respect to Indebtedness consisting of Swap Agreements, termination events or equivalent events pursuant to the terms of such Swap Agreements), the effect of which default or other event 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 or beneficiary or beneficiaries) to cause, with the giving of notice if required, such Indebtedness to become due or to be repurchased, prepaid, defeased or redeemed (automatically or otherwise), or an offer to repurchase, prepay, defease or redeem such Indebtedness to be made, prior to its stated maturity; provided that this clause (e)(B) shall not apply to secured Indebtedness that becomes due as a result of the voluntary sale or transfer of the property or assets securing such Indebtedness, if such sale or transfer is permitted hereunder and under the documents providing for such Indebtedness; provided further that such failure is unremedied and is not waived by the holders of such Indebtedness; or

(f) Insolvency Proceedings, Etc . Any Loan Party or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries institutes or consents to the institution of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, or makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or applies for or consents to the appointment of any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator, administrator, administrative receiver or similar officer for it or for all or any material part of its property; or any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator, administrator, administrative receiver or similar officer is appointed without the application or consent of such Person and the appointment continues undischarged or unstayed for sixty (60) calendar days; or any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law relating to any such Person or to all or any material part of its property is instituted without the consent of such Person and continues undismissed or unstayed for sixty (60) calendar days, or an order for relief is entered in any such proceeding; or

(g) Inability to Pay Debts; Attachment . (i) Any Loan Party or any Restricted Subsidiary becomes unable or admits in writing its inability or fails generally to pay its debts in excess of the Threshold Amount as they become due, or (ii) any writ or warrant

 

130


of attachment or execution or similar process is issued or levied against all or any material part of the property of the Loan Parties, taken as a whole, and is not released, vacated or fully bonded within sixty (60) days after its issue or levy; or

(h) Judgments . There is entered against any Loan Party or any Restricted Subsidiary a final judgment or order for the payment of money in an aggregate amount exceeding the Threshold Amount (to the extent not covered by independent third-party insurance as to which the insurer has been notified of such judgment or order and has not denied or failed to acknowledge coverage thereof) and such judgment or order shall not have been satisfied, vacated, discharged or stayed or bonded pending an appeal for a period of sixty (60) consecutive days; or

(i) ERISA . (i) An ERISA Event occurs with respect to a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan which has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in liability of any Loan Party under Title IV of ERISA in an aggregate amount which could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, (ii) any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate fails to pay when due, after the expiration of any applicable grace period, any installment payment with respect to its Withdrawal Liability under Section 4201 of ERISA under a Multiemployer Plan in an aggregate amount which could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, or (iii) a termination, withdrawal or noncompliance with applicable law or plan terms or termination, withdrawal or other event similar to an ERISA Event occurs with respect to a Foreign Plan that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; or

(j) Invalidity of Loan Documents . Any material provision of any Loan Document, at any time after its execution and delivery and for any reason other than as expressly permitted hereunder or thereunder (including as a result of a transaction permitted under Section 7.04 or 7.05) or as a result of acts or omissions by the Administrative Agent or any Lender or the satisfaction in full of all the Obligations, ceases to be in full force and effect; or any Loan Party or any Guarantor contests in writing the validity or enforceability of any provision of any Loan Document; or any Loan Party or any Guarantor denies in writing that it has any or further liability or obligation under any Loan Document (other than as a result of repayment in full of the Obligations and termination of the Aggregate Commitments), or purports in writing to revoke or rescind any Loan Document; or

(k) Change of Control . There occurs any Change of Control; or

(l) Collateral Documents . (i) Any Collateral Document after delivery thereof pursuant to Section 4.01 or 6.11 shall for any reason (other than pursuant to the terms hereof or thereof including as a result of a transaction permitted under Section 7.04 or 7.05) cease to create a valid and perfected lien, with the priority required by the Collateral Documents (or other security purported to be created on the applicable Collateral) on and security interest in any material portion of the Collateral purported to be covered thereby, subject to Liens permitted under Section 7.01, except to the extent that any such loss of perfection or priority results from the failure of the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent to maintain possession of certificates actually delivered to

 

131


it representing securities pledged under the Collateral Documents or to file Uniform Commercial Code continuation statements and except as to Collateral consisting of real property to the extent that such losses are covered by a lender’s title insurance policy and such insurer has not denied or failed to acknowledge coverage, or (ii) any of the Equity Interests of the Borrower ceasing to be pledged pursuant to the Security Agreement free of Liens other than Liens created by the Security Agreement or any nonconsensual Liens arising solely by operation of Law; or

(m) Junior Financing Documentation . (i) Any of the Obligations of the Loan Parties and Guarantors under the Loan Documents for any reason shall cease to be “Senior Indebtedness” (or any comparable term) or “Senior Secured Financing” (or any comparable term) under, and as defined in any Junior Financing Documentation, (ii) the subordination provisions set forth in any Junior Financing Documentation shall, in whole or in part, cease to be effective or cease to be legally valid, binding and enforceable against the holders of any Junior Financing, if applicable, or (iii) if applicable, the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement (or, with respect to any Permitted Refinancing in respect of any Second Lien Facility, any other intercreditor agreement as described in clause (e) of the definition of the term “Permitted Refinancing”) shall, in whole or in part, cease to be effective or otherwise cease to be legally valid, binding and enforceable against the holders of any Indebtedness under the Second Lien Facility or such Permitted Refinancing, as the case may be.

SECTION 8.02. Remedies Upon Event of Default . If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Administrative Agent may and, at the request of the Required Lenders, shall take any or all of the following actions (it being understood that during any period during which no Event of Default exists other than an Event of Default under Section 7.14 solely with respect to the Revolving Credit Loans, the Administrative Agent may, and at the request of the Majority Revolving Facility Lenders shall, take any of the following actions solely as they relate to Revolving Credit Loans):

(a) declare the commitment of each Lender to make Loans and any obligation of the L/C Issuers to make L/C Credit Extensions to be terminated, whereupon such commitments and obligation shall be terminated;

(b) declare the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans, all interest accrued and unpaid thereon, and all other amounts owing or payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document to be immediately due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower;

(c) require that the Borrower Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations (in an amount equal to the then Outstanding Amount thereof); and

(d) exercise on behalf of itself and the Lenders all rights and remedies available to it and the Lenders under the Loan Documents or applicable Law;

 

132


provided that upon the occurrence of an actual or deemed entry of an order for relief with respect to the Borrower under the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, the obligation of each Lender to make Loans and any obligation of the L/C Issuers to make L/C Credit Extensions shall automatically terminate, the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans and all interest and other amounts as aforesaid shall automatically become due and payable, and the obligation of the Borrower to Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations as aforesaid shall automatically become effective, in each case without further act of the Administrative Agent or any Lender.

SECTION 8.03. Exclusion of Immaterial Subsidiaries . Solely for the purpose of determining whether a Default has occurred under clause (f) or (g) of Section 8.01, any reference in any such clause to any Restricted Subsidiary or Loan Party shall be deemed not to include any Restricted Subsidiary affected by any event or circumstances referred to in any such clause that is not a Material Subsidiary (it being agreed that all Restricted Subsidiaries affected by any event or circumstance referred to in any such clause shall be considered together, as a single consolidated Restricted Subsidiary, for purposes of determining whether the condition specified above is satisfied).

SECTION 8.04. Application of Funds . After the exercise of remedies provided for in Section 8.02 (or after the Loans have automatically become immediately due and payable and the L/C Obligations have automatically been required to be Cash Collateralized as set forth in the proviso to Section 8.02), any amounts received on account of the Obligations shall be applied by the Administrative Agent in the following order:

First , to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities, expenses and other amounts (other than principal and interest, but including Attorney Costs payable under Section 10.04 and amounts payable under Article III) payable to the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent in their respective capacities as such;

Second , to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities and other amounts (other than principal and interest) payable to the Lenders (including Attorney Costs payable under Section 10.05 and amounts payable under Article III), ratably among them in proportion to the amounts described in this clause Second payable to them;

Third , to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting accrued and unpaid interest on the Loans and L/C Borrowings, ratably among the Lenders in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Third payable to them;

Fourth , to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting unpaid principal of the Loans and L/C Borrowings, the Swap Termination Value under Secured Hedge Agreements and the Cash Management Obligations, ratably among the Secured Parties in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Fourth held by them;

Fifth , to the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuers, to Cash Collateralize that portion of L/C Obligations comprised of the aggregate undrawn amount of Letters of Credit;

 

133


Sixth , to the payment of all other Obligations of the Loan Parties and Guarantors that are due and payable to the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties on such date, ratably based upon the respective aggregate amounts of all such Obligations owing to the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties on such date; and

Last , the balance, if any, after all of the Obligations have been indefeasibly paid in full, to the Borrower or as otherwise required by Law.

Subject to Section 2.03(c), amounts used to Cash Collateralize the aggregate undrawn amount of Letters of Credit pursuant to clause Fifth above shall be applied to satisfy drawings under such Letters of Credit as they occur. If any amount remains on deposit as Cash Collateral after all Letters of Credit have either been fully drawn or expired, such remaining amount shall be applied to the other Obligations, if any, in the order set forth above and, if no Obligations remain outstanding, to the Borrower.

SECTION 8.05. Borrower’s Right to Cure .

(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Section 8.01, in the event of any Event of Default resulting from a violation of the covenant set forth in Section 7.14 and until the expiration of the tenth (10th) day after the date on which financial statements are required to be delivered with respect to the applicable fiscal quarter hereunder, Holdings and any direct or indirect parent thereof (or, after a Qualifying IPO, any Intermediate Holding Company) may engage in a Permitted Equity Issuance to any of the Equity Investors and apply the amount of the Net Cash Proceeds thereof to increase Consolidated EBITDA with respect to such applicable quarter; provided that such Net Cash Proceeds (i) are actually received by the Borrower through capital contribution of such Net Cash Proceeds by Holdings or any direct or indirect parent thereof (or, after a Qualifying IPO, any Intermediate Holding Company) to the Borrower no later than ten (10) days after the date on which financial statements are required to be delivered with respect to such fiscal quarter hereunder, (ii) are Not Otherwise Applied and (iii) do not exceed the aggregate amount necessary to cure such Event of Default from a violation of the covenant set forth in Section 7.14, for any applicable period. The parties hereby acknowledge that this Section 8.05(a) may not be relied on for purposes of calculating any financial ratios other than as applicable to Section 7.14 and shall not result in any adjustment to any amounts other than the amount of the Consolidated EBITDA referred to in the immediately preceding sentence.

(b) In each period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, there shall be at least one fiscal quarter in which no cure set forth in Section 8.05(a) is made.

ARTICLE IX

Administrative Agent and Other Agents

SECTION 9.01. Appointment and Authorization of Agents .

(a) Each Lender hereby irrevocably appoints, designates and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such action on its behalf under the provisions of this Agreement and each other Loan Document and to exercise such powers and perform such duties as are

 

134


expressly delegated to it by the terms of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained elsewhere herein or in any other Loan Document, the Administrative Agent shall have no duties or responsibilities, except those expressly set forth herein, nor shall the Administrative Agent have or be deemed to have any fiduciary relationship with any Lender or participant, and no implied covenants, functions, responsibilities, duties, obligations or liabilities shall be read into this Agreement or any other Loan Document or otherwise exist against the Administrative Agent. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing sentence, the use of the term “agent” herein and in the other Loan Documents with reference to any Agent is not intended to connote any fiduciary or other implied (or express) obligations arising under agency doctrine of any applicable Law. Instead, such term is used merely as a matter of market custom, and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between independent contracting parties.

(b) Each L/C Issuer shall act on behalf of the Lenders with respect to any Letters of Credit issued by it and the documents associated therewith, and each such L/C Issuer shall have all of the benefits and immunities (i) provided to the Agents in this Article IX with respect to any acts taken or omissions suffered by such L/C Issuer in connection with Letters of Credit issued by it or proposed to be issued by it and the applications and agreements for letters of credit pertaining to such Letters of Credit as fully as if the term “Agent” as used in this Article IX and in the definition of “Agent-Related Person” included such L/C Issuer with respect to such acts or omissions, and (ii) as additionally provided herein with respect to such L/C Issuer.

(c) The Administrative Agent shall also act as the “collateral agent” under the Loan Documents, and each of the Lenders (in its capacities as a Lender, Swing Line Lender (if applicable), L/C Issuer (if applicable) and a potential Hedge Bank) hereby irrevocably appoints and authorizes the Administrative Agent to act as the agent of (and to hold any security interest created by the Collateral Documents for and on behalf of or on trust for) such Lender for purposes of acquiring, holding and enforcing any and all Liens on Collateral granted by any of the Loan Parties to secure any of the Obligations, together with such powers and discretion as are reasonably incidental thereto. In this connection, the Administrative Agent, as “collateral agent” (and any co-agents, sub-agents and attorneys-in-fact appointed by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 9.02 for purposes of holding or enforcing any Lien on the Collateral (or any portion thereof) granted under the Collateral Documents, or for exercising any rights and remedies thereunder at the direction of the Administrative Agent), shall be entitled to the benefits of all provisions of this Article IX (including Section 9.07, as though such co-agents, sub-agents and attorneys-in-fact were the “collateral agent” under the Loan Documents) as if set forth in full herein with respect thereto.

SECTION 9.02. Delegation of Duties . The Administrative Agent may execute any of its duties under this Agreement or any other Loan Document (including for purposes of holding or enforcing any Lien on the Collateral (or any portion thereof) granted under the Collateral Documents or of exercising any rights and remedies thereunder) by or through agents, employees or attorneys-in-fact such sub-agents as shall be deemed necessary by the Administrative Agent and shall be entitled to advice of counsel and other consultants or experts concerning all matters pertaining to such duties. The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any agent or sub-agent or attorney-in-fact that it selects in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct (as determined in the final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction).

 

135


SECTION 9.03. Liability of Agents . No Agent-Related Person shall (a) be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by any of them under or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the transactions contemplated hereby (except for its own gross negligence or willful misconduct, as determined by the final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction, in connection with its duties expressly set forth herein), or (b) be responsible in any manner to any Lender or participant for any recital, statement, representation or warranty made by any Loan Party, any Guarantor or any officer thereof, contained herein or in any other Loan Document, or in any certificate, report, statement or other document referred to or provided for in, or received by the Administrative Agent under or in connection with, this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or the validity, effectiveness, genuineness, enforceability or sufficiency of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or the perfection or priority of any Lien or security interest created or purported to be created under the Collateral Documents, or for any failure of any Loan Party or any other party to any Loan Document to perform its obligations hereunder or thereunder. No Agent-Related Person shall be under any obligation to any Lender or participant to ascertain or to inquire as to the observance or performance of any of the agreements contained in, or conditions of, this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or to inspect the properties, books or records of any Loan Party or any Affiliate thereof.

SECTION 9.04. Reliance by Agents .

(a) Each Agent shall be entitled to rely, and shall be fully protected in relying, upon any writing, communication, signature, resolution, representation, notice, consent, certificate, affidavit, letter, telegram, facsimile, telex or telephone message, electronic mail message, statement or other document or conversation believed by it to be genuine and correct and to have been signed, sent or made by the proper Person or Persons, and upon advice and statements of legal counsel (including counsel to any Loan Party or Guarantor), independent accountants and other experts selected by such Agent. Each Agent shall be fully justified in failing or refusing to take any action under any Loan Document unless it shall first receive such advice or concurrence of the Required Lenders as it deems appropriate and, if it so requests, it shall first be indemnified to its satisfaction by the Lenders against any and all liability and expense which may be incurred by it by reason of taking or continuing to take any such action. Each Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in refraining from acting, under this Agreement or any other Loan Document in accordance with a request or consent of the Required Lenders (or such greater number of Lenders as may be expressly required hereby in any instance) and such request and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding upon all the Lenders.

(b) For purposes of determining compliance with the conditions specified in Section 4.01, each Lender that has signed this Agreement shall be deemed to have consented to, approved or accepted or to be satisfied with, each document or other matter required thereunder to be consented to or approved by or acceptable or satisfactory to a Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from such Lender prior to the proposed Closing Date specifying its objection thereto.

 

136


SECTION 9.05. Notice of Default . The Administrative Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any Default, except with respect to defaults in the payment of principal, interest and fees required to be paid to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders, unless the Administrative Agent shall have received written notice from a Lender or the Borrower referring to this Agreement, describing such Default and stating that such notice is a “notice of default.” The Administrative Agent will notify the Lenders of its receipt of any such notice. The Administrative Agent shall take such action with respect to any Event of Default as may be directed by the Required Lenders in accordance with Article VIII; provided that unless and until the Administrative Agent has received any such direction, the Administrative Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) take such action, or refrain from taking such action, with respect to such Event of Default as it shall deem advisable or in the best interest of the Lenders.

SECTION 9.06. Credit Decision; Disclosure of Information by Agents . Each Lender acknowledges that no Agent-Related Person has made any representation or warranty to it, and that no act by any Agent hereafter taken, including any consent to and acceptance of any assignment or review of the affairs of any Loan Party or any Affiliate thereof, shall be deemed to constitute any representation or warranty by any Agent-Related Person to any Lender as to any matter, including whether Agent-Related Persons have disclosed material information in their possession. Each Lender represents to each Agent that it has, independently and without reliance upon any Agent-Related Person and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own appraisal of and investigation into the business, prospects, operations, property, financial and other condition and creditworthiness of the Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries, and all applicable bank or other regulatory Laws relating to the transactions contemplated hereby, and made its own decision to enter into this Agreement and to extend credit to the Borrower and the other Loan Parties hereunder. Each Lender also represents that it will, independently and without reliance upon any Agent-Related Person and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit analysis, appraisals and decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and to make such investigations as it deems necessary to inform itself as to the business, prospects, operations, property, financial and other condition and creditworthiness of the Borrower and the other Loan Parties. Except for notices, reports and other documents expressly required to be furnished to the Lenders by any Agent herein, such Agent shall not have any duty or responsibility to provide any Lender with any credit or other information concerning the business, prospects, operations, property, financial and other condition or creditworthiness of any of the Loan Parties or any of their respective Affiliates which may come into the possession of any Agent-Related Person.

SECTION 9.07. Indemnification of Agents . Whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated, the Lenders shall indemnify upon demand each Agent-Related Person (to the extent not reimbursed by or on behalf of any Loan Party and without limiting the obligation of any Loan Party to do so), pro rata, and hold harmless each Agent-Related Person from and against any and all Indemnified Liabilities incurred by it; provided that no Lender shall be liable for the payment to any Agent-Related Person of any portion of such Indemnified Liabilities resulting from such Agent-Related Person’s own gross negligence or willful misconduct, as determined by the final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction; provided that no action taken in accordance with the directions of the Required Lenders (or such

 

137


other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be required by the Loan Documents) shall be deemed to constitute gross negligence or willful misconduct for purposes of this Section 9.07. In the case of any investigation, litigation or proceeding giving rise to any Indemnified Liabilities, this Section 9.07 applies whether any such investigation, litigation or proceeding is brought by any Lender or any other Person. Without limitation of the foregoing, each Lender shall reimburse the Administrative Agent upon demand for its ratable share of any costs or out-of-pocket expenses (including Attorney Costs) incurred by the Administrative Agent in connection with the preparation, execution, delivery, administration, modification, amendment or enforcement (whether through negotiations, legal proceedings or otherwise) of, or legal advice in respect of rights or responsibilities under, this Agreement, any other Loan Document, or any document contemplated by or referred to herein, to the extent that the Administrative Agent is not reimbursed for such expenses by or on behalf of the Borrower, provided that such reimbursement by the Lenders shall not affect the Borrower’s continuing reimbursement obligations with respect thereto. The undertaking in this Section 9.07 shall survive termination of the Aggregate Commitments, the payment of all other Obligations and the resignation of the Administrative Agent.

SECTION 9.08. Agents in their Individual Capacities . LCPI and its Affiliates may make loans to, issue letters of credit for the account of, accept deposits from, acquire Equity Interests in and generally engage in any kind of banking, trust, financial advisory, underwriting or other business with each of the Loan Parties, the Guarantors and their respective Affiliates as though LCPI were not the Administrative Agent or an L/C Issuer hereunder and without notice to or consent of the Lenders. The Lenders acknowledge that, pursuant to such activities, LCPI or its Affiliates may receive information regarding any Loan Party, any Guarantor or any of their Affiliates (including information that may be subject to confidentiality obligations in favor of such Loan Party, such Guarantor or such Affiliate) and acknowledge that the Administrative Agent shall be under no obligation to provide such information to them. With respect to its Loans, LCPI and its Affiliates shall have the same rights and powers under this Agreement as any other Lender and may exercise such rights and powers as though it were not the Administrative Agent or an L/C Issuer, and the terms “Lender” and “Lenders” include LCPI in its individual capacity.

SECTION 9.09. Successor Agents . The Administrative Agent may resign as the Administrative Agent upon thirty (30) days’ notice to the Lenders and the Borrower. If the Administrative Agent resigns under this Agreement, the Required Lenders shall appoint from among the Lenders a successor agent for the Lenders, which successor agent shall be consented to by the Borrower at all times other than during the existence of an Event of Default under Section 8.01(f) or (g) (which consent of the Borrower shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed). If no successor agent is appointed prior to the effective date of the resignation of the Administrative Agent, the Administrative Agent may appoint, after consulting with the Lenders and the Borrower, a successor agent from among the Lenders. Upon the acceptance of its appointment as successor agent hereunder, the Person acting as such successor agent shall succeed to all the rights, powers and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent and the term “Administrative Agent,” shall mean such successor administrative agent and/or supplemental administrative agent, as the case may be, and the retiring Administrative Agent’s appointment, powers and duties as the Administrative Agent shall be terminated. After the retiring Administrative Agent’s resignation hereunder as the Administrative Agent, the provisions of this

 

138


Article IX and Sections 10.04 and 10.05 shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was the Administrative Agent under this Agreement. If no successor agent has accepted appointment as the Administrative Agent by the date which is thirty (30) days following the retiring Administrative Agent’s notice of resignation, the retiring Administrative Agent’s resignation shall nevertheless thereupon become effective and the Lenders shall perform all of the duties of the Administrative Agent hereunder until such time, if any, as the Required Lenders appoint a successor agent as provided for above. Upon the acceptance of any appointment as the Administrative Agent hereunder by a successor and upon the execution and filing or recording of such financing statements, or amendments thereto, and such amendments or supplements to the Mortgages, and such other instruments or notices, as may be necessary or desirable, or as the Required Lenders may request, in order to (a) continue the perfection of the Liens granted or purported to be granted by the Collateral Documents or (b) otherwise ensure that the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement is satisfied, the Administrative Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, discretion, privileges, and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent, and the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations under the Loan Documents. After the retiring Administrative Agent’s resignation hereunder as the Administrative Agent, the provisions of this Article IX shall continue in effect for its benefit in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was acting as the Administrative Agent.

SECTION 9.10. Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim . In case of the pendency of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition or other judicial proceeding relative to any Loan Party, the Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Loan or L/C Obligation shall then be due and payable as herein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent shall have made any demand on the Borrower) shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise:

(a) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of the principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Loans, L/C Obligations and all other Obligations that are owing and unpaid and to file such other documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent and their respective agents and counsel and all other amounts due the Lenders and the Administrative Agent under Sections 2.03(g) and (h), 2.09 and 10.04) allowed in such judicial proceeding; and

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

and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Lender to make such payments to the Administrative Agent and, in the event that the Administrative Agent shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Lenders, to pay to the Administrative Agent any amount due for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Agents and their respective agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Administrative Agent under Sections 2.09 and 10.04.

 

139


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

SECTION 9.11. Collateral and Guaranty Matters . The Lenders irrevocably agree:

(a) that any Lien on any property granted to or held by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent under any Loan Document shall be automatically released (i) upon termination of the Aggregate Commitments and payment in full of all Obligations (other than (x) obligations under Secured Hedge Agreements not yet due and payable, (y) Cash Management Obligations not yet due and payable and (z) contingent indemnification obligations not yet accrued and payable), the expiration or termination of all Letters of Credit and any other obligation (including a guarantee that is contingent in nature), (ii) at the time the property subject to such Lien is transferred or to be transferred as part of or in connection with any transfer permitted hereunder or under any other Loan Document to any Person other than the Borrower or any of its Domestic Subsidiaries that are Restricted Subsidiaries, (iii) subject to Section 10.01, if the release of such Lien is approved, authorized or ratified in writing by the Required Lenders, or (iv) if the property subject to such Lien is owned by a Guarantor, upon release of such Guarantor from its obligations under its Guaranty pursuant to clause (c) below;

(b) to release or subordinate any Lien on any property granted to or held by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent under any Loan Document to the holder of any Lien on such property that is permitted by Section 7.01(i);

(c) that any Subsidiary Guarantor shall be automatically released from its obligations under the Guaranty if such Person ceases to be a Restricted Subsidiary as a result of a transaction or designation permitted hereunder; provided that no such release shall occur if such Guarantor continues to be a guarantor in respect of the High Yield Notes or any Junior Financing; and

(d) if any Subsidiary Guarantor shall cease to be a Material Subsidiary, as certified in writing by a Responsible Officer, (i) such Subsidiary shall be automatically released from its obligations under any Guaranty and (ii) any Liens granted by such Subsidiary or Liens on the Equity Interests of such Subsidiary shall be automatically released; provided that no such release shall occur if such Subsidiary continues to be a guarantor in respect of the High Yield Notes or any Junior Financing.

Upon request by the Administrative Agent at any time, the Required Lenders will confirm in writing the Administrative Agent’s authority to release or subordinate its interest in particular types or items of property, or to release any Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty pursuant to this Section 9.11. In each case as specified in this Section 9.11, the Administrative Agent will promptly (and each Lender irrevocably authorizes the Administrative Agent to), at the Borrower’s expense, execute and deliver to the applicable Loan Party such

 

140


documents as such Loan Party may reasonably request to evidence the release or subordination of such item of Collateral from the assignment and security interest granted under the Collateral Documents, or to evidence the release of such Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty, in each case in accordance with the terms of the Loan Documents and this Section 9.11.

SECTION 9.12. Other Agents; Arrangers and Managers . None of the Lenders or other Persons identified on the facing page or signature pages of this Agreement as a “syndication agent,” “documentation agent”, “joint bookrunner” or “arranger” shall have any right, power, obligation, liability, responsibility or duty under this Agreement other than those applicable to all Lenders as such. Without limiting the foregoing, none of the Lenders or other Persons so identified shall have or be deemed to have any fiduciary relationship with any Lender. Each Lender acknowledges that it has not relied, and will not rely, on any of the Lenders or other Persons so identified in deciding to enter into this Agreement or in taking or not taking action hereunder.

SECTION 9.13. Appointment of Supplemental Administrative Agents .

(a) It is the purpose of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents that there shall be no violation of any Law of any jurisdiction denying or restricting the right of banking corporations or associations to transact business as agent or trustee in such jurisdiction. It is recognized that in case of litigation under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, and in particular in case of the enforcement of any of the Loan Documents, or in case the Administrative Agent deems that by reason of any present or future Law of any jurisdiction it may not exercise any of the rights, powers or remedies granted herein or in any of the other Loan Documents or take any other action which may be desirable or necessary in connection therewith, the Administrative Agent is hereby authorized to appoint an additional individual or institution selected by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion as a separate trustee, co-trustee, administrative agent, collateral agent, administrative sub-agent or administrative co-agent (any such additional individual or institution being referred to herein individually as a “ Supplemental Administrative Agent ” and collectively as “ Supplemental Administrative Agents ”).

(b) In the event that the Administrative Agent appoints a Supplemental Administrative Agent with respect to any Collateral, (i) each and every right, power, privilege or duty expressed or intended by this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents to be exercised by or vested in or conveyed to the Administrative Agent with respect to such Collateral shall be exercisable by and vest in such Supplemental Administrative Agent to the extent, and only to the extent, necessary to enable such Supplemental Administrative Agent to exercise such rights, powers and privileges with respect to such Collateral and to perform such duties with respect to such Collateral, and every covenant and obligation contained in the Loan Documents and necessary to the exercise or performance thereof by such Supplemental Administrative Agent shall run to and be enforceable by either the Administrative Agent or such Supplemental Administrative Agent, and (ii) the provisions of this Article IX and of Sections 10.04 and 10.05 that refer to the Administrative Agent shall inure to the benefit of such Supplemental Administrative Agent and all references therein to the Administrative Agent shall be deemed to be references to the Administrative Agent and/or such Supplemental Administrative Agent, as the context may require.

 

141


(c) Should any instrument in writing from any Loan Party be required by any Supplemental Administrative Agent so appointed by the Administrative Agent for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to him or it such rights, powers, privileges and duties, the Borrower shall, or shall cause such Loan Party to, execute, acknowledge and deliver any and all such instruments promptly upon request by the Administrative Agent. In case any Supplemental Administrative Agent, or a successor thereto, shall die, become incapable of acting, resign or be removed, all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of such Supplemental Administrative Agent, to the extent permitted by Law, shall vest in and be exercised by the Administrative Agent until the appointment of a new Supplemental Administrative Agent.

SECTION 9.14. Withholding Tax . To the extent required by any applicable law, any Agent may withhold from any payment to any Lender an amount equivalent to any withholding tax. If the Internal Revenue Service or any other Governmental Authority asserts a claim that any Agent did not properly withhold tax from amounts paid to or for the account of any Lender for any reason (including, without limitation, because the appropriate form was not delivered or was not properly executed or because such Lender failed to notify such Agent of a change in circumstances which rendered the exemption from or reduction withholding tax ineffective), such Lender shall indemnify such Agent fully for all amounts paid, directly or indirectly, by such Agent as tax or otherwise, including any penalties or interest and together with any expenses incurred.

ARTICLE X

Miscellaneous

SECTION 10.01. Amendments, Etc . Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, no amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, and no consent to any departure by the Borrower or any other Loan Party therefrom, shall be effective unless in writing signed by the Required Lenders and the Borrower or the applicable Loan Party, as the case may be, and each such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given; provided that, no such amendment, waiver or consent shall:

(a) extend or increase the Commitment of any Lender without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby (it being understood that a waiver of any condition precedent set forth in Section 4.02 or the waiver of any Default, mandatory prepayment or mandatory reduction of the Commitments shall not constitute an extension or increase of any Commitment of any Lender);

(b) postpone any date scheduled for, or reduce the amount of, any payment of principal or interest under Section 2.07 or 2.08 without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby, it being understood that the waiver of (or amendment to the terms of) any mandatory prepayment of the Term Loans shall not constitute a postponement of any date scheduled for the payment of principal or interest;

(c) reduce the principal of, or the rate of interest specified herein on, any Loan or L/C Borrowing, or (subject to clause (iii) of the second proviso to this Section 10.01)

 

142


any fees or other amounts payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby, it being understood that any change to the definition of Total Leverage Ratio or in the component definitions thereof shall not constitute a reduction in the rate of interest; provided that, only the consent of the Required Lenders shall be necessary to amend the definition of “Default Rate” or to waive any obligation of the Borrower to pay interest at the Default Rate;

(d) change any provision of this Section 10.01, the definition of “Required Lenders” or “Pro Rata Share” or Section 2.05(b)(v)(Y), 2.06(c), 8.04 or 2.13 without the written consent of each Lender affected thereby;

(e) other than in a transaction permitted under Section 7.04 or Section 7.05, release all or substantially all of the Collateral in any transaction or series of related transactions, without the written consent of each Lender;

(f) other than in a transaction permitted under Section 7.04 or Section 7.05, release all or substantially all of the aggregate value of the Guarantees, without the written consent of each Lender; or

(g) change the currency in which any Loan is denominated of any Loan without the written consent of the Lender holding such Loans;

(h) amend the definition of the term “Interest Period” so as to permit intervals in excess of six (6) months without regard to availability to all Lenders, without the consent of (i) with respect to the Term Loans, each Term Lender and (ii) with respect to the Revolving Credit Loans, each Revolving Credit Lender.

and provided further that (i) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by each L/C Issuer in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the rights or duties of an L/C Issuer under this Agreement or any Letter of Credit Application relating to any Letter of Credit issued or to be issued by it; (ii) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the Swing Line Lender in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the rights or duties of the Swing Line Lender under this Agreement; (iii) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the Administrative Agent in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the rights or duties of, or any fees or other amounts payable to, the Administrative Agent under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; (iv) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the Majority Revolving Facility Lenders, amend, waive or otherwise modify any of the terms and provisions (and related definitions) of Section 7.14 or any of the terms and provisions in respect of the second proviso in Section 8.01(b), and, notwithstanding anything else in this Agreement to the contrary, any such amendment, waiver or other modification shall be effective for all purposes of this Agreement with the written consent of only the Majority Revolving Facility Lenders (or the Administrative Agent with the prior written consent thereof), on the one hand, and the Borrower, on the other hand; (v) Section 10.07(h) may not be amended, waived or otherwise modified without the consent of each Granting Lender all or any part of whose Loans are being funded by an SPC at the time of such amendment, waiver or other modification; and (vi) the consent of Lenders holding more than 50% of any Class of Commitments shall be required with respect to any

 

143


amendment that by its terms adversely affects the rights of such Class in respect of payments hereunder in a manner different than such amendment affects other Classes. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Defaulting Lender shall have any right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent hereunder, except that the Commitment of such Lender may not be increased or extended without the consent of such Lender (it being understood that any Commitments or Loans held or deemed held by any Defaulting Lender shall be excluded for a vote of the Lenders hereunder requiring any consent of the Lenders).

Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement may be amended (or amended and restated) with the written consent of the Required Lenders, the Administrative Agent and the Borrower (a) to add one or more additional credit facilities to this Agreement and to permit the extensions of credit from time to time outstanding thereunder and the accrued interest and fees in respect thereof to share ratably in the benefits of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents with the Term Loans and the Revolving Credit Loans and the accrued interest and fees in respect thereof and (b) to include appropriately the Lenders holding such credit facilities in any determination of the Required Lenders.

In addition, notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement may be amended with the written consent of the Administrative Agent, the Borrower and the Lenders providing the Replacement Term Loans (as defined below) to permit the refinancing of all outstanding Term Loans (“ Refinanced Term Loans ”) with a replacement term loan (“ Replacement Term Loans ”) hereunder; provided that (a) the aggregate principal amount of such Replacement Term Loans shall not exceed the aggregate principal amount of such Refinanced Term Loans, (b) the Applicable Rate with respect to such Replacement Term Loans (or similar interest rate spread applicable to such Replacement Term Loans) shall not be higher than the Applicable Rate for such Refinanced Term Loans (or similar interest rate spread applicable to such Refinanced Term Loans) immediately prior to such refinancing, (c) the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of such Replacement Term Loans shall not be shorter than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of such Refinanced Term Loans at the time of such refinancing (except to the extent of nominal amortization for periods where amortization has been eliminated as a result of prepayment of the Term Loans) and (d) all other terms applicable to such Replacement Term Loans shall be substantially identical to, or less favorable to the Lenders providing such Replacement Term Loans than, those applicable to such Refinanced Term Loans, except to the extent necessary to provide for covenants and other terms applicable to any period after the latest final maturity of the Term Loans in effect immediately prior to such refinancing.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Section 10.01, guarantees, collateral security documents and related documents executed by Subsidiaries in connection with this Agreement may be in a form reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent and may be, together with this Agreement, amended and waived with the consent of the Administrative Agent at the request of the Borrower without the need to obtain the consent of any other Lender if such amendment or waiver is delivered in order (i) to comply with local Law or advice of local counsel, (ii) to cure ambiguities or defects or (iii) to cause such guarantee, collateral security document or other document to be consistent with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

 

144


SECTION 10.02. Notices and Other Communications; Facsimile Copies .

(a) General . Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, all notices and other communications provided for hereunder or under any other Loan Document or under any Lender Addendum shall be in writing (including by facsimile transmission). All such written notices shall be mailed, faxed or delivered to the applicable address, facsimile number or electronic mail address, and all notices and other communications expressly permitted hereunder to be given by telephone shall be made to the applicable telephone number, as follows:

(i) if to the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, an L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender, to the address, facsimile number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified for such Person on Schedule 10.02 or to such other address, facsimile number, electronic mail address or telephone number as shall be designated by such party in a notice to the other parties; and

(ii) if to any other Lender, to the address, facsimile number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified in its Administrative Questionnaire or on Schedule I to the Lender Addendum to which such Lender is a party or, to such other address, facsimile number, electronic mail address or telephone number as shall be designated by such party in a notice to the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuers and the Swing Line Lender.

All such notices and other communications shall be deemed to be given or made upon the earlier to occur of (i) actual receipt by the relevant party hereto and (ii) (A) if delivered by hand or by courier, when signed for by or on behalf of the relevant party hereto; (B) if delivered by mail, four (4) Business Days after deposit in the mails, postage prepaid; (C) if delivered by facsimile, when sent and receipt has been confirmed by telephone; and (D) if delivered by electronic mail (which form of delivery is subject to the provisions of Section 10.02(c)), when delivered; provided that notices and other communications to the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuers and the Swing Line Lender pursuant to Article II shall not be effective until actually received by such Person. In no event shall a voice mail message be effective as a notice, communication or confirmation hereunder.

(b) Effectiveness of Facsimile Documents and Signatures . Loan Documents and any Lender Addenda may be transmitted and/or signed by facsimile or other electronic communication. The effectiveness of any such documents and signatures shall, subject to applicable Law, have the same force and effect as manually signed originals and shall be binding on all Loan Parties, the Guarantors, the Agents and the Lenders.

(c) Reliance by Agents and Lenders . The Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall be entitled to rely and act upon any notices (including telephonic Committed Loan Notices and Swing Line Loan Notices) purportedly given by or on behalf of the Borrower even if (i) such notices were not made in a manner specified herein, were incomplete or were not preceded or followed by any other form of notice specified herein, or (ii) the terms thereof, as understood by the recipient, varied from any confirmation thereof. The Borrower shall indemnify each Agent-Related Person and each Lender from all losses, costs, expenses and liabilities resulting from the reliance by such Person on each notice purportedly given by or on behalf of the Borrower in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct. All telephonic notices to the Administrative Agent may be recorded by the Administrative Agent, and each of the parties hereto hereby consents to such recording.

 

145


SECTION 10.03. No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies . No failure by any Lender or the Administrative Agent to exercise, and no delay by any such Person in exercising, any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege. The rights, remedies, powers and privileges herein provided, and provided under each other Loan Document, are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights, remedies, powers and privileges provided by Law.

SECTION 10.04. Attorney Costs and Expenses . The Borrower agrees (a) if the Closing Date occurs, to pay or reimburse the Administrative Agent, the Syndication Agent, the Co-Documentation Agents and the Arrangers for all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation, negotiation, syndication and execution of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and any amendment, waiver, consent or other modification of the provisions hereof and thereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated thereby are consummated), and the consummation and administration of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, including all Attorney Costs of Latham & Watkins LLP and one local and foreign counsel in each relevant jurisdiction, and (b) to pay or reimburse the Administrative Agent, the Syndication Agent, the Co-Documentation Agents, the Arrangers and each Lender for all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection with the enforcement of any rights or remedies under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents (including all such costs and expenses incurred during any legal proceeding, including any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, and including all Attorney Costs of counsel to the Administrative Agent). The foregoing costs and expenses shall include all reasonable search, filing, recording and title insurance charges and fees related thereto, and other (reasonable, in the case of Section 10.04(a)) and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by any Agent. The agreements in this Section 10.04 shall survive the termination of the Aggregate Commitments and repayment of all other Obligations. All amounts due under this Section 10.04 shall be paid within ten (10) Business Days of receipt by the Borrower of an invoice relating thereto setting forth such expenses in reasonable detail. If any Loan Party or Guarantor fails to pay when due any costs, expenses or other amounts payable by it hereunder or under any Loan Document, such amount may be paid on behalf of such Loan Party or such Guarantor by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion.

SECTION 10.05. Indemnification by the Borrower . Whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated, the Borrower shall indemnify and hold harmless each Agent-Related Person, each Lender and their respective Affiliates, directors, officers, employees, counsel, agents, trustees, investment advisors and attorneys-in-fact (collectively the “ Indemnitees ”) from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, claims, demands, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses and disbursements (including Attorney Costs) of any kind or nature whatsoever which may at any time be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against any such Indemnitee in any way relating to or arising out of or in connection with (a) the execution, delivery, enforcement, performance or administration of any Loan Document or any other agreement, letter or instrument delivered in

 

146


connection with the transactions contemplated thereby or the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, (b) any Commitment, Loan or Letter of Credit or the use or proposed use of the proceeds therefrom (including any refusal by an L/C Issuer to honor a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit if the documents presented in connection with such demand do not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit), or (c) any actual or alleged presence or release of Hazardous Materials on or from any property currently or formerly owned or operated by the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any other Loan Party, or any Environmental Liability related in any way to the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any other Loan Party, or (d) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory (including any investigation of, preparation for, or defense of any pending or threatened claim, investigation, litigation or proceeding) and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto (all the foregoing, collectively, the “ Indemnified Liabilities ”), in all cases, whether or not caused by or arising, in whole or in part, out of the negligence of the Indemnitee; provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, claims, demands, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements resulted from (x) the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee or of any affiliate, director, officer, employee or agent of such Indemnitee, (y) a material breach of the Loan Documents by such Indemnitee or of any affiliate, director, officer, employee or agent of such Indemnitee or (z) with respect to subparagraph (c) above, in the event the Lenders take possession of any or all Mortgaged Properties, any act or omission by or on behalf of any Lender with respect to such Mortgaged Property. No Indemnitee shall be liable for any damages arising from the use by others of any information or other materials obtained through IntraLinks or other similar information transmission systems in connection with this Agreement, nor shall any Indemnitee or any Loan Party have any liability for any special, punitive, indirect or consequential damages relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or arising out of its activities in connection herewith or therewith (whether before or after the Closing Date). In the case of an investigation, litigation or other proceeding to which the indemnity in this Section 10.05 applies, such indemnity shall be effective whether or not such investigation, litigation or proceeding is brought by any Loan Party, its directors, stockholders or creditors or an Indemnitee or any other Person, whether or not any Indemnitee is otherwise a party thereto and whether or not any of the transactions contemplated hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents is consummated. All amounts due under this Section 10.05 shall be paid within ten (10) Business Days after demand therefor; provided , however , that such Indemnitee shall promptly refund such amount to the extent that there is a final judicial or arbitral determination that such Indemnitee was not entitled to indemnification or contribution rights with respect to such payment pursuant to the express terms of this Section 10.05. The agreements in this Section 10.05 shall survive the resignation of the Administrative Agent, the replacement of any Lender, the termination of the Aggregate Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all the other Obligations.

SECTION 10.06. Payments Set Aside . To the extent that any payment by or on behalf of the Borrower is made to any Agent or any Lender, or any Agent or any Lender exercises its right of setoff, and such payment or the proceeds of such setoff or any part thereof is subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by such Agent or such Lender in its discretion) to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party, in connection with any proceeding under

 

147


any Debtor Relief Law or otherwise, then (a) to the extent of such recovery, the obligation or part thereof originally intended to be satisfied shall be revived and continued in full force and effect as if such payment had not been made or such setoff had not occurred, and (b) each Lender severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent upon demand its applicable share of any amount so recovered from or repaid by any Agent, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such payment is made at a rate per annum equal to the applicable Overnight Rate from time to time in effect.

SECTION 10.07. Successors and Assigns .

(a) The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, except that neither Holdings nor the Borrower may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of each Lender and no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder except (i) to an Eligible Assignee, (ii) by way of participation in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.07(e), (iii) by way of pledge or assignment of a security interest subject to the restrictions of Section 10.07(g) or (iv) to an SPC in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.07(h) (and any other attempted assignment or transfer by any party hereto shall be null and void). Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, Participants to the extent provided in Section 10.07(e) and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Indemnitees) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.

(b) (i) Subject to the conditions set forth in paragraph (b)(ii) below, any Lender may assign to one or more assignees (“ Assignees ”) all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or an equal portion of its Commitment and the Loans (including for purposes of this Section 10.07(b), participations in L/C Obligations and in Swing Line Loans) at the time owing to it) with the prior written consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed, it being understood that the Borrower shall have the right to withhold its consent if the Borrower would be required to obtain the consent of, or make a filing or registration with, a Governmental Agency) of:

(A) the Borrower, provided that no consent of the Borrower shall be required for an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender, an Approved Fund or, if an Event of Default under Section 8.01(a), (f) or (g) has occurred and is continuing, any Assignee;

(B) the Administrative Agent; provided that no consent of the Administrative Agent shall be required for an assignment of all or any portion of a Term Loan to another Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund;

(C) each Principal L/C Issuer at the time of such assignment, provided that no consent of the Principal L/C Issuers shall be required for any assignment of a Term Loan or any assignment to an Agent or an Affiliate of an Agent; and

(D) in the case of any assignment of any of the Revolving Credit Facility, the Swing Line Lender.

 

148


(ii) Assignments shall be subject to the following additional conditions:

(A) except in the case of an assignment to a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund or an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Commitment or Loans of any Class, the amount of the Commitment or Loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment (determined as of the date the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent) shall not be less than $2,500,000 (in the case of the Revolving Credit Facility) or $1,000,000 (in the case of a Term Loan) unless each of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent otherwise consents, provided that (1) no such consent of the Borrower shall be required if an Event of Default under Section 8.01(a), (f) or (g) has occurred and is continuing and (2) such amounts shall be aggregated in respect of each Lender and its Affiliates or Approved Funds, if any;

(B) the parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Assignment and Assumption, together with a processing and recordation fee of $3,500; provided that only one such fee shall be payable in the event of simultaneous assignments from any Lender or its Approved Funds to one or more other Approved Funds; and

(C) the Assignee, if it shall not be a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire.

This paragraph (b) shall not prohibit any Lender from assigning all or a portion of its rights and obligations among separate Facilities on a non-pro rata basis.

(c) Subject to acceptance and recording thereof by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 10.07(d), from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption, the Eligible Assignee thereunder shall be a party to this Agreement and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption covering all of the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.01, 3.04, 3.05, 10.04 and 10.05 with respect to facts and circumstances occurring prior to the effective date of such assignment). Upon request, and the surrender by the assigning Lender of its Note, the Borrower (at its expense) shall execute and deliver a Note to the assignee Lender. Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this clause (c) shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with Section 10.07(e).

(d) The Administrative Agent, acting solely for this purpose as an agent of the Borrower, shall maintain at the Administrative Agent’s Office a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitments of, and principal amounts (and related interest amounts) of the Loans, L/C Obligations (specifying the Unreimbursed Amounts), L/C Borrowings and amounts

 

149


due under Section 2.03, owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “ Register ”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, absent manifest error, and the Borrower, the Agents and the Lenders shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and any Lender (with respect to its interests only), at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

(e) Any Lender may at any time, without the consent of, or notice to, the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, sell participations to any Person (other than a natural person) (each, a “ Participant ”) in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and/or obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and/or the Loans (including such Lender’s participations in L/C Obligations and/or Swing Line Loans) owing to it); provided that (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations and (iii) the Borrower, the Agents and the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement. Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, waiver or other modification described in the first proviso to Section 10.01 that directly affects such Participant. Subject to Section 10.07(f), the Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.01 (subject to the requirements of Section 10.15), 3.04 and 3.05 (through the applicable Lender) to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to Section 10.07(c). To the extent permitted by applicable Law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 10.09 as though it were a Lender; provided that such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.13 as though it were a Lender.

(f) A Participant shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Section 3.01, 3.04 or 3.05 than the applicable Lender would have been entitled to receive with respect to the participation sold to such Participant, unless the sale of the participation to such Participant is made with the Borrower’s prior written consent.

(g) Any Lender may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement (including under its Note, if any) to secure obligations of such Lender, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank; provided that no such pledge or assignment shall release such Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.

(h) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any Lender (a “ Granting Lender ”) may grant to a special purpose funding vehicle identified as such in writing from time to time by the Granting Lender to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower (an “ SPC ”) the option to provide all or any part of any Loan that such Granting Lender would

 

150


otherwise be obligated to make pursuant to this Agreement; provided that (i) nothing herein shall constitute a commitment by any SPC to fund any Loan, and (ii) if an SPC elects not to exercise such option or otherwise fails to make all or any part of such Loan, the Granting Lender shall be obligated to make such Loan pursuant to the terms hereof. Each party hereto hereby agrees that (i) neither the grant to any SPC nor the exercise by any SPC of such option shall increase the costs or expenses or otherwise increase or change the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement (including its obligations under Section 3.01, 3.04 or 3.05), (ii) no SPC shall be liable for any indemnity or similar payment obligation under this Agreement for which a Lender would be liable, and (iii) the Granting Lender shall for all purposes, including the approval of any amendment, waiver or other modification of any provision of any Loan Document, remain the lender of record hereunder. The making of a Loan by an SPC hereunder shall utilize the Commitment of the Granting Lender to the same extent, and as if, such Loan were made by such Granting Lender. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any SPC may (i) with notice to, but without prior consent of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent and with the payment of a processing fee of $3,500, assign all or any portion of its right to receive payment with respect to any Loan to the Granting Lender and (ii) disclose on a confidential basis any non-public information relating to its funding of Loans to any rating agency, commercial paper dealer or provider of any surety or Guarantee or credit or liquidity enhancement to such SPC.

(i) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, (1) any Lender may in accordance with applicable Law create a security interest in all or any portion of the Loans owing to it and the Note, if any, held by it and (2) any Lender that is a Fund may create a security interest in all or any portion of the Loans owing to it and the Note, if any, held by it to the trustee for holders of obligations owed, or securities issued, by such Fund as security for such obligations or securities; provided that unless and until such trustee actually becomes a Lender in compliance with the other provisions of this Section 10.07, (i) no such pledge shall release the pledging Lender from any of its obligations under the Loan Documents and (ii) such trustee shall not be entitled to exercise any of the rights of a Lender under the Loan Documents even though such trustee may have acquired ownership rights with respect to the pledged interest through foreclosure or otherwise.

(j) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender may, upon thirty (30) days’ notice to the Borrower and the Lenders, resign as an L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender, respectively; provided that on or prior to the expiration of such 30-day period with respect to such resignation, the relevant L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender shall have identified, in consultation with the Borrower, a successor L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender willing to accept its appointment as successor L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender, as applicable. In the event of any such resignation of an L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender, the Borrower shall be entitled to appoint from among the Lenders willing to accept such appointment a successor L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender hereunder; provided that no failure by the Borrower to appoint any such successor shall affect the resignation of the relevant L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender, as the case may be. If an L/C Issuer resigns as an L/C Issuer, it shall retain all the rights and obligations of an L/C Issuer hereunder with respect to all Letters of Credit outstanding as of the effective date of its resignation as an L/C Issuer and all L/C Obligations with respect thereto (including the right to require the Lenders to make Base Rate Loans or fund risk participations in Unreimbursed Amounts pursuant to Section 2.03(c)). If

 

151


the Swing Line Lender resigns as Swing Line Lender, it shall retain all the rights of the Swing Line Lender provided for hereunder with respect to Swing Line Loans made by it and outstanding as of the effective date of such resignation, including the right to require the Lenders to make Base Rate Loans or fund risk participations in outstanding Swing Line Loans pursuant to Section 2.04(c).

SECTION 10.08. Confidentiality . Each of the Agents and the Lenders agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information and to not use or disclose such information, except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its Affiliates and its and its Affiliates’ directors, officers, employees, trustees, investment advisors and agents, including accountants, legal counsel and other advisors (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential); (b) to the extent requested by any Governmental Authority; (c) to the extent required by applicable Laws or regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process; (d) to any other party to this Agreement; (e) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section 10.08 (or as may otherwise be reasonably acceptable to the Borrower), to any pledgee referred to in Section 10.07(g) or to any bona fide or potential Eligible Assignee, transferee or Participant in connection with the contemplated assignment, transfer or participation of any Loans or any participations therein or by any direct or indirect contractual counterparties (or the professional advisors thereto) to any Swap Contract or derivative transaction relating to the Borrower and its obligations under this Agreement; (f) with the written consent of the Borrower; (g) to the extent such Information becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section 10.08; (h) to any Governmental Authority or examiner (including the National Association of Insurance Commissioners or any other similar organization) regulating any Lender; (i) to any rating agency when required by it (it being understood that, prior to any such disclosure, such rating agency shall undertake to preserve the confidentiality of any Information relating to the Loan Parties received by it from such Lender); or (j) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder or under any other Loan Document or any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder. In addition, the Agents and the Lenders may disclose the existence of this Agreement and information about this Agreement to market data collectors, similar service providers to the lending industry, and service providers to the Agents and the Lenders in connection with the administration and management of this Agreement, the other Loan Documents, the Commitments, and the Credit Extensions. For the purposes of this Section 10.08, “ Information ” means all information received from any Loan Party or its Affiliates or its Affiliates’ directors, officers, employees, trustees, investment advisors or agents, relating to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or its business, other than any such information that is publicly available to any Agent or any Lender prior to disclosure by any Loan Party other than as a result of a breach of this Section 10.08; provided that, in the case of information received from a Loan Party after the date hereof, such information is clearly identified at the time of delivery as confidential or (ii) is delivered pursuant to Section 6.01, 6.02 or 6.03 hereof.

SECTION 10.09. Setoff . In addition to any rights and remedies of the Lenders provided by Law, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, each Lender and its Affiliates and each L/C Issuer and its Affiliates is authorized at any time and from time to time, without prior notice to the Borrower or any other Loan Party, any such notice being

 

152


waived by the Borrower (on its own behalf and on behalf of each Loan Party and its Subsidiaries) to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) at any time held by, and other Indebtedness at any time owing by, such Lender and its Affiliates or such L/C Issuer and its Affiliates, as the case may be, to or for the credit or the account of the respective Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries against any and all Obligations owing to such Lender and its Affiliates or such L/C Issuer and its Affiliates hereunder or under any other Loan Document, now or hereafter existing, irrespective of whether or not such Agent or such Lender or Affiliate shall have made demand under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and although such Obligations may be contingent or unmatured or denominated in a currency different from that of the applicable deposit or Indebtedness. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, no Lender or its Affiliates and no L/C Issuer or its Affiliates shall have a right to set off and apply any deposits held or other Indebtedness owing by such Lender or its Affiliates or such L/C Issuer or its Affiliates, as the case may be, to or for the credit or the account of any Subsidiary of a Loan Party which is not a “United States person” within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code unless such Subsidiary is not a direct or indirect subsidiary of the Borrower. Each Lender and L/C Issuer agrees promptly to notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent after any such set off and application made by such Lender or L/C Issuer, as the case may be; provided , that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such setoff and application. The rights of the Administrative Agent, each Lender and each L/C Issuer under this Section 10.09 are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that the Administrative Agent, such Lender and such L/C Issuer may have.

SECTION 10.10. Interest Rate Limitation . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any Loan Document, the interest paid or agreed to be paid under the Loan Documents shall not exceed the maximum rate of non-usurious interest permitted by applicable Law (the “ Maximum Rate ”). If any Agent or any Lender shall receive interest in an amount that exceeds the Maximum Rate, the excess interest shall be applied to the principal of the Loans or, if it exceeds such unpaid principal, refunded to the Borrower. In determining whether the interest contracted for, charged, or received by an Agent or a Lender exceeds the Maximum Rate, such Person may, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, (a) characterize any payment that is not principal as an expense, fee, or premium rather than interest, (b) exclude voluntary prepayments and the effects thereof, and (c) amortize, prorate, allocate, and spread in equal or unequal parts the total amount of interest throughout the contemplated term of the Obligations hereunder.

SECTION 10.11. Counterparts . This Agreement and each other Loan Document may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Delivery by telecopier of an executed counterpart of a signature page to this Agreement and each other Loan Document shall be effective as delivery of an original executed counterpart of this Agreement and such other Loan Document. The Agents may also require that any such documents and signatures delivered by telecopier be confirmed by a manually signed original thereof; provided that the failure to request or deliver the same shall not limit the effectiveness of any document or signature delivered by telecopier.

 

153


SECTION 10.12. Integration . This Agreement, together with the other Loan Documents, comprises the complete and integrated agreement of the parties on the subject matter hereof and thereof and supersedes all prior agreements, written or oral, on such subject matter. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and those of any other Loan Document, the provisions of this Agreement shall control; provided that the inclusion of supplemental rights or remedies in favor of the Agents or the Lenders in any other Loan Document shall not be deemed a conflict with this Agreement. Each Loan Document was drafted with the joint participation of the respective parties thereto and shall be construed neither against nor in favor of any party, but rather in accordance with the fair meaning thereof.

SECTION 10.13. Survival of Representations and Warranties . All representations and warranties made hereunder and in any other Loan 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 each Agent and each Lender, regardless of any investigation made by any Agent or any Lender or on their behalf and notwithstanding that any Agent or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default at the time of any Credit Extension, 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.

SECTION 10.14. Severability . If any provision of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, the legality, validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall not be affected or impaired thereby. The invalidity of a provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.

SECTION 10.15. Tax Forms .

(a) (i) Each Lender and Agent that is not a “United States person” within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code (each, a “ Foreign Lender ”) shall, to the extent it may lawfully do so, deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, on or prior to the Closing Date (or upon accepting an assignment of an interest herein), two duly signed, properly completed copies of either IRS Form W-8BEN or any successor thereto (relating to such Foreign Lender and entitling it to an exemption from, or reduction of, United States withholding tax on all payments to be made to such Foreign Lender by the Borrower or any other Loan Party pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document) or IRS Form W-8ECI or any successor thereto (relating to all payments to be made to such Foreign Lender by the Borrower or any other Loan Party pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document) or such other evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent that such Foreign Lender is entitled to an exemption from, or reduction of, United States federal withholding tax, including any exemption pursuant to Section 871(h) or 881(c) of the Code, and in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming such an exemption under Section 881(c) of the Code, a certificate that establishes in writing to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent that such Foreign Lender is not (i) a “bank” as defined in Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (ii) a 10-percent stockholder within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code, or (iii) a controlled foreign corporation related to the Borrower with the meaning of Section 864(d) of the Code. Thereafter and from time to time, each such Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it may lawfully do so, (A) promptly

 

154


submit to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent such additional duly completed and signed copies of one or more of such forms or certificates (or such successor forms or certificates as shall be adopted from time to time by the relevant United States taxing authorities) as may then be available under then current United States Laws and regulations to avoid, or such evidence as is reasonably satisfactory to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent of any available exemption from, or reduction of, United States federal withholding taxes in respect of all payments to be made to such Foreign Lender by the Borrower or other Loan Party pursuant to this Agreement, or any other Loan Document, in each case, (1) on or before the date that any such form, certificate or other evidence expires or becomes obsolete, (2) after the occurrence of a change in the Lender’s circumstances requiring a change in the most recent form, certificate or evidence previously delivered by it to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent and (3) from time to time thereafter if reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, and (B) promptly notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent of any change in the Lender’s circumstances which would modify or render invalid any claimed exemption or reduction.

(ii) Each Foreign Lender, to the extent it does not act or ceases to act for its own account with respect to any portion of any sums paid or payable to such Foreign Lender under any of the Loan Documents shall, to the extent it may lawfully do so, deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent on the date when such Foreign Lender ceases to act for its own account with respect to any portion of any such sums paid or payable, and at such other times as may be necessary in the determination of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent (in either case, in the reasonable exercise of its discretion), (A) two duly signed completed copies of the forms or statements required to be provided by such Foreign Lender as set forth above, to establish the portion of any such sums paid or payable with respect to which such Foreign Lender acts for its own account that is not subject to United States federal withholding tax, and (B) two duly signed completed copies of IRS Form W-8IMY (or any successor thereto), together with any information such Foreign Lender is required to transmit with such form, and any other certificate or statement of exemption required under the Code, to establish that such Foreign Lender is not acting for its own account with respect to a portion of any such sums payable to such Foreign Lender.

(iii) The Administrative Agent may deduct and withhold any taxes required by any Laws to be deducted and withheld from any payment under any of the Loan Documents.

(b) Each Lender and Agent that is a “United States person” within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code (each, a “ U.S. Lender ”) shall deliver to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower two duly signed, properly completed copies of IRS Form W-9, or any successor thereto, certifying that such U.S. Lender is entitled to an exemption from United States backup withholding tax (i) on or prior to the Closing Date (or on or prior to the date it becomes a party to this Agreement), (ii) on or before the date that such form expires or becomes obsolete, (iii) after the occurrence of a change in the Lender’s circumstances requiring a change in the most recent form previously delivered by it to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent and (iv) from time to time thereafter if reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent. If such U.S. Lender fails to deliver such forms, then the Administrative Agent may withhold from any payment to such U.S. Lender an amount equivalent to the applicable backup withholding tax imposed by the Code.

 

155


(c) The Borrower shall not be required to pay any additional amount or any indemnity payment under Section 3.01 to (A) any Foreign Lender if such Foreign Lender shall have failed to satisfy the foregoing provisions of this Section 10.15(a), or (B) any U.S. Lender if such U.S. Lender shall have failed to satisfy the provisions of Section 10.15(b); provided that if such Lender shall have satisfied the requirement of this Section 10.15(a) or Section 10.15(b), as applicable, on the date such Lender became a Lender or ceased to act for its own account with respect to any payment under any of the Loan Documents, nothing in this Section 10.15(a) or Section 10.15(b) shall relieve the Borrower of its obligation to pay any amounts pursuant to Section 3.01 in the event that, as a result of any change in any applicable Law, treaty or governmental rule, regulation or order, or any change in the interpretation, administration or application thereof, such Lender is no longer properly entitled to deliver forms, certificates or other evidence at a subsequent date establishing the fact that such Lender or other Person for the account of which such Lender receives any sums payable under any of the Loan Documents is not subject to withholding or is subject to withholding at a reduced rate. Nothing in Section 10.15(a) shall relieve the Borrower of its obligation to pay any amounts pursuant to Section 3.01 in the event that the requirements of 10.15(a)(ii) have not been satisfied if the Borrower is entitled, under applicable Law, to rely on any applicable forms and statements that have been provided under this Section 10.15 by the Foreign Lender that does not act or has ceased to act for its own account under any of the Loan Documents.

SECTION 10.16. GOVERNING LAW .

(a) THIS AGREEMENT AND EACH OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK (EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE EXPRESSLY PROVIDED THEREIN).

(b) ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING UNDER ANY LOAN DOCUMENT OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THE DEALINGS OF THE PARTIES HERETO OR ANY OF THEM WITH RESPECT TO ANY LOAN DOCUMENT, OR THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED THERETO, IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING, MAY BE BROUGHT IN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SITTING IN NEW YORK CITY OR OF THE UNITED STATES FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF SUCH STATE, AND BY EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THIS AGREEMENT, THE BORROWER, HOLDINGS, EACH AGENT AND EACH LENDER CONSENTS, FOR ITSELF AND IN RESPECT OF ITS PROPERTY, TO THE NON-EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THOSE COURTS. THE BORROWER, HOLDINGS, EACH AGENT AND EACH LENDER IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION, INCLUDING ANY OBJECTION TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OR BASED ON THE GROUNDS OF FORUM NON CONVENIENS, WHICH IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE BRINGING OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN SUCH JURISDICTION IN RESPECT OF ANY LOAN DOCUMENT OR OTHER DOCUMENT RELATED THERETO.

SECTION 10.17. WAIVER OF RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY . EACH PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT HEREBY EXPRESSLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION ARISING UNDER

 

156


ANY LOAN DOCUMENT OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THE DEALINGS OF THE PARTIES HERETO OR ANY OF THEM WITH RESPECT TO ANY LOAN DOCUMENT, OR THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED THERETO, IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING, AND WHETHER FOUNDED IN CONTRACT OR TORT OR OTHERWISE; AND EACH PARTY HEREBY AGREES AND CONSENTS THAT ANY SUCH CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION SHALL BE DECIDED BY COURT TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY, AND THAT ANY PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT MAY FILE AN ORIGINAL COUNTERPART OR A COPY OF THIS SECTION 10.17 WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF THE SIGNATORIES HERETO TO THE WAIVER OF THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.

SECTION 10.18. Binding Effect . This Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Borrower, Holdings and the Administrative Agent and the Administrative Agent shall have been notified by each Lender, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer that each such Lender, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer has executed it and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Borrower, each Agent and each Lender and their respective successors and assigns, except that the Borrower shall not have the right to assign its rights hereunder or any interest herein without the prior written consent of the Lenders except as permitted by Section 7.04.

SECTION 10.19. Judgment Currency . If, for the purposes of obtaining judgment in any court, it is necessary to convert a sum due hereunder or any other Loan Document in one currency into another currency, the rate of exchange used shall be that at which in accordance with normal banking procedures the Administrative Agent could purchase the first currency with such other currency on the Business Day preceding that on which final judgment is given. The obligation of the Borrower in respect of any such sum due from it to the Administrative Agent or the Lenders hereunder or under the other Loan Documents shall, notwithstanding any judgment in a currency (the “ Judgment Currency ”) other than that in which such sum is denominated in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Agreement (the “ Agreement Currency ”), be discharged only to the extent that on the Business Day following receipt by the Administrative Agent of any sum adjudged to be so due in the Judgment Currency, the Administrative Agent may in accordance with normal banking procedures purchase the Agreement Currency with the Judgment Currency. If the amount of the Agreement Currency so purchased is less than the sum originally due to the Administrative Agent from the Borrower in the Agreement Currency, the Borrower agrees, as a separate obligation and notwithstanding any such judgment, to indemnify the Administrative Agent or the Person to whom such obligation was owing against such loss. If the amount of the Agreement Currency so purchased is greater than the sum originally due to the Administrative Agent in such currency, the Administrative Agent agrees to return the amount of any excess to the Borrower (or to any other Person who may be entitled thereto under applicable Law).

SECTION 10.20. Lender Action . Each Lender agrees that it shall not take or institute any actions or proceedings, judicial or otherwise, for any right or remedy against any Loan Party or any other obligor under any of the Loan Documents or the Secured Hedge Agreements (including the exercise of any right of setoff, rights on account of any banker’s lien or similar claim or other rights of self-help), or institute any actions or proceedings, or otherwise

 

157


commence any remedial procedures, with respect to any Collateral or any other property of any such Loan Party, without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent. The provision of this Section 10.20 are for the sole benefit of the Lenders and shall not afford any right to, or constitute a defense available to, any Loan Party.

SECTION 10.21. USA PATRIOT Act . Each Lender hereby notifies the Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act, it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies the Borrower, which information includes the name and address of the Borrower and other information that will allow such Lender to identify the Borrower in accordance with the USA PATRIOT Act.

SECTION 10.22. Agent for Service of Process . The Borrower agrees that promptly following request by the Administrative Agent it shall cause each Material Foreign Subsidiary or for whose account a Letter of Credit is issued to appoint and maintain an agent reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent to receive service of process in New York City on behalf of such Material Foreign Subsidiary.

SECTION 10.23. Delivery of Lender Addenda . Each initial Lender shall become a party to this Agreement by delivering to the Administrative Agent a Lender Addendum duly executed by such Lender, the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.

[ THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK. ]

 

158


IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first above written.

 

PEAK FINANCE LLC, as the Borrower,
By:  

/s/ Shervin Korangy

Name:   Shervin Korangy
Title:   Vice President

PEAK FINANCE HOLDINGS LLC, as Holdings,

By:  

/s/ Shervin Korangy

Name:   Shervin Korangy
Title:   Vice President
The undersigned, as the successor by merger to Peak Finance LLC, on the Closing Date, hereby assumes and agrees to pay and perform all of the Obligations hereunder and under the Loan Documents.
PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC,
By:  

/s/ N. Michael Dion

Name:   N. Michael Dion
Title:   Vice President

 

Pinnacle Credit Agreement


LEHMAN COMMERCIAL PAPER INC. , as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer,
By:  

/s/ Jeff Ogden

Name:   Jeff Ogden
Title:   Managing Director

 

[Pinnacle Credit Agreement]


GOLDMAN SACHS CREDIT PARTNERS L.P. , as Syndication Agent,
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  

 

[Pinnacle Credit Agreement]


MIZUHO CORPORATE BANK, LTD. , as

Co-Documentation Agent,

By:  

/s/  James R. Fayen

Name:   James R. Fayen
Title:   Deputy General Manager

 

[Pinnacle Credit Agreement]


GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL

CORPORATION , as Co-Documentation Agent,

By:  

/s/ James R. Persico

Name:   James R. Persico
Title:   Duly Authorized Signatory

 

[Pinnacle Credit Agreement]


EXHIBIT A

FORM OF

COMMITTED LOAN NOTICE

 

To:    Lehman Commercial Paper Inc., as Administrative Agent
   [ · ]
   Attention: [ · ]

[Date]

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Reference is made to the Credit Agreement dated as of April 2, 2007 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among Peak Finance LLC (prior to the Merger, the “ Borrower ”), Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC (after the Merger, the “ Borrower ”), Peak Finance Holdings LLC (“ Holdings ”), Lehman Commercial Paper Inc., as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “ Administrative Agent ”) and Collateral Agent, Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P., as Syndication Agent, Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd. and General Electric Capital Corporation, as Co-Documentation Agents, and each lender from time to time party thereto. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement.

The Borrower hereby requests (select one):

 

   

A Borrowing of new Loans

 

   

A conversion of Loans

 

   

A continuation of Loans

to be made on the terms set forth below:

 

(A)   Class of Borrowing 1  

 

(B)   Date of Borrowing, conversion or continuation (which is a Business Day)  

 

(C)   Principal amount  

 

(D)   Type of Loan 2  

 


1

Term or Revolving Credit.

2

Specify Eurocurrency or Base Rate.


(E)   Interest Period 3  

 

(F)   Currency of Loan  

 


3

Applicable for Eurocurrency Rate Loans only.

 

2


[The Borrower hereby represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders that, on the date of this Committed Loan Notice and on the date of the related Borrowing, the conditions to lending specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of Section 4.02 of the Credit Agreement have been satisfied.] 4

 

[ PEAK FINANCE LLC ,] 5

as Borrower (prior to the Merger),

By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  
PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC , as Borrower (after the Merger),
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  

4

Insert bracketed language if the Borrower is requesting a Borrowing of new Loans.

5

Peak Finance LLC to sign on the Closing Date only.

 

3


EXHIBIT B

FORM OF

SWING LINE LOAN NOTICE

 

To:   

Lehman Commercial Paper Inc.,

as Swing Line Lender

   [ · ]
   Attention: [ · ]

[Date]

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Reference is made to the Credit Agreement dated as of April 2, 2007 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among Peak Finance LLC (prior to the Merger, the “ Borrower ”), Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC (after the Merger, the “ Borrower ”), Peak Finance Holdings LLC (“ Holdings ”), Lehman Commercial Paper Inc., as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “ Administrative Agent ”) and Collateral Agent, Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P., as Syndication Agent, Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd. and General Electric Capital Corporation, as Co-Documentation Agents, and each lender from time to time party thereto. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement. The undersigned Borrower hereby gives you notice pursuant to Section 2.04(b) of the Credit Agreement that it requests a Swing Line Borrowing under the Credit Agreement, and in that connection sets forth below the terms on which such Swing Line Borrowing is requested to be made:

 

(A)   Principal Amount to be Borrowed 1  

 

(B)   Date of Borrowing (which is a Business Day)  

 

The above request has been made to the Swing Line Lender and the Administrative Agent by telephone at [            ].


1

Shall be a minimum of $100,000.


The Borrower hereby represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders that, on the date of this Swing Line Loan Notice and on the date of the related Swing Line Borrowing, the conditions to lending specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of Section 4.02 of the Credit Agreement have been satisfied.

 

[PEAK FINANCE LLC ,] 2

as Borrower (prior to the Merger),

By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  
PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC , as Borrower (after the Merger),
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  

2

Peak Finance LLC to sign on the Closing Date only.

 

2


EXHIBIT C-1

LENDER: [ · ]

PRINCIPAL AMOUNT: $[ · ]

FORM OF

TERM NOTE

New York, New York

[Date]

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned, [PEAK FINANCE LLC][PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC], a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Borrower ”), hereby promises to pay to the Lender set forth above (the “ Lender ”) or its registered assigns, in lawful money of the United States of America in immediately available funds at the Administrative Agent’s Office (such term, and each other capitalized term used but not defined herein, having the meaning assigned to it in the Credit Agreement dated as of April 2, 2007 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among Peak Finance LLC (prior to the Merger, the “ Borrower ”), Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC (after the Merger, the “ Borrower ”), Peak Finance Holdings LLC (“ Holdings ”), Lehman Commercial Paper Inc., as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “ Administrative Agent ”) and Collateral Agent, Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P., as Syndication Agent, Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd. and General Electric Capital Corporation, as Co-Documentation Agents, and each lender from time to time party thereto) (i) on the dates set forth in the Credit Agreement, the principal amounts set forth in the Credit Agreement with respect to Term Loans made by the Lender to the Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement and (ii) on each Interest Payment Date, interest at the rate or rates per annum as provided in the Credit Agreement on the unpaid principal amount of all Term Loans made by the Lender to the Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement.

The Borrower promises to pay interest, on demand, on any overdue principal and, to the extent permitted by law, overdue interest from their due dates at the rate or rates provided in the Credit Agreement.

The Borrower hereby waives diligence, presentment, demand, protest and notice of any kind whatsoever. The nonexercise by the holder hereof of any of its rights hereunder in any particular instance shall not constitute a waiver thereof in that or any subsequent instance.

All borrowings evidenced by this note and all payments and prepayments of the principal hereof and interest hereon and the respective dates thereof shall be endorsed by the holder hereof on the schedule attached hereto and made a part hereof or on a continuation thereof which shall be attached hereto and made a part hereof, or otherwise recorded by such holder in its internal records; provided , however , that the failure of the holder hereof to make such a notation or any error in such notation shall not affect the obligations of the Borrower under this note.


This note is one of the Term Notes referred to in the Credit Agreement that, among other things, contains provisions for the acceleration of the maturity hereof upon the happening of certain events, for optional and mandatory prepayment of the principal hereof prior to the maturity hereof and for the amendment or waiver of certain provisions of the Credit Agreement, all upon the terms and conditions therein specified.

THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

[THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

2


[ PEAK FINANCE LLC ,] 1

as Borrower (prior to the Merger),

By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  
PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC , as Borrower (after the Merger),
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  

1

Peak Finance LLC to sign only for Notes requested on the Closing Date.

 

3


LOANS AND PAYMENTS

 

Date

  

Amount of Loan

  

Maturity Date

  

Payments of
Principal/Interest

  

Principal
Balance of Note

  

Name of Person
Making the Notation

                          
                          
                          
                          
                          
                          
                          
                          
                          
                          

 

4


EXHIBIT C-2

LENDER: [ · ]

PRINCIPAL AMOUNT: $[ · ]

FORM OF

REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE

New York, New York

[Date]

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned, [PEAK FINANCE LLC][PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC], a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Borrower ”), hereby severally promises to pay to the Lender set forth above (the “ Lender ”) or its registered assigns, in immediately available funds at the relevant Administrative Agent’s Office (such term, and each other capitalized term used but not defined herein, having the meaning assigned to it in the Credit Agreement dated as of April 2, 2007 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among Peak Finance LLC (prior to the Merger, the “ Borrower ”), Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC (after the Merger, the “ Borrower ”), Peak Finance Holdings LLC (“ Holdings ”), Lehman Commercial Paper Inc., as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “ Administrative Agent ”) and Collateral Agent, Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P., as Syndication Agent, Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd. and General Electric Capital Corporation, as Co-Documentation Agents, and each lender from time to time party thereto) (A) on the dates set forth in the Credit Agreement, the lesser of (i) the principal amount set forth above and (ii) the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all Revolving Credit Loans made by the Lender to the Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement, and (B) interest from the date hereof on the principal amount from time to time outstanding on each such Revolving Credit Loan at the rate or rates per annum and payable on such dates as provided in the Credit Agreement in lawful money of the United States of America.

The Borrower promises to pay interest, on demand, on any overdue principal and, to the extent permitted by law, overdue interest from their due dates at a rate or rates provided in the Credit Agreement.

The Borrower hereby waives diligence, presentment, demand, protest and notice of any kind whatsoever. The nonexercise by the holder hereof of any of its rights hereunder in any particular instance shall not constitute a waiver thereof in that or any subsequent instance.

All borrowings evidenced by this note and all payments and prepayments of the principal hereof and interest hereon and the respective dates thereof shall be endorsed by the holder hereof on the schedule attached hereto and made a part hereof or on a continuation thereof which shall be attached hereto and made a part hereof, or otherwise recorded by such holder in its internal records; provided , however , that the failure of the holder hereof to make such a notation or any error in such notation shall not affect the obligations of the Borrower under this note.


This note is one of the Revolving Credit Notes referred to in the Credit Agreement that, among other things, contains provisions for the acceleration of the maturity hereof upon the happening of certain events, for optional and mandatory prepayment of the principal hereof prior to the maturity hereof and for the amendment or waiver of certain provisions of the Credit Agreement, all upon the terms and conditions therein specified.

THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

[THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

2


[ PEAK FINANCE LLC ,] 1

as Borrower (prior to the Merger),

By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  
PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC , as Borrower (after the Merger),
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  

1

Peak Finance LLC to sign only Notes requested on the Closing Date.

 

3


LOANS AND PAYMENTS

 

Date

  

Amount of Loan

  

Maturity Date

  

Payments of
Principal/Interest

  

Principal
Balance of Note

  

Name of Person
Making the Notation

                          
                          
                          
                          
                          
                          
                          
                          
                          
                          

 

4


EXHIBIT D

FORM OF

COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

Reference is made to the Credit Agreement dated as of April 2, 2007 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among Peak Finance LLC (prior to the Merger, the “ Borrower ”), Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC (after the Merger, the “ Borrower ”), Peak Finance Holdings LLC (“ Holdings ”), Lehman Commercial Paper Inc., as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “ Administrative Agent ”) and Collateral Agent, Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P., as Syndication Agent, Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd. and General Electric Capital Corporation, as Co-Documentation Agents, and each lender from time to time party thereto (capitalized terms used herein have the meanings attributed thereto in the Credit Agreement unless otherwise defined herein). Pursuant to Section 6.02 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned, in his/her capacity as a Responsible Officer of Holdings, certifies as follows:

 

  1. [Attached hereto as Exhibit [A] is the consolidated balance sheet of Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal year, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for such fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and prepared in accordance with GAAP, audited and accompanied by a report and opinion of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP or any other independent registered public accounting firm of nationally recognized standing, which report and opinion shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and shall not be subject to any “going concern” or like qualification or exception or any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit.]

 

  2. [Attached hereto as Exhibit [B] is the consolidated balance sheet of Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal quarter, and the related (i) consolidated statements of income or operations for such fiscal quarter and for the portion of the fiscal year then ended and (ii) consolidated statements of cash flows for the portion of the fiscal year then ended, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding fiscal quarter of the previous fiscal year and the corresponding portion of the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and certified by a Responsible Officer of Borrower as fairly presenting in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows of Borrower and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP, subject only to normal year-end adjustments and the absence of footnotes.]


 

3.

[Attached hereto as Annex A are computations demonstrating compliance with the covenant contained in Section 7.14 of the Credit Agreement.] 1

 

  4. To my knowledge, except as otherwise disclosed to the Administrative Agent in writing pursuant to the Credit Agreement, at no time during the period between [    ] and [    ] (the “ Certificate Period ”) did a Default or an Event of Default exist. [If unable to provide the foregoing certification, fully describe the reasons therefor and circumstances thereof and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto (including the delivery of a “Notice of Intent to Cure” concurrently with delivery of this Compliance Certificate) on Annex B attached hereto.]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, in his/her capacity as a Responsible Officer of the Borrower, has executed this certificate for and on behalf of the Borrower and has caused this certificate to be delivered this      day of              .

 

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC , as Borrower (after the Merger),
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  

1

To be included only when any Triggered Usage Period is in effect.

 

2


ANNEX A TO

COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

FOR THE FISCAL [QUARTER] [YEAR] ENDING [mm/dd/yy] .

 

1. Consolidated EBITDA: (i) - (ii) =    $[      ,      ,      ]
  (i)   (a) Consolidated Net Income:    $[      ,      ,      ]
    (b) provisions for taxes based on income:   
    (c) Consolidated Interest Expense:    $[      ,      ,      ]
    (d) Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization Expense:    $[      ,      ,      ]
    (e) any expenses or charges (other than depreciation or amortization expense) related to any equity offering, Investment, acquisition, disposition, or recapitalization or the incurrence of Indebtedness:    $[      ,      ,      ]
    (f) the amount of any restructuring charges, integration costs or other business optimization expenses, costs associated with new facilities up to the point of commercial production or reserves deducted (and not added back) in such period in computing Consolidated Net Income:    $[      ,      ,      ]
    (g) any other non-cash charges:    $[      ,      ,      ]
    (h) the amount of any minority interest expense consisting of Subsidiary income attributable to minority equity interests of third parties in any non-wholly owned Subsidiary deducted (and not added back) in such period in calculating Consolidated Net Income:    $[      ,      ,      ]
    (i) the amount of management, monitoring, consulting and advisory fees (including termination fees) and related indemnities and expenses paid or accrued in such period to the Sponsor and deducted (and not added back) in such period in computing Consolidated Net Income:    $[      ,      ,      ]
    (j) the amount of net cost savings projected by the Borrower in good faith to be realized as a result of specified actions taken or initiated during or prior to such period (calculated on a pro forma basis as though such cost savings had been realized on the first day of such period), net of the amount of actual benefits realized during such period from such actions:    $[      ,      ,      ]

 

3


    (k) the amount of loss on sale of receivables, Securitization Assets and related assets to any Securitization Subsidiary in connection with a Qualified Securitization Financing:    $[      ,      ,      ]
    (l) any costs or expense incurred by the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement or any stock subscription or shareholder agreement, to the extent that such cost or expenses are funded with cash proceeds contributed to the capital of the Borrower or net cash proceeds of an issuance of Equity Interests of the Borrower (other than Disqualified Equity Interests) solely to the extent that such net cash proceeds are Not Otherwise Applied    $[      ,      ,      ]
    (m) any net loss from disposed or discontinued operations:    $[      ,      ,      ]
    (n) cash receipts (or any netting arrangements resulting in reduced cash expenditures) not representing Consolidated EBITDA or Consolidated Net Income in any period to the extent non-cash gains relating to such income were deducted in the calculation of Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to paragraph (ii) below for any previous period and not added back:    $[      ,      ,      ]
  (ii)   (a) non-cash gains increasing Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period, excluding any non-cash gains to the extent they represent the reversal of an accrual or reserve for a potential cash item that reduced Consolidated EBITDA in any prior period and any non-cash gains with respect to cash actually received in a prior period so long as such cash did not increase Consolidated EBITDA in such prior period:    $[      ,      ,      ]
    (b) any net income from disposed or discontinued operations:    $[      ,      ,      ]
2. Consolidated Net Income : (i) - (ii) =    $[      ,      ,      ]
  (i)   the net income (or loss) of Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for such period taken as a single accounting period determined in conformity with GAAP:    $[      ,      ,      ]
  (ii)   (a) after-tax effect of extraordinary, non-recurring or unusual gains or losses (less all fees and expenses relating thereto) or expenses (including relating to the Transaction Expenses or any multi-year strategic   

 

4


    initiatives), severance, relocation costs and curtailments or modifications to pension and post-retirement employee benefit plans:   
    (b) the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles and changes as a result of the adoption or modification of accounting policies during such period:    $[      ,      ,      ]
    (c) any net after-tax gains or losses on disposal of disposed, abandoned or discontinued operations:    $[      ,      ,      ]
    (d) any after-tax effect of gains or losses (less all fees and expenses relating thereto) attributable to asset dispositions or abandonments or the sale or other disposition of any Equity Interests of any Person other than in the ordinary course of business:    $[      ,      ,      ]
    (e) the Net Income for such period of any Person that is not a Subsidiary, or is an Unrestricted Subsidiary, or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting:    $[      ,      ,      ]
    (f) effects of adjustments (including the effects of such adjustments pushed down to the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries) in the inventory, property and equipment, software, goodwill, other intangible assets, in-process research and development, deferred revenue and debt line items in such Person’s consolidated financial statements pursuant to GAAP resulting from the application of purchase accounting in relation to the Transaction or any consummated acquisition or the amortization or write-off of any amounts thereof, net of taxes:    $[      ,      ,      ]
    (g) any after-tax effect of income (loss) from the early extinguishment of (i) Indebtedness, (ii) obligations under any Swaps Contracts or (iii) other derivative instruments:    $[      ,      ,      ]
    (h) any impairment charge or asset write-off or write-down, including impairment charges or asset write-offs or write-downs related to intangible assets, long-lived assets, investments in debt and equity securities or as a result of a change in law or regulation, in each case, pursuant to GAAP, and the amortization of intangibles arising pursuant to GAAP:    $[      ,      ,      ]
    (i) any non-cash compensation charge or expense, including any such charge arising from the grants of stock appreciation or similar rights, stock options, restricted stock or other rights:    $[      ,      ,      ]

 

5


    (j) any fees and expenses incurred during such period, or any amortization thereof for such period, in connection with any acquisition, Investment, Disposition, issuance or repayment of Indebtedness, issuance of Equity Interests, refinancing transaction or amendment or modification of any debt instrument (in each case, including any such transaction consummated prior to the Closing Date and any such transaction undertaken but not completed) and any charges or non-recurring merger costs incurred during such period as a result of any such transaction:    $[      ,      ,      ]
    (k) accruals and reserves that are established within twelve months after the Closing Date that are so required to be established as a result of the Transaction in accordance with GAAP:    $[      ,      ,      ]
    (l) any net unrealized gain or loss (after any offset) resulting in such period from obligations under any Swap Contracts and the application of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133:    $[      ,      ,      ]
    (l) any net unrealized gain or loss (after any offset) resulting in such period from currency translation gains or losses including those (x) related to currency remeasurements of Indebtedness and (y) resulting from hedge agreements for currency exchange risk:    $[      ,      ,      ]
3. Consolidated Senior Secured Debt :    $[      ,      ,      ]
4. Senior Secured Leverage Ratio : (i)/(ii) =   
  (i)   Consolidated Senior Secured Debt    $[      ,      ,      ]
  (ii)   Consolidated EBITDA for the four-Fiscal Quarter period then ended:    $[      ,      ,      ]
    Actual:        :      :1.00   
    Required:        :      :1.00   

 

6


ANNEX B TO

COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

INTENT TO CURE

 

7


EXHIBIT A TO

COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

8


EXHIBIT B TO

COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

9


EXHIBIT E

FORM OF

ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

This Assignment and Assumption (the “ Assignment and Assumption ”) is dated as of the Effective Date set forth below and is entered into by and between [the][each] 1 Assignor identified in item 1 below ([the][each, an] “ Assignor ”) and [the][each] 2 Assignee identified in item 2 below ([the][each, an] “ Assignee ”). [It is understood and agreed that the rights and obligations of [the Assignors][the Assignees] 3 hereunder are several and not joint.] 4 Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement identified below (as amended, the “ Credit Agreement ”), receipt of a copy of which is hereby acknowledged by [the][each] Assignee. The Standard Terms and Conditions set forth in Annex 1 attached hereto are hereby agreed to and incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this Assignment and Assumption as if set forth herein in full.

For an agreed consideration, [the][each] Assignor hereby irrevocably sells and assigns to [the Assignee][the respective Assignees], and [the][each] Assignee hereby irrevocably purchases and assumes from [the Assignor][the respective Assignors], subject to and in accordance with the Standard Terms and Conditions and the Credit Agreement, as of the Effective Date inserted by the Administrative Agent as contemplated below (i) all of [the Assignor’s][the respective Assignors’] rights and obligations in [its capacity as a Lender][their respective capacities as Lenders] under the Credit Agreement and any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto to the extent related to the amount and percentage interest identified below of all of such outstanding rights and obligations of [the Assignor][the respective Assignors] under the respective facilities identified below (including without limitation any Letters of Credit, Guarantees, and Swing Line Loans included in such facilities) and (ii) to the extent permitted to be assigned under applicable law, all claims, suits, causes of action and any other right of [the Assignor (in its capacity as a Lender)][the respective Assignors (in their respective capacities as Lenders)] against any Person, whether known or unknown, arising under or in connection with the Credit Agreement, any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto or the loan transactions governed thereby or in any way based on or related to any of the foregoing, including, but not limited to, contract claims, tort claims, malpractice claims, statutory claims and all other claims at law or in equity related to the rights and obligations sold and assigned pursuant to clause (i) above (the rights and obligations sold and assigned by [the][any] Assignor to [the][any] Assignee pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) above being referred to herein collectively as [the][an] “ Assigned

 


1

For bracketed language here and elsewhere in this form relating to the Assignor(s), if the assignment is from a single Assignor, choose the first bracketed language. If the assignment is from multiple Assignors, choose the second bracketed language.

2

For bracketed language here and elsewhere in this form relating to the Assignee(s), if the assignment is to a single Assignee, choose the first bracketed language. If the assignment is to multiple Assignees, choose the second bracketed language.

3

Select as appropriate.

4

Include bracketed language if there are either multiple Assignors or multiple Assignees.


Interest ”). Each such sale and assignment is without recourse to [the][any] Assignor and, except as expressly provided in this Assignment and Assumption, without representation or warranty by [the][any] Assignor.

 

1.

   Assignor[s]:   

 

     
     

 

     

2.

   Assignee[s]:   

 

     
     

 

     

[for each Assignee, indicate [Affiliate][Approved Fund] of [ identify Lender ]]

 

3.    Borrower:    Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC

4. Administrative Agent: Lehman Commercial Paper, Inc., as the administrative agent under the Credit Agreement

5. Credit Agreement: The Credit Agreement dated as of April 2, 2007 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC (the “ Borrower ”), Peak Finance Holdings LLC (“ Holdings ”), Lehman Commercial Paper Inc., as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “ Administrative Agent ”) and Collateral Agent, Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P., as Syndication Agent, Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd. and General Electric Capital Corporation, as Co-Documentation Agents, and each lender from time to time party thereto

6. Assigned Interest[s]:

 

Assignor[s] 5

   Assignee[s] 6    Facility
Assigned
   Aggregate
Amount of
Commitment
/ Loans for
all Lenders 7
   Amount of
Commitment
/ Loans
Assigned 7
   Percentage
Assigned of
Commitment
/ Loans 8
   CUSIP
Number
      Revolving
Credit
Facility
   $      $      %   
      Term
Loans
   $      $      %   

5

List each Assignor, as appropriate.

6

List each Assignee, as appropriate.

7

Amount to be adjusted by the counterparties to take into account any payments or prepayments made between the Trade Date and the Effective Date.

8

Set forth, to at least 9 decimals, as a percentage of the Commitment/Loans of all Lenders thereunder.

 

2


[7. Trade Date:                      ] 9

Effective Date:               , 20      10


9

To be completed if the Assignor(s) and the Assignee(s) intend that the minimum assignment amount is to be determined as of the Trade Date.

10

To be inserted by Administrative Agent and which shall be the effective date of recordation of transfer in the register therefor.

 

3


The terms set forth in this Assignment and Assumption are hereby agreed to:

 

ASSIGNOR[S] 11

[NAME OF ASSIGNOR], as Assignor,

By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  
ASSIGNEE[S] 12

[NAME OF ASSIGNEE], as Assignee,

By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  

11

Add additional signature blocks as needed.

12

Add additional signature blocks as needed.

 

4


[Consented to and] 13 Accepted:

 

LEHMAN COMMERCIAL PAPER INC.

as Administrative Agent,

By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  

[Consented to]:

 

[    ], as a Principal L/C Issuer,

By:  

 

Name:  
Title: 14  

LEHMAN COMMERCIAL PAPER INC.,

as Swing Line Lender,

By:  

 

Name:  
Title: 15  

13

No consent of the Administrative Agent shall be required for an assignment of all or any portion of a Term Loan to another Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund.

14

No consent of the Principal L/C Issuers shall be required for any assignment of a Term Loan or any assignment to an Agent or an Affiliate of an Agent.

15

Only required for any assignment of any of the Revolving Credit Facility.

 

5


PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC,

 

By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  16  

16

No consent of the Borrower shall be required for an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender, an Approved Fund or, if an Event of Default under Section 8.01(a), (f) or (g) of the Credit Agreement has occurred and is continuing, any Assignee.

 

6


Annex 1

CREDIT AGREEMENT 1

STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

1. Representations and Warranties.

1.1 Assignor[s] . [The][Each] Assignor (a) represents and warrants that (i) it is the legal and beneficial owner of [the][the relevant] Assigned Interest, (ii) [the][such] Assigned Interest is free and clear of any lien, encumbrance or other adverse claim and (iii) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby; and (b) assumes no responsibility with respect to (i) any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Loan Documents or any collateral thereunder, (iii) the financial condition of the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person obligated in respect of any Loan Document or (iv) the performance or observance by the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person of any of their respective obligations under any Loan Document.

1.2. Assignee[s] . [The][Each] Assignee (a) represents and warrants that (i) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to become a Lender under the Credit Agreement, (ii) it meets all the requirements to be an assignee under Section 10.07(b) of the Credit Agreement (subject to such consents, if any, as may be required under Section 10.07(b)(i) of the Credit Agreement), (iii) from and after the Effective Date, it shall be bound by the provisions of the Credit Agreement as a Lender thereunder and, to the extent of [the][the relevant] Assigned Interest, shall have the obligations of a Lender thereunder, (iv) it is sophisticated with respect to decisions to acquire assets of the type represented by the Assigned Interest and either it, or the person exercising discretion in making its decision to acquire the Assigned Interest, is experienced in acquiring assets of such type, (v) it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement, and has received or has been accorded the opportunity to receive copies of the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 6.01 thereof, as applicable, and such other documents and information as it deems appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Assumption and to

 


1

Capitalized terms used in this Assignment and Assumption and not otherwise defined herein have the meanings specified in the Credit Agreement dated as of April 2, 2007 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among Peak Finance LLC (before the Merger (as defined therein), the “ Borrower ”), Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC (after the Merger, the “ Borrower ”), Pinnacle Finance Holdings LLC (“ Holdings ”), Lehman Commercial Paper Inc., as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “ Administrative Agent ”) and Collateral Agent, Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P., as Syndication Agent, Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd. and General Electric Capital Corporation, as Co-Documentation Agents, and each lender from time to time party thereto.


purchase [the][such] Assigned Interest, (vi) it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Assumption and to purchase [the][such] Assigned Interest, and (vii) if it is a Foreign Lender, attached to the Assignment and Assumption is any documentation required to be delivered by it pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, duly completed and executed by [the][such] Assignee; and (b) agrees that (i) it will, independently and without reliance on the Administrative Agent, [the][any] Assignor or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Loan Documents, and (ii) it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of the Loan Documents are required to be performed by it as a Lender.

2. Payments . From and after the Effective Date, the Administrative Agent shall make all payments in respect of [the][each] Assigned Interest (including payments of principal, interest, fees and other amounts) to [the][the relevant] Assignor for amounts which have accrued to but excluding the Effective Date and to [the][the relevant] Assignee for amounts which have accrued from and after the Effective Date.

3. General Provisions . This Assignment and Assumption shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. This Assignment and Assumption may be executed in any number of counterparts, which together shall constitute one instrument. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Assignment and Assumption by telecopy shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Assignment and Assumption. This Assignment and Assumption shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.

 

2


EXHIBIT J

FORM OF

LENDER ADDENDUM

LENDER ADDENDUM, dated as of April 2, 2007 (this “ Lender Addendum ”), to the Credit Agreement, dated as of April 2, 2007 (as amended, restated, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among Peak Finance LLC (prior to the Merger, the “ Borrower ”), Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC (after the Merger, the “ Borrower ”), Peak Finance Holdings LLC (“ Holdings ”), Lehman Commercial Paper Inc., as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “ Administrative Agent ”) and Collateral Agent, Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P., as Syndication Agent, Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd. and General Electric Capital Corporation, as Co-Documentation Agents, and each lender from time to time party thereto. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement.

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, the Credit Agreement provides that any bank, financial institution or other entity may become a party to the Credit Agreement with the consent of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent by executing and delivering to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent a supplement to the Credit Agreement in substantially the form of this Lender Addendum; and

WHEREAS, the undersigned now desires to become a party to the Credit Agreement as a Term Lender and as a Revolving Credit Lender thereunder;

NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned hereby agrees as follows:

1. The undersigned agrees to be bound by the provisions of the Credit Agreement, and agrees that it shall, on the date this Lender Addendum is accepted by the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, become a Lender for all purposes of the Credit Agreement to the same extent as if originally a party thereto, with a commitment thereunder to extend to the Borrower (i) Term Loans in an aggregate amount of $[              ] and (ii) Revolving Credit Loans in an aggregate amount of $[              ].

2. The undersigned (a) represents and warrants that it is legally authorized to enter into this Lender Addendum; (b) confirms that it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement and each other Loan Document existing as of the date of this Lender Addendum, together with copies of the financial statements referred to in Section 6.01 of the Credit Agreement and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Lender Addendum; (c) agrees that it has made and will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, any other agent or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Credit Agreement or any instrument or document furnished pursuant hereto or thereto; (d) appoints and authorizes


the Administrative Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers and discretion under the Credit Agreement or any instrument or document furnished pursuant hereto or thereto as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms thereof, together with such powers as are incidental thereto; and (e) agrees that it will be bound by the provisions of the Credit Agreement and each of the other Loan Documents and will perform in accordance with their terms all the obligations which by the terms of the Credit Agreement or the other Loan Documents are required to be performed by it as a Lender including, without limitation, if it is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction outside the United States, its obligations pursuant to Section 10.15 of the Credit Agreement.

3. The undersigned’s address for notices for the purposes of the Credit Agreement is as follows:

Lehman Commercial Paper Inc.

745 Seventh Avenue

New York, New York 10019

Attention: Pinnacle Foods Portfolio Manager

Telecopy: (646) 834-4997

Telephone: (212) 526-1819

[ remainder of page intentionally left blank ]

 

4


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused this Lender Addendum to be executed and delivered by a duly authorized officer on the date first above written.

 

[INSERT NAME OF LENDER]

By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  


EXHIBIT J

Accepted this 2nd day of

April, 2007

 

PEAK FINANCE LLC,

as Borrower (prior to the Merger)

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC,

as Borrower (after the Merger)

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

LEHMAN COMMERCIAL PAPER INC.,

as Administrative Agent

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 


Customary disclosures to the Credit Agreement have been omitted, but the Company agrees to furnish all omitted customary disclosures to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

 

Exhibit 4.9

EXECUTION VERSION

 


SECURITY AGREEMENT

dated as of

April 2, 2007

among

PEAK FINANCE LLC (to be merged with and into PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC),

as Borrower

PEAK FINANCE HOLDINGS LLC,

as Holdings

CERTAIN SUBSIDIARIES OF BORROWER AND HOLDINGS

IDENTIFIED HEREIN

and

LEHMAN COMMERCIAL PAPER INC.,

as Collateral Agent

 



TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page
   ARTICLE I   
   Definitions   

SECTION 1.01.

   Credit Agreement    1

SECTION 1.02.

   Other Defined Terms    1
   ARTICLE II   
   Pledge of Securities   

SECTION 2.01.

   Pledge    3

SECTION 2.02.

   Delivery of the Pledged Collateral.    4

SECTION 2.03.

   Representations, Warranties and Covenants    5

SECTION 2.04.

   Certification of Limited Liability Company and Limited Partnership Interests    6

SECTION 2.05.

   Registration in Nominee Name; Denominations    6

SECTION 2.06.

   Voting Rights; Dividends and Interest.    6
   ARTICLE III   
   Security Interests in Personal Property   

SECTION 3.01.

   Security Interest.    8

SECTION 3.02.

   Representations and Warranties    10

SECTION 3.03.

   Covenants.    12

SECTION 3.04.

   Other Actions    13
   ARTICLE IV   
   Remedies   

SECTION 4.01.

   Remedies upon Default    14

SECTION 4.02.

   Application of Proceeds.    16
   ARTICLE V   
   Indemnity, Subrogation and Subordination   

SECTION 5.01.

   Indemnity    17

SECTION 5.02.

   Contribution and Subrogation    17


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

          Page

SECTION 5.03.

   Subordination.    17
   ARTICLE VI   
   Miscellaneous   

SECTION 6.01.

   Notices    18

SECTION 6.02.

   Waivers; Amendment.    18

SECTION 6.03.

   Collateral Agent’s Fees and Expenses.    18

SECTION 6.04.

   Successors and Assigns    19

SECTION 6.05.

   Survival of Agreement    19

SECTION 6.06.

   Counterparts; Effectiveness; Several Agreement    19

SECTION 6.07.

   Severability    20

SECTION 6.08.

   Right of Set-Off    20

SECTION 6.09.

   Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process.    21

SECTION 6.10.

   WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL    21

SECTION 6.11.

   Headings    22

SECTION 6.12.

   Security Interest Absolute    22

SECTION 6.13.

   Termination or Release.    22

SECTION 6.14.

   Additional Restricted Subsidiaries    23

SECTION 6.15.

   Collateral Agent Appointed Attorney-in-Fact    23

SECTION 6.16.

   General Authority of the Collateral Agent    24

Schedules

     

SCHEDULE I

   Pledged Equity; Pledged Debt   

Exhibits

     

EXHIBIT I

   Form of Security Agreement Supplement   

EXHIBIT II

   Form of Perfection Certificate   


SECURITY AGREEMENT dated as of April 2, 2007, among PEAK FINANCE LLC (“ Finance Sub ” and, prior to the Merger, the “ Borrower ”), a Delaware limited liability company to be merged with and into PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ New Crunch ” and, after the Merger, the “ Borrower ”), PEAK FINANCE HOLDINGS LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Holdings ”), certain subsidiaries of Borrower and Holdings from time to time party hereto and LEHMAN COMMERCIAL PAPER INC. (“ LCPI ”), as Collateral Agent for the Secured Parties (as defined below).

Reference is made to the Credit Agreement dated as of April 2, 2007 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among the Borrower, Holdings, LCPI, as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P., as Syndication Agent, Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd. and General Electric Capital Corporation, as Co-Documentation Agents, and each lender from time to time party thereto (collectively, the “ Lenders ” and individually, a “ Lender ”). The Lenders have agreed to extend credit to the Borrower subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement. The obligations of the Lenders to extend such credit are conditioned upon, among other things, the execution and delivery of this Agreement. Holdings and the other Grantors (as defined below) (other than the Borrower) are affiliates of the Borrower, will derive substantial benefits from the extension of credit to the Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement and are willing to execute and deliver this Agreement in order to induce the Lenders to extend such credit. Accordingly, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

Definitions

SECTION 1.01. Credit Agreement . (a) Capitalized terms used in this Agreement and not otherwise defined herein have the meanings specified in the Credit Agreement. All terms defined in the New York UCC (as defined herein) and not defined in this Agreement or the Credit Agreement have the meanings specified therein; the term “ instrument ” shall have the meaning specified in Article 9 of the New York UCC.

(b) The rules of construction specified in Article I of the Credit Agreement also apply to this Agreement.

SECTION 1.02. Other Defined Terms . As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified below:

Account Debtor ” means any Person who is or who may become obligated to any Grantor under, with respect to or on account of an Account.

Accounts ” has the meaning specified in Article 9 of the New York UCC.

Agreement ” means this Security Agreement.


Article 9 Collateral ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.01(a).

Claiming Party ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.02.

Collateral ” means the Article 9 Collateral and the Pledged Collateral.

Contributing Party ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.02.

Credit Agreement ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preliminary statement of this Agreement.

Foreign Pledge Agreement ” means any share pledge agreement that is not governed by the Laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia.

General Intangibles ” has the meaning specified in Article 9 of the New York UCC and includes corporate or other business records, indemnification claims, contract rights (including rights under leases, whether entered into as lessor or lessee, Swap Contracts and other agreements), goodwill, registrations, franchises, tax refund claims and any letter of credit, guarantee, claim, security interest or other security held by or granted to any Grantor, as the case may be, to secure payment by an Account Debtor of any of the Accounts; provided that General Intangibles shall not include any intellectual property and related assets subject to the Intellectual Property Security Agreement (or any intellectual property and related assets otherwise specifically excluded from the definition of “Collateral” (as defined therein)).

Grantor ” means each of Holdings, Finance Sub, New Crunch, each Intermediate Holding Company and each Restricted Subsidiary that is a signatory hereto or otherwise a Material Domestic Subsidiary and not an Excluded Subsidiary.

New York UCC ” means the Uniform Commercial Code as from time to time in effect in the State of New York.

Obligations ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Credit Agreement.

Perfection Certificate ” means a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit II, completed and supplemented with the schedules and attachments contemplated thereby, and duly executed by the chief financial officer and the chief legal officer of each of Holdings and the Borrower.

Pledged Collateral ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.01.

Pledged Debt ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.01.

 

2


Pledged Equity ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.01.

Pledged Securities ” means any promissory notes, stock certificates or other securities now or hereafter included in the Pledged Collateral, including all certificates, instruments or other documents representing or evidencing any Pledged Collateral.

Secured Parties ” means, collectively, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Lenders, the Hedge Banks, the Supplemental Administrative Agent and each co-agent or sub-agent appointed by the Administrative Agent from time to time pursuant to Section 9.02 of the Credit Agreement.

Security Agreement Supplement ” means an instrument in the form of Exhibit I hereto.

Security Interest ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.01(a).

ARTICLE II

Pledge of Securities

SECTION 2.01. Pledge . As security for the payment or performance, as the case may be, in full of the Obligations, including each Guaranty, each Grantor hereby assigns and pledges to the Collateral Agent, its successors and assigns, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, and hereby grants to the Collateral Agent, its successors and assigns, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, a security interest in, all of such Grantor’s right, title and interest in, to and under (i) all Equity Interests held by it and listed on Schedule I and any other Equity Interests obtained in the future by such Grantor and the certificates, if any, representing all such Equity Interests (the “ Pledged Equity ”); provided that the Pledged Equity shall not include (A) more than 65% of the issued and outstanding voting Equity Interests of any Material Foreign Subsidiary that is a direct or indirect Subsidiary of Holdings, (B) Equity Interests of any Foreign Subsidiary that is not a Material Foreign Subsidiary, (C) Equity Interests of any Unrestricted Subsidiary, (D) Equity Interests of any Subsidiary of a Foreign Subsidiary that is a direct or indirect Subsidiary of Holdings, (E) Equity Interests of any Foreign Subsidiary that are pledged pursuant to a Foreign Pledge Agreement, (F) Equity Interests of any Subsidiary acquired pursuant to a Permitted Acquisition financed with Indebtedness incurred pursuant to Section 7.03(h) of the Credit Agreement if such Equity Interests serve as security for such Indebtedness or if the terms of such Indebtedness prohibit the creation of any other lien on such Equity Interests, (G) Equity Interests of any Person that is not an indirect, wholly owned Subsidiary of Holdings, (H) Equity Interests of any Subsidiary with respect to which the Administrative Agent has confirmed in writing to the Borrower its determination that the costs of providing a pledge of its Equity Interests or perfection thereof is excessive in view of the benefits to be obtained by the Lenders and (I) pledges prohibited by law or by agreements containing anti-assignment clauses not overridden by applicable law; (ii) (A) the debt securities owned by it and listed opposite the name of such Grantor on Schedule

 

3


I, (B) any debt securities obtained in the future by such Grantor and (C) the promissory notes and any other instruments evidencing such debt securities (the “ Pledged Debt ”); (iii) all other property that may be delivered to and held by the Collateral Agent; (iv) subject to Section 2.06, all payments of principal or interest, dividends, cash, instruments and other property from time to time received, receivable or otherwise distributed in respect of, in exchange for or upon the conversion of, and all other Proceeds received in respect of, the securities referred to in clauses (i) and (ii) above; (v) subject to Section 2.06, all rights and privileges of such Grantor with respect to the securities and other property referred to in clauses (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) above; and (vi) all Proceeds of any of the foregoing (the items referred to in clauses (i) through (vi) above being collectively referred to as the “ Pledged Collateral ”).

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the Pledged Collateral, together with all right, title, interest, powers, privileges and preferences pertaining or incidental thereto, unto the Collateral Agent, its successors and assigns, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, forever, subject, however, to the terms, covenants and conditions hereinafter set forth.

SECTION 2.02. Delivery of the Pledged Collateral .

(a) Each Grantor agrees promptly to deliver or cause to be delivered to the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, any and all Pledged Securities (other than any uncertificated securities, but only for so long as such securities remain uncertificated) to the extent such Pledged Securities, in the case of promissory notes or other instruments evidencing Indebtedness, are required to be delivered pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section 2.02.

(b) Each Grantor will cause (i) any Indebtedness for borrowed money (other than intercompany loans referred to in clause (ii) below) having an aggregate principal amount in excess of the Dollar Amount of $10,000,000 owed to such Grantor by any Person and (ii) any intercompany loans made by such Grantor to a Non-Loan Party, in each case to be evidenced by a duly executed promissory note (or pursuant to a global note) that is pledged and delivered to the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, pursuant to the terms hereof.

(c) Upon delivery to the Collateral Agent, (i) any Pledged Securities shall be accompanied by stock powers duly executed in blank or other instruments of transfer reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent and by such other instruments and documents as the Collateral Agent may reasonably request and (ii) all other property comprising part of the Pledged Collateral shall be accompanied by proper instruments of assignment duly executed by the applicable Grantor and such other instruments or documents as the Collateral Agent may reasonably request. Each delivery of Pledged Securities shall be accompanied by a schedule describing the securities, which schedule shall be attached hereto as Schedule I and made a part hereof; provided that failure to attach any such schedule hereto shall not affect the validity of such pledge of such Pledged Securities. Each schedule so delivered shall supplement any prior schedules so delivered.

 

4


SECTION 2.03. Representations, Warranties and Covenants . Holdings and the Borrower jointly and severally represent, warrant and covenant, as to themselves and the other Grantors, and each other Grantor jointly and severally represents, warrants and covenants, as to itself and the other Grantors, to and with the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, that:

(a) Schedule I correctly sets forth the percentage of the issued and outstanding units of each class of the Equity Interests of the issuer thereof represented by the Pledged Equity and includes all Equity Interests, debt securities and promissory notes required to be pledged hereunder in order to satisfy the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement;

(b) the Pledged Equity and Pledged Debt (solely with respect to Pledged Debt issued by a Person other than Holdings or a subsidiary of Holdings, to the best of Holdings’ and the Borrower’s knowledge) have been duly and validly authorized and issued by the issuers thereof and (i) in the case of Pledged Equity, is fully paid and nonassessable and (ii) in the case of Pledged Debt (solely with respect to Pledged Debt issued by a Person other than Holdings or a subsidiary of Holdings, to the best of Holdings’ and the Borrower’s knowledge), are legal, valid and binding obligations of the issuers thereof;

(c) except for the security interests granted hereunder, each of the Grantors (i) is and, subject to any transfers made in compliance with the Credit Agreement, will continue to be the direct owner, beneficially and of record, of the Pledged Securities indicated on Schedule I as owned by such Grantors, (ii) holds the same free and clear of all Liens, other than (A) Liens created by the Collateral Documents and (B) Liens expressly permitted pursuant to Section 7.01 of the Credit Agreement, (iii) will make no assignment, pledge, hypothecation or transfer of, or create or permit to exist any security interest in or other Lien on, the Pledged Collateral, other than (A) Liens created by the Collateral Documents and (B) Liens expressly permitted pursuant to Section 7.01 of the Credit Agreement, and (iv) will defend its title or interest thereto or therein against any and all Liens (other than the Liens permitted pursuant to this Section 2.03(c)), however arising, of all Persons whomsoever;

(d) except for restrictions and limitations imposed by the Loan Documents, the Second Lien Facility Documentation or securities laws generally and except as described in the Perfection Certificate, the Pledged Collateral is and will continue to be freely transferable and assignable, and none of the Pledged Collateral is or will be subject to any option, right of first refusal, shareholders agreement, charter or by-law provisions or contractual restriction of any nature that might prohibit, impair, delay or otherwise affect in any manner material and adverse to the Secured Parties the pledge of such Pledged Collateral hereunder, the sale or disposition thereof pursuant hereto or the exercise by the Collateral Agent of rights and remedies hereunder;

(e) each of the Grantors has the power and authority to pledge the Pledged Collateral pledged by it hereunder in the manner hereby done or contemplated;

 

5


(f) no consent or approval of any Governmental Authority, any securities exchange or any other Person was or is necessary to the validity of the pledge effected hereby (other than such as have been obtained and are in full force and effect);

(g) by virtue of the execution and delivery by the Grantors of this Agreement, when any Pledged Securities are delivered to the Collateral Agent in accordance with this Agreement, the Collateral Agent will obtain a legal, valid and perfected lien upon and security interest in such Pledged Securities as security for the payment and performance of the Obligations; and

(h) the pledge effected hereby is effective to vest in the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, the rights of the Collateral Agent in the Pledged Collateral as set forth herein.

SECTION 2.04. Limited Liability Company and Partnership Interests . Each certificate representing an interest in any limited liability company, partnership or limited partnership controlled by any Grantor and pledged under Section 2.01 shall be delivered to the Collateral Agent.

SECTION 2.05. Registration in Nominee Name; Denominations . If an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing and the Collateral Agent shall give the Borrower notice of its intent to exercise such rights, (a) the Collateral Agent, on behalf of the Secured Parties, shall have the right (in its sole and absolute discretion) to hold the Pledged Securities in its own name as pledgee, the name of its nominee (as pledgee or as sub-agent) or the name of the applicable Grantor, endorsed or assigned in blank or in favor of the Collateral Agent, and each Grantor will promptly give to the Collateral Agent copies of any notices or other communications received by it with respect to Pledged Securities registered in the name of such Grantor and (b) the Collateral Agent shall have the right to exchange the certificates representing Pledged Securities for certificates of smaller or larger denominations for any purpose consistent with this Agreement.

SECTION 2.06. Voting Rights; Dividends and Interest .

(a) Unless and until an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing and the Collateral Agent shall have notified the Borrower that the rights of the Grantors under this Section 2.06 are being suspended:

(i) Each Grantor shall be entitled to exercise any and all voting and/or other consensual rights and powers inuring to an owner of Pledged Securities or any part thereof for any purpose consistent with the terms of this Agreement, the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents; provided that such rights and powers shall not be exercised in any manner that could materially and adversely affect the rights inuring to a holder of any Pledged Securities or the rights and remedies of any of the Collateral Agent or the other Secured Parties under this Agreement, the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document or the ability of the Secured Parties to exercise the same.

 

6


(ii) The Collateral Agent shall execute and deliver to each Grantor, or cause to be executed and delivered to each Grantor, all such proxies, powers of attorney and other instruments as each Grantor may reasonably request for the purpose of enabling such Grantor to exercise the voting and/or consensual rights and powers it is entitled to exercise pursuant to subparagraph (i) above.

(iii) Each Grantor shall be entitled to receive and retain any and all dividends, interest, principal and other distributions paid on or distributed in respect of the Pledged Securities to the extent and only to the extent that such dividends, interest, principal and other distributions are permitted by, and otherwise paid or distributed in accordance with, the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement, the other Loan Documents and applicable Laws; provided that any noncash dividends, interest, principal or other distributions that would constitute Pledged Equity or Pledged Debt, whether resulting from a subdivision, combination or reclassification of the outstanding Equity Interests of the issuer of any Pledged Securities or received in exchange for Pledged Securities or any part thereof, or in redemption thereof, or as a result of any merger, consolidation, acquisition or other exchange of assets to which such issuer may be a party or otherwise, shall be and become part of the Pledged Collateral, and, if received by any Grantor, shall not be commingled by such Grantor with any of its other funds or property but shall be held separate and apart therefrom, shall be held in trust for the benefit of the Collateral Agent and the Secured Parties and shall be forthwith delivered to the Collateral Agent in the same form as so received (with any necessary endorsement reasonably requested by the Collateral Agent).

(b) Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, after the Collateral Agent shall have notified the Borrower of the suspension of the rights of the Grantors under paragraph (a)(iii) of this Section 2.06, then all rights of any Grantor to dividends, interest, principal or other distributions that such Grantor is authorized to receive pursuant to paragraph (a)(iii) of this Section 2.06 shall cease, and all such rights shall thereupon become vested in the Collateral Agent, which shall have the sole and exclusive right and authority to receive and retain such dividends, interest, principal or other distributions. All dividends, interest, principal or other distributions received by any Grantor contrary to the provisions of this Section 2.06 shall be held in trust for the benefit of the Collateral Agent, shall be segregated from other property or funds of such Grantor and shall be forthwith delivered to the Collateral Agent upon demand in the same form as so received (with any necessary endorsement reasonably requested by the Collateral Agent). Any and all money and other property paid over to or received by the Collateral Agent pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph (b) shall be retained by the Collateral Agent in an account to be established by the Collateral Agent upon receipt of such money or other property and shall be applied in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.02. After all Events of Default have been cured or waived, the Collateral Agent shall promptly repay to each Grantor (without interest) all dividends, interest, principal or other distributions that such Grantor would otherwise be permitted to retain pursuant to the terms of paragraph (a)(iii) of this Section 2.06 and that remain in such account.

 

7


(c) Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, after the Collateral Agent shall have notified the Borrower of the suspension of the rights of the Grantors under paragraph (a)(i) of this Section 2.06, then all rights of any Grantor to exercise the voting and consensual rights and powers it is entitled to exercise pursuant to paragraph (a)(i) of this Section 2.06, and the obligations of the Collateral Agent under paragraph (a)(ii) of this Section 2.06, shall cease, and all such rights shall thereupon become vested in the Collateral Agent, which shall have the sole and exclusive right and authority to exercise such voting and consensual rights and powers; provided that, unless otherwise directed by the Required Lenders, the Collateral Agent shall have the right from time to time following and during the continuance of an Event of Default to permit the Grantors to exercise such rights. After all Events of Default have been cured or waived, each Grantor shall have the exclusive right to exercise the voting and/or consensual rights and powers that such Grantor would otherwise be entitled to exercise pursuant to the terms of paragraph (a)(i) of this Section 2.06.

(d) Any notice given by the Collateral Agent to the Borrower suspending the rights of the Grantors under paragraph (a) of this Section 2.06 (i) shall be given in writing, (ii) may be given with respect to one or more of the Grantors at the same or different times and (iii) may suspend the rights of the Grantors under paragraph (a)(i) or paragraph (a)(iii) of this Section 2.06 in part without suspending all such rights (as specified by the Collateral Agent in its sole and absolute discretion) and without waiving or otherwise affecting the Collateral Agent’s rights to give additional notices from time to time suspending other rights so long as an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

(e) Each Grantor consents to the grant by each other Grantor of a security interest in all Pledged Collateral to the Collateral Agent and without limiting the generality of the foregoing consents to the transfer of any Equity Interest constituting an interest in a partnership, limited partnership or limited liability company to the Collateral Agent or its designee following an Event of Default and to the substitution of the Collateral Agent or its designee as a partner in any partnership or limited partnership or as a member in any limited liability company with all the rights and powers related thereto.

ARTICLE III

Security Interests in Other Personal Property

SECTION 3.01. Security Interest .

(a) As security for the payment or performance, as the case may be, in full of the Obligations, including each Guaranty, each Grantor hereby assigns and pledges to the Collateral Agent, its successors and assigns, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, and hereby grants to the Collateral Agent, its successors and assigns, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, a security interest (the “ Security Interest ”) in all right, title or interest in or to any and all of the following assets and properties now owned or

 

8


at any time hereafter acquired by such Grantor or in which such Grantor now has or at any time in the future may acquire any right, title or interest (collectively, the “ Article 9 Collateral ”):

(i) all Accounts;

(ii) all Chattel Paper;

(iii) all Commercial Tort Claims listed on Schedule II hereto;

(iv) all Deposit Accounts;

(v) all Documents;

(vi) all Equipment;

(vii) all General Intangibles;

(viii) all Instruments;

(ix) all Inventory;

(x) all Investment Property;;

(xi) all books and records pertaining to the Article 9 Collateral; and

(xii) to the extent not otherwise included, all Proceeds and products of any and all of the foregoing and all supporting obligations, collateral security and guarantees given by any Person with respect to any of the foregoing;

provided that notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, this Agreement shall not constitute a grant of a security interest in (A) any Securitization Assets, (B) motor vehicles and other assets subject to certificates of title, (C) any Equity Interests in any Unrestricted Subsidiary or any Equity Interests of any Subsidiary acquired pursuant to a Permitted Acquisition financed with Indebtedness incurred pursuant to Section 7.03(h) of the Credit Agreement if such Equity Interests serve as security for such Indebtedness or if the terms of such Indebtedness prohibit the creation of any other lien on such Equity Interests, (D) more than 65% of the issued and outstanding voting Equity Interests of any Material Foreign Subsidiary that is a direct or indirect subsidiary of Holdings, (E) Equity Interests of any Foreign Subsidiary that is not a Material Foreign Subsidiary, (F) Equity Interests of any Subsidiary of a Foreign Subsidiary that is a direct or indirect Subsidiary of Holdings, (G) Equity Interests of any Person that is not a direct or indirect, wholly owned Subsidiary of Holdings, (H) any asset with respect to which the Administrative Agent has confirmed in writing to the Borrower its determination that the costs of providing a security interest in such asset or perfection thereof is excessive in view of the benefits to be obtained by the Lenders, (I) any lease, license, contract or agreement to which any Grantor is a party or any of its rights or interests thereunder if and for so long as the grant of such security interest shall constitute or result in (i) the

 

9


abandonment, invalidation or unenforceability of any right, title or interest of any Grantor therein or (ii) in a breach, default or termination pursuant to the terms thereof, other than to the extent that any such term would be rendered ineffective pursuant to Sections 9-406, 9-407, 9-408 or 9-409 of the UCC (or any successor provision or provisions) of any relevant jurisdiction or any other applicable law or principles of equity); provided however that the Collateral shall include such lease, license, contract or agreement (and such security interest shall attach) immediately at such time as the condition causing such abandonment, invalidation or unenforceability shall be remedied and to the extent severable, shall attach immediately to any portion of such lease, license, contract or agreement that does not result in any of the consequences specified in (i) or (ii) above; provided further that the exclusions referred to in clause (I) shall not include any Proceeds of any such lease, license, contract or agreement. Each Grantor shall, if requested to do so by the Administrative Agent, use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain any such required consent that is reasonably obtainable with respect to Collateral which the Administrative Agent reasonably determines to be material.

(b) Each Grantor hereby irrevocably authorizes the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties at any time and from time to time to file in any relevant jurisdiction any initial financing statements (including fixture filings) with respect to the Article 9 Collateral or any part thereof and amendments thereto that (i) indicate the Collateral as all assets of such Grantor or words of similar effect as being of an equal or lesser scope or with greater detail, and (ii) contain the information required by Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code or the analogous legislation of each applicable jurisdiction for the filing of any financing statement or amendment, including (A) whether such Grantor is an organization, the type of organization and any organizational identification number issued to such Grantor and (B) in the case of a financing statement filed as a fixture filing, a sufficient description of the real property to which such Article 9 Collateral relates. Each Grantor agrees to provide such information to the Collateral Agent promptly upon request.

(c) The Security Interest is granted as security only and shall not subject the Collateral Agent or any other Secured Party to, or in any way alter or modify, any obligation or liability of any Grantor with respect to or arising out of the Article 9 Collateral.

(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or the Credit Agreement, none of the Grantors shall be required to enter into any deposit account control agreement or securities account control agreement with respect to any deposit account or securities account.

SECTION 3.02. Representations and Warranties . Holdings and the Borrower jointly and severally represent and warrant, as to themselves and the other Grantors, to the Collateral Agent and the Secured Parties that:

(a) Each Grantor has good and valid rights in and title to the Article 9 Collateral with respect to which it has purported to grant a Security Interest hereunder and has full power and authority to grant to the Collateral Agent the Security Interest in

 

10


such Article 9 Collateral pursuant hereto and to execute, deliver and perform its obligations in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, without the consent or approval of any other Person other than any consent or approval that has been obtained.

(b) The Perfection Certificate has been duly prepared, completed and executed and the information set forth therein, including the exact legal name of each Grantor, is correct and complete in all material respects as of the Closing Date. The UCC financing statements (including fixture filings, as applicable) or other appropriate filings, recordings or registrations prepared by the Collateral Agent based upon the information provided to the Collateral Agent in the Perfection Certificate for filing in each governmental, municipal or other office specified in Schedule 6 to the Perfection Certificate (or specified by notice from the Borrower to the Collateral Agent after the Closing Date in the case of filings, recordings or registrations required by Section 6.11 of the Credit Agreement), are all the filings, recordings and registrations that are necessary to establish a legal, valid and perfected security interest in favor of the Collateral Agent (for the benefit of the Secured Parties) in respect of all Article 9 Collateral in which the Security Interest may be perfected by filing, recording or registration in the United States (or any political subdivision thereof) and its territories and possessions, and no further or subsequent filing, refiling, recording, rerecording, registration or reregistration is necessary in any such jurisdiction, except as provided under applicable law with respect to the filing of continuation statements.

(c) The Security Interest constitutes (i) a legal and valid security interest in all the Article 9 Collateral securing the payment and performance of the Obligations and (ii) subject to the filings described in Section 3.02(b), a perfected security interest in all Article 9 Collateral in which a security interest may be perfected by filing, recording or registering a financing statement or analogous document in the United States (or any political subdivision thereof) and its territories and possessions pursuant to the Uniform Commercial Code in the relevant jurisdiction. The Security Interest is and shall be prior to any other Lien on any of the Article 9 Collateral, other than (i) any nonconsensual Lien that is expressly permitted pursuant to Section 7.01 of the Credit Agreement and has priority as a matter of law and (ii) Liens expressly permitted pursuant to Section 7.01 of the Credit Agreement.

(d) The Article 9 Collateral is owned by the Grantors free and clear of any Lien, except for Liens expressly permitted pursuant to Section 7.01 of the Credit Agreement. None of the Grantors has filed or consented to the filing of (i) any financing statement or analogous document under the New York UCC or any other applicable laws covering any Article 9 Collateral or (ii) any assignment in which any Grantor assigns any Article 9 Collateral or any security agreement or similar instrument covering any Article 9 Collateral with any foreign governmental, municipal or other office, which financing statement or analogous document, assignment, security agreement or similar instrument is still in effect, except, in each case, for Liens expressly permitted pursuant to Section 7.01 of the Credit Agreement.

 

11


SECTION 3.03. Covenants .

(a) The Borrower agrees promptly to notify the Collateral Agent in writing of any change (i) in legal name of any Grantor, (ii) in the identity or type of organization or corporate structure of any Grantor, or (iii) in the jurisdiction of organization of any Grantor.

(b) Each Grantor shall, at its own expense, take any and all commercially reasonable actions necessary to defend title to the Article 9 Collateral and the Pledged Collateral against all Persons and to defend the Security Interest of the Collateral Agent in the Article 9 Collateral and the Pledged Collateral and the priority thereof against any Lien not expressly permitted pursuant to Section 7.01 of the Credit Agreement.

(c) Each year, at the time of delivery of annual financial statements with respect to the preceding fiscal year pursuant to Section 6.01 of the Credit Agreement, the Borrower shall deliver to the Collateral Agent a certificate executed by the chief financial officer and the chief legal officer of the Borrower setting forth the information required pursuant to Sections 1(a), 1(c), 1(d), 2(b) and 12 of the Perfection Certificate or confirming that there has been no change in such information since the date of such certificate or the date of the most recent certificate delivered pursuant to this Section 3.03(c) and certifying that all UCC financing statements and other appropriate filings, recordings or registrations have been filed of record in each governmental, municipal or other appropriate office in each jurisdiction necessary to protect and perfect the Security Interests and Liens under this Agreement and the Intellectual Property Security Agreement for a period of not less than 18 months after the date of such certificate (except as noted therein with respect to any continuation statements to be filed within such period).

(d) The Borrower agrees, on its own behalf and on behalf of each other Grantor, at its own expense, to execute, acknowledge, deliver and cause to be duly filed all such further instruments and documents and take all such actions as the Collateral Agent may from time to time reasonably request to better assure, preserve, protect and perfect the Security Interest and the rights and remedies created hereby, including the payment of any fees and taxes required in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the granting of the Security Interest and the filing of any financing statements (including fixture filings) or other documents in connection herewith or therewith. If any amount payable under or in connection with any of the Article 9 Collateral that is in excess of $10,000,000 shall be or become evidenced by any promissory note or other instrument, such note or instrument shall be promptly pledged and delivered to the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, duly endorsed in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent.

(e) At its option, the Collateral Agent may discharge past due taxes, assessments, charges, fees, Liens, security interests or other encumbrances at any time levied or placed on the Article 9 Collateral and the Pledged Collateral and not permitted pursuant to Section 7.01 of the Credit Agreement, and may pay for the maintenance and

 

12


preservation of the Article 9 Collateral and the Pledged Collateral to the extent any Grantor fails to do so as required by the Credit Agreement or this Agreement and within a reasonable period of time after the Collateral Agent has requested that it do so, and each Grantor jointly and severally agrees to reimburse the Collateral Agent within 10 days after demand for any payment made or any reasonable expense incurred by the Collateral Agent pursuant to the foregoing authorization. Nothing in this paragraph shall be interpreted as excusing any Grantor from the performance of, or imposing any obligation on the Collateral Agent or any Secured Party to cure or perform, any covenants or other promises of any Grantor with respect to taxes, assessments, charges, fees, Liens, security interests or other encumbrances and maintenance as set forth herein, in the other Loan Documents.

(f) If at any time any Grantor shall take a security interest in any property of an Account Debtor or any other Person, the value of which is in excess of $10,000,000, to secure payment and performance of an Account, such Grantor shall promptly assign such security interest to the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties. Such assignment need not be filed of public record unless necessary to continue the perfected status of the security interest against creditors of and transferees from the Account Debtor or other Person granting the security interest.

(g) Each Grantor (rather than the Collateral Agent or any Secured Party) shall remain liable (as between itself and any relevant counterparty) to observe and perform all the conditions and obligations to be observed and performed by it under each contract, agreement or instrument relating to the Article 9 Collateral, all in accordance with the terms and conditions thereof, and each Grantor jointly and severally agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Collateral Agent and the Secured Parties from and against any and all liability for such performance.

(h) If any Grantor shall at any time hold or acquire a Commercial Tort Claim with a value in excess of $10,000,000, such Grantor shall promptly notify the Collateral Agent in writing signed by such Grantor of the brief details thereof and grant to the Collateral Agent a security interest therein and in the Proceeds thereof, all upon the terms of this Agreement pursuant to a document in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent.

SECTION 3.04. Other Actions . In order to further insure the attachment, perfection and priority of, and the ability of the Collateral Agent to enforce, the Security Interest, each Grantor agrees, in each case at such Grantor’s own expense, to take the following actions with respect to the following Article 9 Collateral:

(a) Instruments . If any Grantor shall at any time hold or acquire any Instruments constituting Collateral and evidencing an amount in excess of $10,000,000, such Grantor shall forthwith endorse, assign and deliver the same to the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, accompanied by such instruments of transfer or assignment duly executed in blank as the Collateral Agent may from time to time reasonably request.

 

13


(b) Investment Property . Except to the extent otherwise provided in Article II, if any Grantor shall at any time hold or acquire any certificated securities, such Grantor shall forthwith endorse, assign and deliver the same to the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, accompanied by such instruments of transfer or assignment duly executed in blank as the Collateral Agent may from time to time reasonably request. If any securities, whether certificated or uncertificated, or other investment property are held by any Grantor or its nominee through a securities intermediary or commodity intermediary, upon the Collateral Agent’s request, such Grantor shall immediately notify the Collateral Agent thereof and at the Collateral Agent’s request and option, pursuant to an agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent shall either (i) cause such securities intermediary or (as the case may be) commodity intermediary to agree to comply with entitlement orders or other instructions from the Collateral Agent to such securities intermediary as to such security entitlements, or (as the case may be) to apply any value distributed on account of any commodity contract as directed by the Collateral Agent to such commodity intermediary, in each case without further consent of any Grantor or such nominee, or (ii) in the case of financial assets or other Investment Property held through a securities intermediary, arrange for the Collateral Agent to become the entitlement holder with respect to such Investment Property, with the Grantor being permitted, only with the consent of the Collateral Agent, to exercise rights to withdraw or otherwise deal with such Investment Property. The Collateral Agent agrees with each of the Grantors that the Collateral Agent shall not give any such entitlement orders or instructions or directions to any such issuer, securities intermediary or commodity intermediary, and shall not withhold its consent to the exercise of any withdrawal or dealing rights by any Grantor, unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

ARTICLE IV

Remedies

SECTION 4.01. Remedies upon Default . Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, it is agreed that the Collateral Agent shall have the right to exercise any and all rights afforded to a secured party with respect to the Obligations under the Uniform Commercial Code or other applicable law and also may (i) require each Grantor to, and each Grantor agrees that it will at its expense and upon request of the Collateral Agent forthwith, assemble all or part of the Collateral as directed by the Collateral Agent and make it available to the Collateral Agent at a place and time to be designated by the Collateral Agent that is reasonably convenient to both parties; (ii) occupy any premises owned or, to the extent lawful and permitted, leased by any of the Grantors where the Collateral or any part thereof is assembled or located for a reasonable period in order to effectuate its rights and remedies hereunder or under law, without obligation to such Grantor in respect of such occupation; provided that the Collateral Agent shall provide the applicable Grantor with notice thereof prior to or promptly after such occupancy; (iii) exercise any and all rights and remedies of any of the Grantors under or in connection with the Collateral, or otherwise in respect of the Collateral; provided that the Collateral Agent shall provide the applicable Grantor with notice

 

14


thereof prior to or promptly after such exercise; and (iv) subject to the mandatory requirements of applicable law and the notice requirements described below, sell or otherwise dispose of all or any part of the Collateral securing the Obligations at a public or private sale or at any broker’s board or on any securities exchange, for cash, upon credit or for future delivery as the Collateral Agent shall deem appropriate. The Collateral Agent shall be authorized at any such sale of securities (if it deems it advisable to do so) to restrict the prospective bidders or purchasers to Persons who will represent and agree that they are purchasing the Collateral for their own account for investment and not with a view to the distribution or sale thereof, and upon consummation of any such sale the Collateral Agent shall have the right to assign, transfer and deliver to the purchaser or purchasers thereof the Collateral so sold. Each such purchaser at any sale of Collateral shall hold the property sold absolutely, free from any claim or right on the part of any Grantor, and each Grantor hereby waives (to the extent permitted by law) all rights of redemption, stay and appraisal which such Grantor now has or may at any time in the future have under any rule of law or statute now existing or hereafter enacted.

The Collateral Agent shall give the applicable Grantors 10 days’ written notice (which each Grantor agrees is reasonable notice within the meaning of Section 9-611 of the New York UCC or its equivalent in other jurisdictions) of the Collateral Agent’s intention to make any sale of Collateral. Such notice, in the case of a public sale, shall state the time and place for such sale and, in the case of a sale at a broker’s board or on a securities exchange, shall state the board or exchange at which such sale is to be made and the day on which the Collateral, or portion thereof, will first be offered for sale at such board or exchange. Any such public sale shall be held at such time or times within ordinary business hours and at such place or places as the Collateral Agent may fix and state in the notice (if any) of such sale. At any such sale, the Collateral, or portion thereof, to be sold may be sold in one lot as an entirety or in separate parcels, as the Collateral Agent may (in its sole and absolute discretion) determine. The Collateral Agent shall not be obligated to make any sale of any Collateral if it shall determine not to do so, regardless of the fact that notice of sale of such Collateral shall have been given. The Collateral Agent may, without notice or publication, adjourn any public or private sale or cause the same to be adjourned from time to time by announcement at the time and place fixed for sale, and such sale may, without further notice, be made at the time and place to which the same was so adjourned. In case any sale of all or any part of the Collateral is made on credit or for future delivery, the Collateral so sold may be retained by the Collateral Agent until the sale price is paid by the purchaser or purchasers thereof, but the Collateral Agent shall not incur any liability in case any such purchaser or purchasers shall fail to take up and pay for the Collateral so sold and, in case of any such failure, such Collateral may be sold again upon like notice. At any public (or, to the extent permitted by law, private) sale made pursuant to this Agreement, any Secured Party may bid for or purchase, free (to the extent permitted by law) from any right of redemption, stay, valuation or appraisal on the part of any Grantor (all said rights being also hereby waived and released to the extent permitted by law), the Collateral or any part thereof offered for sale and may make payment on account thereof by using any claim then due and payable to such Secured Party from any Grantor as a credit against the purchase price, and such Secured Party may, upon compliance with the terms of sale, hold, retain and dispose of such property without further accountability to any Grantor

 

15


therefor. For purposes hereof, a written agreement to purchase the Collateral or any portion thereof shall be treated as a sale thereof; the Collateral Agent shall be free to carry out such sale pursuant to such agreement and no Grantor shall be entitled to the return of the Collateral or any portion thereof subject thereto, notwithstanding the fact that after the Collateral Agent shall have entered into such an agreement all Events of Default shall have been remedied and the Obligations paid in full. As an alternative to exercising the power of sale herein conferred upon it, the Collateral Agent may proceed by a suit or suits at law or in equity to foreclose this Agreement and to sell the Collateral or any portion thereof pursuant to a judgment or decree of a court or courts having competent jurisdiction or pursuant to a proceeding by a court appointed receiver. Any sale pursuant to the provisions of this Section 4.01 shall be deemed to conform to the commercially reasonable standards as provided in Section 9-610(b) of the New York UCC or its equivalent in other jurisdictions.

Each Grantor irrevocably makes, constitutes and appoints the Collateral Agent (and all officers, employees or agents designated by the Collateral Agent) as such Grantor’s true and lawful agent (and attorney-in-fact) during the continuance of an Event of Default and after notice to the Borrower of its intent to exercise such rights, for the purpose of (i) making, settling and adjusting claims in respect of Article 9 Collateral under policies of insurance, endorsing the name of such Grantor on any check, draft, instrument or other item of payment for the proceeds of such policies of insurance, (ii) making all determinations and decisions with respect thereto and (iii) obtaining or maintaining the policies of insurance required by Section 6.07 of the Credit Agreement or paying any premium in whole or in part relating thereto. All sums disbursed by the Collateral Agent in connection with this paragraph, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, court costs, expenses and other charges relating thereto, shall be payable, within 10 days of demand, by the Grantors to the Collateral Agent and shall be additional Obligations secured hereby.

SECTION 4.02. Application of Proceeds .

(a) The Collateral Agent shall apply the proceeds of any collection or sale of Collateral, including any Collateral consisting of cash, in accordance with Section 8.04 of the Credit Agreement.

The Collateral Agent shall have absolute discretion as to the time of application of any such proceeds, moneys or balances in accordance with this Agreement. Upon any sale of Collateral by the Collateral Agent (including pursuant to a power of sale granted by statute or under a judicial proceeding), the receipt of the Collateral Agent or of the officer making the sale shall be a sufficient discharge to the purchaser or purchasers of the Collateral so sold and such purchaser or purchasers shall not be obligated to see to the application of any part of the purchase money paid over to the Collateral Agent or such officer or be answerable in any way for the misapplication thereof.

(b) In making the determinations and allocations required by this Section 4.02, the Collateral Agent may conclusively rely upon information supplied by the Administrative Agent as to the amounts of unpaid principal and interest and other

 

16


amounts outstanding with respect to the Obligations, and the Collateral Agent shall have no liability to any of the Secured Parties for actions taken in reliance on such information, provided that nothing in this sentence shall prevent any Grantor from contesting any amounts claimed by any Secured Party in any information so supplied. All distributions made by the Collateral Agent pursuant to this Section 4.02 shall be (subject to any decree of any court of competent jurisdiction) final (absent manifest error), and the Collateral Agent shall have no duty to inquire as to the application by the Administrative Agent of any amounts distributed to it.

ARTICLE V

Indemnity, Subrogation and Subordination

SECTION 5.01. Indemnity . In addition to all such rights of indemnity and subrogation as the Grantors may have under applicable law (but subject to Section 5.03), the Borrower agrees that, in the event any assets of any Grantor shall be sold pursuant to this Agreement or any other Collateral Document to satisfy in whole or in part an Obligation owed to any Secured Party, the Borrower shall indemnify such Grantor in an amount equal to the greater of the book value or the fair market value of the assets so sold.

SECTION 5.02. Contribution and Subrogation . Each Grantor (a “ Contributing Party ”) agrees (subject to Section 5.03) that, in the event assets of any other Grantor shall be sold pursuant to any Collateral Document to satisfy any Obligation owed to any Secured Party, and such other Grantor (the “ Claiming Party ”) shall not have been fully indemnified by the Borrower as provided in Section 5.01, the Contributing Party shall indemnify the Claiming Party in an amount equal to the greater of the book value or the fair market value of such assets, in each case multiplied by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the net worth of the Contributing Party on the date hereof and the denominator shall be the aggregate net worth of all the Contributing Parties together with the net worth of the Claiming Party on the date hereof (or, in the case of any Grantor becoming a party hereto pursuant to Section 6.14, the date of the Security Agreement Supplement hereto executed and delivered by such Grantor). Any Contributing Party making any payment to a Claiming Party pursuant to this Section 5.02 shall be subrogated to the rights of such Claiming Party to the extent of such payment.

SECTION 5.03. Subordination .

(a) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, all rights of the Grantors under Sections 5.01 and 5.02 and all other rights of indemnity, contribution or subrogation under applicable law or otherwise shall be fully subordinated to the indefeasible payment in full in cash of the Obligations. No failure on the part of the Borrower or any Grantor to make the payments required by Sections 5.01 and 5.02 (or any other payments required under applicable law or otherwise) shall in any respect limit the obligations and liabilities of any Grantor with respect to its obligations hereunder, and each Grantor shall remain liable for the full amount of the obligations of such Grantor hereunder.

 

17


(b) Each Grantor hereby agrees that upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default and after notice from the Collateral Agent all Indebtedness owed by it to any Subsidiary shall be fully subordinated to the indefeasible payment in full in cash of the Obligations.

ARTICLE VI

Miscellaneous

SECTION 6.01. Notices . All communications and notices hereunder shall (except as otherwise expressly permitted herein) be in writing and given as provided in Section 10.02 of the Credit Agreement. All communications and notices hereunder to any Grantor shall be given to it in care of the Borrower as provided in Section 10.02 of the Credit Agreement.

SECTION 6.02. Waivers; Amendment .

(a) No failure or delay by the Collateral Agent, any L/C Issuer or any Lender in exercising any right or power hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. The rights and remedies of the Collateral Agent, the L/C Issuers and the Lenders hereunder and under the other Loan Documents are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement or consent to any departure by any Grantor therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by paragraph (b) of this Section 6.02, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the making of a Loan or issuance of a Letter of Credit shall not be construed as a waiver of any Default, regardless of whether the Collateral Agent, any Lender or any L/C Issuer may have had notice or knowledge of such Default at the time. No notice or demand on any Grantor in any case shall entitle any Grantor to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances.

(b) Neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof may be waived, amended or modified except pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Collateral Agent and the Grantor or Grantors with respect to which such waiver, amendment or modification is to apply, subject to any consent required in accordance with Section 10.01 of the Credit Agreement.

SECTION 6.03. Collateral Agent’s Fees and Expenses .

(a) The parties hereto agree that the Collateral Agent shall be entitled to reimbursement of its expenses incurred hereunder as provided in Section 10.04 of the Credit Agreement. Without limitation of its indemnification obligations under the other Loan Documents, the Borrower agrees to indemnify the Collateral Agent and the other

 

18


Indemnitees (as defined in Section 10.05 of the Credit Agreement) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and related expenses, including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for any Indemnitee, incurred by or asserted against any Indemnitee arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement or any claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, or to the Collateral, whether or not any Indemnitee is a party thereto; provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, claims, demands, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee or of any Affiliate, director, officer, employee, counsel, agent or attorney-in-fact of such Indemnitee.

(b) Any such amounts payable as provided hereunder shall be additional Obligations secured hereby and by the other Collateral Documents. The provisions of this Section 6.03 shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of the termination of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, the repayment of any of the Obligations, the invalidity or unenforceability of any term or provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or any investigation made by or on behalf of the Collateral Agent or any other Secured Party. All amounts due under this Section 6.03 shall be payable within 10 days of written demand therefor.

SECTION 6.04. Successors and Assigns . Whenever in this Agreement any of the parties hereto is referred to, such reference shall be deemed to include the permitted successors and assigns of such party; and all covenants, promises and agreements by or on behalf of any Grantor or the Collateral Agent that are contained in this Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of their respective successors and assigns.

SECTION 6.05. Survival of Agreement . All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by the Grantors in the Loan Documents and in the certificates or other instruments prepared or delivered in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be considered to have been relied upon by the Lenders and shall survive the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents and the making of any Loans and issuance of any Letters of Credit, regardless of any investigation made by any Lender or on its behalf and notwithstanding that the Collateral Agent, any L/C Issuer or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default or incorrect representation or warranty at the time any credit is extended under the Credit Agreement, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as the principal of or any accrued interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount payable under any Loan Document is outstanding and unpaid or any Letter of Credit is outstanding and so long as the Commitments have not expired or terminated.

SECTION 6.06. Counterparts; Effectiveness; Several Agreement . This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original

 

19


but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Agreement by facsimile transmission or other electronic communication shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Agreement. This Agreement shall become effective as to any Grantor when a counterpart hereof executed on behalf of such Grantor shall have been delivered to the Collateral Agent and a counterpart hereof shall have been executed on behalf of the Collateral Agent, and thereafter shall be binding upon such Grantor and the Collateral Agent and their respective permitted successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of such Grantor, the Collateral Agent and the other Secured Parties and their respective successors and assigns, except that no Grantor shall have the right to assign or transfer its rights or obligations hereunder or any interest herein or in the Collateral (and any such assignment or transfer shall be void) except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement or the Credit Agreement. This Agreement shall be construed as a separate agreement with respect to each Grantor and may be amended, modified, supplemented, waived or released with respect to any Grantor without the approval of any other Grantor and without affecting the obligations of any other Grantor hereunder.

SECTION 6.07. Severability . Any provision of this Agreement held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without affecting the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction. The parties shall endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.

SECTION 6.08. Right of Set-Off . In addition to any rights and remedies of the Lenders provided by Law, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, each Lender and its Affiliates and each L/C Issuer and its Affiliates is authorized at any time and from time to time, without prior notice to the Borrower or any other Grantor, any such notice being waived by the Borrower (on its own behalf and on behalf of each Grantor and its Subsidiaries) to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) at any time held by, and other Indebtedness at any time owing by, such Lender and its Affiliates or such L/C Issuer and its Affiliates, as the case may be, to or for the credit or the account of the respective Grantors and their Subsidiaries against any and all Obligations owing to such Lender and its Affiliates or such L/C Issuer and its Affiliates hereunder or under any other Loan Document, now or hereafter existing, irrespective of whether or not such Agent or such Lender or Affiliate shall have made demand under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and although such Obligations may be contingent or unmatured or denominated in a currency different from that of the applicable deposit or Indebtedness. Each Lender and L/C Issuer agrees promptly to notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent after any such set off and application made by such Lender or L/C Issuer, as the case may be; provided , that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such setoff and application. The rights of the Administrative Agent, each Lender and each L/C Issuer under this Section 6.08 are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that the Administrative Agent, such Lender and such L/C Issuer may have.

 

20


SECTION 6.09. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process .

(a) This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the law of the State of New York.

(b) Each of the Grantors hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of the State of New York sitting in New York City and of the United States District Court of the Southern District of New York, and any appellate court from any thereof, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or for recognition or enforcement of any judgment, and each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding may be heard and determined in such New York State or, to the extent permitted by law, in such Federal court. Each of the parties hereto agrees that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law. Nothing in this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall affect any right that the Collateral Agent, any L/C Issuer or any Lender may otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document against any Grantor or its properties in the courts of any jurisdiction.

(c) Each of the Grantors hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent it may legally and effectively do so, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document in any court referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section 6.09. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court.

(d) Each party to this Agreement irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 6.01. Nothing in this Agreement or any other Loan Document will affect the right of any party to this Agreement to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.

SECTION 6.10. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL . EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT

 

21


SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 6.10.

SECTION 6.11. Headings . Article and Section headings and the Table of Contents used herein are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and are not to affect the construction of, or to be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.

SECTION 6.12. Security Interest Absolute . All rights of the Collateral Agent hereunder, the Security Interest, the grant of a security interest in the Pledged Collateral and all obligations of each Grantor hereunder shall be absolute and unconditional irrespective of (a) any lack of validity or enforceability of the Credit Agreement, any other Loan Document, any agreement with respect to any of the Obligations or any other agreement or instrument relating to any of the foregoing, (b) any change in the time, manner or place of payment of, or in any other term of, all or any of the Obligations, or any other amendment or waiver of or any consent to any departure from the Credit Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other agreement or instrument, (c) any exchange, release or non-perfection of any Lien on other collateral, or any release or amendment or waiver of or consent under or departure from any guarantee, securing or guaranteeing all or any of the Obligations or (d) any other circumstance that might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, any Grantor in respect of the Obligations or this Agreement.

SECTION 6.13. Termination or Release .

(a) This Agreement, the Security Interest and all other security interests granted hereby shall terminate with respect to all Obligations (other than (x) obligations under Secured Hedge Agreements not yet due and payable, (y) Cash Management Obligations not yet due and payable and (z) contingent indemnification obligations not yet accrued and payable) when all the outstanding Obligations have been indefeasibly paid in full and the Lenders have no further commitment to lend under the Credit Agreement, the L/C Obligations have been reduced to zero and the L/C Issuers have no further obligations to issue Letters of Credit under the Credit Agreement.

(b) A Grantor shall automatically be released from its obligations hereunder and the Security Interest in the Collateral of such Grantor shall be automatically released upon the consummation of any transaction permitted by the Credit Agreement as a result of which such Grantor ceases to be a Subsidiary or is designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary of Holdings; provided that the Required Lenders shall have consented to such transaction (to the extent required by the Credit Agreement) and the terms of such consent did not provide otherwise.

(c) Upon any sale or other transfer by any Grantor of any Collateral that is permitted under the Credit Agreement, or upon the effectiveness of any written

 

22


consent to the release of the security interest granted hereby in any Collateral pursuant to Section 10.01 of the Credit Agreement, the security interest of such Grantor in such Collateral shall be automatically released.

(d) A Grantor (other than Holdings, any Intermediate Holding Company and the Borrower) shall automatically be released from its obligations hereunder and the Security Interest in the Collateral of such Grantor shall be automatically released if such Grantor ceases to be a Material Domestic Subsidiary pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement.

(e) In connection with any termination or release pursuant to paragraph (a), (b) or (c) of this Section 6.13, the Collateral Agent shall execute and deliver to any Grantor, at such Grantor’s expense, all documents that such Grantor shall reasonably request to evidence such termination or release. Any execution and delivery of documents pursuant to this Section 6.13 shall be without recourse to or warranty by the Collateral Agent.

SECTION 6.14. Additional Grantors . Pursuant to Section 6.11 of the Credit Agreement, any Intermediate Holding Company and certain Restricted Subsidiaries of Holdings that were not in existence or not Restricted Subsidiaries on the date of the Credit Agreement are required to enter in this Agreement as Grantors upon becoming an Intermediate Holding Company or Restricted Subsidiaries, as the case may be. Upon execution and delivery by the Collateral Agent and an Intermediate Holding Company or a Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, of a Security Agreement Supplement, such Intermediate Holding Company or Restricted Subsidiary shall become a Grantor hereunder with the same force and effect as if originally named as a Grantor herein. The execution and delivery of any such instrument shall not require the consent of any other Grantor hereunder. The rights and obligations of each Grantor hereunder shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the addition of any new Grantor as a party to this Agreement.

SECTION 6.15. Collateral Agent Appointed Attorney-in-Fact . Each Grantor hereby appoints the Collateral Agent the attorney-in-fact of such Grantor for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Agreement and taking any action and executing any instrument that the Collateral Agent may deem necessary or advisable to accomplish the purposes hereof at any time after and during the continuance of an Event of Default, which appointment is irrevocable (until termination of the Credit Agreement) and coupled with an interest. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Collateral Agent shall have the right, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default and notice by the Collateral Agent to the Borrower of its intent to exercise such rights, with full power of substitution either in the Collateral Agent’s name or in the name of such Grantor (a) to receive, endorse, assign and/or deliver any and all notes, acceptances, checks, drafts, money orders or other evidences of payment relating to the Collateral or any part thereof; (b) to demand, collect, receive payment of, give receipt for and give discharges and releases of all or any of the Collateral; (c) to sign the name of any Grantor on any invoice or bill of lading relating to any of the Collateral; (d) to send verifications of Accounts Receivable to any Account Debtor; (e) to commence

 

26


and prosecute any and all suits, actions or proceedings at law or in equity in any court of competent jurisdiction to collect or otherwise realize on all or any of the Collateral or to enforce any rights in respect of any Collateral; (f) to settle, compromise, compound, adjust or defend any actions, suits or proceedings relating to all or any of the Collateral; (g) to notify, or to require any Grantor to notify, Account Debtors to make payment directly to the Collateral Agent; and (h) to use, sell, assign, transfer, pledge, make any agreement with respect to or otherwise deal with all or any of the Collateral, and to do all other acts and things necessary to carry out the purposes of this Agreement, as fully and completely as though the Collateral Agent were the absolute owner of the Collateral for all purposes; provided that nothing herein contained shall be construed as requiring or obligating the Collateral Agent to make any commitment or to make any inquiry as to the nature or sufficiency of any payment received by the Collateral Agent, or to present or file any claim or notice, or to take any action with respect to the Collateral or any part thereof or the moneys due or to become due in respect thereof or any property covered thereby. The Collateral Agent and the other Secured Parties shall be accountable only for amounts actually received as a result of the exercise of the powers granted to them herein, and neither they nor their officers, directors, employees or agents shall be responsible to any Grantor for any act or failure to act hereunder, except for their own gross negligence or wilful misconduct or that of any of their Affiliates, directors, officers, employees, counsel, agents or attorneys-in-fact.

SECTION 6.16. General Authority of the Collateral Agent . By acceptance of the benefits of this Agreement and any other Collateral Documents, each Secured Party (whether or not a signatory hereto) shall be deemed irrevocably (a) to consent to the appointment of the Collateral Agent as its agent hereunder and under such other Collateral Documents, (b) to confirm that the Collateral Agent shall have the authority to act as the exclusive agent of such Secured Party for the enforcement of any provisions of this Agreement and such other Collateral Documents against any Grantor, the exercise of remedies hereunder or thereunder and the giving or withholding of any consent or approval hereunder or thereunder relating to any Collateral or any Grantor’s obligations with respect thereto, (c) to agree that it shall not take any action to enforce any provisions of this Agreement or any other Collateral Document against any Grantor, to exercise any remedy hereunder or thereunder or to give any consents or approvals hereunder or thereunder except as expressly provided in this Agreement or any other Collateral Document and (d) to agree to be bound by the terms of this Agreement and any other Collateral Documents.

 

24


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

PEAK FINANCE LLC,

as Borrower (prior to the Merger),

By:  

/s/ Shervin Korangy

Name:   Shervin Korangy
Title:   Vice President

PEAK FINANCE HOLDINGS LLC,

as Holdings

By:  

/s/ Shervin Korangy

Name:   Shervin Korangy
Title:   Vice President

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC,

as Borrower (after the Merger),

By:  

/s/ N. Michael Dion

Name:   N. Michael Dion
Title:   Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE CORP.,
By:  

/s/ Shervin Korangy

Name:   Shervin Korangy
Title:   Vice President
PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC.,
By:  

/s/ N. Michael Dion

Name:   N. Michael Dion
Title:   Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
PINNACLE FOODS CORPORATION,
By:  

/s/ N. Michael Dion

Name:   N. Michael Dion
Title:   Senior Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer

[Security Agreement]


PINNACLE FOODS MANAGEMENT CORPORATION,

By:

 

/s/ N. Michael Dion

Name:   N. Michael Dion
Title:   Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

[Security Agreement]


LEHMAN COMMERCIAL PAPER INC.,

as Collateral Agent

By:  

/s/ Laurie Perper

Name:   Laurie Perper
Title:   Senior Vice President

[Security Agreement]


SCHEDULE I TO

THE SECURITY AGREEMENT

EQUITY INTERESTS

 

Issuer

  Number of
Certificate
   Registered Owner  

Number and

Class of

Equity Interests

 

Percentage of

Equity Interests

Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC

  Uncertificated    Peak Finance Holdings LLC   N/A   100%

Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.

  3    Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC     100 shares – Common   100%

Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp.

  2    Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC   1000 shares – Common   100%
Pinnacle Foods Corporation   3    Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.   1000 shares – Common   100%
Pinnacle Foods Management Corporation   1    Pinnacle Foods Corporation   1000 shares – Common   100%
Pinnacle Foods Canada Corporation   C-2    Pinnacle Foods Corporation     650 shares – Common     65%

DEBT SECURITIES

 

Issuer

 

Principal Amount

 

Date of Note

 

Maturity Date

Pinnacle Foods Corporation   Note for $175,369,714.03, with remaining balance as of the Closing Date of $24,986,020   November 25, 2003   Payable on demand

 

Schedule I-1


EXHIBIT I TO THE

SECURITY AGREEMENT

SUPPLEMENT NO.          dated as of [                    ], to the Security Agreement dated as of April 2, 2007 among PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Borrower ”), PEAK FINANCE HOLDINGS LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Holdings ”), certain subsidiaries of Borrower and Holdings from time to time party hereto and LEHMAN COMMERCIAL PAPER INC. (“ LCPI ”), as Collateral Agent for the Secured Parties.

A. Reference is made to the Credit Agreement dated as of April 2, 2007 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among Peak Finance LLC, to be merged with and into the Borrower, Holdings, LCPI, as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P., as Syndication Agent, Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd. and General Electric Capital Corporation, as Co-Documentation Agents, and each lender from time to time party thereto (collectively, the “ Lenders ” and individually, a “ Lender ”).

B. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement and the Security Agreement referred to therein.

C. The Grantors have entered into the Security Agreement in order to induce the Lenders to make Loans and the L/C Issuers to issue Letters of Credit. Section 6.14 of the Security Agreement provides that Intermediate Holding Companies and additional Restricted Subsidiaries of the Borrower may become Grantors under the Security Agreement by execution and delivery of an instrument in the form of this Supplement. The undersigned Intermediate Holding Company or Restricted Subsidiary (the “ New Grantor ”) is executing this Supplement in accordance with the requirements of the Credit Agreement to become a Grantor under the Security Agreement in order to induce the Lenders to make additional Loans and the L/C Issuers to issue additional Letters of Credit and as consideration for Loans previously made and Letters of Credit previously issued.

Accordingly, the Collateral Agent and the New Grantor agree as follows:

SECTION 1. In accordance with Section 6.14 of the Security Agreement, the New Grantor by its signature below becomes a Grantor under the Security Agreement with the same force and effect as if originally named therein as a Grantor and the New Grantor hereby (a) agrees to all the terms and provisions of the Security Agreement applicable to it as a Grantor and Grantor thereunder and (b) represents and warrants that the representations and warranties made by it as a Grantor thereunder are true and correct on and as of the date hereof. In furtherance of the foregoing, the New Grantor, as security for the payment and performance in full of the Obligations does hereby create and grant to the Collateral Agent, its successors and assigns, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, their successors and assigns, a security interest in and lien on all of the

 

Schedule I-1


New Grantor’s right, title and interest in and to the Collateral (as defined in the Security Agreement) of the New Grantor. Each reference to a “ Grantor ” in the Security Agreement shall be deemed to include the New Grantor. The Security Agreement is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

SECTION 2. The New Grantor represents and warrants to the Collateral Agent and the other Secured Parties that this Supplement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by it and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by Debtor Relief Laws and by general principles of equity.

SECTION 3. This Supplement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Supplement shall become effective when the Collateral Agent shall have received a counterpart of this Supplement that bears the signature of the New Grantor, and the Collateral Agent has executed a counterpart hereof. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Supplement by facsimile transmission or other electronic communication shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Supplement.

SECTION 4. The New Grantor hereby represents and warrants that (a) set forth on Schedule I attached hereto is a true and correct schedule of the location of any and all Collateral of the New Grantor and (b) set forth under its signature hereto is the true and correct legal name of the New Grantor, its jurisdiction of formation and the location of its chief executive office.

SECTION 5. Except as expressly supplemented hereby, the Security Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 6. THIS SUPPLEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

SECTION 7. In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Supplement should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein and in the Security Agreement shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby (it being understood that the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not in and of itself affect the validity of such provision in any other jurisdiction). The parties hereto shall endeavor in good-faith negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.

SECTION 8. All communications and notices hereunder shall be in writing and given as provided in Section 6.01 of the Security Agreement.

 

Schedule I-2


SECTION 9. The New Grantor agrees to reimburse the Collateral Agent for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this Supplement, including the reasonable fees, other charges and disbursements of counsel for the Collateral Agent.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Grantor and the Collateral Agent have duly executed this Supplement to the Security Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

[NAME OF NEW GRANTOR]
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  
Jurisdiction of Formation:
Address Of Chief Executive Office:

LEHMAN COMMERCIAL PAPER INC.,

as Collateral Agent

By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  

 

Schedule I-3


SCHEDULE I

TO SUPPLEMENT NO       TO THE

SECURITY AGREEMENT

LOCATION OF COLLATERAL

 

Description

 

Location

 
 
 

EQUITY INTERESTS

 

Issuer

 

Number of

Certificate

 

Registered

Owner

 

Number and

Class of

Equity Interests

 

Percentage of

Equity Interests

       
       
       

DEBT SECURITIES

 

Issuer

 

Principal Amount

 

Date of Note

 

Maturity Date

     
     
     

 

Schedule I-1


Exhibit II to the

Security Agreement

FORM OF

PERFECTION CERTIFICATE

 

Schedule II-1


Customary schedules to the Security Agreement have been omitted, but the Company agrees to furnish all omitted schedules to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

 

Exhibit 4.10

EXECUTION VERSION

 


GUARANTY

dated as of

April 2, 2007

among

PEAK FINANCE HOLDINGS LLC,

as Holdings

CERTAIN SUBSIDIARIES OF BORROWER AND HOLDINGS

IDENTIFIED HEREIN

and

LEHMAN COMMERCIAL PAPER INC.,

as Administrative Agent

 



TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page

ARTICLE I

 

Definitions

SECTION 1.01.   Credit Agreement.    1
SECTION 1.02.   Other Defined Terms    1
ARTICLE II
Guaranty
SECTION 2.01.   Guaranty    2
SECTION 2.02.   Guaranty of Payment    2
SECTION 2.03.   No Limitations    2
SECTION 2.04.   Reinstatement    3
SECTION 2.05.   Agreement To Pay; Subrogation    3
SECTION 2.06.   Information    4
ARTICLE III
Indemnity, Subrogation and Subordination
SECTION 3.01.   Indemnity and Subrogation    4
SECTION 3.02.   Contribution and Subrogation    4
SECTION 3.03.   Subordination    4
ARTICLE IV
Miscellaneous
SECTION 4.01.   Notices    5
SECTION 4.02.   Waivers; Amendment    5
SECTION 4.03.   Administrative Agent’s Fees and Expenses; Indemnification    6
SECTION 4.04.   Successors and Assigns    6
SECTION 4.05.   Survival of Agreement    6
SECTION 4.06.   Counterparts; Effectiveness; Several Agreement    7
SECTION 4.07.   Severability    7
SECTION 4.08.   Right of Set-Off    7
SECTION 4.09.   Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process    8
SECTION 4.10.   WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL    8

 

i


SECTION 4.11.   Headings    9
SECTION 4.12.   Security Interest Absolute    9
SECTION 4.13.   Termination or Release    9
SECTION 4.14.   Additional Restricted Subsidiaries    10

Exhibits

 

Exhibit I Form of Guaranty Supplement

 

ii


GUARANTY dated as of April 2, 2007, among PEAK FINANCE HOLDINGS LLC (“ Holdings ”), certain Subsidiaries of Borrower and Holdings from time to time party hereto and LEHMAN COMMERCIAL PAPER INC., as Administrative Agent.

Reference is made to the Credit Agreement dated as of April 2, 2007 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among Peak Finance LLC (prior to the Merger, the “ Borrower ”), to be merged with and into Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC (after the Merger, the “ Borrower ”), Holdings, Lehman Commercial Paper Inc., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P., as Syndication Agent, Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd. and General Electric Capital Corporation, as Co-Documentation Agents, and each lender from time to time party thereto (collectively, the “ Lenders ” and individually, a “ Lender ”). The Lenders have agreed to extend credit to the Borrower subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement. The obligations of the Lenders to extend such credit are conditioned upon, among other things, the execution and delivery of this Agreement. Holdings and the Guarantors (as defined below) are affiliates of the Borrower, will derive substantial benefits from the extension of credit to the Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement and are willing to execute and deliver this Agreement in order to induce the Lenders to extend such credit. Accordingly, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

Definitions

SECTION 1.01. Credit Agreement. (a) Capitalized terms used in this Agreement and not otherwise defined herein have the meanings specified in the Credit Agreement.

(b) The rules of construction specified in Article I of the Credit Agreement also apply to this Agreement.

SECTION 1.02. Other Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified below:

Administrative Agent ” means Lehman Commercial Paper Inc., in it capacity as administrative agent under any of the Loan Documents, or any successor administrative agent.

Agreement ” means this Guaranty.

Claiming Party ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.02.

Contributing Party ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.02.


Credit Agreement ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preliminary statement of this Agreement.

Guarantor ” means Holdings, each Intermediate Holding Company, each Restricted Subsidiary that is a Material Domestic Subsidiary and not an Excluded Subsidiary and each party that becomes a party to this Agreement after the Closing Date.

Guaranty Parties ” means, collectively, the Borrower and each Guarantor.

Guaranty Supplement ” means an instrument in the form of Exhibit I hereto.

Holdings ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preliminary statement of this Agreement.

ARTICLE II

Guaranty

SECTION 2.01. Guaranty. Each Guarantor unconditionally guarantees, jointly with the other Guarantors and severally, as a primary obligor and not merely as a surety, the due and punctual payment and performance of the Obligations. Each of the Guarantors further agrees that the Obligations may be extended or renewed, in whole or in part, without notice to or further assent from it, and that it will remain bound upon its guarantee notwithstanding any extension or renewal of any Obligation. Each of the Guarantors waives presentment to, demand of payment from and protest to the Borrower or any other Guaranty Party of any of the Obligations, and also waives notice of acceptance of its guarantee and notice of protest for nonpayment.

SECTION 2.02. Guaranty of Payment. Each of the Guarantors further agrees that its guarantee hereunder constitutes a guarantee of payment when due and not of collection, and waives any right to require that any resort be had by the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party to any security held for the payment of the Obligations, or to any balance of any deposit account or credit on the books of the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party in favor of the Borrower or any other Person.

SECTION 2.03. No Limitations. (a) Except for termination of a Guarantor’s obligations hereunder as expressly provided in Section 4.13, the obligations of each Guarantor hereunder shall not be subject to any reduction, limitation, impairment or termination for any reason, including any claim of waiver, release, surrender, alteration or compromise, and shall not be subject to any defense or set-off, counterclaim, recoupment or termination whatsoever by reason of the invalidity, illegality or unenforceability of the Obligations, or otherwise. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the obligations of each Guarantor hereunder shall not be discharged or impaired or otherwise affected by (i) the failure of the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any right or remedy under the provisions of any Loan Document or otherwise; (ii) any rescission, waiver, amendment or

 

2


modification of, or any release from any of the terms or provisions of, any Loan Document or any other agreement, including with respect to any other Guarantor under this Agreement; (iii) the release of any security held by the Collateral Agent or any other Secured Party for the Obligations; (iv) any default, failure or delay, willful or otherwise, in the performance of the Obligations; or (v) any other act or omission that may or might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of any Guarantor or otherwise operate as a discharge of any Guarantor as a matter of law or equity (other than the indefeasible payment in full in cash of all the Obligations). Each Guarantor expressly authorizes the Secured Parties to take and hold security for the payment and performance of the Obligations, to exchange, waive or release any or all such security (with or without consideration), to enforce or apply such security and direct the order and manner of any sale thereof in their sole discretion or to release or substitute any one or more other guarantors or obligors upon or in respect of the Obligations, all without affecting the obligations of any Guarantor hereunder.

(b) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Guarantor waives any defense based on or arising out of any defense of the Borrower or any other Guaranty Party or the unenforceability of the Obligations, or any part thereof from any cause, or the cessation from any cause of the liability of the Borrower or any other Guaranty Party, other than the indefeasible payment in full in cash of all the Obligations. The Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties may in accordance with the terms of the Collateral Documents, at their election, foreclose on any security held by one or more of them by one or more judicial or nonjudicial sales, accept an assignment of any such security in lieu of foreclosure, compromise or adjust any part of the Obligations, make any other accommodation with the Borrower or any other Guaranty Party or exercise any other right or remedy available to them against the Borrower or any other Guaranty Party, without affecting or impairing in any way the liability of any Guarantor hereunder except to the extent the Obligations have been fully and indefeasibly paid in full in cash. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Guarantor waives any defense arising out of any such election even though such election operates, pursuant to applicable law, to impair or to extinguish any right of reimbursement or subrogation or other right or remedy of such Guarantor against the Borrower or any other Guaranty Party, as the case may be, or any security.

SECTION 2.04. Reinstatement. Each of the Guarantors agrees that its guarantee hereunder shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment, or any part thereof, of any Obligation, is rescinded or must otherwise be restored by the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party upon the bankruptcy or reorganization of the Borrower, any other Guaranty Party or otherwise.

SECTION 2.05. Agreement To Pay; Subrogation. In furtherance of the foregoing and not in limitation of any other right that the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party has at law or in equity against any Guarantor by virtue hereof, upon the failure of the Borrower or any other Guaranty Party to pay any Obligation when and as the same shall become due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, after notice of prepayment or otherwise, each Guarantor hereby promises to and will forthwith pay, or cause to be paid, to the Administrative Agent for distribution to the Secured Parties in

 

3


cash the amount of such unpaid Obligation. Upon payment by any Guarantor of any sums to the Administrative Agent as provided above, all rights of such Guarantor against the Borrower or any other Guaranty Party arising as a result thereof by way of right of subrogation, contribution, reimbursement, indemnity or otherwise shall in all respects be subject to Article III.

SECTION 2.06. Information . Each Guarantor assumes all responsibility for being and keeping itself informed of the Borrower’s and each other Guaranty Party’s financial condition and assets, and of all other circumstances bearing upon the risk of nonpayment of the Obligations, and the nature, scope and extent of the risks that such Guarantor assumes and incurs hereunder, and agrees that none of the Administrative Agent or the other Secured Parties will have any duty to advise such Guarantor of information known to it or any of them regarding such circumstances or risks.

ARTICLE III

Indemnity, Subrogation and Subordination

SECTION 3.01. Indemnity and Subrogation. In addition to all such rights of indemnity and subrogation as the Guarantors may have under applicable law (but subject to Section 3.03), the Borrower agrees that in the event a payment of an obligation shall be made by any Guarantor under this Agreement, the Borrower shall indemnify such Guarantor for the full amount of such payment and such Guarantor shall be subrogated to the rights of the Person to whom such payment shall have been made to the extent of such payment.

SECTION 3.02. Contribution and Subrogation. Each Guarantor (a “ Contributing Party ”) agrees (subject to Section 3.03) that, in the event a payment shall be made by any other Guarantor hereunder in respect of any Obligation and such other Guarantor (the “ Claiming Party ”) shall not have been fully indemnified by the Borrower as provided in Section 3.01, the Contributing Party shall indemnify the Claiming Party in an amount equal to the amount of such payment, in each case multiplied by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the net worth of the Contributing Party on the date hereof and the denominator shall be the aggregate net worth of all the Contributing Parties together with the net worth of the Claiming Party on the date hereof (or, in the case of any Guarantor becoming a party hereto pursuant to Section 4.14, the date of the Guaranty Supplement hereto executed and delivered by such Guarantor). Any Contributing Party making any payment to a Claiming Party pursuant to this Section 3.02 shall be subrogated to the rights of such Claiming Party to the extent of such payment.

SECTION 3.03. Subordination. (a) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, all rights of the Guarantors under Sections 3.01 and 3.02 and all other rights of indemnity, contribution or subrogation under applicable law or otherwise shall be fully subordinated to the indefeasible payment in full in cash of the Obligations and no Guarantor shall exercise or enforce any right or indemnification or subrogation until such payment in full of the Obligation. No failure on the part of the Borrower or any Guarantor to make the payments required by Sections 3.01 and 3.02 (or

 

4


any other payments required under applicable law or otherwise) shall in any respect limit the obligations and liabilities of any Guarantor with respect to its obligations hereunder, and each Guarantor shall remain liable for the full amount of the obligations of such Guarantor hereunder. Each Guarantor hereby waives any defense relating to any action by the Administrative Agent that has the effect of impairing the Guarantor’s right of subrogation or indemnification.

(b) Each Guarantor hereby agrees that upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default and after notice from the Collateral Agent all Indebtedness owed by it to any Subsidiary shall be fully subordinated to the indefeasible payment in full in cash of the Obligations.

ARTICLE IV

Miscellaneous

SECTION 4.01. Notices. All communications and notices hereunder shall (except as otherwise expressly permitted herein) be in writing and given as provided in Section 10.02 of the Credit Agreement. All communications and notices hereunder to any Guarantor shall be given to it in care of the Borrower as provided in Section 10.02 of the Credit Agreement.

SECTION 4.02. Waivers; Amendment. (a) No failure or delay by the Administrative Agent, any L/C Issuer or any Lender in exercising any right or power hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. The rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuers and the Lenders hereunder and under the other Loan Documents are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement or consent to any departure by any Guaranty Party therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by paragraph (b) of this Section 4.02, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the making of a Loan or issuance of a Letter of Credit shall not be construed as a waiver of any Default, regardless of whether the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any L/C Issuer may have had notice or knowledge of such Default at the time. No notice or demand on any Guaranty Party in any case shall entitle any Guaranty Party to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances.

(b) Neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof may be waived, amended or modified except pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Administrative Agent and the Guaranty Party or Guaranty Parties with respect to which such waiver, amendment or modification is to apply, subject to any consent required in accordance with Section 10.01 of the Credit Agreement.

 

5


SECTION 4.03. Administrative Agent’s Fees and Expenses; Indemnification. (a) The parties hereto agree that the Administrative Agent shall be entitled to reimbursement of its expenses incurred hereunder as provided in Section 10.04 of the Credit Agreement.

(b) Without limitation of its indemnification obligations under the other Loan Documents, the Borrower agrees to indemnify the Administrative Agent and the other Indemnitees (as defined in Section 10.05 of the Credit Agreement) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and related expenses, including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for any Indemnitee, incurred by or asserted against any Indemnitee arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement or any claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing agreements or instruments contemplated hereby, whether or not any Indemnitee is a party thereto; provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or wilful misconduct of such Indemnitee or of any Affiliate, director, officer, employee, counsel, agent or attorney-in-fact of such Indemnitee.

(c) Any such amounts payable as provided hereunder shall be additional Obligations secured hereby and by the other Collateral Documents. The provisions of this Section 4.03 shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of the termination of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, the repayment of any of the Obligations, the invalidity or unenforceability of any term or provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or any investigation made by or on behalf of the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party. All amounts due under this Section 4.03 shall be payable within 10 days of written demand therefor.

SECTION 4.04. Successors and Assigns. Whenever in this Agreement any of the parties hereto is referred to, such reference shall be deemed to include the permitted successors and assigns of such party; and all covenants, promises and agreements by or on behalf of any Guarantor or the Administrative Agent that are contained in this Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of their respective successors and assigns.

SECTION 4.05. Survival of Agreement. All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by the Guaranty Parties in the Loan Documents and in the certificates or other instruments prepared or delivered in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be considered to have been relied upon by the Lenders and shall survive the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents and the making of any Loans and issuance of any Letters of Credit, regardless of any investigation made by any Lender or on its behalf and notwithstanding that the Administrative Agent, any L/C Issuer or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default or incorrect representation or warranty at the time any credit is extended

 

6


under the Credit Agreement, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as the principal of or any accrued interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount payable under any Loan Document is outstanding and unpaid or any Letter of Credit is outstanding and so long as the Commitments have not expired or terminated.

SECTION 4.06. Counterparts; Effectiveness; Several Agreement. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Agreement by facsimile transmission or other electronic communication shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Agreement. This Agreement shall become effective as to any Guaranty Party when a counterpart hereof executed on behalf of such Guaranty Party shall have been delivered to the Administrative Agent and a counterpart hereof shall have been executed on behalf of the Administrative Agent, and thereafter shall be binding upon such Guaranty Party and the Administrative Agent and their respective permitted successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of such Guaranty Party, the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties and their respective successors and assigns, except that no Guaranty Party shall have the right to assign or transfer its rights or obligations hereunder or any interest herein (and any such assignment or transfer shall be void) except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement or the Credit Agreement. This Agreement shall be construed as a separate agreement with respect to each Guaranty Party and may be amended, modified, supplemented, waived or released with respect to any Guaranty Party without the approval of any other Guaranty Party and without affecting the obligations of any other Guaranty Party hereunder.

SECTION 4.07. Severability. Any provision of this Agreement held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without affecting the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction. The parties shall endeavor in good-faith negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.

SECTION 4.08. Right of Set-Off. In addition to any rights and remedies of the Lenders provided by Law, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, each Lender and its Affiliates is authorized at any time and from time to time, without prior notice to the Borrower or any other Guaranty Party, any such notice being waived by the Borrower and each Guaranty Party to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) at any time held by, and other Indebtedness at any time owing by, such Lender and its Affiliates to or for the credit or the account of the respective Guaranty Parties against any and all obligations owing to such Lender and its Affiliates hereunder, now or hereafter existing, irrespective of whether or not such Lender or Affiliate shall have made demand under this Agreement and although such obligations may be contingent or unmatured or denominated in a currency different from

 

7


that of the applicable deposit or Indebtedness. Each Lender agrees promptly to notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent after any such set off and application made by such Lender; provided , that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such setoff and application. The rights of each Lender under this Section 4.08 are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that the Administrative Agent and such Lender may have.

SECTION 4.09. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process. (a) This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of New York.

(b) Each of the Guaranty Parties hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of the State of New York sitting in New York City and of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and any appellate court from any thereof, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or for recognition or enforcement of any judgment, and each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding may be heard and determined in such New York State or, to the extent permitted by law, in such Federal court. Each of the parties hereto agrees that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law. Nothing in this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall affect any right that the Administrative Agent, any L/C Issuer or any Lender may otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document against any Guarantor, or its properties in the courts of any jurisdiction.

(c) Each of the Guaranty Parties hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent it may legally and effectively do so, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document in any court referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section 4.09. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court.

(d) Each party to this Agreement irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 4.01. Nothing in this Agreement or any other Loan Document will affect the right of any party to this Agreement to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.

SECTION 4.10. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO

 

8


(A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 4.10.

SECTION 4.11. Headings. Article and Section headings and the Table of Contents used herein are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and are not to affect the construction of, or to be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.

SECTION 4.12. Security Interest Absolute. All rights of the Administrative Agent hereunder and all obligations of each Guarantor hereunder shall be absolute and unconditional irrespective of (a) any lack of validity or enforceability of the Credit Agreement, any other Loan Document, any agreement with respect to any of the Obligations or any other agreement or instrument relating to any of the foregoing, (b) any change in the time, manner or place of payment of, or in any other term of, all or any of the Obligations, or any other amendment or waiver of or any consent to any departure from the Credit Agreement, any other Loan Document, any other agreement or instrument, (c) any release or amendment or waiver of or consent under or departure from any guarantee guaranteeing all or any of the Obligations or (d) any other circumstance that might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, any Guarantor in respect of the Obligations or this Agreement.

SECTION 4.13. Termination or Release. (a) This Agreement and the Guaranties made herein shall terminate with respect to all Obligations when all the outstanding Obligations have been indefeasibly paid in full and the Lenders have no further commitment to lend under the Credit Agreement, the L/C Obligations have been reduced to zero and the L/C Issuers have no further obligations to issue Letters of Credit under the Credit Agreement.

(b) A Guarantor shall automatically be released from its obligations hereunder upon the consummation of any transaction permitted by the Credit Agreement as a result of which such Guarantor ceases to be a Subsidiary of Borrower; provided that the Required Lenders shall have consented to such transaction (to the extent required by the Credit Agreement) and the terms of such consent did not provide otherwise.

(c) In connection with any termination or release pursuant to paragraph (a), the Administrative Agent shall execute and deliver to any Guarantor, at such Guarantor’s expense, all documents that such Guarantor shall reasonably request to evidence such termination or release. Any execution and delivery of documents pursuant to this Section 4.13 shall be without recourse to or warranty by the Administrative Agent.

(d) A Guarantor (other than Holdings and any Intermediate Holding Company) shall automatically be released from its obligations hereunder if such Guarantor ceases to be a Material Domestic Subsidiary pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement.

 

9


SECTION 4.14. Additional Guarantors. Pursuant to Section 6.11 of the Credit Agreement, any Intermediate Holding Company and certain Restricted Subsidiaries of Holdings that were not in existence or not Restricted Subsidiaries on the date of the Credit Agreement are required to enter in this Agreement as Guarantors upon becoming an Intermediate Holding Company or Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be. Upon execution and delivery by the Administrative Agent and an Intermediate Holding Company or a Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, of a Guaranty Supplement, such Intermediate Holding Company or Restricted Subsidiary shall become a Guarantor hereunder with the same force and effect as if originally named as a Guarantor herein. The execution and delivery of any such instrument shall not require the consent of any other Guaranty Party hereunder. The rights and obligations of each Guaranty Party hereunder shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the addition of any new Guaranty Party as a party to this Agreement.

 

10


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

PEAK FINANCE HOLDINGS LLC,
By  

/s/ Shervin Korangy

Name:   Shervin Korangy
Title:   Vice President

 

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE CORP.,
By  

/s/ Shervin Korangy

Name:   Shervin Korangy
Title:   Vice President

 

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC.,
By  

/s/ N. Michael Dion

Name:   N. Michael Dion
Title:   Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

PINNACLE FOODS CORPORATION,
By  

/s/ N. Michael Dion

Name:   N. Michael Dion
Title:   Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

PINNACLE FOODS MANAGEMENT CORPORATION,
By  

/s/ N. Michael Dion

Name:   N. Michael Dion
Title:   Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

[Guaranty]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

LEHMAN COMMERCIAL PAPER INC.,

    as Administrative Agent,

By  

/s/ Laurie Perper

Name:   Laurie Perper
Title:   Senior Vice President

 

PEAK FINANCE LLC,
By  

/s/ Shervin Korangy

Name:   Shervin Korangy
Title:   Vice President

 

[Guaranty]


PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC,
By  

/s/ N. Michael Dion

Name:   N. Michael Dion
Title:   Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

[Guaranty]


Exhibit I to the

Guaranty Agreement

SUPPLEMENT NO.      dated as of [                    ], to the Guaranty dated as of April 2, 2007, among PEAK FINANCE HOLDINGS LLC (“ Holdings ”), certain Subsidiaries of Borrower and Holdings from time to time party hereto and LEHMAN COMMERCIAL PAPER INC., as Administrative Agent.

A. Reference is made to the Credit Agreement dated as of April 2, 2007 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among Peak Finance LLC, to be merged with and into the Borrower, Holdings, Lehman Commercial Paper Inc., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P., as Syndication Agent, Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd. and General Electric Capital Corporation, as Co-Documentation Agents, and each lender from time to time party thereto (collectively, the “ Lenders ” and individually, a “ Lender ”).

B. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement and the Guaranty referred to therein.

C. The Guarantors have entered into the Guaranty in order to induce the Lenders to make Loans and the L/C Issuers to issue Letters of Credit. Section 4.14 of the Guaranty provides that Intermediate Holding Companies and additional Restricted Subsidiaries of the Borrower may become Guarantors under the Guaranty by execution and delivery of an instrument in the form of this Supplement. The undersigned Intermediate Holding Company or Restricted Subsidiary (the “ New Guarantor ”) is executing this Supplement in accordance with the requirements of the Credit Agreement to become a Guarantor under the Guaranty in order to induce the Lenders to make additional Loans and the L/C Issuers to issue additional Letters of Credit and as consideration for Loans previously made and Letters of Credit previously issued.

Accordingly, the Administrative Agent and the New Guarantor agree as follows:

SECTION 1. In accordance with Section 4.14 of the Guaranty, the New Guarantor by its signature below becomes a Guarantor under the Guaranty with the same force and effect as if originally named therein as a Guarantor and the New Guarantor hereby (a) agrees to all the terms and provisions of the Guaranty applicable to it as a Guarantor thereunder and (b) represents and warrants that the representations and warranties made by it as a Guarantor thereunder are true and correct on and as of the date hereof. Each reference to a “Guarantor” in the Security Agreement shall be deemed to include the New Guarantor. The Guaranty is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

SECTION 2. The New Guarantor represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties that this Supplement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by it and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by Debtor Relief Laws and by general principles of equity.


SECTION 3. This Supplement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Supplement shall become effective when the Administrative Agent shall have received a counterpart of this Supplement that bears the signature of the New Guarantor and the Administrative Agent has executed a counterpart hereof. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Supplement by facsimile transmission or other electronic communication shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Supplement.

SECTION 4. Except as expressly supplemented hereby, the Guaranty shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 5. THIS SUPPLEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

SECTION 6. In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Supplement should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein and in the Guaranty shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby (it being understood that the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not in and of itself affect the validity of such provision in any other jurisdiction). The parties hereto shall endeavor in good-faith negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.

SECTION 7. All communications and notices hereunder shall be in writing and given as provided in Section 4.01 of the Guaranty.

SECTION 8. The New Guarantor agrees to reimburse the Administrative Agent for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this Supplement, including the reasonable fees, other charges and disbursements of counsel for the Administrative Agent.

 

2


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Guarantor and the Administrative Agent have duly executed this Supplement to the Guaranty as of the day and year first above written.

 

[NAME OF NEW GUARANTOR],
By  

 

Name:  
Title:  

 

3


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Guarantor and the Administrative Agent have duly executed this Supplement to the Guaranty as of the day and year first above written.

 

LEHMAN COMMERCIAL PAPER INC.,

    as Administrative Agent,

By  

 

Name:  
Title:  

Exhibit 4.11

EXECUTION VERSION

 


INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT

dated as of

April 2, 2007

among

PEAK FINANCE LLC (TO BE MERGED WITH AND INTO PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC),

as Borrower

PEAK FINANCE HOLDINGS LLC,

as Holdings

CERTAIN SUBSIDIARIES OF BORROWER AND HOLDINGS

IDENTIFIED HEREIN

and

LEHMAN COMMERCIAL PAPER INC.,

as Collateral Agent

 


 

-1-


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS    1
    Section 1.01    Credit Agreement    1
    Section 1.02    Other Defined Terms    1
ARTICLE II SECURITY INTERESTS    4
    Section 2.01    Security Interest    4
    Section 2.02    Representations and Warranties    5
    Section 2.03    Covenants    7
    Section 2.04    As to Intellectual Property Collateral    8
ARTICLE III REMEDIES    10
    Section 3.01    Remedies Upon Default    10
    Section 3.02    Application of Proceeds    11
    Section 3.03    Grant of License to Use Intellectual Property    11
ARTICLE IV INDEMNITY, SUBROGATION AND SUBORDINATION    12
    Section 4.01    Indemnity    12
    Section 4.02    Contribution and Subrogation    12
    Section 4.03    Subordination    12
ARTICLE V MISCELLANEOUS    12
    Section 5.01    Notices    13
    Section 5.02    Waivers; Amendment    13
    Section 5.03    Collateral Agent’s Fees and Expenses; Indemnification    13
    Section 5.04    Successors and Assigns    14
    Section 5.05    Survival of Agreement    14
    Section 5.06    Counterparts; Effectiveness; Several Agreement    14
    Section 5.07    Severability    15
    Section 5.08    Right of Set-Off    15
    Section 5.09    Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process    15
    Section 5.10    WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL    16
    Section 5.11    Headings    16
    Section 5.12    Security Interest Absolute    16
    Section 5.13    Termination or Release    17
    Section 5.14    Additional Restricted Subsidiaries    17
    Section 5.15    General Authority of the Collateral Agent    18
    Section 5.16    Collateral Agent Appointed Attorney-in-Fact    18


Schedules

  

Schedule I

   Subsidiary Parties

Schedule II

   Intellectual Property

Exhibits

  
Exhibit I    Form of Supplement
Exhibit II    Form of Perfection Certificate

 

-2-


INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT dated as of April 2, 2007, among PEAK FINANCE LLC (“ Finance Sub ” and, prior to the Merger, the “ Borrower ”), a Delaware limited liability company to be merged with and into PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ New Crunch ” and, after the Merger, the “ Borrower ”), PEAK FINANCE HOLDINGS LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Holdings ”), certain subsidiaries of Borrower and Holdings from time to time party hereto and LEHMAN COMMERCIAL PAPER INC. (“ LCPI ”), as Collateral Agent for the Secured Parties (as defined below).

Reference is made to the Credit Agreement dated as of April 2, 2007 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among the Borrower, Holdings, LCPI, as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P., as Syndication Agent, Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd. and General Electric Capital Corporation, as Co-Documentation Agents, and each lender from time to time party thereto (collectively, the “ Lenders ” and individually, a “ Lender ”). The Lenders have agreed to extend credit to the Borrower subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement. The obligations of the Lenders to extend such credit are conditioned upon, among other things, the execution and delivery of this Agreement. Holdings and the other Grantors (as defined below) (other than Borrower) are affiliates of the Borrower, will derive substantial benefits from the extension of credit to the Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement and are willing to execute and deliver this Agreement in order to induce the Lenders to extend such credit. Accordingly, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

Section 1.01 Credit Agreement .

(a) Capitalized terms used in this Agreement and not otherwise defined herein have the meanings specified in the Credit Agreement. All terms defined in the New York UCC (as defined herein) and not defined in this Agreement have the meanings specified therein; the term “instrument” shall have the meaning specified in Article 9 of the New York UCC.

(b) The rules of construction specified in Article I of the Credit Agreement also apply to this Agreement.

Section 1.02 Other Defined Terms . As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified below:

Agreement ” means this Intellectual Property Security Agreement.

Borrower ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preliminary statement of this Agreement.


Claiming Party ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 4.02.

Collateral ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.01.

Collateral Agent ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preliminary statement of this Agreement.

Contributing Party ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 4.02.

Copyright License ” means any written agreement, now or hereafter in effect, granting any right to any third party under any copyright now or hereafter owned by any Grantor or that such Grantor otherwise has the right to license, or granting any right to any Grantor under any copyright now or hereafter owned by any third party, and all rights of such Grantor under any such agreement.

Copyrights ” means all of the following now owned or hereafter acquired by any Grantor: (a) all copyright rights in any work subject to the copyright laws of the United States or any other country or group of countries, whether as author, assignee, transferee or otherwise, (b) all registrations and applications for registration of any such copyright in the United States or any other country or group of countries, including registrations, recordings, supplemental registrations and pending applications for registration in the United States Copyright Office, including those listed on Schedule II ., (c) all extensions and renewals thereof and (d) all rights to sue for past, present and future infringements thereof.

Credit Agreement ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preliminary statement of this Agreement.

Grantor ” means each of Holdings, Finance Sub, New Crunch, each Intermediate Holding Company and each Subsidiary Party that is a signatory hereto or otherwise a Material Domestic Subsidiary.

Holdings ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preliminary statement of this Agreement.

Intellectual Property ” means all intellectual and similar property of every kind and nature now owned or hereafter acquired by any Grantor, including inventions, designs, Patents, Copyrights, Licenses, Trademarks, trade secrets, confidential or proprietary technical and business information, know-how, show-how or other data or information, software and databases and all embodiments or fixations thereof and related documentation, registrations and franchises, and all additions, improvements and accessions to, and books and records describing or used in connection with, any of the foregoing.

Intellectual Property Collateral ” means Collateral consisting of Intellectual Property.

Intellectual Property Security Agreement Supplement ” means an instrument in the form of Exhibit I hereto.

 

-2-


Lender ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preliminary statement of this Agreement.

License ” means any Patent License, Trademark License, Copyright License or other license or sublicense agreement to which any Grantor is a party, including those listed on Schedule II .

New York UCC ” means the Uniform Commercial Code as from time to time in effect in the State of New York.

Patent License ” means any written agreement, now or hereafter in effect, granting to any third party any right to make, use or sell any invention on which a patent, now or hereafter owned by any Grantor or that any Grantor otherwise has the right to license, is in existence, or granting to any Grantor any right to make, use or sell any invention on which a patent, now or hereafter owned by any third party, is in existence, and all rights of any Grantor under any such agreement.

Patents ” means all of the following now owned or hereafter acquired by any Grantor: (a) all letters patent of the United States or the equivalent thereof in any other country or group of countries, all registrations and recordings thereof, and all applications for letters patent of the United States or the equivalent thereof in any other country, including registrations, recordings and pending applications in the United States Patent and Trademark Office or any similar offices in any other country, including those listed on Schedule II , (b) all reissues, continuations, divisions, continuations-in-part, renewals or extensions thereof, and the inventions disclosed or claimed therein, including the right to make, use and/or sell the inventions disclosed or claimed therein and (c) all rights to sue for past, present and future infringements thereof.

Perfection Certificate ” means a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit II , completed and supplemented with the schedules and attachments contemplated thereby, and duly executed by the chief financial officer and the chief legal officer of the Borrower.

Proceeds ” has the meaning specified in Section 9-102 of the New York UCC.

Security Interest ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.01(a).

Subsidiary Parties ” means (a) the Subsidiaries identified on Schedule I and (b) each other Subsidiary that becomes a party to this Agreement as a Subsidiary Party after the Closing Date.

Trademark License ” means any written agreement, now or hereafter in effect, granting to any third party any right to use any trademark now or hereafter owned by any Grantor or that any Grantor otherwise has the right to license, or granting to any Grantor any right to use any trademark now or hereafter owned by any third party, and all rights of any Grantor under any such agreement.

Trademarks ” means all of the following now owned or hereafter acquired by any Grantor: (a) all trademarks, service marks, trade names, corporate names, company names,

 

-3-


business names, fictitious business names, trade styles, trade dress, logos, other source or business identifiers, designs and general intangibles of like nature, now existing or hereafter adopted or acquired, all registrations and recordings thereof, and all registration and recording applications filed in connection therewith, including registrations and registration applications in the United States Patent and Trademark Office or any similar offices in any State of the United States or any other country or group of countries or any political subdivision thereof, and all extensions or renewals thereof, including those listed on Schedule II , (b) all goodwill associated therewith or symbolized thereby, (c) all other assets, rights and interests that uniquely reflect or embody such goodwill, and (d) the rights to sue for past, present and future infringement or dilution of any of the foregoing or for any injury to goodwill.

ARTICLE II

SECURITY INTERESTS

Section 2.01 Security Interest . (a) As security for the payment or performance, as the case may be, in full of the Obligations, including the Guarantees, each Grantor hereby assigns and pledges to the Collateral Agent, its successors and assigns, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, and hereby grants to the Collateral Agent, its successors and assigns, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, a security interest (the “ Security Interest ”) in, all right, title or interest in or to any and all of the following assets and properties now owned or at any time hereafter acquired by such Grantor or in which such Grantor now has or at any time in the future may acquire any right, title or interest (collectively, the “ Collateral ”):

(i) all Copyrights;

(ii) all Patents;

(iii) all Trademarks;

(iv) all Licenses;

(v) all other Intellectual Property; and

(vi) to the extent not otherwise included, all Proceeds and products of any and all of the foregoing and all collateral security and guarantees given by any Person with respect to any of the foregoing.

Provided, however, notwithstanding any of the other provisions herein, this Agreement shall not constitute a grant of a security interest in any license to which any Grantor is a party or any of its rights or interests thereunder if and for so long as the grant of such security interest shall constitute or result in (i) the abandonment, invalidation or unenforceability of any right, title or interest of any Grantor therein, (ii) in a breach, default or termination pursuant to the terms thereof, other than to the extent that any such term would be rendered ineffective pursuant to Sections 9-406, 9-407, 9-408 or 9-409 of the UCC (or any successor provision or provisions) of any relevant jurisdiction or any other applicable law or principles of equity) or (iii) would result in the forfeiture of the Grantors’ rights in any Trademark applications filed in the United States

 

-4-


Patent and Trademark Office on the basis of such Grantor’s “intent-to-use” such trademark, unless and until acceptable evidence of use of the trademark has been filed with and accepted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office pursuant to Section 1(c) or Section 1(d) of the Lanham Act (15 U.S.C. 1051, et seq.), to the extent that granting a lien in such Trademark application prior to such filing would adversely affect the enforceability or validity of such Trademark application; provided however that the Collateral shall include such license (and such security interest shall attach) immediately at such time as the condition causing such abandonment, invalidation or unenforceability shall be remedied and to the extent severable, shall attach immediately to any portion of such license that does not result in any of the consequences specified in (i) or (ii) above; provided further that the exclusions referred to in this clause shall not include any Proceeds of any such license.

(b) Each Grantor hereby irrevocably authorizes the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties at any time and from time to time to file in any relevant jurisdiction any initial financing statements with respect to the Collateral or any part thereof and amendments thereto that (i) indicate the Collateral as all assets of such Grantor or words of similar effect as being of equal or lesser scope or with greater detail and (ii) contain the information required by Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code or the analogous legislation of each applicable jurisdiction for the filing of any financing statement or amendment, including whether such Grantor is an organization, the type of organization and any organizational identification number issued to such Grantor. Each Grantor agrees to provide such information to the Collateral Agent promptly upon request.

The Collateral Agent is further authorized to file with the United States Patent and Trademark Office or United States Copyright Office (or any successor office or any similar office in any other country) such documents as may be necessary or advisable for the purpose of perfecting, confirming, continuing, enforcing or protecting the Security Interest granted by each Grantor, without the signature of any Grantor, and naming any Grantor or the Grantors as debtors and the Collateral Agent as secured party.

(c) The Security Interest is granted as security only and shall not subject the Collateral Agent or any other Secured Party to, or in any way alter or modify, any obligation or liability of any Grantor with respect to or arising out of the Collateral.

Section 2.02 Representations and Warranties . Holdings and the Borrower jointly and severally represent and warrant, as to themselves and the other Grantors, to the Collateral Agent and the other Secured Parties that:

(a) Each Grantor has good and valid rights in and title to the Collateral with respect to which it has purported to grant a Security Interest hereunder and has full power and authority to grant to the Collateral Agent the Security Interest in such Collateral pursuant hereto and to execute, deliver and perform its obligations in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, without the consent or approval of any other Person other than any consent or approval that has been obtained.

(b) The Perfection Certificate has been duly prepared, completed and executed and the information set forth therein, including the exact legal name of each Grantor,

 

-5-


is correct and complete in all material respects as of the Closing Date. The Uniform Commercial Code financing statements (including fixture filings, as applicable) or other appropriate filings, recordings or registrations prepared by the Collateral Agent based upon the information provided to the Collateral Agent in the Perfection Certificate for filing in each governmental, municipal or other office specified on the Perfection Certificate (or specified by notice from the Borrower to the Collateral Agent after the Closing Date in the case of filings, recordings or registrations required by Section 6.11 of the Credit Agreement), are all the filings, recordings and registrations (other than filings required to be made in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United States Copyright Office in order to perfect the Security Interest in Collateral consisting of United States Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights) that are necessary to establish a legal, valid and perfected security interest in favor of the Collateral Agent (for the benefit of the Secured Parties) in respect of all Collateral in which the Security Interest may be perfected by filing, recording or registration in the United States (or any political subdivision thereof) and its territories and possessions, and no further or subsequent filing, refiling, recording, rerecording, registration or reregistration is necessary in any such jurisdiction, except as provided under applicable law with respect to the filing of continuation statements. Each Grantor represents and warrants that a fully executed agreement in the form hereof and containing a description of all Collateral consisting of Intellectual Property with respect to United States Patents and United States registered Trademarks (and Trademarks for which United States registration applications are pending) and United States registered Copyrights have been delivered to the Collateral Agent for recording by the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United States Copyright Office pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 261, 15 U.S.C. § 1060 or 17 U.S.C. § 205 and the regulations thereunder, as applicable, and otherwise as may be required pursuant to the laws of any other necessary jurisdiction, to protect the validity of and to establish a legal, valid and perfected security interest in favor of the Collateral Agent (for the benefit of the Secured Parties) in respect of all Collateral consisting of Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights in which a security interest may be perfected by filing, recording or registration in the United States (or any political subdivision thereof) and its territories and possessions, and no further or subsequent filing, refiling, recording, rerecording, registration or reregistration is necessary (other than such actions as are necessary to perfect the Security Interest with respect to any Collateral consisting of Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights (or registration or application for registration thereof) acquired or developed after the date hereof).

(c) The Security Interest constitutes (i) a legal and valid security interest in all the Collateral securing the payment and performance of the Obligations, including the Guarantees, (ii) subject to the filings described in Section 2.02(b), a perfected security interest in all Collateral in which a security interest may be perfected by filing, recording or registering a financing statement or analogous document in the United States (or any political subdivision thereof) and its territories and possessions pursuant to the Uniform Commercial Code and (iii) a security interest that shall be perfected in all Collateral in which a security interest may be perfected upon the receipt and recording of this Agreement with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United States Copyright Office, as applicable, within the three-month period (commencing as of the date

 

-6-


hereof) pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 261 or 15 U.S.C. § 1060 or the one month period (commencing as of the date hereof) pursuant to 17 U.S.C. § 205 and otherwise as may be required pursuant to the laws of any other necessary jurisdiction. The Security Interest is and shall be prior to any other Lien on any of the Collateral, other than (i) any nonconsensual Lien that is expressly permitted pursuant to Section 7.01 of the Credit Agreement and has priority as a matter of law and (ii) Liens expressly permitted pursuant to Section 7.01 of the Credit Agreement.

(d) The Collateral is owned by the Grantors free and clear of any Lien, except for Liens expressly permitted pursuant to Section 7.01 of the Credit Agreement. None of the Grantors has filed or consented to the filing of (i) any financing statement or analogous document under the Uniform Commercial Code or any other applicable laws covering any Collateral, (ii) any assignment in which any Grantor assigns any Collateral or any security agreement or similar instrument covering any Collateral with the United States Patent and Trademark Office or the United States Copyright Office or (iii) any assignment in which any Grantor assigns any Collateral or any security agreement or similar instrument covering any Collateral with any foreign governmental, municipal or other office, which financing statement or analogous document, assignment, security agreement or similar instrument is still in effect, except, in each case, for Liens expressly permitted pursuant to Section 7.01 of the Credit Agreement.

Section 2.03 Covenants .

(a) Each Grantor agrees promptly to notify the Collateral Agent in writing of any change (i) in legal name of any Grantor, (ii) in the identity or type of organization or corporate structure of any Grantor, or (iii) in the jurisdiction of organization of any Grantor.

(b) Each Grantor shall, at its own expense, take any and all commercially reasonable actions necessary to defend title to the Collateral against all Persons and to defend the Security Interest of the Collateral Agent in the Collateral and the priority thereof against any Lien not expressly permitted pursuant to Section 7.01 of the Credit Agreement.

(c) Each year, at the time of delivery of annual financial statements with respect to the preceding fiscal year pursuant to Section 6.01 of the Credit Agreement, the Borrower shall deliver to the Collateral Agent a certificate executed by the chief financial officer and the chief legal officer of the Borrower setting forth the information required pursuant to Schedules 1(a), 1(c), 1(e), 1(f) and 2(b) of the Perfection Certificate or confirming that there has been no change in such information since the date of such certificate or the date of the most recent certificate delivered pursuant to this Section 2.03(c).

(d) The Borrower agrees, on its own behalf and on behalf of each other Grantor, at its own expense, to execute, acknowledge, deliver and cause to be duly filed all such further instruments and documents and take all such actions as the Collateral Agent may from time to time reasonably request to better assure, preserve, protect and perfect the Security Interest and the rights and remedies created hereby, including the payment of any fees and taxes required in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the granting of the Security Interest and the filing of any financing statements or other documents in connection herewith or

 

-7-


therewith. If any amount payable under or in connection with any of the Collateral that is in excess of $5,000,000 shall be or become evidenced by any promissory note or other instrument, such note or instrument shall be promptly pledged and delivered to the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, duly endorsed in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent.

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Grantor hereby authorizes the Collateral Agent, with prompt notice thereof to the Grantors, to supplement this Agreement by supplementing Schedule II or adding additional schedules hereto to specifically identify any asset or item that may constitute Copyrights, Licenses, Patents or Trademarks; provided that any Grantor shall have the right, exercisable within 10 days after it has been notified by the Collateral Agent of the specific identification of such Collateral, to advise the Collateral Agent in writing of any inaccuracy of the representations and warranties made by such Grantor hereunder with respect to such Collateral. Each Grantor agrees that it will use its best efforts to take such action as shall be necessary in order that all representations and warranties hereunder shall be true and correct with respect to such Collateral within 30 days after the date it has been notified by the Collateral Agent of the specific identification of such Collateral.

(e) At its option, the Collateral Agent may discharge past due taxes, assessments, charges, fees, Liens, security interests or other encumbrances at any time levied or placed on the Collateral and not permitted pursuant to Section 7.01 of the Credit Agreement, and may pay for the maintenance and preservation of the Collateral to the extent any Grantor fails to do so as required by the Credit Agreement or this Agreement and within a reasonable period of time after the Collateral Agent has requested that it do so, and each Grantor jointly and severally agrees to reimburse the Collateral Agent within 10 days after demand for any payment made or any reasonable expense incurred by the Collateral Agent pursuant to the foregoing authorization. Nothing in this paragraph shall be interpreted as excusing any Grantor from the performance of, or imposing any obligation on the Collateral Agent or any Secured Party to cure or perform, any covenants or other promises of any Grantor with respect to taxes, assessments, charges, fees, Liens, security interests or other encumbrances and maintenance as set forth herein or in the other Loan Documents.

(f) Each Grantor (rather than the Collateral Agent or any Secured Party) shall remain liable (as between itself and any relevant counterparty) to observe and perform all the conditions and obligations to be observed and performed by it under each contract, agreement or instrument relating to the Collateral, all in accordance with the terms and conditions thereof, and each Grantor jointly and severally agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Collateral Agent and the other Secured Parties from and against any and all liability for such performance.

Section 2.04 As to Intellectual Property Collateral .

(a) Except to the extent failure to act could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, with respect to registration or pending application of each item of its Intellectual Property Collateral for which such Grantor has standing to do so, each Grantor agrees to take, at its expense, all steps, including, without limitation, in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the U.S. Copyright Office and any other governmental authority located in the United States, to (i) maintain the validity and enforceability of any registered Intellectual Property

 

-8-


Collateral (or applications therefor) and maintain such Intellectual Property Collateral in full force and effect, and (ii) pursue the registration and maintenance of each Patent, Trademark, or Copyright registration or application, now or hereafter included in such Intellectual Property Collateral of such Grantor, including, without limitation, the payment of required fees and taxes, the filing of responses to office actions issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the U.S. Copyright Office or other governmental authorities, the filing of applications for renewal or extension, the filing of affidavits under Sections 8 and 15 or the U.S. Trademark Act, the filing of divisional, continuation, continuation-in-part, reissue and renewal applications or extensions, the payment of maintenance fees and the participation in interference, reexamination, opposition, cancellation, infringement and misappropriation proceedings.

(b) Except as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, no Grantor shall do or permit any act or knowingly omit to do any act whereby any of its Intellectual Property Collateral may lapse, be terminated, or become invalid or unenforceable or placed in the public domain (or in case of a trade secret, lose its competitive value).

(c) Except where failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, each Grantor shall take all steps to preserve and protect each item of its Intellectual Property Collateral, including, without limitation, maintaining the quality of any and all products or services used or provided in connection with any of the Trademarks, consistent with the quality of the products and services as of the date hereof, and taking all steps necessary to ensure that all licensed users of any of the Trademarks abide by the applicable license’s terms with respect to the standards of quality.

(d) Each Grantor agrees that, should it obtain an ownership or other interest in any Intellectual Property Collateral after the Closing Date (“ After-Acquired Intellectual Property ”) (i) the provisions of this Agreement shall automatically apply thereto, and (ii) any such After-Acquired Intellectual Property and, in the case of Trademarks, the goodwill symbolized thereby, shall automatically become part of the Intellectual Property Collateral subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement with respect thereto.

(e) Once every fiscal quarter of the Borrower, with respect to issued or registered Patents (or published applications therefor) or Trademarks (or applications therefor), and once every month, with respect to registered Copyrights, each Grantor shall sign and deliver to the Collateral Agent an appropriate Intellectual Property Security Agreement with respect to all applicable Intellectual Property owned or exclusively licensed by it as of the last day of such period, to the extent that such Intellectual Property is not covered by any previous Intellectual Property Security Agreement so signed and delivered by it. In each case, it will promptly cooperate as reasonably necessary to enable the Collateral Agent to make any necessary or reasonably desirable recordations with the U.S. Copyright Office or the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, as appropriate.

(f) Nothing in this Agreement prevents any Grantor from discontinuing the use or maintenance of any or its Intellectual Property Collateral to the extent permitted by the Credit Agreement if such Grantor determines in its reasonable business judgment that such discontinuance is desirable in the conduct of its business.

 

-9-


ARTICLE III

REMEDIES

Section 3.01 Remedies Upon Default . Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, each Grantor agrees to deliver each item of Collateral to the Collateral Agent on demand, and it is agreed that the Collateral Agent shall have the right, at the same or different times, with respect to any Collateral consisting of Intellectual Property, on demand, to cause the Security Interest to become an assignment, transfer and conveyance of any of or all such Collateral by the applicable Grantors to the Collateral Agent, or to license or sublicense, whether general, special or otherwise, and whether on an exclusive or nonexclusive basis, any such Collateral throughout the world on such terms and conditions and in such manner as the Collateral Agent shall determine (other than in violation of any then-existing licensing arrangements to the extent that waivers cannot be obtained), and, generally, to exercise any and all rights afforded to a secured party with respect to the Obligations under the Uniform Commercial Code or other applicable law. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Grantor agrees that the Collateral Agent shall have the right, subject to the mandatory requirements of applicable law and the notice requirements described below, to sell or otherwise dispose of all or any part of the Collateral securing the Obligations at a public or private sale, for cash, upon credit or for future delivery as the Collateral Agent shall deem appropriate. Each such purchaser at any sale of Collateral shall hold the property sold absolutely, free from any claim or right on the part of any Grantor, and each Grantor hereby waives (to the extent permitted by law) all rights of redemption, stay and appraisal which such Grantor now has or may at any time in the future have under any rule of law or statute now existing or hereafter enacted.

If any notice is required by applicable law, the Collateral Agent shall give the applicable Grantors 10 days’ written notice (which each Grantor agrees is reasonable notice within the meaning of Section 9-611 of the New York UCC or its equivalent in other jurisdictions) of the Collateral Agent’s intention to make any sale of Collateral. Such notice, in the case of a public sale, shall state the time and place for such sale. Any such public sale shall be held at such time or times within ordinary business hours and at such place or places as the Collateral Agent may fix and state in the notice (if any) of such sale. At any such sale, the Collateral, or portion thereof, to be sold may be sold in one lot as an entirety or in separate parcels, as the Collateral Agent may (in its sole and absolute discretion) determine. The Collateral Agent shall not be obligated to make any sale of any Collateral if it shall determine not to do so, regardless of the fact that notice of sale of such Collateral shall have been given. The Collateral Agent may, without notice or publication, adjourn any public or private sale or cause the same to be adjourned from time to time by announcement at the time and place fixed for sale, and such sale may, without further notice, be made at the time and place to which the same was so adjourned. In case any sale of all or any part of the Collateral is made on credit or for future delivery, the Collateral so sold may be retained by the Collateral Agent until the sale price is paid by the purchaser or purchasers thereof, but the Collateral Agent shall not incur any liability in case any such purchaser or purchasers shall fail to take up and pay for the Collateral so sold and, in case of any such failure, such Collateral may be sold again upon like notice. At any public (or, to the extent permitted by law, private) sale made pursuant to this Agreement, any Secured Party may bid for or purchase, free (to the extent permitted by law) from any right of redemption, stay, valuation or appraisal

 

-10-


on the part of any Grantor (all said rights being also hereby waived and released to the extent permitted by law), the Collateral or any part thereof offered for sale and may make payment on account thereof by using any claim then due and payable to such Secured Party from any Grantor as a credit against the purchase price, and such Secured Party may, upon compliance with the terms of sale, hold, retain and dispose of such property without further accountability to any Grantor therefor. For purposes hereof, a written agreement to purchase the Collateral or any portion thereof shall be treated as a sale thereof; the Collateral Agent shall be free to carry out such sale pursuant to such agreement and no Grantor shall be entitled to the return of the Collateral or any portion thereof subject thereto, notwithstanding the fact that after the Collateral Agent shall have entered into such an agreement all Events of Default shall have been remedied and the Obligations paid in full. As an alternative to exercising the power of sale herein conferred upon it, the Collateral Agent may proceed by a suit or suits at law or in equity to foreclose this Agreement and to sell the Collateral or any portion thereof pursuant to a judgment or decree of a court or courts having competent jurisdiction or pursuant to a proceeding by a court-appointed receiver. Any sale pursuant to the provisions of this Section 3.01 shall be deemed to conform to the commercially reasonable standards as provided in Section 9-610(b) of the New York UCC or its equivalent in other jurisdictions.

Section 3.02 Application of Proceeds . The Collateral Agent shall apply the proceeds of any collection or sale of Collateral, including any Collateral consisting of cash, in accordance with Section 8.04 of the Credit Agreement as of the Closing Date.

The Collateral Agent shall have absolute discretion as to the time of application of any such proceeds, moneys or balances in accordance with this Agreement. Upon any sale of Collateral by the Collateral Agent (including pursuant to a power of sale granted by statute or under a judicial proceeding), the receipt of the Collateral Agent or of the officer making the sale shall be a sufficient discharge to the purchaser or purchasers of the Collateral so sold and such purchaser or purchasers shall not be obligated to see to the application of any part of the purchase money paid over to the Collateral Agent or such officer or be answerable in any way for the misapplication thereof.

Section 3.03 Grant of License to Use Intellectual Property . For the purpose of enabling the Collateral Agent to exercise rights and remedies under this Agreement at such time as the Collateral Agent shall be lawfully entitled to exercise such rights and remedies, each Grantor shall, upon request by the Collateral Agent at any time after and during the continuance of an Event of Default, grant to the Collateral Agent an irrevocable, nonexclusive license (exercisable without payment of royalty or other compensation to the Grantors) to use, license or sublicense any of the Collateral consisting of Intellectual Property now owned or hereafter acquired by such Grantor, and wherever the same may be located, and including in such license reasonable access to all media in which any of the licensed items may be recorded or stored and to all computer software and programs used for the compilation or printout thereof. The use of such license by the Collateral Agent may be exercised, at the option of the Collateral Agent, during the continuation of an Event of Default; provided that any license, sublicense or other transaction entered into by the Collateral Agent in accordance herewith shall be binding upon the Grantors notwithstanding any subsequent cure of an Event of Default.

 

-11-


ARTICLE IV

INDEMNITY, SUBROGATION AND SUBORDINATION

Section 4.01 Indemnity . In addition to all such rights of indemnity and subrogation as the Grantors may have under applicable law (but subject to Section 4.03), the Borrower agrees that in the event any assets of any Grantor shall be sold pursuant to this Agreement or any other Collateral Document to satisfy in whole or in part an obligation owed to any Secured Party, the Borrower shall indemnify such Grantor in an amount equal to the greater of the book value or the fair market value of the assets so sold.

Section 4.02 Contribution and Subrogation . Each Subsidiary Party (a “ Contributing Party ”) agrees (subject to Section 4.03) that, in the event assets of any other Subsidiary Party shall be sold pursuant to any Collateral Document to satisfy any Obligation owed to any Secured Party and such other Subsidiary Party (the “ Claiming Party ”) shall not have been fully indemnified by the Borrower as provided in Section 4.01, the Contributing Party shall indemnify the Claiming Party in an amount equal to the greater of the book value or the fair market value of such assets, in each case multiplied by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the net worth of the Contributing Party on the date hereof and the denominator shall be the aggregate net worth of all the Grantors on the date hereof (or, in the case of any Grantor becoming a party hereto pursuant to Section 5.14, the date of the Intellectual Property Security Agreement Supplement executed and delivered by such Grantor). Any Contributing Party making any payment to a Claiming Party pursuant to this Section 4.02 shall be subrogated to the rights of such Claiming Party to the extent of such payment.

Section 4.03 Subordination .

(a) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, all rights of the Grantors under Sections 4.01 and 4.02 and all other rights of indemnity, contribution or subrogation under applicable law or otherwise shall be fully subordinated to the indefeasible payment in full in cash of the Obligations. No failure on the part of the Borrower or any Grantor to make the payments required by Sections 4.01 and 4.02 (or any other payments required under applicable law or otherwise) shall in any respect limit the obligations and liabilities of any Grantor with respect to its obligations hereunder, and each Grantor shall remain liable for the full amount of the obligations of such Grantor hereunder.

(b) Each Grantor hereby agrees that upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default and after notice from the Collateral Agent all Indebtedness owed by it to any Subsidiary shall be fully subordinated to the indefeasible payment in full in cash of the Obligations.

 

-12-


ARTICLE V

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 5.01 Notices . All communications and notices hereunder shall (except as otherwise expressly permitted herein) be in writing and given as provided in Section 10.02 of the Credit Agreement. All communications and notices hereunder to any Subsidiary Party shall be given to it in care of the Borrower as provided in Section 10.02 of the Credit Agreement.

Section 5.02 Waivers; Amendment .

(a) No failure or delay by the Collateral Agent, any L/C Issuer or any Lender in exercising any right or power hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. The rights and remedies of the Collateral Agent, the L/C Issuers and the Lenders hereunder and under the other Loan Documents are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement or consent to any departure by any Loan Party therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by paragraph (b) of this Section 5.02, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the making of a Loan or issuance of a Letter of Credit shall not be construed as a waiver of any Default, regardless of whether the Collateral Agent, any Lender or any L/C Issuer may have had notice or knowledge of such Default at the time. No notice or demand on any Loan Party in any case shall entitle any Loan Party to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances.

(b) Neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof may be waived, amended or modified except pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Collateral Agent and the Loan Party or Loan Parties with respect to which such waiver, amendment or modification is to apply, subject to any consent required in accordance with Section 10.01 of the Credit Agreement.

Section 5.03 Collateral Agent’s Fees and Expenses; Indemnification .

(a) The parties hereto agree that the Collateral Agent shall be entitled to reimbursement of its expenses incurred hereunder as provided in Section 10.04 of the Credit Agreement.

(b) Without limitation of its indemnification obligations under the other Loan Documents, the Borrower agrees to indemnify the Collateral Agent and the other Indemnitees (as defined in Section 10.05 of the Credit Agreement) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and related expenses, including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for any Indemnitee, incurred by or asserted against any Indemnitee arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement or any claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, or to the Collateral, whether or not any Indemnitee is a party thereto; provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee or any Affiliate, director, officer, employee, counsel, agent or attorney-in-fact of such Indemnitee.

 

-13-


(c) Any such amounts payable as provided hereunder shall be additional Obligations secured hereby and by the other Collateral Documents. The provisions of this Section 5.03 shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of the termination of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, the repayment of any of the Obligations, the invalidity or unenforceability of any term or provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or any investigation made by or on behalf of the Collateral Agent or any other Secured Party. All amounts due under this Section 5.03 shall be payable within 10 days of written demand therefor.

Section 5.04 Successors and Assigns . Whenever in this Agreement any of the parties hereto is referred to, such reference shall be deemed to include the permitted successors and assigns of such party; and all covenants, promises and agreements by or on behalf of any Grantor or the Collateral Agent that are contained in this Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of their respective successors and assigns.

Section 5.05 Survival of Agreement . All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by the Loan Parties in the Loan Documents and in the certificates or other instruments prepared or delivered in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be considered to have been relied upon by the Lenders and shall survive the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents and the making of any Loans and issuance of any Letters of Credit, regardless of any investigation made by any Lender or on its behalf and notwithstanding that the Collateral Agent, any L/C Issuer or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default or incorrect representation or warranty at the time any credit is extended under the Credit Agreement, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as the principal of or any accrued interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount payable under any Loan Document is outstanding and unpaid or any Letter of Credit is outstanding and so long as the Commitments have not expired or terminated.

Section 5.06 Counterparts; Effectiveness; Several Agreement . This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Agreement by facsimile transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Agreement. This Agreement shall become effective as to any Loan Party when a counterpart hereof executed on behalf of such Loan Party shall have been delivered to the Collateral Agent and a counterpart hereof shall have been executed on behalf of the Collateral Agent, and thereafter shall be binding upon such Loan Party and the Collateral Agent and their respective permitted successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of such Loan Party, the Collateral Agent and the other Secured Parties and their respective successors and assigns, except that no Loan Party shall have the right to assign or transfer its rights or obligations hereunder or any interest herein or in the Collateral (and any such assignment or transfer shall be void) except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement or the Credit Agreement. This Agreement shall be construed as a separate agreement with respect to each Loan Party and may be amended, modified, supplemented, waived or released with respect to any Loan Party without the approval of any other Loan Party and without affecting the obligations of any other Loan Party hereunder.

 

-14-


Section 5.07 Severability . Any provision of this Agreement held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without affecting the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction. The parties shall endeavor in good-faith negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.

Section 5.08 Right of Set-Off . In addition to any rights and remedies of the Lenders provided by Law, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, each Lender and its Affiliates and each L/C Issuer and its Affiliates is authorized at any time and from time to time, without prior notice to the Borrower or any other Loan Party, any such notice being waived by the Borrower (on its behalf and on behalf of each Loan Party and its Subsidiaries) to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) at any time held by, and other Indebtedness at any time owing by, such Lender and its Affiliates or such L/C Issuer and its Affiliates, as the case may be, to or for the credit or the account of the respective Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries against any and all Obligations owing to such Lender and its Affiliates or such L/C Issuer and its Affiliates hereunder or under any other Loan Document, now or hereafter existing, irrespective of whether or not such Agent or such Lender or Affiliate shall have made demand under this Agreement or under any other Loan Document and although such Obligations may be contingent or unmatured or denominated in a currency different from that of the applicable deposit or Indebtedness; provided that, in the case of any such deposits or other Indebtedness for the credit or the account of any Foreign Subsidiary, such set off may only be against any obligations of Foreign Subsidiaries. Each Lender and each L/C Issuer agrees promptly to notify the Borrower and the Collateral Agent after any such set off and application made by such Lender or such L/C Issuer, as the case may be; provided , that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such setoff and application. The rights of each Lender and each L/C Issuer under this Section 6.08 are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that the Collateral Agent, such Lender and such L/C Issuer may have.

Section 5.09 Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process .

(a) This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the law of the State of New York.

(b) Each of the Loan Parties hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of the State of New York sitting in New York County and of the United States District Court of the Southern District of New York, and any appellate court from any thereof, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or for recognition or enforcement of any judgment, and each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding may be heard and determined

 

-15-


in such New York State or, to the extent permitted by law, in such Federal court. Each of the parties hereto agrees that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law. Nothing in this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall affect any right that the Collateral Agent, any L/C Issuer or any Lender may otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document against any Grantor or its properties in the courts of any jurisdiction.

(c) Each of the Loan Parties hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent it may legally and effectively do so, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document in any court referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section 5.09. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court.

(d) Each party to this Agreement irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 5.01. Nothing in this Agreement or any other Loan Document will affect the right of any party to this Agreement to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.

Section 5.10 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL . EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 5.10.

Section 5.11 Headings . Article and Section headings and the Table of Contents used herein are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and are not to affect the construction of, or to be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.

Section 5.12 Security Interest Absolute . All rights of the Collateral Agent hereunder, the Security Interest, the grant of a security interest in the Pledged Collateral and all obligations of each Grantor hereunder shall be absolute and unconditional irrespective of (a) any lack of validity or enforceability of the Credit Agreement, any other Loan Document, any agreement with respect to any of the Obligations or any other agreement or instrument relating to any of the foregoing, (b) any change in the time, manner or place of payment of, or in any other term of, all or any of the Obligations, or any other amendment or waiver of or any consent to any departure from the Credit Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other agreement or instrument,

 

-16-


(c) any exchange, release or non-perfection of any Lien on other collateral, or any release or amendment or waiver of or consent under or departure from any guarantee, securing or guaranteeing all or any of the Obligations or (d) any other circumstance that might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, any Grantor in respect of the Obligations or this Agreement.

Section 5.13 Termination or Release .

(a) This Agreement, the Security Interest and all other security interests granted hereby shall terminate when all the outstanding Obligations have been indefeasibly paid in full and the Lenders have no further commitment to lend under the Credit Agreement, the L/C Obligations have been reduced to zero and the L/C Issuers have no further obligations to issue Letters of Credit under the Credit Agreement.

(b) A Subsidiary Party shall automatically be released from its obligations hereunder and the Security Interest in the Collateral of such Subsidiary Party shall be automatically released upon the consummation of any transaction permitted by the Credit Agreement as a result of which such Subsidiary Party ceases to be a Subsidiary or is designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary of the Borrower; provided that the Required Lenders shall have consented to such transaction (to the extent required by the Credit Agreement) and the terms of such consent did not provide otherwise.

(c) Upon any sale or other transfer by any Grantor of any Collateral (other than any transfer to another Grantor) that is permitted under the Credit Agreement, or upon the effectiveness of any written consent to the release of the security interest granted hereby in any Collateral pursuant to Section 10.01 of the Credit Agreement, the security interest in such Collateral shall be automatically released.

(d) In connection with any termination or release pursuant to paragraph (a), (b) or (c), the Collateral Agent shall execute and deliver to any Grantor, at such Grantor’s expense, all documents that such Grantor shall reasonably request to evidence such termination or release. Any execution and delivery of documents pursuant to this Section 5.13 shall be without recourse to or warranty by the Collateral Agent.

Section 5.14 Additional Grantors . Pursuant to Section 6.11 of the Credit Agreement, any Intermediate Holding Company and certain Restricted Subsidiaries of Holdings that were not in existence or not Restricted Subsidiaries on the date of the Credit Agreement are required to enter in this Agreement as Grantors upon becoming an Intermediate Holding Company or Restricted Subsidiaries, as the case may be. Upon execution and delivery by the Collateral Agent and an Intermediate Holding Company or a Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, of an Intellectual Property Security Agreement Supplement, such Intermediate Holding Company or Restricted Subsidiary shall become a Grantor hereunder with the same force and effect as if originally named as a Grantor herein. The execution and delivery of any such instrument shall not require the consent of any other Grantor hereunder. The rights and obligations of each Grantor hereunder shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the addition of any new Grantor as a party to this Agreement.

 

-17-


Section 5.15 General Authority of the Collateral Agent . By acceptance of the benefits of this Agreement and any other Collateral Documents, each Secured Party (whether or not a signatory hereto) shall be deemed irrevocably (a) to consent to the appointment of the Collateral Agent as its agent hereunder and under such other Collateral Documents, (b) to confirm that the Collateral Agent shall have the authority to act as the exclusive agent of such Secured Party for the enforcement of any provisions of this Agreement and such other Collateral Documents against any Grantor, the exercise of remedies hereunder or thereunder and the giving or withholding of any consent or approval hereunder or thereunder relating to any Collateral or any Grantor’s obligations with respect thereto, (c) to agree that it shall not take any action to enforce any provisions of this Agreement or any other Collateral Document against any Grantor, to exercise any remedy hereunder or thereunder or to give any consents or approvals hereunder or thereunder except as expressly provided in this Agreement or any other Collateral Document and (d) to agree to be bound by the terms of this Agreement and any other Collateral Documents.

Section 5.16 Collateral Agent Appointed Attorney-in-Fact . Each Grantor hereby appoints the Collateral Agent the attorney-in-fact of such Grantor for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Agreement and taking any action and executing any instrument that the Collateral Agent may deem necessary or advisable to accomplish the purposes hereof at any time after and during the continuance of an Event of Default, which appointment is irrevocable and coupled with an interest. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Collateral Agent shall have the right, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default and notice by the Collateral Agent to the Borrower of its intent to exercise such rights, with full power of substitution either in the Collateral Agent’s name or in the name of such Grantor (a) to receive, endorse, assign and/or deliver any and all notes, acceptances, checks, drafts, money orders or other evidences of payment relating to the Collateral or any part thereof; (b) to demand, collect, receive payment of, give receipt for and give discharges and releases of all or any of the Collateral; (c) to commence and prosecute any and all suits, actions or proceedings at law or in equity in any court of competent jurisdiction to collect or otherwise realize on all or any of the Collateral or to enforce any rights in respect of any Collateral; (d) to settle, compromise, compound, adjust or defend any actions, suits or proceedings relating to all or any of the Collateral; and (e) to use, sell, assign, transfer, pledge, make any agreement with respect to or otherwise deal with all or any of the Collateral, and to do all other acts and things necessary to carry out the purposes of this Agreement, as fully and completely as though the Collateral Agent were the absolute owner of the Collateral for all purposes; provided that nothing herein contained shall be construed as requiring or obligating the Collateral Agent to make any commitment or to make any inquiry as to the nature or sufficiency of any payment received by the Collateral Agent, or to present or file any claim or notice, or to take any action with respect to the Collateral or any part thereof or the moneys due or to become due in respect thereof or any property covered thereby. The Collateral Agent and the other Secured Parties shall be accountable only for amounts actually received as a result of the exercise of the powers granted to them herein, and neither they nor their officers, directors, employees or agents shall be responsible to any Grantor for any act or failure to act hereunder, except for their own gross negligence or willful misconduct or that of any of their Affiliates, directors, officers, employees, counsel, agents or attorneys-in-fact.

 

-18-


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

PEAK FINANCE HOLDINGS LLC, as Holdings,
By:  

/s/ Shervin Korangy

Name:   Shervin Korangy
Title:   Vice President
PEAK FINANCE LLC, (as Borrower prior to the Merger)
By:  

/s/ Shervin Korangy

Name:   Shervin Korangy
Title:   Vice President
PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC, (as Borrower after the Merger)
By:  

/s/ N. Michael Dion

Name:   N. Michael Dion
Title:   Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer


PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE CORP.,
By:  

/s/  Shervin Korangy

Name:   Shervin Korangy
Title:   Vice President
PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC.,
By:  

/s/  N. Michael Dion

Name:   N. Michael Dion
Title:   Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
PINNACLE FOODS CORPORATION,
By:  

/s/  N. Michael Dion

Name:   N. Michael Dion
Title:   Senior Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
PINNACLE FOODS MANAGEMENT CORPORATION,
By:  

/s/  N. Michael Dion

Name:   N. Michael Dion
Title:   Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer

 

-2-


LEHMAN COMMERCIAL PAPER INC.,

as Collateral Agent

By:  

/s/  Laurie Perper

Name:   Laurie Perper
Title:   Senior Vice President


Schedule I to the

Intellectual Property

Security Agreement

SUBSIDIARY PARTIES

Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.

Pinnacle Foods Corporation

Peak Finance Holdings LLC

Peak Finance LLC

Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC

Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp.

Pinnacle Foods Management Corporation

 


TRADEMARK/TRADE NAMES OWNED BY [NAME OF GRANTOR]

[Make a separate page of Schedule II for each Grantor and state if no trademarks/trade names are owned. List in numerical order by trademark registration/application no.]

U.S. Trademark Registrations

 

Mark

 

Reg. Date

 

Reg. No.

   
     
     
     

U.S. Trademark Applications

 

Mark

 

Filing Date

 

Application No.

   
     
     
     

State Trademark Registrations

[List in alphabetical order by state/numerical order by trademark no. within each state]

 

State

 

Mark

 

Filing Date

 

Application No.

     
     
     

Trade Names

 

Country(s) Where Used

 

Trade Names

       
     
     
     

 

-2-


Exhibit I to the

Intellectual Property

Security Agreement

SUPPLEMENT NO.      dated as of, to the Intellectual Property Security Agreement dated as of April 2, 2007 among PEAK FINANCE HOLDINGS LLC (“ Holdings ”), PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC (the “ Borrower ”), certain Subsidiaries of Borrower and Holdings from time to time party hereto and LEHMAN COMMERCIAL PAPER INC., as Collateral Agent.

A. Reference is made to the Credit Agreement dated as of April 2, 2007 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among the Borrower, Holdings, LEHMAN COMMERCIAL PAPER INC., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, GOLDMAN SACHS CREDIT PARTNERS L.P., as Syndication Agent, Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd. and General Electric Capital Corporation, as Co-Documentation Agents, and each lender from time to time party thereto (collectively, the “ Lenders ” and individually, a “ Lender ”).

B. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement and the Intellectual Property Security Agreement referred to therein.

C. The Grantors have entered into the Intellectual Property Security Agreement in order to induce the Lenders to make Loans and the L/C Issuers to issue Letters of Credit. Section 5.14 of the Intellectual Property Security Agreement provides that Intermediate Holding Companies and additional Restricted Subsidiaries of the Borrower may become Grantors under the Intellectual Property Security Agreement by execution and delivery of an instrument in the form of this Supplement. The undersigned Intermediate Holding Company or Restricted Subsidiary (the “ New Grantor ”) is executing this Supplement in accordance with the requirements of the Credit Agreement to become a Grantor under the Intellectual Property Security Agreement in order to induce the Lenders to make additional Loans and the L/C Issuers to issue additional Letters of Credit and as consideration for Loans previously made and Letters of Credit previously issued.

Accordingly, the Collateral Agent and the New Grantor agree as follows:

SECTION 1. In accordance with Section 5.14 of the Intellectual Property Security Agreement, the New Grantor by its signature below becomes a Grantor under the Intellectual Property Security Agreement with the same force and effect as if originally named therein as a Grantor and the New Grantor hereby (a) agrees to all the terms and provisions of the Intellectual Property Security Agreement applicable to it as a Grantor thereunder and (b) represents and warrants that the representations and warranties made by it as a Grantor thereunder are true and correct on and as of the date hereof. In furtherance of the foregoing, the New Grantor, as security for the payment and performance in full of the Obligations, does hereby create and grant to the Collateral Agent, its successors and assigns, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, their successors


and assigns, a security interest in and lien on all of the New Grantor’s right, title and interest in and to the Collateral (as defined in the Intellectual Property Security Agreement) of the New Grantor. Each reference to a “Grantor” in the Intellectual Property Security Agreement shall be deemed to include the New Grantor. The Intellectual Property Security Agreement is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

SECTION 2. The New Grantor represents and warrants to the Collateral Agent and the other Secured Parties that this Supplement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by it and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms.

SECTION 3. This Supplement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Supplement shall become effective when the Collateral Agent shall have received a counterpart of this Supplement that bears the signature of the New Grantor and the Collateral Agent has executed a counterpart hereof. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Supplement by facsimile transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Supplement.

SECTION 4. The New Grantor hereby represents and warrants that (a) set forth on Schedule I attached hereto is a true and correct schedule of any and all Collateral of the New Grantor consisting of Intellectual Property and (b) set forth under its signature hereto, is the true and correct legal name of the New Grantor, its jurisdiction of formation and the location of its chief executive office.

SECTION 5. Except as expressly supplemented hereby, the Intellectual Property Security Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 6. THIS SUPPLEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

SECTION 7. In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Supplement should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein and in the Intellectual Property Security Agreement shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby (it being understood that the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not in and of itself affect the validity of such provision in any other jurisdiction). The parties hereto shall endeavor in good-faith negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.

SECTION 8. All communications and notices hereunder shall be in writing and given as provided in Section 5.01 of the Intellectual Property Security Agreement.

 

-2-


SECTION 9. The New Grantor agrees to reimburse the Collateral Agent for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this Supplement, including the reasonable fees, other charges and disbursements of counsel for the Collateral Agent.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Grantor and the Collateral Agent have duly executed this Supplement to the Intellectual Property Security Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

[NAME OF NEW GRANTOR],
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  
  Legal Name:
  Jurisdiction of Formation:
  Location of Chief Executive office:

LEHMAN COMMERCIAL PAPER INC.,

as Collateral Agent

By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  

 

-3-


Schedule I to the

Supplement No.      to

the Intellectual Property

Security Agreement

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY


Customary schedules to the Intellectual Property Security Agreement have been omitted, but the Company agrees to furnish all omitted schedules to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

 

Exhibit 5.1

S IMPSON T HACHER  & B ARTLETT LLP

425 L EXINGTON A VENUE

N EW Y ORK , N.Y. 10017-3954

(212) 455-2000

 


F ACSIMILE (212) 455-2502

December 21, 2007

Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC

Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp.

One Old Bloomfield Avenue

Mt. Lakes, New Jersey 07046

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as counsel to Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC”), and Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp., Delaware corporation (together with Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC, the “Issuers”), and to the subsidiaries of the Issuers listed on Schedule I hereto (collectively, the “Guarantors”), in connection with the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”) filed by the Issuers and the Guarantors with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, relating to the issuance by the Issuers of $325,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015 (the “2015 Senior Exchange Notes”) and $199,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 10  5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017 (the “2017 Senior Subordinated Exchange Notes” and, together with the 2015 Senior Exchange Notes, the “Exchange Notes”) and the issuance by the Guarantors of guarantees (the “Guarantees”) with respect to the Exchange Notes. The 2015 Senior Exchange Notes and the related Guarantees will be issued under the indenture, dated as of April 2, 2007 (the “Senior


P INNACLE F OODS F INANCE LLC      
P INNACLE F OODS F INANCE C ORP .    -2-    D ECEMBER 21, 2007        

 

Notes Indenture”), among the Issuers, the Guarantors and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee (the “Trustee”), relating to the 2015 Senior Exchange Notes, and the 2017 Senior Subordinated Exchange Notes will be issued under the indenture, dated as of April 2, 2007 (the “Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture” and, together with the Senior Notes Indenture, the “Indentures”), among the Issuers, the Guarantors and the Trustee relating to the 2017 Senior Subordinated Exchange Notes. The Issuers will offer the 2015 Senior Exchange Notes in exchange for $325,000,000 aggregate principal amount of their outstanding 9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015 and the 2017 Senior Subordinated Exchange Notes in exchange for $199,000,000 aggregate principal amount of their outstanding 10  5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017.

We have examined the Registration Statement and the Indentures, which have been filed with the Commission as exhibits to the Registration Statement. We also have examined the originals, or duplicates or certified or conformed copies, of such corporate and other records, agreements, documents and other instruments and have made such other investigations as we have deemed relevant and necessary in connection with the opinions hereinafter set forth. As to questions of fact material to this opinion, we have relied upon certificates or comparable documents of public officials and of officers and representatives of the Issuers and the Guarantors.

In rendering the opinions set forth below, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the legal capacity of natural persons, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as duplicates or certified or conformed copies and the authenticity of the originals of such latter documents. We also have assumed that the Indentures are the valid and legally binding obligation of the Trustee.


P INNACLE F OODS F INANCE LLC      
P INNACLE F OODS F INANCE C ORP .    -3-    D ECEMBER 21, 2007        

 

We have assumed further that the execution, delivery and performance by the Issuers and each Guarantor of the Indentures, the Exchange Notes and the Guarantees do not breach or result in a default under any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other agreement or instrument to which the Issuers or any of their subsidiaries is a party or by which the Issuers or any of their subsidiaries is bound or to which any of the property or assets of the Issuers or any of their subsidiaries is subject.

Based upon the foregoing, and subject to the qualifications, assumptions and limitations stated herein, we are of the opinion that:

1. When the Exchange Notes have been duly executed, authenticated, issued and delivered in accordance with the provisions of the Indentures upon the exchange, the Exchange Notes will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Issuers enforceable against the Issuers in accordance with their terms.

2. When (a) the Exchange Notes have been duly executed, authenticated, issued and delivered in accordance with the provisions of the Indentures upon the exchange and (b) the Guarantees have been duly issued, the Guarantees will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Guarantors enforceable against the Guarantors in accordance with their terms.

Our opinions set forth above are subject to (i) the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally, (ii) general equitable principles (whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law) and (iii) an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.

We express no opinion as to the validity, legally binding effect or enforceability of any provision of the Indentures or the Exchange Notes that requires or relates to payment of any


P INNACLE F OODS F INANCE LLC      
P INNACLE F OODS F INANCE C ORP .    -4-    D ECEMBER 21, 2007        

 

interest at a rate or in an amount that a court would determine in the circumstances under applicable law to be commercially unreasonable or a penalty or a forfeiture. In addition, we express no opinion as to the validity, legally binding effect or enforceability of (i) the waivers of rights and defenses contained in Sections 10.01 and 12.07 of the Senior Notes Indenture and Sections 11.01 and 14.07 of the Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture or (ii) Section 12.13 of the Senior Notes Indenture and Section 14.13 of the Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture relating to severability.

We do not express any opinion herein concerning any law other than the law of the State of New York, the federal law of the United States, the Delaware General Corporation Law (including the statutory provisions, all applicable provisions of the Delaware Constitution and reported judicial decisions interpreting the foregoing) and the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act.

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion letter as Exhibit 5.1 to the Registration Statement and to the use of our name under the caption “Legal Matters” in the Prospectus included in the Registration Statement.

 

Very truly yours,

/s/ Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

SIMPSON THACHER & BARTLETT LLP


Schedule I

Guarantors

 

Entity Name

   Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or
Formation

Pinnacle Foods Group LLC

   Delaware

Pinnacle Foods International Corp.

   Delaware

Exhibit 10.1

Execution Copy

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

(William Darkoch; Executive Vive President – Supply Chain and Operations)

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) dated April 2, 2007 by and between Crunch Holding Corp. (the “Company”) and William Darkoch (the “Executive”).

The Company and its Subsidiaries and the Company’s parent, Peak Holdings LLC (the “ Partnership ”) desire to employ Executive and to enter into an agreement embodying the terms of such employment;

Executive desires to accept such employment and enter into such an agreement;

In consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the parties agree as follows:

1. Term of Employment . Subject to the provisions of Section 7 of this Agreement, Executive shall be employed by the Company and certain of its affiliates for a period commencing on the date of this Agreement and ending on April 2, 2010 (the “Employment Term”) on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement; provided , however, that commencing with April 2, 2010 and on each April 2nd thereafter (each an “Extension Date”), the Employment Term shall be automatically extended for an additional one-year period, unless the Company or Executive provides the other party hereto 60 days prior Notice before the next Extension Date that the Employment Term shall not be so extended.

2. Position .

(a) During the Employment Term, Executive shall serve as the Company’s and the Partnership’s Executive Vive President – Supply Chain and Operations. In such position, Executive shall have such duties and authority as shall be determined from time to time by the Management Committee of the Partnership (the “Board”) and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company consistent with such title, duties and responsibilities. If requested, Executive shall also serve as a member of the Board without additional compensation.

(b) During the Employment Term, Executive will devote Executive’s full business time and best efforts to the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder and will not engage in any other business, profession or occupation for compensation or otherwise which would conflict or interfere with the rendition of such services either directly or indirectly, without the prior written consent of the Board; provided that nothing herein shall preclude Executive, (i) from engaging in charitable and civic activities, including accepting appointment to or continuing to serve on any board of directors or trustees of any charitable organization or (ii) subject to the prior approval of the Board, from accepting appointment to or continuing to serve on any board of directors or trustees of any business corporation; provided in each case, and in the aggregate, that such activities do not conflict or interfere with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder or conflict with Section 8.

3. Base Salary . During the Employment Term, the Company shall pay Executive a base salary at the annual rate of $310,000, payable in regular installments in


accordance with the Company’s usual payment practices. Executive shall be entitled to such increases in Executive’s base salary, if any, as may be determined in the sole discretion of the Board at least annually; provided, Executive shall be eligible for an increase in his annual base salary effective April 2, 2008 to $325,000 and effective April 2, 2009 to $350,000, in each such case based on his performance. Executive’s annual base salary, as in effect from time to time, is hereinafter referred to as the “Base Salary.”

4. Annual Bonus . With respect to each full fiscal year during the Employment Term (which for the purposes of the 2007 fiscal year shall include the fiscal year of the Company’s predecessor commencing on January 1, 2007), Executive shall be eligible to earn an annual bonus award (an “Annual Bonus”) in such amount, if any, as may be determined in the sole discretion of the Board, of 75 percent (75%) of a deemed amount of Executive’s Base Salary of $350,000 (the “Target Annual Bonus”), and of not less than 150 percent (150%) of a deemed amount of Executive’s Base Salary of $350,000 at maximum, based upon the achievement of annual EBITDA target or maximum performance objectives, as the case may be, established by the Board within the first three months of each fiscal year during the Employment Term. The Annual Bonus, if any, shall be paid to Executive within two and one-half (2.5) months after the end of the applicable fiscal year.

5. Employee Benefits . During the Employment Term, Executive shall be entitled to participate in the Company’s employee benefit plans (other than annual bonus and incentive plans) as in effect from time to time (collectively “Employee Benefits”), on the same basis as those benefits are generally made available to other senior executives of the Company. Executive shall be entitled to 4 weeks’ vacation per fiscal year.

6. Business Expenses . During the Employment Term, reasonable business expenses incurred by Executive in the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder shall be advanced or promptly reimbursed by the Company in accordance with Company policies. In addition, up to $50,000 shall be paid in attorney’s fees representation by counsel in the negotiation of this Agreement and certain related agreements for Executive and certain other executives of the Company (without duplication).

7. Termination . The Employment Term and Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated by the Company at any time and for any reason upon Notice to Executive and by Executive upon at least 30 days’ advance Notice of any such resignation of Executive’s employment; provided , that in the event that the Company terminates Executive’s employment without Cause (as defined in Section 7(a)(ii)) after Executive has given advance Notice of his resignation but before the end of the notice period, Executive shall receive full payment of Base Salary, any Annual Bonus, and benefits as an active employee for the unexpired portion of such notice period. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the provisions of this Section 7 shall exclusively govern Executive’s rights to payment of compensation, severance, employee benefits and Executive’s business expenses upon termination of employment with the Company and its affiliates.

 

2


(a) By the Company For Cause or By Executive Other Than as a Result of a Constructive Termination .

(i) The Employment Term and Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated by the Company for Cause and shall terminate automatically upon the effective date of Executive’s resignation other than as result of a Constructive Termination (as defined in Section 7(c)(ii)).

(ii) For purposes of this Agreement, “ Cause ” shall mean (A) Executive’s continued failure substantially to perform Executive’s material duties under Executive’s employment (other than as a result of total or partial incapacity due to physical or mental illness) following Notice by the Company to Executive of such failure and 30 days within which to cure; (B) theft or embezzlement of Company property; (C) dishonesty in the performance of Manager’s duties resulting in material harm to the Company; (D) any act on the part of Executive that constitutes a felony under the laws of the United States or any state thereof ( provided, that if a Executive is terminated for any action described in this clause (D) and Executive is never indicted in respect of such action, then the burden of establishing that such action occurred shall be on the Company in respect of any proceeding related thereto between the parties and the standard of proof shall be clear and convincing evidence (and if the Company fails to meet such standard, the Company shall reimburse Executive for his reasonable legal fees in connection with such proceeding)); (E) Executive’s willful material misconduct in connection with Executive’s duties to the Company or any act or omission which is materially injurious to the financial condition or business reputation of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, or (F) Executive’s breach of the provisions of Section 8. No act shall be “willful” if conducted in good faith with a reasonable belief that such conduct was in the best interests of the Company.

(iii) If Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, or if Executive resigns other than as a result of a Constructive Termination, Executive shall be entitled to receive:

(A) the Base Salary and unused vacation accrued through the date of termination, payable within fifteen days following the date of such termination;

(B) any Annual Bonus earned, but unpaid, as of the date of termination for the immediately preceding fiscal year, paid in accordance with Section 4 (except to the extent payment is otherwise deferred pursuant to any applicable deferred compensation arrangement with the Company, in which case such amount shall be paid in full at the earliest such time as is provided under such arrangement);

(C) reimbursement, within 60 days following submission by Executive to the Company of appropriate supporting documentation) for any unreimbursed business expenses properly incurred by Executive in accordance with Company policy prior to the date of Executive’s termination; provided, that claims for such reimbursement (accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation) are submitted to the Company within 90 days following the date of Executive’s termination of employment; and

 

3


(D) such Employee Benefits, if any, as to which Executive may be entitled under the employee benefit plans of the Company (the amounts described in clauses (A) through (D) hereof being referred to as the “Accrued Rights”).

Following such termination of Executive’s employment by the Company for Cause or resignation by Executive other than as a result of a Constructive Termination, except as set forth in this Section 7(a)(iii), Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement.

(b) Disability or Death.

(i) The Employment Term and Executive’s employment hereunder shall terminate upon Executive’s death and may be terminated by the Company if Executive becomes physically or mentally incapacitated, after providing Executive reasonable accommodation, and is therefore unable, for a period of nine consecutive months or for an aggregate of twelve months in any eighteen consecutive month period, to perform Executive’s duties. The period of nine months shall be deemed continuous unless Executive returns to work for a period of at least 30 consecutive days during such period and performs during such period at the level and competence that existed prior to the beginning of the nine-month period. Such incapacity is hereinafter referred to as “Disability”. Any question as to the existence of the Disability of Executive as to which Executive and the Company cannot agree shall be determined in writing by a qualified independent physician mutually acceptable to Executive and the Company. If Executive and the Company cannot agree as to a qualified independent physician, each shall appoint such a physician and those two physicians shall select a third qualified independent physician which third such physician shall make such determination. The determination of Disability made by such physician in writing to the Company and Executive shall be final and conclusive for all purposes of the Agreement and any other agreement between any Company and Executive that incorporates the definition of “Disability”.

(ii) Upon termination of Executive’s employment hereunder for either Disability or death, Executive or Executive’s estate (as the case may be) shall be entitled to receive the Accrued Rights.

Following Executive’s termination of employment due to death or Disability, except as set forth in this Section 7(b)(ii), Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement.

(c) By the Company Without Cause or Resignation by Executive as a result of Constructive Termination .

(i) The Employment Term and Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated by the Company without Cause or by Executive’s as a result of a Constructive Termination.

 

4


(ii) For purposes of this Agreement, a “Constructive Termination” shall be deemed to have occurred upon (A) the failure of the Company to pay or cause to be paid Executive’s base salary or annual bonus (if any) when due; (B) a reduction in Executive’s base salary or target bonus opportunity percentage of base salary (excluding any change in value of equity incentives or a reduction in base salary affecting substantially all similarly situated executives by the same percentage of base salary); (C) any substantial and sustained diminution in Executive’s duties, authority or responsibilities as of the Closing Date; (D) a relocation of Executive’s primary work location more than 50 miles without Executive’s prior written consent; (E) the failure to assign Executive’s employment agreement to a successor, and the failure of such successor to assume such employment agreement, in any Public Offering or Change of Control (each as defined in the Securityholders Agreement, dated April 2, 2007, between Executive and the Company); or (F) a Company Notice to Executive of the Company’s election not to extend the Employment Term (other than such a Notice not to extend the initial Employment Term ending on April 2, 2010); provided , that none of these events shall constitute Constructive Termination unless the Company fails to cure such event within 30 days after Notice is given by Executive specifying in reasonable detail the event which constitutes Constructive Termination; provided , further, that “Constructive Termination” shall cease to exist for an event on the 60 th day following the later of its occurrence or Executive’s knowledge thereof, unless Executive has given the Company Notice thereof prior to such date.

(iii) If Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause (other than by reason of death or Disability) or if Executive resigns as a result of a Constructive Termination, Executive shall be entitled to receive:

(A) the Accrued Rights;

(B) a pro rata portion of a Target Annual Bonus, payable within 30 days after Executive has entered into a release of claims set forth below, based upon the percentage of the fiscal year that shall have elapsed through the date of Executive’s termination of employment;

(C) subject to Executive’s continued compliance with the provisions of Sections 8 and 9, payment of an amount equal to (x) one multiplied by (y) the sum of the annual Base Salary amount plus Executive’s Target Annual Bonus amount, which shall be payable to Executive in equal installments in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices, as in effect on the date of termination of Executive’s employment, for twelve months after the date of such termination; provided , that the aggregate amount described in this clause (C) shall be reduced by the present value of any other cash severance benefits payable to Executive under any other severance plans, programs or arrangements of the Company or its affiliates; and

(D) continued coverage under the Company’s group health, life and disability plans until the earlier of (i) one year from Executive’s date of termination of employment with the Company and (ii) the date such Executive is or becomes eligible for comparable coverage (determined, to the extent practicable, on a coverage-by-coverage and benefit-by-benefit basis) under health, life and disability plans of another employer.

 

5


Amounts payable to Executive under subparagraphs (B) and (C), above, are subject to Executive providing a release of all claims to the Company in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A. Following Executive’s termination of employment by the Company without Cause (other than by reason of Executive’s death or Disability) or by Executive’s resignation as a result of a Constructive Termination, except as set forth in this Section 7(c)(iii), Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement.

(d) Expiration of Employment Term .

(i) Election Not to Extend the Employment Term . In the event either party elects not to extend the Employment Term pursuant to Section 1, unless Executive’s employment is earlier terminated pursuant to paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) of this Section 7, Executive’s termination of employment hereunder (whether or not Executive continues as an employee of the Company thereafter) shall be deemed to occur on the close of business on the day immediately preceding the next scheduled Extension Date and Executive shall be entitled to receive the Accrued Rights. Following such termination of Executive’s employment hereunder as a result of either party’s election not to extend the Employment Term, except as set forth in this Section 7(d)(i) and subject to the provisions of paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) of this Section 7 as may apply, Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement.

(ii) Continued Employment Beyond the Expiration of the Employment Term . Unless the parties otherwise agree in writing, continuation of Executive’s employment with the Company beyond the expiration of the Employment Term shall be deemed an employment at-will and shall not be deemed to extend any of the provisions of this Agreement and Executive’s employment may thereafter be terminated at will by either Executive or the Company; provided , that the provisions of Sections 8, 9 and 10 of this Agreement, and any accrued and vested rights of Executive as of the last day of the Employment Term, shall survive any termination of this Agreement or Executive’s termination of employment hereunder.

(e) Notice of Termination . Any purported termination of employment by the Company or by Executive (other than due to Executive’s death) shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party hereto in accordance with Section 11 (i) hereof. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” shall mean a Notice which shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of employment under the provision so indicated.

(f) Board/Committee Resignation . Upon termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive agrees to resign, as of the date of such termination and to the extent applicable, from the Board (and any committees thereof) and the Board of Directors (and any committees thereof) of any of the Company’s affiliates.

 

6


8. Non-Competition .

(a) Executive acknowledges and recognizes the highly competitive nature of the businesses of the Company and its affiliates and accordingly agrees as follows:

(i) During the Employment Term and, for a period of one year following the date Executive ceases to be employed by the Company (the “Restricted Period”), Executive will not, whether on Executive’s own behalf or on behalf of or in conjunction with any person, firm, partnership, joint venture, association, corporation or other business organization, entity or enterprise whatsoever (“Person”), directly or indirectly solicit or assist in soliciting in a Competitive Business (as defined below), the business of any client or prospective client:

(A) with whom Executive had personal contact or dealings on behalf of the Company during the one-year period preceding Executive’s termination of employment;

(B) with whom employees directly reporting to Executive (or Executive’s direct reports) have had personal contact or dealings on behalf of the Company during the one year immediately preceding Executive’s termination of employment; or

(C) for whom Executive had direct or indirect responsibility during the one year immediately preceding Executive’s termination of employment.

(ii) During the Restricted Period, Executive will not directly or indirectly:

(A) engage in any business that is engaged in, or has plans to engage in, at any time during the Restricted Period, any activity that competes in the business of manufacturing and marketing food products that directly compete with the core brands of the Company as of the Termination Date (and for such purpose, a “core brand” shall be any brand generating annual revenues in an amount equal to at least 5% of the Company’s annual revenues, in the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year of such Termination Date) in any geographical area that is within 100 miles of any geographical area where the Company or its affiliates manufactures and markets its products or services (a “Competitive Business”);

(B) enter the employ of, or render any services to, any Person (or any division or controlled or controlling affiliate of any Person) who or which engages in a Competitive Business;

(C) acquire a financial interest in, or otherwise become actively involved with, any Competitive Business, directly or indirectly, as an individual, partner, shareholder, officer, director, principal, agent, trustee or consultant; or

(D) interfere with, or attempt to interfere with, business relationships (whether formed before, on or after the date of this Agreement) between the Company or any of its affiliates and customers, clients, suppliers partners, members or investors of the Company or its affiliates.

 

7


(iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, Executive may, directly or indirectly own, solely as an investment, securities of any Person engaged in a Competitive Business which are publicly traded on a national or regional stock exchange or on the over-the-counter market if Executive (i) is not a controlling person of, or a member of a group which controls, such person and (ii) does not, directly or indirectly, own 5% or more of any class of securities of such Person.

(iv) During the Restricted Period, Executive will not, whether on Executive’s own behalf or on behalf of or in conjunction with any Person, directly or indirectly (with Executive’s knowledge):

(A) solicit or encourage any employee of the Company or its affiliates to leave the employment of the Company or its affiliates; or

(B) hire any such employee who was employed by the Company or its affiliates as of the date of Executive’s termination of employment with the Company or who left the employment of the Company or its affiliates coincident with, or within 120 days (one year in the case of any such employee who reported directly to Executive immediately preceding Executive’s termination of employment (or Executive’s direct reports)) prior to or after, the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company.

Any solicitation or hiring, that Executive is not personally involved in, of an employee or former employee of the Company through general advertising shall not, of itself, be a breach of this Section 8(a)(iv).

(v) During the Restricted Period, Executive will not, directly or indirectly, solicit or encourage to cease to work with the Company or its affiliates any consultant then under contract with the Company or its affiliates, if such action would result in the Company being disadvantaged by such solicitation.

(b) It is expressly understood and agreed that although Executive and the Company consider the restrictions contained in this Section 8 to be reasonable, if a final judicial determination is made by a court of competent jurisdiction, or arbitrator pursuant to Section 11(o), that the time or territory or any other restriction contained in this Agreement is an unenforceable restriction against Executive, the provisions of this Agreement shall not be rendered void but shall be deemed amended to apply as to such maximum time and territory and to such maximum extent as such court may judicially determine or indicate to be enforceable. Alternatively, if any court of competent jurisdiction finds that any restriction contained in this Agreement is unenforceable, and such restriction cannot be amended so as to make it enforceable, such finding shall not affect the enforceability of any of the other restrictions contained herein.

(c) The period of time during which the provisions of this Section 8 shall be in effect shall be extended by the length of time during which Executive is in breach of the terms hereof as determined by any court of competent jurisdiction on the Company’s application for injunctive relief.

 

8


9. Confidentiality; Intellectual Property .

(a) Confidentiality .

(i) Executive will not at any time (whether during or after Executive’s employment with the Company) (x) retain or use for the benefit, purposes or account of Executive or any other person; or (y) disclose, divulge, reveal, communicate, share, transfer or provide access to any person outside the Company (other than its professional advisers who are bound by confidentiality obligations), any non-public, proprietary or confidential information —including without limitation trade secrets, know-how, research and development, software, databases, inventions, processes, formulae, technology, designs and other intellectual property, information concerning finances, investments, profits, pricing, costs, products, services, vendors, customers, clients, partners, investors, personnel, compensation, recruiting, training, advertising, sales, marketing, promotions, government and regulatory activities and approvals — concerning the past, current or future business, activities and operations of the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates and/or any third party that has disclosed or provided any of same to the Company on a confidential basis (“Confidential Information”) without the prior written authorization of the Board except as may be required for Executive to discharge his employment duties to the Company.

(ii) “Confidential Information” shall not include any information that is (a) generally known to the industry or the public other than as a result of Executive’s breach of this covenant or any breach of other confidentiality obligations by third parties; (b) made legitimately available to Executive by a third party without breach of any confidentiality obligation; or (c) required by law to be disclosed (including via subpoena); provided that Executive shall give prompt Notice to the Company of such requirement of law, disclose no more information than is so required, and cooperate, at the Company’s cost, with any attempts by the Company to obtain a protective order or similar treatment.

(iii) Except as required by law, Executive will not disclose to anyone, other than Executive’s immediate family and legal or financial advisors, the existence or contents of this Agreement (unless this Agreement shall be publicly available as a result of a regulatory filing made by the Company or its affiliates or otherwise is disclosed by the Company to any unaffiliated party that is not under a restriction of confidentiality at least as restrictive as this restriction upon Executive); provided , that Executive may disclose to any prospective future employer the notice provisions of that part of Section 4 preceding Section 4(a) and the provisions of Sections 8 and 9 of this Agreement provided they agree to maintain the confidentiality of such terms.

(iv) Upon termination of Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason, Executive shall (x) cease and not thereafter commence use of any Confidential Information or intellectual property (including without limitation, any patent, invention, copyright, trade secret, trademark, trade name, logo, domain name or other source indicator) owned or used by the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates; (y) immediately destroy, delete, or

 

9


return to the Company, at the Company’s option, all originals and copies in any form or medium (including memoranda, books, papers, plans, computer files, letters and other data) in Executive’s possession or control (including any of the foregoing stored or located in Executive’s office, home, laptop or other computer, whether or not Company property) that contain Confidential Information or otherwise relate to the business of the Company, its affiliates and subsidiaries, except that Executive may retain only those portions of any personal notes, notebooks and diaries that do not contain any Confidential Information and his rolodex (or other physical or electronic address book); and (z) fully cooperate with the Company regarding the delivery or destruction of any other Confidential Information not within Executive’s possession or control of which Executive is or becomes aware.

(b) Intellectual Property .

(i) If Executive has created, invented, designed, developed, contributed to or improved any works of authorship, inventions, intellectual property, materials, documents or other work product (including without limitation, research, reports, software, databases, systems, applications, presentations, textual works, content, or audiovisual materials) (“Works”), either alone or with third parties, prior to Executive’s employment by the Company, that are relevant to or implicated by such employment (“Prior Works”), Executive hereby grants the Company a perpetual, non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide, assignable, sublicensable license under all rights and intellectual property rights (including rights under patent, industrial property, copyright, trademark, trade secret, unfair competition and related laws) therein for all purposes in connection with the Company’s current and future business.

(ii) If Executive creates, invents, designs, develops, contributes to or improves any Works, either alone or with third parties, at any time during Executive’s employment by the Company and within the scope of such employment and/or with the use of any the Company resources (“Company Works”), Executive shall promptly and fully disclose same to the Company and hereby irrevocably assigns, transfers and conveys, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, all rights and intellectual property rights therein (including rights under patent, industrial property, copyright, trademark, trade secret, unfair competition and related laws) to the Company to the extent ownership of any such rights does not vest originally in the Company.

(iii) Executive agrees to keep and maintain adequate and current written records (in the form of notes, sketches, drawings, and any other form or media requested by the Company) of all Company Works. The records will be available to and remain the sole property and intellectual property of the Company at all times.

(iv) Executive shall take all requested actions and execute all requested documents (including any licenses or assignments required by a government contract) at the Company’s expense (but without further remuneration) to assist the Company in validating, maintaining, protecting, enforcing, perfecting, recording, patenting or registering any of the Company’s rights in the Prior Works and Company Works. If the Company is unable for any other reason to secure Executive’s signature on any document for this purpose, then Executive hereby irrevocably designates and appoints the Company and its duly authorized officers and

 

10


agents as Executive’s agent and attorney in fact, to act for and in Executive’s behalf and stead to execute any documents and to do all other lawfully permitted acts in connection with the foregoing.

(v) Executive shall not improperly use for the benefit of, bring to any premises of, divulge, disclose, communicate, reveal, transfer or provide access to, or share with the Company any confidential, proprietary or non-public information or intellectual property relating to a former employer or other third party without the prior written permission of such third party. Executive hereby indemnifies, holds harmless and agrees to defend the Company and its officers, directors, partners, employees, agents and representatives from any breach of the foregoing covenant. Executive shall comply with all relevant policies and guidelines of the Company, including regarding the protection of confidential information and intellectual property and potential conflicts of interest. Executive acknowledges that the Company may amend any such policies and guidelines from time to time, and that Executive remains at all times bound by their most current version.

(vi) The provisions of Section 8, 9 and 10 shall survive the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason.

10. Specific Performance . Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Company’s remedies at law for a breach or threatened breach of any of the provisions of Sections 8 or 9 would be inadequate and the Company would suffer irreparable damages as a result of such breach or threatened breach. In recognition of this fact, Executive agrees that, in the event of such a breach or threatened breach, in addition to any remedies at law, the Company, without posting any bond, shall be entitled to cease making any payments or providing any benefit otherwise required by this Agreement and obtain equitable relief in the form of specific performance, temporary restraining order, temporary or permanent injunction or any other equitable remedy which may then be available.

11. Miscellaneous.

(a) Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflicts of laws principles thereof.

(b) Entire Agreement/Amendments . This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the employment of Executive by the Company. There are no restrictions, agreements, promises, warranties, covenants or undertakings between the parties with respect to the subject matter herein other than those expressly set forth herein. This Agreement may not be altered, modified, or amended except by written instrument signed by the parties hereto. In the event of any inconsistency between this Agreement and any other plan, program, practice or agreement of which Executive is a participant or a party, this Agreement shall control unless such other plan, program, practice or agreement specifically refers to the provisions of this sentence.

(c) No Waiver . The failure of a party to insist upon strict adherence to any term of this Agreement on any occasion shall not be considered a waiver of such party’s rights or deprive such party of the right thereafter to insist upon strict adherence to that term or any other term of this Agreement.

 

11


(d) Severability . In the event that any one or more of the provisions of this Agreement shall be or become invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.

(e) Assignment . This Agreement, and all of Executive’s rights and duties hereunder, shall not be assignable or delegable by Executive. Any purported assignment or delegation by Executive in violation of the foregoing shall be null and void ab initio and of no force and effect. This Agreement may be assigned by the Company to a person or entity which is an affiliate or a successor in interest to substantially all of the business operations of the Company, provided , that (i) such assignment shall be subject to Executive’s rights under Section 7(c)(ii) and (ii) the Board has exercised reasonable diligence to determine that such assignee is then solvent (on a balance sheet and cash flow basis) to satisfy the Company’s obligations under this Agreement together with all of the assignee’s other liabilities. Upon such assignment, the rights and obligations of the Company hereunder shall become the rights and obligations of such affiliate or successor person or entity.

(f) Set Off; No Mitigation . The Company’s obligation to pay Executive the amounts provided and to make the arrangements provided hereunder shall be subject to set-off, counterclaim or recoupment of amounts owed by Executive to the Company or its affiliates. Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided for pursuant to this Agreement by seeking other employment, taking into account the provisions of Section 8(a)(i), (ii) and (iii) of this Agreement, and such payments shall not be reduced by any compensation or benefits received from any subsequent employer or other endeavor except as provided at Section 7(c)(iii)(D)(ii).

(g) Compliance with IRC Section 409A . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) if at the time of Executive’s termination of employment with the Company Executive is a “specified employee” as defined in Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and the deferral of the commencement of any payments or benefits otherwise payable hereunder as a result of such termination of employment is necessary in order to prevent any accelerated or additional tax under Section 409A of the Code, then the Company will defer the commencement of the payment of any such payments or benefits hereunder (without any reduction in such payments or benefits ultimately paid or provided to Executive) until the date that is six months following Executive’s termination of employment with the Company (or the earliest date as is permitted under Section 409A of the Code) and (ii) if any other payments of money or other benefits due to Executive hereunder could cause the application of an accelerated or additional tax under Section 409A of the Code, such payments or other benefits shall be deferred if deferral will make such payment or other benefits compliant under Section 409A of the Code, or otherwise such payment or other benefits shall be restructured, to the extent possible, in a manner, determined by the Board, that does not cause such an accelerated or additional tax. The Company shall consult with Executive in good faith regarding the implementation of the provisions of this Section 11(g); provided that neither the Company nor any of its employees or representatives shall have any liability to Executive with respect to thereto.

 

12


(h) Successors; Binding Agreement . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. In the event of Executive’s death prior to receipt of all amounts payable to Executive (including any unpaid amounts due under Section 7), such amounts shall be paid to Executive’s beneficiary designated by him by Notice to the Company or, in the absence of such designation, to his estate.

(i) Notice . For the purpose of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in the Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered by hand or overnight courier or three postal delivery days after it has been mailed by United States registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to the respective addresses set forth below in this Agreement, or to such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that Notice of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt (each such communication, “ Notice ”).

If to the Company, addressed to:

Crunch Holding Corp.

One Old Bloomfield

Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046

Attention: General Counsel

with a copy which shall not constitute Notice to:

The Blackstone Group

345 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10154

Attention: Prakash Melwani

with a copy which shall not constitute Notice to:

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

425 Lexington Ave.

New York, NY 10017

Attention: Greg Grogan

If to Executive, to the address listed in the Company’s payroll records from time to time;

with a copy which shall not constitute Notice to:

Vedder, Price, Kaufman & Kammholz, P.C.

222 North LaSalle Street

Chicago, IL 60601

Attention: Robert Simon

 

13


(j) Executive Representation . Executive hereby represents to the Company that the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Executive and the Company and the performance by Executive of Executive’s duties hereunder shall not constitute a breach of, or otherwise contravene, the terms of any employment agreement or other agreement or policy to which Executive is a party or otherwise bound.

(k) Prior Agreements . This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings (including verbal agreements) between Executive and the Company and/or its affiliates regarding the terms and conditions of Executive’s employment with the Company and/or its affiliates including, without limitation, employment agreement dated July 20, 2005 (collectively, the “Prior Agreements”).

(l) Cooperation . Executive shall provide Executive’s reasonable cooperation in connection with any action or proceeding (or any appeal from any action or proceeding) which relates to events occurring during Executive’s employment hereunder, provided , that, following termination of Executive’s employment, the Company shall pay all expenses incurred by Executive in providing such cooperation, including, without limitation, all transportation, lodging and meal expenses (in the same level of comfort provided to Executive for his business travel during his period of employment) and reasonable attorneys fees. This provision shall survive any termination of this Agreement.

(m) Withholding Taxes . The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement such Federal, state and local taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.

(n) Counterparts . This Agreement may be signed in counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument.

(o) Arbitration . Any controversy, dispute, or claim arising out of, in connection with, or in relation to, the interpretation, performance or breach of this Agreement, including, without limitation, the validity, scope, and enforceability of this section, may at the election of any party, be solely and finally settled by arbitration conducted in New York, New York, by and in accordance with the then existing rules for commercial arbitration of the American Arbitration Association, or any successor organization and with the Expedited Procedures thereof (collectively, the “Rules”), subject to the right of the Company to seek interim equitable relief pursuant to Section 10 pending disposition of such arbitration. Each of the parties hereto agrees that such arbitration shall be conducted by a single arbitrator selected in accordance with the Rules; provided, that such arbitrator shall be experienced in deciding cases concerning the matter which is the subject of the dispute. Any of the parties may demand arbitration by providing Notice to the other party and to the American Arbitration Association in accordance with the Rules (“Demand for Arbitration”). Each of the parties agrees that if possible, the award shall be

 

14


made in writing no more than 30 days following the end of the proceeding. Any award rendered by the arbitrator(s) shall be final and binding and judgment may be entered on it in any court of competent jurisdiction. Each of the parties hereto agrees, except as may be required to enforce the arbitrator’s award, to treat as confidential the results of any arbitration (including, without limitation, any findings of fact and/or law made by the arbitrator) and not to disclose such results to any unauthorized person. The parties intend that this agreement to arbitrate be valid, enforceable and irrevocable. In the event of any arbitration with regard to this Agreement, each party shall pay its own legal fees and expenses, provided , however, that the Company shall pay the Arbitrator’s fees and costs of the arbitration.

(p) Indemnification . Without limiting any other indemnification of to Executive under any other plan or agreement in which Executive is a fiduciary or a party, the Company shall indemnify Executive and hold Executive harmless from and against all costs, expenses, claims, losses and liabilities (including, without limitation, fees, judgments, fines, penalties and settlement payments) reasonably incurred by Executive in connection with any action, suit or proceeding in which Executive is made, or is threatened to be made, a party or a witness by reason of Executive’s performance as an officer, director or employee of the Company or its Subsidiaries or in any other capacity (including a fiduciary capacity) in which Executive serves at the request of the Company or its Subsidiaries (each, a “ Proceeding ”) to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law. If any claim is asserted with respect to which would reasonably be expected to be entitled to indemnification, the Company shall pay Executive’s reasonable costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys fees) with respect to any Proceeding (or cause such expenses to be paid) on a quarterly basis; provided that Executive shall reimburse the Company for such amounts, plus simple interest thereon at the 90-day United States Treasury Bill rate as in effect from time to time, compounded annually, if Executive ultimately shall be found by a court of competent jurisdiction not to have been entitled to such indemnification. The Company or its affiliates shall at all times maintain or cause to be maintained a directors and officers’ liability insurance and indemnification policy covering Executive which is consistent with the policy that covers members of the Board.

(q) Shareholder Approval . This Agreement shall be subject to, and shall only be effective following, the approval of the Company’s shareholders as of the date hereof who owned, as of the date hereof, more than 75% of the voting power of all outstanding stock of the Company, determined and obtained in a manner consistent with the methodology described in proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1.

[Signature Page Follows this Page]

 

15


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Employment Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

PEAK HOLDINGS CORP.
/s/ Shervin Korangy
By: Shervin Korangy
Title: Vice President
EXECUTIVE
/s/ William Darkoch
William Darkoch

 

16


EXHIBIT A

RELEASE OF CLAIMS

This Release of Claims is entered into by William Darkoch (“Executive”).

WHEREAS, Executive and Crunch Holding Corp., with offices at One Old Bloomfield, Mountain Lakes, New Jersey 07046 (the “Company”) entered into an Employment Agreement (the “Employment Agreement”) dated April 2, 2007 that provides Executive certain severance and other benefits in the event of an involuntary termination of Executive’s termination without Cause or Executive’s resignation of employment due to a Constructive Termination (each term as defined under the Employment Agreement);

WHEREAS, Executive’s employment has so terminated; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 7(c)(iii) of the Employment Agreement, a condition of Executive’s entitlement to certain severance and other benefits thereunder is his agreement to this Release of Claims.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the severance and other benefits provided under Section 7(c)(iii)(B) and (C), Executive agrees as follows:

1. Executive, for himself and his heirs, executors and administrators, hereby fully and finally waives, discharges and releases the Company, including each of the Company’s past, current and future parents, subsidiaries, and affiliates, and its and their shareholders, members, directors, officers, and employees, from any and all claims relating to his employment with the Company or his termination therefrom, whether now known or later discovered, which he or anyone acting on his behalf might otherwise have had or asserted, including, but not limited to, any express or implied contract of employment claims, any tort claims, claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act of 1990, the laws, including the labor laws of any state, including the State of New Jersey, and all claims under related common law, statutes, and executive orders at the federal, state and local levels of government, and any claims to any benefits from employment with the Company other than: (i) those benefits set forth enumerated in Section 7(c)(iii) of the Employment Agreement, (ii) any claims for indemnification pursuant to Section 11(p) of the Employment Agreement, (iii) all rights and benefits as a Class __ and Class__ member of the Peak Holdings LLC, and (iv) any claims for accrued and vested benefits under any of the Company’s employee retirement and welfare benefit plans in which Executive participated immediately prior to the date of termination of his employment. In addition, Executive represents that no incident has occurred during his employment with the Company that could form the basis for any claim by him against the Company under the worker’s compensation laws of any jurisdiction.

2. Executive represents that he has not brought, and covenants and agrees that he will not bring or cause to be brought, any charges, claims, demands, suits or actions, known or unknown, in any forum, against the Company arising out of, connected with or related in any way to his dealings with the Company that occurred prior to the effective date of this Agreement,

 

17


including, without limitation, his employment or his termination; provided , however, that Executive shall not be prevented from enforcing any rights he may have under and the terms of this Release of Claims, in accordance with Section 11(o) of the Employment Agreement. In the event that Executive brings an action to invalidate this Agreement, Executive covenants and agrees that prior to the commencement of such action, he will tender back to the Company all consideration paid to him pursuant to Section 7(c)(iii)(B) and (C) of the Employment Agreement up to the date any such action is instituted. Executive acknowledges and understands that all Company benefits provided under Section 7(c)(iii)(B) and (C) of the Employment Agreement will also be suspended as of the date such action is instituted and that no further consideration or benefits will be provided by the Company during the pendency of such action.

3. Executive acknowledges that he is subject to a confidentiality covenant pursuant to Section 9 of the Employment Agreement and a noncompetition covenant pursuant to Section 8 of the Employment Agreement and hereby reaffirms his obligations thereunder.

4. EXECUTIVE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT HE HAS BEEN ADVISED, IN WRITING, TO CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY OF HIS CHOICE PRIOR TO SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT AND THAT HE HAS SIGNED THIS AGREEMENT KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY, AND FREELY, AND WITH SUCH COUNSEL AS HE DEEMED APPROPRIATE. IN ADDITION, EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT HE HAS BEEN PROVIDED WITH A PERIOD OF UP TO TWENTY-ONE (21) DAYS IN WHICH TO CONSIDER WHETHER OR NOT TO ENTER INTO THIS RELEASE. FURTHER, EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT HE HAS BEEN ADVISED OF HIS RIGHT TO REVOKE THIS AGREEMENT DURING THE SEVEN (7) DAY PERIOD FOLLOWING EXECUTION HEREOF, AND THAT THE AGREEMENT SHALL NOT BECOME EFFECTIVE OR ENFORCEABLE UNTIL THE REVOCATION PERIOD HAS EXPIRED.

5. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as an admission by the Company of any liability of any kind to Executive, all such liability being expressly denied except for obligations of the Company imposed by the Employment Agreement which survive pursuant to this Release of Claims.

 

   
William Darkoch
Date:                          , 20     

Exhibit 10.2

Execution Copy

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

(William Toler; President)

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) dated April 2, 2007 by and between Crunch Holding Corp. (the “Company”) and William Toler (the “Executive”).

The Company and its Subsidiaries and the Company’s parent, Peak Holdings LLC (the “ Partnership ”) desire to employ Executive and to enter into an agreement embodying the terms of such employment;

Executive desires to accept such employment and enter into such an agreement;

In consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the parties agree as follows:

1. Term of Employment . Subject to the provisions of Section 7 of this Agreement, Executive shall be employed by the Company and certain of its affiliates for a period commencing on the date of this Agreement and ending on April 2, 2012 (the “Employment Term”) on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement; provided , however, that commencing with April 2, 2012 and on each April 2nd thereafter (each an “Extension Date”), the Employment Term shall be automatically extended for an additional one-year period, unless the Company or Executive provides the other party hereto 60 days prior Notice before the next Extension Date that the Employment Term shall not be so extended.

2. Position .

(a) During the Employment Term, Executive shall serve as the Company’s and the Partnership’s President. In such position, Executive shall report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and have such duties and authority as shall be determined from time to time by the Management Committee of the Partnership (the “Board”) and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company consistent with such title, duties and responsibilities. Executive shall also serve as a member of the Board without additional compensation.

(b) During the Employment Term, Executive will devote Executive’s full business time and best efforts to the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder and will not engage in any other business, profession or occupation for compensation or otherwise which would conflict or interfere with the rendition of such services either directly or indirectly, without the prior written consent of the Board; provided that nothing herein shall preclude Executive, (i) from engaging in charitable and civic activities, including accepting appointment to or continuing to serve on any board of directors or trustees of any charitable organization or (ii) subject to the prior approval of the Board, from accepting appointment to or continuing to serve on any board of directors or trustees of any business corporation; provided in each case, and in the aggregate, that such activities do not conflict or interfere with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder or conflict with Section 8.

3. Base Salary . During the Employment Term, the Company shall pay Executive a base salary at the annual rate of $425,000, payable in regular installments in


accordance with the Company’s usual payment practices. Executive shall be entitled to such increases in Executive’s base salary, if any, as may be determined in the sole discretion of the Board at least annually. Executive’s annual base salary, as in effect from time to time, is hereinafter referred to as the “Base Salary.”

4. Annual Bonus . With respect to each full fiscal year during the Employment Term (which for the purposes of the 2007 fiscal year shall include the fiscal year of the Company’s predecessor commencing on January 1, 2007, Executive shall be eligible to earn an annual bonus award (an “Annual Bonus”) in such amount, if any, as may be determined in the sole discretion of the Board, of 75 percent (75%) of Executive’s Base Salary (the “Target Annual Bonus”), and of not less than 150 percent (150%) of Executive’s Base Salary at maximum, based upon the achievement of annual EBITDA target or maximum performance objectives, as the case may be, established by the Board within the first three months of each fiscal year during the Employment Term. The Annual Bonus, if any, shall be paid to Executive within two and one-half (2.5) months after the end of the applicable fiscal year.

5. Employee Benefits . During the Employment Term, Executive shall be entitled to participate in the Company’s employee benefit plans (other than annual bonus and incentive plans) as in effect from time to time (collectively “Employee Benefits”), on the same basis as those benefits are generally made available to other senior executives of the Company. Executive shall be entitled to 4 weeks’ vacation per fiscal year.

6. Business Expenses . During the Employment Term, reasonable business expenses incurred by Executive in the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder shall be advanced or promptly reimbursed by the Company in accordance with Company policies. In addition, up to $50,000 shall be paid in attorney’s fees representation by counsel in the negotiation of this Agreement and certain related agreements for Executive and certain other executives of the Company (without duplication).

7. Termination . The Employment Term and Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated by the Company at any time and for any reason upon Notice to Executive and by Executive upon at least 30 days’ advance Notice of any such resignation of Executive’s employment; provided , that in the event that the Company terminates Executive’s employment without Cause (as defined in Section 7(a)(ii)) after Executive has given advance Notice of his resignation but before the end of the notice period, Executive shall receive full payment of Base Salary, any Annual Bonus, and benefits as an active employee for the unexpired portion of such notice period. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the provisions of this Section 7 shall exclusively govern Executive’s rights to payment of compensation, severance, employee benefits and Executive’s business expenses upon termination of employment with the Company and its affiliates.

(a) By the Company For Cause or By Executive Other Than as a Result of a Constructive Termination .

(i) The Employment Term and Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated by the Company for Cause and shall terminate automatically upon the effective date of Executive’s resignation other than as result of a Constructive Termination (as defined in Section 7(c)(ii)).

 

2


(ii) For purposes of this Agreement, “ Cause ” shall mean (A) Executive’s continued failure substantially to perform Executive’s material duties under Executive’s employment (other than as a result of total or partial incapacity due to physical or mental illness) following Notice by the Company to Executive of such failure and 30 days within which to cure; (B) theft or embezzlement of Company property; (C) dishonesty in the performance of Manager’s duties resulting in material harm to the Company; (D) any act on the part of Executive that constitutes a felony under the laws of the United States or any state thereof ( provided, that if a Executive is terminated for any action described in this clause (D) and Executive is never indicted in respect of such action, then the burden of establishing that such action occurred shall be on the Company in respect of any proceeding related thereto between the parties and the standard of proof shall be clear and convincing evidence (and if the Company fails to meet such standard, the Company shall reimburse Executive for his reasonable legal fees in connection with such proceeding)); (E) Executive’s willful material misconduct in connection with Executive’s duties to the Company or any act or omission which is materially injurious to the financial condition or business reputation of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, or (F) Executive’s breach of the provisions of Section 8. No act shall be “willful” if conducted in good faith with a reasonable belief that such conduct was in the best interests of the Company.

(iii) If Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, or if Executive resigns other than as a result of a Constructive Termination, Executive shall be entitled to receive:

(A) the Base Salary and unused vacation accrued through the date of termination, payable within fifteen days following the date of such termination;

(B) any Annual Bonus earned, but unpaid, as of the date of termination for the immediately preceding fiscal year, paid in accordance with Section 4 (except to the extent payment is otherwise deferred pursuant to any applicable deferred compensation arrangement with the Company, in which case such amount shall be paid in full at the earliest such time as is provided under such arrangement);

(C) reimbursement, within 60 days following submission by Executive to the Company of appropriate supporting documentation) for any unreimbursed business expenses properly incurred by Executive in accordance with Company policy prior to the date of Executive’s termination; provided, that claims for such reimbursement (accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation) are submitted to the Company within 90 days following the date of Executive’s termination of employment; and

(D) such Employee Benefits, if any, as to which Executive may be entitled under the employee benefit plans of the Company (the amounts described in clauses (A) through (D) hereof being referred to as the “Accrued Rights”).

 

3


Following such termination of Executive’s employment by the Company for Cause or resignation by Executive other than as a result of a Constructive Termination, except as set forth in this Section 7(a)(iii), Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement.

(b) Disability or Death .

(i) The Employment Term and Executive’s employment hereunder shall terminate upon Executive’s death and may be terminated by the Company if Executive becomes physically or mentally incapacitated, after providing Executive reasonable accommodation, and is therefore unable, for a period of nine consecutive months or for an aggregate of twelve months in any eighteen consecutive month period, to perform Executive’s duties. The period of nine months shall be deemed continuous unless Executive returns to work for a period of at least 30 consecutive days during such period and performs during such period at the level and competence that existed prior to the beginning of the nine-month period. Such incapacity is hereinafter referred to as “Disability”. Any question as to the existence of the Disability of Executive as to which Executive and the Company cannot agree shall be determined in writing by a qualified independent physician mutually acceptable to Executive and the Company. If Executive and the Company cannot agree as to a qualified independent physician, each shall appoint such a physician and those two physicians shall select a third qualified independent physician which third such physician shall make such determination. The determination of Disability made by such physician in writing to the Company and Executive shall be final and conclusive for all purposes of the Agreement and any other agreement between any Company and Executive that incorporates the definition of “Disability”.

(ii) Upon termination of Executive’s employment hereunder for either Disability or death, Executive or Executive’s estate (as the case may be) shall be entitled to receive the Accrued Rights.

Following Executive’s termination of employment due to death or Disability, except as set forth in this Section 7(b)(ii), Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement.

(c) By the Company Without Cause or Resignation by Executive as a result of Constructive Termination .

(i) The Employment Term and Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated by the Company without Cause or by Executive’s as a result of a Constructive Termination.

(ii) For purposes of this Agreement, a “Constructive Termination” shall be deemed to have occurred upon (A) the failure of the Company to pay or cause to be paid Executive’s base salary or annual bonus (if any) when due; (B) a reduction in Executive’s base salary or target bonus opportunity percentage of base salary (excluding any change in value of equity incentives or a reduction in base salary affecting substantially all similarly situated executives by the same percentage of base salary); (C) any substantial and sustained diminution in Executive’s duties, authority or responsibilities as of the Closing Date; (D) a relocation of

 

4


Executive’s primary work location more than 50 miles without Executive’s prior written consent; (E) the failure to assign Executive’s employment agreement to a successor, and the failure of such successor to assume such employment agreement, in any Public Offering or Change of Control (each as defined in the Securityholders Agreement, dated April 2, 2007, between Executive and the Company); (F) a Company Notice to Executive of the Company’s election not to extend the Employment Term; or (G) a failure to elect or reelect or the removal as a member of the Board; provided , that none of these events shall constitute Constructive Termination unless the Company fails to cure such event within 30 days after Notice is given by Executive specifying in reasonable detail the event which constitutes Constructive Termination; provided , further, that “Constructive Termination” shall cease to exist for an event on the 60 th day following the later of its occurrence or Executive’s knowledge thereof, unless Executive has given the Company Notice thereof prior to such date.

(iii) If Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause (other than by reason of death or Disability) or if Executive resigns as a result of a Constructive Termination, Executive shall be entitled to receive:

(A) the Accrued Rights;

(B) a pro rata portion of a Target Annual Bonus, payable within 30 days after Executive has entered into a release of claims set forth below, based upon the percentage of the fiscal year that shall have elapsed through the date of Executive’s termination of employment;

(C) subject to Executive’s continued compliance with the provisions of Sections 8 and 9, payment of an amount equal to (x) one multiplied by (y) the sum of the annual Base Salary amount plus Executive’s Target Annual Bonus amount, which shall be payable to Executive in equal installments in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices, as in effect on the date of termination of Executive’s employment, for twelve months after the date of such termination; provided , that the aggregate amount described in this clause (C) shall be reduced by the present value of any other cash severance benefits payable to Executive under any other severance plans, programs or arrangements of the Company or its affiliates; and

(D) continued coverage under the Company’s group health, life and disability plans until the earlier of (i) one year from Executive’s date of termination of employment with the Company and (ii) the date such Executive is or becomes eligible for comparable coverage (determined, to the extent practicable, on a coverage-by-coverage and benefit-by-benefit basis) under health, life and disability plans of another employer.

Amounts payable to Executive under subparagraphs (B) and (C), above, are subject to Executive providing a release of all claims to the Company in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A. Following Executive’s termination of employment by the Company without Cause (other than by reason of Executive’s death or Disability) or by Executive’s resignation as a result of a Constructive Termination, except as set forth in this Section 7(c)(iii), Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement.

 

5


(d) Expiration of Employment Term .

(i) Election Not to Extend the Employment Term . In the event either party elects not to extend the Employment Term pursuant to Section 1, unless Executive’s employment is terminated pursuant to paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) of this Section 7 (including, without limitation, due to a Constructive Termination pursuant to clause (F) under Section 7(c)(iv) hereof), Executive’s termination of employment hereunder (whether or not Executive continues as an employee of the Company thereafter) shall be deemed to occur on the close of business on the day immediately preceding the next scheduled Extension Date and Executive shall be entitled to receive the Accrued Rights. Following such termination of Executive’s employment hereunder as a result of either party’s election not to extend the Employment Term, except as set forth in this Section 7(d)(i) and subject to the provisions of paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) of this Section 7 as may apply, Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement.

(ii) Continued Employment Beyond the Expiration of the Employment Term . Unless the parties otherwise agree in writing, continuation of Executive’s employment with the Company beyond the expiration of the Employment Term shall be deemed an employment at-will and shall not be deemed to extend any of the provisions of this Agreement and Executive’s employment may thereafter be terminated at will by either Executive or the Company; provided , that the provisions of Sections 8, 9 and 10 of this Agreement, and any accrued and vested rights of Executive as of the last day of the Employment Term, shall survive any termination of this Agreement or Executive’s termination of employment hereunder.

(e) Notice of Termination . Any purported termination of employment by the Company or by Executive (other than due to Executive’s death) shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party hereto in accordance with Section 11 (i) hereof. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” shall mean a Notice which shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of employment under the provision so indicated.

(f) Board/Committee Resignation . Upon termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive agrees to resign, as of the date of such termination and to the extent applicable, from the Board (and any committees thereof) and the Board of Directors (and any committees thereof) of any of the Company’s affiliates.

 

6


8. Non-Competition .

(a) Executive acknowledges and recognizes the highly competitive nature of the businesses of the Company and its affiliates and accordingly agrees as follows:

(i) During the Employment Term and, for a period of one year following the date Executive ceases to be employed by the Company (the “Restricted Period”), Executive will not, whether on Executive’s own behalf or on behalf of or in conjunction with any person, firm, partnership, joint venture, association, corporation or other business organization, entity or enterprise whatsoever (“Person”), directly or indirectly solicit or assist in soliciting in a Competitive Business (as defined below), the business of any client or prospective client:

(A) with whom Executive had personal contact or dealings on behalf of the Company during the one-year period preceding Executive’s termination of employment;

(B) with whom employees directly reporting to Executive (or Executive’s direct reports) have had personal contact or dealings on behalf of the Company during the one year immediately preceding Executive’s termination of employment; or

(C) for whom Executive had direct or indirect responsibility during the one year immediately preceding Executive’s termination of employment.

(ii) During the Restricted Period, Executive will not directly or indirectly:

(A) engage in any business that is engaged in, or has plans to engage in, at any time during the Restricted Period, any activity that competes in the business of manufacturing and marketing food products that directly compete with the core brands of the Company as of the Termination Date (and for such purpose, a “core brand” shall be any brand generating annual revenues in an amount equal to at least 5% of the Company’s annual revenues, in the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year of such Termination Date) in any geographical area that is within 100 miles of any geographical area where the Company or its affiliates manufactures and markets its products or services (a “Competitive Business”);

(B) enter the employ of, or render any services to, any Person (or any division or controlled or controlling affiliate of any Person) who or which engages in a Competitive Business;

(C) acquire a financial interest in, or otherwise become actively involved with, any Competitive Business, directly or indirectly, as an individual, partner, shareholder, officer, director, principal, agent, trustee or consultant; or

(D) interfere with, or attempt to interfere with, business relationships (whether formed before, on or after the date of this Agreement) between the Company or any of its affiliates and customers, clients, suppliers partners, members or investors of the Company or its affiliates.

(iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, Executive may, directly or indirectly own, solely as an investment, securities of any Person engaged in a Competitive Business which are publicly traded on a national or regional stock

 

7


exchange or on the over-the-counter market if Executive (i) is not a controlling person of, or a member of a group which controls, such person and (ii) does not, directly or indirectly, own 5% or more of any class of securities of such Person.

(iv) During the Restricted Period, Executive will not, whether on Executive’s own behalf or on behalf of or in conjunction with any Person, directly or indirectly (with Executive’s knowledge):

(A) solicit or encourage any employee of the Company or its affiliates to leave the employment of the Company or its affiliates; or

(B) hire any such employee who was employed by the Company or its affiliates as of the date of Executive’s termination of employment with the Company or who left the employment of the Company or its affiliates coincident with, or within 120 days (one year in the case of any such employee who reported directly to Executive immediately preceding Executive’s termination of employment (or Executive’s direct reports)) prior to or after, the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company.

Any solicitation or hiring, that Executive is not personally involved in, of an employee or former employee of the Company through general advertising shall not, of itself, be a breach of this Section 8(a)(iv).

(v) During the Restricted Period, Executive will not, directly or indirectly, solicit or encourage to cease to work with the Company or its affiliates any consultant then under contract with the Company or its affiliates, if such action would result in the Company being disadvantaged by such solicitation.

(b) It is expressly understood and agreed that although Executive and the Company consider the restrictions contained in this Section 8 to be reasonable, if a final judicial determination is made by a court of competent jurisdiction, or arbitrator pursuant to Section 11(o), that the time or territory or any other restriction contained in this Agreement is an unenforceable restriction against Executive, the provisions of this Agreement shall not be rendered void but shall be deemed amended to apply as to such maximum time and territory and to such maximum extent as such court may judicially determine or indicate to be enforceable. Alternatively, if any court of competent jurisdiction finds that any restriction contained in this Agreement is unenforceable, and such restriction cannot be amended so as to make it enforceable, such finding shall not affect the enforceability of any of the other restrictions contained herein.

(c) The period of time during which the provisions of this Section 8 shall be in effect shall be extended by the length of time during which Executive is in breach of the terms hereof as determined by any court of competent jurisdiction on the Company’s application for injunctive relief.

 

8


9. Confidentiality; Intellectual Property .

(a) Confidentiality .

(i) Executive will not at any time (whether during or after Executive’s employment with the Company) (x) retain or use for the benefit, purposes or account of Executive or any other person; or (y) disclose, divulge, reveal, communicate, share, transfer or provide access to any person outside the Company (other than its professional advisers who are bound by confidentiality obligations), any non-public, proprietary or confidential information — including without limitation trade secrets, know-how, research and development, software, databases, inventions, processes, formulae, technology, designs and other intellectual property, information concerning finances, investments, profits, pricing, costs, products, services, vendors, customers, clients, partners, investors, personnel, compensation, recruiting, training, advertising, sales, marketing, promotions, government and regulatory activities and approvals — concerning the past, current or future business, activities and operations of the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates and/or any third party that has disclosed or provided any of same to the Company on a confidential basis (“Confidential Information”) without the prior written authorization of the Board except as may be required for Executive to discharge his employment duties to the Company.

(ii) “Confidential Information” shall not include any information that is (a) generally known to the industry or the public other than as a result of Executive’s breach of this covenant or any breach of other confidentiality obligations by third parties; (b) made legitimately available to Executive by a third party without breach of any confidentiality obligation; or (c) required by law to be disclosed (including via subpoena); provided that Executive shall give prompt Notice to the Company of such requirement of law, disclose no more information than is so required, and cooperate, at the Company’s cost, with any attempts by the Company to obtain a protective order or similar treatment.

(iii) Except as required by law, Executive will not disclose to anyone, other than Executive’s immediate family and legal or financial advisors, the existence or contents of this Agreement (unless this Agreement shall be publicly available as a result of a regulatory filing made by the Company or its affiliates or otherwise is disclosed by the Company to any unaffiliated party that is not under a restriction of confidentiality at least as restrictive as this restriction upon Executive); provided , that Executive may disclose to any prospective future employer the notice provisions of that part of Section 4 preceding Section 4(a) and the provisions of Sections 8 and 9 of this Agreement provided they agree to maintain the confidentiality of such terms.

(iv) Upon termination of Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason, Executive shall (x) cease and not thereafter commence use of any Confidential Information or intellectual property (including without limitation, any patent, invention, copyright, trade secret, trademark, trade name, logo, domain name or other source indicator) owned or used by the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates; (y) immediately destroy, delete, or return to the Company, at the Company’s option, all originals and copies in any form or medium (including memoranda, books, papers, plans, computer files, letters and other data) in Executive’s possession or control (including any of the foregoing stored or located in

 

9


Executive’s office, home, laptop or other computer, whether or not Company property) that contain Confidential Information or otherwise relate to the business of the Company, its affiliates and subsidiaries, except that Executive may retain only those portions of any personal notes, notebooks and diaries that do not contain any Confidential Information and his rolodex (or other physical or electronic address book); and (z) fully cooperate with the Company regarding the delivery or destruction of any other Confidential Information not within Executive’s possession or control of which Executive is or becomes aware.

(b) Intellectual Property .

(i) If Executive has created, invented, designed, developed, contributed to or improved any works of authorship, inventions, intellectual property, materials, documents or other work product (including without limitation, research, reports, software, databases, systems, applications, presentations, textual works, content, or audiovisual materials) (“Works”), either alone or with third parties, prior to Executive’s employment by the Company, that are relevant to or implicated by such employment (“Prior Works”), Executive hereby grants the Company a perpetual, non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide, assignable, sublicensable license under all rights and intellectual property rights (including rights under patent, industrial property, copyright, trademark, trade secret, unfair competition and related laws) therein for all purposes in connection with the Company’s current and future business.

(ii) If Executive creates, invents, designs, develops, contributes to or improves any Works, either alone or with third parties, at any time during Executive’s employment by the Company and within the scope of such employment and/or with the use of any the Company resources (“Company Works”), Executive shall promptly and fully disclose same to the Company and hereby irrevocably assigns, transfers and conveys, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, all rights and intellectual property rights therein (including rights under patent, industrial property, copyright, trademark, trade secret, unfair competition and related laws) to the Company to the extent ownership of any such rights does not vest originally in the Company.

(iii) Executive agrees to keep and maintain adequate and current written records (in the form of notes, sketches, drawings, and any other form or media requested by the Company) of all Company Works. The records will be available to and remain the sole property and intellectual property of the Company at all times.

(iv) Executive shall take all requested actions and execute all requested documents (including any licenses or assignments required by a government contract) at the Company’s expense (but without further remuneration) to assist the Company in validating, maintaining, protecting, enforcing, perfecting, recording, patenting or registering any of the Company’s rights in the Prior Works and Company Works. If the Company is unable for any other reason to secure Executive’s signature on any document for this purpose, then Executive hereby irrevocably designates and appoints the Company and its duly authorized officers and agents as Executive’s agent and attorney in fact, to act for and in Executive’s behalf and stead to execute any documents and to do all other lawfully permitted acts in connection with the foregoing.

 

10


(v) Executive shall not improperly use for the benefit of, bring to any premises of, divulge, disclose, communicate, reveal, transfer or provide access to, or share with the Company any confidential, proprietary or non-public information or intellectual property relating to a former employer or other third party without the prior written permission of such third party. Executive hereby indemnifies, holds harmless and agrees to defend the Company and its officers, directors, partners, employees, agents and representatives from any breach of the foregoing covenant. Executive shall comply with all relevant policies and guidelines of the Company, including regarding the protection of confidential information and intellectual property and potential conflicts of interest. Executive acknowledges that the Company may amend any such policies and guidelines from time to time, and that Executive remains at all times bound by their most current version.

(vi) The provisions of Section 8, 9 and 10 shall survive the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason.

10. Specific Performance . Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Company’s remedies at law for a breach or threatened breach of any of the provisions of Sections 8 or 9 would be inadequate and the Company would suffer irreparable damages as a result of such breach or threatened breach. In recognition of this fact, Executive agrees that, in the event of such a breach or threatened breach, in addition to any remedies at law, the Company, without posting any bond, shall be entitled to cease making any payments or providing any benefit otherwise required by this Agreement and obtain equitable relief in the form of specific performance, temporary restraining order, temporary or permanent injunction or any other equitable remedy which may then be available.

11. Miscellaneous .

(a) Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflicts of laws principles thereof.

(b) Entire Agreement/Amendments . This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the employment of Executive by the Company. There are no restrictions, agreements, promises, warranties, covenants or undertakings between the parties with respect to the subject matter herein other than those expressly set forth herein. This Agreement may not be altered, modified, or amended except by written instrument signed by the parties hereto. In the event of any inconsistency between this Agreement and any other plan, program, practice or agreement of which Executive is a participant or a party, this Agreement shall control unless such other plan, program, practice or agreement specifically refers to the provisions of this sentence.

(c) No Waiver . The failure of a party to insist upon strict adherence to any term of this Agreement on any occasion shall not be considered a waiver of such party’s rights or deprive such party of the right thereafter to insist upon strict adherence to that term or any other term of this Agreement.

 

11


(d) Severability . In the event that any one or more of the provisions of this Agreement shall be or become invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.

(e) Assignment . This Agreement, and all of Executive’s rights and duties hereunder, shall not be assignable or delegable by Executive. Any purported assignment or delegation by Executive in violation of the foregoing shall be null and void ab initio and of no force and effect. This Agreement may be assigned by the Company to a person or entity which is an affiliate or a successor in interest to substantially all of the business operations of the Company, provided , that (i) such assignment shall be subject to Executive’s rights under Section 7(c)(ii) and (ii) the Board has exercised reasonable diligence to determine that such assignee is then solvent (on a balance sheet and cash flow basis) to satisfy the Company’s obligations under this Agreement together with all of the assignee’s other liabilities. Upon such assignment, the rights and obligations of the Company hereunder shall become the rights and obligations of such affiliate or successor person or entity.

(f) Set Off; No Mitigation . The Company’s obligation to pay Executive the amounts provided and to make the arrangements provided hereunder shall be subject to set-off, counterclaim or recoupment of amounts owed by Executive to the Company or its affiliates. Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided for pursuant to this Agreement by seeking other employment, taking into account the provisions of Section 8(a)(i), (ii) and (iii) of this Agreement, and such payments shall not be reduced by any compensation or benefits received from any subsequent employer or other endeavor except as provided at Section 7(c)(iii)(D)(ii).

(g) Compliance with IRC Section 409A . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) if at the time of Executive’s termination of employment with the Company Executive is a “specified employee” as defined in Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and the deferral of the commencement of any payments or benefits otherwise payable hereunder as a result of such termination of employment is necessary in order to prevent any accelerated or additional tax under Section 409A of the Code, then the Company will defer the commencement of the payment of any such payments or benefits hereunder (without any reduction in such payments or benefits ultimately paid or provided to Executive) until the date that is six months following Executive’s termination of employment with the Company (or the earliest date as is permitted under Section 409A of the Code) and (ii) if any other payments of money or other benefits due to Executive hereunder could cause the application of an accelerated or additional tax under Section 409A of the Code, such payments or other benefits shall be deferred if deferral will make such payment or other benefits compliant under Section 409A of the Code, or otherwise such payment or other benefits shall be restructured, to the extent possible, in a manner, determined by the Board, that does not cause such an accelerated or additional tax. The Company shall consult with Executive in good faith regarding the implementation of the provisions of this Section 11(g); provided that neither the Company nor any of its employees or representatives shall have any liability to Executive with respect to thereto.

 

12


(h) Successors; Binding Agreement . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. In the event of Executive’s death prior to receipt of all amounts payable to Executive (including any unpaid amounts due under Section 7), such amounts shall be paid to Executive’s beneficiary designated by him by Notice to the Company or, in the absence of such designation, to his estate.

(i) Notice . For the purpose of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in the Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered by hand or overnight courier or three postal delivery days after it has been mailed by United States registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to the respective addresses set forth below in this Agreement, or to such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that Notice of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt (each such communication, “ Notice ”).

If to the Company, addressed to:

Crunch Holding Corp.

One Old Bloomfield

Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046

Attention: General Counsel

with a copy which shall not constitute Notice to:

The Blackstone Group

345 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10154

Attention: Prakash Melwani

with a copy which shall not constitute Notice to:

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

425 Lexington Ave.

New York, NY 10017

Attention: Greg Grogan

If to Executive, to the address listed in the Company’s payroll records from time to time;

with a copy which shall not constitute Notice to:

Vedder, Price, Kaufman & Kammholz, P.C.

222 North LaSalle Street

Chicago, IL 60601

Attention: Robert Simon

 

13


(j) Executive Representation . Executive hereby represents to the Company that the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Executive and the Company and the performance by Executive of Executive’s duties hereunder shall not constitute a breach of, or otherwise contravene, the terms of any employment agreement or other agreement or policy to which Executive is a party or otherwise bound.

(k) Prior Agreements . This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings (including verbal agreements) between Executive and the Company and/or its affiliates regarding the terms and conditions of Executive’s employment with the Company and/or its affiliates including, without limitation, the employment agreement dated August 7, 2003 (collectively, the “Prior Agreements”).

(l) Cooperation . Executive shall provide Executive’s reasonable cooperation in connection with any action or proceeding (or any appeal from any action or proceeding) which relates to events occurring during Executive’s employment hereunder, provided , that, following termination of Executive’s employment, the Company shall pay all expenses incurred by Executive in providing such cooperation, including, without limitation, all transportation, lodging and meal expenses (in the same level of comfort provided to Executive for his business travel during his period of employment) and reasonable attorneys fees. This provision shall survive any termination of this Agreement.

(m) Withholding Taxes . The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement such Federal, state and local taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.

(n) Counterparts . This Agreement may be signed in counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument.

(o) Arbitration . Any controversy, dispute, or claim arising out of, in connection with, or in relation to, the interpretation, performance or breach of this Agreement, including, without limitation, the validity, scope, and enforceability of this section, may at the election of any party, be solely and finally settled by arbitration conducted in New York, New York, by and in accordance with the then existing rules for commercial arbitration of the American Arbitration Association, or any successor organization and with the Expedited Procedures thereof (collectively, the “Rules”), subject to the right of the Company to seek interim equitable relief pursuant to Section 10 pending disposition of such arbitration. Each of the parties hereto agrees that such arbitration shall be conducted by a single arbitrator selected in accordance with the Rules; provided, that such arbitrator shall be experienced in deciding cases concerning the matter which is the subject of the dispute. Any of the parties may demand arbitration by providing Notice to the other party and to the American Arbitration Association in accordance with the Rules (“Demand for Arbitration”). Each of the parties agrees that if possible, the award shall be made in writing no more than 30 days following the end of the proceeding. Any award rendered by the arbitrator(s) shall be final and binding and judgment may be entered on it in any court of competent jurisdiction. Each of the parties hereto agrees, except as may be required to enforce the arbitrator’s award, to treat as confidential the results of any arbitration (including, without limitation, any findings of fact and/or law made by the arbitrator) and not to disclose such results

 

14


to any unauthorized person. The parties intend that this agreement to arbitrate be valid, enforceable and irrevocable. In the event of any arbitration with regard to this Agreement, each party shall pay its own legal fees and expenses, provided , however, that the Company shall pay the Arbitrator’s fees and costs of the arbitration.

(p) Indemnification . Without limiting any other indemnification of to Executive under any other plan or agreement in which Executive is a fiduciary or a party, the Company shall indemnify Executive and hold Executive harmless from and against all costs, expenses, claims, losses and liabilities (including, without limitation, fees, judgments, fines, penalties and settlement payments) reasonably incurred by Executive in connection with any action, suit or proceeding in which Executive is made, or is threatened to be made, a party or a witness by reason of Executive’s performance as an officer, director or employee of the Company or its Subsidiaries or in any other capacity (including a fiduciary capacity) in which Executive serves at the request of the Company or its Subsidiaries (each, a “ Proceeding ”) to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law. If any claim is asserted with respect to which would reasonably be expected to be entitled to indemnification, the Company shall pay Executive’s reasonable costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys fees) with respect to any Proceeding (or cause such expenses to be paid) on a quarterly basis; provided that Executive shall reimburse the Company for such amounts, plus simple interest thereon at the 90-day United States Treasury Bill rate as in effect from time to time, compounded annually, if Executive ultimately shall be found by a court of competent jurisdiction not to have been entitled to such indemnification. The Company or its affiliates shall at all times maintain or cause to be maintained a directors and officers’ liability insurance and indemnification policy covering Executive which is consistent with the policy that covers members of the Board.

(q) Shareholder Approval . This Agreement shall be subject to, and shall only be effective following, the approval of the Company’s shareholders as of the date hereof who owned, as of the date hereof, more than 75% of the voting power of all outstanding stock of the Company, determined and obtained in a manner consistent with the methodology described in proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1.

[Signature Page Follows this Page]

 

15


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Employment Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

CRUNCH HOLDING CORP.
/s/ Shervin Korangy

By: Shervin Korangy

Title: Vice President

EXECUTIVE
/s/ William Toler
William Toler

 

16


EXHIBIT A

RELEASE OF CLAIMS

This Release of Claims is entered into by William Toler (“Executive”).

WHEREAS, Executive and Crunch Holding Corp., with offices at One Old Bloomfield, Mountain Lakes, New Jersey 07046 (the “Company”) entered into an Employment Agreement (the “Employment Agreement”) dated April 2, 2007 that provides Executive certain severance and other benefits in the event of an involuntary termination of Executive’s termination without Cause or Executive’s resignation of employment due to a Constructive Termination (each term as defined under the Employment Agreement);

WHEREAS, Executive’s employment has so terminated; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 7(c)(iii) of the Employment Agreement, a condition of Executive’s entitlement to certain severance and other benefits thereunder is his agreement to this Release of Claims.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the severance and other benefits provided under Section 7(c)(iii)(B) and (C), Executive agrees as follows:

1. Executive, for himself and his heirs, executors and administrators, hereby fully and finally waives, discharges and releases the Company, including each of the Company’s past, current and future parents, subsidiaries, and affiliates, and its and their shareholders, members, directors, officers, and employees, from any and all claims relating to his employment with the Company or his termination therefrom, whether now known or later discovered, which he or anyone acting on his behalf might otherwise have had or asserted, including, but not limited to, any express or implied contract of employment claims, any tort claims, claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act of 1990, the laws, including the labor laws of any state, including the State of New Jersey, and all claims under related common law, statutes, and executive orders at the federal, state and local levels of government, and any claims to any benefits from employment with the Company other than: (i) those benefits set forth enumerated in Section 7(c)(iii) of the Employment Agreement, (ii) any claims for indemnification pursuant to Section 11(p) of the Employment Agreement, (iii) all rights and benefits as a Class __ and Class__ member of the Peak Holdings LLC, and (iv) any claims for accrued and vested benefits under any of the Company’s employee retirement and welfare benefit plans in which Executive participated immediately prior to the date of termination of his employment. In addition, Executive represents that no incident has occurred during his employment with the Company that could form the basis for any claim by him against the Company under the worker’s compensation laws of any jurisdiction.

2. Executive represents that he has not brought, and covenants and agrees that he will not bring or cause to be brought, any charges, claims, demands, suits or actions, known or unknown, in any forum, against the Company arising out of, connected with or related in any way to his dealings with the Company that occurred prior to the effective date of this Agreement,


including, without limitation, his employment or his termination; provided , however, that Executive shall not be prevented from enforcing any rights he may have under and the terms of this Release of Claims, in accordance with Section 11(o) of the Employment Agreement. In the event that Executive brings an action to invalidate this Agreement, Executive covenants and agrees that prior to the commencement of such action, he will tender back to the Company all consideration paid to him pursuant to Section 7(c)(iii)(B) and (C) of the Employment Agreement up to the date any such action is instituted. Executive acknowledges and understands that all Company benefits provided under Section 7(c)(iii)(B) and (C) of the Employment Agreement will also be suspended as of the date such action is instituted and that no further consideration or benefits will be provided by the Company during the pendency of such action.

3. Executive acknowledges that he is subject to a confidentiality covenant pursuant to Section 9 of the Employment Agreement and a noncompetition covenant pursuant to Section 8 of the Employment Agreement and hereby reaffirms his obligations thereunder.

4. EXECUTIVE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT HE HAS BEEN ADVISED, IN WRITING, TO CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY OF HIS CHOICE PRIOR TO SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT AND THAT HE HAS SIGNED THIS AGREEMENT KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY, AND FREELY, AND WITH SUCH COUNSEL AS HE DEEMED APPROPRIATE. IN ADDITION, EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT HE HAS BEEN PROVIDED WITH A PERIOD OF UP TO TWENTY-ONE (21) DAYS IN WHICH TO CONSIDER WHETHER OR NOT TO ENTER INTO THIS RELEASE. FURTHER, EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT HE HAS BEEN ADVISED OF HIS RIGHT TO REVOKE THIS AGREEMENT DURING THE SEVEN (7) DAY PERIOD FOLLOWING EXECUTION HEREOF, AND THAT THE AGREEMENT SHALL NOT BECOME EFFECTIVE OR ENFORCEABLE UNTIL THE REVOCATION PERIOD HAS EXPIRED.

5. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as an admission by the Company of any liability of any kind to Executive, all such liability being expressly denied except for obligations of the Company imposed by the Employment Agreement which survive pursuant to this Release of Claims.

 

   
William Toler
Date:                          , 20     

Exhibit 10.3

Execution Copy

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

(Jeffrey P. Ansell; Chief Executive Officer)

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) dated April 2, 2007 by and between Crunch Holding Corp. (the “Company”) and Jeffrey P. Ansell (the “Executive”).

The Company and its Subsidiaries and the Company’s parent, Peak Holdings LLC (the “ Partnership ”) desire to employ Executive and to enter into an agreement embodying the terms of such employment;

Executive desires to accept such employment and enter into such an agreement;

In consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the parties agree as follows:

1. Term of Employment . Subject to the provisions of Section 7 of this Agreement, Executive shall be employed by the Company and certain of its affiliates for a period commencing on the date of this Agreement and ending on April 2, 2012 (the “Employment Term”) on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement; provided , however, that commencing with April 2, 2012 and on each April 2nd thereafter (each an “Extension Date”), the Employment Term shall be automatically extended for an additional one-year period, unless the Company or Executive provides the other party hereto 60 days prior Notice before the next Extension Date that the Employment Term shall not be so extended.

2. Position .

(a) During the Employment Term, Executive shall serve as the Company’s and the Partnership’s Chief Executive Officer. In such position, Executive shall report directly to the Management Committee of the Partnership (the “Board”) and have such duties and authority as shall be determined from time to time by the Board consistent with such title, duties and responsibilities including reporting responsibilities. Executive shall also serve as a member of the Board without additional compensation.

(b) During the Employment Term, Executive will devote Executive’s full business time and best efforts to the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder and will not engage in any other business, profession or occupation for compensation or otherwise which would conflict or interfere with the rendition of such services either directly or indirectly, without the prior written consent of the Board; provided that nothing herein shall preclude Executive, (i) from engaging in charitable and civic activities, including accepting appointment to or continuing to serve on any board of directors or trustees of any charitable organization or (ii) subject to the prior approval of the Board, from accepting appointment to or continuing to serve on any board of directors or trustees of any business corporation; provided in each case, and in the aggregate, that such activities do not conflict or interfere with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder or conflict with Section 8.

 

1


3. Base Salary . During the Employment Term, the Company shall pay Executive a base salary at the annual rate of $750,000, payable in regular installments in accordance with the Company’s usual payment practices. Executive shall be entitled to such increases in Executive’s base salary, if any, as may be determined in the sole discretion of the Board at least annually. Executive’s annual base salary, as in effect from time to time, is hereinafter referred to as the “Base Salary.”

4. Annual Bonus . With respect to each full fiscal year during the Employment Term (which for the purposes of the 2007 fiscal year shall include the fiscal year of the Company’s predecessor commencing on January 1, 2007), Executive shall be eligible to earn an annual bonus award (an “Annual Bonus”) in such amount, if any, as may be determined in the sole discretion of the Board, of 100 percent (100%) of Executive’s Base Salary (the “Target Annual Bonus”), and of not less than 200 percent (200%) of Executive’s Base Salary at maximum, based upon the achievement of annual EBITDA target or maximum performance objectives, as the case may be, established by the Board within the first three months of each fiscal year during the Employment Term ( provided , the methodology for determining such performance objectives from time to time shall be established in consultation with Executive). The Annual Bonus, if any, shall be paid to Executive within two and one-half (2.5) months after the end of the applicable fiscal year. In addition, upon the first normal payroll date following June 12, 2007, Executive shall be paid $60,000 as the remaining portion of his signing bonus.

5. Employee Benefits . During the Employment Term, Executive shall be entitled to participate in the Company’s employee benefit plans (other than annual bonus and incentive plans) as in effect from time to time (collectively “Employee Benefits”), on the same basis as those benefits are generally made available to other senior executives of the Company. Executive shall be entitled to 4 weeks’ vacation per fiscal year. In addition, Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement for moving expenses in accordance with the Company’s relocation policy.

6. Business Expenses . During the Employment Term, reasonable business expenses incurred by Executive in the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder shall be advanced or promptly reimbursed by the Company in accordance with Company policies. In addition, up to $50,000 shall be paid in attorney’s fees representation by counsel in the negotiation of this Agreement and certain related agreements for Executive and certain other executives of the Company (without duplication).

7. Termination . The Employment Term and Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated by the Company at any time and for any reason upon Notice to Executive and by Executive upon at least 30 days’ advance Notice of any such resignation of Executive’s employment; provided , that in the event that the Company terminates Executive’s employment without Cause (as defined in Section 7(a)(ii)) after Executive has given advance Notice of his resignation but before the end of the notice period, Executive shall receive full payment of Base Salary, any Annual Bonus, and benefits as an active employee for the unexpired portion of such notice period. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the provisions of this Section 7 shall exclusively govern Executive’s rights to payment of compensation, severance, employee benefits and Executive’s business expenses upon termination of employment with the Company and its affiliates.

 

2


(a) By the Company For Cause or By Executive Other Than as a Result of a Constructive Termination .

(i) The Employment Term and Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated by the Company for Cause and shall terminate automatically upon the effective date of Executive’s resignation other than as result of a Constructive Termination (as defined in Section 7(c)(ii)).

(ii) For purposes of this Agreement, “ Cause ” shall mean (A) Executive’s continued failure substantially to perform Executive’s material duties under Executive’s employment (other than as a result of total or partial incapacity due to physical or mental illness) following Notice by the Company to Executive of such failure and 30 days within which to cure; (B) theft or embezzlement of Company property; (C) dishonesty in the performance of Manager’s duties resulting in material harm to the Company; (D) any act on the part of Executive that constitutes a felony under the laws of the United States or any state thereof ( provided, that if a Executive is terminated for any action described in this clause (D) and Executive is never indicted in respect of such action, then the burden of establishing that such action occurred shall be on the Company in respect of any proceeding related thereto between the parties and the standard of proof shall be clear and convincing evidence (and if the Company fails to meet such standard, the Company shall reimburse Executive for his reasonable legal fees in connection with such proceeding)); (E) Executive’s willful material misconduct in connection with Executive’s duties to the Company or any act or omission which is materially injurious to the financial condition or business reputation of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, or (F) Executive’s breach of the provisions of Section 8. No act shall be “willful” if conducted in good faith with a reasonable belief that such conduct was in the best interests of the Company.

(iii) If Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, or if Executive resigns other than as a result of a Constructive Termination, Executive shall be entitled to receive:

(A) the Base Salary and unused vacation accrued through the date of termination, payable within fifteen days following the date of such termination;

(B) any Annual Bonus earned, but unpaid, as of the date of termination for the immediately preceding fiscal year, paid in accordance with Section 4 (except to the extent payment is otherwise deferred pursuant to any applicable deferred compensation arrangement with the Company, in which case such amount shall be paid in full at the earliest such time as is provided under such arrangement);

(C) reimbursement, within 60 days following submission by Executive to the Company of appropriate supporting documentation) for any unreimbursed business expenses properly incurred by Executive in accordance with Company policy prior to the date of Executive’s termination; provided, that claims for such reimbursement (accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation) are submitted to the Company within 90 days following the date of Executive’s termination of employment; and

 

3


(D) such Employee Benefits, if any, as to which Executive may be entitled under the employee benefit plans of the Company (the amounts described in clauses (A) through (D) hereof being referred to as the “Accrued Rights”).

Following such termination of Executive’s employment by the Company for Cause or resignation by Executive other than as a result of a Constructive Termination, except as set forth in this Section 7(a)(iii), Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement.

(b) Disability or Death .

(i) The Employment Term and Executive’s employment hereunder shall terminate upon Executive’s death and may be terminated by the Company if Executive becomes physically or mentally incapacitated, after providing Executive reasonable accommodation, and is therefore unable, for a period of nine consecutive months or for an aggregate of twelve months in any eighteen consecutive month period, to perform Executive’s duties. The period of nine months shall be deemed continuous unless Executive returns to work for a period of at least 30 consecutive days during such period and performs during such period at the level and competence that existed prior to the beginning of the nine-month period. Such incapacity is hereinafter referred to as “Disability”. Any question as to the existence of the Disability of Executive as to which Executive and the Company cannot agree shall be determined in writing by a qualified independent physician mutually acceptable to Executive and the Company. If Executive and the Company cannot agree as to a qualified independent physician, each shall appoint such a physician and those two physicians shall select a third qualified independent physician which third such physician shall make such determination. The determination of Disability made by such physician in writing to the Company and Executive shall be final and conclusive for all purposes of the Agreement and any other agreement between any Company and Executive that incorporates the definition of “Disability”.

(ii) Upon termination of Executive’s employment hereunder for either Disability or death, Executive or Executive’s estate (as the case may be) shall be entitled to receive the Accrued Rights.

Following Executive’s termination of employment due to death or Disability, except as set forth in this Section 7(b)(ii), Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement.

(c) By the Company Without Cause or Resignation by Executive as a result of Constructive Termination .

(i) The Employment Term and Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated by the Company without Cause or by Executive’s as a result of a Constructive Termination.

 

4


(ii) For purposes of this Agreement, a “Constructive Termination” shall be deemed to have occurred upon (A) the failure of the Company to pay or cause to be paid Executive’s base salary or annual bonus (if any) when due; (B) a reduction in Executive’s base salary or target bonus opportunity percentage of base salary (excluding any change in value of equity incentives or a reduction in base salary affecting substantially all similarly situated executives by the same percentage of base salary); (C) any substantial and sustained diminution in Executive’s title, duties, authority or responsibilities (including reporting responsibilities) as of the Closing Date; (D) a relocation of Executive’s primary work location more than 50 miles without Executive’s prior written consent; (E) the failure to assign Executive’s employment agreement to a successor, and the failure of such successor to assume such employment agreement, in any Public Offering or Change of Control (each as defined in the Securityholders Agreement, dated April 2, 2007, between Executive and the Company); (F) a Company Notice to Executive of the Company’s election not to extend the Employment Term; or (G) a failure to elect or reelect or the removal as a member of the Board; provided , that none of these events shall constitute Constructive Termination unless the Company fails to cure such event within 30 days after Notice is given by Executive specifying in reasonable detail the event which constitutes Constructive Termination; provided , further, that “Constructive Termination” shall cease to exist for an event on the 60 th day following the later of its occurrence or Executive’s knowledge thereof, unless Executive has given the Company Notice thereof prior to such date.

(iii) If Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause (other than by reason of death or Disability) or if Executive resigns as a result of a Constructive Termination, Executive shall be entitled to receive:

(A) the Accrued Rights;

(B) a pro rata portion of a Target Annual Bonus, payable within 30 days after Executive has entered into a release of claims set forth below, based upon the percentage of the fiscal year that shall have elapsed through the date of Executive’s termination of employment;

(C) subject to Executive’s continued compliance with the provisions of Sections 8 and 9, payment of an amount equal to (x) one and one-half multiplied by (y) the sum of the annual Base Salary amount plus Executive’s Target Annual Bonus amount, which shall be payable to Executive in equal installments in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices, as in effect on the date of termination of Executive’s employment, for eighteen months after the date of such termination; provided , that the aggregate amount described in this clause (C) shall be reduced by the present value of any other cash severance benefits payable to Executive under any other severance plans, programs or arrangements of the Company or its affiliates;

(D) continued coverage under the Company’s group health, life and disability plans until the earlier of (i) eighteen months from Executive’s date of termination of employment with the Company and (ii) the date such Executive is or becomes eligible for comparable coverage (determined, to the extent practicable, on a coverage-by-coverage and benefit-by-benefit basis) under health, life and disability plans of another employer; and

 

5


(E) Executive’s bonus, to the extent unpaid, under the last sentence of Section 4 and his relocation expenses, to the extent incurred and unreimbursed, under the last sentence of Section 5.

Amounts payable to Executive under subparagraphs (B) and (C), above, are subject to Executive providing a release of all claims to the Company in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A. Following Executive’s termination of employment by the Company without Cause (other than by reason of Executive’s death or Disability) or by Executive’s resignation as a result of a Constructive Termination, except as set forth in this Section 7(c)(iii), Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement.

(d) Expiration of Employment Term .

(i) Election Not to Extend the Employment Term . In the event either party elects not to extend the Employment Term pursuant to Section 1, unless Executive’s employment is terminated pursuant to paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) of this Section 7 (including, without limitation, due to a Constructive Termination pursuant to clause (F) under Section 7(c)(iv) hereof), Executive’s termination of employment hereunder (whether or not Executive continues as an employee of the Company thereafter) shall be deemed to occur on the close of business on the day immediately preceding the next scheduled Extension Date and Executive shall be entitled to receive the Accrued Rights. Following such termination of Executive’s employment hereunder as a result of either party’s election not to extend the Employment Term, except as set forth in this Section 7(d)(i) and subject to the provisions of paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) of this Section 7 as may apply, Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement.

(ii) Continued Employment Beyond the Expiration of the Employment Term . Unless the parties otherwise agree in writing, continuation of Executive’s employment with the Company beyond the expiration of the Employment Term shall be deemed an employment at-will and shall not be deemed to extend any of the provisions of this Agreement and Executive’s employment may thereafter be terminated at will by either Executive or the Company; provided , that the provisions of Sections 8, 9 and 10 of this Agreement, and any accrued and vested rights of Executive as of the last day of the Employment Term, shall survive any termination of this Agreement or Executive’s termination of employment hereunder.

(e) Notice of Termination . Any purported termination of employment by the Company or by Executive (other than due to Executive’s death) shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party hereto in accordance with Section 11 (i) hereof. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” shall mean a Notice which shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of employment under the provision so indicated.

 

6


(f) Board/Committee Resignation . Upon termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive agrees to resign, as of the date of such termination and to the extent applicable, from the Board (and any committees thereof) and the Board of Directors (and any committees thereof) of any of the Company’s affiliates.

8. Non-Competition .

(a) Executive acknowledges and recognizes the highly competitive nature of the businesses of the Company and its affiliates and accordingly agrees as follows:

(i) During the Employment Term and, for a period of eighteen months following the date Executive ceases to be employed by the Company (the “Restricted Period”), Executive will not, whether on Executive’s own behalf or on behalf of or in conjunction with any person, firm, partnership, joint venture, association, corporation or other business organization, entity or enterprise whatsoever (“Person”), directly or indirectly solicit or assist in soliciting in a Competitive Business (as defined below), the business of any client or prospective client:

(A) with whom Executive had personal contact or dealings on behalf of the Company during the one-year period preceding Executive’s termination of employment;

(B) with whom employees directly reporting to Executive (or Executive’s direct reports) have had personal contact or dealings on behalf of the Company during the one year immediately preceding Executive’s termination of employment; or

(C) for whom Executive had direct or indirect responsibility during the one year immediately preceding Executive’s termination of employment.

(ii) During the Restricted Period, Executive will not directly or indirectly:

(A) engage in any business that is engaged in, or has plans to engage in, at any time during the Restricted Period, any activity that competes in the business of manufacturing and marketing food products that directly compete with the core brands of the Company as of the Termination Date (and for such purpose, a “core brand” shall be any brand generating annual revenues in an amount equal to at least 5% of the Company’s annual revenues, in the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year of such Termination Date) in any geographical area that is within 100 miles of any geographical area where the Company or its affiliates manufactures and markets its products or services (a “Competitive Business”);

(B) enter the employ of, or render any services to, any Person (or any division or controlled or controlling affiliate of any Person) who or which engages in a Competitive Business;

 

7


(C) acquire a financial interest in, or otherwise become actively involved with, any Competitive Business, directly or indirectly, as an individual, partner, shareholder, officer, director, principal, agent, trustee or consultant; or

(D) interfere with, or attempt to interfere with, business relationships (whether formed before, on or after the date of this Agreement) between the Company or any of its affiliates and customers, clients, suppliers partners, members or investors of the Company or its affiliates.

(iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, Executive may, directly or indirectly own, solely as an investment, securities of any Person engaged in a Competitive Business which are publicly traded on a national or regional stock exchange or on the over-the-counter market if Executive (i) is not a controlling person of, or a member of a group which controls, such person and (ii) does not, directly or indirectly, own 5% or more of any class of securities of such Person.

(iv) During the Restricted Period, Executive will not, whether on Executive’s own behalf or on behalf of or in conjunction with any Person, directly or indirectly (with Executive’s knowledge):

(A) solicit or encourage any employee of the Company or its affiliates to leave the employment of the Company or its affiliates; or

(B) hire any such employee who was employed by the Company or its affiliates as of the date of Executive’s termination of employment with the Company or who left the employment of the Company or its affiliates coincident with, or within 120 days (one year in the case of any such employee who reported directly to Executive immediately preceding Executive’s termination of employment (or Executive’s direct reports)) prior to or after, the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company.

Any solicitation or hiring, that Executive is not personally involved in, of an employee or former employee of the Company through general advertising shall not, of itself, be a breach of this Section 8(a)(iv).

(v) During the Restricted Period, Executive will not, directly or indirectly, solicit or encourage to cease to work with the Company or its affiliates any consultant then under contract with the Company or its affiliates, if such action would result in the Company being disadvantaged by such solicitation.

(b) It is expressly understood and agreed that although Executive and the Company consider the restrictions contained in this Section 8 to be reasonable, if a final judicial determination is made by a court of competent jurisdiction, or arbitrator pursuant to Section 11(o), that the time or territory or any other restriction contained in this Agreement is an unenforceable restriction against Executive, the provisions of this Agreement shall not be rendered void but shall be deemed amended to apply as to such maximum time and territory and to such maximum extent as such court may judicially determine or indicate to be enforceable. Alternatively, if any court of competent jurisdiction finds that any restriction contained in this

 

8


Agreement is unenforceable, and such restriction cannot be amended so as to make it enforceable, such finding shall not affect the enforceability of any of the other restrictions contained herein.

(c) The period of time during which the provisions of this Section 8 shall be in effect shall be extended by the length of time during which Executive is in breach of the terms hereof as determined by any court of competent jurisdiction on the Company’s application for injunctive relief.

9. Confidentiality; Intellectual Property .

(a) Confidentiality .

(i) Executive will not at any time (whether during or after Executive’s employment with the Company) (x) retain or use for the benefit, purposes or account of Executive or any other person; or (y) disclose, divulge, reveal, communicate, share, transfer or provide access to any person outside the Company (other than its professional advisers who are bound by confidentiality obligations), any non-public, proprietary or confidential information —including without limitation trade secrets, know-how, research and development, software, databases, inventions, processes, formulae, technology, designs and other intellectual property, information concerning finances, investments, profits, pricing, costs, products, services, vendors, customers, clients, partners, investors, personnel, compensation, recruiting, training, advertising, sales, marketing, promotions, government and regulatory activities and approvals — concerning the past, current or future business, activities and operations of the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates and/or any third party that has disclosed or provided any of same to the Company on a confidential basis (“Confidential Information”) without the prior written authorization of the Board except as may be required for Executive to discharge his employment duties to the Company.

(ii) “Confidential Information” shall not include any information that is (a) generally known to the industry or the public other than as a result of Executive’s breach of this covenant or any breach of other confidentiality obligations by third parties; (b) made legitimately available to Executive by a third party without breach of any confidentiality obligation; or (c) required by law to be disclosed (including via subpoena); provided that Executive shall give prompt Notice to the Company of such requirement of law, disclose no more information than is so required, and cooperate, at the Company’s cost, with any attempts by the Company to obtain a protective order or similar treatment.

(iii) Except as required by law, Executive will not disclose to anyone, other than Executive’s immediate family and legal or financial advisors, the existence or contents of this Agreement (unless this Agreement shall be publicly available as a result of a regulatory filing made by the Company or its affiliates or otherwise is disclosed by the Company to any unaffiliated party that is not under a restriction of confidentiality at least as restrictive as this restriction upon Executive); provided , that Executive may disclose to any prospective future employer the notice provisions of that part of Section 4 preceding Section 4(a) and the provisions of Sections 8 and 9 of this Agreement provided they agree to maintain the confidentiality of such terms.

 

9


(iv) Upon termination of Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason, Executive shall (x) cease and not thereafter commence use of any Confidential Information or intellectual property (including without limitation, any patent, invention, copyright, trade secret, trademark, trade name, logo, domain name or other source indicator) owned or used by the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates; (y) immediately destroy, delete, or return to the Company, at the Company’s option, all originals and copies in any form or medium (including memoranda, books, papers, plans, computer files, letters and other data) in Executive’s possession or control (including any of the foregoing stored or located in Executive’s office, home, laptop or other computer, whether or not Company property) that contain Confidential Information or otherwise relate to the business of the Company, its affiliates and subsidiaries, except that Executive may retain only those portions of any personal notes, notebooks and diaries that do not contain any Confidential Information and his rolodex (or other physical or electronic address book); and (z) fully cooperate with the Company regarding the delivery or destruction of any other Confidential Information not within Executive’s possession or control of which Executive is or becomes aware.

(b) Intellectual Property .

(i) If Executive has created, invented, designed, developed, contributed to or improved any works of authorship, inventions, intellectual property, materials, documents or other work product (including without limitation, research, reports, software, databases, systems, applications, presentations, textual works, content, or audiovisual materials) (“Works”), either alone or with third parties, prior to Executive’s employment by the Company, that are relevant to or implicated by such employment (“Prior Works”), Executive hereby grants the Company a perpetual, non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide, assignable, sublicensable license under all rights and intellectual property rights (including rights under patent, industrial property, copyright, trademark, trade secret, unfair competition and related laws) therein for all purposes in connection with the Company’s current and future business.

(ii) If Executive creates, invents, designs, develops, contributes to or improves any Works, either alone or with third parties, at any time during Executive’s employment by the Company and within the scope of such employment and/or with the use of any the Company resources (“Company Works”), Executive shall promptly and fully disclose same to the Company and hereby irrevocably assigns, transfers and conveys, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, all rights and intellectual property rights therein (including rights under patent, industrial property, copyright, trademark, trade secret, unfair competition and related laws) to the Company to the extent ownership of any such rights does not vest originally in the Company.

(iii) Executive agrees to keep and maintain adequate and current written records (in the form of notes, sketches, drawings, and any other form or media requested by the Company) of all Company Works. The records will be available to and remain the sole property and intellectual property of the Company at all times.

(iv) Executive shall take all requested actions and execute all requested documents (including any licenses or assignments required by a government contract) at the Company’s expense (but without further remuneration) to assist the Company in validating, maintaining, protecting, enforcing, perfecting, recording, patenting or registering any of the

 

10


Company’s rights in the Prior Works and Company Works. If the Company is unable for any other reason to secure Executive’s signature on any document for this purpose, then Executive hereby irrevocably designates and appoints the Company and its duly authorized officers and agents as Executive’s agent and attorney in fact, to act for and in Executive’s behalf and stead to execute any documents and to do all other lawfully permitted acts in connection with the foregoing.

(v) Executive shall not improperly use for the benefit of, bring to any premises of, divulge, disclose, communicate, reveal, transfer or provide access to, or share with the Company any confidential, proprietary or non-public information or intellectual property relating to a former employer or other third party without the prior written permission of such third party. Executive hereby indemnifies, holds harmless and agrees to defend the Company and its officers, directors, partners, employees, agents and representatives from any breach of the foregoing covenant. Executive shall comply with all relevant policies and guidelines of the Company, including regarding the protection of confidential information and intellectual property and potential conflicts of interest. Executive acknowledges that the Company may amend any such policies and guidelines from time to time, and that Executive remains at all times bound by their most current version.

(vi) The provisions of Section 8, 9 and 10 shall survive the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason.

10. Specific Performance . Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Company’s remedies at law for a breach or threatened breach of any of the provisions of Sections 8 or 9 would be inadequate and the Company would suffer irreparable damages as a result of such breach or threatened breach. In recognition of this fact, Executive agrees that, in the event of such a breach or threatened breach, in addition to any remedies at law, the Company, without posting any bond, shall be entitled to cease making any payments or providing any benefit otherwise required by this Agreement and obtain equitable relief in the form of specific performance, temporary restraining order, temporary or permanent injunction or any other equitable remedy which may then be available.

11. Miscellaneous .

(a) Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflicts of laws principles thereof.

(b) Entire Agreement/Amendments . This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the employment of Executive by the Company. There are no restrictions, agreements, promises, warranties, covenants or undertakings between the parties with respect to the subject matter herein other than those expressly set forth herein. This Agreement may not be altered, modified, or amended except by written instrument signed by the parties hereto. In the event of any inconsistency between this Agreement and any other plan, program, practice or agreement of which Executive is a participant or a party, this

 

11


Agreement shall control unless such other plan, program, practice or agreement specifically refers to the provisions of this sentence. The foregoing to the contrary notwithstanding, this Agreement does not supersede or otherwise limit the provisions of Sections 19 or 21 of Executive’s employment agreement with Pinnacle Foods Group Inc., dated June 12, 2006, with respect to the change in control of Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. occurring on April 2, 2007.

(c) No Waiver . The failure of a party to insist upon strict adherence to any term of this Agreement on any occasion shall not be considered a waiver of such party’s rights or deprive such party of the right thereafter to insist upon strict adherence to that term or any other term of this Agreement.

(d) Severability . In the event that any one or more of the provisions of this Agreement shall be or become invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.

(e) Assignment . This Agreement, and all of Executive’s rights and duties hereunder, shall not be assignable or delegable by Executive. Any purported assignment or delegation by Executive in violation of the foregoing shall be null and void ab initio and of no force and effect. This Agreement may be assigned by the Company to a person or entity which is an affiliate or a successor in interest to substantially all of the business operations of the Company, provided , that (i) such assignment shall be subject to Executive’s rights under Section 7(c)(ii) and (ii) the Board has exercised reasonable diligence to determine that such assignee is then solvent (on a balance sheet and cash flow basis) to satisfy the Company’s obligations under this Agreement together with all of the assignee’s other liabilities. Upon such assignment, the rights and obligations of the Company hereunder shall become the rights and obligations of such affiliate or successor person or entity.

(f) Set Off; No Mitigation . The Company’s obligation to pay Executive the amounts provided and to make the arrangements provided hereunder shall be subject to set-off, counterclaim or recoupment of amounts owed by Executive to the Company or its affiliates. Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided for pursuant to this Agreement by seeking other employment, taking into account the provisions of Section 8(a)(i), (ii) and (iii) of this Agreement, and such payments shall not be reduced by any compensation or benefits received from any subsequent employer or other endeavor except as provided at Section 7(c)(iii)(D)(ii).

(g) Compliance with IRC Section 409A . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) if at the time of Executive’s termination of employment with the Company Executive is a “specified employee” as defined in Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and the deferral of the commencement of any payments or benefits otherwise payable hereunder as a result of such termination of employment is necessary in order to prevent any accelerated or additional tax under Section 409A of the Code, then the Company will defer the commencement of the payment of any such payments or benefits hereunder (without any reduction in such payments or benefits ultimately paid or provided to Executive) until the date that is six months following Executive’s termination of employment with the Company (or the earliest date as is permitted under Section 409A of the Code) and (ii) if

 

12


any other payments of money or other benefits due to Executive hereunder could cause the application of an accelerated or additional tax under Section 409A of the Code, such payments or other benefits shall be deferred if deferral will make such payment or other benefits compliant under Section 409A of the Code, or otherwise such payment or other benefits shall be restructured, to the extent possible, in a manner, determined by the Board, that does not cause such an accelerated or additional tax. The Company shall consult with Executive in good faith regarding the implementation of the provisions of this Section 11(g); provided that neither the Company nor any of its employees or representatives shall have any liability to Executive with respect to thereto.

(h) Successors; Binding Agreement . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. In the event of Executive’s death prior to receipt of all amounts payable to Executive (including any unpaid amounts due under Section 7), such amounts shall be paid to Executive’s beneficiary designated by him by Notice to the Company or, in the absence of such designation, to his estate.

(i) Notice . For the purpose of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in the Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered by hand or overnight courier or three postal delivery days after it has been mailed by United States registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to the respective addresses set forth below in this Agreement, or to such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that Notice of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt (each such communication, “ Notice ”).

If to the Company, addressed to:

Crunch Holding Corp.

One Old Bloomfield

Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046

Attention: General Counsel

with a copy which shall not constitute Notice to:

The Blackstone Group

345 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10154

Attention: Prakash Melwani

 

13


with a copy which shall not constitute Notice to:

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

425 Lexington Ave.

New York, NY 10017

Attention: Greg Grogan

If to Executive, to the address listed in the Company’s payroll records from time to time;

with a copy which shall not constitute Notice to:

Vedder, Price, Kaufman & Kammholz, P.C.

222 North LaSalle Street

Chicago, IL 60601

Attention: Robert Simon

(j) Executive Representation . Executive hereby represents to the Company that the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Executive and the Company and the performance by Executive of Executive’s duties hereunder shall not constitute a breach of, or otherwise contravene, the terms of any employment agreement or other agreement or policy to which Executive is a party or otherwise bound.

(k) Prior Agreements . This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings (including verbal agreements) between Executive and the Company and/or its affiliates regarding the terms and conditions of Executive’s employment with the Company and/or its affiliates including, without limitation, Executive’s employment agreement dated June 12, 2006 (collectively, the “Prior Agreements”).

(l) Cooperation . Executive shall provide Executive’s reasonable cooperation in connection with any action or proceeding (or any appeal from any action or proceeding) which relates to events occurring during Executive’s employment hereunder, provided , that, following termination of Executive’s employment, the Company shall pay all expenses incurred by Executive in providing such cooperation, including, without limitation, all transportation, lodging and meal expenses (in the same level of comfort provided to Executive for his business travel during his period of employment) and reasonable attorneys fees. This provision shall survive any termination of this Agreement.

(m) Withholding Taxes . The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement such Federal, state and local taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.

(n) Counterparts . This Agreement may be signed in counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument.

 

14


(o) Arbitration . Any controversy, dispute, or claim arising out of, in connection with, or in relation to, the interpretation, performance or breach of this Agreement, including, without limitation, the validity, scope, and enforceability of this section, may at the election of any party, be solely and finally settled by arbitration conducted in New York, New York, by and in accordance with the then existing rules for commercial arbitration of the American Arbitration Association, or any successor organization and with the Expedited Procedures thereof (collectively, the “Rules”), subject to the right of the Company to seek interim equitable relief pursuant to Section 10 pending disposition of such arbitration. Each of the parties hereto agrees that such arbitration shall be conducted by a single arbitrator selected in accordance with the Rules; provided, that such arbitrator shall be experienced in deciding cases concerning the matter which is the subject of the dispute. Any of the parties may demand arbitration by providing Notice to the other party and to the American Arbitration Association in accordance with the Rules (“Demand for Arbitration”). Each of the parties agrees that if possible, the award shall be made in writing no more than 30 days following the end of the proceeding. Any award rendered by the arbitrator(s) shall be final and binding and judgment may be entered on it in any court of competent jurisdiction. Each of the parties hereto agrees, except as may be required to enforce the arbitrator’s award, to treat as confidential the results of any arbitration (including, without limitation, any findings of fact and/or law made by the arbitrator) and not to disclose such results to any unauthorized person. The parties intend that this agreement to arbitrate be valid, enforceable and irrevocable. In the event of any arbitration with regard to this Agreement, each party shall pay its own legal fees and expenses, provided , however, that the Company shall pay the Arbitrator’s fees and costs of the arbitration.

(p) Indemnification . Without limiting any other indemnification of to Executive under any other plan or agreement in which Executive is a fiduciary or a party, the Company shall indemnify Executive and hold Executive harmless from and against all costs, expenses, claims, losses and liabilities (including, without limitation, fees, judgments, fines, penalties and settlement payments) reasonably incurred by Executive in connection with any action, suit or proceeding in which Executive is made, or is threatened to be made, a party or a witness by reason of Executive’s performance as an officer, director or employee of the Company or its Subsidiaries or in any other capacity (including a fiduciary capacity) in which Executive serves at the request of the Company or its Subsidiaries (each, a “ Proceeding ”) to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law. If any claim is asserted with respect to which would reasonably be expected to be entitled to indemnification, the Company shall pay Executive’s reasonable costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys fees) with respect to any Proceeding (or cause such expenses to be paid) on a quarterly basis; provided that Executive shall reimburse the Company for such amounts, plus simple interest thereon at the 90-day United States Treasury Bill rate as in effect from time to time, compounded annually, if Executive ultimately shall be found by a court of competent jurisdiction not to have been entitled to such indemnification. The Company or its affiliates shall at all times maintain or cause to be maintained a directors and officers’ liability insurance and indemnification policy covering Executive which is consistent with the policy that covers members of the Board.

(q) Shareholder Approval . This Agreement shall be subject to, and shall only be effective following, the approval of the Company’s shareholders as of the date hereof who owned, as of the date hereof, more than 75% of the voting power of all outstanding stock of the Company, determined and obtained in a manner consistent with the methodology described in proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1.

[Signature Page Follows this Page]

 

15


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Employment Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

CRUNCH HOLDING CORP.
/s/ Shervin Korangy
By: Shervin Korangy
Title: Vice President
EXECUTIVE
/s/ Jeffrey P. Ansell
Jeffrey P. Ansell

 

16


EXHIBIT A

RELEASE OF CLAIMS

This Release of Claims is entered into by Jeffrey P. Ansell (“Executive”).

WHEREAS, Executive and Crunch Holding Corp., with offices at One Old Bloomfield, Mountain Lakes, New Jersey 07046 (the “Company”) entered into an Employment Agreement (the “Employment Agreement”) dated April 2, 2007 that provides Executive certain severance and other benefits in the event of an involuntary termination of Executive’s termination without Cause or Executive’s resignation of employment due to a Constructive Termination (each term as defined under the Employment Agreement);

WHEREAS, Executive’s employment has so terminated; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 7(c)(iii) of the Employment Agreement, a condition of Executive’s entitlement to certain severance and other benefits thereunder is his agreement to this Release of Claims.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the severance and other benefits provided under Section 7(c)(iii)(B) and (C), Executive agrees as follows:

1. Executive, for himself and his heirs, executors and administrators, hereby fully and finally waives, discharges and releases the Company, including each of the Company’s past, current and future parents, subsidiaries, and affiliates, and its and their shareholders, members, directors, officers, and employees, from any and all claims relating to his employment with the Company or his termination therefrom, whether now known or later discovered, which he or anyone acting on his behalf might otherwise have had or asserted, including, but not limited to, any express or implied contract of employment claims, any tort claims, claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act of 1990, the laws, including the labor laws of any state, including the State of New Jersey, and all claims under related common law, statutes, and executive orders at the federal, state and local levels of government, and any claims to any benefits from employment with the Company other than: (i) those benefits set forth enumerated in Section 7(c)(iii) of the Employment Agreement, (ii) any claims for indemnification pursuant to Section 11(p) of the Employment Agreement, (iii) all rights and benefits as a Class __ and Class__ member of the Peak Holdings LLC, and (iv) any claims for accrued and vested benefits under any of the Company’s employee retirement and welfare benefit plans in which Executive participated immediately prior to the date of termination of his employment. In addition, Executive represents that no incident has occurred during his employment with the Company that could form the basis for any claim by him against the Company under the worker’s compensation laws of any jurisdiction.

2. Executive represents that he has not brought, and covenants and agrees that he will not bring or cause to be brought, any charges, claims, demands, suits or actions, known or unknown, in any forum, against the Company arising out of, connected with or related in any way to his dealings with the Company that occurred prior to the effective date of this Agreement,

 

17


including, without limitation, his employment or his termination; provided , however, that Executive shall not be prevented from enforcing any rights he may have under and the terms of this Release of Claims, in accordance with Section 11(o) of the Employment Agreement. In the event that Executive brings an action to invalidate this Agreement, Executive covenants and agrees that prior to the commencement of such action, he will tender back to the Company all consideration paid to him pursuant to Section 7(c)(iii)(B) and (C) of the Employment Agreement up to the date any such action is instituted. Executive acknowledges and understands that all Company benefits provided under Section 7(c)(iii)(B) and (C) of the Employment Agreement will also be suspended as of the date such action is instituted and that no further consideration or benefits will be provided by the Company during the pendency of such action.

3. Executive acknowledges that he is subject to a confidentiality covenant pursuant to Section 9 of the Employment Agreement and a noncompetition covenant pursuant to Section 8 of the Employment Agreement and hereby reaffirms his obligations thereunder.

4. EXECUTIVE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT HE HAS BEEN ADVISED, IN WRITING, TO CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY OF HIS CHOICE PRIOR TO SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT AND THAT HE HAS SIGNED THIS AGREEMENT KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY, AND FREELY, AND WITH SUCH COUNSEL AS HE DEEMED APPROPRIATE. IN ADDITION, EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT HE HAS BEEN PROVIDED WITH A PERIOD OF UP TO TWENTY-ONE (21) DAYS IN WHICH TO CONSIDER WHETHER OR NOT TO ENTER INTO THIS RELEASE. FURTHER, EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT HE HAS BEEN ADVISED OF HIS RIGHT TO REVOKE THIS AGREEMENT DURING THE SEVEN (7) DAY PERIOD FOLLOWING EXECUTION HEREOF, AND THAT THE AGREEMENT SHALL NOT BECOME EFFECTIVE OR ENFORCEABLE UNTIL THE REVOCATION PERIOD HAS EXPIRED.

5. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as an admission by the Company of any liability of any kind to Executive, all such liability being expressly denied except for obligations of the Company imposed by the Employment Agreement which survive pursuant to this Release of Claims.

 

   
Jeffrey P. Ansell
Date:                          , 20     

 

18

Exhibit 10.4

Execution Copy

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

(Craig Steeneck; Executive Vice President-Operations Accounting/Planning and Systems)

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) dated April 2, 2007 by and between Crunch Holding Corp. (the “Company”) and Craig Steeneck (the “Executive”).

The Company and its Subsidiaries and the Company’s parent, Peak Holdings LLC (the “ Partnership ”) desire to employ Executive and to enter into an agreement embodying the terms of such employment;

Executive desires to accept such employment and enter into such an agreement;

In consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the parties agree as follows:

1. Term of Employment . Subject to the provisions of Section 7 of this Agreement, Executive shall be employed by the Company and certain of its affiliates for a period commencing on the date of this Agreement and ending on April 2, 2012 (the “Employment Term”) on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement; provided, however, that commencing with April 2, 2012 and on each April 2nd thereafter (each an “Extension Date”), the Employment Term shall be automatically extended for an additional one-year period, unless the Company or Executive provides the other party hereto 60 days prior Notice before the next Extension Date that the Employment Term shall not be so extended.

2. Position .

(a) During the Employment Term, Executive shall serve as the Company’s and the Partnership’s Executive Vice President-Operations Accounting/Planning and Systems. In such position, Executive shall have such duties and authority as shall be determined from time to time by the Management Committee of the Partnership (the “Board”) and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company consistent with such title, duties and responsibilities. If requested, Executive shall also serve as a member of the Board without additional compensation.

(b) During the Employment Term, Executive will devote Executive’s full business time and best efforts to the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder and will not engage in any other business, profession or occupation for compensation or otherwise which would conflict or interfere with the rendition of such services either directly or indirectly, without the prior written consent of the Board; provided that nothing herein shall preclude Executive, (i) from engaging in charitable and civic activities, including accepting appointment to or continuing to serve on any board of directors or trustees of any charitable organization or (ii) subject to the prior approval of the Board, from accepting appointment to or continuing to serve on any board of directors or trustees of any business corporation; provided in each case, and in the aggregate, that such activities do not conflict or interfere with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder or conflict with Section 8.

3. Base Salary . During the Employment Term, the Company shall pay Executive a base salary at the annual rate of $410,000, payable in regular installments in


accordance with the Company’s usual payment practices. Executive shall be entitled to such increases in Executive’s base salary, if any, as may be determined in the sole discretion of the Board at least annually. Executive’s annual base salary, as in effect from time to time, is hereinafter referred to as the “Base Salary.”

4. Annual Bonus . With respect to each full fiscal year during the Employment Term (which for the purposes of the 2007 fiscal year shall include the fiscal year of the Company’s predecessor commencing on January 1, 2007), Executive shall be eligible to earn an annual bonus award (an “Annual Bonus”) in such amount, if any, as may be determined in the sole discretion of the Board, of 75 percent (75%) of Executive’s Base Salary (the “Target Annual Bonus”), and of not less than 150 percent (150%) of Executive’s Base Salary at maximum, based upon the achievement of annual EBITDA target or maximum performance objectives, as the case may be, established by the Board within the first three months of each fiscal year during the Employment Term. The Annual Bonus, if any, shall be paid to Executive within two and one-half (2.5) months after the end of the applicable fiscal year.

5. Employee Benefits . During the Employment Term, Executive shall be entitled to participate in the Company’s employee benefit plans (other than annual bonus and incentive plans) as in effect from time to time (collectively “Employee Benefits”), on the same basis as those benefits are generally made available to other senior executives of the Company. Executive shall be entitled to 4 weeks’ vacation per fiscal year.

6. Business Expenses . During the Employment Term, reasonable business expenses incurred by Executive in the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder shall be advanced or promptly reimbursed by the Company in accordance with Company policies. In addition, up to $50,000 shall be paid in attorney’s fees representation by counsel in the negotiation of this Agreement and certain related agreements for Executive and certain other executives of the Company (without duplication).

7. Termination . The Employment Term and Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated by the Company at any time and for any reason upon Notice to Executive and by Executive upon at least 30 days’ advance Notice of any such resignation of Executive’s employment; provided , that in the event that the Company terminates Executive’s employment without Cause (as defined in Section 7(a)(ii)) after Executive has given advance Notice of his resignation but before the end of the notice period, Executive shall receive full payment of Base Salary, any Annual Bonus, and benefits as an active employee for the unexpired portion of such notice period. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the provisions of this Section 7 shall exclusively govern Executive’s rights to payment of compensation, severance, employee benefits and Executive’s business expenses upon termination of employment with the Company and its affiliates.

(a) By the Company For Cause or By Executive Other Than as a Result of a Constructive Termination .

(i) The Employment Term and Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated by the Company for Cause and shall terminate automatically upon the effective date of Executive’s resignation other than as result of a Constructive Termination (as defined in Section 7(c)(ii)).

 

2


(ii) For purposes of this Agreement, “ Cause ” shall mean (A) Executive’s continued failure substantially to perform Executive’s material duties under Executive’s employment (other than as a result of total or partial incapacity due to physical or mental illness) following Notice by the Company to Executive of such failure and 30 days within which to cure; (B) theft or embezzlement of Company property; (C) dishonesty in the performance of Manager’s duties resulting in material harm to the Company; (D) any act on the part of Executive that constitutes a felony under the laws of the United States or any state thereof ( provided, that if a Executive is terminated for any action described in this clause (D) and Executive is never indicted in respect of such action, then the burden of establishing that such action occurred shall be on the Company in respect of any proceeding related thereto between the parties and the standard of proof shall be clear and convincing evidence (and if the Company fails to meet such standard, the Company shall reimburse Executive for his reasonable legal fees in connection with such proceeding)); (E) Executive’s willful material misconduct in connection with Executive’s duties to the Company or any act or omission which is materially injurious to the financial condition or business reputation of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, or (F) Executive’s breach of the provisions of Section 8. No act shall be “willful” if conducted in good faith with a reasonable belief that such conduct was in the best interests of the Company.

(iii) If Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, or if Executive resigns other than as a result of a Constructive Termination, Executive shall be entitled to receive:

(A) the Base Salary and unused vacation accrued through the date of termination, payable within fifteen days following the date of such termination;

(B) any Annual Bonus earned, but unpaid, as of the date of termination for the immediately preceding fiscal year, paid in accordance with Section 4 (except to the extent payment is otherwise deferred pursuant to any applicable deferred compensation arrangement with the Company, in which case such amount shall be paid in full at the earliest such time as is provided under such arrangement);

(C) reimbursement, within 60 days following submission by Executive to the Company of appropriate supporting documentation) for any unreimbursed business expenses properly incurred by Executive in accordance with Company policy prior to the date of Executive’s termination; provided, that claims for such reimbursement (accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation) are submitted to the Company within 90 days following the date of Executive’s termination of employment; and

(D) such Employee Benefits, if any, as to which Executive may be entitled under the employee benefit plans of the Company (the amounts described in clauses (A) through (D) hereof being referred to as the “Accrued Rights”).

 

3


Following such termination of Executive’s employment by the Company for Cause or resignation by Executive other than as a result of a Constructive Termination, except as set forth in this Section 7(a)(iii), Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement.

(b) Disability or Death .

(i) The Employment Term and Executive’s employment hereunder shall terminate upon Executive’s death and may be terminated by the Company if Executive becomes physically or mentally incapacitated, after providing Executive reasonable accommodation, and is therefore unable, for a period of nine consecutive months or for an aggregate of twelve months in any eighteen consecutive month period, to perform Executive’s duties. The period of nine months shall be deemed continuous unless Executive returns to work for a period of at least 30 consecutive days during such period and performs during such period at the level and competence that existed prior to the beginning of the nine-month period. Such incapacity is hereinafter referred to as “Disability”. Any question as to the existence of the Disability of Executive as to which Executive and the Company cannot agree shall be determined in writing by a qualified independent physician mutually acceptable to Executive and the Company. If Executive and the Company cannot agree as to a qualified independent physician, each shall appoint such a physician and those two physicians shall select a third qualified independent physician which third such physician shall make such determination. The determination of Disability made by such physician in writing to the Company and Executive shall be final and conclusive for all purposes of the Agreement and any other agreement between any Company and Executive that incorporates the definition of “Disability”.

(ii) Upon termination of Executive’s employment hereunder for either Disability or death, Executive or Executive’s estate (as the case may be) shall be entitled to receive the Accrued Rights.

Following Executive’s termination of employment due to death or Disability, except as set forth in this Section 7(b)(ii), Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement.

(c) By the Company Without Cause or Resignation by Executive as a result of Constructive Termination .

(i) The Employment Term and Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated by the Company without Cause or by Executive’s as a result of a Constructive Termination.

(ii) For purposes of this Agreement, a “Constructive Termination” shall be deemed to have occurred upon (A) the failure of the Company to pay or cause to be paid Executive’s base salary or annual bonus (if any) when due; (B) a reduction in Executive’s base salary or target bonus opportunity percentage of base salary (excluding any change in value of equity incentives or a reduction in base salary affecting substantially all similarly situated executives by the same percentage of base salary); (C) any substantial and sustained diminution in Executive’s duties, authority or responsibilities as of the Closing Date; (D) a relocation of

 

4


Executive’s primary work location more than 50 miles without Executive’s prior written consent; (E) the failure to assign Executive’s employment agreement to a successor, and the failure of such successor to assume such employment agreement, in any Public Offering or Change of Control (each as defined in the Securityholders Agreement, dated April 2, 2007, between Executive and the Company); or (F) a Company Notice to Executive of the Company’s election not to extend the Employment Term; provided , that none of these events shall constitute Constructive Termination unless the Company fails to cure such event within 30 days after Notice is given by Executive specifying in reasonable detail the event which constitutes Constructive Termination; provided , further, that “Constructive Termination” shall cease to exist for an event on the 60 th day following the later of its occurrence or Executive’s knowledge thereof, unless Executive has given the Company Notice thereof prior to such date.

(iii) If Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause (other than by reason of death or Disability) or if Executive resigns as a result of a Constructive Termination, Executive shall be entitled to receive:

(A) the Accrued Rights;

(B) a pro rata portion of a Target Annual Bonus, payable within 30 days after Executive has entered into a release of claims set forth below, based upon the percentage of the fiscal year that shall have elapsed through the date of Executive’s termination of employment;

(C) subject to Executive’s continued compliance with the provisions of Sections 8 and 9, payment of an amount equal to (x) one multiplied by (y) the sum of the annual Base Salary amount plus Executive’s Target Annual Bonus amount, which shall be payable to Executive in equal installments in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices, as in effect on the date of termination of Executive’s employment, for twelve months after the date of such termination; provided , that the aggregate amount described in this clause (C) shall be reduced by the present value of any other cash severance benefits payable to Executive under any other severance plans, programs or arrangements of the Company or its affiliates; and

(D) continued coverage under the Company’s group health, life and disability plans until the earlier of (i) one year from Executive’s date of termination of employment with the Company and (ii) the date such Executive is or becomes eligible for comparable coverage (determined, to the extent practicable, on a coverage-by-coverage and benefit-by-benefit basis) under health, life and disability plans of another employer.

Amounts payable to Executive under subparagraphs (B) and (C), above, are subject to Executive providing a release of all claims to the Company in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A. Following Executive’s termination of employment by the Company without Cause (other than by reason of Executive’s death or Disability) or by Executive’s resignation as a result of a Constructive

 

5


Termination, except as set forth in this Section 7(c)(iii), Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement.

(d) Expiration of Employment Term .

(i) Election Not to Extend the Employment Term . In the event either party elects not to extend the Employment Term pursuant to Section 1, unless Executive’s employment is terminated pursuant to paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) of this Section 7 (including, without limitation, due to a Constructive Termination pursuant to clause (F) under Section 7(c)(iv) hereof), Executive’s termination of employment hereunder (whether or not Executive continues as an employee of the Company thereafter) shall be deemed to occur on the close of business on the day immediately preceding the next scheduled Extension Date and Executive shall be entitled to receive the Accrued Rights. Following such termination of Executive’s employment hereunder as a result of either party’s election not to extend the Employment Term, except as set forth in this Section 7(d)(i) and subject to the provisions of paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) of this Section 7 as may apply, Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement.

(ii) Continued Employment Beyond the Expiration of the Employment Term . Unless the parties otherwise agree in writing, continuation of Executive’s employment with the Company beyond the expiration of the Employment Term shall be deemed an employment at-will and shall not be deemed to extend any of the provisions of this Agreement and Executive’s employment may thereafter be terminated at will by either Executive or the Company; provided , that the provisions of Sections 8, 9 and 10 of this Agreement, and any accrued and vested rights of Executive as of the last day of the Employment Term, shall survive any termination of this Agreement or Executive’s termination of employment hereunder.

(e) Notice of Termination . Any purported termination of employment by the Company or by Executive (other than due to Executive’s death) shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party hereto in accordance with Section 11 (i) hereof. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” shall mean a Notice which shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of employment under the provision so indicated.

(f) Board/Committee Resignation . Upon termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive agrees to resign, as of the date of such termination and to the extent applicable, from the Board (and any committees thereof) and the Board of Directors (and any committees thereof) of any of the Company’s affiliates.

8. Non-Competition .

(a) Executive acknowledges and recognizes the highly competitive nature of the businesses of the Company and its affiliates and accordingly agrees as follows:

(i) During the Employment Term and, for a period of one year following the date Executive ceases to be employed by the Company (the “Restricted Period”), Executive will not, whether on Executive’s own behalf or on behalf of or in

 

6


conjunction with any person, firm, partnership, joint venture, association, corporation or other business organization, entity or enterprise whatsoever (“Person”), directly or indirectly solicit or assist in soliciting in a Competitive Business (as defined below), the business of any client or prospective client:

(A) with whom Executive had personal contact or dealings on behalf of the Company during the one-year period preceding Executive’s termination of employment;

(B) with whom employees directly reporting to Executive (or Executive’s direct reports) have had personal contact or dealings on behalf of the Company during the one year immediately preceding Executive’s termination of employment; or

(C) for whom Executive had direct or indirect responsibility during the one year immediately preceding Executive’s termination of employment.

(ii) During the Restricted Period, Executive will not directly or indirectly:

(A) engage in any business that is engaged in, or has plans to engage in, at any time during the Restricted Period, any activity that competes in the business of manufacturing and marketing food products that directly compete with the core brands of the Company as of the Termination Date (and for such purpose, a “core brand” shall be any brand generating annual revenues in an amount equal to at least 5% of the Company’s annual revenues, in the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year of such Termination Date) in any geographical area that is within 100 miles of any geographical area where the Company or its affiliates manufactures and markets its products or services (a “Competitive Business”);

(B) enter the employ of, or render any services to, any Person (or any division or controlled or controlling affiliate of any Person) who or which engages in a Competitive Business;

(C) acquire a financial interest in, or otherwise become actively involved with, any Competitive Business, directly or indirectly, as an individual, partner, shareholder, officer, director, principal, agent, trustee or consultant; or

(D) interfere with, or attempt to interfere with, business relationships (whether formed before, on or after the date of this Agreement) between the Company or any of its affiliates and customers, clients, suppliers partners, members or investors of the Company or its affiliates.

(iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, Executive may, directly or indirectly own, solely as an investment, securities of any Person engaged in a Competitive Business which are publicly traded on a national or regional stock exchange or on the over-the-counter market if Executive (i) is not a controlling person of, or a member of a group which controls, such person and (ii) does not, directly or indirectly, own 5% or more of any class of securities of such Person.

 

7


(iv) During the Restricted Period, Executive will not, whether on Executive’s own behalf or on behalf of or in conjunction with any Person, directly or indirectly (with Executive’s knowledge):

(A) solicit or encourage any employee of the Company or its affiliates to leave the employment of the Company or its affiliates; or

(B) hire any such employee who was employed by the Company or its affiliates as of the date of Executive’s termination of employment with the Company or who left the employment of the Company or its affiliates coincident with, or within 120 days (one year in the case of any such employee who reported directly to Executive immediately preceding Executive’s termination of employment (or Executive’s direct reports)) prior to or after, the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company.

Any solicitation or hiring, that Executive is not personally involved in, of an employee or former employee of the Company through general advertising shall not, of itself, be a breach of this Section 8(a)(iv).

(v) During the Restricted Period, Executive will not, directly or indirectly, solicit or encourage to cease to work with the Company or its affiliates any consultant then under contract with the Company or its affiliates, if such action would result in the Company being disadvantaged by such solicitation.

(b) It is expressly understood and agreed that although Executive and the Company consider the restrictions contained in this Section 8 to be reasonable, if a final judicial determination is made by a court of competent jurisdiction, or arbitrator pursuant to Section 11(o), that the time or territory or any other restriction contained in this Agreement is an unenforceable restriction against Executive, the provisions of this Agreement shall not be rendered void but shall be deemed amended to apply as to such maximum time and territory and to such maximum extent as such court may judicially determine or indicate to be enforceable. Alternatively, if any court of competent jurisdiction finds that any restriction contained in this Agreement is unenforceable, and such restriction cannot be amended so as to make it enforceable, such finding shall not affect the enforceability of any of the other restrictions contained herein.

(c) The period of time during which the provisions of this Section 8 shall be in effect shall be extended by the length of time during which Executive is in breach of the terms hereof as determined by any court of competent jurisdiction on the Company’s application for injunctive relief.

9. Confidentiality; Intellectual Property .

(a) Confidentiality .

(i) Executive will not at any time (whether during or after Executive’s employment with the Company) (x) retain or use for the benefit, purposes or account of Executive or any other person; or (y) disclose, divulge, reveal, communicate, share, transfer or

 

8


provide access to any person outside the Company (other than its professional advisers who are bound by confidentiality obligations), any non-public, proprietary or confidential information — including without limitation trade secrets, know-how, research and development, software, databases, inventions, processes, formulae, technology, designs and other intellectual property, information concerning finances, investments, profits, pricing, costs, products, services, vendors, customers, clients, partners, investors, personnel, compensation, recruiting, training, advertising, sales, marketing, promotions, government and regulatory activities and approvals — concerning the past, current or future business, activities and operations of the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates and/or any third party that has disclosed or provided any of same to the Company on a confidential basis (“Confidential Information”) without the prior written authorization of the Board except as may be required for Executive to discharge his employment duties to the Company.

(ii) “Confidential Information” shall not include any information that is (a) generally known to the industry or the public other than as a result of Executive’s breach of this covenant or any breach of other confidentiality obligations by third parties; (b) made legitimately available to Executive by a third party without breach of any confidentiality obligation; or (c) required by law to be disclosed (including via subpoena); provided that Executive shall give prompt Notice to the Company of such requirement of law, disclose no more information than is so required, and cooperate, at the Company’s cost, with any attempts by the Company to obtain a protective order or similar treatment.

(iii) Except as required by law, Executive will not disclose to anyone, other than Executive’s immediate family and legal or financial advisors, the existence or contents of this Agreement (unless this Agreement shall be publicly available as a result of a regulatory filing made by the Company or its affiliates or otherwise is disclosed by the Company to any unaffiliated party that is not under a restriction of confidentiality at least as restrictive as this restriction upon Executive); provided , that Executive may disclose to any prospective future employer the notice provisions of that part of Section 4 preceding Section 4(a) and the provisions of Sections 8 and 9 of this Agreement provided they agree to maintain the confidentiality of such terms.

(iv) Upon termination of Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason, Executive shall (x) cease and not thereafter commence use of any Confidential Information or intellectual property (including without limitation, any patent, invention, copyright, trade secret, trademark, trade name, logo, domain name or other source indicator) owned or used by the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates; (y) immediately destroy, delete, or return to the Company, at the Company’s option, all originals and copies in any form or medium (including memoranda, books, papers, plans, computer files, letters and other data) in Executive’s possession or control (including any of the foregoing stored or located in Executive’s office, home, laptop or other computer, whether or not Company property) that contain Confidential Information or otherwise relate to the business of the Company, its affiliates and subsidiaries, except that Executive may retain only those portions of any personal notes, notebooks and diaries that do not contain any Confidential Information and his rolodex (or other physical or electronic address book); and (z) fully cooperate with the Company regarding the delivery or destruction of any other Confidential Information not within Executive’s possession or control of which Executive is or becomes aware.

 

9


(b) Intellectual Property .

(i) If Executive has created, invented, designed, developed, contributed to or improved any works of authorship, inventions, intellectual property, materials, documents or other work product (including without limitation, research, reports, software, databases, systems, applications, presentations, textual works, content, or audiovisual materials) (“Works”), either alone or with third parties, prior to Executive’s employment by the Company, that are relevant to or implicated by such employment (“Prior Works”), Executive hereby grants the Company a perpetual, non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide, assignable, sublicensable license under all rights and intellectual property rights (including rights under patent, industrial property, copyright, trademark, trade secret, unfair competition and related laws) therein for all purposes in connection with the Company’s current and future business.

(ii) If Executive creates, invents, designs, develops, contributes to or improves any Works, either alone or with third parties, at any time during Executive’s employment by the Company and within the scope of such employment and/or with the use of any the Company resources (“Company Works”), Executive shall promptly and fully disclose same to the Company and hereby irrevocably assigns, transfers and conveys, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, all rights and intellectual property rights therein (including rights under patent, industrial property, copyright, trademark, trade secret, unfair competition and related laws) to the Company to the extent ownership of any such rights does not vest originally in the Company.

(iii) Executive agrees to keep and maintain adequate and current written records (in the form of notes, sketches, drawings, and any other form or media requested by the Company) of all Company Works. The records will be available to and remain the sole property and intellectual property of the Company at all times.

(iv) Executive shall take all requested actions and execute all requested documents (including any licenses or assignments required by a government contract) at the Company’s expense (but without further remuneration) to assist the Company in validating, maintaining, protecting, enforcing, perfecting, recording, patenting or registering any of the Company’s rights in the Prior Works and Company Works. If the Company is unable for any other reason to secure Executive’s signature on any document for this purpose, then Executive hereby irrevocably designates and appoints the Company and its duly authorized officers and agents as Executive’s agent and attorney in fact, to act for and in Executive’s behalf and stead to execute any documents and to do all other lawfully permitted acts in connection with the foregoing.

(v) Executive shall not improperly use for the benefit of, bring to any premises of, divulge, disclose, communicate, reveal, transfer or provide access to, or share with the Company any confidential, proprietary or non-public information or intellectual property relating to a former employer or other third party without the prior written permission of such third party. Executive hereby indemnifies, holds harmless and agrees to defend the Company and its officers, directors, partners, employees, agents and representatives from any breach of the foregoing covenant. Executive shall comply with all relevant policies and guidelines of the Company,

 

10


including regarding the protection of confidential information and intellectual property and potential conflicts of interest. Executive acknowledges that the Company may amend any such policies and guidelines from time to time, and that Executive remains at all times bound by their most current version.

(vi) The provisions of Section 8, 9 and 10 shall survive the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason.

10. Specific Performance . Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Company’s remedies at law for a breach or threatened breach of any of the provisions of Sections 8 or 9 would be inadequate and the Company would suffer irreparable damages as a result of such breach or threatened breach. In recognition of this fact, Executive agrees that, in the event of such a breach or threatened breach, in addition to any remedies at law, the Company, without posting any bond, shall be entitled to cease making any payments or providing any benefit otherwise required by this Agreement and obtain equitable relief in the form of specific performance, temporary restraining order, temporary or permanent injunction or any other equitable remedy which may then be available.

11. Miscellaneous .

(a) Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflicts of laws principles thereof.

(b) Entire Agreement/Amendments . This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the employment of Executive by the Company. There are no restrictions, agreements, promises, warranties, covenants or undertakings between the parties with respect to the subject matter herein other than those expressly set forth herein. This Agreement may not be altered, modified, or amended except by written instrument signed by the parties hereto. In the event of any inconsistency between this Agreement and any other plan, program, practice or agreement of which Executive is a participant or a party, this Agreement shall control unless such other plan, program, practice or agreement specifically refers to the provisions of this sentence.

(c) No Waiver . The failure of a party to insist upon strict adherence to any term of this Agreement on any occasion shall not be considered a waiver of such party’s rights or deprive such party of the right thereafter to insist upon strict adherence to that term or any other term of this Agreement.

(d) Severability . In the event that any one or more of the provisions of this Agreement shall be or become invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.

(e) Assignment . This Agreement, and all of Executive’s rights and duties hereunder, shall not be assignable or delegable by Executive. Any purported assignment or delegation by Executive in violation of the foregoing shall be null and void ab initio and of no force and effect. This Agreement may be assigned by the Company to a person or entity which

 

11


is an affiliate or a successor in interest to substantially all of the business operations of the Company, provided , that (i) such assignment shall be subject to Executive’s rights under Section 7(c)(ii) and (ii) the Board has exercised reasonable diligence to determine that such assignee is then solvent (on a balance sheet and cash flow basis) to satisfy the Company’s obligations under this Agreement together with all of the assignee’s other liabilities. Upon such assignment, the rights and obligations of the Company hereunder shall become the rights and obligations of such affiliate or successor person or entity.

(f) Set Off; No Mitigation . The Company’s obligation to pay Executive the amounts provided and to make the arrangements provided hereunder shall be subject to set-off, counterclaim or recoupment of amounts owed by Executive to the Company or its affiliates. Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided for pursuant to this Agreement by seeking other employment, taking into account the provisions of Section 8(a)(i), (ii) and (iii) of this Agreement, and such payments shall not be reduced by any compensation or benefits received from any subsequent employer or other endeavor except as provided at Section 7(c)(iii)(D)(ii).

(g) Compliance with IRC Section 409A . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) if at the time of Executive’s termination of employment with the Company Executive is a “specified employee” as defined in Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and the deferral of the commencement of any payments or benefits otherwise payable hereunder as a result of such termination of employment is necessary in order to prevent any accelerated or additional tax under Section 409A of the Code, then the Company will defer the commencement of the payment of any such payments or benefits hereunder (without any reduction in such payments or benefits ultimately paid or provided to Executive) until the date that is six months following Executive’s termination of employment with the Company (or the earliest date as is permitted under Section 409A of the Code) and (ii) if any other payments of money or other benefits due to Executive hereunder could cause the application of an accelerated or additional tax under Section 409A of the Code, such payments or other benefits shall be deferred if deferral will make such payment or other benefits compliant under Section 409A of the Code, or otherwise such payment or other benefits shall be restructured, to the extent possible, in a manner, determined by the Board, that does not cause such an accelerated or additional tax. The Company shall consult with Executive in good faith regarding the implementation of the provisions of this Section 11(g); provided that neither the Company nor any of its employees or representatives shall have any liability to Executive with respect to thereto.

(h) Successors; Binding Agreement . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. In the event of Executive’s death prior to receipt of all amounts payable to Executive (including any unpaid amounts due under Section 7), such amounts shall be paid to Executive’s beneficiary designated by him by Notice to the Company or, in the absence of such designation, to his estate.

(i) Notice . For the purpose of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in the Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered by hand or overnight courier or three postal delivery days after it

 

12


has been mailed by United States registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to the respective addresses set forth below in this Agreement, or to such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that Notice of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt (each such communication, “ Notice ”).

If to the Company, addressed to:

Crunch Holding Corp.

One Old Bloomfield

Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046

Attention: General Counsel

with a copy which shall not constitute Notice to:

The Blackstone Group

345 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10154

Attention: Prakash Melwani

with a copy which shall not constitute Notice to:

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

425 Lexington Ave.

New York, NY 10017

Attention: Greg Grogan

If to Executive, to the address listed in the Company’s payroll records from time to time;

with a copy which shall not constitute Notice to:

Vedder, Price, Kaufman & Kammholz, P.C.

222 North LaSalle Street

Chicago, IL 60601

Attention: Robert Simon

(j) Executive Representation . Executive hereby represents to the Company that the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Executive and the Company and the performance by Executive of Executive’s duties hereunder shall not constitute a breach of, or otherwise contravene, the terms of any employment agreement or other agreement or policy to which Executive is a party or otherwise bound.

 

13


(k) Prior Agreements . This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings (including verbal agreements) between Executive and the Company and/or its affiliates regarding the terms and conditions of Executive’s employment with the Company and/or its affiliates including, without limitation, employment agreement dated May 31, 2005 (collectively, the “Prior Agreements”).

(l) Cooperation . Executive shall provide Executive’s reasonable cooperation in connection with any action or proceeding (or any appeal from any action or proceeding) which relates to events occurring during Executive’s employment hereunder, provided , that, following termination of Executive’s employment, the Company shall pay all expenses incurred by Executive in providing such cooperation, including, without limitation, all transportation, lodging and meal expenses (in the same level of comfort provided to Executive for his business travel during his period of employment) and reasonable attorneys fees. This provision shall survive any termination of this Agreement.

(m) Withholding Taxes . The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement such Federal, state and local taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.

(n) Counterparts . This Agreement may be signed in counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument.

(o) Arbitration . Any controversy, dispute, or claim arising out of, in connection with, or in relation to, the interpretation, performance or breach of this Agreement, including, without limitation, the validity, scope, and enforceability of this section, may at the election of any party, be solely and finally settled by arbitration conducted in New York, New York, by and in accordance with the then existing rules for commercial arbitration of the American Arbitration Association, or any successor organization and with the Expedited Procedures thereof (collectively, the “Rules”), subject to the right of the Company to seek interim equitable relief pursuant to Section 10 pending disposition of such arbitration. Each of the parties hereto agrees that such arbitration shall be conducted by a single arbitrator selected in accordance with the Rules; provided, that such arbitrator shall be experienced in deciding cases concerning the matter which is the subject of the dispute. Any of the parties may demand arbitration by providing Notice to the other party and to the American Arbitration Association in accordance with the Rules (“Demand for Arbitration”). Each of the parties agrees that if possible, the award shall be made in writing no more than 30 days following the end of the proceeding. Any award rendered by the arbitrator(s) shall be final and binding and judgment may be entered on it in any court of competent jurisdiction. Each of the parties hereto agrees, except as may be required to enforce the arbitrator’s award, to treat as confidential the results of any arbitration (including, without limitation, any findings of fact and/or law made by the arbitrator) and not to disclose such results to any unauthorized person. The parties intend that this agreement to arbitrate be valid, enforceable and irrevocable. In the event of any arbitration with regard to this Agreement, each party shall pay its own legal fees and expenses, provided , however, that the Company shall pay the Arbitrator’s fees and costs of the arbitration.

 

14


(p) Indemnification . Without limiting any other indemnification of to Executive under any other plan or agreement in which Executive is a fiduciary or a party, the Company shall indemnify Executive and hold Executive harmless from and against all costs, expenses, claims, losses and liabilities (including, without limitation, fees, judgments, fines, penalties and settlement payments) reasonably incurred by Executive in connection with any action, suit or proceeding in which Executive is made, or is threatened to be made, a party or a witness by reason of Executive’s performance as an officer, director or employee of the Company or its Subsidiaries or in any other capacity (including a fiduciary capacity) in which Executive serves at the request of the Company or its Subsidiaries (each, a “ Proceeding ”) to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law. If any claim is asserted with respect to which would reasonably be expected to be entitled to indemnification, the Company shall pay Executive’s reasonable costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys fees) with respect to any Proceeding (or cause such expenses to be paid) on a quarterly basis; provided that Executive shall reimburse the Company for such amounts, plus simple interest thereon at the 90-day United States Treasury Bill rate as in effect from time to time, compounded annually, if Executive ultimately shall be found by a court of competent jurisdiction not to have been entitled to such indemnification. The Company or its affiliates shall at all times maintain or cause to be maintained a directors and officers’ liability insurance and indemnification policy covering Executive which is consistent with the policy that covers members of the Board.

(q) Shareholder Approval . This Agreement shall be subject to, and shall only be effective following, the approval of the Company’s shareholders as of the date hereof who owned, as of the date hereof, more than 75% of the voting power of all outstanding stock of the Company, determined and obtained in a manner consistent with the methodology described in proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1.

[Signature Page Follows this Page]

 

15


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Employment Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

CRUNCH HOLDING CORP.
/s/ Shervin Korangy
By: Shervin Korangy
Title: Vice President
EXECUTIVE
/s/ Craig Steeneck
Craig Steeneck

 

16


EXHIBIT A

RELEASE OF CLAIMS

This Release of Claims is entered into by Craig Steeneck (“Executive”).

WHEREAS, Executive and Crunch Holding Corp., with offices at One Old Bloomfield, Mountain Lakes, New Jersey 07046 (the “Company”) entered into an Employment Agreement (the “Employment Agreement”) dated April 2, 2007 that provides Executive certain severance and other benefits in the event of an involuntary termination of Executive’s termination without Cause or Executive’s resignation of employment due to a Constructive Termination (each term as defined under the Employment Agreement);

WHEREAS, Executive’s employment has so terminated; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 7(c)(iii) of the Employment Agreement, a condition of Executive’s entitlement to certain severance and other benefits thereunder is his agreement to this Release of Claims.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the severance and other benefits provided under Section 7(c)(iii)(B) and (C), Executive agrees as follows:

1. Executive, for himself and his heirs, executors and administrators, hereby fully and finally waives, discharges and releases the Company, including each of the Company’s past, current and future parents, subsidiaries, and affiliates, and its and their shareholders, members, directors, officers, and employees, from any and all claims relating to his employment with the Company or his termination therefrom, whether now known or later discovered, which he or anyone acting on his behalf might otherwise have had or asserted, including, but not limited to, any express or implied contract of employment claims, any tort claims, claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act of 1990, the laws, including the labor laws of any state, including the State of New Jersey, and all claims under related common law, statutes, and executive orders at the federal, state and local levels of government, and any claims to any benefits from employment with the Company other than: (i) those benefits set forth enumerated in Section 7(c)(iii) of the Employment Agreement, (ii) any claims for indemnification pursuant to Section 11(p) of the Employment Agreement, (iii) all rights and benefits as a Class __ and Class__ member of the Peak Holdings LLC, and (iv) any claims for accrued and vested benefits under any of the Company’s employee retirement and welfare benefit plans in which Executive participated immediately prior to the date of termination of his employment. In addition, Executive represents that no incident has occurred during his employment with the Company that could form the basis for any claim by him against the Company under the worker’s compensation laws of any jurisdiction.

2. Executive represents that he has not brought, and covenants and agrees that he will not bring or cause to be brought, any charges, claims, demands, suits or actions, known or unknown, in any forum, against the Company arising out of, connected with or related in any way to his dealings with the Company that occurred prior to the effective date of this Agreement,

 

17


including, without limitation, his employment or his termination; provided , however, that Executive shall not be prevented from enforcing any rights he may have under and the terms of this Release of Claims, in accordance with Section 11(o) of the Employment Agreement. In the event that Executive brings an action to invalidate this Agreement, Executive covenants and agrees that prior to the commencement of such action, he will tender back to the Company all consideration paid to him pursuant to Section 7(c)(iii)(B) and (C) of the Employment Agreement up to the date any such action is instituted. Executive acknowledges and understands that all Company benefits provided under Section 7(c)(iii)(B) and (C) of the Employment Agreement will also be suspended as of the date such action is instituted and that no further consideration or benefits will be provided by the Company during the pendency of such action.

3. Executive acknowledges that he is subject to a confidentiality covenant pursuant to Section 9 of the Employment Agreement and a noncompetition covenant pursuant to Section 8 of the Employment Agreement and hereby reaffirms his obligations thereunder.

4. EXECUTIVE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT HE HAS BEEN ADVISED, IN WRITING, TO CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY OF HIS CHOICE PRIOR TO SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT AND THAT HE HAS SIGNED THIS AGREEMENT KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY, AND FREELY, AND WITH SUCH COUNSEL AS HE DEEMED APPROPRIATE. IN ADDITION, EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT HE HAS BEEN PROVIDED WITH A PERIOD OF UP TO TWENTY-ONE (21) DAYS IN WHICH TO CONSIDER WHETHER OR NOT TO ENTER INTO THIS RELEASE. FURTHER, EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT HE HAS BEEN ADVISED OF HIS RIGHT TO REVOKE THIS AGREEMENT DURING THE SEVEN (7) DAY PERIOD FOLLOWING EXECUTION HEREOF, AND THAT THE AGREEMENT SHALL NOT BECOME EFFECTIVE OR ENFORCEABLE UNTIL THE REVOCATION PERIOD HAS EXPIRED.

5. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as an admission by the Company of any liability of any kind to Executive, all such liability being expressly denied except for obligations of the Company imposed by the Employment Agreement which survive pursuant to this Release of Claims.

 

   
Craig Steeneck
Date:                              , 20     

 

18

Exhibit 10.5

Execution Copy

DIRECTOR SERVICE AGREEMENT

(Roger Deromedi, Chairman)

DIRECTOR AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) dated April 2, 2007 by and between Crunch Holding Corp. (the “Company”) and Roger Deromedi (the “Director”).

The Company and its Subsidiaries and the Company’s parent, Peak Holdings LLC (“ Holdings ”) desire to employ Director and to enter into an agreement embodying the terms of such employment;

Director desires to accept such employment and enter into such an agreement;

In consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the parties agree as follows:

1. Term of Services . Subject to the provisions of Section 7 of this Agreement, Director shall provide services as an executive director to the Company and certain of its affiliates for a period commencing on the date of this Agreement and ending on April 2, 2012 (the “Service Term”) on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement; provided , however, that commencing with April 2, 2012 and on each April 2nd thereafter (each an “Extension Date”), the Service Term shall be automatically extended for an additional one-year period, unless the Company or Director provides the other party hereto 60 days’ prior Notice before the next Extension Date that the Service Term shall not be so extended.

2. Positions .

(a) During the Service Term, Director shall serve as the Company’s and Holdings’ Executive Chairman of the Management Committee of Holdings (the “Board”) and such other similar governing bodies as the Company and its Subsidiaries as may be requested by the Board and shall report exclusively to the Board.

(b) During the Service Term, Director will devote Director’s best efforts to the performance of Director’s duties hereunder and will not engage in any other business, profession or occupation for compensation or otherwise which would conflict or interfere with the rendition of such services either directly or indirectly, without the prior written consent of the Board; provided , that nothing herein shall preclude Director, (i) from engaging in for-profit work that does not violate Section 8 hereof; (ii) from engaging in charitable and civic activities, including accepting appointment to or continuing to serve on any board of directors or trustees of any charitable organization, or (iii) provided that Director provides prior notice to the Board, from accepting appointment to or continuing to serve on any board of directors or trustees of any business corporation; provided in each case, and in the aggregate, that such activities do not conflict or interfere with the performance of Director’s duties hereunder or conflict with Section 8.


3. Annual Fee . During the Service Term, the Company shall pay Director annual fees equal to $300,000, payable in regular installments in accordance with the Company’s usual Director payment practices (“Annual Fees”).

4. Annual Bonus . With respect to each full fiscal year during the Service Term, Director shall be eligible to earn an annual bonus award (an “Annual Bonus”) in such amount, if any, as may be determined in the sole discretion of the Board, of 66.7 percent (66.7%) of Director’s Annual Fee (the “Target Annual Bonus”). The Annual Bonus, if any, shall be paid to Director within two and one-half (2.5) months after the end of the applicable fiscal year.

5. No Employee Benefits . During the Service Term, Director shall not be entitled to participate in the Company’s employee benefit plans (other than annual bonus and incentive plans) as in effect from time to time (collectively “Employee Benefits”).

6. Business Expenses . During the Service Term, reasonable business expenses incurred by Director in the performance of Director’s duties hereunder shall be advanced or promptly reimbursed by the Company in accordance with Company policies.

7. Termination . The Service Term and Director’s services hereunder may be terminated by the Company at any time and for any reason upon written Notice to Director and by Director upon at least 30 days’ advance Notice of any such resignation of Director’s employment; provided , that in the event that the Company terminates Director’s services without Cause (as defined in Section 7(a)(ii)) after Director has given advance Notice of his resignation but before the end of the notice period, Director shall receive full payment of Base Salary, any Annual Bonus, and continued vesting in any equity as an active employee for the unexpired portion of such notice period. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the provisions of this Section 7 shall exclusively govern Director’s rights to payment of compensation, severance and Director’s business expenses upon termination of employment with the Company and its affiliates.

(a) By the Company For Cause or By Director Other than as a Result of a Constructive Termination .

(i) The Service Term and Director’s employment hereunder may be terminated by the Company for Cause and shall terminate automatically upon the effective date of Director’s resignation.

(ii) For purposes of this Agreement, “ Cause ” shall mean a termination of services of the Director by the Company or any Subsidiary thereof due to (A) Director’s continued failure substantially to perform Director’s material duties as an executive director of the Board (other than as a result of total or partial incapacity due to physical or mental illness) following Notice by the Company to Director of such failure and 30 days within which to cure; (B) theft or embezzlement of Company property; (C) dishonesty in the performance of Manager’s duties resulting in material harm to the Company; (D) any act on the part of Director that constitutes a felony under the laws of the United States or any state thereof ( provided, that if a Director is terminated for any action described in this clause (D) and Director is never indicted in respect of


such action, then the burden of establishing that such action occurred shall be on the Company in respect of any proceeding related thereto between the parties and the standard of proof shall be clear and convincing evidence (and if the Company fails to meet such standard, the Company shall reimburse Director for his reasonable legal fees in connection with such proceeding)); (E) Director’s willful material misconduct in connection with Director’s duties to the Company or any act or omission which is materially injurious to the financial condition or business reputation of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, or (F) Director’s breach of the provisions of Sections 8 or 9. No act shall be “willful” if conducted in good faith with a reasonable belief that such conduct was in the best interests of the Company.

(iii) If Director’s services are terminated by the Company for Cause, or if Director resigns other than as a result of a Constructive Termination, Director shall be entitled to receive:

(A) the Base Salary accrued through the date of termination, payable within fifteen days following the date of such termination;

(B) any Annual Bonus earned, but unpaid, as of the date of termination for the immediately preceding fiscal year, paid in accordance with Section 4 (except to the extent payment is otherwise deferred pursuant to any applicable deferred compensation arrangement with the Company, in which case such amount shall be paid in full at the earliest such time as is provided under such arrangement); and

(C) reimbursement, within 60 days following submission by Director to the Company of appropriate supporting documentation) for any unreimbursed business expenses properly incurred by Director in accordance with Company policy prior to the date of Director’s termination; provided, that claims for such reimbursement (accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation) are submitted to the Company within 90 days following the date of Director’s termination of employment; and (the amounts described in clauses (A) through (C) hereof being referred to as the “Accrued Rights”).

Following such termination of Director’s services by the Company for Cause or resignation by Director other than as a result of a Constructive Termination, except as set forth in this Section 7(a)(iii), Director shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement.

(b) Disability or Death . (i) The Service Term and Director’s services hereunder shall terminate upon Director’s death and may be terminated by the Company if Director becomes physically or mentally incapacitated, after providing Director reasonable accommodation, and is therefore unable, for a period of nine consecutive months or for an aggregate of twelve months in any eighteen consecutive month period, to perform Director’s duties. The period of nine months shall be deemed continuous unless Director returns to work for a period of at least 30 consecutive days during such period and performs during such period at the level and competence that existed prior to the beginning of the nine-month period. Such incapacity is hereinafter referred to as “Disability”. Any question as to the existence of the


Disability of Director as to which Director and the Company cannot agree shall be determined in writing by a qualified independent physician mutually acceptable to Director and the Company. If Director and the Company cannot agree as to a qualified independent physician, each shall appoint such a physician and those two physicians shall select a third qualified independent physician which third such physician shall make such determination. The determination of Disability made by such physician in writing to the Company and Director shall be final and conclusive for all purposes of the Agreement and any other agreement between any Company and Director that incorporates the definition of “Disability”.

(ii) Upon termination of Director’s services hereunder for either Disability or death, Director or Director’s estate (as the case may be) shall be entitled to receive the Accrued Rights.

Following Director’s termination of services due to death or Disability, except as set forth in this Section 7(b)(ii), Director shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement.

(c) By the Company Without Cause or By Director as a Result of a Constructive Termination .

(i) The Service Term and Director’s services hereunder may hereunder may be terminated by the Company without Cause or by Director as a result of a Constructive Termination.

(ii) The term “Constructive Termination” shall mean (A) the failure of the Company to pay or cause to be paid Director’s annual compensation or annual bonus (if any) when due; (B) a reduction in Director’s annual compensation (excluding any change in value of equity incentives or a reduction affecting substantially all senior managers); or (C) a material reduction or a material increase in the Director’s duties and responsibilities; provided , that none of these events shall constitute Constructive Termination unless the Company fails to cure such event within 30 days after written notice is given by Director specifying in reasonable detail the event which constitutes Constructive Termination; provided , further, that “Constructive Termination” shall cease to exist for an event on the 60 th day following the later of its occurrence or Director’s knowledge thereof, unless Director has given the Company written notice thereof prior to such date.

(iii) If Director’s services are terminated by the Company without Cause (other than by reason of death or Disability) or by Director as a result of a Constructive Termination, Director shall be entitled to receive:

(A) the Accrued Rights; and

(B) subject to Director’s continued compliance with the provisions of Sections 8 and 9, payment of an amount equal to (x) one multiplied by (y) the sum of the annual Base Salary amount plus Director’s Target Annual Bonus, which shall be payable to Director in equal installments in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices, as in effect on the date of termination of Director’s employment, for twelve months after the date of such termination;


provided , that the aggregate amount described in this clause (C) shall be reduced by the present value of any other cash severance benefits payable to Director under any other severance plans, programs or arrangements of the Company or its affiliates.

Amounts payable to Director under subparagraph (B), above, are subject to Director providing a release of all claims to the Company in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A. Following Director’s termination of services by the Company without Cause (other than by reason of Director’s death or Disability) or by Director as a result of a Constructive Termination, except as set forth in this Section 7(c)(iii), Director shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement.

(d) Expiration of Service Term .

(i) Election Not to Extend the Service Term . In the event either party elects not to extend the Service Term pursuant to Section 1, unless Director’s services are earlier terminated pursuant to paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) of this Section 7, Director’s termination of employment hereunder (whether or not Director continues his services to the Company thereafter) shall be deemed to occur on the close of business on the day immediately preceding the next scheduled Extension Date and Director shall be entitled to receive the Accrued Rights. Following such termination of Director’s services hereunder as a result of either party’s election not to extend the Service Term, except as set forth in this Section 7(d)(i) and subject to the provisions of paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) of this Section 7 as may apply, Director shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement.

(ii) Continued Service Beyond the Expiration of the Service Term . Unless the parties otherwise agree in writing, continuation of Director’s services with the Company beyond the expiration of the Service Term shall be deemed an “at-will” and shall not be deemed to extend any of the provisions of this Agreement and Director’s services may thereafter be terminated at will by either Director or the Company; provided , that the provisions of Sections 8, 9 and 10 of this Agreement, and any accrued and vested rights of Director as of the last day of the Service Term, shall survive any termination of this Agreement or Director’s termination of services hereunder.

(e) Notice of Termination . Any purported termination of services by the Company or by Director (other than due to Director’s death) shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party hereto in accordance with Section 11 (i) hereof. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” shall mean a Notice which shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of services under the provision so indicated.

(f) Board/Committee Resignation . Upon termination of Director’s services for any reason, Director agrees to resign, as of the date of such termination, from the Board (and any committees thereof) and the Board of Directors (and any committees thereof) of any of the Company’s affiliates.


8. Non-Competition .

(a) Director acknowledges and recognizes the highly competitive nature of the businesses of the Company and its subsidiaries and accordingly agrees as follows:

(i) During the Service Term and, for a period of 6 months following the date Director’s services with the Company are terminated (the “Restricted Period”), Director will not, whether on Director’s own behalf or on behalf of or in conjunction with any person, firm, partnership, joint venture, association, corporation or other business organization, entity or enterprise whatsoever (“Person”), directly or indirectly solicit or assist in soliciting in a Competitive Business (as defined below), the business of any client or prospective client:

(A) with whom Director had personal contact or dealings on behalf of the Company during the one-year period preceding Director’s termination of services;

(B) with whom employees directly reporting to Director (or Director’s direct reports) have had personal contact or dealings on behalf of the Company during the one year immediately preceding Director’s termination of services; or

(C) for whom Director had direct or indirect responsibility during the one year immediately preceding Director’s termination of services.

(ii) During the Restricted Period, Director will not directly or indirectly:

(A) engage in any business that is engaged in, or has plans to engage in, at any time during the Restricted Period, any activity that competes in the business of manufacturing and marketing food products that directly compete with the core brands of the Company as of the Termination Date (and for such purpose, a “core brand” shall be any brand generating annual revenues in an amount equal to at least 5% of the Company’s annual gross revenues, in the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year of such Termination Date) in any geographical area that is within 100 miles of any geographical area where the Company or its subsidiaries manufactures and markets its products or services (a “Competitive Business”); notwithstanding the foregoing, Director shall not be prohibited from engaging in a Competitive Business in any country that does not produce more than 10% of such core brand’s annual gross revenue;

(B) enter the employ of, or render any services to, any Person (or any division or controlled or controlling affiliate of any Person) who or which engages in a Competitive Business;

(C) acquire a financial interest in, or otherwise become actively involved with, any Competitive Business, directly or indirectly, as an individual, partner, shareholder, officer, director, principal, agent, trustee or consultant; or


(D) interfere with, or attempt to interfere with, business relationships (whether formed before, on or after the date of this Agreement) between the Company or any of its subsidiaries and customers, clients, suppliers partners, members or investors of the Company or its subsidiaries.

(iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, Director may, directly or indirectly own, solely as an investment, securities of any Person engaged in a Competitive Business which are publicly traded on a national or regional stock exchange or on the over-the-counter market if Director (i) is not a controlling person of, or a member of a group which controls, such person and (ii) does not, directly or indirectly, own 5% or more of any class of securities of such Person.

(iv) During the Restricted Period, Director will not, whether on Director’s own behalf or on behalf of or in conjunction with any Person, directly or indirectly (with Director’s knowledge):

(A) solicit or encourage any employee of the Company or its subsidiaries to leave the employment of the Company or its subsidiaries; or

(B) hire any such employee who was employed by the Company or its subsidiaries as of the date of Director’s termination of services with the Company or who left the employment of the Company or its subsidiaries coincident with, or within 120 days (one year in the case of any such employee who reported directly to the Board immediately preceding Director’s termination of services (or such person’s direct reports)) prior to or after, the termination of Director’s services with the Company.

(v) During the Restricted Period, Director will not, directly or indirectly, solicit or encourage to cease to work with the Company or its subsidiaries any consultant then under contract with the Company or its subsidiaries, if such action would result in the Company being disadvantaged by such solicitation.

Any solicitation or hiring, that Director is not personally involved in, of an employee or former employee of the Company through general advertising shall not, of itself, be a breach of Sections 8(a)(iv) or 8(a)(v), hereof.

(b) It is expressly understood and agreed that although Director and the Company consider the restrictions contained in this Section 8 to be reasonable, if a final judicial determination is made by a court of competent jurisdiction, or arbitrator pursuant to Section 11(o), that the time or territory or any other restriction contained in this Agreement is an unenforceable restriction against Director, the provisions of this Agreement shall not be rendered void but shall be deemed amended to apply as to such maximum time and territory and to such maximum extent as such court may judicially determine or indicate to be enforceable. Alternatively, if any court of competent jurisdiction finds that any restriction contained in this Agreement is unenforceable, and such restriction cannot be amended so as to make it enforceable, such finding shall not affect the enforceability of any of the other restrictions contained herein.


(c) The period of time during which the provisions of this Section 8 shall be in effect shall be extended by the length of time during which Director is in breach of the terms hereof as determined by any court of competent jurisdiction on the Company’s application for injunctive relief.

9. Confidentiality; Intellectual Property .

(a) Confidentiality .

(i) Director will not at any time (whether during or after Director’s services with the Company) (x) retain or use for the benefit, purposes or account of Director or any other person; or (y) disclose, divulge, reveal, communicate, share, transfer or provide access to any person outside the Company (other than its professional advisers who are bound by confidentiality obligations), any non-public, proprietary or confidential information —including without limitation trade secrets, know-how, research and development, software, databases, inventions, processes, formulae, technology, designs and other intellectual property, information concerning finances, investments, profits, pricing, costs, products, services, vendors, customers, clients, partners, investors, personnel, compensation, recruiting, training, advertising, sales, marketing, promotions, government and regulatory activities and approvals — concerning the past, current or future business, activities and operations of the Company, its subsidiaries or subsidiaries and/or any third party that has disclosed or provided any of same to the Company on a confidential basis (“Confidential Information”) without the prior written authorization of the Board except as may be required for Director to discharge his employment duties to the Company.

(ii) “Confidential Information” shall not include any information that is (a) generally known to the industry or the public other than as a result of Director’s breach of this covenant or any breach of other confidentiality obligations by third parties; (b) made legitimately available to Director by a third party without breach of any confidentiality obligation; or (c) required by law to be disclosed (including via subpoena); provided that Director shall give prompt Notice to the Company of such requirement of law, disclose no more information than is so required, and cooperate, at the Company’s cost, with any attempts by the Company to obtain a protective order or similar treatment.

(iii) Except as required by law, Director will not disclose to anyone, other than Director’s immediate family and legal or financial advisors, the existence or contents of this Agreement (unless this Agreement shall be publicly available as a result of a regulatory filing made by the Company or its subsidiaries or otherwise is disclosed by the Company to any unaffiliated party that is not under a restriction of confidentiality at least as restrictive as this restriction upon Director); provided , that Director may disclose to any prospective future employer the notice provisions of that part of Section 7 preceding Section 7(a) and the provisions of Sections 8 and 9 of this Agreement provided they agree to maintain the confidentiality of such terms.

(iv) Upon termination of Director’s services with the Company for any reason, Director shall (x) cease and not thereafter commence use of any Confidential Information or intellectual property (including without limitation, any patent, invention, copyright, trade secret,


trademark, trade name, logo, domain name or other source indicator) owned or used by the Company or its subsidiaries; (y) immediately destroy, delete, or return to the Company, at the Company’s option, all originals and copies in any form or medium (including memoranda, books, papers, plans, computer files, letters and other data) in Director’s possession or control (including any of the foregoing stored or located in Director’s office, home, laptop or other computer, whether or not Company property) that contain Confidential Information or otherwise relate to the business of the Company, its subsidiaries, except that Director may retain only those portions of any personal notes, notebooks and diaries that do not contain any Confidential Information and his rolodex (or other physical or electronic address book); and (z) fully cooperate with the Company regarding the delivery or destruction of any other Confidential Information not within Director’s possession or control of which Director is or becomes aware.

(v) The provisions of Section 8, 9 and 10 shall survive the termination of Director’s employment for any reason.

10. Specific Performance . Director acknowledges and agrees that the Company’s remedies at law for a breach or threatened breach of any of the provisions of Sections 8 or 9 would be inadequate and the Company would suffer irreparable damages as a result of such breach or threatened breach. In recognition of this fact, Director agrees that, in the event of such a breach or threatened breach, in addition to any remedies at law, the Company, without posting any bond, shall be entitled to cease making any payments or providing any benefit otherwise required by this Agreement and obtain equitable relief in the form of specific performance, temporary restraining order, temporary or permanent injunction or any other equitable remedy which may then be available.

11. Miscellaneous .

(a) Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflicts of laws principles thereof.

(b) Entire Agreement/Amendments . This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the Director’s service to the Company. There are no restrictions, agreements, promises, warranties, covenants or undertakings between the parties with respect to the subject matter herein other than those expressly set forth herein. This Agreement may not be altered, modified, or amended except by written instrument signed by the parties hereto. In the event of any inconsistency between this Agreement and any other plan, program, practice or agreement of which Director is a participant or a party, this Agreement shall control unless such other plan, program, practice or agreement specifically refers to the provisions of this sentence.

(c) No Waiver . The failure of a party to insist upon strict adherence to any term of this Agreement on any occasion shall not be considered a waiver of such party’s rights or deprive such party of the right thereafter to insist upon strict adherence to that term or any other term of this Agreement.


(d) Severability . In the event that any one or more of the provisions of this Agreement shall be or become invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.

(e) Assignment . This Agreement, and all of Director’s rights and duties hereunder, shall not be assignable or delegable by Director. Any purported assignment or delegation by Director in violation of the foregoing shall be null and void ab initio and of no force and effect. This Agreement may be assigned by the Company to a person or entity which is an affiliate or a successor in interest to substantially all of the business operations of the Company, provided , that (i) such assignment shall be subject to Director’s rights under Section 7(c)(ii) and (ii) the Board has exercised reasonable diligence to determine that such assignee is then solvent (on a balance sheet and cash flow basis) to satisfy the Company’s obligations under this Agreement together with all of the assignee’s other liabilities. Upon such assignment, the rights and obligations of the Company hereunder shall become the rights and obligations of such affiliate or successor person or entity.

(f) Set Off; No Mitigation . The Company’s obligation to pay Director the amounts provided and to make the arrangements provided hereunder shall be subject to set-off, counterclaim or recoupment of amounts owed by Director to the Company or its subsidiaries. Director shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided for pursuant to this Agreement by seeking other employment, taking into account the provisions of Section 8(a)(i), (ii) and (iii) of this Agreement, and such payments shall not be reduced by any compensation or benefits received from any subsequent employer or other endeavor except as provided at Section 7(c)(iii)(D)(ii).

(g) Compliance with IRC Section 409A . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) if at the time of Director’s termination of services with the Company Director is a “specified employee” as defined in Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and the deferral of the commencement of any payments or benefits otherwise payable hereunder as a result of such termination of employment is necessary in order to prevent any accelerated or additional tax under Section 409A of the Code, then the Company will defer the commencement of the payment of any such payments or benefits hereunder (without any reduction in such payments or benefits ultimately paid or provided to Director) until the date that is six months following Director’s termination of services with the Company (or the earliest date as is permitted under Section 409A of the Code) and (ii) if any other payments of money or other benefits due to Director hereunder could cause the application of an accelerated or additional tax under Section 409A of the Code, such payments or other benefits shall be deferred if deferral will make such payment or other benefits compliant under Section 409A of the Code, or otherwise such payment or other benefits shall be restructured, to the extent possible, in a manner, determined by the Board, that does not cause such an accelerated or additional tax. The Company shall consult with Director in good faith regarding the implementation of the provisions of this Section 11(g); provided that neither the Company nor any of its employees or representatives shall have any liability to Director with respect to thereto.

(h) Successors; Binding Agreement . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors,


heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. In the event of Director’s death prior to receipt of all amounts payable to Director (including any unpaid amounts due under Section 7), such amounts shall be paid to Director’s beneficiary designated by him by Notice to the Company or, in the absence of such designation, to his estate.

(i) Notice . For the purpose of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in the Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered by hand or overnight courier or three postal delivery days after it has been mailed by United States registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to the respective addresses set forth below in this Agreement, or to such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that Notice of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt (each such communication, “ Notice ”).

If to the Company, addressed to:

Crunch Holding Corp.

One Old Bloomfield

Mountain Lakes, New Jersey 07046

Attention: General Counsel

with a copy which shall not constitute Notice to:

The Blackstone Group

345 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10154

Attention: Prakash Melwani

with a copy which shall not constitute Notice to:

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

425 Lexington Ave.

New York, NY 10017

Attention: Greg Grogan

If to Director, to the address listed in the Company’s payroll records from time to time.

(j) Director Representation . Director hereby represents to the Company that the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Director and the Company and the performance by Director of Director’s duties hereunder shall not constitute a breach of, or otherwise contravene, the terms of any employment agreement or other agreement or policy to which Director is a party or otherwise bound.

(k) Prior Agreements . This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings (including verbal agreements) between Director and the Company and/or its


subsidiaries regarding the terms and conditions of Director’s service with the Company and/or its subsidiaries including (collectively, the “Prior Agreements”).

(l) Cooperation . Director shall provide Director’s reasonable cooperation in connection with any action or proceeding (or any appeal from any action or proceeding) which relates to events occurring during Director’s service hereunder, provided , that, following termination of Director’s service, the Company shall pay all expenses incurred by Director in providing such cooperation, including, without limitation, all transportation, lodging and meal expenses (in the same level of comfort provided to Director for his business travel during his period of employment) and reasonable attorneys fees. This provision shall survive any termination of this Agreement.

(m) Withholding Taxes . The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement such Federal, state and local taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.

(n) Counterparts . This Agreement may be signed in counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument.

(o) Arbitration . Any controversy, dispute, or claim arising out of, in connection with, or in relation to, the interpretation, performance or breach of this Agreement, including, without limitation, the validity, scope, and enforceability of this section, may at the election of any party, be solely and finally settled by arbitration conducted in New York, New York, by and in accordance with the then existing rules for commercial arbitration of the American Arbitration Association, or any successor organization and with the Expedited Procedures thereof (collectively, the “Rules”), subject to the right of the Company to seek interim equitable relief pursuant to Section 10 pending disposition of such arbitration. Each of the parties hereto agrees that such arbitration shall be conducted by a single arbitrator selected in accordance with the Rules; provided, that such arbitrator shall be experienced in deciding cases concerning the matter which is the subject of the dispute. Any of the parties may demand arbitration by providing Notice to the other party and to the American Arbitration Association in accordance with the Rules (“Demand for Arbitration”). Each of the parties agrees that if possible, the award shall be made in writing no more than 30 days following the end of the proceeding. Any award rendered by the arbitrator(s) shall be final and binding and judgment may be entered on it in any court of competent jurisdiction. Each of the parties hereto agrees, except as may be required to enforce the arbitrator’s award, to treat as confidential the results of any arbitration (including, without limitation, any findings of fact and/or law made by the arbitrator) and not to disclose such results to any unauthorized person. The parties intend that this agreement to arbitrate be valid, enforceable and irrevocable. In the event of any arbitration with regard to this Agreement, each party shall pay its own legal fees and expenses, provided , however, that the Company shall pay the Arbitrator’s fees and costs of the arbitration.

(p) Indemnification . Without limiting any other indemnification of or to Director under any other plan or agreement in which Director is a fiduciary or a party, the Company shall indemnify Director and hold Director harmless from and against all costs, expenses, claims, losses and liabilities (including, without limitation, fees, judgments, fines,


penalties and settlement payments) reasonably incurred by Director in connection with any action, suit or proceeding in which Director is made, or is threatened to be made, a party or a witness by reason of Director’s performance as an officer, director or employee of the Company or its Subsidiaries or in any other capacity (including a fiduciary capacity) in which Director serves at the request of the Company or its Subsidiaries (each, a “ Proceeding ”) to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law. If any claim is asserted with respect to which would reasonably be expected to be entitled to indemnification, the Company shall pay Director’s reasonable costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys fees) with respect to any Proceeding (or cause such expenses to be paid) on a quarterly basis; provided that Director shall reimburse the Company for such amounts, plus simple interest thereon at the 90-day United States Treasury Bill rate as in effect from time to time, compounded annually, if Director ultimately shall be found by a court of competent jurisdiction not to have been entitled to such indemnification. The Company or its affiliates shall at all times maintain or cause to be maintained a directors and officers’ liability insurance and indemnification policy covering Director which is consistent with the policy that covers members of the Board.

[Signature Page Follows this Page]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

CRUNCH HOLDING CORP.
/s/  Shervin Korangy
By:   Shervin Korangy
Title:   Vice President
DIRECTOR
/s/  Roger Deromedi
Roger Deromedi


EXHIBIT A

RELEASE OF CLAIMS

This Release of Claims is entered into by Roger Deromedi (“Director”).

WHEREAS, Director and Crunch Holding Corp., with offices at One Old Bloomfield, Mountain Lakes, New Jersey 07046 (the “Company”) entered into a Director Service Agreement (the “Director Agreement”) dated April 2, 2007 that provides Director certain severance and other benefits in the event of an involuntary termination of Director’s service without Cause (as defined under the Director Agreement);

WHEREAS, Director’s service has so terminated; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 7(c)(iii) of the Director Agreement, a condition of Director’s entitlement to certain severance and other benefits thereunder is his agreement to this Release of Claims.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the severance and other benefits provided under Section 7(c)(iii)(B) and (C), Director agrees as follows:

1. Director, for himself and his heirs, executors and administrators, hereby fully and finally waives, discharges and releases the Company, including each of the Company’s past, current and future parents, subsidiaries, and affiliates, and its and their shareholders, members, directors, officers, and employees, from any and all claims relating to his service with the Company or his termination therefrom, whether now known or later discovered, which he or anyone acting on his behalf might otherwise have had or asserted, including, but not limited to, any express or implied contract of employment claims, any tort claims, claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act of 1990, the laws, including the labor laws of any state, including the State of New Jersey, and all claims under related common law, statutes, and Director orders at the federal, state and local levels of government, and any claims to any benefits from employment with the Company other than: (i) those benefits set forth enumerated in Section 7(c)(iii) of the Director Agreement, (ii) any claims for indemnification pursuant to Section 11(p) of the Director Agreement, (iii) all rights and benefits as a Class A-2, Class B-1, Class B-2 and/or Class B-3 member of the Peak Holdings LLC, and (iv) any claims for accrued and vested benefits under any of the Company’s employee retirement and welfare benefit plans in which Director participated immediately prior to the date of termination of his service. In addition, Director represents that no incident has occurred during his service with the Company that could form the basis for any claim by him against the Company under the worker’s compensation laws of any jurisdiction.

2. Director represents that he has not brought, and covenants and agrees that he will not bring or cause to be brought, any charges, claims, demands, suits or actions, known or unknown, in any forum, against the Company arising out of, connected with or related in any way to his dealings with the Company that occurred prior to the effective date of this Agreement, including, without limitation, his service or his termination; provided , however, that Director


shall not be prevented from enforcing any rights he may have under and the terms of this Release of Claims, in accordance with Section 11(o) of the Director Agreement. In the event that Director brings an action to invalidate this Agreement, Director covenants and agrees that prior to the commencement of such action, he will tender back to the Company all consideration paid to him pursuant to Section 7(c)(iii)(B) of the Director Agreement up to the date any such action is instituted. Director acknowledges and understands that all Company benefits provided under Section 7(c)(iii)(B) of the Director Agreement will also be suspended as of the date such action is instituted and that no further consideration or benefits will be provided by the Company during the pendency of such action.

3. Director acknowledges that he is subject to a confidentiality covenant pursuant to Section 9 of the Director Agreement and a noncompetition covenant pursuant to Section 8 of the Director Agreement and hereby reaffirms his obligations thereunder.

4. DIRECTOR ACKNOWLEDGES THAT HE HAS BEEN ADVISED, IN WRITING, TO CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY OF HIS CHOICE PRIOR TO SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT AND THAT HE HAS SIGNED THIS AGREEMENT KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY, AND FREELY, AND WITH SUCH COUNSEL AS HE DEEMED APPROPRIATE. IN ADDITION, DIRECTOR ACKNOWLEDGES THAT HE HAS BEEN PROVIDED WITH A PERIOD OF UP TO TWENTY-ONE (21) DAYS IN WHICH TO CONSIDER WHETHER OR NOT TO ENTER INTO THIS RELEASE. FURTHER, DIRECTOR ACKNOWLEDGES THAT HE HAS BEEN ADVISED OF HIS RIGHT TO REVOKE THIS AGREEMENT DURING THE SEVEN (7) DAY PERIOD FOLLOWING EXECUTION HEREOF, AND THAT THE AGREEMENT SHALL NOT BECOME EFFECTIVE OR ENFORCEABLE UNTIL THE REVOCATION PERIOD HAS EXPIRED.

5. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as an admission by the Company of any liability of any kind to Director, all such liability being expressly denied except for obligations of the Company imposed by the Director Agreement which survive pursuant to this Release of Claims.

 

   
Roger Deromedi
Date:                      , 20         

Exhibit 10.6

Execution Copy

THIS TRANSACTION AND ADVISORY FEE AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is dated as of April 2, 2007 and is between Peak Finance LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (together with its successors, the “ Company ”) and Blackstone Management Partners V L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company (“ BMP ”).

BACKGROUND

1. Crunch Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation (“ Crunch Holding ”), Peak Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Peak Holdings ”), Peak Acquisition Corp, a Delaware corporation (“ Merger Sub ”) and the Company have entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of February 10, 2007 (as amended, supplemented or modified from time to time, the “ Merger Agreement ”), pursuant to which Merger Sub will be merged with and into Crunch Holding, with Crunch Holding as the surviving corporation (the “ Merger ”).

2. Immediately following the Merger, the Company will merge with and into Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Crunch Holding (“ Pinnacle Foods Finance ”), with Pinnacle Foods Finance as the surviving limited liability company, following which the obligations of the Company will become the obligations of Pinnacle Foods Finance.

3. BMP has expertise in the areas of finance, strategy, investment, acquisitions and other matters relating to the Company and its business and has facilitated the Merger and certain other related transactions (collectively, the “ Transactions ”) through its provision of financial and structural analysis, due diligence investigations, other advice and negotiation assistance with all relevant parties to the Transactions. BMP has also provided advice and negotiation assistance with relevant parties in connection with the financing of certain of the Transactions as contemplated by the Merger Agreement.

4. The Company desires to avail itself, for the term of this Agreement, of BMP’s expertise in providing financial and structural analysis, due diligence investigations, corporate strategy, other advice and negotiation assistance, which the Company believes will be beneficial to it, and BMP desires to provide the services to the Company as set forth in this Agreement in consideration of the payment of the fees described below.

5. The rendering by BMP of the services described in this Agreement and the funding of equity by certain Affiliates (as defined below) of BMP (the “ Affiliated Investors ”) has been made and will be made on the basis that the Company will pay, or cause to be paid, the fees described below.

In consideration of the premises and agreements contained herein and of other good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

AGREEMENT

Section 1. Transaction and M&A Advisory Fees . In consideration of BMP undertaking financial and structural analysis, due diligence investigations, corporate strategy and other advice and negotiation assistance necessary in order to enable the Transactions to be consummated, the Company will pay BMP at the closing of the Merger (hereinafter referred to as the “ Effective Time ”) a non-refundable and irrevocable transaction fee of $21,625,000.

Section 2. Appointment . The Company hereby engages BMP to render the Services (as defined below) on the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement.


SECTION 3. Services .

(a) BMP agrees that until the Termination Date (as defined below) or the earlier termination of its obligations under this Section 3(a) pursuant to Section 4(f) hereof, it will render to the Company, by and through itself and its affiliates and such of their respective officers, employees, representatives, agents and third parties as BMP in its sole discretion may designate from time to time (its “ Affiliates ”), advisory and consulting services in relation to the affairs of the Company and its subsidiaries, including, without limitation, (i) advice regarding the structure, distribution and timing of private or public debt or equity offerings and advice regarding relationships with the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ lenders and bankers, including in relation to the selection, retention and supervision of independent auditors, outside legal counsel, investment bankers or other financial advisors or consultants, (ii) advice regarding the strategy of the Company and its subsidiaries, (iii) advice regarding the structuring and implementation of equity participation plans, employee benefit plans and other incentive arrangements for certain key executives of the Company, (iv) general advice regarding dispositions and/or acquisitions and (v) such other advice directly related or ancillary to the above financial advisory services as may be reasonably requested by the Company (collectively, the “ Services ”). However, BMP will have no obligation to provide any other services to the Company absent an agreement between BMP and the Company over the scope of such other services and the payment therefor.

(b) It is expressly agreed that the Services to be rendered hereunder will not include investment banking or other financial advisory services which may be provided by BMP or any of its Affiliates to the Company, or any of its affiliates, in connection with any specific acquisition, divestiture, disposition, merger, consolidation, restructuring, refinancing, recapitalization, issuance of private or public debt or equity securities (including, without limitation, an initial public offering of equity securities), financing or similar transaction by the Company or any of its subsidiaries. BMP may be entitled to receive additional compensation for providing services of the type specified in the preceding sentence by mutual agreement of the Company or such subsidiary, on the one hand, and BMP or its relevant Affiliates, on the other hand. In the absence of an express agreement regarding compensation for services performed by BMP or any of its Affiliates in connection with any such transaction specified in this Section 3(b), and without regard to whether any such services were performed, BMP shall be entitled to receive upon consummation of:

(i) any such acquisition, divestiture, disposition, merger, consolidation, restructuring or recapitalization, a non-refundable and irrevocable fee equal to (x) 1% of the aggregate enterprise value of the acquired, divested, merged, consolidated, restructured or recapitalized entity (calculated, on a consolidated basis for such entity, as the sum of (1) the market value of its common equity (or the fair market value thereof if not publicly traded), (2) the value of its preferred stock (at liquidation value), (3) the book value of its minority interests and (4) its aggregate long- and short-term debt, less its cash and cash equivalents), or (y) if such transaction is structured as an asset purchase or sale, 1% of the consideration paid for or received in respect of the assets acquired or disposed of;

(ii) any such refinancing, a non-refundable and irrevocable fee equal to 1% of the aggregate value of the securities subject to such refinancing; and

(iii) any such issuance, a non-refundable and irrevocable fee equal to 1% of the aggregate value of the securities subject to such issuance.

(c) Without affecting the rights of BMP under Section 3(b) hereof, if the Company or any of its subsidiaries determines that it is advisable for the Company or such


subsidiary to hire a financial advisor, consultant, investment banker or any similar advisor in connection with any acquisition, divestiture, disposition, merger, consolidation, restructuring, refinancing, recapitalization, issuance of private or public debt or equity securities (including, without limitation, an initial public offering of equity securities), financing or similar transaction, it will notify BMP of such determination in writing. Promptly thereafter, upon the request of BMP, the parties will negotiate in good faith to agree upon appropriate services, compensation and indemnification for the Company or such subsidiary to hire BMP or one of its Affiliates for such services. The Company and its subsidiaries may not hire any person, other than BMP or one of its Affiliates, to perform any such services unless all of the following conditions have been satisfied: (i) the parties are unable to agree upon the terms of the engagement of BMP or its Affiliate to render such services after 30 days following receipt by BMP of such written notice; (ii) such other person has a reputation that is at least equal to the reputation of BMP or its Affiliate in respect of such services; (iii) ten business days have elapsed after the Company or such subsidiary provides a written notice to BMP of its intention to hire such other person, which notice shall identify such other person and shall describe in reasonable detail the nature of the services to be provided, the compensation to be paid and the indemnification to be provided; (iv) the compensation to be paid is not more than BMP or its Affiliate was willing to accept in the negotiations described above; and (v) the indemnification to be provided is not more favorable to the Company or the applicable subsidiary than the indemnification that BMP or its affiliate was willing to accept in the negotiations described above.

SECTION 4. Advisory Fee .

(a) In consideration of the Services being rendered by BMP, the Company will pay, or will cause to be paid, to BMP an annual non-refundable and irrevocable advisory fee (the “ Advisory Fee ”; the term “Advisory Fee” as used in this Agreement with respect to any annual period means all amounts payable with respect to such annual period pursuant to Sections 4(b) or (c) hereof, as applicable; provided that notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the minimum annual Advisory Fee payable to BMP shall be $2,500,000).

(b) The Advisory Fee for the year ending December 31, 2007 shall be equal to $2,500,000, which shall be paid, or caused to be paid, by the Company at the Effective Time in respect of Services to be rendered from the Effective Time to December 31, 2007.

(c) The Advisory Fee for fiscal year 2008 and each subsequent year shall be equal to the greater of $2,500,000 or 1% of Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Agreement among the Company, Peak Finance Holdings LLC, Lehman Commercial Paper Inc., as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer, Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P., as Syndication Agent and Lender, Mizuho Corporate Bank Ltd and General Electric Capital Corporation, as Co-Documentation Agents and as Lenders and each lender from time to time party thereto). The Company will pay, or cause to be paid, to BMP, such Advisory Fee on January 1, 2008, and thereafter on January 1 of each subsequent year.

(d) In the event the Company or any of its subsidiaries enters into a business combination transaction with another entity that is large enough to constitute a “significant subsidiary” of the Company under any of the relevant tests contained in Regulation S-X as promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Company and BMP will mutually agree, following good faith negotiations, on an appropriate increase in the minimum annual Advisory Fee as warranted by the increase in the Company’s size. Such increase will be based on the percentage increase in the Company’s EBITDA determined on a pro forma basis giving effect to such business combination transaction.


(e) To the extent the Company cannot pay, or cause to be paid, the Advisory Fee for any reason, including by reason of any prohibition on such payment pursuant to any applicable law or the terms of any debt financing of the Company or its subsidiaries, the payment by the Company or any of its subsidiaries to BMP of the accrued and payable Advisory Fee will be payable immediately on the earlier of (i) the first date on which the payment of such deferred Advisory Fee is no longer prohibited under any contract applicable to the Company and the Company or its subsidiaries, as applicable, is otherwise able to make such payment, or cause such payment to be made, and (ii) total or partial liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, under any applicable law or under any contract applicable to the Company or its subsidiaries, any forbearance of collection of the Advisory Fee by BMP shall not be deemed to be a subordination of such payments to any other person, entity or creditor of the Company or its subsidiaries. Any such forbearance shall be at BMP’s sole option and discretion and shall in no way impair BMP’s right to collect such payments. Any installment of the Advisory Fee not paid on the scheduled due date will bear interest, payable in cash on each scheduled due date, at an annual rate of 10%, compounded quarterly, from the date due until paid.

(f) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, BMP may elect (in its sole discretion by the delivery of written notice to the Company) at any time in connection with or in anticipation of a change of control of the Company, a sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets or an initial public offering of the equity of the Company or its successor or any controlling person thereof (or at any time thereafter) to receive, in consideration of the termination of the Services and for any remaining Advisory Fees payable by the Company under this Agreement and in addition to any fees owing to BMP in connection with such transaction pursuant to Section 3(b) hereof, a single lump sum non-refundable and irrevocable cash payment (the “ Lump Sum Fee ”) equal to the then present value (using a discount rate equal to the yield to maturity on the date of such written notice of the class of outstanding U.S. government bonds having a final maturity closest to the tenth anniversary of the date of this agreement (the “ Discount Rate ”)) of all then current and future Advisory Fees payable under this Agreement, assuming the Termination Date is the tenth anniversary of the date of such election. Promptly after the receipt of such written notice, the Company shall pay the Lump Sum Fee to BMP by wire transfer in same-day funds to the bank account designated by BMP, which payment shall not be refundable under any circumstances. Following the payment of the Lump Sum Fee, the obligation of BMP to provide the Services hereunder, and the obligations of the Company to pay Advisory Fees, shall be terminated, but all other provisions of this Agreement shall continue unaffected.

(g) To the extent the Company does not pay, or cause to be paid, any portion of the Lump Sum Payment by reason of any prohibition on such payment pursuant to any applicable law, the terms of any agreement or indenture governing indebtedness of the Company or its subsidiaries, any unpaid portion of the Lump Sum Payment shall be paid to BMP on the first date on which the payment of such unpaid amount is permitted under such agreement or indenture. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, under any applicable law or under any contract applicable to the Company or its subsidiaries, any forbearance of collection of the Lump Sum Fee by BMP shall not be deemed to be a subordination of such payments to any other person, entity or creditor of the Company or its subsidiaries. Any such forbearance shall be at BMP’s sole option and discretion and shall in no way impair BMP’s right to collect such payments. Any portion of the Lump Sum Payment not paid on the scheduled due date shall bear interest at an annual rate equal to the Discount Rate, compounded quarterly, from the date due until paid.

SECTION 5. Reimbursements . In addition to the fees payable pursuant to this Agreement, the Company will pay, or cause to be paid, directly, or reimburse BMP and each of its Affiliates for, their respective Out-of-Pocket Expenses (as defined below). For the purposes of


this Agreement, the term “ Out-of-Pocket Expenses ” means the out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by BMP and its Affiliates in connection with the Transactions and the Services or other services provided by them under this Agreement (including prior to the Effective Time), or in order to make Securities and Exchange Commission and other legally required filings relating to the ownership of equity securities of the Company or its successor by BMP or its Affiliates, or otherwise incurred by BMP or its Affiliates from time to time in the future in connection with the ownership or subsequent sale or transfer by BMP or its Affiliates of capital stock of the Company or its successor, including, without limitation, (a) fees and disbursements of any independent professionals and organizations, including independent accountants, outside legal counsel or consultants, retained by BMP or any of its Affiliates, (b) costs of any outside services or independent contractors such as financial printers, couriers, business publications, on-line financial services or similar services, retained or used by BMP or any of its Affiliates, and (c) transportation, per diem costs, word processing expenses or any similar expense not associated with BMP’s or its Affiliates’ ordinary operations. All payments or reimbursements for Out-of-Pocket Expenses will be made by wire transfer in same-day funds promptly upon or as soon as practicable following request for payment or reimbursement in accordance with this Agreement, to the bank account indicated to the Company by the relevant payee.

SECTION 6. Indemnification .

The Company will indemnify and hold harmless BMP, its Affiliates and their respective partners (both general and limited), members (both managing and otherwise), officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives (each such person being an “ Indemnified Party ”) from and against any and all actions, suits, investigations, losses, claims, damages and liabilities, including in connection with seeking indemnification, whether joint or several (the “ Liabilities ”), related to, arising out of or in connection with the Services or other services contemplated by this Agreement or the engagement of BMP pursuant to, and the performance by BMP of the Services or other services contemplated by, this Agreement, whether or not pending or threatened, whether or not an Indemnified Party is a party, whether or not resulting in any liability and whether or not such action, claim, suit, investigation or proceeding is initiated or brought by the Company. The Company will reimburse any Indemnified Party for all reasonable costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses and any other litigation-related expenses) as they are incurred in connection with investigating, preparing, pursuing, defending or assisting in the defense of any action, claim, suit, investigation or proceeding for which the Indemnified Party would be entitled to indemnification under the terms of the previous sentence, or any action or proceeding arising therefrom, whether or not such Indemnified Party is a party thereto. The Company agrees that it will not, without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Party, settle, compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment in any pending or threatened claim, action or proceeding relating to the matters contemplated hereby (if any Indemnified Party is a party thereto or has been threatened to be made a party thereto) unless such settlement, compromise or consent includes an unconditional release of the Indemnified Party from all liability, without future obligation or prohibition on the part of the Indemnified Party, arising or that may arise out of such claim, action or proceeding, and does not contain an admission of guilt or liability on the part of the Indemnified Party. The Company will not be liable under the foregoing indemnification provision with respect to any particular loss, claim, damage, liability, cost or expense of an Indemnified Party that is determined by a court, in a final judgment from which no further appeal may be taken, to have resulted solely from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnified Party. The attorneys’ fees and other expenses of an Indemnified Party shall be paid by the Company as they are incurred upon receipt, in each case, of an undertaking by or on behalf of the Indemnified Party to repay such amounts if it is finally judicially determined that the Liabilities in question resulted solely from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnified Party.


The rights of an Indemnified Party to indemnification hereunder will be in addition to any other rights and remedies any such person may have under any other agreement or instrument to which each Indemnified Party is or becomes a party or is or otherwise becomes a beneficiary or under any law or regulation.

SECTION 7. Accuracy of Information . The Company shall furnish or cause to be furnished to BMP such information as BMP believes reasonably appropriate to rendering the Services and other services contemplated by this Agreement and to comply with the Securities and Exchange Commission or other legal requirements relating to the beneficial ownership by BMP or its Affiliates of equity securities of the Company (all such information so furnished, the “ Information ”). The Company recognizes and confirms that BMP (a) will use and rely primarily on the Information and on information available from generally recognized public sources in performing the Services and other services contemplated by this Agreement without having independently verified the same, (b) does not assume responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the Information and such other information and (c) is entitled to rely upon the Information without independent verification.

SECTION 8. Term . This Agreement will become effective as of the Effective Time and (except as otherwise provided herein) will continue until the “ Termination Date ,” which is the earliest of (i) the tenth anniversary of the date hereof, (ii) such time as the Affiliated Investors beneficially own less than 5% of the total common equity of the Company and (iii) such earlier date as the Company and BMP may mutually agree upon in writing; provided , that (x) the occurrence of the Termination Date will not affect the obligations of the Company to pay, or cause to be paid, any amounts accrued but not yet paid as of such date, (y) Section 5 hereof will remain in effect after the Termination Date with respect to Out-of-Pocket Expenses that were incurred prior to or within a reasonable period of time after the Termination Date, but which have not been paid to BMP in accordance with Section 5 hereof, and (z) the provisions of Sections 4(e), 4(g), 6, 7, 9 and 10 hereof will survive after the Termination Date. The Advisory Fee will accrue and be payable with respect to the entire fiscal year of the Company in which the Termination Date occurs.

SECTION 9. Disclaimer, Opportunities, Release and Limitation of Liability .

(a) Disclaimer; Standard of Care . BMP makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, in respect of the Services to be provided by it hereunder. In no event shall BMP be liable to the Company or any of its affiliates for any act, alleged act, omission or alleged omission that does not constitute gross negligence or willful misconduct of BMP as determined by a final, non-appealable determination of a court of competent jurisdiction.

(b) Freedom to Pursue Opportunities . In recognition that BMP and its Affiliates currently have, and will in the future have or will consider acquiring, investments in numerous companies with respect to which BMP or its Affiliates may serve as an advisor, a director or in some other capacity, in recognition that BMP and its Affiliates have myriad duties to various investors and partners, in anticipation that the Company, on the one hand, and BMP (or one or more Affiliates, associated investment funds or portfolio companies), on the other hand, may engage in the same or similar activities or lines of business and have an interest in the same areas of corporate opportunities, in recognition of the benefits to be derived by the Company hereunder, and in recognition of the difficulties which may confront any advisor who desires and endeavors fully to satisfy such advisor’s duties in determining the full scope of such duties in any particular situation, the provisions of this Section 9(b) are set forth to regulate, define and guide the conduct of certain affairs of the Company as they may involve BMP. Except as BMP may otherwise agree in writing after the date hereof:

(i) BMP and its Affiliates shall have the right: (A) to directly or indirectly engage in any business (including, without limitation, any business activities or lines of business that are the same as or similar to those pursued by, or competitive with, the Company and its subsidiaries); (B) to directly or indirectly do business with any client or customer of the Company and its subsidiaries; (C) to take any other action that BMP believes in good faith is necessary to or appropriate to fulfill its obligations as described in the first sentence of this Section 9(b); and (D) not to present potential transactions, matters or business opportunities to the Company or any of its subsidiaries, and to pursue, directly or indirectly, any such opportunity for themselves, and to direct any such opportunity to another person.


(ii) BMP and its Affiliates shall have no duty (contractual or otherwise) to communicate or present any corporate opportunities to the Company or any of its affiliates or to refrain from any actions specified in Section 9(b)(i) hereof, and the Company, on its own behalf and on behalf of its affiliates, hereby irrevocably waives any right to require BMP or any of its Affiliates to act in a manner inconsistent with the provisions of this Section 9(b).

(iii) Neither BMP nor any of its Affiliates shall be liable to the Company or any of its affiliates for breach of any duty (contractual or otherwise) by reason of any activities or omissions of the types referred to in this Section 9(b) or of any such person’s participation therein.

(c) Release . The Company hereby irrevocably and unconditionally releases and forever discharges BMP and its Affiliates and their respective partners (both general and limited), members (both managing and otherwise), officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives from any and all liabilities, claims and causes of action in connection with the Services or other services contemplated by this Agreement or the engagement of BMP pursuant to, and the performance by BMP of the Services or other services contemplated by, this Agreement that the Company may have, or may claim to have, on or after the date hereof, except with respect to any act or omission that constitutes gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a final, non-appealable determination of a court of competent jurisdiction.

(d) Limitation of Liability . In no event will BMP or any of its Affiliates be liable to the Company or any of its affiliates for any indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages, including, without limitation, lost profits or savings, whether or not such damages are foreseeable, or for any third-party claims (whether based in contract, tort or otherwise), relating to, in connection with or arising out of this Agreement, including, without limitation, the services to be provided by BMP or any of its Affiliates hereunder, or for any act or omission that does not constitute gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a final, non-appealable determination of a court of competent jurisdiction or in excess of the fees actually received by BMP hereunder.

SECTION 10. Miscellaneous .

(a) No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement, or consent to any departure by any party hereto from any such provision, will be effective unless it is in writing and signed by each of the parties hereto. Any amendment, waiver or consent will be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given. The waiver by any party of any breach of this Agreement will not operate as or be construed to be a waiver by such party of any subsequent breach.


(b) Any notices or other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be made in writing and will be sufficiently given if delivered personally or sent by facsimile with confirmed receipt, or by overnight courier, addressed as follows or to such other address of which the parties may have given written notice:

if to BMP:

c/o The Blackstone Group L.P.

345 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10154

Attention: Prakash Melwani

Facsimile: (212) 583-5712

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

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

1999 Avenue of the Stars, 29 th Floor

Los Angeles, California 90067

Attention: Daniel Clivner

Facsimile: (310) 407-7502

if to the Company:

c/o Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.

6 Executive Campus, Suite 100

Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08002

Attention: Kelley Maggs

Facsimile: (973) 541-6693

Unless otherwise specified herein, such notices or other communications will be deemed received (i) on the date delivered, if delivered personally or sent by facsimile with confirmed receipt, and (ii) one business day after being sent by overnight courier.

(c) This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all previous oral and written (and all contemporaneous oral) negotiations, commitments, agreements and understandings relating hereto.

(d) This Agreement will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York without giving effect to any conflicts of law principles.

(e) Each party to this Agreement, by its execution hereof, (i) hereby irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts sitting in New York County, New York for the purpose of any action, claim, cause of action or suit (in contract, tort or otherwise), inquiry, proceeding or investigation arising out of or based upon this Agreement or relating to the subject matter hereof, (ii) hereby waives to the extent not prohibited by applicable law, and agrees not to assert, and agrees not to allow any of its subsidiaries to assert, by way of motion, as a defense or otherwise, in any such action, any claim that it is not subject personally to the jurisdiction of the above-named courts, that its property is exempt or immune from attachment or execution, that any such proceeding brought in one of the above-named courts is improper, or that this Agreement or the subject matter hereof or thereof may not be enforced in or by such court and (iii) hereby agrees not to commence or maintain any action, claim, cause of action or suit (in contract, tort or otherwise), inquiry, proceeding or investigation arising out of or based upon this Agreement or relating to the subject matter hereof or thereof other than before one of the above-named courts nor to make any motion or take any other action


seeking or intending to cause the transfer or removal of any such action, claim, cause of action or suit (in contract, tort or otherwise), inquiry, proceeding or investigation to any court other than one of the above-named courts whether on the grounds of inconvenient forum or otherwise. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that any party hereto is or becomes a party in any litigation in connection with which it may assert indemnification rights set forth in this agreement, the court in which such litigation is being heard shall be deemed to be included in clause (i) above. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any party to this Agreement may commence and maintain an action to enforce a judgment of any of the above-named courts in any court of competent jurisdiction. Each party hereto hereby consents to service of process in any such proceeding in any manner permitted by New York law, and agrees that service of process by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, at its address specified pursuant to Section 10(b) hereof is reasonably calculated to give actual notice.

(f) Except as otherwise contemplated by Section 3(a) hereof, neither this Agreement nor any of the rights or obligations hereunder may be assigned by the Company without the prior written consent of BMP; provided, however, that BMP may assign or transfer its duties or interests hereunder to any Affiliate at the sole discretion of BMP. Subject to the foregoing, the provisions of this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. Subject to the next sentence, no person or party other than the parties hereto and their respective successors or permitted assigns is intended to be a beneficiary of this Agreement. The parties acknowledge and agree that BMP and its Affiliates and their respective partners (both general and limited), members (both managing and otherwise), officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives are intended to be third-party beneficiaries under Section 6 hereof.

(g) This Agreement may be executed by one or more parties to this Agreement on any number of separate counterparts (including by facsimile), and all of said counterparts taken together will be deemed to constitute one and the same instrument.

(h) Any provision of this Agreement that is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction will, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction will not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.

(i) Each payment made by the Company pursuant to this Agreement shall be paid by wire transfer of immediately available federal funds to such account or accounts as specified by BMP to the Company prior to such payment.


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed, or have caused to be executed, this Transaction and Advisory Fee Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

BLACKSTONE MANAGEMENT PARTNERS V L.L.C.
By:   /s/ P RAKASH M ELWANI
  Name:   Prakash Melwani
  Title:   Authorized Person
PEAK FINANCE LLC
By:   /s/ S HERVIN K ORANGY
  Name:   Shervin Korangy
  Title:   Vice President

Exhibit 10.8

TAX SHARING AGREEMENT

TAX SHARING AGREEMENT, made as of November 25, 2003, by and among Crunch Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation having its principal place of business at 1221 Avenue of the Americas, 39 th Floor, New York, New York 10020 (“ Holding ”), and those corporations that have executed this Agreement and whose names and principal places of business are set forth on Exhibit A hereto (all of which are direct or indirect domestic subsidiaries of Holding and are includible in the consolidated Federal income tax return of the affiliated group (within the meaning of Section 1504 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”)) of which Holding is the common parent corporation (hereinafter, the “ Holding Group ”) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003), and such other parties as may become members of the Holding Group in subsequent fiscal years for which Holding files a consolidated Federal income tax return as the common parent corporation of an affiliated group, and who execute this Agreement (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a “ Subsidiary ”).

Holding and each Subsidiary wish to provide for payment of the consolidated Federal income tax and certain state and local tax liabilities of the Holding Group by Holding; for the contribution to such payment by the various members of the Holding Group, including Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation, a Delaware corporation having its principal place of business at (“ PFHC ”), and any direct and indirect subsidiaries of PFHC (“ PFHC Subsidiaries ”) that may be includible in the Holding Group (hereinafter, PFHC and such PFHC Subsidiaries are sometimes collectively referred to as the “ PFHC Group ”), to which such liability may be attributable in whole or in part; and for the reimbursement by Holding to those Subsidiaries that produce losses or credits in any fiscal year in the amount of the benefit that such Subsidiary would be entitled to with respect to such losses or credits on a separate return basis, or for the benefit, in whole or in part, that such losses or credits produce for the Holding Group.

In consideration of the foregoing, and of the mutual covenants and promises herein contained, Holding and the Subsidiaries agree as follows:

Section 1. Allocation and Payment of Tax Liability of Members of Group .

(a) For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004 and for each subsequent fiscal year for which this Agreement may remain in effect, each Subsidiary, for so long as it is a member of the Holding Group, shall be required to pay to Holding (in the manner provided in paragraph 1(c) hereof), as its share of the consolidated Federal income tax liability of the Holding Group, an amount equal to the Federal income tax liability that would have been payable by such Subsidiary for such year if it had filed a separate income tax return for such year and all prior years; provided, however, that in computing separate return tax liability, no account shall be taken of any deduction, loss or credit of any Subsidiary to the extent that such Subsidiary has previously received payment therefor, pursuant to Section 3 hereof. If a Subsidiary ceases to be a member of the Holding Group during a taxable year, such Subsidiary shall be required to pay to Holding only that portion of such Subsidiary’s separate return tax liability that is allocable to the portion of the taxable year in which such Subsidiary was a member of the Holding Group. Payments shall be required to be made in each fiscal year pursuant to this Section without regard to the actual consolidated Federal income tax liability, if any, of the Holding Group for such year.


(b) For the purposes of this Agreement, if, in any fiscal year, one or more PFHC Subsidiaries are includible in the Holding Group, all members of the PFHC Group shall be deemed to constitute a single member of the Holding Group, and any portion of the Holding Group consolidated Federal income tax liability for any fiscal year that is apportioned to the PFHC Group in accordance with this Section shall be allocated among the members thereof in such manner as they may agree. The amount of separate return tax liability required to be paid to Holding by PFHC or the PFHC Group in any year pursuant to this Section shall be determined as if PFHC had filed a consolidated Federal income tax return for such year and for all prior years, on behalf of itself and all PFHC Subsidiaries that were includible corporations described in Section 1504(a)(1) of the Code for such year or prior years, as the case may be. If Holding engages in a merger or similar transaction with a corporation that is the parent of a consolidated tax group for Federal income tax purposes, and the Holding tax group is the continuing group for Federal income tax purposes, the other group should be treated under this agreement in a similar way as the PFHC Group.

(c) Each member (or group of members) of the Holding Group shall make payment to Holding of any consolidated Federal income tax liability allocated to it pursuant to this Section 1, and Holding shall have sole responsibility for making any required payments to the Internal Revenue Service (the “ IRS ”) in satisfaction of the consolidated Federal income tax liability of the Holding Group for each fiscal year. Subject to the provisions of Section 1(d) below, for each quarter of each fiscal year after the year ended [June 30, 2003], each member (or group of members) of the Holding Group shall make payment to Holding of any amount required to be paid pursuant to this Section no later than the date upon which such member (or group of members) would be required to make an installment payment of estimated income tax to the IRS for such quarter, in accordance with Section 6655 of the Code. The amount of any overpayment or underpayment pursuant to this Section shall be credited against or added to, as the case may be, the amount otherwise required to be paid for the fiscal quarter within which the amount of such overpayment or underpayment first becomes reasonably ascertainable; provided, however, that, upon written request (including supporting schedules) of any member (or group of members), made after the close of any fiscal year but within the period described in Section 6425(a)(1) of the Code, Holding shall repay to such member (or group of members), within the period described in Section 6425(b)(1) of the Code, the amount of any net remaining overpayment of consolidated tax liability made by such member (or group of members) for such year.

(d) Anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, any payment to be made by any party hereto to any other party hereto may be deferred until such time as either (i) the party obligated to make such payment elects to make the relevant payment or (ii) the party entitled to receive such payment demands that such payment be made. All such deferred payments shall bear interest at an annual rate that approximates the average interest rate under PFHC’s revolving credit facility over the time period that such payment is deferred, computed on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed over a 365-day period.

Section 2. Payment for Tax Benefits of Members . From and after the date hereof, if any member (or group of members) of the Holding Group would be entitled to a refund of Federal income taxes previously paid in any prior fiscal year, computed on a separate return basis (in the manner described in Section 1 hereof), as a result of any losses, deductions or

 

2


credits claimed by such member (or group of members) for any fiscal year for which this Agreement may be in effect (any such entitlement to a refund being referred to herein as a “ Separate Return Tax Benefit ”), whether by reason of a carryback of a net operating loss, or a net capital loss or tax credit, or otherwise, then, upon written request (including supporting schedules) of such member (or group of members), made within the period described in Section 6411(a) of the Code, Holding shall pay the amount of such Separate Return Tax Benefit to such member, within the period described in Section 6411(b) of the Code (subject to the provisions of Section 1(d) above). In the case of PFHC and PFHC Subsidiaries, the amount of the Separate Return Tax Benefit for any year shall be computed as if PFHC had filed a consolidated Federal income tax return for such year and for all prior years on behalf of itself and all other PFHC Subsidiaries that were includible corporations described in Section 1504(a)(1) of the Code. The amount of any payment required to be made to any member (or group of members) pursuant to this Section 2 shall be reduced by any amount previously paid to such member (or group of members) with respect to such losses, deductions or credits pursuant to Section 3 hereof.

Section 3. Payment for Tax Benefits of Group .

(a) If, for any fiscal year during which this Agreement is in effect, any member (or group of members) shall have a negative separate return tax liability (hereinafter, a “ Loss Member ”), Holding intends to pay to such Loss Member an amount equal to the tax benefit realized by the Holding Group for such year (the “ Group Tax Benefit ”) as a result of such negative separate return tax liability. For purposes of this Agreement, the Group Tax Benefit for any fiscal year shall be equal to the excess, if any, of (i) the sum of the separate return tax liabilities of each member of the Holding Group having a positive separate return tax liability for such year, over (ii) the actual consolidated Federal income tax liability of the Holding Group for such year. For purposes of this Section 3, “separate return tax liability” shall be computed in accordance with, and subject to the exceptions and limitations provided in Treas. Reg. § 1.1552-1(a)(2)(ii). “Negative separate return tax liability” shall similarly be ascertained under the principles of Treas. Reg. § 1.1552-1(a)(2)(ii), as if the Loss Member had filed a separate return for such fiscal year as its first separate return year and allocated to such separate return year carryover and carryback items of consolidated net operating loss, consolidated net capital loss, consolidated unused investment credit, consolidated unused foreign tax credit, and consolidated excess charitable contributions under the provisions of Treas. Reg. § 1.1502-79. In the case of the PFHC Group, separate return tax liability and negative separate return tax liability shall be computed in accordance with the principles set forth in this Section 3, on a consolidated basis.

(b) Within 90 days after the beginning of each fiscal year for which this Agreement may be in effect, Holding shall give written notice to each Subsidiary of its intention to pay one or more Loss Members an amount equal to all, or any portion, of their proportionate part (determined in the manner provided in paragraph 3(a)) of any Group Tax Benefit that may be realized by the Holding Group for such year. Holding intends to make such payments on a quarterly basis, in the manner described in paragraph 1(c) hereof; provided , however , that all payments made pursuant to this Section 3 shall be made in the sole discretion of Holding, and Holding shall have no obligations or liability whatsoever with respect thereto to any Loss Member; and provided, further, that any payment made to any Loss Member in a fiscal year pursuant to this Section 3 shall be reduced by any amount previously paid to such Loss Member with respect to such year under Section 2 hereof.

 

3


Section 4. Adjustments . Any adjustment of income, deduction, or credit that results after the fiscal year in question by reason of any carryback, amended return, claim for refund, or audit shall be given effect by redetermining amounts payable and reimbursable for such fiscal year hereunder as if such adjustment had been part of the original determination hereunder, with interest payable in the amounts provided in Section 6611 of the Code. Any increases in the consolidated Federal income tax liability of the Holding Group, and any penalties and interest imposed with respect to any consolidated Federal income tax return filed on behalf of the Holding Group, shall be given effect by redetermining amounts payable for such fiscal year as if such adjustment had been part of the original determination hereunder.

Section 5. Alternative Minimum Tax . Each Subsidiary shall be required to pay to Holding, as its share of any alternative minimum tax imposed on the Holding Group pursuant to Section 55 of the Code, an amount of such liability that Holding shall allocate to each Subsidiary, provided that any such amounts so allocated pursuant to this Section 5 shall be allocated by Holding in a manner that is equitable and is consistent with Section 55 and Section 1502 of the Code, and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, including any amendments thereto and consistent with the allocations of tax liability pursuant to Section 1 hereof.

Section 6. State Taxes . If, at any time from and after the date hereof, the liability of Holding and the Subsidiaries for any state or local income or franchise taxes is determined on a consolidated or combined basis, this Agreement shall be applied in like manner to determine liability for, and tax benefit payments with respect to, such taxes.

Section 7. Termination . This Agreement may be terminated at any time upon mutual agreement of the parties hereto; provided, however, that such termination shall not relieve Holding of the obligation to make payments to any Subsidiary pursuant to Section 2 hereof for any separate return tax benefit to which such Subsidiary would have been entitled (if this Agreement had remained in effect) as a result of any loss, deductions or credits taken by such Subsidiary for any fiscal year for which this Agreement was in effect, nor will it relieve Holding or the Subsidiaries of any obligations pursuant to Section 4 hereof.

Section 8. Effective Date . This Agreement shall be effective for the taxable year of the Holding Group ended June 30, 2004, and for all taxable years thereafter.

Section 9. Captions . All section captions contained in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not be deemed a part of this Agreement.

Section 10. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute one agreement.

Section 11. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by the laws applicable to contracts entered into and to be fully performed within the State of New York by residents thereof.

Section 12. Successors and Assigns . This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.

 

4


IN WITNESS WHEREOF , Holding and the Subsidiaries have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

CRUNCH HOLDING CORP.
By:  

/s/  C. Dean Metropoulos

Name:   C. Dean Metropoulos
Title:   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
PINNACLE FOODS HOLDING CORPORATION
PINNACLE FOODS CORPORATION
PINNACLE FOODS MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
PINNACLE FOODS BRANDS CORPORATION
PF SALES (N. CENTRAL REGION) CORP.
PF SALES, LLC
PF DISTRIBUTION, LLC
PF STANDARDS CORPORATION
By:  

/s/  N. Michael Dion

Name:   N. Michael Dion
Title:   Chief Financial Officer

 

S-1


IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the following parties are joined to this Agreement as of the date indicated.

 

      As of September 26, 2007:  
    PINNACLE FOODS INTERNATIONAL CORP.
    By:   

/s/  Anthony P. LoBue

    Name:    Anthony P. LoBue
    Title:    Vice President and Assistant Secretary
      As of April 2, 2007:     
    PEAK FINANCE HOLDINGS LLC
    By:   

/s/  Shervin Korangy

    Name:    Shervin Korangy
    Title:    Vice President
    PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE CORP.
    By:   

/s/  Shervin Korangy

    Name:    Shervin Korangy
    Title:    Vice President
      As of March 3, 2007:  
    PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC
    By:   

/s/  Anthony P. LoBue

    Name:    Anthony P. LoBue
    Title:    Vice President Tax

 

S-2


      As of March 19, 2004:     
    PINNACLE FOODS GROUP LLC
    (formerly known as Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.)
    By:   

 

    Name:   
    Title:   

 

S-3


EXHIBIT A

 

Name

  

Principal Place of Business

PINNACLE FOODS HOLDING CORPORATION

   6 Executive Campus
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002-4112

PINNACLE FOODS CORPORATION

   6 Executive Campus
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002-4112

PINNACLE FOODS MANAGEMENT CORPORATION

   6 Executive Campus
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002-4112

PINNACLE FOODS BRANDS CORPORATION

   6 Executive Campus
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002-4112

PF SALES (N. CENTRAL REGION) CORPORATION

   6 Executive Campus
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002-4112

PF SALES, LLC

   6 Executive Campus
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002-4112

PF DISTRIBUTION, LLC

   6 Executive Campus
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002-4112

PF STANDARDS CORPORATION

   6 Executive Campus
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002-4112


EXHIBIT B

 

Name

  

Principal Place of Business

PINNACLE FOODS INTERNATIONAL CORP.   

1 Old Bloomfield Avenue

Mt. Lakes, New Jersey 07046

PEAK FINANCE HOLDINGS LLC   

1 Old Bloomfield Avenue

Mt. Lakes, New Jersey 07046

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE CORP.   

1 Old Bloomfield Avenue

Mt. Lakes, New Jersey 07046

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC   

1 Old Bloomfield Avenue

Mt. Lakes, New Jersey 07046

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP LLC

(formerly known as Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.)

  

1 Old Bloomfield Avenue

Mt. Lakes, New Jersey 07046

Exhibit 10.15

EXECUTION COPY

SECURITYHOLDERS AGREEMENT

DATED AS OF APRIL 2, 2007

AMONG

PEAK HOLDINGS LLC

AND

THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO


Table of Contents

 

          Page
SECURITYHOLDERS AGREEMENT    1
ARTICLE I REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PARTIES    1

        1.1

   Representations and Warranties of the Company    1

        1.2

   Representations and Warranties of the Securityholders    2
ARTICLE II VOTING AGREEMENTS    2

        2.1

   Election of Directors    2

        2.2

   Other Voting Matters.    3
ARTICLE III TRANSFERS OF SECURITIES    4

        3.1

   Restrictions on Transfer of Employee Securities    4

        3.2

   Right of First Refusal    4

        3.3

   Restrictions on Transfers of Blackstone Securities    5

        3.4

   Securities Act Compliance    9

        3.5

   Certain Transferees Bound by Agreement    9

        3.6

   Transfers in Violation of Agreement    9
ARTICLE IV DRAG-ALONG RIGHTS ON APPROVED SALE    9

        4.1

   Drag-Along Rights    9
ARTICLE V REGISTRATION RIGHTS    11

        5.1

   Demand Registrations    11

        5.2

   Incidental Registration    13

        5.3

   Holdback Agreements    15

        5.4

   Registration Procedures    15

        5.5

   Registration Expenses    18

        5.6

   Indemnification; Contribution    19

        5.7

   Rules 144 and 144A    22

        5.8

   Underwritten Registrations    22

        5.9

   Registration of Class B Units    22

        5.10

   No Inconsistent Agreements    23
ARTICLE VI VENTURE CAPITAL OPERATING COMPANY    23

        6.1

   VCOC Securityholders    23

 

i


ARTICLE VII AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION    25

        7.1

   Amendment and Waiver    25

        7.2

   Termination of Agreement    25

        7.3

   Termination as to a Party    26
ARTICLE VIII MISCELLANEOUS    26

        8.1

   Certain Defined Terms    26

        8.2

   Legends    32

        8.3

   Severability    33

        8.4

   Entire Agreement    33

        8.5

   Successors and Assigns    33

        8.6

   Counterparts    33

        8.7

   Remedies    33

        8.8

   Notices    34

        8.9

   Governing Law    35

        8.10

   Descriptive Headings    35

 

ii


EXECUTION COPY

SECURITYHOLDERS AGREEMENT

This Securityholders Agreement (this “ Agreement ”) is entered into as of April 2, 2007 by and among (i) Peak Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Company ”), (ii) Blackstone Capital Partners V L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“ BCP ”), (iii) Blackstone Capital Partners V-AC L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“ BCP V-AC ”), (iv) Blackstone Family Investment Partnership V L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“ BFIP V ”), (v) Blackstone Family Investment Partnership V-A L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“ BFIP V-A ”), (vi) Blackstone Participation Partnership V L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“ BPP V ” and, together with BCP, BCP V-AC, BFIP V and BFIP V-A, “ Blackstone ”), (vii) parties to this Agreement who are identified as Employees on the signature page hereto (each, an “ Employee ” and, collectively, the “ Employees ”), and (viii) each other holder of Securities who hereafter executes a separate agreement to be bound by the terms hereof (Blackstone, the Employees and each other Person that is or may become a party to this Agreement as contemplated hereby are sometimes referred to herein collectively as the “ Securityholders ” and individually as a “ Securityholder ”). Certain capitalized terms used herein are defined in Section 8.1.

The parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

OF THE PARTIES

1.1 Representations and Warranties of the Company . The Company hereby represents and warrants to the Securityholders that as of the date of this Agreement:

(a) it is a limited liability company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, it has full power and authority to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, and the execution, delivery and performance by it of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action;

(b) this Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by the Company and constitutes a legal and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms; and

(c) the execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement and the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby will not, with or without the giving of notice or lapse of time, or both (i) violate any provision of law, statute, rule or regulation to which the Company is subject, (ii) violate any order, judgment or decree applicable to the Company, or (iii) conflict with, or result in a breach or default under, any term or condition of the Company’s

 

1


organizational documents or any agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound.

1.2 Representations and Warranties of the Securityholders . Each Securityholder (as to himself or itself only) represents and warrants to the Company and the other Securityholders that, as of the time such Securityholder becomes a party to this Agreement:

(a) this Agreement (or the separate joinder agreement executed by such Securityholder) has been duly and validly executed and delivered by such Securityholder, and this Agreement constitutes a legal and binding obligation of such Securityholder, enforceable against such Securityholder in accordance with its terms; and

(b) the execution, delivery and performance by such Securityholder of this Agreement (or any joinder to this Agreement) and the consummation by such Securityholder of the transactions contemplated hereby (and thereby) will not, with or without the giving of notice or lapse of time, or both, (i) violate any provision of law, statute, rule or regulation to which such Securityholder is subject, (ii) violate any order, judgment or decree applicable to such Securityholder, or (iii) conflict with, or result in a breach or default under, any term or condition of any agreement or other instrument to which such Securityholder is a party or by which such Securityholder is bound.

ARTICLE II

VOTING AGREEMENTS

2.1 Election of Directors .

(a) On or prior to the Lapse Date (as defined in Section 3.1), each Person, other than the Company, that is a party to this Agreement hereby agrees that such Person will vote, or cause to be voted, all voting securities of the Company over which such Person has the power to vote or direct the voting, and will take all other necessary or desirable action within such Person’s control, and the Company will take all necessary and desirable actions within its control, to cause the authorized number of directors for each of the respective boards of directors of the Company and its Subsidiaries to be established at up to seven directors, and to elect or cause to be elected to the respective boards of directors of the Company and each of its Subsidiaries and cause to be continued in office, such individuals as are designated from time to time by the Blackstone Majority Holders.

(b) If at any time on or prior to the Lapse Date the Blackstone Majority Holders shall notify the other parties to this Agreement of their desire to remove, with or without cause, any individual from a Company or Subsidiary directorship, all such parties so notified will vote, or cause to be voted, all voting securities of the Company and the aforementioned Subsidiaries over which they have the power to vote or direct the voting, and shall take all such other actions promptly as shall be necessary or desirable to cause the removal of such director.

 

2


(c) If at any time on or prior to the Lapse Date any director ceases to serve on the board of directors of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (whether due to resignation, removal or otherwise), the Blackstone Majority Holders shall be entitled to designate a successor member/director to fill the vacancy created thereby. Each Person that is a party hereto agrees to vote, or cause to be voted, all voting securities of the Company and the aforementioned Subsidiaries over which such Person has the power to vote or direct the voting, and shall take all such other actions as shall be necessary or desirable to cause the designated successor to be elected to fill such vacancy.

(d) Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to impair any rights that the unitholders or stockholders of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company may have to remove any director for cause under applicable law, the LLC Agreement or the organizational documents of the Company or such Subsidiary, as the case may be. No such removal of an individual designated pursuant to this Section 2.1 for cause shall affect any of the Blackstone Majority Holders’ rights to designate a different individual pursuant to this Section 2.1 to fill the position from which such individual was removed. Nothing in this Section 2.1 shall diminish the rights of any Employee under an employment agreement with the Company (or any Affiliate of the Company) resulting from the failure to elect or reelect the Employee as a director, or the removal of such Employee as a director, of the Company (or of any Affiliate of the Company).

(e) The provisions of this Section 2.1 shall remain in effect following the first Public Offering.

2.2 Other Voting Matters .

(a) Subject to Section 7.5 of the LLC Agreement, each party to this Agreement hereby agrees that such party will vote, or cause to be voted, all voting securities of the Company and its Subsidiaries over which such party has the power to vote or direct the voting, either in person or by proxy, whether at a securityholders meeting, or by written consent, in the manner in which the Blackstone Majority Holders direct in connection with the approval of any amendment or amendments to the Company’s organizational documents, the merger, security exchange, combination or consolidation of the Company with any other Person or Persons, the sale, lease or exchange of all or substantially all of the property and assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, and the reorganization, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company. Nothing in this Section 2.2 shall diminish the rights of any Employee holding Employee Securities under the Employee’s Management Subscription Agreement with the Company.

(b) In order to effectuate the provisions of Sections 2.1 and 2.2 hereof, each holder of Employee Securities hereby grants to Jeffrey P. Ansell, or if Jeffrey P. Ansell shall cease to be the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, to his successor in such position with the Company, or if the Chief Executive Officer of the Company shall be unable to exercise this proxy due to illness or absence or if the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Company shall be vacant, to the General Counsel of the Company, a proxy to vote at any annual or special meeting of Securityholders, or to take

 

3


any action by written consent in lieu of such meeting with respect to, or to otherwise take action in respect of, all of the Securities owned or held of record by such holder in connection with the matters set forth in Sections 2.1 and 2.2 hereof in accordance with the provisions of Sections 2.1 and 2.2 hereof. Each of the proxies granted hereby is irrevocable and is coupled with an interest. To effectuate the provisions of this Section 2.2(b), the Secretary of each of the Company and each of the aforementioned Subsidiaries of the Company, or if there be no Secretary such other officer or employee of the Company or such Subsidiaries as the board of directors of the Company or such Subsidiaries may appoint to fulfill the duties of the Secretary, shall not record any vote or consent or other action contrary to the terms of this Section 2.2(b).

ARTICLE III

TRANSFERS OF SECURITIES

3.1 Restrictions on Transfer of Employee Securities . Prior to the earliest of (i) a Qualified Public Offering, (ii) the occurrence of a Change of Control and (ii) the seventh anniversary of the Closing Date (the “ Lapse Date ”), no holder of Employee Securities may Transfer any Employee Securities except in an Exempt Employee Transfer.

3.2 Right of First Refusal .

(a) If, at any time on or after the Lapse Date and prior to a Public Offering, any holder of Employee Securities (for purposes of this Section 3.2(a), a “ Selling Employee Holder ”) proposes to sell any or all of his Employee Securities (other than an Exempt Employee Transfer) to a third party (a “ Proposed Sale ”), such Selling Employee Holder shall first notify the Company in writing. Such Selling Employee Holder’s notice to the Company (the “ Proposed Sale Notice ”) shall (i) state such Selling Employee Holder’s intention to sell Employee Securities to one or more persons, the amount of Employee Securities to be sold, the purchase price therefor, and the other material terms of the Proposed Sale and (ii) contain an irrevocable offer to sell such Employee Securities to the Company (in the manner set forth below) at a purchase price equal to the price contained in, and on the same terms and conditions of, the Proposed Sale.

(b) At any time within thirty (30) days after the date of the receipt by the Company of the Proposed Sale Notice, the Company shall have the right and option to purchase, or to arrange for a third party to purchase, all of the Employee Securities covered by the Proposed Sale Notice at the same price and on the same terms and conditions of the Proposed Sale (or, if the Proposed Sale includes any consideration other than cash, then, at the sole option of the Company, at the equivalent all cash price, determined in good faith by the board directors of the Company), by delivering a certified bank check or checks in the appropriate amount (or by wire transfer of immediately available funds, if the Selling Employee Holder provides to the Company wire transfer instructions) (and any such non-cash consideration to be paid) to the Selling Employee Holder at the principal office of the Company against delivery of certificates or other instruments representing the Employee Securities so purchased, appropriately endorsed

 

4


by the Selling Employee Holder. If at the end of the 30-day period, the Company or such third party has not tendered the purchase price for such Employee Securities in the manner set forth above, the Selling Employee Holder may, during the succeeding 30-day period, sell not less than all of the Employee Securities covered by the Proposed Sale to a third party on terms no less favorable to the Selling Employee Holder than those contained in the Proposed Sale Notice. Promptly after such sale, the Selling Employee Holder shall notify the Company of the consummation thereof and shall furnish such evidence of the completion and time of completion of such sale and of the terms thereof as may reasonably be requested by the Company. If, at the end of thirty (30) days following the expiration of the 30-day period during which the Company is entitled hereunder to purchase the Employee Securities, the Selling Employee Holder has not completed the sale of such Employee Securities as aforesaid, all of the restrictions on sale, transfer or assignment contained in this Agreement shall again be in effect with respect to such Employee Securities.

3.3 Restrictions on Transfers of Blackstone Securities .

(a) Tag-Along Rights .

(i) Subject to Section 3.3(a)(ii) and (iii) and except as otherwise agreed, prior to making any Transfer of Blackstone Securities (other than a Transfer described in Section 3.3(b)) representing in excess of 25% of the Blackstone Securities (measured by voting power and taking into account all previous sales of Blackstone Securities, other than sales described in Section 3.3(b)) held by Blackstone on the Closing Date, any holder of Blackstone Securities proposing to make such a Transfer (for purposes of this Section 3.3, a “ Selling Blackstone Holder ”) shall give at least fifteen (15) days’ prior written notice to each holder of Employee Securities (for purposes of this Section 3.3, each an “ Other Holder ”) and the Company, which notice (for purposes of this Section 3.3, the “ Sale Notice ”) shall identify the type and amount of Blackstone Securities to be sold (for purposes of this Section 3.3, the “ Offered Securities ”), describe the terms and conditions of such proposed Transfer, and identify each prospective Transferee. Any of the Other Holders may, within ten (10) days of the receipt of the Sale Notice, give written notice (each, a “ Tag-Along Notice ”) to the Selling Blackstone Holder that such Other Holder wishes to participate in such proposed Transfer upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Sale Notice, which Tag-Along Notice shall specify the Employee Securities such Other Holder desires to include in such proposed Transfer; provided, however, that (1) each Other Holder shall be required, as a condition to being permitted to sell Employee Securities pursuant to this Section 3.3(a) in connection with a Transfer of Offered Securities, to elect to sell Employee Securities of the same type and class and in the same relative proportions (which proportions shall be determined on a unit for unit or, as the case may be, share for share basis and on the basis of aggregate liquidation value with respect to Preferred Units or Preferred Stock) as the Securities which comprise the Offered Securities, (2) Employee Securities that are subject to vesting shall not be entitled to be sold pursuant to this Section 3.3(a) unless such Employee Securities have fully vested; and (3) to exercise its tag-along

 

5


rights hereunder, each Other Holder must agree to make to the Transferee the same representations, warranties, covenants, indemnities and agreements as the Selling Blackstone Holder agrees to make in connection with the Transfer of the Offered Securities (except that in the case of representations and warranties pertaining specifically to, or covenants made specifically by, the Selling Blackstone Holder, the Other Holders shall make comparable representations and warranties pertaining specifically to (and, as applicable, covenants by) themselves), and must agree to bear his or its ratable share (which may be joint and several but shall be based on, and limited to, the value of Securities that are Transferred by each such Securityholder) of all liabilities to the Transferees arising out of representations, warranties and covenants (other than those representations, warranties and covenants that pertain specifically to a given Securityholder, who shall bear all of the liability related thereto), indemnities or other agreements made in connection with the Transfer. Each Securityholder will bear (x) its or his own costs of any sale of Securities pursuant to this Section 3.3(a)(i) and (y) its or his pro-rata share (based upon the relative amount of proceeds received for the Securities sold) of the costs of any sale of Securities pursuant to this Section 3.3(a)(i) (excluding all amounts paid to any Securityholder or his or its Affiliates as a transaction fee, broker’s fee, finder’s fee, advisory fee, success fee, or other similar fee or charge related to the consummation of such sale) to the extent such costs are incurred for the benefit of all Securityholders and are not otherwise paid by the Transferee.

(ii) Notwithstanding Section 3.3(a)(i), a Selling Blackstone Holder may not Transfer any Class A-1 Units (other than a Transfer described in Section 3.3(b)) representing in excess of 25% of the Blackstone Securities (measured by voting power), unless, prior to such Transfer, the Board in good faith determines the Fair Market Value of the Class B-1 Units, Class B-2 Units and Class B-3 Units held by the Other Holders (with the valuation to be based on the requirements for determining Fair Market Value set forth in the Other Holder’s Management Security Agreement) and such Other Holders are given the opportunity, as each such Other Holder shall elect, either (x) to convert such Class B Units which are Vested Units into Class A-2 Units based upon such valuation and participate in such Transfer or (y) in lieu of such conversion, to sell additional Class A-2 Units in such Transfer having an aggregate value equal to the aggregate value of such Class B Units as determined above, in each case pursuant to the provisions of Section 3(a)(i).

(iii) If none of the Other Holders gives the Selling Blackstone Holder a timely Tag-Along Notice with respect to the Transfer proposed in the Sale Notice, then (notwithstanding the first sentence of Section 3.3(a)(i)) the Selling Blackstone Holder may Transfer such Offered Securities on the terms and conditions set forth, and to or among any of the Transferees identified (or Affiliates of Transferees identified), in the Sale Notice at any time within ninety (90) days after expiration of the ten-day period for giving Tag-Along Notices with respect to such Transfer. Any such Offered Securities not Transferred by the Selling Blackstone Holder during such ninety-day period will again be subject to

 

6


the provisions of this Section 3.3(a) upon subsequent Transfer. If one or more Other Holders give the Selling Blackstone Holder a timely Tag-Along Notice, then the Selling Blackstone Holder shall use its reasonable efforts to obtain the agreement of the prospective Transferee(s) to the participation of the Other Holders in any contemplated Transfer, on the same terms and conditions as are applicable to the Offered Securities, and no Selling Blackstone Holder shall transfer any of its units or shares, as the case may be, to any prospective Transferee if such prospective Transferee(s) declines to allow the participation of the Other Holders. If the prospective Transferee(s) is unwilling or unable to acquire all of the Offered Securities and all of the Employee Securities specified in a timely Tag-Along Notice upon such terms, then the Selling Blackstone Holder may elect either to cancel such proposed Transfer or to allocate the maximum number of each class of Securities that the prospective Transferees are willing to purchase (the “ Allocable Shares ”) among the Selling Blackstone Holder and the Other Holders giving timely Tag-Along Notices as follows (it being understood that the prospective Transferees shall be required to purchase Securities of the same class on the same terms and conditions taking into account the provisions of clause (1) of Section 3.3(a)(i), and to consummate such Transfer on those terms and conditions):

(A) each participating Securityholder (including the Selling Blackstone Holder) shall be entitled to sell a number of shares of each class of Securities (taking into account the provisions of clause (1) of Section 3.3(a)(i)) (not to exceed, for any Other Holder, the number of shares of such class of Securities identified in such Other Holder’s Tag-Along Notice) equal to the product of (A) the number of Allocable Shares of such class of Securities and (B) a fraction, the numerator of which is such Securityholder’s Ownership Percentage of such class of Securities and the denominator of which is the aggregate Ownership Percentage for all participating Securityholders of such class of Securities; provided , however , that if a Securityholder was unable to sell Securities in one or more prior Transfers effected pursuant to this Section 3.3(a) because of clause (2) of Section 3.3(a)(i) and, as a result, the aggregate percentage of Securities sold by such Securityholder in Transfers effected pursuant to this Section 3.3(a) is less than the aggregate percentage of Securities sold by Blackstone in such Transfers, then additional Allocable Shares shall be allocated to such Securityholder (not to exceed the number of Securities identified in such Securityholder’s Tag-Along Notice) in priority over other Securityholders until, after giving effect to the Transfer proposed to be effected, the aggregate percentage of Securities sold by Blackstone and such Securityholder are equal; and

(B) if after allocating the Allocable Shares of any class of Securities to such Securityholders in accordance with clause (i) above, there are any Allocable Shares of such class that remain unallocated, then they shall be allocated (in one or more successive allocations on the basis of the allocation method specified in clause (i) above) among the Selling

 

7


Blackstone Holder and each such Other Holder that has elected in its Tag-Along Notice to sell a greater number of shares of such class of Securities than previously has been allocated to it pursuant to clause (i) and this clause (ii) (all of whom (but no others) shall, for purposes of clause (i) above, be deemed to be the participating Securityholders) until all such Allocable Shares have been allocated in accordance with this clause (ii).

(b) Excluded Transfers . The rights and restrictions contained in Section 3.3(a) shall not apply with respect to any of the following Transfers of Securities:

(i) any Transfer of Blackstone Securities to any Person or group of Persons on or prior to the one-year anniversary of the Closing Date in connection with the syndication of such Blackstone Securities;

(ii) any Transfer of Blackstone Securities in a Public Sale (subject to the registration rights of holders of Employee Securities in Section 5.2);

(iii) any Transfer of Blackstone Securities to and among the members or partners of Blackstone and the members, partners, securityholders and employees of such partners (subject to compliance with Sections 3.4 and 3.5 hereof);

(iv) any Transfer of Blackstone Securities in accordance with Section 4.1;

(v) any Transfer of Blackstone Securities incidental to the exercise, conversion or exchange of such securities in accordance with their terms or any reclassification or combination of shares (including any reverse stock split);

(vi) any Transfer of Blackstone Securities to employees or directors of, or consultants to, any of the Company and its Subsidiaries; and

(vii) any Transfer constituting an Exempt Individual Transfer.

(c) Excluded Securities . No Securities that have been transferred by the Selling Blackstone Holder or an Other Holder in a Transfer pursuant to the provisions of Section 3.3(a) (“ Excluded Securities ”) shall be subject again to the restrictions set forth in Section 3.3(a), nor shall any Securityholder holding Excluded Securities be entitled to exercise any rights as an Other Holder under Section 3.3(a) with respect to such Excluded Securities, and no Excluded Securities held by a Selling Blackstone Holder or any Other Holder shall be counted in determining the respective participation rights of such Holders in a Transfer subject to Section 3.3(a).

(d) The provisions of this Section 3.3 shall remain in effect following the first Public Offering.

 

8


3.4 Securities Act Compliance No Securities may be transferred by a holder of Employee Securities (other than pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act) unless such Securityholder first delivers to the Company an opinion of counsel, which opinion and counsel shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Company, to the effect that such Transfer is not required to be registered under the Securities Act.

3.5 Certain Transferees Bound by Agreement Subject to compliance with the other provisions of this Article III, any Securityholder may Transfer any Securities held by such Securityholder in accordance with applicable law; provided, however, that if the Transfer is not made pursuant to a Public Sale or a transaction the consummation of which will cause the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Article VI, then the Transferor of such Security shall first deliver to the Company a written agreement of the proposed Transferee (excluding a Transferee that is a Limited Partner) to become a Securityholder and to be bound by the terms of this Agreement (unless such proposed Transferee is already a Securityholder). All Employee Securities will continue to be Employee Securities in the hands of any Transferee (other than the Company, Blackstone or any Transferee in a Public Sale); provided that Employee Securities Transferred pursuant to an exercise of tag-along rights as an Other Holder under Section 3.3(a) shall not be subject to the provisions of Section 3.1 in the hands of the Transferee or any subsequent Transferee. All Blackstone Securities will continue to be Blackstone Securities in the hands of any Transferee (other than the Company, the Employees or a Transferee in a Public Sale).

3.6 Transfers in Violation of Agreement Any Transfer or attempted Transfer of any Securities in violation of any provision of this Agreement shall be void, and the Company shall not record such Transfer on its books or treat any purported transferee of such Securities as the owner of such Securities for any purpose.

ARTICLE IV

DRAG-ALONG RIGHTS

ON APPROVED SALE

4.1 Drag-Along Rights .

(a) Subject to the next paragraph, if Blackstone elects to consummate, or to cause the Company to consummate, a transaction constituting a Change of Control, Blackstone shall notify the Company and the other Securityholders in writing of that election, the other Securityholders will consent to and raise no objections to the proposed transaction, and the Securityholders and the Company will take all other actions reasonably necessary or desirable to cause the consummation of such transaction on the terms proposed by Blackstone (a “ Drag Along Sale ”). Without limiting the foregoing, (i) if the proposed Drag Along Sale is structured as a sale of assets or a merger or consolidation, or otherwise requires stockholder approval, the Securityholders and the Company will vote or cause to be voted all Securities that they hold or with respect to which such Securityholder has the power to direct the voting and which are entitled to vote on such transaction in favor of such transaction and will waive any appraisal rights

 

9


which they may have in connection therewith, and (ii) if the proposed Drag Along Sale is structured as or involves a sale or redemption of Securities, the Securityholders will agree to sell their pro-rata share of the Securities being sold in such Drag Along Sale on the terms and conditions approved by Blackstone, and the Securityholders will execute any merger, asset purchase, security purchase, recapitalization or other sale agreement approved by Blackstone in connection with such Change of Control.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Blackstone shall not require the sale pursuant to this Section 4.1(a) of Class B-1 Units, Class B-2 Units or Class B-3 Units owned by Employees unless, prior to the consummation of any Drag Along Sale, the Board in good faith determines the Fair Market Value of the Class B-1 Units, Class B-2 Units and Class B-3 Units held by the Employees (with the valuation to be based on the requirements for determining Fair Market Value set forth in the Employee’s Management Security Agreement) and such Employees are given the opportunity, as each such Employee shall elect, either (x) to convert such Units into Class A-2 Units based upon such valuation and participate on that as-converted basis in such Drag Along Sale or (y) in lieu of such conversion, to include additional Class A-2 Units in such Drag Along Sale having an aggregate value equal to the aggregate value of such Class B Units as determined above, in each case pursuant to the provisions of this Section 4.1.

(b) The obligations of the Securityholders with respect to the Drag Along Sale are subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions: (i) upon the consummation of the Drag Along Sale, all of the holders of a particular class or series of Securities (if any consideration is to be received by any of them) shall receive the same form and amount of consideration per share, unit or amount of Securities, or if any holders of a particular class or series of Securities are given an option as to the form and amount of consideration to be received, all holders of such class or series will be given the same option, (ii) if consideration is to be received by holders of Securities, all holders of then currently exercisable rights to acquire a particular class or series of Securities will be given an opportunity to either (A) exercise such rights prior to the consummation of the Drag Along Sale and participate in such sale as holders of such Securities or (B) upon the consummation of the Drag Along Sale, receive in exchange for such rights consideration equal to the amount determined by multiplying (1) the same amount of consideration per share, unit or amount of Securities received by the holders of such type and class of Securities in connection with the Drag Along Sale less the exercise price per share, unit or amount of such rights to acquire such Securities by (2) the number of shares, units or aggregate amount of Securities represented by such rights, and (iii) if consideration is to be received by holders of Securities, the holders of Preferred Units or, as the case may be, Preferred Stock shall receive consideration in respect of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Preferred Units or, as the case may be, Preferred Stock in such Drag Along Sale having a fair market value equal to the aggregate liquidation value and preferred return of such Preferred Units or, as the case may be, Preferred Stock before any consideration is paid in respect of the Class A Units or, as the case may be, Common Stock in such Drag Along Sale.

(c) Each Securityholder will bear its or his pro-rata share (based upon the relative amount of proceeds received for the Securities sold) of the reasonable costs of

 

10


any sale of Securities pursuant to a Drag Along Sale to the extent such costs are incurred for the benefit of all Securityholders and are not otherwise paid by the Company or the acquiring party. Costs incurred by or on behalf of a Securityholder for its or his sole benefit will not be considered costs of the transaction hereunder. In the event that any transaction that Blackstone elects to consummate or cause to be consummated pursuant to this Section 4.1 is not consummated for any reason, the Company will reimburse Blackstone for all actual and reasonable expenses paid or incurred by Blackstone in connection therewith.

(d) Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, BMP (as defined in the Management Agreement) shall be entitled to be paid customary and reasonable fees by the Company for any investment banking services provided by it in connection with a Change of Control.

(e) The provisions of this Section 4.1 shall remain in effect following the first Public Offering.

ARTICLE V

REGISTRATION RIGHTS

5.1 Demand Registrations .

(a) Requests for Registration . Subject to the provisions of this Article V, the holders of a majority of Blackstone Securities that constitute Registrable Securities shall have the right (the “ Blackstone Demand Right ”) to request registration under the Securities Act of all or any portion of the Registrable Securities held by such Securityholders (in each case, referred to herein as the “ Requesting Holders ”) by delivering a written notice to the principal business office of the Company, which notice identifies the Requesting Holders and specifies the number of Registrable Securities to be included in such registration (the “ Registration Request ”). Subject to the restrictions set forth in paragraph 5.1(d), the Company will give prompt written notice of such Registration Request (the “ Registration Notice ”) to all other holders of Registrable Securities and will thereupon use its best efforts to effect the registration (a “ Demand Registration ”) under the Securities Act on any form available to the Company of:

(i) the Registrable Securities requested to be registered by the Requesting Holders;

(ii) all other Registrable Securities of the same type and class which the Company has received a written request to register within 30 days after the Registration Notice is given and any securities of the Company proposed to be included in such registration by the Company for its own account; and

(iii) any securities of the Company proposed to be included in such registration by the holders of registration rights granted other than pursuant to this Agreement (“ Other Registration Rights ”).

 

11


(b) Preservation of Demand Registration . A registration undertaken by the Company at the request of the Requesting Holder will not count as a Demand Registration:

(i) if, pursuant to the Blackstone Demand Right, the Requesting Holders fail to register and sell at least 75% of the Registrable Securities requested to be included in such registration by them, unless such failure results from any act of, or failure to act by, any of the Requesting Holders ( provided that if the Requesting Holders withdraw their Registration Request prior to the time the registration statement therefore is declared effective and promptly reimburse the Company for all Registration Expenses incurred by the Company in connection with effecting such registration, such Registration Request shall not count as a Demand Registration); or

(ii) if the Requesting Holders withdraw a Registration Request (A) upon the determination of the board of directors of the Company to postpone the filing or effectiveness of a Registration Statement pursuant to paragraph 5.1(d) or (B) within ten days of receiving notice from the Company of its intent to exercise its Priority Right in connection with such registration.

(c) Priority on Demand Registration . If the sole or managing underwriter of a Demand Registration advises the Company in writing that in its opinion the number of Registrable Securities and other securities requested to be included exceeds the number of Registrable Securities and other securities which can be sold in such offering without adversely affecting the distribution of the securities being offered, the price that will be paid in such offering or the marketability thereof, the Company will include in such registration the greatest number of (i) Registrable Securities proposed to be registered by the holders thereof, (ii) securities having Other Registration Rights that are pari passu with the demand rights granted in respect of Registrable Securities hereunder proposed to be registered by the holders thereof and (iii) securities proposed to be registered by the Company for its own account which in the opinion of such underwriters can be sold in such offering without adversely affecting the distribution of the securities being offered, the price that will be paid in such offering or the marketability thereof, ratably among the holders of Registrable Securities, the holders of such Other Registration Rights and the Company, based (A) as between the Company and such holders requesting registration, on the respective amounts of securities requested to be registered, and (B) as among the holders requesting registration, on the respective amounts of Registrable Securities (whether requested to be registered pursuant to Section 5.1 or 5.2) and securities subject to such Other Registration Rights, as the case may be, held by each such holder; provided, however, that the Company shall have the right (the “ Priority Right ”) to receive priority over all holders of Registrable Securities in any Demand Registration to be effected under this Section 5.1 with respect to securities that the Company proposes to include in such registration for its own account by giving written notice of its election to exercise such Priority Right to the holders of Registrable Securities requesting registration thereof.

 

12


(d) Restrictions on Demand Registrations . Except as otherwise provided in this Section 5.1(d), the Company shall be obligated to effect eight Demand Registrations pursuant to a Blackstone Demand Right. Any Demand Registration requested must be for a firmly underwritten public offering to be managed by an underwriter or underwriters of recognized national standing selected by the Requesting Holders and reasonably acceptable to the Company.

(e) Stock Splits . In connection with any Demand Registration pursuant to this Section 5.1, each party to this Agreement will vote, or cause to be voted, all securities of the Company over which it has the power to vote or direct the voting to effect any stock split which, in the opinion of the sole or managing underwriter, is necessary to facilitate the effectiveness of such Demand Registration.

5.2 Incidental Registration .

Requests for Incidental Registration . At any time the Company proposes to register any shares of Common Stock under the Securities Act (other than registrations on such form(s) solely for registration of Common Stock in connection with any employee benefit plan or dividend reinvestment plan or a merger or consolidation), including registrations pursuant to Section 5.1(a), whether or not for sale for its own account, the Company will give written notice to each holder of Registrable Securities at least thirty (30) days prior to the initial filing of such Registration Statement with the SEC of its intent to file such registration statement and of such holder’s rights under this Section 5.2; provided , the Employee Holders shall be given an opportunity, as each such Employee Holder shall elect, either (x) to convert all Class B Units which are Vested Units into Class A-2 Units which shall be Registrable Securities, such conversion to be based on the Fair Market Value of such Class B Units as determined by the Board in good faith (with the valuation to be based on the requirements for determining Fair Market Value set forth in the Employee’s Management Security Agreement) or (y) in lieu of such conversion, to include additional Class A-2 Units in such registration having an aggregate value equal to the aggregate value of such Class B Units as determined above, in each case pursuant to the provisions of this Section 5.3. Upon the written request of any holder of Registrable Securities made within twenty (20) days after any such notice is given (which request shall specify the Registrable Securities intended to be disposed of by such holder), the Company will use its best efforts to effect the registration (an “ Incidental Registration ”) under the Securities Act of all Registrable Securities which the Company, as the case may be, has been so requested to register by the holders thereof; provided , however , that if, at any time after giving written notice of its intention to register any securities and prior to the effective date of the Registration Statement filed in connection with such Incidental Registration (each an “ Incidental Registration Statement ”), the Company shall determine for any reason not to register or to delay registration of such securities, the Company may, at its election, give written notice of such determination to each holder of Registrable Securities and, thereupon, (i) in the case of a determination not to register, the Company shall be relieved of its obligation to register any Registrable Securities under this Section 5.2 in connection with such registration (but not from its obligation to pay the expenses incurred in connection therewith), and (ii) in the case of a determination to delay registration, the Company shall

 

13


be permitted to delay registering any Registrable Securities under this Section 5.2 during the period that the registration of such other securities is delayed. The foregoing provisions of this Section 5.2(a) to the contrary notwithstanding, this Section 5.2(a) shall not apply to Employee Securities in connection with an initial Public Offering or a subsequent Public Offering that, taking into account all shares issued in all previous Public Offerings, does not constitute a Qualified Public Offering.

(a) Priority on Incidental Registration . If the sole or managing underwriter of a registration advises the Company in writing that in its opinion the number of Registrable Securities and other securities requested to be included exceeds the number of Registrable Securities and other securities which can be sold in such offering without adversely affecting the distribution of the securities being offered, the price that will be paid in such offering or the marketability thereof, the Company will include in such registration the Registrable Securities and other securities of the Company in the following order of priority:

(i) first, the greatest number of securities of the Company proposed to be included in such registration by the Company for its own account and by holders of Other Registration Rights that have priority over the incidental registration rights granted to holders of Registrable Securities under this Agreement, which in the opinion of such underwriters can be so sold; and

(ii) second, after all securities that the Company proposes to register for its own account or for the accounts of holders of Other Registration Rights that have priority over the incidental registration rights under this Agreement have been included, the greatest amount of Registrable Securities and securities having Other Registration Rights that are pari passu with Registrable Securities, in each case requested to be registered by the holders thereof which in the opinion of such underwriters can be sold in such offering without adversely affecting the distribution of the securities being offered, the price that will be paid in such offering or the marketability thereof, ratably among the holders of Registrable Securities (whether requested to be registered pursuant to Section 5.1 or 5.2) and securities subject to such Other Registration Rights based on the respective amounts of Registrable Securities and securities subject to such Other Registration Rights held by each such holder.

(c) Upon delivering a request under this Section 5.2, a Securityholder (excluding Blackstone and its Affiliates, but including any other Transferee thereof) will, if requested by the Company, execute and deliver a custody agreement and power of attorney in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Company and one of the Blackstone Directors with respect to such Securityholder’s Securities to be registered pursuant to this Section 5.2 (a “ Custody Agreement and Power of Attorney ”). The Custody Agreement and Power of Attorney will provide, among other things, that the Securityholder will deliver to and deposit in custody with the custodian and attorney-in-fact named therein (who shall be reasonably satisfactory to one of the Blackstone Directors) a certificate or certificates representing such Securities (duly endorsed in blank by the registered owner or owners thereof or accompanied by duly executed stock powers

 

14


in blank) and irrevocably appoint said custodian and attorney-in-fact with full power and authority to act under the Custody Agreement and Power of Attorney on such Securityholder’s behalf with respect to the matters specified therein. Such Securityholder also agrees to execute such other agreements as the Company may reasonably request to further evidence the provisions of this Section 5.2.

5.3 Holdback Agreements .

(a) Each holder of Registrable Securities agrees that if requested in connection with an underwritten offering made pursuant to a Registration Statement for which such Securityholder has registration rights pursuant to this Article V by the managing underwriter or underwriters of such underwritten offering, such holder will not effect any Public Sale or distribution of any of the securities being registered or any securities convertible or exchangeable or exercisable for such securities (except as part of such underwritten offering), during the period beginning 10 days prior to, and ending 180 days after, the closing date of each underwritten offering made pursuant to such Registration Statement (or for such shorter period as to which the managing underwriter or underwriters may agree, provided that such shorter period applies equally to all holders of Registrable Securities).

(b) The Company agrees (i) not to effect any public sale or distribution of its equity securities, or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for such securities, during the seven days prior to and during the 180-day period beginning on the effective date of any underwritten Demand Registration (or for such shorter period as to which the managing underwriter or underwriters may agree), except as part of such Demand Registration or in connection with any employee benefit or similar plan, any dividend reinvestment plan, or a business acquisition or combination and (ii) to use all reasonable efforts to cause each holder of at least 5% (on a fully-diluted basis) of its equity securities, or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for such securities, which are or may be purchased from the Company at any time after the date of this Agreement (other than in a registered offering) to agree not to effect any sale or distribution of any such securities during such period (except as part of such underwritten offering, if otherwise permitted).

5.4 Registration Procedures . In connection with the registration of any Registrable Securities, the Company shall effect such registrations to permit the sale of such Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended method or methods of disposition thereof, and pursuant thereto the Company shall as expeditiously as possible:

(a) Prepare and file with the SEC a Registration Statement or Registration Statements on a form available for the sale of the Registrable Securities by the holders thereof in accordance with the intended method of distribution thereof, and use its best efforts to cause each such Registration Statement to become effective;

(b) Prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and post-effective amendments to each Registration Statement as may be necessary to keep such Registration Statement continuously effective for a period ending on the earlier of (i) 90

 

15


days from the effective date and (ii) such time as all of such securities have been disposed of in accordance with the intended method of disposition thereof; cause the related prospectus to be supplemented by any required prospectus supplement, and as so supplemented to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 (or any similar provisions then in force) under the Securities Act; and comply with the provisions of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder applicable to it with respect to the disposition of all securities covered by such Registration Statement as so amended or in such prospectus as so supplemented.

(c) Notify the selling holders of Registrable Securities promptly (but in any event within two business days), and confirm such notice in writing, (i) when a prospectus or any prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment has been filed, and, with respect to a Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment, when the same has become effective, (ii) of the issuance by the SEC of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of a Registration Statement or of any order preventing or suspending the use of any preliminary prospectus, (iii) if at any time when a prospectus is required by the Securities Act to be delivered in connection with sales of Registrable Securities the Company becomes aware that the representations and warranties of the Company contained in any agreement (including any underwriting agreement) contemplated by Section 5.4(h) below cease to be true and correct in all material respects, (iv) of the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification or exemption from qualification of a Registration Statement or any of the Registrable Securities for offer or sale in any jurisdiction, (v) if the Company becomes aware of the happening of any event that makes any statement made in such Registration Statement or related prospectus or any document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated therein by reference untrue in any material respect or that requires the making of any changes in such Registration Statement, prospectus or documents so that, in the case of such Registration Statement, it will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and that in the case of the prospectus, it will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

(d) Use its best efforts to prevent the issuance of any order suspending the effectiveness of a Registration Statement or of any order preventing or suspending the use of a prospectus or suspending the qualification (or exemption from qualification) of any of the Registrable Securities for sale in any jurisdiction, and, if any such order is issued, to obtain the withdrawal of any such order at the earliest possible moment.

(e) Deliver to each selling holder of Registrable Securities and the underwriters, if any, without charge, as many copies of the prospectus or prospectuses (including each form of prospectus) and each amendment or supplement thereto as such Persons may reasonably request; and the Company hereby consents to the use of such prospectus and each amendment or supplement thereto by each of the selling holders of Registrable Securities and the underwriters or agents, if any, in connection with the offering and sale of the Registrable Securities covered by such prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto.

 

16


(f) Prior to any public offering of Registrable Securities, to use its best efforts to register or qualify, and cooperate with the selling holders of Registrable Securities, the underwriters, if any, the sales agents and their respective counsel in connection with the registration or qualification (or exemption from such registration or qualification) of such Registrable Securities for offer and sale under the securities or “blue sky” laws of such jurisdictions within the United States as any selling holder or the managing underwriters reasonably request in writing; provided, however, that the Company will not be required to (i) qualify generally to do business in any jurisdiction where it is not then so qualified or (ii) take any action that would subject it to general service of process in any such jurisdiction where it is not then so subject.

(g) Upon the occurrence of any event contemplated by Section 5.4(c)(v) above, as promptly as practicable prepare a supplement or post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement or a supplement to the related prospectus or any document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated therein by reference, or file any other required document so that, as thereafter delivered to the purchasers of the Registrable Securities being sold thereunder, such prospectus will not 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 light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

(h) Enter into an underwriting agreement in form, scope and substance as is customary in underwritten offerings and take all such other actions as are reasonably requested by the managing or sole underwriter in order to expedite or facilitate the registration or the disposition of such Registrable Securities, and in such connection, (i) make such representations and warranties to the underwriters, with respect to the business of the Company and its subsidiaries, and the Registration Statement, prospectus and documents, if any, incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference therein, in each case, in form, substance and scope as are customarily made by issuers to underwriters in underwritten offerings, and confirm the same if and when requested; (ii) obtain opinions of counsel to the Company and updates thereof (which counsel and opinions (in form, scope and substance) shall be reasonably satisfactory to the managing underwriters), addressed to the underwriters covering the matters customarily covered in opinions requested in underwritten offerings and such other matters as may be reasonably requested by underwriters; (iii) obtain “cold 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 of the underwriters, such letters to be in customary form and covering matters of the type customarily covered in “cold comfort” letters in connection with underwritten offerings; and (iv) if an underwriting agreement is entered into, the same shall contain indemnification provisions and procedures no less favorable to the holders of Registrable Securities than those set forth in Section 5.6 hereof (or such other provisions and

 

17


procedures acceptable to holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement and the managing underwriters or agents) with respect to all parties to be indemnified pursuant to said Section. The above shall be done at each closing under such underwriting agreement, or as and to the extent required thereunder.

(i) Comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and make generally available to its Securityholders earnings statements satisfying the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158 thereunder (or any similar rule promulgated under the Securities Act) no later than 45 days after the end of any 12-month period (or 90 days after the end of any 12-month period if such period is a fiscal year) (i) commencing at the end of any fiscal quarter in which Registrable Securities are sold to underwriters in a firm commitment or best efforts underwritten offering and (ii) if not sold to underwriters in such an offering, commencing on the first day of the first fiscal quarter of the Company after the effectiveness of a Registration Statement, which statements shall cover said 12-month periods.

(j)(i) Use its best efforts to cause all such Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement to be listed on the principal securities exchange on which Common Stock is then listed (if any), if the listing of such Registrable Securities is then permitted under the rules of such exchange, or (ii) if no Common Stock is then so listed, use its best efforts to, either (as the Company may elect) (x) cause all such Registrable Securities to be listed on a national securities exchange or (y) secure designation of all such Registrable Securities as a NASDAQ “national market system security” within the meaning of Rule 11Aa2-1 or, failing that, to secure NASDAQ authorization for such shares and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, to arrange for at least two market makers to register as such with respect to such shares with the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (“ NASD ”).

The Company may require each holder of Registrable Securities as to which any registration is being effected to furnish to the Company such information regarding such holder and the distribution of such Registrable Securities as the Company may, from time to time, reasonably request in writing; provided that such information shall be used only in connection with such registration. The Company may exclude from such registration the Registrable Securities of any holder who unreasonably fails to furnish such information promptly after receiving such request. Each holder agrees that, upon receipt of any notice from the Company of the happening of any event of the kind described in Section 5.4(c)(ii), 5.4(c)(iv) or 5.4(c)(v), such holder will forthwith discontinue disposition of such Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement or prospectus until such holder’s receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended prospectus contemplated by Section 5.4, or until it is advised in writing by the Company that the use of the applicable prospectus may be resumed, and has received copies of any amendments or supplements thereto.

5.5 Registration Expenses . Subject to Section 5.1(b)(i), all fees and expenses incident to the performance of or compliance with this Agreement by the Company shall be borne by the Company, whether or not any Registration Statement is filed or becomes effective, including, without limitation, (i) all registration and filing fees

 

18


(including, without limitation, (A) fees with respect to filings required to be made with the NASD in connection with an underwritten offering and (B) fees and expenses of compliance with state securities or “blue sky” laws), (ii) reasonable messenger, telephone and delivery expenses, (iii) fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company, (iv) fees and disbursements of all independent certified public accountants referred to in Section 5.4(h), (v) underwriters’ fees and expenses (excluding discounts, commissions, or fees of underwriters, selling brokers, dealer managers or similar securities industry professionals relating to the distribution of the Registrable Securities), (vi) Securities Act liability insurance, if the Company so desires such insurance, (vii) internal expenses of the Company, (viii) the expense of any annual audit, (ix) the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the listing of the securities to be registered on any securities exchange, and (x) the fees and expenses of any Person, including special experts, retained by the Company. In connection with any Demand Registration or Incidental Registration hereunder, the Company shall reimburse the holders of the Registrable Securities being registered in such registration for the reasonable fees and disbursements of not more than one counsel (together with appropriate local counsel) chosen by the Requesting Holders, if pursuant to a Demand Registration, or the Company, in all other cases, and other reasonable out-of-pocket expenses of the holders of Registrable Securities incurred in connection with the registration of the Registrable Securities.

5.6 Indemnification; Contribution .

(a) Indemnification by the Company . The Company shall, without limitation as to time, indemnify and hold harmless, to the full extent permitted by law, each holder of Registrable Securities, the officers, directors, agents and employees of each of them, each Person who controls each such holder (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act), the officers, directors, agents and employees of each such controlling person and any financial or investment adviser (each, an “ Indemnified Party ”), to the fullest extent lawful, from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, actions or proceedings (whether commenced or threatened) reasonable costs (including, without limitation, reasonable costs of preparation and reasonable attorneys’ fees) and reasonable expenses (including reasonable expenses of investigation) (collectively, “ Losses ”), as incurred, arising out of or based upon (i) any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Registration Statement, prospectus or form of prospectus or in any amendment or supplements thereto or in any preliminary prospectus, or arising out of or based upon any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, except to the extent that the same arise out of or are based upon information furnished in writing to the Company by such Indemnified Party or the related holder of Registrable Securities expressly for use therein or (ii) any violation by the Company of any federal, state or common law rule or regulation applicable to the Company and relating to action required of or inaction by the Company in connection with any such registration; provided , however , that the Company shall not be liable to any Person who participates as an underwriter in the offering or sale of Registrable Securities or any other Person, if any, who controls such underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act to the extent that any such Losses arise out of or are based upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged

 

19


omission made in any preliminary prospectus if (i) such Person failed to send or deliver a copy of the prospectus with or prior to the delivery of written confirmation of the sale by such Person to the Person asserting the claim from which such Losses arise, (ii) the prospectus would have corrected such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or such omission or alleged omission, and (iii) the Company has complied with its obligations under Section 5.4(c). Each indemnity and reimbursement of costs and expenses shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of such indemnified party.

(b) Indemnification by Holders . In connection with any Registration Statement in which a holder of Registrable Securities is participating, such holder, or an authorized officer of such holder, shall furnish to the Company in writing such information as the Company reasonably requests for use in connection with any Registration Statement or prospectus and agrees, severally and not jointly, to indemnify, to the full extent permitted by law, the Company, its directors, officers, agents and employees, each Person who controls the Company (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act and Section 20 of the Exchange Act), and the directors, officers, agents or employees of such controlling persons, from and against all Losses arising out of or based upon any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Registration Statement, prospectus, or form of prospectus, or arising out of or based upon any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, to the extent, but only to the extent, that such untrue or alleged untrue statement is contained in, or such omission or alleged omission is required to be contained in, any information so furnished in writing by such holder to the Company expressly for use in such Registration Statement or prospectus and that such statement or omission was relied upon by the Company in preparation of such Registration Statement, prospectus or form of prospectus; provided , however , that such holder of Registrable Securities shall not be liable in any such case to the extent that the holder has furnished in writing to the Company within a reasonable period of time prior to the filing of any such Registration Statement or prospectus or amendment or supplement thereto information expressly for use in such Registration Statement or prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto which corrected or made not misleading, information previously furnished to the Company, and the Company failed to include such information therein. In no event shall the liability of any selling holder of Registrable Securities hereunder be greater in amount than the dollar amount of the proceeds (net of payment of all expenses) received by such holder upon the sale of the Registrable Securities giving rise to such indemnification obligation. Such indemnity shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of such indemnified party.

(c) Conduct of Indemnification Proceedings . If any Person shall be entitled to indemnity hereunder (an “ indemnified party ”), such indemnified party shall give prompt notice to the party or parties from which such indemnity is sought (the “ indemnifying parties ”) of the commencement of any action, suit, proceeding or investigation or written threat thereof (a “ Proceeding ”) with respect to which such indemnified party seeks indemnification or contribution pursuant hereto; provided , however , that the failure to so notify the indemnifying parties shall not relieve the

 

20


indemnifying parties from any obligation or liability except to the extent that the indemnifying parties have been prejudiced by such failure. The indemnifying parties shall have the right, exercisable by giving written notice to an indemnified party promptly after the receipt of written notice from such indemnified party of such Proceeding, to assume, at the indemnifying parties’ expense, the defense of any such Proceeding, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified party; provided , however , that an indemnified party or parties (if more than one such indemnified party is named in any Proceeding) shall have the right to employ separate counsel in any such Proceeding and to participate in the defense thereof, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such indemnified party or parties unless: (i) the indemnifying parties agree to pay such fees and expenses; (ii) the indemnifying parties fail promptly to assume the defense of such Proceeding or fail to employ counsel reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified party or parties; or (iii) the named parties to any such Proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both such indemnified party or parties and the indemnifying parties or an affiliate of the indemnifying parties or such indemnified parties, and there may be one or more defenses available to such indemnified party or parties that are different from or additional to those available to the indemnifying parties, in which case, if such indemnified party or parties notifies the indemnifying parties in writing that it elects to employ separate counsel at the expense of the indemnifying parties, the indemnifying parties shall not have the right to assume the defense thereof and such counsel shall be at the expense of the indemnifying parties, it being understood, however, that, unless there exists a conflict among indemnified parties, the indemnifying parties shall not, in connection with any one such Proceeding or separate but substantially similar or related Proceedings in the same jurisdiction, arising out of the same general allegations or circumstances, be liable for the fees and expenses of more than one separate firm of attorneys (together with appropriate local counsel) at any time for such indemnified party or parties. Whether or not such defense is assumed by the indemnifying parties, such indemnifying parties or indemnified party or parties will not be subject to any liability for any settlement made without its or their consent (but such consent will not be unreasonably withheld). The indemnifying parties shall not consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement which (i) provides for other than monetary damages without the consent of the indemnified party or parties (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed) or (ii) does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such indemnified party or parties of a release, in form and substance satisfactory to the indemnified party or parties, from all liability in respect of such Proceeding for which such indemnified party would be entitled to indemnification hereunder.

(d) Contribution . If the indemnification provided for in this Section 5.6 is unavailable to an indemnified party or is insufficient to hold such indemnified party harmless for any Losses in respect of which this Section 5.6 would otherwise apply by its terms, then each applicable indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party, shall have a several and not joint obligation to contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such Losses, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the indemnifying party, on the one hand, and such indemnified party, on the other hand, in connection with the actions, statements or omissions that resulted in such Losses as well as any other relevant equitable

 

21


considerations. The relative fault of such indemnifying party, on the one hand, and indemnified party, on the other hand, shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any action in question, including any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact, has been taken by, or relates to information supplied by, such indemnifying party or indemnified party, and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent any such action, statement or omission. The amount paid or payable by a party as a result of any Losses shall be deemed to include any legal or other fees or expenses incurred by such party in connection with any Proceeding, to the extent such party would have been indemnified for such expenses if the indemnification provided for in Section 5.6(a) or 5.6(b) was available to such party. The parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 5.6(d) were determined by pro-rata allocation or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in this Section 5.6(d). Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 5.6(d), an indemnifying party that is a selling holder of Registrable Securities shall not be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the net proceeds received by such indemnifying party exceeds the amount of any damages that such indemnifying party has otherwise been required to pay by reasons of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any Person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.

5.7 Rules 144 and 144A . At all times after the Company effects its first Public Offering, the Company shall file the reports required to be filed by it under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (or, if the Company is not required to file such reports, it will, upon the request of any holder of Registrable Securities, make publicly available other information so long as such information is necessary to permit sales under Rule 144A), and will take such further action as any holder of Registrable Securities may reasonably request, all to the extent required from time to time to enable such holder to sell Registrable Securities without registration under the Securities Act within the limitation of the exemptions provided by Rule 144 and Rule 144A. Upon the request of any holder of Registrable Securities, the Company shall deliver to such holder a written statement as to whether it has complied with such requirements.

5.8 Underwritten Registrations . No holder of Registrable Securities may participate in any underwritten registration hereunder unless such holder (a) agrees to sell such holder’s Registrable Securities on the basis provided in any underwriting arrangements approved by the Persons entitled hereunder to approve such arrangements and (b) completes and executes all questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements and other documents required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements.

5.9 Registration of Class B Units . To the extent permitted by applicable Law, as soon as reasonably practicable following the date of a Qualified Public Offering, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to register all

 

22


outstanding Class B Units which are Vested Units on Form S-8 (or any successor form) under the Securities Act.

5.10 No Inconsistent Agreements . The Company has not and will not, enter into any agreement with respect to the Company’s securities that is inconsistent with the rights granted to the holders of Registrable Securities in this Article V or otherwise conflicts with the provisions hereof.

ARTICLE VI

VENTURE CAPITAL OPERATING COMPANY

6.1 VCOC Securityholders .

(a) Each Securityholder and any Affiliate thereof that directly or indirectly has an interest in the Company, in each case that is intended to qualify as a “venture capital operating company” as defined in the Plan Asset Regulations (each, a “VCOC Securityholder”), for so long as the VCOC Securityholder, directly or through one or more conduit Subsidiaries, continues to hold any Securities (or other securities of the Company into which such Securities may be converted or for which such Securities may be exchanged), without limitation or prejudice of any the rights provided to the Securityholders hereunder, the Company shall, with respect to each such VCOC Securityholder:

(i) Provide each VCOC Securityholder or its designated representative with:

(A) the right to visit and inspect any of the offices and properties of the Company and its Subsidiaries and inspect and copy the books and records of the Company and its Subsidiaries, as the VCOC Securityholder shall reasonably request;

(B) as soon as available and in any event within 45 days after the end of each of the first three quarters of each fiscal year of the Company, consolidated balance sheets of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of the end of such period, and consolidated statements of income and cash flows of the Company and its Subsidiaries for the period then ended prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States applied on a consistent basis, except as otherwise noted therein, and subject to the absence of footnotes and to year-end adjustments;

(C) as soon as available and in any event within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company, a consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of the end of such year, and consolidated statements of income and cash flows of the Company and its Subsidiaries for the year then ended prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States applied on a consistent basis, except as otherwise noted therein, together with an auditor’s report thereon of a firm of established national reputation;

(D) to the extent the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is required by law or pursuant to the terms of any outstanding indebtedness of the Company or such

 

23


Subsidiary to prepare such reports, any annual reports, quarterly reports and other periodic reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, actually prepared by the Company or such Subsidiary as soon as available; and

(E) copies of all materials provided to the board of directors of the Company, and if requested, copies of all materials provided to the board of directors of the Company’s Subsidiaries, provided, that the Company shall be entitled to exclude portions of such materials to the extent providing such portions would be reasonably likely to result in the waiver of attorney-client privilege.

(ii) Make appropriate directors and officers of the Company, and its subsidiaries, available periodically and at such times as reasonably requested by the VCOC Securityholder for consultation with the VCOC Securityholder or its designated representative with respect to matters relating to the business and affairs of the Company and its Subsidiaries, including significant changes in management personnel and compensation of employees, introduction of new products or new lines of business, important acquisitions or dispositions of plants and equipment, significant research and development programs, the purchasing or selling of important trademarks, licenses or concessions or the proposed commencement or compromise of significant litigation;

(iii) Give each VCOC Securityholder the right to designate one non-voting board observer who will be entitled to attend all meetings of the Company’s board of directors, participate in all deliberations of the board of directors and receive copies of all materials provided to the board of directors, provided that such observer shall have no voting rights with respect to actions taken or elected not to be taken by the board, and provided, further, that the Company shall be entitled to exclude such observer from such portions of a board meeting to the extent such observer’s presence would be reasonably likely to result in the waiver of attorney-client privilege;

(iv) To the extent consistent with applicable law (and with respect to events which require public disclosure, only following the Company’s public disclosure thereof through applicable securities law filings or otherwise), inform the VCOC Securityholder or its designated representative in advance with respect to any significant corporate actions, including extraordinary dividends, mergers, acquisitions or dispositions of assets, issuances of significant amounts of debt or equity and material amendments to the organizational documents of the Company and any Subsidiary, and to provide the VCOC Securityholder or its designated representative with the right to consult with the Company and each Subsidiary with respect to such actions; and

(v) Provide the VCOC Securityholder or its designated representative with such other rights of consultation which the VCOC Securityholder’s counsel may determine to be reasonably necessary under applicable legal authorities promulgated after the date hereof to qualify its investment in the Company as a “venture capital investment” for purposes of the Plan Asset Regulations.

(b) The Company agrees to consider, in good faith, the recommendations of each VCOC Securityholder or its designated representative in

 

24


connection with the matters on which it is consulted as described above, recognizing that the ultimate discretion with respect to all such matters shall be retained by the Company.

(c) In the event that the Company ceases to qualify as an “operating company” (within the meaning of the first sentence of 29 C.F.R. Section 2510.3-101(c)(1) of the Plan Asset Regulations), then the Company and each Securityholder will cooperate in good faith to take all reasonable action necessary to provide that the investment (or at least 51% of the investment valued at cost) of each VCOC Securityholder shall continue to qualify as a “venture capital investment” (as defined in the Plan Asset Regulations).

(d) In the event a VCOC Securityholder transfers all or any portion of its investment in the Company to an affiliated entity (or to a direct or indirect wholly-owned conduit subsidiary of any such affiliated entity) that is intended to qualify as a venture capital operating company under the Plan Asset Regulations, such affiliated entity shall be afforded the same rights with respect to the Company afforded to the VCOC Securityholder hereunder and shall be treated, for such purposes, as a third party beneficiary hereunder.

ARTICLE VII

AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION

7.1 Amendment and Waiver . Except as otherwise provided herein, no modification, amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective against the Company or the Securityholders unless such modification, amendment or waiver is approved in writing by each of the Company and Blackstone Majority Holders; provided that no such modification, amendment or waiver may adversely affect Employee Securities or the rights or obligations hereunder of holders of Employee Securities unless approved in writing by the Employee Majority Holders. The failure of any party to enforce any of the provisions of this Agreement shall in no way be construed as a waiver of such provisions and shall not affect the right of such party thereafter to enforce each and every provision of this Agreement in accordance with its terms.

7.2 Termination of Agreement . This Agreement will terminate in respect of all Securityholders (a) with the written consent of the Company, the Blackstone Majority Holders and the Employee Majority Holders, (b) upon the dissolution, liquidation or winding-up of the Company or (c) upon the consummation of a transaction, whether in a single transaction or in a series of related transactions that are consummated contemporaneously (or consummated pursuant to contemporaneous agreements), with any other Person or Persons on an arms-length basis, pursuant to which such party or parties acquire (whether by merger, stock purchase, recapitalization, reorganization, redemption, issuance of capital stock or otherwise) more than 50% of the Fully Diluted Units or voting stock of the Company (except with respect to the rights to Incidental Registration under Article V, which shall survive). The termination of this

 

25


Agreement will not affect any indemnification or contribution obligations under Section 5.6, which shall survive such termination.

7.3 Termination as to a Party . Any Person who ceases to hold any Securities shall cease to be a Securityholder and shall have no further rights or obligations under this Agreement (except with respect to any indemnification and contribution obligations under Section 5.6, which shall survive).

ARTICLE VIII

MISCELLANEOUS

8.1 Certain Defined Terms . As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth or as referenced below:

Affiliate ” of any particular Person means any other Person Controlling, Controlled by or under common Control with such particular Person or, in the case of a natural Person, any other member of such Person’s Family Group.

Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the preface.

Allocable Shares ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(a).

BCP ” has the meaning set forth in the preface.

Blackstone ” has the meaning set forth in the preface.

Blackstone Demand Right ” has the meaning given such term in Section 5.1(a).

Blackstone Directors ” has the meaning given such term in Section 2.1(a)(i).

Blackstone Majority Holders ” means the Person or Persons holding a majority of the Class A-1 Units or Common Stock constituting Blackstone Securities.

Blackstone Holders ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 8.1.

Blackstone Securities ” means (a) Blackstone Units, (b) Securities, Class A-1 Units, Common Stock, Common Stock Equivalents, Preferred Units or Preferred Stock hereafter acquired by Blackstone, and (c) any securities of the Company issued with respect to the securities referred to in clause (a) or (b) above by way of a payment-in-kind, stock dividend, or stock split or in connection with a combination of shares, exchange, conversion, recapitalization, merger, consolidation or other reorganization, or otherwise.

Blackstone Units ” means the Class A-1 Units issued to Blackstone on the date hereof.

 

26


Call Option ” has the meaning given to such term in the Management Subscription Agreements.

Change of Control ” means (i) the sale or disposition, in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company to any “person” or “group” (as such terms are defined in Sections 13(d)(3) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) other than the Blackstone Member or its affiliates (as defined in Rule 501(b) of the Securities Act of 1933) or (ii) any person or group, other than the Sponsor or its affiliates, is or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the total voting power of the voting stock of the Company, including by way of merger, consolidation or otherwise and the Blackstone ceases to control the Board.

Class A Units ” has the meaning set forth in the LLC Agreement.

Class A-1 Units ” has the meaning set forth in the LLC Agreement.

Class A-2 Units ” has the meaning set forth in the LLC Agreement.

Class B Units ” has the meaning set forth in the LLC Agreement.

Class B-1 Units ” has the meaning set forth in the LLC Agreement.

Class B-2 Units ” has the meaning set forth in the LLC Agreement.

Class B-3 Units ” has the meaning set forth in the LLC Agreement.

Closing Date ” means the closing date of the merger under the Merger Agreement.

Common Stock ” has the meaning set forth in the LLC Agreement.

Common Stock Equivalents ” means (without duplication with any Class A Units, Common Stock or other Common Stock Equivalents) rights, warrants, options, convertible securities, or exchangeable securities or indebtedness, or other rights, exercisable for or convertible or exchangeable into, directly or indirectly, Class A Units, Common Stock or securities exercisable for or convertible or exchangeable into Class A Units or Common Stock, as the case may be, whether at the time of issuance or upon the passage of time or the occurrence of some future event.

Company ” has the meaning set forth in the preface.

Control ” (including, with correlative meaning, all conjugations thereof) means with respect to any Person, the ability of another Person to control or direct the actions or policies of such first Person, whether by ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

 

27


Demand Registration ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 5.1(a).

Drag Along Sale ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 4.1(a).

Employee Majority Holders ” means the Person or Persons having beneficial ownership of a majority of the Class A-2 Units or, as the case may be, Common Stock constituting Employee Securities.

Employee Securities ” means (a) Units acquired by the Employees on or after the date of this Agreement under the Management Subscription Agreements, (b) any Securities, Units, Common Stock or Common Stock Equivalents hereafter acquired by any holder of Employee Securities, and (c) any securities issued with respect to the securities referred to in clauses (a) or (b) above by way of a payment-in-kind, stock dividend or stock split or in connection with a combination of shares, exchange, conversion, recapitalization, merger, consolidation or other reorganization, or otherwise.

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

Excluded Securities ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(c).

Exempt Employee Transfer ” means a Transfer of Employee Securities (a) pursuant to an exercise of tag-along rights as an Other Holder under Section 3.3, (b) pursuant to a Change of Control under Section 4.1 or other transaction approved under Section 2.2, (c) to the Company pursuant to a Call Option under a Management Subscription Agreement, (d) to the Company pursuant to an exercise of a Put Option under a Management Subscription Agreement, (e) pursuant to an exercise of incidental registration rights pursuant to Section 5.2, (f) upon the death of the holder pursuant to the applicable laws of descent and distribution, (g) if expressly permitted by an Employee’s Management Subscription Agreement, solely to or among such Employee’s Family Group, (h) incidental to the exercise, conversion or exchange of such securities in accordance with their terms, any combination of shares (including any reverse stock split) or (i) to Blackstone or any of its Affiliates.

Exempt Individual Transfer ” means a Transfer of Blackstone Securities held by a natural person (a) upon the death of the holder pursuant to the applicable laws of descent and distribution, (b) solely to or among such Person’s Family Group, or (c) to the Company incidental to the exercise, conversion or exchange of such securities in accordance with their terms, any combination of shares (including any reverse stock split) or any recapitalization, reorganization or reclassification of, or any merger or consolidation involving, the Company.

Family Group ” means, with respect to any individual, such individual’s spouse and descendants (whether natural or adopted) and any trust, partnership, limited liability company or similar vehicle established and maintained solely for the benefit of (or the sole members or partners of which are) such individual, such individual’s spouse and/or such individual’s descendants.

 

28


Fully-Diluted Units ” means, as of any date of determination, the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding plus (without duplication) all Class A Units or, as the case may be, shares of Common Stock issuable, whether at such time or upon the passage of time or the occurrence of future events, upon the exercise, conversion or exchange of all then-outstanding Common Stock Equivalents.

Incidental Registration ” has the meaning given such term in Section 5.2(a).

Indemnified Party ” has the meaning given such term in Section 5.6(a).

Limited Partner ” means a limited partner of Blackstone (excluding any such limited partner who is an employee either of the general partner of Blackstone or an Affiliate of the general partner of Blackstone).

LLC Agreement ” means the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement among the Company and its members.

Losses ” has the meaning given such term in Section 5.6(a).

Management Agreement ” means the management agreement in effect at the Effective Time (as defined in the Merger Agreement) among the Company, the subsidiaries of the Company named therein and BMP.

Management Subscription Agreements ” mean the unit subscription agreements between the Company and the respective Employees.

Member ” has the meaning given such term in the LLC Agreement.

Merger Agreement ” means the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of February 10, 2007, by and among Crunch Holding Corp., the Company, Peak Acquisition Corp. and Peak Finance LLC, as amended.

NASD ” has the meaning given such term in Section 5.4(j).

NASDAQ ” means the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System.

Other Registration Rights ” has the meaning given such term in Section 5.1(a)(iii).

Ownership Percentage ” means, for each Securityholder and with respect to a type and class of Security, the percentage obtained by dividing the number of units or shares of such Security held by such Securityholder by the total number of units or shares of such Security (other than Excluded Securities) outstanding.

Participation Right ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 7.1.

 

29


Person ” means an individual, a partnership, a joint venture, a corporation, an association, a joint stock company, a limited liability company, a trust, an unincorporated organization or a government or any department or agency or political subdivision thereof.

Plan Asset Regulations ” means the regulations issued by the Department of Labor at Section 2510.3-101 of Part 2510 of Chapter XXV, Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as the same may be amended from time to time.

Priority Right ” has the meaning given such term in Section 5.1(c)(i).

Proceeding ” has the meaning given such term in Section 5.6(c).

Proposed Sale ” has the meaning given such term in Section 3.2(a).

Proposed Sale Notice ” has the meaning given such term in Section 3.2(a).

Public Offering ” has the meaning set forth in the LLC Agreement.

Public Sale ” means a sale of Securities pursuant to a Public Offering or a Rule 144 Sale.

Put Option ” has the meaning given such term in the Management Subscription Agreements.

Qualified Public Offering ” “ has the meaning set forth in the LLC Agreement.

Registrable Securities ” means any Class A Units, any Blackstone Securities and any Securities that are of the same type and class as the Blackstone Securities. As to any particular Registrable Securities, such securities will cease to be Registrable Securities when they have been (i) Transferred in a Public Sale or (ii) otherwise Transferred and, in the event such Securities are certificated, new certificates not bearing the legend set forth in Section 8.2(b) hereof shall have been delivered by the Company and subsequent disposition of such securities shall not require registration or qualification of such securities under the Securities Act or such state securities or blue sky laws then in force. For purposes of this Agreement, a Person will be deemed to be a holder of Registrable Securities whenever such Person has the right to acquire such Registrable Securities (upon conversion or exercise in connection with a Transfer of securities or otherwise, but disregarding any restrictions or limitations upon the exercise of such right), whether or not such acquisition has actually been affected.

Registration Expenses ” means all amounts payable by the Company pursuant to Section 5.5.

Registration Notice ” has the meaning given such term in Section 5.1(a).

 

30


Registration Request ” has the meaning given such term in Section 5.1(a).

Registration Statement ” means any registration statement of the Company under which any of the Registrable Securities are included therein pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, including the prospectus, amendments and supplements to such registration statement, including post-effective amendments, all exhibits, and all material incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such registration statement.

Requesting Holder ” has the meaning given such term in Section 5.1(a).

Rule 144 ” means Rule 144 adopted under the Securities Act (or any successor rule or regulation).

Rule 144 Sale ” means a sale of Securities to the public through a broker, dealer or market-maker pursuant to the provisions of Rule 144 adopted under the Securities Act (or any successor rule or regulation).

Sale Notice ” has the meaning given such term in Section 3.3(a).

Sale Participation Notice ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 7.3.

SEC ” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Securities ” means, collectively, the Blackstone Securities and the Employee Securities.

Securityholder ” has the meaning given such term in the preface.

Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time.

Selling Employee Holder ” has the meaning given such term in Section 3.2(a).

Selling Blackstone Holder ” has the meaning given such term in Section 3.3(a).

Subsidiary ” means any corporation, limited liability company, partnership or other entity with respect to which another specified entity has the power to vote or direct the voting of sufficient securities to elect directors (or comparable authorized persons of such entity) having a majority of the voting power of the board of directors (or comparable governing body) of such entity.

Tag-Along Notice ” has the meaning given such term in Section 3.2(a).

 

31


Transfer ” means (in either the noun or the verb form, including with respect to the verb form, all conjugations thereof within their correlative meanings) with respect to any security, the gift, sale, assignment, transfer, pledge, hypothecation or other disposition (whether for or without consideration, whether directly or indirectly, and whether voluntary, involuntary or by operation of law) of such Security or any interest therein.

Units ” has the meaning set forth in the LLC Agreement.

Unvested Units ” has the meaning set forth in the Employee’s applicable Management Subscription Agreement.

Vested Units ” has the meaning set forth in the Employee’s applicable Management Subscription Agreement.

8.2 Legends .

(a) Securityholders Agreement . Each certificate or instrument evidencing Securities, if any, and each certificate or instrument, if any, issued in exchange for or upon the Transfer of any such Securities (if such securities remain subject to this Agreement after such Transfer) shall be stamped or otherwise imprinted with a legend (as appropriately completed under the circumstances) in substantially the following form:

“THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE CONSTITUTE [“EMPLOYEE SECURITIES”] [“BLACKSTONE SECURITIES”] UNDER A CERTAIN SECURITYHOLDERS AGREEMENT DATED AS OF APRIL 2, 2007 AMONG THE ISSUER OF SUCH SECURITIES (THE “COMPANY”) AND CERTAIN OF THE COMPANY’S SECURITYHOLDERS AND, AS SUCH, ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN VOTING PROVISIONS, PURCHASE RIGHTS AND RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER SET FORTH IN THE SECURITYHOLDERS AGREEMENT. A COPY OF SUCH SECURITYHOLDERS AGREEMENT WILL BE FURNISHED WITHOUT CHARGE BY THE COMPANY TO THE HOLDER HEREOF UPON WRITTEN REQUEST.”

(b) Restricted Securities . Each instrument or certificate, if any, evidencing Securities and each instrument or certificate, if any, issued in exchange or upon the Transfer of any Securities shall be stamped or otherwise imprinted with a legend substantially in the following form:

“THIS SECURITY HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND MAY

 

32


NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD UNLESS IT HAS BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR UNLESS AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE (AND, IN SUCH CASE, AN OPINION OF COUNSEL REASONABLY SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY SHALL HAVE BEEN DELIVERED TO THE COMPANY TO THE EFFECT THAT SUCH OFFER OR SALE IS NOT REQUIRED TO BE REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT).”

(c) Removal of Legends . Whenever in the opinion of the Company and counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Company (which opinion shall be delivered to the Company in writing) the restrictions described in any legend set forth above cease to be applicable to any Securities, the holder thereof shall be entitled to receive from the Company, without expense to the holder, a new instrument or certificate not bearing a legend stating such restriction.

8.3 Severability . Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision or any other jurisdiction, but this Agreement shall be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.

8.4 Entire Agreement . Except as otherwise expressly set forth herein, this document embodies the complete agreement and understanding among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes and preempts any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or among the parties, written or oral, which may have related to the subject matter hereof in any way.

8.5 Successors and Assigns . Except as otherwise provided herein, this Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Company and its successors and assigns and the Securityholders and any subsequent holders of Securities and the respective successors and assigns of each of them, so long as they hold Securities.

8.6 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts each of which shall be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

8.7 Remedies . The Company and the Securityholders shall be entitled to enforce their rights under this Agreement specifically, to recover damages by reason of any breach of any provision of this Agreement (including costs of enforcement) and to exercise all other rights existing in their favor. The parties hereto agree and acknowledge that money damages may not be an adequate remedy for any breach of the provisions of

 

33


this Agreement and that the Company or any Securityholder may in its or his sole discretion apply to any court of law or equity of competent jurisdiction for specific performance or injunctive relief (without posting a bond or other security) in order to enforce or prevent any violation of the provisions of this Agreement.

8.8 Notices . Any notice provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be either personally delivered, or mailed first class mail (postage prepaid) or sent by reputable overnight courier service (charges prepaid) to the Company at the address set forth below and to any other recipient at the address indicated on the Company’s records, or at such address or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party has specified by prior written notice to the sending party. Notices will be deemed to have been given hereunder when sent by facsimile (receipt confirmed) delivered personally, five days after deposit in the U.S. mail and one day after deposit with a reputable overnight courier service. The Company’s address is:

 

Peak Holdings LLC
One Old Bloomfield Avenue
Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046
Attention: General Counsel
with a copy to:

Peak Holdings LLC

c/o The Blackstone Group

345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154
Attention:   Prakash Melwani
and:
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
425 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York 10017-3954
Attention:   Daniel Clivner, Esq.
  Gregory T. Grogan, Esq.

A copy of each notice given to the Company shall be given to Blackstone (and no notice to the Company shall be effective until such copy is delivered to Blackstone) at the following addresses:

 

Blackstone Capital Partners V L.P.
c/o The Blackstone Group
345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154
Attention:   Prakash Melwani
with a copy to:

 

34


Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
425 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York 10017-3954
Attention:   Daniel Clivner, Esq.
  Gregory T. Grogan, Esq.

8.9 Governing Law . The Delaware Limited Liability Company Act (and, following the conversion of the Company into a corporation or the Company being merged into, or otherwise succeeded by, a corporation, the relevant state corporation law) shall govern all questions arising under this Agreement concerning the relative rights of the Company and its stockholders. All other questions concerning the construction, validity and interpretation of this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the domestic laws of the State of New York applicable to contracts made and to be performed in the State of New York.

8.10 Descriptive Headings . The descriptive headings of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and do not constitute a part of this Agreement.

[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]

 

35


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Securityholders Agreement on the day and year first above written.

 

PEAK HOLDINGS LLC
By:  

/s/  Shervin Korangy

Name:   Shervin Korangy
Title:   Vice President
BLACKSTONE CAPITAL PARTNERS V L.P.
By:   Blackstone Management Associates V L.L.C.,
  its general partner
By:   BMA V L.L.C.,
  its sole member
By:  

/s/ Prakash Melwani

Name:   Prakash Melwani
Title:   Senior Managing Director
BLACKSTONE CAPITAL PARTNERS V-AC L.P.
By:   Blackstone Management Associates V L.L.C.,
  its general partner
By:   BMA V L.L.C.,
  its sole member
By:  

/s/ Prakash Melwani

Name:   Prakash Melwani
Title:   Senior Managing Director


BLACKSTONE FAMILY INVESTMENT

PARTNERSHIP V L.P.

By:   Blackstone Management Associates V L.L.C.,
  its general partner
By:   BMA V L.L.C.,
  its sole member
By:  

/s/ Prakash Melwani

Name:   Prakash Melwani
Title:   Senior Managing Director

BLACKSTONE FAMILY INVESTMENT

PARTNERSHIP V-A L.P.

By:   Blackstone Management Associates V L.L.C.,
  its general partner
By:   BMA V L.L.C.,
  its sole member
By:  

/s/ Prakash Melwani

Name:   Prakash Melwani
Title:   Senior Managing Director
BLACKSTONE PARTICIPATION PARTNERSHIP V L.P.
By:   Blackstone Management Associates V L.L.C.,
  its general partner
By:   BMA V L.L.C.,
  its sole member
By:  

/s/ Prakash Melwani

Name:   Prakash Melwani
Title:   Senior Managing Director

Exhibit 10.16

PEAK HOLDINGS LLC

2007 Unit Plan

SECTION 1. Purpose . The purposes of this Peak Holdings LLC 2007 Unit Plan (the “ Plan ”) are to promote the interests of Peak Holdings LLC (the “ Company ”) and its members by (i) attracting and retaining exceptional officers and other employees, non-employee directors and consultants of the Company and its Subsidiaries and (ii) enabling such individuals to acquire an equity interest in and participate in the long-term growth and financial success of the Company.

SECTION 2. Definitions . As used in the Plan, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

Award ” shall mean the right to purchase Class A-2 Units and the grant of Class B-1 Units, Class B-2 Units and/or Class B-3 Units.

Award Agreement ” shall mean any written agreement, contract, or other instrument or document (which may include provisions of an employment agreement to which the Company is a party) evidencing any Award granted hereunder.

Class A-2 Unit ” shall mean a Class A-2 Unit as defined in the LLC Agreement.

Class B-1 Unit ” shall mean a Class B-1 Unit as defined in the LLC Agreement.

Class B-2 Unit ” shall mean a Class B-2 Unit as defined in the LLC Agreement.

Class B-3 Unit ” shall mean a Class B-3 Unit as defined in the LLC Agreement.

Committee ” shall mean the Management Committee or any person or persons designated by the Management Committee to administer the Plan.

Company ” shall mean Peak Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, together with any successor thereto.

Effective Date ” shall mean April 2, 2007, the date on which the Plan was adopted by the Management Committee, or such later date as designated by the Management Committee.

LLC Agreement ” shall mean the Limited Liability Company Agreement of the Company, dated as of April 2, 2007, as amended from time to time.

Management Committee ” shall mean the Management Committee of the Company.

Participant ” shall mean any officer or other employee, non-employee director or consultant of the Company or its Subsidiaries eligible for an Award under Section 4 and selected by the Committee to receive an Award under the Plan.


Plan ” shall mean this Peak Holdings LLC 2007 Unit Plan.

Subsidiary ” shall mean (i) any entity that, directly or indirectly, is controlled by the Company and (ii) any entity in which the Company has a significant equity interest, in either case as determined by the Committee; provided, however, that for purposes of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, the definition of “Subsidiary” shall be construed in a manner consistent with such Section 409A so as to avoid the imposition of any additional tax under such Section.

Unit ” shall mean a Class A-2 Unit, Class B-1 Unit, Class B-2 Unit or Class B-3 Unit.

SECTION 3. Units Subject to the Plan .

The total number of Class A-2 Units which may be issued under the Plan is 25,000,000, the total number of Class B-1 Units which may be issued under the Plan is 2,500, the total number of Class B-2 Units which may be issued under the Plan is 5,000 and the total number of Class B-3 Units which may be issued under the Plan is 2,500. Units which are subject to Awards which terminate or lapse without any payment in respect thereof may be granted again under the Plan.

SECTION 4. Administration .

(a) The Plan shall be administered by the Committee. Subject to the terms of the Plan and applicable law, and in addition to other express powers and authorizations conferred on the Committee by the Plan, the Committee shall have full power and authority to: (i) designate Participants; (ii) determine the number and/or class of Units to be covered by an Award; (iii) determine the terms and conditions of any Award; (iv) determine whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances Awards may be settled, exercised, canceled, forfeited, or suspended; (v) interpret, administer, reconcile any inconsistency, correct any default and/or supply any omission in the Plan and any instrument or agreement relating to an Award made under the Plan; (vi) establish, amend, suspend, or waive such rules and regulations and appoint such agents as it shall deem appropriate for the proper administration of the Plan; and (vii) make any other determination and take any other action that the Committee deems necessary or desirable for the administration of the Plan.

(b) All designations, determinations, interpretations, and other decisions under or with respect to the Plan or any Award shall be within the sole discretion of the Committee, may be made at any time and shall be final, conclusive, and binding upon all persons, including the Company, any Subsidiary, any Participant, any holder or beneficiary of any Award, and any member of the Company.

SECTION 5. Eligibility . Any officer or other employee, non-employee director or consultant to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (including any prospective officer, employee, non-employee director or consultant) shall be eligible to be designated a Participant.

 

2


SECTION 6. Awards .

(a) Grant . Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have sole and complete authority to determine the Participants to whom Awards shall be granted, the purchase price, if any, of an Award, the number and class of Units to be covered by each Award and the conditions and limitations applicable to the Award.

(b) Subject to LLC Agreement/Securityholders Agreement . As a condition to the grant of an Award, the Participant will be required to become a party to the LLC Agreement and a securityholders agreement with the Company (the “ Securityholders Agreement ”) and the Units acquired will be held subject to the terms and conditions of the LLC Agreement and the Securityholders Agreement.

(c) Adjustments . In the event of any change in the outstanding Units or other extraordinary event that effects the Units after the Effective Date by reason of any extraordinary dividend, reorganization, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, spin-off, combination or transaction or exchange of Units or other exchange or any transaction similar to the foregoing, the Management Committee in its sole discretion and without liability to any person shall make such substitution or adjustment, if any, as it deems to be equitable, as to (i) the number or kind of Units or other securities issued or reserved for issuance pursuant to the Plan or pursuant to outstanding Awards and/or (ii) any other affected terms of such Awards.

SECTION 7. Amendment and Termination .

(a) Amendments to the Plan . The Management Committee may amend, alter, suspend, discontinue, or terminate the Plan or any portion thereof at any time; provided that any such amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuance, or termination that would be reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on the rights of any Participant or other holder of an Award theretofore granted shall not to that extent be effective without the consent of the affected Participant.

(b) Amendments to Awards . The Committee may waive any conditions or rights under, amend any terms of, or alter, suspend, discontinue, cancel or terminate, any Award theretofore granted, prospectively or retroactively; provided that any such waiver, amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuance, cancellation or termination not expressly contemplated by the Plan that would be reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on the rights of any outstanding Award shall not effective without the consent of the affected Participant.

SECTION 8. General Provisions .

(a) No Rights to Awards . No person shall have any claim to be granted any Award, and there is no obligation for uniformity of treatment of Participants or beneficiaries of Awards. The terms and conditions of Awards and the Committee’s determinations and interpretations with respect thereto need not be the same with respect to each Participant (whether or not such Participants are similarly situated).

 

3


(b) Certificates . All certificates, if any, evidencing Units or other securities of the Company or any Subsidiary delivered under the Plan shall be subject to such stop transfer orders and other restrictions as the Committee may deem advisable under the Plan or the rules, regulations, and other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any stock exchange upon which such securities are then listed, and any applicable Federal or state laws, and the Committee may cause a legend or legends to be put on any such certificates to make appropriate reference to such restrictions.

(c) Withholding . A Participant may be required to pay to the Company or any Subsidiary and the Company or any Subsidiary shall have the right and is hereby authorized to withhold from any payment due or transfer made under any Award or under the Plan or from any compensation or other amount owing to a Participant the amount (in cash, securities, or other property) of any applicable withholding taxes in respect of an Award or any payment or transfer under an Award or under the Plan and to take such other action as may be necessary in the opinion of the Company to satisfy all obligations for the payment of such taxes.

(d) No Right to Employment . The grant of an Award shall not be construed as giving a Participant the right to be retained in the employ of, or in any consulting relationship with, the Company or any Subsidiary. Further, the Company or a Subsidiary may at any time dismiss a Participant from employment or discontinue any consulting relationship, free from any liability or any claim under the Plan, unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan or in any Award Agreement.

(e) Governing Law . The validity, construction, and effect of the Plan shall be determined in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware applicable to contracts made and to be performed therein.

(f) Severability . If any provision of the Plan or any Award is or becomes or is deemed to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction or as to any person or Award, or would disqualify the Plan or any Award under any law deemed applicable by the Committee, such provision shall be construed or deemed amended to conform the applicable laws, or if it cannot be construed or deemed amended without, in the determination of the Committee, materially altering the intent of the Plan or the Award, such provision shall be stricken as to such jurisdiction, person or Award and the remainder of the Plan and any such Award shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 9. Term of the Plan .

(a) Effective Date . The Plan shall be effective as of the Effective Date.

(b) Expiration Date . No Award shall be granted under the Plan after the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date. Unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan or in an applicable Award Agreement, any Award granted hereunder may, and the authority of the Management Committee or Committee to amend, alter, adjust, suspend, discontinue, or terminate any such Award or to waive any conditions or rights under any such Award shall, continue after such date.

 

4

Exhibit 10.17

FORM OF AWARD

MANAGEMENT UNIT SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

(Class A-2 Units, B-1 Units, B-2 Units and B-3 Units)

THIS MANAGEMENT UNIT SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made as of [DATE], by and between Peak Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Company ”), and the individual named on the signature page hereto (the “ Executive ”).

WHEREAS, on the terms and subject to the conditions hereof, the Executive desires to subscribe for and acquire from the Company, and the Company desires to issue and provide to the Executive, the Company’s Class A-2 Units (the “ Class A-2 Units ”), Class B-1 Units (the “ Class B-1 Units ”), Class B-2 Units (the “ Class B-2 Units ”) and Class B-3 Units (the “ Class B-3 Units ” and, together with the Class A-2 Units, Class B-1 Units and Class B-2 Units, the “ Units ”), in each case in the amount set forth on Schedule I, as hereinafter set forth; and

WHEREAS, this Agreement is one of several agreements being entered into by the Company on or after the date hereof with certain persons who are or will be key employees of the Company or one or more Subsidiaries (collectively with the Executive, the “ Management Investors ”) as part of a management equity purchase plan designed to comply with Rule 701 promulgated under the Securities Act (as defined below);

NOW, THEREFORE, in order to implement the foregoing and in consideration of the mutual representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. Definitions.

1.1 Acquisition . The term “ Acquisition ” means the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of February 10, 2007 (as amended from time to time) by and among Crunch Holding Corp., Peak Holdings LLC, Peak Acquisition Corp and Peak Finance LLC.

1.2 Affiliate . An “ Affiliate ” of, or Person “ Affiliated ” with, a specified Person shall mean a Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Person specified.

1.3 Agreement . The term “Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the preface.

1.4 Blackstone . The term “Blackstone” means Blackstone Capital Partners V L.P. and its Affiliates.

1.5 Board . The “Board” shall mean the Company’s Management Committee.


1.6 Cause . The term “Cause” used in connection with the termination of employment of the Executive shall have the same meaning ascribed to such term in any employment or severance agreement then in effect between the Executive and the Company or one of its Subsidiaries or, if no such agreement containing a definition of “Cause” is then in effect, shall mean a termination of employment of the Executive by the Company or any Subsidiary thereof due to (A) the Executive’s continued failure substantially to perform the Executive’s duties under the Executive’s employment (other than as a result of total or partial incapacity due to physical or mental illness) following written notice by the Company to the Executive of such failure; (B) theft or embezzlement of Company property or dishonesty in the performance of the Executive’s duties, (C) any act on the part of the Executive that constitutes (x) a felony under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or (y) a crime involving moral turpitude, (E) the Executive’s willful malfeasance or willful misconduct in connection with the Executive’s duties to the Company or any act or omission which is materially injurious to the financial condition or business reputation of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, or (F) the Executive engages in Competitive Activity or breaches the confidentiality provisions of Section 6.

1.7 Change of Control . The term “Change of Control” shall have the meaning set forth in the Securityholders Agreement, except that transactions with a Person or Persons that are a Subsidiary (as defined in the Securityholders Agreement) of the Sponsor shall be excluded.

1.8 Closing . The term “Closing” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.

1.9 Closing Date . The term “Closing Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.

1.10 Company . The term “Company” shall have the meaning set forth in the preface.

1.11 Constructive Termination . The term “Constructive Termination” shall have the same meaning ascribed to such term (or the term “good reason”) in any employment or severance agreement then in effect between the Executive and the Company or one of its Subsidiaries.

1.12 Cost . The term “Cost” shall mean the price per Unit paid by the Executive as proportionately adjusted for all subsequent distributions of Units and other recapitalizations and less the amount of any tax distributions made with respect to the Units pursuant to the LLC Agreement.

1.13 Disability . The term “Disability” of the Executive shall have the same meaning ascribed to such term in any employment or severance agreement then in effect between the Executive and the Company or one of its Subsidiaries or, if no such agreement containing a definition of “Disability” is then in effect, shall mean the inability of the Executive to perform the essential functions of the Executive’s job, with or without reasonable accommodation, by reason of a physical or mental infirmity, for a period of nine (9) consecutive months or for an aggregate of twelve (12) months in any eighteen (18) consecutive month period. The period of nine (9) months shall be deemed continuous unless the Executive returns to work for at least 30 consecutive business days during such period and performs during such period at the level and

 

2


competence that existed prior to the beginning of the six-month period. The date of such Disability shall be on the first day of such nine-month period.

1.14 Employee and Employment . The term “ employee ” shall mean, without any inference as to negate the Executive’s status as a member of the Company for all purposes hereunder (subject to the terms hereof) and for federal and other tax purposes, any employee (as defined in accordance with the regulations and revenue rulings then applicable under Section 3401(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended) of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and the term “ employment ” shall include service as a part- or full-time employee to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

1.15 Executive . The term “Executive” shall have the meaning set forth in the preface.

1.16 Executive’s Group . The term “Executive’s Group” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a).

1.17 Fair Market Value . Subject to Section 4.2(d), the term “Fair Market Value” used in connection with the value of Units shall mean (a) if there is a public market for the equity of the Company on the applicable date, the value for the Units shall be implied by the average of the high and low closing bid prices of such equity on the stock exchange on which the equity is principally trading or (b) if there is no public market for the equity on such date, the fair market value for the Units as shall be determined in good faith by the Board (without regard to discounts for lack of marketability of such equity or minority status).

1.18 Financing Default . The term “Financing Default” shall mean an event which would constitute (or with notice or lapse of time or both would constitute) an event of default under any of the financing documents of the Company or its Affiliates from time to time (collectively, the “ Financing Agreements ”) and any restrictive financial covenants contained in the organizational documents of the Company or its Affiliates.

1.19 Management Investors . The term “Management Investors” shall have the meaning set forth in the preface.

1.20 Permitted Transferee . The term “Permitted Transferee” means any transferee of Units as defined in the Securityholders Agreement.

1.21 Person . The term “Person” shall mean any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust, joint stock company, business trust, unincorporated association, joint venture, governmental authority or other entity of any nature whatsoever.

1.22 Public Offering . The term “Public Offering” shall have the meaning set forth in the Securityholders Agreement.

1.23 Purchase Price . The term “Purchase Price” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.

 

3


1.24 Securities Act . The term “Securities Act” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as the same may be amended from time to time.

1.25 Securityholders Agreement . The term “Securityholders Agreement” shall mean the Securityholders Agreement dated as of the Closing Date among the Sponsor, the Management Investors and the Company, as it may be amended or supplemented thereafter from time to time.

1.26 Termination Date . The term “Termination Date” means the date upon which Executive’s employment with the Company and its Subsidiaries is terminated.

1.27 Unvested Units . The term “Unvested Units” means, with respect to Executive’s Class B-1 Units, Class B-2 Units and Class B-3 Units, the number of such Units that are subject to any vesting, forfeiture or similar arrangement under this Agreement.

1.28 Vested Units . The term “Vested Units” shall mean, with respect to an Executive’s Class B-1 Units, Class B-2 Units and Class B-3 Units, the number of such Units that are vested and nonforfeitable, as determined in Schedule I.

1.29 Sponsor . The term “Sponsor” means Blackstone.

2. Subscription for and Grant of Units.

2.1 Purchase/Grant of Units . Pursuant to the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, (a) the Executive hereby subscribes for and agrees to purchase, and the Company hereby agrees to issue and award to the Executive on the Closing Date the number of Class A-2 Units set forth in Part 1 of Schedule I attached hereto in exchange for (x) the number of shares (the “ Crunch Shares ”) of common stock of Crunch Holding Corp. (“ Crunch ”) and (x) the amount of cash, each as set forth in Part 1 of Schedule I attached hereto (the value of such shares and the amount of cash, collectively, the “ Purchase Price ”) and (b) the Executive hereby subscribes for and agrees to acquire, and the Company hereby agrees to issue and award to the Executive, on the Closing Date the number of Class B-1 Units, Class B-2 Units and Class B-3 Units set forth in Part 1 of Schedule I attached hereto in exchange for services performed for the Company and its Subsidiaries. Additionally, within ten (10) days hereafter, or as soon thereafter as is practicable, the Executive shall be awarded additional Class B-2 Units, in exchange for services, in such number and on such terms, which may include special performance vesting conditions, as the Executive and the Company may agree.

2.2 The Closing . The closing (the “ Closing ”) of the grant of Units hereunder shall take place on April 2, 2007 (the “ Closing Date ”). At least one business day prior to the Closing, the Executive shall deliver to the Company the Purchase Price, payable by delivery of any transfer instruments necessary to effect the transfer of the Crunch Shares to the Company and the amount in cash set forth on Schedule I attached hereto, by delivery of a cashier’s or certified check or by wire transfer in immediately available funds.

2.3 Section 83(b) Election . Within 10 days after the Closing, the Executive shall provide the Company with a copy of a completed election under Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue

 

4


Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto. The Executive shall timely file (via certified mail, return receipt requested) such election with the Internal Revenue Service (“ IRS ”) and shall thereafter certify to the Company it has made such timely filing.

2.4 Closing Conditions . Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall be under no obligation to issue and sell to the Executive any Units unless (i) the Executive is an employee of, or consultant to, the Company or one of its Subsidiaries on the Closing Date; (ii) the representations of the Executive contained in Section 3 hereof are true and correct in all material respects as of the Closing Date and (iii) the Executive is not in breach of any agreement, obligation or covenant herein required to be performed or observed by the Executive on or prior to the Closing Date.

3. Investment Representations and Covenants of the Executive.

3.1 Units Unregistered . The Executive acknowledges and represents that the Executive has been advised by the Company that:

(a) the offer and sale of the Units have not been registered under the Securities Act;

(b) the Units must be held indefinitely and the Executive must continue to bear the economic risk of the investment in the Units unless the offer and sale of such Units are subsequently registered under the Securities Act and all applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available;

(c) there is no established market for the Units and it is not anticipated that there will be any public market for the Units in the foreseeable future;

(d) a restrictive legend in the form set forth below and the legends set forth in Section 8.2(a) and (b) of the Securityholders Agreement shall be placed on the certificates representing the Units:

“THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN REPURCHASE OPTIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS SET FORTH IN A MANAGEMENT UNITS SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT WITH THE ISSUER DATED AS OF APRIL 2, 2007, AS AMENDED AND MODIFIED FROM TIME TO TIME, A COPY OF WHICH MAY BE OBTAINED BY THE HOLDER HEREOF AT THE ISSUER’S PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS WITHOUT CHARGE”; and

(e) a notation shall be made in the appropriate records of the Company indicating that the Units are subject to restrictions on transfer and, if the Company should at some time in the future engage the services of a securities transfer agent, appropriate stop-transfer instructions will be issued to such transfer agent with respect to the Units.

 

5


3.2 Additional Investment Representations . The Executive represents and warrants that:

(a) the Executive’s financial situation is such that the Executive can afford to bear the economic risk of holding the Units for an indefinite period of time, has adequate means for providing for the Executive’s current needs and personal contingencies, and can afford to suffer a complete loss of the Executive’s investment in the Units;

(b) the Executive’s knowledge and experience in financial and business matters are such that the Executive is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the investment in the Units;

(c) the Executive understands that the Units are a speculative investment which involves a high degree of risk of loss of the Executive’s investment therein, there are substantial restrictions on the transferability of the Units and, on the Closing Date and for an indefinite period following the Closing, there will be no public market for the Units and, accordingly, it may not be possible for the Executive to liquidate the Executive’s investment in case of emergency, if at all;

(d) the terms of this Agreement provide that if the Executive ceases to be an employee of the Company or its Subsidiaries, the Company and its Affiliates have the right to repurchase the Units at a price which may, under certain circumstances, be less than the Fair Market Value thereof;

(e) the Executive understands and has taken cognizance of all the risk factors related to the purchase of the Units and, other than as set forth in this Agreement, no representations or warranties have been made to the Executive or the Executive’s representatives concerning the Units or the Company or their prospects or other matters;

(f) the Executive has been given the opportunity to examine all documents and to ask questions of, and to receive answers from, the Company and its representatives concerning the Company and its Subsidiaries, the Acquisition, the Securityholders Agreement, the Company’s organizational documents and the terms and conditions of the purchase of the Units and to obtain any additional information which the Executive deems necessary;

(g) all information which the Executive has provided to the Company and the Company’s representatives concerning the Executive and the Executive’s financial position is complete and correct as of the date of this Agreement; and

(h) the Executive is an “accredited investor” within the meaning of Rule 501(a) under the Securities Act.

4. Certain Sales and Forfeitures Upon Termination of Employment .

4.1 Put Option .

 

6


(a) If the Executive’s employment with the Company and its Subsidiaries terminates due to the Disability or death of the Executive prior to the earlier of (i) an initial Public Offering or (ii) a Change of Control, the Executive and the Executive’s Permitted Transferees (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as the “ Executive’s Group ”) shall have the right, subject to the provisions of Section 5 hereof, for 180 days following the date that is six (6) months after the date of such termination of employment of the Executive, to sell to the Company, and the Company shall be required to purchase (subject to the provisions of Section 5 hereof), on one occasion from each member of the Executive’s Group, all (but not less than all) of the number of Units then held by the Executive’s Group that equals the sum of (i) all Class A-2 Units collectively held by the Executive’s Group and (ii) all Vested Units collectively held by the Executive’s Group, at a price per Unit equal to the Fair Market Value of each Class of such Units (measured as of the date of death or such termination; provided, that, respecting any Units that have vested less than six months and one day prior to the date of such termination, such Fair Market Value shall be measured as of the date that is one day following the date that is six months after the date such Units had vested); provided that in any case the Board shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to increase the foregoing purchase price. In order to exercise its rights with respect to the Units pursuant to this Section 4.1(a), the Executive’s Group shall also be required to simultaneously exercise any similar rights it may have with respect to any other units of the Company held by the Executive’s Group in accordance with the terms of the agreements pursuant to which such other units were purchased from the Company.

(b) If the Executive’s Group desires to exercise its option to require the Company to repurchase Units pursuant to Section 4.1(a), the members of the Executive’s Group shall send one written notice to the Company setting forth such members’ intention to collectively sell all of their Units pursuant to Section 4.1(a), which notice shall include the signature of each member of the Executive’s Group. Subject to the provisions of Section 5.1, the closing of the purchase shall take place at the principal office of the Company on a date specified by the Company no later than the 60th day after the giving of such notice.

4.2 Call Options .

(a) If the Executive’s employment with the Company and its Subsidiaries terminates for any of the reasons set forth in clauses (i), (ii) or (iii) below, or if the Executive engages in “Competitive Activity” (as defined in Section 6.1 of this Agreement), the Company shall have the right and option to purchase for a period of 210 days following the Termination Date or the discovery of the Competitive Activity (except that the Company shall not exercise such right or option to purchase any Units that have vested less than six months and one day prior to the Termination Date, at any time on or prior to the date that is one day following the date that is six months after the date such Units had vested (“ Risk Period ”), and each member of the Executive’s Group shall be required to sell to the Company, any or all of such Units (other than, in the case of a termination described in clause (ii) below, the Class A-2 Units, although such Class A-2 Units remain subject to repurchase if the Executive engages in “Competitive Activity” as described above) then held by such member of the Executive’s Group (it being understood that if Units of any class subject to repurchase hereunder may be repurchased at different prices, the Company may elect to repurchase only the portion of the Units of such class subject to repurchase hereunder at the lower price), at a price per unit equal to the applicable purchase price determined as follows:

 

7


(i) Death or Disability . If the Executive’s employment with the Company and its Subsidiaries is terminated due to the Disability or death of the Executive, the purchase price per Unit will be:

(A) with respect to Class A-2 Units and Vested Units, the Fair Market Value (measured as of the Termination Date except respecting any Units subject to the Risk Period, the first day after the Risk Period); and

(B) with respect to the Unvested Units, the lesser of (A) Fair Market Value (measured as of the Termination Date) and (B) Cost;

(ii) Termination Without Cause; Constructive Termination . If the Executive’s employment with the Company and its Subsidiaries is terminated by the Company and its Subsidiaries without Cause or by the Executive as a result of a Constructive Termination, the purchase price per Unit will be:

(A) with respect to Class A-2 Units and Vested Units, the Fair Market Value (measured as of the Termination Date except respecting any Units subject to the Risk Period, the first day after the Risk Period); and

(B) with respect to the Unvested Units, the lesser of (A) Fair Market Value (measured as of the Termination Date) and (B) Cost; or

(iii) Termination for Cause . If the Executive’s employment with the Company and its Subsidiaries is terminated by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for Cause or if Executive engages in a “Competitive Activity”, the purchase price per Unit will be the lesser of (A) Fair Market Value (measured as of the Termination Date) and (B) Cost;

(iv) Voluntary Termination (Before or After the Third Anniversary) . If the Executive’s employment with the Company and its Subsidiaries is terminated by the Executive for any other reason not set forth in Section 4.2(a)(i) or (ii) or (iii), the purchase price per Unit will be:

(A) if the employment terminates on or after the third anniversary of the Closing Date, the purchase price per Unit will be:

 

  (1) with respect to Class A-2 Units and Vested Units, the Fair Market Value (measured as of the Termination Date except respecting any Units subject to the Risk Period, the first day after the Risk Period); and

 

  (2) with respect to the Unvested Units, the lesser of (A) Fair Market Value (measured as of the Termination Date) and (B) Cost; or

 

8


(B) if the employment terminates prior to the third anniversary of the Closing Date, the purchase price per Unit will be the lesser of (A) Fair Market Value (measured as of the Termination Date) and (B) Cost;

provided that in any case the Board shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to increase any purchase price set forth above.

(b) If the Company desires to exercise one of its options to purchase Units pursuant to this Section 4.2, the Company shall, not later than 210 days after the Termination Date or the discovery of the Competitive Activity, send written notice to each member of the Executive’s Group of its intention to purchase Units, specifying the number of Units to be purchased (the “ Call Notice ”). Subject to the provisions of Section 5, the closing of the purchase shall take place at the principal office of the Company on a date specified by the Company no later than the 30th day after the giving of the later of the Call Notice.

(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company elects not to exercise one of its options to purchase Units pursuant to this Section 4.2, the Sponsor may elect to purchase such Units on the same terms and conditions set forth in this section 4.2 by providing written notice to each member of the Executive’s Group of its intention to purchase Units within 30 days after the expiration of the Company’s 210 day call window following the Termination Date.

(d) If there is no public market for the Units on the applicable determination date, (i) unless the Company and the Executive otherwise agree at the time of a repurchase of Units by the Company pursuant to Section 4.2 hereof, if within 180 days of a termination date in which the Company has exercised its right to repurchase Units, either (A) the Company enters into a binding agreement that, when consummated would be a Change of Control, and such Change of Control actually thereafter occurs, or (B) a Public Offering occurs, Fair Market Value shall be the price obtained in such Change of Control or Public Offering (and the Company or the Executive, as applicable, shall promptly pay the other the difference between Fair Market Value used for purposes of such call and the Fair Market Value as determined pursuant to this proviso)); and (ii) subject to proviso (i), if the Executive believes that the amount determined by the Board to be the Fair Market Value of the Units is less than the amount that the Executive believes to be the Fair Market Value of such Units and the amount in dispute exceeds $50,000, the Executive may elect to direct the Company to obtain an appraisal of the Fair Market Value of such Units, which appraisal shall be prepared by a qualified independent appraiser, mutually selected by the Company and the Executive. If the Company and the Executive are unable to agree on such appraiser, they shall each select a qualified independent appraiser and the two appraisers shall select a third appraiser, which third appraiser shall prepare the appraisal of Fair Market Value. In all events, the appraiser shall not, in the past 12 months, have been, or then be, engaged to provide any services to the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company or to the Executive. Such election shall be in writing and given to the Company within fifteen (15) days after receipt by the Executive of the Board’s determination of Fair Market Value. The determination of the appraiser shall be a final and binding determination of Fair Market Value. If such appraiser determines Fair Market Value to be 110% or more of the Fair Market Value determined by the Board, then the Company shall pay the cost of all such appraisers. If such appraiser determines the Fair Market Value to be less than 110% of the Fair Market Value determined by the Board, then the Executive shall pay the cost of all such appraisers.

 

9


Notwithstanding the foregoing, (x) only one such appraisal may be conducted during any 6-month period by all executives (and such appraisal, subject to clause (a) and proviso (i) above, shall be used for all Fair Market Value determinations during the 6 months succeeding such appraisal unless the Board reasonably concludes in good faith that a material change in the nature of the Company requires a new appraisal) and (y) if a second appraisal is used during any 12-month period, the same appraisal firm shall be used).

4.3 Obligation to Sell Several . If there is more than one member of the Executive’s Group, the failure of any one member thereof to perform its obligations hereunder shall not excuse or affect the obligations of any other member thereof, and the closing of the purchases from such other members by the Company shall not excuse, or constitute a waiver of its rights against, the defaulting member.

5. Certain Limitations on the Company’s Obligations to Purchase Units .

5.1 Deferral of Purchases . (a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Company shall not be obligated to purchase any Units at any time pursuant to Section 4, regardless of whether it has delivered a notice of its election to purchase any such Units, (i) to the extent that the purchase of such Units or the payment to the Company or one of its Subsidiaries of a cash dividend or distribution by a Subsidiary of the Company to fund such purchase (together with any other purchases of Units pursuant to Section 4 or pursuant to similar provisions in agreements with other employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries of which the Company has at such time been given or has given notice and together with cash dividends and distributions to fund such other purchases) would result (A) in a violation of any law, statute, rule, regulation, policy, order, writ, injunction, decree or judgment promulgated or entered by any federal, state, local or foreign court or governmental authority applicable to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of its or their property or (B) after giving effect thereto, in a Financing Default, or (ii) if immediately prior to such purchase there exists a Financing Default which prohibits such purchase, dividend or distribution. The Company shall, within fifteen days of learning of any such fact, so notify the members of the Executive’s Group that it is not obligated to purchase units hereunder.

(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Section 4, any Units which a member of the Executive’s Group has elected to sell to the Company or which the Company has elected to purchase from members of the Executive’s Group, but which in accordance with Section 5.1(a) are not purchased at the applicable time provided in Section 4, shall be purchased by the Company for the applicable purchase price, together with interest thereon as provided in Section 5.2, within ten days after the date that payment for such Units (and related dividends and distributions) is no longer prohibited under Section 5.1(a), and the Company shall give the members of the Executive’s Group five days’ prior notice of any such purchase.

5.2 Payment for Units . If at any time the Company elects or is required to purchase any Units pursuant to Section 4, the Company shall pay the purchase price for the Units it purchases (i) first, by the cancellation of any indebtedness, if any, owing from the Executive to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (which indebtedness shall be applied pro rata against the proceeds receivable by each member of the Executive’s Group receiving consideration in such

 

10


repurchase) and (ii) then, by the Company’s delivery of a check or wire transfer of immediately available funds for the remainder of the purchase price, if any, against delivery of the certificates or other instruments representing the Units so purchased, duly endorsed; provided that if any of the conditions set forth in Section 5.1(a) exists which prohibits such cash payment (either directly or indirectly as a result of the prohibition of a related cash dividend or distribution), the portion of the cash payment so prohibited may be made, to the extent such payment is not prohibited, by the Company’s delivery of a junior subordinated promissory note (which shall be subordinated and subject in right of payment to the prior payment of any debt outstanding under the Senior Financing Agreements and any modifications, renewals, extensions, replacements and refunding of all such indebtedness) of the Company (a “ Junior Subordinated Note ”) in a principal amount equal to the balance of the purchase price, payable (x) in the event of a termination of employment referenced in Section 4.2(a)(i), (ii) or (iv), within ten days after the conditions set forth in Section 5.1(a) no longer exist, but maturing in all events not later than the fifth anniversary of the date of issuance thereof, or (y) in the event of a termination of employment referenced in Section 4.2(a)(iii), on the fifth anniversary of the issuance thereof, and bearing interest payable (and compounded to the extent not so paid) as of the last day of each calendar quarter at the prime rate as reported from time to time in The Wall Street Journal (electronic edition), less two hundred basis points, and all such accrued and unpaid interest payable on the date of the payment of principal (or, if applicable, the last installment of principal), with payments to be applied in the order of: first to any enforcement costs incurred by the Executive or the Executive’s Group, second to interest and third to principal. Subject to the conditions on payment under Section 5.1(a), the Company shall use its best efforts to repurchase Units pursuant to Section 4.1(a) or Section 4.2(a)(i), Section 4.2(a)(ii) or Section 4.2(a)(iv) with cash and/or to prepay any Junior Subordinated Notes issued in connection with a repurchase of Units pursuant to Section 4.1(a) or Section 4.2(a)(i), Section 4.2(a)(ii) or Section 4.2(a)(iv). The Company shall have the right set forth in clause (i) of the first sentence of this Section 5.2 whether or not the member of the Executive’s Group selling such Units is an obligor of the Company. Any Junior Subordinated Note (including interest accrued thereon) shall become immediately payable upon a Change of Control from net cash proceeds, if any, payable to the Company or its unitholders, in priority over any payments to unitholders; provided , to the extent that sufficient net cash proceeds are not so payable, the Junior Subordinated Note shall be cancelled in exchange for such other non-cash consideration distributable to unitholders in the Change of Control, in priority over such distributions of non-cash consideration distributable to unitholders, having a Fair Market Value equal to the principal of and accrued interest on the Junior Subordinated Note. Any Junior Subordinated Note (including interest accrued thereon) also shall become immediately payable upon the consummation of an initial Public Offering, in priority over any proceeds receivable upon a sale or redemption of units (or shares received upon the redemption or conversion of units) of unitholders in connection with such initial Public Offering. The principal of and accrued interest on any such Junior Subordinated Note issued following an election under Section 4.1(a)(iii) may be prepaid in whole or in part at any time at the option of the Company (it being understood that the principal and interest on such Junior Subordinated Note issued following an election under Section 4.1(a), other than Section 4.1(a)(iii), shall be paid within ten days after the restrictions under Section 5.1(a) no longer exist). To the extent that the Company is prohibited from paying accrued interest, that is required to be paid on any Junior Subordinated Note prior to maturity, due to the existence of any of the conditions set forth in Section 5.1(a)(i) or (ii), such interest shall be cumulated,

 

11


compounded calendar quarterly, and accrued until and to the extent that such prohibition no longer exists, at which time such accrued interest shall be immediately paid.

6. Noncompetition; Nonsolicitation; Confidentiality .

To the extent that the Executive and the Company (or an Affiliate of the Company) is a party to an employment agreement with the Company containing noncompetition, nonsolicitation, noninterference or confidentiality restrictions (or two or more such restrictions), those restrictions and related enforcement provisions under such employment agreement shall govern and the following provisions of this Section 6 shall not apply.

6.1 Competitive Activity .

(a) The Executive shall be deemed to have engaged in “ Competitive Activity ” if, during the period commencing on the date hereof and ending on the later of (x) the date that is 12 months after the date the Executive’s employment with the Company and its Subsidiaries is terminated or (y) the maximum number of years of base salary the Executive is entitled to receive as severance (the “ Restricted Period ”), the Executive, whether on the Executive’s own behalf or on behalf of or in conjunction with any other person or entity, directly or indirectly violates any of the following prohibitions:

(i) During the Restricted Period, the Executive will not solicit or assist in soliciting in a Competitive Business (as defined below) the business of any client or prospective client:

(A) with whom the Executive had personal contact or dealings on behalf of the Company during the one-year period preceding the Executive’s termination of employment;

(B) with whom employees directly reporting to the Executive (or the Executive’s direct reports) have had personal contact or dealings on behalf of the Company during the one year immediately preceding the Executive’s termination of employment; or

(C) for whom the Executive had direct or indirect responsibility during the one year immediately preceding the Executive’s termination of employment.

(ii) During the Restricted Period, the Executive will not directly or indirectly:

(A) engage in any business that is engaged in, or has plans to engage in, at any time during the Restricted Period, any activity that competes in the business of manufacturing and marketing food products that directly compete with the core brands of the Company as of the Termination Date (and for such purpose, a “core brand” shall be any brand generating annual revenues in an amount equal to at least 5% of the Company’s annual revenues, in the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year of such Termination Date) in any geographical area that is within 100 miles of any geographical area where the Company or its Affiliates manufactures and markets its products or services (a “Competitive Business”);

 

12


(B) enter the employ of, or render any services to, any Person (or any division or controlled or controlling affiliate of any Person) who or which engages in a Competitive Business;

(C) acquire a financial interest in, or otherwise become actively involved with, any Competitive Business, directly or indirectly, as an individual, partner, shareholder, officer, director, principal, agent, trustee or consultant; or

(D) interfere with, or attempt to interfere with, business relationships (whether formed before, on or after the date of this Agreement) between the Company or any of its Affiliates and customers, clients, suppliers, partners, members or investors of the Company or its Affiliates.

(iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Executive may, directly or indirectly own, solely as an investment, securities of any Person engaged in a Competitive Business which are publicly traded on a national or regional stock exchange or on the over-the-counter market if the Executive (i) is not a controlling person of, or a member of a group which controls, such person and (ii) does not, directly or indirectly, own 5% or more of any class of securities of such Person.

(iv) During the Restricted Period, the Executive will not, whether on the Executive’s own behalf or on behalf of or in conjunction with any Person, directly or indirectly:

(A) solicit or encourage any employee of the Company or its Affiliates to leave the employment of the Company or its Affiliates; or

(B) hire any such employee who was employed by the Company or its Affiliates as of the date of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company or who left the employment of the Company or its Affiliates coincident with, or within 120 days (one year in the case of any such employee who reported directly to the Executive immediately preceding the Executive’s termination of employment (or the Executive’s direct reports)) prior to or after, the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company.

(v) During the Restricted Period, the Executive will not, directly or indirectly, solicit or encourage to cease to work with the Company or its Affiliates any consultant then under contract with the Company or its Affiliates, is such action would result in the Company being disadvantaged.

Any solicitation or hiring, that the Executive is not personally involved in, of an employee or former employee of the Company through general advertising shall not, of itself, be a breach of this Section 6.1(a)(iv).

(b) It is expressly understood and agreed that although the Executive and the Company consider the restrictions contained in this Section 6.1 to be reasonable, if a final judicial determination is made by a court of competent jurisdiction that the time or territory or any other restriction contained in this Agreement is an unenforceable restriction against the

 

13


Executive, the provisions of this Agreement shall not be rendered void but shall be deemed amended to apply as to such maximum time and territory and to such maximum extent as such court may judicially determine or indicate to be enforceable. Alternatively, if any court of competent jurisdiction finds that any restriction contained in this Agreement is unenforceable, and such restriction cannot be amended so as to make it enforceable, such finding shall not affect the enforceability of any of the other restrictions contained herein

(c) The period of time during which the provisions of this Section 6.1 shall be in effect shall be extended by the length of time during which the Executive is in breach of the terms hereof as determined by any court of competent jurisdiction on the Company’s application for injunctive relief.

6.2 Confidentiality .

(a) The Executive will not at any time (whether during or after the Executive’s employment with the Company) (x) retain or use for the benefit, purposes or account of the Executive or any other person; or (y) disclose, divulge, reveal, communicate, share, transfer or provide access to any person outside the Company (other than its professional advisers who are bound by confidentiality obligations), any non-public, proprietary or confidential information —including without limitation trade secrets, know-how, research and development, software, databases, inventions, processes, formulae, technology, designs and other intellectual property, information concerning finances, investments, profits, pricing, costs, products, services, vendors, customers, clients, partners, investors, personnel, compensation, recruiting, training, advertising, sales, marketing, promotions, government and regulatory activities and approvals — concerning the past, current or future business, activities and operations of the Company, its Subsidiaries or Affiliates and/or any third party that has disclosed or provided any of same to the Company on a confidential basis (“Confidential Information”) without the prior written authorization of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

(b) “Confidential Information” shall not include any information that is (i) generally known to the industry or the public other than as a result of the Executive’s breach of this covenant or any breach of other confidentiality obligations by third parties; (ii) made legitimately available to the Executive by a third party without breach of any confidentiality obligation; or (iii) required by law to be disclosed (including via subpoena); provided that the Executive shall give prompt written notice to the Company of such requirement of law, disclose no more information than is so required, and cooperate, at the Company’s cost, with any attempts by the Company to obtain a protective order or similar treatment.

(c) Except as required by law, the Executive will not disclose to anyone, other than the Executive’s immediate family and legal or financial advisors, the existence or contents of this Agreement (unless this Agreement shall be publicly available as a result of a regulatory filing made by the Company or its Affiliates) or otherwise is disclosed by the Company to any unaffiliated party that is not under a restriction of confidentiality at least as restrictive as this restriction upon the Executive; provided, that the Executive may disclose to any prospective future employer any the termination notice provisions under any agreement between the

 

14


Executive and the Company (or an Affiliate of the Company) and the provisions of this Sections 6 provided they agree to maintain the confidentiality of such terms.

(d) Upon termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason, the Executive shall (x) cease and not thereafter commence use of any Confidential Information or intellectual property (including without limitation, any patent, invention, copyright, trade secret, trademark, trade name, logo, domain name or other source indicator) owned or used by the Company, its Subsidiaries or Affiliates; (y) immediately destroy, delete, or return to the Company, at the Company’s option, all originals and copies in any form or medium (including memoranda, books, papers, plans, computer files, letters and other data) in the Executive’s possession or control (including any of the foregoing stored or located in the Executive’s office, home, laptop or other computer, whether or not Company property) that contain Confidential Information or otherwise relate to the business of the Company, its Affiliates and Subsidiaries, except that the Executive may retain only those portions of any personal notes, notebooks and diaries that do not contain any Confidential Information and his or her rolodex (or other physical or electronic address book); and (z) fully cooperate with the Company regarding the delivery or destruction of any other Confidential Information not within the Executive’s possession or control of which the Executive is or becomes aware.

6.3 Repayment of Proceeds . If the Executive engages in Competitive Activity or breaches the confidentiality provisions of Section 6.2, then the Executive shall be required to pay to the Company, within ten business days following the first date on which the Executive engages in such Competitive Activity or first breaches such provisions, an amount equal to the excess, if any, of (A) the aggregate after-tax proceeds (taking into account all amounts of tax that would be recoverable upon a claim of loss for payment of such proceeds in the year of repayment) the Executive received upon the sale or other disposition of, or distributions in respect of, the Executive’s Units over (B) the aggregate Cost of such Units.

7. Miscellaneous .

7.1 Transfers .

(a) Prior to the transfer of Units to a Permitted Transferee, the Executive shall deliver to the Company a written agreement of the proposed transferee (a) evidencing such Person’s undertaking to be bound by the terms of this Agreement and (b) acknowledging that the Units transferred to such Person will continue to be Units for purposes of this Agreement in the hands of such Person. Any transfer or attempted transfer of Units in violation of any provision of this Agreement or the Securityholders Agreement shall be void, and the Company shall not record such transfer on its books or treat any purported transferee of such Units as the owner of such Units for any purpose.

(b) The provisions of the Executive’s Securityholders Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, the Executive shall have full tag-along rights under Section 3.3(a) thereof with respect to the Executive’s Class A-2 Units and shall not be subject to the condition precedent set forth thereunder regarding a minimum aggregate sale by Blackstone of 25% of the Blackstone Securities (as defined therein). For the avoidance of doubt, only the Executive’s

 

15


Class B-1, B-2 and B-3 Units shall be subject to such 25% condition precedent under Section 3.3(a) of the Securityholders Agreement.

7.2 Recapitalizations, Exchanges, Etc., Affecting Units . The provisions of this Agreement shall apply, to the full extent set forth herein with respect to Units, to any and all securities of the Company or any successor or assign of the Company (whether by merger, consolidation, sale of assets or otherwise) which may be issued in respect of, in exchange for, or in substitution of the Units, by reason of any dividend payable in units, issuance of units, combination, recapitalization, reclassification, merger, consolidation or otherwise.

7.3 Executive’s Employment by the Company . Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be deemed to obligate the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company to employ the Executive in any capacity whatsoever or to prohibit or restrict the Company (or any such Subsidiary) from terminating the employment of the Executive at any time or for any reason whatsoever, with or without Cause.

7.4 Cooperation . Executive agrees to cooperate with the Company in taking action reasonably necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Acquisition, including the execution and delivery of ancillary agreements reasonably necessary to effectuate the Acquisition and related transactions.

7.5 Binding Effect . The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and accrue to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns; provided, however, that no Transferee shall derive any rights under this Agreement unless and until such Transferee has executed and delivered to the Company a valid undertaking and becomes bound by the terms of this Agreement; and provided further that the Sponsor is a third party beneficiary of this Agreement and shall have the right to enforce the provisions hereof.

7.6 Amendment; Waiver . This Agreement may be amended only by a written instrument signed by the parties hereto. No waiver by any party hereto of any of the provisions hereof shall be effective unless set forth in a writing executed by the party so waiving.

7.7 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 therein.

7.8 Jurisdiction . Any suit, action or proceeding with respect to this Agreement, or any judgment entered by any court in respect of any thereof, shall be brought in any court of competent jurisdiction in the State of Delaware, and each of the Company and the members of the Executive’s Group hereby submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts for the purpose of any such suit, action, proceeding or judgment. Each of the members of the Executive’s Group and the Company hereby irrevocably waives (i) any objections which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement brought in any court of competent jurisdiction in the State of Delaware, (ii) any claim that any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in any inconvenient forum and (iii) any right to a jury trial.

 

16


7.9 Notices . All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered by hand or overnight courier or three postal delivery days after it has been mailed by United States registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to the respective addresses set forth below in this Agreement, or to such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notice of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.

(a) If to the Company:

Peak Holdings LLC

One Old Bloomfield Road

Mountain Lakes, New Jersey 07046

Attention: General Counsel

with a copy to:

c/o The Blackstone Group

345 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10154

Attention: Prakash Melwani

and

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

425 Lexington Avenue

New York, NY 10017-3954

Attn: Greg Grogan

If to the Executive, to the address as shown on the unit register of the Company,

7.10 Integration . This Agreement and the documents referred to herein or delivered pursuant hereto which form a part hereof contain the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof. There are no restrictions, agreements, promises, representations, warranties, covenants or undertakings with respect to the subject matter hereof other than those expressly set forth herein and therein. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to such subject matter, it being understood that this Agreement is entered into simultaneously and in connection with an employment agreement between Executive and the Company.

7.11 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, and by different parties on separate counterparts each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument.

7.12 Injunctive Relief . The Executive and the Executive’s Permitted Transferees each acknowledges and agrees that a violation of any of the terms of this Agreement will cause the Company irreparable injury for which adequate remedy at law is not available. Accordingly, it is

 

17


agreed that the Company shall be entitled to an injunction, restraining order or other equitable relief to prevent breaches of the provisions of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof in any court of competent jurisdiction in the United States or any state thereof, in addition to any other remedy to which it may be entitled at law or equity.

7.13 Rights Cumulative; Waiver . The rights and remedies of the Executive and the Company under this Agreement shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies which either would otherwise have hereunder or at law or in equity or by statute, and no failure or delay by either party in exercising any right or remedy shall impair any such right or remedy or operate as a waiver of such right or remedy, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any power or right preclude such party’s other or further exercise or the exercise of any other power or right. The waiver by any party hereto of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any preceding or succeeding breach and no failure by either party to exercise any right or privilege hereunder shall be deemed a waiver of such party’s rights or privileges hereunder or shall be deemed a waiver of such party’s rights to exercise the same at any subsequent time or times hereunder.

*    *    *    *    *

 

18


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Management Unit Subscription Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

PEAK HOLDINGS LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  

 

[Name of Participant]


CONSENT OF SPOUSE

I,                             , the undersigned spouse of the Executive, hereby acknowledge that I have read the foregoing Management Unit Subscription Agreement (the “ Agreement ”) and that I understand its contents. I am aware that the Agreement provides for the repurchase of my spouse’s Units (as defined in the Agreement) under certain circumstances and imposes other restrictions on the transfer of such Units. I agree that my spouse’s interest in the Units is subject to the Agreement and any interest I may have in such Units shall also be irrevocably bound by the Agreement and, further, that my community property interest in such Units, if any, shall be similarly bound by the Agreement.

I am aware that the legal, financial and other matters contained in the Agreement are complex and I am encouraged to seek advice with respect thereto from independent legal and/or financial counsel. I have either sought such advice or determined after carefully reviewing the Agreement that I hereby waive such right.

 

Acknowledged and agreed this      day of                     , 2007.

 

Name:                                     

 

Witness


SCHEDULE I

Part 1: Units Granted

 

Granted Units

 

Number

 

Price per Unit

 

Aggregate Amount

Class B-1 Units

     

Class B-2 Units

     

Class B-3 Units

     

    Total

     

 

Purchased Units

 

Number

 

Crunch Shares

 

Number

 

Cash

Class A-2 Units:

    Common Shares    


Part 2: Class B-1 Unit Vesting

With regard to Class B-1 Units granted hereunder, the percentage of such Class B-1 Units that will be Vested Units on any given date shall be:

 

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any termination of employment of the Executive described in Section 4.2(a)(ii), the Vested Units shall include that portion of the Class B-1 Units that would have become Vested Units on the next vesting date multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days since the last vesting date that Executive was employed by the Company and the denominator of which is 365.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, immediately prior to, and following, the occurrence of a Change of Control that occurs prior to the Termination Date, 100% of the Class B-1 Units that are Unvested Units shall become Vested Units.


Part 3: Class B-2 Unit Vesting

Prior to the occurrence of a Termination Date, 20% of the Class B-2 Units issued to the Executive hereunder will become Vested Units in any year where the Target EBITDA for such year is achieved. In any year that the Target EBITDA is not achieved, such Class B-2 Units that would have become Vested Units during that year had such Target EBITDA been met shall remain Unvested Units unless, in a subsequent year, the Cumulative Target EBITDA is achieved, at which time the then current year’s and all prior years’ Class B-2 Units that are Unvested Units shall become Vested Units.

 

Fiscal Year

       

EBITDA Target*

(dollars in millions)

       

Cumulative EBITDA Target

(dollars in millions)

           
           
           
           

* The EBITDA Target shall not be charged with any severance expense or cost in connection with the Acquisition that is not projected as of the consummation of the Acquisition.

EBITDA with respect to any fiscal period shall be as determined in good faith by the Board. EBITDA Targets and Cumulative EBITDA Targets will be adjusted from time to time by the Board as it deems necessary in light of acquisitions, dispositions and other transactions that impact the Company’s operations.

Upon a Change on Control that occurs prior to the Termination Date, all Unvested Class B-2 Units that would become eligible for vesting during the year of such Change of Control (and all subsequent years) shall automatically become Vested Units or Unvested Units on the same basis that Class B-3 Units become Vested Units or Unvested Units, as described in Part 4 hereof.


Part 4: Class B-3 Unit Vesting

Class B-3 Units shall become Vested Units upon the occurrence of a Liquidity Event that occurs prior to a Termination Date in which the Sponsor shall have received, in respect of its Class A-1 Units held on the date of this Agreement (excluding any Class A-1 Units disposed of in connection with a Syndication Transaction), cash or property (excluding securities of the Company or its Affiliates) resulting in a 20% annual Internal Rate of Return (or, if the Liquidity Event occurs (x) on or before the first anniversary of the Closing Date, a 40% annual Internal Rate of Return or (y) after the first anniversary of the Closing Date but on or before the second anniversary of the Closing Date, a 30% annual Internal Rate of Return). Non-cash property received by the Sponsor shall be discounted 10% from its Fair Market Value (unless such property is actually distributed to the ultimate limited partners of the Sponsor, in which case the property will be valued using the same methods the Sponsor uses for purposes of calculating the Internal Rate of Return for its ultimate limited partners).

Liquidity Event ” means the sale or sales by Blackstone, in one or a series of transactions, of at least 50% of their aggregate Class A-1 Interests (and shares received in exchange for Class A-1 Interests) to any Person or Persons (other than an Affiliate) in which the Sponsor receives cash or marketable securities. “ Syndication Transaction ” shall mean a disposition by the Sponsor to any Person or group of Persons that are not Affiliates of the Sponsor of not more than 10% of its Class A-1 Interests that occurs at any time within the first twelve (12) months following the Closing Date at a sale price that does not exceed 120% of the amount invested by the Sponsors in the Company (measured on a per-unit basis) in respect of such Class A-1 Interests. “Internal Rate of Return” means the annualized effective compounded return rate (taking into account all allocations of profits and gains, net of all allocations of losses, deductions and nondeductible expenses) which is earned on the amount invested by the Sponsor for its Class A-1 Interests.


EXHIBIT A

ELECTION TO INCLUDE UNITS IN GROSS

INCOME PURSUANT TO SECTION 83(b) OF THE

INTERNAL REVENUE CODE

The undersigned purchased units (the “Units”) of Peak Holdings LLC (the “ Company ”) on [                      ], 2007. The undersigned desires to make an election to have the Units taxed under the provision of Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“ Code §83(b) ”), at the time the undersigned purchased the Units.

Therefore, pursuant to Code §83(b) and Treasury Regulation §1.83-2 promulgated thereunder, the undersigned hereby makes an election, with respect to the Units (described below), to report as taxable income for calendar year 2007 the excess, if any, of the Units’ fair market value on [                      ], 2007 over the purchase price thereof.

The following information is supplied in accordance with Treasury Regulation §1.83-2(e):

1. The name, address and social security number of the undersigned:

    [Name]

    [Address]

    SSN:                             

2. A description of the property with respect to which the election is being made:          Class A-2 Units,          Class B-1 Units,          Class B-2 Units and          Class B-3 Units.

3. The date on which the property was transferred: [                      ], 2007. The taxable year for which such election is made: calendar year 2007.

4. The restrictions to which the property is subject: The Class A-2 and Class B-1 Units are subject to a time-based vesting schedule. The Class B-2 Units and Class B -3 Units are subject to performance-based vesting schedules. If the undersigned ceases to be employed by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries under certain circumstances, all or a portion of the Units may be subject to repurchase by the Company at the original purchase price paid for the Units, regardless of the fair market value of the Units on the date of such repurchase. The Units are also subject to transfer restrictions.


5. The aggregate fair market value on [                      ], 2007 of the property with respect to which the election is being made, determined without regard to any lapse restrictions: $                      . a

6. The aggregate amount paid for such property: $                      .

A copy of this election has been furnished to the Secretary of the Company pursuant to Treasury Regulations §1.83-2(e)(7).

 

Dated:                     , 2007   

 

  
   [Name]   

 


a

This and the amount in Para. 6 will equal the amount paid for the Class A-2 Units.

Exhibit 10.18

SECURITYHOLDERS AGREEMENT

DATED AS OF AUGUST [      ], 2007

AMONG

CRUNCH HOLDING CORP.

AND

THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO

 

1


Table of Contents

 

          Page

SECURITYHOLDERS AGREEMENT

   1

ARTICLE I REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PARTIES

   1

        1.1

   Representations and Warranties of the Company    1

        1.2

   Representations and Warranties of the Securityholders    1

ARTICLE II VOTING AGREEMENTS

   2

        2.1

   Election of Directors    2

        2.2

   Other Voting Matters    3

ARTICLE III TRANSFERS OF SECURITIES

   3

        3.1

   Restrictions on Transfer of Employee Securities    3

        3.2

   Right of First Refusal    4

        3.3

   Securities Act Compliance    4

        3.4

   Certain Transferees Bound by Agreement    5

        3.5

   Transfers in Violation of Agreement    5

ARTICLE IV DRAG-ALONG RIGHTS ON APPROVED SALE

   5

        4.1

   Drag-Along Rights    5

ARTICLE V AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION

   7

        5.1

   Amendment and Waiver    7

        5.2

   Termination of Agreement    7

        5.3

   Termination as to a Party    7
ARTICLE VI MISCELLANEOUS    7

        6.1

   Certain Defined Terms    7

        6.2

   Legends    11

        6.3

   Severability    12

        6.4

   Entire Agreement    12

        6.5

   Successors and Assigns    12

        6.6

   Counterparts    12

        6.7

   Remedies    12

        6.8

   Notices    12

        6.9

   Governing Law    14

        6.10

   Descriptive Headings    14

 

i


SECURITYHOLDERS AGREEMENT

This Securityholders Agreement (this “ Agreement ”) is entered into as of August [      ], 2007 by and among Crunch Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), Peak Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Holdings ”), parties to this Agreement who are identified as Employees on the signature page hereto (each, an “ Employee ” and, collectively, the “ Employees ”), and each other holder of Securities who hereafter executes a separate agreement to be bound by the terms hereof (Holdings, the Employees and each other Person that is or may become a party to this Agreement as contemplated hereby are sometimes referred to herein collectively as the “ Securityholders ” and individually as a “ Securityholder ”). Certain capitalized terms used herein are defined in Section 6.1.

The parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PARTIES

1.1 Representations and Warranties of the Company . The Company hereby represents and warrants to the Securityholders that as of the date of this Agreement:

(a) it is a corporation, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, it has full power and authority to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, and the execution, delivery and performance by it of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action;

(b) this Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by the Company and constitutes a legal and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms; and

(c) the execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement and the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby will not, with or without the giving of notice or lapse of time, or both (i) violate any provision of law, statute, rule or regulation to which the Company is subject, (ii) violate any order, judgment or decree applicable to the Company, or (iii) conflict with, or result in a breach or default under, any term or condition of the Company’s organizational documents or any agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound.

1.2 Representations and Warranties of the Securityholders . Each Securityholder (as to himself or itself only) represents and warrants to the Company and the other Securityholders that, as of the time such Securityholder becomes a party to this Agreement:

 

1


(a) this Agreement (or the separate joinder agreement executed by such Securityholder) has been duly and validly executed and delivered by such Securityholder, and this Agreement constitutes a legal and binding obligation of such Securityholder, enforceable against such Securityholder in accordance with its terms; and

(b) the execution, delivery and performance by such Securityholder of this Agreement (or any joinder to this Agreement) and the consummation by such Securityholder of the transactions contemplated hereby (and thereby) will not, with or without the giving of notice or lapse of time, or both, (i) violate any provision of law, statute, rule or regulation to which such Securityholder is subject, (ii) violate any order, judgment or decree applicable to such Securityholder, or (iii) conflict with, or result in a breach or default under, any term or condition of any agreement or other instrument to which such Securityholder is a party or by which such Securityholder is bound.

ARTICLE II

VOTING AGREEMENTS

2.1 Election of Directors .

(a) On or prior to the Lapse Date, each Person, other than the Company, that is a party to this Agreement hereby agrees that such Person will vote, or cause to be voted, all voting securities of the Company over which such Person has the power to vote or direct the voting, and will take all other necessary or desirable action within such Person’s control, and the Company will take all necessary and desirable actions within its control, to cause the authorized number of directors for each of the respective boards of directors of the Company and its Subsidiaries to be established at up to seven directors, and to elect or cause to be elected to the respective boards of directors of the Company and each of its Subsidiaries and cause to be continued in office, such individuals as are designated from time to time by Holdings.

(b) If at any time on or prior to the Lapse Date, Holdings shall notify the other parties to this Agreement of their desire to remove, with or without cause, any individual from a Company or Subsidiary directorship, all such parties so notified will vote, or cause to be voted, all voting securities of the Company and the aforementioned Subsidiaries over which they have the power to vote or direct the voting, and shall take all such other actions promptly as shall be necessary or desirable to cause the removal of such director.

(c) If at any time on or prior to the Lapse Date, any director ceases to serve on the board of directors of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (whether due to resignation, removal or otherwise), Holdings shall be entitled to designate a successor member/director to fill the vacancy created thereby. Each Person that is a party hereto agrees to vote, or cause to be voted, all voting securities of the Company and the aforementioned Subsidiaries over which such Person has the power to vote or direct the voting, and shall take all such other actions as shall be necessary or desirable to cause the designated successor to be elected to fill such vacancy.

 

2


(d) Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to impair any rights that the unitholders or stockholders of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company may have to remove any director for cause under applicable law or the organizational documents of the Company or such Subsidiary, as the case may be. No such removal of an individual designated pursuant to this Section 2.1 for cause shall affect any of Holdings’ rights to designate a different individual pursuant to this Section 2.1 to fill the position from which such individual was removed.

(e) The provisions of this Section 2.1 shall remain in effect following the first Public Offering.

2.2 Other Voting Matters .

(a) Each party to this Agreement hereby agrees that such party will vote, or cause to be voted, all voting securities of the Company and its Subsidiaries over which such party has the power to vote or direct the voting, either in person or by proxy, whether at a securityholders meeting, or by written consent, in the manner in which Holdings directs in connection with the approval of any amendment or amendments to the Company’s organizational documents, the merger, security exchange, combination or consolidation of the Company with any other Person or Persons, the sale, lease or exchange of all or substantially all of the property and assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, and the reorganization, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company.

(b) In order to effectuate the provisions of Sections 2.1 and 2.2 hereof, each holder of Employee Securities hereby grants to Jeffrey P. Ansell, or if Jeffrey P. Ansell shall cease to be the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, to his successor in such position with the Company, or if the Chief Executive Officer of the Company shall be unable to exercise this proxy due to illness or absence or if the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Company shall be vacant, to the General Counsel of the Company, a proxy to vote at any annual or special meeting of Securityholders, or to take any action by written consent in lieu of such meeting with respect to, or to otherwise take action in respect of, all of the Securities owned or held of record by such holder in connection with the matters set forth in Sections 2.1 and 2.2 hereof in accordance with the provisions of Sections 2.1 and 2.2 hereof. Each of the proxies granted hereby is irrevocable and is coupled with an interest. To effectuate the provisions of this Section 2.2(b), the Secretary of each of the Company and each of the aforementioned Subsidiaries of the Company, or if there be no Secretary such other officer or employee of the Company or such Subsidiaries as the board of directors of the Company or such Subsidiaries may appoint to fulfill the duties of the Secretary, shall not record any vote or consent or other action contrary to the terms of this Section 2.2(b).

ARTICLE III

TRANSFERS OF SECURITIES

3.1 Restrictions on Transfer of Employee Securities . Prior to the earliest of (i) a Qualified Public Offering, (ii) the occurrence of a Change of Control and

 

3


(iii) April 2, 2014 (the “ Lapse Date ”), no holder of Employee Securities may Transfer any Employee Securities except in an Exempt Employee Transfer.

3.2 Right of First Refusal .

(a) If, at any time on or after the Lapse Date and prior to a Public Offering, any holder of Employee Securities (for purposes of this Section 3.2(a), a “ Selling Employee Holder ”) proposes to sell any or all of his Employee Securities (other than an Exempt Employee Transfer) to a third party (a “ Proposed Sale ”), such Selling Employee Holder shall first notify the Company in writing. Such Selling Employee Holder’s notice to the Company (the “ Proposed Sale Notice ”) shall (i) state such Selling Employee Holder’s intention to sell Employee Securities to one or more persons, the amount of Employee Securities to be sold, the purchase price therefor, and the other material terms of the Proposed Sale and (ii) contain an irrevocable offer to sell such Employee Securities to the Company (in the manner set forth below) at a purchase price equal to the price contained in, and on the same terms and conditions of, the Proposed Sale.

(b) At any time within thirty (30) days after the date of the receipt by the Company of the Proposed Sale Notice, the Company shall have the right and option to purchase, or to arrange for a third party to purchase, all of the Employee Securities covered by the Proposed Sale Notice at the same price and on the same terms and conditions of the Proposed Sale (or, if the Proposed Sale includes any consideration other than cash, then, at the sole option of the Company, at the equivalent all cash price, determined in good faith by the board directors of the Company), by delivering a certified bank check or checks in the appropriate amount (or by wire transfer of immediately available funds, if the Selling Employee Holder provides to the Company wire transfer instructions) (and any such non-cash consideration to be paid) to the Selling Employee Holder at the principal office of the Company against delivery of certificates or other instruments representing the Employee Securities so purchased, appropriately endorsed by the Selling Employee Holder. If at the end of the 30-day period, the Company or such third party has not tendered the purchase price for such Employee Securities in the manner set forth above, the Selling Employee Holder may, during the succeeding 30-day period, sell not less than all of the Employee Securities covered by the Proposed Sale to a third party on terms no less favorable to the Selling Employee Holder than those contained in the Proposed Sale Notice. Promptly after such sale, the Selling Employee Holder shall notify the Company of the consummation thereof and shall furnish such evidence of the completion and time of completion of such sale and of the terms thereof as may reasonably be requested by the Company. If, at the end of thirty (30) days following the expiration of the 30-day period during which the Company is entitled hereunder to purchase the Employee Securities, the Selling Employee Holder has not completed the sale of such Employee Securities as aforesaid, all of the restrictions on sale, transfer or assignment contained in this Agreement shall again be in effect with respect to such Employee Securities.

3.3 Securities Act Compliance No Securities may be transferred by a holder of Employee Securities (other than pursuant to an effective registration statement

 

4


under the Securities Act) unless such Securityholder first delivers to the Company an opinion of counsel, which opinion and counsel shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Company, to the effect that such Transfer is not required to be registered under the Securities Act.

3.4 Certain Transferees Bound by Agreement Subject to compliance with the other provisions of this Article III, any Securityholder may Transfer any Securities held by such Securityholder in accordance with applicable law; provided, however, that if the Transfer is not made pursuant to a Public Sale or a transaction the consummation of which will cause the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Article V, then the Transferor of such Security shall first deliver to the Company a written agreement of the proposed Transferee (excluding a Transferee that is a Limited Partner) to become a Securityholder and to be bound by the terms of this Agreement (unless such proposed Transferee is already a Securityholder). All Employee Securities will continue to be Employee Securities in the hands of any Transferee (other than the Company, Blackstone or any Transferee in a Public Sale). All Blackstone Securities will continue to be Blackstone Securities in the hands of any Transferee (other than the Company, the Employees or a Transferee in a Public Sale).

3.5 Transfers in Violation of Agreement Any Transfer or attempted Transfer of any Securities in violation of any provision of this Agreement shall be void, and the Company shall not record such Transfer on its books or treat any purported transferee of such Securities as the owner of such Securities for any purpose.

ARTICLE IV

DRAG-ALONG RIGHTS ON APPROVED SALE

4.1 Drag-Along Rights .

(a) Subject to the next paragraph, if Blackstone or Holdings elects to consummate, or to cause the Company to consummate, a transaction constituting a Change of Control, Blackstone or Holdings, as applicable, shall notify the Company and the other Securityholders in writing of that election, the other Securityholders will consent to and raise no objections to the proposed transaction, and the Securityholders and the Company will take all other actions reasonably necessary or desirable to cause the consummation of such transaction on the terms proposed by Blackstone or Holdings (a “ Drag Along Sale ”). Without limiting the foregoing, (i) if the proposed Drag Along Sale is structured as a sale of assets or a merger or consolidation, or otherwise requires stockholder approval, the Securityholders and the Company will vote or cause to be voted all Securities that they hold or with respect to which such Securityholder has the power to direct the voting and which are entitled to vote on such transaction in favor of such transaction and will waive any appraisal rights which they may have in connection therewith, and (ii) if the proposed Drag Along Sale is structured as or involves a sale or redemption of Securities, the Securityholders will agree to sell their pro-rata share of the Securities being sold in such Drag Along Sale on the terms and conditions approved by Blackstone or Holdings, and the Securityholders will execute any merger, asset purchase,

 

5


security purchase, recapitalization or other sale agreement approved by Blackstone in connection with such Change of Control.

(b) The obligations of the Securityholders with respect to the Drag Along Sale are subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions: (i) upon the consummation of the Drag Along Sale, all of the holders of a particular class or series of Securities (if any consideration is to be received by any of them) shall receive the same form and amount of consideration per share, unit or amount of Securities, or if any holders of a particular class or series of Securities are given an option as to the form and amount of consideration to be received, all holders of such class or series will be given the same option and (ii) if consideration is to be received by holders of Securities, all holders of then currently exercisable rights to acquire a particular class or series of Securities will be given an opportunity to either (A) exercise such rights prior to the consummation of the Drag Along Sale and participate in such sale as holders of such Securities or (B) upon the consummation of the Drag Along Sale, receive in exchange for such rights consideration equal to the amount determined by multiplying (1) the same amount of consideration per share, unit or amount of Securities received by the holders of such type and class of Securities in connection with the Drag Along Sale less the exercise price per share, unit or amount of such rights to acquire such Securities by (2) the number of shares, units or aggregate amount of Securities represented by such rights.

(c) Each Securityholder will bear its or his pro-rata share (based upon the relative amount of proceeds received for the Securities sold) of the reasonable costs of any sale of Securities pursuant to a Drag Along Sale to the extent such costs are incurred for the benefit of all Securityholders and are not otherwise paid by the Company or the acquiring party. Costs incurred by or on behalf of a Securityholder for its or his sole benefit will not be considered costs of the transaction hereunder. In the event that any transaction that Blackstone elects to consummate or cause to be consummated pursuant to this Section 4.1 is not consummated for any reason, the Company will reimburse Blackstone for all actual and reasonable expenses paid or incurred by Blackstone in connection therewith.

(d) Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, Blackstone and its Affiliates shall be entitled to be paid customary and reasonable fees by Holdings, the Company or any Subsidiary for any investment banking services provided by it in connection with a Change of Control.

(e) The provisions of this Section 4.1 shall remain in effect following the first Public Offering.

 

6


ARTICLE V

AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION

5.1 Amendment and Waiver . Except as otherwise provided herein, no modification, amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective against the Company or the Securityholders unless such modification, amendment or waiver is approved in writing by each of the Company and Holdings; provided that no such modification, amendment or waiver may materially adversely affect Employee Securities or the rights or obligations hereunder of holders of Employee Securities unless approved in writing by the Employee Majority Holders. The failure of any party to enforce any of the provisions of this Agreement shall in no way be construed as a waiver of such provisions and shall not affect the right of such party thereafter to enforce each and every provision of this Agreement in accordance with its terms.

5.2 Termination of Agreement . This Agreement will terminate in respect of all Securityholders (a) with the written consent of the Company, Holdings and the Employee Majority Holders, (b) upon the dissolution, liquidation or winding-up of the Company or (c) upon the consummation of a transaction, whether in a single transaction or in a series of related transactions that are consummated contemporaneously (or consummated pursuant to contemporaneous agreements), with any other Person or Persons on an arms-length basis, pursuant to which such party or parties acquire (whether by merger, stock purchase, recapitalization, reorganization, redemption, issuance of capital stock or otherwise) more than 50% of the Fully Diluted Shares or voting stock of the Company.

5.3 Termination as to a Party . Any Person who ceases to hold any Securities shall cease to be a Securityholder and shall have no further rights or obligations under this.

ARTICLE VI

MISCELLANEOUS

6.1 Certain Defined Terms . As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth or as referenced below:

Affiliate ” of any particular Person means any other Person Controlling, Controlled by or under common Control with such particular Person or, in the case of a natural Person, any other member of such Person’s Participant Group.

Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the preface.

Blackstone ” means Blackstone Capital Partners V L.P. and its Affilaites.

Blackstone Securities ” means (a) Securities, Common Stock, Common Stock Equivalents, Preferred Units or Preferred Stock hereafter acquired by Blackstone, and (b) any securities of the Company issued with respect to the securities referred to in clause (a) above by way of a payment-in-kind, stock dividend, or stock split or in

 

7


connection with a combination of shares, exchange, conversion, recapitalization, merger, consolidation or other reorganization, or otherwise.

Change of Control ” means (i) the sale or disposition, in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or Holdings to any “person” or “group” (as such terms are defined in Sections 13(d)(3) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) other than Blackstone or its affiliates (as defined in Rule 501(b) of the Securities Act of 1933) or (ii) any person or group, other than the Blackstone or its affiliates, is or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the total voting power of the voting stock of the Company or Holdings, including by way of merger, consolidation or otherwise and the Blackstone ceases to directly or indirectly control the Board.

Closing Date ” means April 2, 2007.

Common Stock ” has the meaning set forth in the Holdings Securityholders’ Agreement.

Common Stock Equivalents ” means (without duplication with any Units, Common Stock or other Common Stock Equivalents) rights, warrants, options, convertible securities, or exchangeable securities or indebtedness, or other rights, exercisable for or convertible or exchangeable into, directly or indirectly, Units, Common Stock or securities exercisable for or convertible or exchangeable into Units or Common Stock, as the case may be, whether at the time of issuance or upon the passage of time or the occurrence of some future event.

Company ” has the meaning set forth in the preface.

Control ” (including, with correlative meaning, all conjugations thereof) means with respect to any Person, the ability of another Person to control or direct the actions or policies of such first Person, whether by ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

Drag Along Sale ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a).

Employee Majority Holders ” means the Person or Persons having beneficial ownership of a majority of the Common Stock constituting Employee Securities.

Employee Securities ” means (a) Securities acquired by the Employees on or after the date of this Agreement under the Management Equity Subscription Agreements and/or Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement, (b) any Securities, Common Stock or Common Stock Equivalents hereafter acquired by any holder of Employee Securities, and (c) any securities issued with respect to the securities referred to in clauses (a) or (b) above by way of a payment-in-kind, stock dividend or stock split or in connection with a combination of shares, exchange, conversion, recapitalization, merger, consolidation or other reorganization, or otherwise.

 

8


Employees ” has the meaning set forth in the preface.

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

Exempt Employee Transfer ” means a Transfer of Employee Securities (a) pursuant to a Change of Control under Section 3.1 or other transaction approved under Section 2.2, (b) to the Company pursuant to a call option under an Option Agreement, (c) upon the death of the holder pursuant to the applicable laws of descent and distribution, (d) if expressly permitted by an Employee’s Option Agreement, (e) solely to or among such Employee’s Participant Group, (f) incidental to the exercise, conversion or exchange of such securities in accordance with their terms, any combination of shares (including any reverse stock split) or (g) to Blackstone or any of its Affiliates.

Fully-Diluted Shares ” means, as of any date of determination, the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding plus, as the case may be, all shares of Common Stock issuable, whether at such time or upon the passage of time or the occurrence of future events, upon the exercise, conversion or exchange of all then-outstanding Common Stock Equivalents.

Holdings ” has the meaning set forth in the preface.

Holdings Securityholders Agreement ” means the Securityholders Agreement among Holdings and its members, as it may be amended from time to time.

Lapse Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.

Option Agreements ” mean the nonqualified stock option agreements between the Company and the respective Employees, as such agreement may be amended from time to time.

Ownership Percentage ” means, for each Securityholder and with respect to a type and class of Security, the percentage obtained by dividing the number of units or shares of such Security held by such Securityholder by the total number of units or shares of such Security (other than Excluded Securities) outstanding.

Participant Group ” means, with respect to any individual, such individual’s spouse and descendants (whether natural or adopted) and any trust, partnership, limited liability company or similar vehicle established and maintained solely for the benefit of (or the sole members or partners of which are) such individual, such individual’s spouse and/or such individual’s descendants.

Person ” means an individual, a partnership, a joint venture, a corporation, an association, a joint stock company, a limited liability company, a trust, an unincorporated organization or a government or any department or agency or political subdivision thereof.

 

9


Proposed Sale ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(a).

Proposed Sale Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(a).

Public Offering ” means a sale of Common Stock to the public in an offering pursuant to an effective registration statement filed with the SEC pursuant to the Securities Act, as then in effect, provided that a Public Offering shall not include an offering made in connection with a business acquisition or combination or an employee benefit plan.

Public Sale ” means a sale of Securities pursuant to a Public Offering or a Rule 144 Sale.

Qualified Public Offering ” means a Public Offering which results in (i) at least 25% of the Company’s or Holdings’ outstanding equity securities on a fully diluted basis having been issued as a result of such Public Offering or (ii) aggregate gross proceeds to Blackstone equal to 50% of the value of Blackstone’s equity interest in Holdings or the Company as of the Closing Date.

Rule 144 ” means Rule 144 adopted under the Securities Act (or any successor rule or regulation).

Rule 144 Sale ” means a sale of Securities to the public through a broker, dealer or market-maker pursuant to the provisions of Rule 144 adopted under the Securities Act (or any successor rule or regulation).

SEC ” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Securities ” means, collectively, the Blackstone Securities and the Employee Securities.

Securityholder ” has the meaning set forth in the preface.

Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time.

Selling Employee Holder ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(a).

Selling Blackstone Holder ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(a).

Subsidiary ” means any corporation, limited liability company, partnership or other entity with respect to which another specified entity has the power to vote or direct the voting of sufficient securities to elect directors (or comparable authorized persons of such entity) having a majority of the voting power of the board of directors (or comparable governing body) of such entity.

Transfer ” means (in either the noun or the verb form, including with respect to the verb form, all conjugations thereof within their correlative meanings) with

 

10


respect to any security, the gift, sale, assignment, transfer, pledge, hypothecation or other disposition (whether for or without consideration, whether directly or indirectly, and whether voluntary, involuntary or by operation of law) of such Security or any interest therein.

6.2 Legends .

(a) Securityholders Agreement . Each certificate or instrument evidencing Employee Securities, if any, and each certificate or instrument, if any, issued in exchange for or upon the Transfer of any such Employee Securities (if such securities remain subject to this Agreement after such Transfer) shall be stamped or otherwise imprinted with a legend (as appropriately completed under the circumstances) in substantially the following form:

“THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE CONSTITUTE EMPLOYEE SECURITIES UNDER A CERTAIN SECURITYHOLDERS AGREEMENT DATED AS OF AUGUST [      ], 2007 AMONG THE ISSUER OF SUCH SECURITIES (THE “COMPANY”) AND CERTAIN OF THE COMPANY’S SECURITYHOLDERS AND, AS SUCH, ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN VOTING PROVISIONS, PURCHASE RIGHTS AND RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER SET FORTH IN THE SECURITYHOLDERS AGREEMENT. A COPY OF SUCH SECURITYHOLDERS AGREEMENT WILL BE FURNISHED WITHOUT CHARGE BY THE COMPANY TO THE HOLDER HEREOF UPON WRITTEN REQUEST.”

(b) Restricted Securities . Each instrument or certificate, if any, evidencing Securities and each instrument or certificate, if any, issued in exchange or upon the Transfer of any Securities shall be stamped or otherwise imprinted with a legend substantially in the following form:

“THIS SECURITY HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD UNLESS IT HAS BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR UNLESS AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE (AND, IN SUCH CASE, AN OPINION OF COUNSEL REASONABLY SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY SHALL HAVE BEEN DELIVERED TO THE COMPANY TO THE EFFECT THAT SUCH OFFER OR SALE IS NOT REQUIRED TO BE REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT).”

 

11


(c) Removal of Legends . Whenever in the opinion of the Company and counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Company (which opinion shall be delivered to the Company in writing) the restrictions described in any legend set forth above cease to be applicable to any Securities, the holder thereof shall be entitled to receive from the Company, without expense to the holder, a new instrument or certificate not bearing a legend stating such restriction.

6.3 Severability . Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision or any other jurisdiction, but this Agreement shall be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.

6.4 Entire Agreement . Except as otherwise expressly set forth herein, this document embodies the complete agreement and understanding among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes and preempts any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or among the parties, written or oral, which may have related to the subject matter hereof in any way.

6.5 Successors and Assigns . Except as otherwise provided herein, this Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Company and its successors and assigns and the Securityholders and any subsequent holders of Securities and the respective successors and assigns of each of them, so long as they hold Securities.

6.6 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts each of which shall be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

6.7 Remedies . The Company and the Securityholders shall be entitled to enforce their rights under this Agreement specifically, to recover damages by reason of any breach of any provision of this Agreement (including costs of enforcement) and to exercise all other rights existing in their favor. The parties hereto agree and acknowledge that money damages may not be an adequate remedy for any breach of the provisions of this Agreement and that the Company or any Securityholder may in its or his sole discretion apply to any court of law or equity of competent jurisdiction for specific performance or injunctive relief (without posting a bond or other security) in order to enforce or prevent any violation of the provisions of this Agreement.

6.8 Notices . Any notice provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be either personally delivered, or mailed first class mail (postage prepaid) or sent by reputable overnight courier service (charges prepaid) to the Company at the address set forth below and to any other recipient at the address indicated on the Company’s records, or at such address or to the attention of such other person as the

 

12


recipient party has specified by prior written notice to the sending party. Notices will be deemed to have been given hereunder when sent by facsimile (receipt confirmed) delivered personally, five days after deposit in the U.S. mail and one day after deposit with a reputable overnight courier service. The Company’s address is:

 

Crunch Holding Corp.

c/o The Blackstone Group

345 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10154

Attention:    Prakash Melwani
Fax:    212-583-5722
with 2 copies to :

Pinnacle Foods Group

Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046

Attention:    General Counsel (first copy)
   Treasurer (second copy)
Fax:    973-541-6693

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

425 Lexington Avenue

New York, New York 10017-3954

Attention:    Gregory T. Grogan, Esq.
Fax:    212-455-2502

A copy of each notice given to the Company shall be given to Holdings (and no notice to the Company shall be effective until such copy is delivered to Holdings) at the following addresses:

 

Peak Holdings LLC

c/o The Blackstone Group

345 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10154

Attention:    Prakash Melwani
Fax:    212-583-5722

with a copy to:

 

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

425 Lexington Avenue

 

13


New York, New York 10017-3954
Attention:    Gregory T. Grogan, Esq.
Fax:    212-455-2502

6.9 Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflicts of laws principles thereof.

6.10 Descriptive Headings . The descriptive headings of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and do not constitute a part of this Agreement.

[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]

 

14


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Securityholders Agreement on the day and year first above written.

 

CRUNCH HOLDING CORP.
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  
PEAK HOLDINGS LLC
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  

Exhibit 10.19

2007 CRUNCH HOLDING CORP.

STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

1. Purpose of the Plan

The purpose of the Plan is to aid the Company and its Affiliates in recruiting and retaining key employees, directors, other service providers, or independent contractors and to motivate such employees, directors, other service providers, or independent contractors to exert their best efforts on behalf of the Company and its Affiliates by providing incentives through the granting of Awards. The Company expects that it will benefit from the added interest which such key employees, directors or consultants will have in the welfare of the Company as a result of their proprietary interest in the Company’s success.

2. Definitions

The following capitalized terms used in the Plan have the respective meanings set forth in this Section:

(a) Act : The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any successor thereto.

(b) Affiliate : With respect to any entity, any entity directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, such entity.

(c) Award : An Option, Stock Appreciation Right or Other Stock-Based Award granted pursuant to the Plan.

(d) Beneficial Owner : A “beneficial owner”, as such term is defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Act (or any successor rule thereto).

(e) Board : The Board of Directors of the Company.

(f) Change in Control : Shall have the meaning set forth in the Securityholders Agreement, except that transactions with a Person or Persons that are a Subsidiary (as defined in the Securityholders Agreement) of the Sponsor shall be excluded.

(g) Code : The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or any successor thereto.

(h) Committee : The Compensation Committee of the Board (or a subcommittee thereof), or such other committee of the Board (including, without limitation, the full Board) to which the Board has delegated power to act under or pursuant to the provisions of the Plan, and if no such Committee has been created, the Board.

(i) Company : Crunch Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation.

(j) Disability : The term Disability of a Participant has the same meaning ascribed to such term in any employment or severance agreement then in effect between the Participant and the Company or one of its Affiliates or, if no such agreement containing a definition of “Disability” is then in effect, shall mean the inability of the Participant to perform the essential functions of the Participant’s job, with or without reasonable accommodation, by reason of a physical or mental infirmity, for a period of nine (9) consecutive months or for an aggregate of


twelve (12) months in any eighteen (18) consecutive month period. The period of nine (9) months shall be deemed continuous unless the Participant returns to work for at least 30 consecutive business days during such period and performs during such period at the level and competence that existed prior to the beginning of the six-month period. The date of such Disability shall be on the first day of such nine-month period.

(k) Dividend Equivalent Right . The right to receive a payment in respect of one Share (whether or not subject to a Stock Option) equal to the amount of any dividend paid in respect of one Share held by a shareholder in the Company.

(l) Effective Date : The date the Board approves the Plan, or such later date as is designated by the Board.

(m) Employment : The term Employment as used herein refers to (i) a Participant’s employment if the Participant is an employee of the Company or any of its Affiliates or Subsidiaries, (ii) a Participant’s services as a consultant, if the Participant is a consultant to the Company or its Affiliates and (iii) a Participant’s services as a non-employee director, if the Participant is a non-employee member of the Board.

(n) Fair Market Value : On a given date (i) if there is a public market for the shares on such date, the average of the high and low closing bid prices of the shares of common stock on such stock exchange on which the shares are principally trading on the date in question, or, if there were no sales on such date, on the closest preceding date on which there were sales of shares or (ii) if there is no public market for the equity on such date, the fair market value for the shares as shall be determined in good faith by the Board (without regard to discounts for lack of marketability of such equity or minority status).

(o) Group : A “group” as such term is used for purposes of Section 13(d) or 14(a) of the Act (or any successor section thereto).

(p) Option : A stock option granted pursuant to Section 6 of the Plan.

(q) Option Price : The purchase price per Share of an Option, as determined pursuant to Section 6(a) of the Plan.

(r) Other Stock-Based Awards : Awards granted pursuant to Section 8 of the Plan.

(s) Participant : An employee, director, other service provider, or independent contractor of the Company or its Affiliates who is selected by the Committee to participate in the Plan.

(t) Permitted Transferee : Any transferee of Units as defined in the Securityholders Agreement dated August [ ], 2007 among Crunch Holding Corp. and the Securityholders (as defined in the Securityholders Agreement).

(u) Person : A “person”, as such term is used for purposes of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Act (or any successor section thereto).

(v) Plan : The 2007 Crunch Holding Corp. Stock Incentive Plan.

 

2


(w) Shares : Shares of common stock of the Company.

(x) Sponsor : The Blackstone Group.

(y) Stock Appreciation Right : A stock appreciation right granted pursuant to Section 7 of the Plan.

(z) Subsidiary : A subsidiary corporation, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code (or any successor section thereto).

(aa) Syndication Transaction : A disposition by the Sponsor to any Person or group of Persons that are not Affiliates of the Sponsor of not more than 10% of its direct or indirect equity interest in the Company that occurs at any time within the first twelve (12) months following the Closing Date at a sale price that does not exceed 120% of the amount invested directly or indirectly by the Sponsors in the Company in respect of such equity interest.

3. Shares Subject to the Plan

Subject to Section 9, the total number of Shares which may be issued under the Plan is 20,000. The Shares may consist, in whole or in part, of unissued Shares or treasury Shares. The issuance of Shares or the payment of cash upon the exercise of an Award or in consideration of the cancellation or termination of an Award shall reduce the total number of Shares available under the Plan, as applicable. Shares which are subject to Awards or portions of Awards which terminate or lapse without the payment of consideration may be granted again under the Plan.

4. Administration

The Plan shall be administered by the Committee, which may delegate its duties and powers in whole or in part to any subcommittee thereof. Additionally, the Committee may delegate the authority to grant Awards under the Plan to any employee or group of employees of the Company or an Affiliate; provided that such delegation and grants are consistent with applicable law and guidelines established by the Board from time to time. Awards may, in the discretion of the Committee, be made under the Plan in assumption of, or in substitution for, outstanding awards previously granted by the Company or its Affiliates or a company acquired by the Company or with which the Company combines. The number of Shares underlying such substitute awards shall be counted against the aggregate number of Shares available for Awards under the Plan. The Committee is authorized to interpret the Plan, to establish, amend and rescind any rules and regulations relating to the Plan, and to make any other determinations that it deems necessary or desirable for the administration of the Plan. The Committee may correct any defect or supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan in the manner and to the extent the Committee deems necessary or desirable. Any decision of the Committee in the interpretation and administration of the Plan, as described herein, shall lie within its sole and absolute discretion and shall be final, conclusive and binding on all parties concerned (including, but not limited to, Participants and their beneficiaries or successors). The Committee shall have the full power and authority to establish the terms and conditions of any Award consistent with the provisions of the Plan and to waive any such terms and conditions at any time (including, without limitation, accelerating or waiving any vesting conditions). The Committee shall require payment of any amount it may determine to be necessary to withhold for federal, state, local or other taxes as a result of the exercise, grant or vesting of an Award and the Company or its Affiliates shall have the right and are authorized to withhold any applicable withholding taxes

 

3


with respect to any Award, its exercise, or any payment or transfer under or with respect to the Award and to take such other action as may be necessary in the opinion of the Committee to satisfy all obligations for the payment of such withholding taxes. Unless the Committee specifies otherwise, the Participant may elect to pay a portion or all of such withholding taxes by (a) delivery in Shares, provided that such Shares have been held by the Participant for more than six (6) months (or such other period established by the Committee from time to time in order to avoid adverse accounting treatment applying generally accepted accounting principles) or (b) with respect to minimum withholding amounts only, having Shares with a Fair Market Value equal to the amount withheld by the Company from any Shares that would have otherwise been received by the Participant.

5. Limitations

No Award may be granted under the Plan after the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date, but Awards theretofore granted may extend beyond that date.

6. Terms and Conditions of Options

Options granted under the Plan shall be non-qualified stock options for federal income tax purposes, as evidenced by the related Award agreements, and shall be subject to the foregoing and the following terms and conditions and to such other terms and conditions, not inconsistent therewith, as the Committee shall determine:

(a) Option Price . The Option Price per Share shall be determined by the Committee, but shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date an Option is granted (other than in the case of Options granted in substitution of previously granted awards, as described in Section 4).

(b) Exercisability . Options granted under the Plan shall be exercisable at such time and upon such terms and conditions as may be determined by the Committee, but in no event shall an Option be exercisable more than ten years after the date it is granted.

(c) Exercise of Options . Except as otherwise provided in the Plan or in an Award agreement, an Option may be exercised for all, or from time to time any part, of the Shares for which it is then exercisable. For purposes of Section 6 of the Plan, the exercise date of an Option shall be the later of the date a notice of exercise is received by the Company and, if applicable, the date payment is received by the Company pursuant to clauses (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) in the following sentence. The purchase price for the Shares as to which an Option is exercised shall be paid to the Company as designated by the Committee, pursuant to one or more of the following methods: (i) in cash or its equivalent (e.g., by personal check), (ii) in Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the aggregate Option Price for the Shares being purchased and satisfying such other requirements as may be imposed by the Committee; provided that such Shares have been held by the Participant for more than six months (or such other period as established from time to time by the Committee in order to avoid adverse accounting treatment applying generally accepted accounting principles), (iii) partly in cash and partly in such Shares, (iv) if there is a public market for the Shares at such time, to the extent permitted by the Committee and subject to such rules as may be established by the Committee , through the delivery of irrevocable instructions to a broker to sell Shares obtained upon the exercise of the Option and to deliver promptly to the Company an amount out of the proceeds of such sale equal

 

4


to the aggregate Option Price for the Shares being purchased, or (v) using a net settlement mechanism whereby the number of shares delivered upon the exercise of the option will be reduced by a number of shares that has a Fair Market Value equal to the Option Price, provided that the Participant tenders cash or its equivalent to pay any applicable withholding taxes. No Participant shall have any rights to dividends or other rights of a stockholder with respect to Shares subject to an Option until the Participant has given written notice of exercise of the Option, paid in full for such Shares and, if applicable, has satisfied any other conditions imposed by the Committee pursuant to the Plan.

(d) Attestation . Wherever in this Plan or any agreement evidencing an Award a Participant is permitted to pay the exercise price of an Option or taxes relating to the exercise of an Option by delivering Shares, the Participant may, subject to procedures satisfactory to the Committee, satisfy such delivery requirement by presenting proof of beneficial ownership of such Shares, in which case the Company shall treat the Option as exercised without further payment and/or shall withhold such number of Shares from the Shares acquired by the exercise of the Option, as appropriate.

7. Terms and Conditions of Stock Appreciation Rights

(a) Grants . The Committee may also grant (i) a Stock Appreciation Right independent of an Option or (ii) a Stock Appreciation Right in connection with an Option, or a portion thereof. A Stock Appreciation Right granted pursuant to clause (ii) of the preceding sentence (A) may be granted at the time the related Option is granted or at any time prior to the exercise or cancellation of the related Option, (B) shall cover the same number of Shares covered by an Option (or such lesser number of Shares as the Committee may determine) and (C) shall be subject to the same terms and conditions as such Option except for such additional limitations as are contemplated by this Section 7 (or such additional limitations as may be included in an Award agreement).

(b) Terms . The exercise price per Share of a Stock Appreciation Right shall be an amount determined by the Committee but in no event shall such amount be less than the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date the Stock Appreciation Right is granted (other than in the case of Stock Appreciation Rights granted in substitution of previously granted awards, as described in Section 4); provided , however , that in the case of a Stock Appreciation Right granted in conjunction with an Option, or a portion thereof, the exercise price may not be less than the Option Price of the related Option. Each Stock Appreciation Right granted independent of an Option shall entitle a Participant upon exercise to an amount equal to (i) the excess of (A) the Fair Market Value on the exercise date of one Share over (B) the exercise price per Share, times (ii) the number of Shares covered by the Stock Appreciation Right. Each Stock Appreciation Right granted in conjunction with an Option, or a portion thereof, shall entitle a Participant to surrender to the Company the unexercised Option, or any portion thereof, and to receive from the Company in exchange therefor an amount equal to (i) the excess of (A) the Fair Market Value on the exercise date of one Share over (B) the Option Price per Share, times (ii) the number of Shares covered by the Option, or portion thereof, which is surrendered. The date a notice of exercise is received by the Company shall be the exercise date. Payment to the Participant shall be made in Shares or in cash, or partly in Shares and partly in cash (any such Shares valued at such Fair Market Value), all as shall be determined by the Committee. Stock Appreciation Rights may be exercised from time to time upon actual receipt by the Company of written notice of exercise stating the number of Shares with respect to which the Stock

 

5


Appreciation Right is being exercised. No fractional Shares will be issued in payment for Stock Appreciation Rights, but instead cash will be paid for a fraction or, if the Committee should so determine, the number of Shares will be rounded downward to the next whole Share.

(c) Limitations . The Committee may impose, in its discretion, such conditions upon the exercisability or transferability of Stock Appreciation Rights as it may deem fit, but in no event shall a Stock Appreciation Right be exercisable more than ten years after the date it is granted.

8. Other Stock-Based Awards

The Committee, in its sole discretion, may grant or sell Awards of Shares, Awards of restricted Shares and Awards that are valued in whole or in part by reference to, or are otherwise based on the Fair Market Value of, Shares (“ Other Stock-Based Awards ”). Such Other Stock-Based Awards shall be in such form, and dependent on such conditions, as the Committee shall determine, including, without limitation, the right to receive, or vest with respect to, one or more Shares (or the equivalent cash value of such Shares) upon the completion of a specified period of service, the occurrence of an event and/or the attainment of performance objectives. Other Stock-Based Awards may be granted alone or in addition to any other Awards granted under the Plan. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall determine to whom and when Other Stock-Based Awards will be made, the number of Shares to be awarded under (or otherwise related to) such Other Stock-Based Awards; whether such Other Stock-Based Awards shall be settled in cash, Shares or a combination of cash and Shares; and all other terms and conditions of such Awards (including, without limitation, the vesting provisions thereof and provisions ensuring that all Shares so awarded and issued shall be fully paid and non-assessable). The Committee may also grant Dividend Equivalent Rights in connection with Awards granted hereunder either alone or in connection with the grant of a Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right. Each Dividend Equivalent Right shall be subject to such terms as the Committee may determine.

9. Adjustments Upon Certain Events

Notwithstanding any other provisions in the Plan to the contrary, the following provisions shall apply to all Awards granted under the Plan:

(a) Generally . In the event of any change in the outstanding Shares after the Effective Date by reason of any Share dividend or split, reorganization, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, spin-off, combination, combination or transaction or exchange of Shares or other corporate exchange, or any distribution to shareholders or any transaction similar to the foregoing, the Committee in its sole discretion and without liability to any person shall make such substitution or adjustment, if any, as it deems to be equitable (subject to Section 17), as to (i) the number or kind of Shares or other securities issued or reserved for issuance pursuant to the Plan or pursuant to outstanding Awards, (ii) the Option Price or exercise price of any Award, and/or (iii) any other affected terms of such Awards.

(b) Change in Control . In the event of a Change in Control after the Effective Date, (i) if determined by the Committee in the applicable Award agreement or otherwise, any outstanding Awards then held by Participants which are unexercisable or otherwise unvested or subject to lapse restrictions shall automatically be deemed exercisable or otherwise vested or no

 

6


longer subject to lapse restrictions, as the case may be, as of immediately prior to such Change of Control and (ii) the Committee may (subject to Section 17), but shall not be obligated to, (A) accelerate, vest or cause the restrictions to lapse with respect to all or any portion of an Award, (B) cancel such Awards for fair value (as determined in the sole discretion of the Committee) which, in the case of Options and Stock Appreciation Rights, may equal the excess, if any, of value of the consideration to be paid in the Change in Control transaction to holders of the same number of Shares subject to such Options or Stock Appreciation Rights (or, if no consideration is paid in any such transaction, the Fair Market Value of the Shares subject to such Options or Stock Appreciation Rights) over the aggregate exercise price of such Options or Stock Appreciation Rights, (C) provide for the issuance of substitute Awards that will substantially preserve the otherwise applicable terms of any affected Awards previously granted hereunder as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion or (D) provide that for a period of at least 15 days prior to the Change in Control, such Awards shall be exercisable, to the extent applicable, as to all Shares subject thereto and the Committee may further provide that upon the occurrence of the Change in Control, such Awards shall terminate and be of no further force and effect.

10. No Right to Employment or Awards

The granting of an Award under the Plan shall impose no obligation on the Company or any Affiliate to continue the Employment of a Participant and shall not lessen or affect the Company’s or any Affiliate’s right to terminate the Employment of such Participant. No Participant or other Person shall have any claim to be granted any Award, and there is no obligation for uniformity of treatment of Participants, or holders or beneficiaries of Awards. The terms and conditions of Awards and the Committee’s determinations and interpretations with respect thereto need not be the same with respect to each Participant (whether or not such Participants are similarly situated).

11. Successors and Assigns

The Plan shall be binding on all successors and assigns of the Company and a Participant, including, without limitation, the estate of such Participant and the executor, administrator or trustee of such estate, or any receiver or trustee in bankruptcy or representative of the Participant’s creditors.

12. Nontransferability of Awards

Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, an Award shall not be transferable or assignable by the Participant otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. An Award exercisable after the death of a Participant may be exercised by the legatees, personal representatives or distributees of the Participant.

13. Amendments or Termination

The Board may amend, alter or discontinue the Plan, but no amendment, alteration or discontinuation shall be made, (a) without the approval of the shareholders of the Company, if such action would (except as is provided in Section 9 of the Plan), increase the total number of Shares reserved for the purposes of the Plan or (b) without the consent of a Participant, if such action would materially diminish any of the rights of the Participant under any Award theretofore granted to such Participant under the Plan; provided , however , that the Committee may amend the Plan in such manner as it deems necessary to permit the granting of Awards meeting the

 

7


requirements of the Code or other applicable laws (including, without limitation, to avoid adverse tax consequences to the Company or to Participants).

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, to the extent applicable, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, this Plan and Awards issued hereunder shall be interpreted in accordance with Section 409A of the Code and Department of Treasury regulations and other interpretative guidance issued thereunder, including without limitation any such regulations or other guidance that may be issued after the Effective Date. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, in the event that the Committee determines that any amounts payable hereunder will be taxable to a Participant under Section 409A of the Code and related Department of Treasury guidance prior to payment to such Participant of such amount, the Company may (a) adopt such amendments to the Plan and Awards and appropriate policies and procedures, including amendments and policies with retroactive effect, that the Committee determines necessary or appropriate to preserve the intended tax treatment of the benefits provided by the Plan and Awards hereunder and/or (b) take such other actions as the Committee determines necessary or appropriate to avoid the imposition of an additional tax under Section 409A of the Code.

14. International Participants

With respect to Participants who reside or work outside the United States of America, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, amend the terms of the Plan or Awards with respect to such Participants in order to conform such terms with the requirements of local law or to obtain more favorable tax or other treatment for a Participant, the Company or an Affiliate.

15. Choice of Law

The Plan shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to conflicts of laws.

16. Effectiveness of the Plan

The Plan shall be effective as of the Effective Date.

17. Section 409A of the Code

Notwithstanding other provisions of the Plan or any Award agreements thereunder, no Award shall be granted, deferred, accelerated, extended, paid out or modified under this Plan in a manner that would result in the imposition of an additional tax under Section 409A of the Code upon a Participant. In the event that it is reasonably determined by the Committee that, as a result of Section 409A of the Code, payments in respect of any Award under the Plan may not be made at the time contemplated by the terms of the Plan or the relevant Award agreement, as the case may be, without causing the Participant holding such Award to be subject to taxation under Section 409A of the Code, the Company will make such payment on the first day that would not result in the Participant incurring any tax liability under Section 409A of the Code. The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to implement the provisions of this Section 17 in good faith; provided that neither the Company, the Committee nor any of the Company’s employees, directors or representatives shall have any liability to Participants with respect to this Section 17.

 

8

Exhibit 10.20

2007 CRUNCH HOLDING CORP.

STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

FORM OF

NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT (the “ Agreement ”), is made effective as of                  , 2007 (the “ Date of Grant ”), between Crunch Holding Corp. (the “ Company ”) and                  (the “ Participant ”).

R E C I T A L S :

WHEREAS, the Company has adopted the Plan (as defined below), the terms of which are hereby incorporated by reference and made a part of this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the Committee has determined that it would be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to grant the Options provided for herein to the Participant pursuant to the Plan and the terms set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants hereinafter set forth, the parties agree as follows:

1. Definitions . Whenever the following terms are used in this Agreement, they shall have the meanings set forth below. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the same meanings as in the Plan.

(a) Cause : Cause shall have the same meaning ascribed to such term in any employment or severance agreement then in effect between the Participant and the Company or one of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or, if no such agreement containing a definition of “Cause” is then in effect, shall mean a termination of employment of the Participant by the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate thereof due to (A) the Participant’s continued failure substantially to perform the Participant’s duties under the Participant’s employment (other than as a result of total or partial incapacity due to physical or mental illness) following written notice by the Company to the Participant of such failure; (B) theft or embezzlement of Company property or dishonesty in the performance of the Participant’s duties, (C) any act on the part of the Participant that constitutes (x) a felony under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or (y) a crime involving moral turpitude, (D) the Participant’s willful malfeasance or willful misconduct in connection with the Participant’s duties to the Company or any act or omission which is materially injurious to the financial condition or business reputation of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, or (E) the Participant engages in Competitive Activity or breaches the confidentiality provisions of Section 7 hereof.

(b) Exit Option : An Option with respect to which the terms and conditions are set forth in Section 3(c) of this Agreement.

(c) Expiration Date : The tenth anniversary of the Date of Grant.


(d) Financing Default. The term Financing Default shall mean an event which would constitute (or with notice or lapse of time or both would constitute) an event of default under any of the financing documents of the Company or its Affiliates from time to time (collectively, the “ Financing Agreements ”) and any restrictive financial covenants contained in the organizational documents of the Company or its Affiliates.

(e) Fiscal Year : Each fiscal year of the Company (which, for the avoidance of doubt, ends on the last Sunday in December of any given year).

(f) Internal Rate of Return : The annualized effective compounded return rate (taking into account all allocations of profits and gains, net of all allocations of losses, deductions and nondeductible expenses) which is earned on the amount invested by Sponsor in the Company.

(g) Liquidity Event : The sale or sales by Sponsor, in one or a series of transactions, of at least 50% of their aggregate direct or indirect equity interest in the Company to any Person or Persons (other than an Affiliate) in which Sponsor receives cash or marketable securities.

(h) Options : Collectively, the Time Option, the Performance Option, and the Exit Option to purchase Shares granted under this Agreement.

(i) Performance Option : An Option with respect to which the terms and conditions are set forth in Section 3(b) of this Agreement.

(j) Plan : The 2007 Crunch Holding Corp. Stock Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time.

(k) Public Offering . A sale of Shares to the public in an offering pursuant to an effective registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as then in effect, provided that a Public Offering shall not include an offering made in connection with a business acquisition or combination or an employee benefit plan.

(l) Shares : The shares of common stock of the Company.

(m) Securityholders Agreement : The Securityholders Agreement to be entered into between the Company and the Participant, in a form reasonably acceptable to the Company.

(n) Termination Date . The date upon which the Participant’s employment with the Company and its Affiliates or Subsidiaries is terminated.

(o) Time Option : An Option with respect to which the terms and conditions are set forth in Section 3(a) of this Agreement.

(p) Vested Portion : At any time, the portion of an Option which has become vested, as described in Section 3 of this Agreement.

 

2


2. Grant of Options . The Company hereby grants to the Participant the right and option to purchase, on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, all or any part of the number of Shares subject to the Time Option, the Performance Option, and the Exit Option set forth on Schedule A attached hereto, subject to adjustment as set forth in the Plan. The Option Price shall be $[              ] per Share. The Options are intended to be nonqualified stock options, and are not intended to be treated as an option that complies with Section 422 of the Code.

3. Vesting of the Options .

(a) Vesting of the Time Option . Subject to the Participant’s continued Employment, the Time Option shall vest and become exercisable with respect to twenty percent (20%) of the Shares subject to such Time Option on each of the first five anniversaries of the April 2, 2007. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of a Change in Control, the Time Option shall, to the extent not then vested or previously forfeited or cancelled, become fully vested and exercisable.

(b) Vesting of the Performance Option .

(i) In General . Subject to the Participant’s continued Employment, twenty percent (20%) of the Shares subject to the Performance Option shall vest and become exercisable in any year where the EBITDA Target set forth on Schedule B (the “ EBITDA Target ”) for such year is achieved or exceeded.

(ii) Catch-Up . Notwithstanding the foregoing, subject to the Participant’s continued Employment, if the portion of the Performance Option that is scheduled to vest in respect of a given Fiscal Year does not vest because the EBITDA Target is not achieved or exceeded in respect of such Fiscal Year (such Fiscal Year, an “ EBITDA Target Missed Year ”), then the portion of such Performance Option that would have vested during that year had such EBITDA Target been met shall remain unvested unless, in a subsequent year, the catch-up EBITDA Target (the “ Cumulative EBITDA Target ”) set forth on Schedule B is achieved, at which time the then current year’s and all prior years’ Shares subject to the Performance Option shall vest.

(iii) Upon a Change in Control that occurs prior to the Termination Date, that portion of the Performance Option that would become eligible for vesting during the year of such Change in Control (and all subsequent years) shall automatically become subject to the vesting terms for the Exit Options, as described in Section 3(c) hereof.

(c) Vesting of the Exit Option . Subject to the Participant’s continued Employment, the Exit Option shall vest on the occurrence, if any, of a Liquidity Event in which Sponsor shall have received, in respect of its direct or indirect equity investment in the Company, cash or property (excluding securities of the Company or its Affiliates) resulting in a 20% annual Internal Rate of Return (or, if the Liquidity Event occurs (x) on or before the April 2, 2008, a 40% annual Internal Rate of Return or (y) after April 2, 2008 but on or before the April 2, 2009, a 30% annual Internal Rate of Return). Non-cash property received by the Sponsor shall be discounted 10% from its Fair Market Value (unless such property is actually

 

3


distributed to the ultimate limited partners of the Sponsor, in which case the property will be valued using the same methods the Sponsor uses for purposes of calculating the Internal Rate of Return for its ultimate limited partners).

(d) Termination of Employment . If the Participant’s Employment terminates for any reason, the Option, to the extent not then vested and exercisable, shall be immediately canceled by the Company without consideration.

4. Exercise of Options .

(a) Period of Exercise . Subject to the provisions of the Plan and this Agreement, the Participant may exercise all or any part of the Vested Portion of an Option at any time prior to the Expiration Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Participant’s Employment terminates prior to the Expiration Date, the Vested Portion of an Option shall remain exercisable for the period set forth below:

(i) Death or Disability . If the Participant’s Employment is terminated due to the Participant’s death or Disability, the Participant may exercise the Vested Portion of an Option for a period ending on the earlier of (A) one year following such termination of Employment and (B) the Expiration Date;

(ii) Termination by the Company for Cause . If the Participant’s Employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, the Vested Portion of an Option shall immediately terminate in full and cease to be exercisable.

(iii) Termination Other than for Cause or Due to Death or Disability . If the Participant’s Employment is terminated other than by the Company for Cause or due to death or Disability, the Participant may exercise the Vested Portion of an Option that became vested on or prior to the date of termination for a period ending on the earlier of (A) 90 days following such termination of Employment and (B) the Expiration Date.

(b) Method of Exercise .

(i) Subject to Section 4(a) of this Agreement and Section 6(c) of the Plan, the Vested Portion of an Option may be exercised by delivering to the Company at its principal office written notice of intent to so exercise; provided that, the Option may be exercised with respect to whole Shares only. Such notice shall specify the number of Shares for which the Option is being exercised and shall be accompanied by payment in full of the Option Price. The payment of the Option Price may be made at the election of the Participant (i) in cash or its equivalent (e.g., by check), (ii) in Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the aggregate Option Price for the Shares being purchased and satisfying such other requirements as may be imposed by the Committee; provided, that such Shares have been held by the Participant for more than six months (or such other period as established from time to time by the Committee in order to avoid adverse accounting treatment applying generally accepted accounting principles), (iii) partly in cash and partly in such Shares, (iv) if there is a public market for the Shares at such time, to the extent permitted by the Committee and subject to such rules as may be established by the Committee, through the delivery of irrevocable instructions to a broker to sell

 

4


Shares obtained upon the exercise of the Option and to deliver promptly to the Company an amount out of the proceeds of such sale equal to the aggregate option price for the Shares being purchased, or (v) using a net settlement mechanism whereby the number of shares delivered upon the exercise of the option will be reduced by a number of shares that has a Fair Market Value equal to the Option Price, provided that the Participant tenders cash or its equivalent to pay any applicable withholding taxes. No Participant shall have any rights to dividends or other rights of a stockholder with respect to Shares subject to an Option until the Participant has given written notice of exercise of the Option, paid in full for such Shares and, if applicable, has satisfied any other conditions imposed by the Committee pursuant to the Plan.

(ii) Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or this Agreement to the contrary, absent an available exemption to registration or qualification, an Option may not be exercised prior to the completion of any registration or qualification of an Option or the Shares under applicable state and federal securities or other laws, or under any ruling or regulation of any governmental body or national securities exchange that the Committee shall in its sole discretion determine to be necessary or advisable.

(iii) Upon the Company’s determination that an Option has been validly exercised as to any of the Shares, the Company shall issue certificates in the Participant’s name for such Shares. However, the Company shall not be liable to the Participant for damages relating to any delays in issuing the certificates to the Participant, any loss by the Participant of the certificates, or any mistakes or errors in the issuance of the certificates or in the certificates themselves.

(iv) In the event of the Participant’s death, the Vested Portion of an Option shall remain exercisable by the Participant’s executor or administrator, or the person or persons to whom the Participant’s rights under this Agreement shall pass by will or by the laws of descent and distribution as the case may be, to the extent set forth in Section 4(a) of this Agreement. Any heir or legatee of the Participant shall take rights herein granted subject to the terms and conditions hereof.

(v) As a condition to the exercise of any Option evidenced by this Agreement, the Participant shall execute the Securityholders Agreement and the Subscription Agreement.

5. Certain Sales of Shares Upon Termination of Employment .

(a) Put Right .

(i) If the Participant’s Employment terminates due to the Disability or death of the Participant prior to the earlier of (x) an initial Public Offering or (y) a Change of Control, the Participant and the Participant’s Permitted Transferees (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as the “ Participant Group ”) shall have the right to sell to the Company, and the Company shall be required to purchase, on one occasion from each member of the Participant Group, all (but not less than all) of the Shares then held by the Participant Group as a result of the exercise of any Option, at a

 

5


price per Share equal to the Fair Market Value of each Share (measured as of the repurchase date); provided that in any case the Board shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to increase the foregoing purchase price. In order to exercise its rights with respect to the Shares pursuant to this Section 5(a), the Participant Group shall also be required to simultaneously exercise any similar rights it may have with respect to any other Shares of the Company held by the Participant Group in accordance with the terms of the agreements pursuant to which such other Shares were purchased from the Company.

(ii) If the Participant Group desires to exercise its right to require the Company to repurchase Shares pursuant to Section 5(a), the members of the Participant Group shall send one written notice to the Company setting forth such members’ intention to collectively sell all of their Shares pursuant to Section 5(a) and which notice must be received within between 185 and 365 days after the later of the Termination Date and the date the Participant received the Shares subject to the notice. The notice shall include the signature of each member of the Participant Group. Subject to the provisions of Section 6(a), the closing of the purchase shall take place at the principal office of the Company on a date specified by the Company no later than the 60th day after the giving of such notice.

(b) Call Rights .

(i) If the Participant’s Employment terminates or if the Participant engages in “Competitive Activity” (as defined in Section 7 of this Agreement), the Company shall have the right and option to purchase, and each member of the Participant Group shall be required to sell to the Company, any or all of such Shares then held by such member of the Participant Group, at a price per Share equal to the applicable purchase price determined as follows:

(A) Death or Disability; Termination without Cause . If the Participant’s Employment is terminated due to the Disability or death of the Participant, the purchase price per Share will be the Fair Market Value (measured as of the repurchase date).

(B) Termination for Cause . If the Participant’s Employment is terminated by the Company or any of its Affiliates or Subsidiaries for Cause, or if the Participant engages in a Competitive Activity, the purchase price per Share will be the lesser of (A) Fair Market Value (measured as of the repurchase date) and (B) the price per Share paid by the Participant to acquire such Shares.

(C) Voluntary Termination . If the Participant’s Employment is terminated by the Participant for any other reason not set forth in Section 5(b)(i)(A) or (B), the purchase price per Share will be:

(1) if the Employment terminates on or after April 2, 2010, the purchase price per Share will be the Fair Market Value (measured as of the repurchase date); and

 

6


(2) if the Employment terminates prior to April 2, 2010, the purchase price per Share will be the lesser of (A) Fair Market Value (measured as of the Termination Date) and (B) the price per Share paid by the Participant to acquire such Shares;

provided that in any case the Board shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to increase any purchase price set forth above.

(ii) If the Company desires to exercise its right to purchase Shares pursuant to this Section 5, the Company shall, not later than 210 days after the later of the Termination Date and the date the Participant received the Shares subject to the notice, send written notice to each member of the Participant Group of its intention to purchase Shares, specifying the number of Shares to be purchased (the “ Call Notice ”). The closing of the purchase shall take place at the principal office of the Company on a date specified by the Company no later than the 30th day after the giving of the later of the Call Notice.

(iii) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company elects not to exercise one of its options to purchase Shares pursuant to this Section 5, Peak Holdings LLC or the Sponsor may elect to purchase such Shares on the same terms and conditions set forth in this Section 5 by providing written notice to each member of the Participant Group of its intention to purchase Shares within 30 days after the expiration of the Company’s 210 day call window following the Termination Date.

(c) Obligation to Sell Several . If there is more than one member of the Participant Group, the failure of any one member thereof to perform its obligations hereunder shall not excuse or affect the obligations of any other member thereof, and the closing of the purchases from such other members by the Company shall not excuse, or constitute a waiver of its rights against, the defaulting member.

6. Certain Limitations on the Company’s Obligations to Purchase Shares .

(a) Deferral of Purchases . (a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Company shall not be obligated to purchase any Shares at any time pursuant to Section 5, regardless of whether it has delivered a notice of its election to purchase any such Shares, (i) to the extent that the purchase of such Shares or the payment to the Company or one of its Subsidiaries of a cash dividend or distribution by a Subsidiary of the Company to fund such purchase (together with any other purchases of Shares pursuant to Section 5 or pursuant to similar provisions in agreements with other employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries of which the Company has at such time been given or has given notice and together with cash dividends and distributions to fund such other purchases) would result (A) in a violation of any law, statute, rule, regulation, policy, order, writ, injunction, decree or judgment promulgated or entered by any federal, state, local or foreign court or governmental authority applicable to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of its or their property or (B) after giving effect thereto, in a Financing Default, or (ii) if immediately prior to such purchase there exists a Financing Default which prohibits such purchase, dividend or distribution. The Company shall,

 

7


within fifteen days of learning of any such fact, so notify the members of the Participant Group that it is not obligated to purchase Shares hereunder.

(ii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Section 5, any Shares which a member of the Participant Group has elected to sell to the Company or which the Company has elected to purchase from members of the Participant Group, but which in accordance with Section 6(a) are not purchased at the applicable time provided in Section 5, shall be purchased by the Company for the applicable purchase price, together with interest thereon as provided in Section 6(b), within ten days after the date that payment for such Shares (and related dividends and distributions) is no longer prohibited under Section 6(a)(i), and the Company shall give the members of the Participant’s Group five days’ prior notice of any such purchase.

(b) Payment for Shares . If at any time the Company elects or is required to purchase any Shares pursuant to Section 5, the Company shall pay the purchase price for the Shares it purchases (i) first, by the cancellation of any indebtedness, if any, owing from the Participant to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (which indebtedness shall be applied pro rata against the proceeds receivable by each member of the Participant Group receiving consideration in such repurchase) and (ii) then, by the Company’s delivery of a check or wire transfer of immediately available funds for the remainder of the purchase price, if any, against delivery of the certificates or other instruments representing the Shares so purchased, duly endorsed; provided that if any of the conditions set forth in Section 6(a) exists which prohibits such cash payment (either directly or indirectly as a result of the prohibition of a related cash dividend or distribution), the portion of the cash payment so prohibited may be made, to the extent such payment is not prohibited, by the Company’s delivery of a junior subordinated promissory note (which shall be subordinated and subject in right of payment to the prior payment of any debt outstanding under the Senior Financing Agreements and any modifications, renewals, extensions, replacements and refunding of all such indebtedness) of the Company (a “ Junior Subordinated Note ”) in a principal amount equal to the balance of the purchase price, payable (x) in the event of a termination of employment referenced in Section 5(b)(i)(A) or (C), within ten days after the conditions set forth in Section 6(a) no longer exist, but maturing in all events not later than the fifth anniversary of the date of issuance thereof, or (y) in the event of a termination of employment referenced in Section 5(b)(i)(B), on the fifth anniversary of the issuance thereof, and bearing interest payable (and compounded to the extent not so paid) as of the last day of each calendar quarter at the prime rate as reported from time to time in The Wall Street Journal (electronic edition), less two hundred basis points, and all such accrued and unpaid interest payable on the date of the payment of principal (or, if applicable, the last installment of principal), with payments to be applied in the order of: first to any enforcement costs incurred by the Participant or the Participant Group, second to interest and third to principal. Subject to the conditions on payment under Section 6(a), the Company shall use its best efforts to repurchase Shares pursuant to Section 5(a), Section 5(b)(i)(A) or (C) with cash and/or to prepay any Junior Subordinated Notes issued in connection with a repurchase of Shares pursuant to Section 5(a), Section 5(b)(i)(A) or (C). The Company shall have the right set forth in clause (i) of the first sentence of this Section 6(b) whether or not the member of the Participant Group selling such Shares is an obligor of the Company. Any Junior Subordinated Note (including interest accrued thereon) shall become immediately payable upon a Change of Control from net cash proceeds, if any, payable to the Company or its Shareholders, in priority over any payments to Shareholders;

 

8


provided , to the extent that sufficient net cash proceeds are not so payable, the Junior Subordinated Note shall be cancelled in exchange for such other non-cash consideration distributable to Shareholders in the Change of Control, in priority over such distributions of non-cash consideration distributable to Shareholders, having a Fair Market Value equal to the principal of and accrued interest on the Junior Subordinated Note. Any Junior Subordinated Note (including interest accrued thereon) also shall become immediately payable upon the consummation of an initial Public Offering, in priority over any proceeds receivable upon a sale or redemption of Shares (or shares received upon the redemption or conversion of Shares) of Shareholders in connection with such initial Public Offering. The principal of and accrued interest on any such Junior Subordinated Note issued following an election under Section 5(a)(i)(B) may be prepaid in whole or in part at any time at the option of the Company (it being understood that the principal and interest on such Junior Subordinated Note issued following an election under Section 5(a)(i), other than Section 5(a)(i)(B), shall be paid within ten days after the restrictions under Section 6(a) no longer exist). To the extent that the Company is prohibited from paying accrued interest, that is required to be paid on any Junior Subordinated Note prior to maturity, due to the existence of any of the conditions set forth in Section 6(a)(i) or (ii), such interest shall be cumulated, compounded calendar quarterly, and accrued until and to the extent that such prohibition no longer exists, at which time such accrued interest shall be immediately paid.

7. Noncompetition; Nonsolicitation; Confidentiality .

To the extent that the Participant and the Company (or an Affiliate of the Company) is a party to an employment agreement with the Company containing noncompetition, nonsolicitation, noninterference or confidentiality restrictions (or two or more such restrictions), those restrictions and related enforcement provisions under such employment agreement shall govern and the following provisions of this Section 7 shall not apply.

(a) Competitive Activity.

(i) The Participant shall be deemed to have engaged in “ Competitive Activity ” if, during the period commencing on the date hereof and ending on the date that is 12 months after the date the Participant’s employment with the Company and its Subsidiaries is terminated (the “ Restricted Period ”), the Participant, whether on the Participant’s own behalf or on behalf of or in conjunction with any other person or entity, directly or indirectly violates any of the following prohibitions:

(A) During the Restricted Period, the Participant will not solicit or assist in soliciting in a Competitive Business (as defined below) the business of any client or prospective client:

(1) with whom the Participant had personal contact or dealings on behalf of the Company during the one-year period preceding the Participant’s termination of employment;

(2) with whom employees directly reporting to the Participant (or the Participant’s direct reports) have had personal contact or dealings on behalf of the

 

9


Company during the one year immediately preceding the Participant’s termination of employment; or

(3) for whom the Participant had direct or indirect responsibility during the one year immediately preceding the Participant’s termination of employment.

(B) During the Restricted Period, the Participant will not directly or indirectly:

(1) engage in any business that is engaged in, or has plans to engage in, at any time during the Restricted Period, any activity that competes in the business of manufacturing and marketing food products that directly compete with the core brands of the Company as of the Termination Date (and for such purpose, a “core brand” shall be any brand generating annual revenues in an amount equal to at least 10% of the Company’s annual revenues, in the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year of such Termination Date) in any geographical area that is within 100 miles from the Participant’s of any geographical area where the Company or its Affiliates manufactures and markets its products or services (a “ Competitive Business ”);

(2) enter the employ of, or render any services to, any Person (or any division or controlled or controlling affiliate of any Person) who or which engages in a Competitive Business;

(3) acquire a financial interest in, or otherwise become actively involved with, any Competitive Business, directly or indirectly, as an individual, partner, shareholder, officer, director, principal, agent, trustee or consultant; or

(4) interfere with, or attempt to interfere with, business relationships (whether formed before, on or after the date of this Agreement) between the Company or any of its Affiliates and customers, clients, suppliers, partners, members or investors of the Company or its Affiliates.

(C) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Participant may, directly or indirectly own, solely as an investment, securities of any Person engaged in a Competitive Business which are publicly traded on a national or regional stock exchange or on the over-the-counter market if the Participant (i) is not a controlling person of, or a member of a group which controls, such person and (ii) does not, directly or indirectly, own 5% or more of any class of securities of such Person.

(D) During the Restricted Period, the Participant will not, whether on the Participant’s own behalf or on behalf of or in conjunction with any Person, directly or indirectly:

(1) solicit or encourage any employee of the Company or its Affiliates to leave the employment of the Company or its Affiliates; or

 

10


(2) hire any such employee who was employed by the Company or its Affiliates as of the date of the Participant’s termination of employment with the Company or who left the employment of the Company or its Affiliates coincident with, or within 120 days (one year in the case of any such employee who reported directly to the Participant immediately preceding the Participant’s termination of employment (or the Participant’s direct reports)) prior to or after, the termination of the Participant’s employment with the Company.

(E) During the Restricted Period, the Participant will not, directly or indirectly, solicit or encourage to cease to work with the Company or its Affiliates any consultant then under contract with the Company or its Affiliates, is such action would result in the Company being disadvantaged.

Any solicitation or hiring, that the Participant is not personally involved in, of an employee or former employee of the Company through general advertising shall not, of itself, be a breach of this Section 7(a)(i)(E).

(ii) It is expressly understood and agreed that although the Participant and the Company consider the restrictions contained in this Section 7 to be reasonable, if a final judicial determination is made by a court of competent jurisdiction that the time or territory or any other restriction contained in this Agreement is an unenforceable restriction against the Participant, the provisions of this Agreement shall not be rendered void but shall be deemed amended to apply as to such maximum time and territory and to such maximum extent as such court may judicially determine or indicate to be enforceable. Alternatively, if any court of competent jurisdiction finds that any restriction contained in this Agreement is unenforceable, and such restriction cannot be amended so as to make it enforceable, such finding shall not affect the enforceability of any of the other restrictions contained herein

(iii) The period of time during which the provisions of this Section 7 shall be in effect shall be extended by the length of time during which the Participant is in breach of the terms hereof as determined by any court of competent jurisdiction on the Company’s application for injunctive relief.

(b) Confidentiality .

(i) The Participant will not at any time (whether during or after the Participant’s employment with the Company) (x) retain or use for the benefit, purposes or account of the Participant or any other person; or (y) disclose, divulge, reveal, communicate, share, transfer or provide access to any person outside the Company (other than its professional advisers who are bound by confidentiality obligations), any non-public, proprietary or confidential information —including without limitation trade secrets, know-how, research and development, software, databases, inventions, processes, formulae, technology, designs and other intellectual property, information concerning finances, investments, profits, pricing, costs, products, services, vendors, customers, clients, partners, investors, personnel, compensation, recruiting, training, advertising, sales, marketing, promotions, government and regulatory activities and approvals —

 

11


concerning the past, current or future business, activities and operations of the Company, its Subsidiaries or Affiliates and/or any third party that has disclosed or provided any of same to the Company on a confidential basis (“ Confidential Information ”) without the prior written authorization of the Board.

(ii) “Confidential Information” shall not include any information that is (i) generally known to the industry or the public other than as a result of the Participant’s breach of this covenant or any breach of other confidentiality obligations by third parties; (ii) made legitimately available to the Participant by a third party without breach of any confidentiality obligation; or (iii) required by law to be disclosed (including via subpoena); provided that the Participant shall give prompt written notice to the Company of such requirement of law, disclose no more information than is so required, and cooperate, at the Company’s cost, with any attempts by the Company to obtain a protective order or similar treatment.

(iii) Except as required by law, the Participant will not disclose to anyone, other than the Participant’s immediate family and legal or financial advisors, the existence or contents of this Agreement (unless this Agreement shall be publicly available as a result of a regulatory filing made by the Company or its Affiliates) or otherwise is disclosed by the Company to any unaffiliated party that is not under a restriction of confidentiality at least as restrictive as this restriction upon the Participant; provided, that the Participant may disclose to any prospective future employer any the termination notice provisions under any agreement between the Participant and the Company (or an Affiliate of the Company) and the provisions of this Sections 7 provided they agree to maintain the confidentiality of such terms.

(iv) Upon termination of the Participant’s employment with the Company for any reason, the Participant shall (x) cease and not thereafter commence use of any Confidential Information or intellectual property (including without limitation, any patent, invention, copyright, trade secret, trademark, trade name, logo, domain name or other source indicator) owned or used by the Company, its Subsidiaries or Affiliates; (y) immediately destroy, delete, or return to the Company, at the Company’s option, all originals and copies in any form or medium (including memoranda, books, papers, plans, computer files, letters and other data) in the Participant’s possession or control (including any of the foregoing stored or located in the Participant’s office, home, laptop or other computer, whether or not Company property) that contain Confidential Information or otherwise relate to the business of the Company, its Affiliates and Subsidiaries, except that the Participant may retain only those portions of any personal notes, notebooks and diaries that do not contain any Confidential Information and his or her rolodex (or other physical or electronic address book); and (z) fully cooperate with the Company regarding the delivery or destruction of any other Confidential Information not within the Participant’s possession or control of which the Participant is or becomes aware.

(c) Repayment of Proceeds . If the Participant engages in Competitive Activity or breaches the confidentiality provisions of Section 7(b), then the Participant shall be required to pay to the Company, within ten business days following the first date on which the Participant engages in such Competitive Activity or first breaches such provisions, an amount equal to the

 

12


excess, if any, of (A) the aggregate after-tax proceeds (taking into account all amounts of tax that would be recoverable upon a claim of loss for payment of such proceeds in the year of repayment) the Participant received upon the sale or other disposition of, or distributions in respect of, the Participant’s Units over (B) the aggregate Cost of such Units.

8. No Right to Continued Employment . Neither the Plan nor this Agreement shall be construed as giving the Participant the right to be retained in the employ of, or in any consulting relationship to, the Company or any Affiliate. Further, the Company or any Affiliate may at any time dismiss the Participant or discontinue any consulting relationship, free from any liability or any claim under the Plan or this Agreement, except as otherwise expressly provided herein.

9. Legend on Certificates . The certificates representing the Shares purchased by exercise of an Option shall be subject to such stop transfer orders and other restrictions as the Committee may deem advisable under the Plan or the rules, regulations, and other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any stock exchange upon which such Shares are listed or quoted or market to which the Shares are admitted for trading and, any applicable federal or state or any other applicable laws and the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, and the Committee may cause a legend or legends to be put on any such certificates to make appropriate reference to such restrictions.

10. Transferability . An Option may not be assigned, alienated, pledged, attached, sold or otherwise transferred or encumbered by the Participant otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and any such purported assignment, alienation, pledge, attachment, sale, transfer or encumbrance shall be void and unenforceable against the Company or any Affiliate; provided that the designation of a beneficiary shall not constitute an assignment, alienation, pledge, attachment, sale, transfer or encumbrance. No such permitted transfer of the an Option to heirs or legatees of the Participant shall be effective to bind the Company unless the Committee shall have been furnished with written notice thereof and a copy of such evidence as the Committee may deem necessary to establish the validity of the transfer and the acceptance by the transferee or transferees of the terms and conditions thereof. During the Participant’s lifetime, an Option is exercisable only by the Participant.

11. Withholding . The Participant may be required to pay to the Company or any Affiliate and the Company or its Affiliates shall have the right and are authorized to withhold any applicable withholding taxes in respect of an Option, its exercise, or any payment or transfer under or with respect to an Option and to take such other action as may be necessary in the opinion of the Committee to satisfy all obligations for the payment of such withholding taxes. The Participant may elect to pay any or all of such withholding taxes as provided in Section 4 of the Plan.

12. Securities Laws . Upon the acquisition of any Shares pursuant to the exercise of an Option, the Participant will make or enter into such written representations, warranties and agreements as the Committee may reasonably request in order to comply with applicable securities laws or with this Agreement.

 

13


13. Notices . Any notice under this Agreement shall be addressed to the Company in care of its Treasurer and a copy to the General Counsel, each copy addressed to the principal Participant office of the Company and to the Participant at the address appearing in the personnel records of the Company for the Participant or to either party at such other address as either party hereto may hereafter designate in writing to the other. Any such notice shall be deemed effective upon receipt thereof by the addressee.

14. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to conflicts of laws.

15. Options Subject to Plan, Securityholders Agreement . By entering into this Agreement the Participant agrees and acknowledges that, upon exercise of an Option and prior to receipt of Shares, the Participant will be required to become a party to the Securityholders Agreement. The Participant further acknowledges that the Participant has received and read a copy of the Plan and the Securityholders Agreement. An Option and the Shares received upon exercise of an Option are subject to the Plan and the Securityholders Agreement. The terms and provisions of the Plan and the Securityholders Agreement, as each may be amended from time to time are hereby incorporated by reference. In the event of a conflict between any term or provision contained herein and a term or provision of the Plan or the Securityholders Agreement, the applicable terms and provisions of the Plan or the Securityholders Agreement will govern and prevail. In the event of a conflict between any term or provision of the Plan and any term or provision of the Securityholders Agreement, the applicable terms and provisions of the Securityholders Agreement will govern and prevail.

16. Amendment . The Committee may waive any conditions or rights under, amend any terms of, or alter, suspend, discontinue, cancel or terminate this Agreement, but no such waiver, amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuance, cancellation or termination shall materially adversely affect the rights of the participant hereunder without the consent of the Participant.

17. Signature in Counterparts . This Agreement may be signed in counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument.

[ The remainder of this page intentionally left blank .]

 

14


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed and delivered by the parties hereto.

 

CRUNCH HOLDING CORP.
By  

 

Its  

 

[INSERT NAME OF PARTICIPANT]

 

 

15


Schedule A

The number of Shares subject to each Option is set forth below:

Time Option:

Performance Option:

Exit Option:


Schedule B

EBITDA Targets

 

Fiscal Year    

  

EBITDA Target*

  

Cumulative EBITDA Target

        (dollars in millions)    (dollars in millions)
          
          
          
          
          

* The EBITDA Target shall not be charged with any severance expense or cost in connection with the Acquisition that is not projected as of the consummation of the Acquisition.

EBITDA with respect to any fiscal period shall be as determined in good faith by the Board. EBITDA Targets and Cumulative EBITDA Targets will be adjusted from time to time by the Board as it deems necessary in light of acquisitions, dispositions and other transactions that impact the Company’s operations.

 

17

Exhibit 10.21

TRADEMARK LICENSE AGREEMENT

This Agreement is made and entered into on this 9th day of July, 1996 by and between The Quaker Oats Company, a New Jersey corporation with its principal place of business at 321 North Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60610, The Quaker Oats Company of Canada Limited, an Ontario limited company with its principal place of business at Quaker Park, Hunter Street East, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 7B2 (to be referred to collectively or individually, as the context may require, as “Licensor”) and Van de Kamp’s, Inc., a Delaware corporation with its principal place of business at 1000 St. Louis Union Station, Suite 200, Saint Louis, Missouri 63103 (hereinafter “Licensee”).

WHEREAS, Licensor and Licensee are parties to an Asset Purchase and Sale Agreement dated May 15, 1996, as supplemented by Supplement No. 1 thereto of even date herewith (the “Purchase Agreement”) under which Licensee has purchased certain assets from Licensor and under which the parties have agreed that Licensee will be granted a license to use the trademarks listed on Exhibit A (the “Trademarks”) in the Territory (as hereinafter defined) on certain products.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the rights and obligations set forth herein and in the Purchase Agreement, the adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

 

1. Grant of Rights .

 

  A. Licensor grants to Licensee the exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual right to use the Trademarks in those countries and jurisdictions in which they are respectively registered and in countries and jurisdictions to which the rights granted hereunder are extended pursuant to Paragraph 6 hereof (the “Territory”) in connection with the manufacture and sale of the following frozen food products: waffles, pancakes, french toast, pancake batter, biscuits, muffins, strudel, croissants and all other frozen breakfast products, with the exception of frozen cereals (the “Licensed Products”). During the term of this Agreement, Licensor shall not manufacture or sell, or license another party to manufacture or sell, anywhere in the world, frozen products bearing the Aunt Jemima brand, including, without limitation, the Trademarks, provided, however, that Licensor may continue to use, for up to six months following the date hereof, the Trademarks on and in connection with frozen biscuits and frozen muffin batter which Licensor sells in the food service channel. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prohibit or prevent Licensor from manufacturing or selling, or licensing another party to manufacture or sell, non-frozen products bearing the Aunt Jemima brand, including, without limitation, the Trademarks. The parties acknowledge that all rights, licenses and privileges not specifically granted herein are excluded from this Agreement.

 

  B. If, within five (5) years of the date of execution of this Agreement,

 

  (i) Licensor decides to offer for sale, by soliciting offers in a sale process, any or all of its remaining Aunt Jemima branded businesses (the “Branded Business”); and


 

(ii)

to the extent the Branded Businesses are being offered for sale with one or more non-Aunt Jemima branded businesses, and the Aunt Jemima Branded Businesses constitute 66-  2 / 3 % or more of the Net Sales (as that term is defined in Paragraph 9 hereof) of the business(es) Licensor is offering for sale at such time; then

Licensor shall include Licensee in the sale process as a prospective buyer on the same terms and conditions as it includes other prospective buyers. Licensor, in its sole discretion, shall determine which offer, if any, it will accept in the sale process. Under no circumstances shall Licensor be obligated to accept any offer from Licensee. Licensee acknowledges and agrees that (a) Licensor is free to conduct the process leading up to a possible sale of its Branded Business as Licensor, in its sole discretion, determines (including, without limitation, by negotiating with any prospective buyer and entering into a preliminary or definitive agreement without prior notice to Licensee or any other person), (b) Licensor reserves the right, in Licensor’s sole discretion, to change the procedures relating to Licensor’s consideration of a sale of such business at any time without prior notice to Licensee or any other person, to reject any and all proposals made by Licensee with regard to any sale of the business, and to terminate discussions and negotiations with Licensee at any time and for any reason and (c) except for the obligations set forth in the first sentence of this paragraph, unless and until a written definitive agreement concerning the sale of such business has been executed, Licensor will have no liability to Licensee with respect to such business or the contemplated sale of such business, whether by virtue of this Agreement or any other written or oral expression with respect to any such sale or otherwise.

 

2. Restrictions On and Covenants Of Licensor .

 

  A. Subject to Paragraph 1A, Licensor shall be free to display the Trademarks on or in relation to any of its products in such forms or manners as Licensor may choose, provided that any such use shall be in accordance with prevailing community mores and standards of good taste.

 

  B. Licensor will use reasonable efforts to maintain in full force and effect any and all registrations of the Trademarks in jurisdictions or countries where Licensor is selling Aunt Jemima branded products. In jurisdictions or countries where Licensor is not selling Aunt Jemima branded products, Licensor will, at Licensee’s request, assist Licensee, as reasonably necessary, to maintain registrations of the Trademarks, provided, however, that all costs associated with such maintenance shall be borne by Licensee. In all cases, registrations shall be made and maintained in the name of Licensor and all use of the Trademarks shall inure to the benefit of Licensor.

 

3. Quality Control .

 

  A.

It is acknowledged that the Trademarks indicate to the public that products sold under the Trademarks are of a commercially consistent quality and standard. Licensee shall manufacture the Licensed Products in accordance with written formulae and specifications which have been approved by Licensor (together, the “Specifications”),

 

2


 

such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Subject to the provisions of this Paragraph 3A, Licensee shall have the right to modify the Specifications of existing Licensed Products, or to create formulae and specifications for new product offerings within the definition of the Licensed Products, so long as such modifications are not likely to have a material adverse effect on the quality of the Licensed Products and so long as such modifications to existing Specifications and the creation of new formulae and specifications do not have a material adverse effect on the reputation of the Trademarks (collectively, an “Adverse Effect”). Licensee shall notify Licensor of proposed modifications to existing Specifications and of the creation of new formulae and specifications, provided, however, that Licensee need only notify Licensor of modifications to existing Specifications if such modifications necessitate a change to Licensee’s packaging or ingredient labeling. If, in the reasonable judgment of Licensor, such modified or newly created formulae and specifications would be likely to have an Adverse Effect, Licensor shall, within thirty (30) days after receiving such notice from Licensee, notify Licensee of any objection to the modified or newly created formulae and specifications. Failure to respond within such time shall be deemed to constitute approval by Licensor. In the event of such notice, Licensor and Licensee shall attempt in good faith to reconcile their differences and to resolve the matter through discussion and negotiation. If, despite the parties’ good faith attempts to resolve their differences, the matter remains unresolved forty-five (45) days after Licensor notifies Licensee of its objections, either party may submit the dispute to binding arbitration, which shall be conducted as provided in Paragraph 3B below. For purposes of this Agreement, “Specifications” shall refer only to specifications and formulae which have been approved for use by Licensor pursuant to the provisions of this Paragraph. Licensor expressly acknowledges and agrees that nothing in this Agreement gives Licensor any rights to or interest in the Specifications or any other proprietary materials owned by Licensee related to or used in connection with the Licensed Products and that all such information shall be considered confidential information subject to Paragraph 17.

 

  B.

Licensee and Licensor agree that, in the event that there is a disagreement with regard to Paragraph 3A, Paragraph 4C or Paragraph 5B(iii), senior management of the parties will meet and negotiate in good faith in an attempt to resolve the dispute. In the event that the parties are unable to resolve the dispute within thirty (30) days from the date of written notice of disagreement, either party may submit the dispute to binding arbitration, which shall be conducted as follows: (i) the arbitration panel shall be composed of three arbitrators, one appointed by Licensee, one appointed by Licensor and one chosen by the arbitrators appointed by Licensor and Licensee, provided, however, the third arbitrator shall be an independent third party knowledgeable in marketing and food product sales and mutually satisfactory to Licensor and Licensee; (ii) the arbitrators, in conducting such arbitration, shall have access to all relevant documents and records of the parties; (iii) the arbitration shall be conducted in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association (the “Rules) in effect on the date such arbitration is commenced and shall be final and binding on the parties; and (iv) unless, otherwise agreed, all arbitration proceedings shall be conducted in New York City, New York in English. In the event a

 

3


 

mutually satisfactory third arbitrator is not appointed within thirty (30) days of submission of a dispute to binding arbitration, appointment of the third arbitrator shall be as provided in the Rules, provided, however, that the third arbitrator so appointed shall be an independent third party knowledgeable in marketing and food product sales. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the arbitration panel shall have no power or authority to order the termination of the license or this Agreement for any reason whatsoever. If either party concludes in good faith that the quality of a product being sold by the other party bearing any of the Trademarks presents a material health hazard, such party shall have the right, notwithstanding the negotiation and arbitration provisions set forth above, to seek an injunction in a court of competent jurisdiction to cause the other party to cease manufacturing, sale or distribution of the offending product, or to recall already distributed product.

 

  C. Licensee covenants and agrees that the Licensed Products shall be manufactured and sold in conformance with the Specifications and with good manufacturing practices, as that term is used in the United States in 21 C.F.R. §11.0 and as defined elsewhere, where applicable, by law and that the Licensed Products shall be truthfully and not misleadingly described, labeled and advertised. Each Licensed Product shall comply in all material respects with the labeling, packaging, advertising and other relevant laws and regulations of all countries and jurisdictions into which the Licensed Products may be directed by, or with the authority of, Licensee.

 

  D. On January 31 and July 31 of each year, and at such other times as Licensor may reasonably request, Licensee agrees to submit to Licensor a representative sample of each of the Licensed Products for examination and testing, provided, however, that it shall not be considered a material breach of this Agreement if Licensee fails to submit such samples unless such failure continues ten (10) days following Licensor’s request for such samples.

 

  E. Licensee shall permit Licensor or its authorized representatives to inspect, two (2) times per year (and such other number of times as Licensor may require if it has a reasonable basis to believe that such inspections are necessary for quality control) at any time during regular business hours, the relevant portion of the facilities where, and systems by which, Licensed Products are manufactured, packaged, shipped and/or held in order to verify that the Licensed Products are manufactured, packaged, shipped and held in compliance with this Agreement and with all applicable laws and regulations. Licensee may restrict access by Licensor’s representatives to those areas of Licensee’s facilities where the Licensed Products and ingredients and materials for the Licensed Products are manufactured, packaged, tested, shipped or stored.

 

  F.

Within ten (10) business days after receipt thereof, Licensee shall notify Licensor of each consumer complaint that it receives alleging that a Licensed Product has caused adverse health effects or injury requiring treatment by a physician where such a complaint might reasonably result in a materially adverse effect on the Trademarks. Licensor and Licensee shall meet, upon the reasonable request by either party, to

 

4


 

determine how consumer complaints will be handled or remedied. Licensee shall bear all of its costs and expenses associated with handling and/or remedying consumer complaints that arise in connection with the Licensed Products, provided, however, that nothing in this Paragraph shall relieve Licensee of its obligation to reimburse and/or indemnify Licensor for all costs or expenses borne by Licensor in connection with a Product Event or Third Party Action pursuant to Paragraphs 10 and 11. Licensee shall provide Licensor, no later than January 31 and July 31 of each year, with a report of all consumer complaints, litigation and unresolved complaints regarding the Licensed Products during the preceding two calendar quarters and shall provide such reports at such other times as reasonably requested by Licensor. All reports provided under this Paragraph 3F shall be considered to be confidential information subject to the provisions of Paragraph 17.

 

  G. Licensee shall maintain a product safety plan which includes provisions for the control of chemical, physical, allergenic and microbiological hazards, including effectiveness checks and records. Licensee shall further maintain a traceable lot system, from ingredient and package material receipt through delivery to the customer, for the Licensed Products and shall maintain positive product release, product hold, product recall and crisis management procedures. All of the plans, systems and procedures described in this Paragraph 3G shall be consistent with generally accepted good practice for food enterprises engaged in the manufacture and distribution of frozen products. Upon Licensor’s reasonable request, Licensee will provide Licensor with each of the plans, systems and procedures described above. All information provided under this Paragraph 3G shall be considered to be confidential information subject to the provisions of Paragraph 17.

 

  H. Licensee further agrees to maintain all records relating to Specifications, nutrition information, consumer complaints, litigation, code dating, manufacturing and product defects for the Licensed Products and shall make such records available to Licensor for inspection upon Licensor’s reasonable requests. Such records shall be maintained for a period of no less than three (3) years after the matter to which they pertain is closed. All records provided under this Paragraph 3H shall be considered to be confidential information subject to the provisions of Paragraph 17.

 

  I. Licensee shall package the Licensed Products in tamper evident packaging. Further, Licensee shall routinely conduct compatibility testing to ensure that no packaging or packaging inks impart to the Licensed Products any odors or chemicals in contravention of applicable laws or any unintended or undesirable odors or chemicals which would be perceptible to the consumer.

 

  J. Licensee may, without Licensor’s prior written consent, use a third party manufacturer to manufacture the Licensed Products provided that use of any such third party manufacturer shall not relieve Licensee of any of its obligations hereunder.

 

5


  K. Approval or acquiescence by Licensor in connection with any examination, testing, or inspection pursuant to this Paragraph 3 shall not, in any manner, waive or limit Licensee’s responsibility to comply with all relevant terms and conditions of this Agreement and with all laws and regulations applicable to Licensee’s exercise of the rights granted by this Agreement.

 

4. Packaging and Advertising .

 

  A. All labels, packaging and advertising materials bearing any Trademark shall include a statement which, in the reasonable judgment of Licensor, sets forth an appropriate statement of the relationship between Licensor and Licensee and which indicates that the Trademark is owned by Licensor and is being used under license.

 

  B. All advertising campaigns, advertisements, packaging and promotional activities for the Licensed Products, including the use of particular publications, programs and other media, shall be in accordance with prevailing community mores and standards of good taste. Use of the Aunt Jemima brand in advertising campaigns, advertisements, packaging and promotional activities shall conform in all material respects with the image of the Aunt Jemima brand portrayed by Licensor. More specifically, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Aunt Jemima character shall be depicted only on packaging and reproductions of packaging and shall never be personified in any manner, including without limitation, through a living person or in the form of dolls, models, cartoons or caricatures.

 

  C.

Licensee shall submit to Licensor samples of all proposed labels, packaging, advertising and promotional materials bearing the Trademarks at least thirty (30) days prior to their intended first use. Licensor shall approve or disapprove Licensee’s use of such materials no later than ten (10) business days after receipt of the proposed materials from Licensee. Failure to respond within that time shall be deemed to constitute approval by Licensor. Licensor may only withhold approval if Licensee’s use of such material would violate a provision in this Agreement. If Licensor does not grant approval for use of labels, packaging, advertising or promotional materials, either party may submit the dispute to binding arbitration, which shall be conducted as provided in Paragraph 3B. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that there are no material changes to printed advertising or promotional materials from previously approved printed advertising or promotional materials, as the case may be, Licensee need not submit such new materials for prior approval, provided, however, that Licensee submit such materials to Licensor within thirty (30) days of the date such materials are used. If, following receipt of such materials, Licensor believes the use of such materials violates a provision of this Agreement, either party may submit such dispute to binding arbitration which shall be conducted as provided in Paragraph 3B. Licensor hereby consents to the use by Licensee of the color scheme being used as of the date of this Agreement by Licensor on its corresponding Aunt Jemima branded dry mix products for use by Licensee in connection with the Licensed Products, provided, however, that approval of all proposed labels, packaging, advertising and promotional materials remains subject to all other terms and conditions of this Agreement and Licensor’s consent to use of a color scheme does not

 

6


 

relieve Licensee of its obligation to submit all materials to Licensor for approval, as set forth above. Approval by Licensor hereunder shall not, in any manner, waive or limit Licensee’s responsibility to comply with all relevant terms and conditions of this Agreement and all laws and regulations regarding such labels, advertising, packaging and promotional materials.

 

  D. The Interim Trademark License Agreement between Licensor and Licensee dated the date hereof (the “Interim Trademark License Agreement”) shall supersede Paragraphs 4A and 4C herein with respect to packaging, labeling, advertising and promotional materials in existence at the date of this Agreement.

 

5. New Trademarks .

 

  A. Licensor acknowledges that Licensee may, at any time during the term of this Agreement, desire to use a new trademark (i.e., any distinctive words, letters, numerals, symbols, designs, shapes, color schemes and/or combinations thereof) on or in connection with the Licensed Products. If the new trademark includes any word or design which is common to a word or design that comprises an element of any Trademark, such new trademark shall be considered to be an “Associated Trademark.” Licensee may not use an Associated Trademark without the prior written approval of Licensor, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. All Associated Trademarks which have been approved by Licensor and which are used or registered will be considered Trademarks for purposes of this Agreement. Exhibit A shall be deemed amended to include Associated Trademarks that are approved by Licensor. Licensor may, or at the request of Licensee shall, apply to register any or all such Associated Trademarks. All such Associated Trademarks shall be owned solely by Licensor or, at the direction of Licensor, one of Licensor’s affiliates. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Licensee shall bear all costs and expenses associated with the development, use, registration and maintenance of the Associated Trademarks, including but not limited to, determining such trademark’s availability and registering such trademark. Licensee and Licensor shall cooperate in attempting to obtain appropriate trademark registrations for the Associated Trademarks.

 

  B.

(i) Subject to the restrictions set forth in Paragraph 4, if Licensee desires to use on or in connection with the Licensed Products, a new trademark which does not include any word or design which is common to a word or design that comprises an element of any Trademark, such new trademark shall be considered to be an “Unassociated Trademark.” Unassociated Trademarks shall be used by Licensee, on or in connection with the Licensed Products (a) only when, as and if approved in writing by Licensor, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed and (b) only on or in connection with the specific Licensed Product for which approval has been granted. Licensee shall bear all costs and expenses associated with development, use, registration and maintenance of the Unassociated Trademark, including but not limited to, the costs of determining such trademark’s availability, protection of the trademark and any costs and expenses associated with any charges of infringement relating to such

 

7


 

Unassociated Trademark. All Unassociated Trademarks shall be owned solely by Licensee and all use shall inure to the benefit of Licensee.

 

  (ii) Subject to the following sentences, Licensee shall not use any Unassociated Trademark as a co-brand (whether as a “house” mark, “umbrella” mark or otherwise) on or in connection with any of the Licensed Products (hereinafter “Co-Brand”). If Licensee uses any Co-Brand, then, except as set forth otherwise herein, this Agreement shall automatically terminate two years from the date Licensee first begins use of such Co-Brand in any jurisdiction, provided, however, that if Licensee uses a Co-Brand and ceases such use within eighteen (18) months of its first use of such Co-Brand (such 18-month period being referred to as the “Trial Period”), then this Agreement shall not so terminate. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Licensee may only use a Co-Brand during one Trial Period without triggering termination of this Agreement, provided, however, that in the event Licensor, its successors or assigns sells the Trademarks to a party which does not control, is not controlled by, is not under common control with, or is not a successor by merger or consolidation with Licensor, Licensee shall be entitled to one Trial Period regardless of whether Licensee has previously used a Trial Period with a prior owner of the Trademarks and provided further, that Licensee shall never be entitled to more than one Trial Period during the time the Trademarks remain under the ownership of a party which controls, is controlled by, is under common control with, or is a successor by merger or consolidation with Licensor.

 

  (iii) For the avoidance of doubt, Licensor shall notify Licensee, in writing, (a) when, incident to Licensor’s review of labeling, packaging, advertising or promotional materials in accordance with Paragraph 4C, Licensor determines that an Unassociated Trademark is proposed to be used as a Co-Brand, or (b) at such other time as Licensor has reasonable basis to believe Licensee is using a Co-Brand. If, after receiving such notice pursuant to Paragraph 5B(iii)(a) or 5B(iii)(b), Licensee does not believe it is proposing to use or using a Co-Brand, as the case may be, then Licensee may submit the matter, within five (5) days of receipt of such notice, to binding arbitration which shall be conducted as provided in Paragraph 3B. If Licensee ceases use of a Co-Brand within ninety (90) days of receiving notice of the Co-Brand from Licensor or, if the matter is submitted to arbitration, within ninety (90) days of receiving a decision from the arbitration panel deeming Licensee’s use to be a Co-Brand, then such limited use shall not be deemed to be use of a Co-Brand or a Trial Period, as defined herein.

 

  (iv)

Any use of a Co-Brand which use lasts longer than eighteen (18) months shall result in automatic termination of this Agreement two (2) years following the date such Co-Brand was first used on any Licensed Product. Any use of a Co-Brand which use follows an earlier Trial Period (where both the Trial Period and the later use occur while the same party or a party which controls, is controlled by, is under common control with, or is a successor by merger or consolidation with the same party, owns the Trademarks) shall result in automatic termination of this

 

8


 

Agreement two years from the date Licensee began use of the Co-Brand during the latter time period. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, once terminated pursuant to this Section 5B, nothing, including the transfer, sale or assignment of the Trademarks to a successive owner, shall revive the license, create any rights in Licensee or its successors or assigns, or create any liabilities in Licensor or its successors or assigns.

 

6. New Countries .

 

  A. Subject to the other provisions herein, if Licensee desires to sell the Licensed Products in countries or jurisdictions outside the Territory from time to time, Licensor and Licensee shall cooperate in attempting to obtain the appropriate trademark registrations in those countries or jurisdictions. If Licensor owns a valid and subsisting registration of the Aunt Jemima brand and character in forms consistent with then-current approved usage in any country or jurisdiction in which Licensee desires to sell the Licensed Products, then such registration shall be deemed to be a Trademark. Licensee shall bear all costs and expenses associated with use and registration of Trademarks in such new countries or jurisdictions, including, but not limited to, the costs of determining the availability of the Trademarks and protection of the Trademarks. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all such new Trademarks will be owned solely by, and registered in the name of, Licensor or at the direction of Licensor, one of Licensor’s affiliates. Exhibit A shall be deemed amended to include Trademarks that are registered, or to which use is extended, in additional countries pursuant hereto. Furthermore, to the extent such sales are permitted by law in such new country or jurisdiction, this provision shall not be construed to prevent or otherwise restrict Licensee from selling Licensed Products in such new country or jurisdiction pending registration of the relevant Trademarks in the new country or jurisdiction.

 

  B. If the applicable law of any country or jurisdiction permits or requires the registration of Licensee as a user of the Trademarks, Licensee agrees to execute, at its sole cost and expense, such instruments or documents as may be necessary or proper to effect such registration.

 

7. No Changes to Trademarks .

Licensee shall use the Trademarks only in the form in which they are registered and not make any changes to the graphic representation of the Trademarks or the font or type face in which the Trademarks are portrayed without Licensor’s prior written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Should Licensor modify the graphic representation of the Trademarks or materially modify the font or type face in which the Trademarks are portrayed for use on its products, then Licensee shall also use such modified version in connection with the Licensed Products. In such event, Licensor shall provide Licensee with all appropriate artwork and graphics. Licensee shall be given a reasonable period of time in which to change all packaging and advertising for the Licensed Products to show the modified version and shall be permitted to sell all Licensed Products, consistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, which are manufactured or packaged prior to the time Licensee changes its packaging and advertising to show the modified version.

 

9


8. Trademark Ownership and Protection .

Licensee acknowledges and agrees that Licensor is, and Licensor (or, where applicable, an affiliate of Licensor) or its successors or assigns shall remain, the owner of the Trademarks. Licensee shall acquire no ownership interest in the Trademarks through this Agreement or otherwise. Each party shall fully cooperate with the other party in efforts to obtain, perfect and enforce Licensor’s rights in the Trademarks. Licensee agrees that it shall not, in any country or jurisdiction, register or attempt to register any Trademark. Licensee further agrees that it shall not, in any country or jurisdiction, use, register or attempt to register any other trademark or trade name which is confusingly similar to any Trademark. Licensee shall not contest or assist any other party in contesting the validity of Licensor’s ownership of the Trademarks.

 

9. Trademark Infringement and Defense .

 

  A. Except as otherwise provided in this Paragraph 9A, Licensor shall have the right to control the prosecution and settlement of any action, suit, opposition or other proceeding (collectively, “Proceeding”) respecting any infringement, dilution, tarnishment, unfair competition or passing off by a third party of, or with respect to, any Trademarks (collectively, “Infringement”) including, without limitation, the decision whether to initiate a Proceeding, provided, however, that in the event Licensor initiates any Proceeding, Licensor shall promptly (a) notify Licensee of any material developments with respect to such Proceeding, (b) deliver to Licensee a copy of all pleadings, correspondence and other material documents respecting such Proceeding, and (c) notify Licensee of any offers of settlement related to such Proceeding which it receives or which it proposes to make. Licensor shall not offer, or accept any offer of, a settlement that contains any material term or condition other than the receipt or payment of money by Licensor, which settlement would have a material adverse impact on the Trademarks in connection with the Licensed Products, without the prior written consent of Licensee, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

Each party shall promptly notify the other party of any Infringement which comes to its attention. Licensor shall within thirty (30) days from the date it receives notice from Licensee of an Infringement notify Licensee of its decision as to whether it will initiate a Proceeding. If Licensor elects not to initiate a Proceeding or does not give timely notice to Licensee of its decision with regard thereto, Licensee shall be authorized to initiate a Proceeding at its sole cost and expense; provided however, that Licensee shall promptly (a) notify Licensor of any material developments with respect to such Proceeding, (b) deliver to Licensor a copy of all pleadings, correspondence and other material documents respecting such Proceeding and (c) notify Licensor of any offers of settlement related to such Proceeding which it receives or which it proposes to make. Licensee shall not offer, or accept any offer of, a settlement that contains any material term or condition other than the receipt or payment of money by Licensee without the prior written consent of Licensor, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

 

10


At any time, upon five (5) days notice to Licensee, Licensor may elect to assume the control of any Proceeding initiated by Licensee, provided Licensor is selling Aunt Jemima branded products in the relevant jurisdiction or country. If Licensor so elects, the aggregate costs of the Proceeding shall be apportioned in accordance with Subparagraphs (i) or (iii) of this Paragraph 9A.

Licensor and Licensee shall cooperate to provide documents and information in connection with any Proceeding.

Except as provided otherwise in this Paragraph 9, the following principles of cost and damage recovery shall apply to Infringements:

 

  (i) If an Infringement is attributed to any product in a country or jurisdiction where both Licensor and Licensee are selling Aunt Jemima branded products or have sold such products within the three most recent calendar years, then Licensor and Licensee shall share the costs of any Proceeding respecting such Infringement and shall share in any recovery of damages or other monetary relief relating thereto, both in proportion to the respective average annual gross sales minus discounts, returns and allowances (“Net Sales”) of each party’s products under the Aunt Jemima brand during the three most recent calendar years in the relevant country or jurisdiction;

 

  (ii) If an Infringement is attributed to any product in a country or jurisdiction where Licensee, but not Licensor, is selling Aunt Jemima branded products, then Licensee shall bear the costs of any Proceeding respecting such Infringement and shall be entitled to any recovery of damages or other monetary relief relating thereto; and

 

  (iii) If an Infringement is attributed to any product in a country or jurisdiction where Licensee is not selling Aunt Jemima branded products and has not sold such products within the three most recent calendar years, then Licensor shall bear the costs of any Proceeding respecting such Infringement and shall be entitled to any recovery of damages or other monetary relief relating thereto.

 

  B.

Except as otherwise provided in this Paragraph 9B, Licensor shall have the right to control the defense and settlement of any action, suit, opposition or other proceeding (collectively, “Infringement Defenses”) respecting any allegation by a third party of infringement, dilution, tarnishment, unfair competition or passing off of rights of such third party by, or with respect to, any Trademarks (collectively, “Claim”) including, without limitation, the decision whether to undertake an Infringement Defense, provided however, that in the event Licensor undertakes any Infringement Defense, Licensor shall promptly (a) notify Licensee of any material developments with respect to such Infringement Defense, (b) deliver to Licensee a copy of all pleadings, correspondence and other material documents respecting such Infringement Defense, and (c) notify Licensee of any offers of settlement related to such Infringement Defense which it receives or

 

11


 

which it proposes to make. Licensor shall not offer, or accept any offer of, a settlement that contains any material term or condition other than the receipt or payment of money by Licensor, which settlement would have a material adverse impact on the Trademarks in connection with the Licensed Products, without the prior written consent of Licensee, which consent shall be not unreasonably withheld or delayed.

Each party shall promptly notify the other party of any Claim which comes to its attention. Licensor shall within thirty (30) days from the date it receives notice from Licensee of a Claim notify Licensee of its decision as to whether it will undertake the Infringement Defense respecting such Claim. If Licensor elects not to undertake the Infringement Defense or does not give timely notice to Licensee of its decision with regard thereto, Licensee shall be authorized to undertake the Infringement Defense at its sole cost and expense; provided however, that Licensee shall promptly (a) notify Licensor of any material developments with respect to such Infringement Defense, (b) deliver to Licensor a copy of all pleadings, correspondence and other material documents respecting such Infringement Defense and (c) notify Licensor of any offers of settlement related to such Claim which it receives or which it proposes to make. Licensee shall not offer, or accept any offer of, a settlement that contains any material term or condition other than the receipt or payment of money by Licensee without the prior written consent of Licensor, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

At any time, upon five (5) days notice to Licensee, Licensor may elect to assume the control of any Infringement Defense undertaken by Licensee, provided Licensor is selling Aunt Jemima branded products in the relevant jurisdiction or country. If Licensor so elects, the aggregate costs of the Infringement Defense shall be apportioned in accordance with Subparagraphs (i) or (iii) of this Paragraph 9B.

Licensor and Licensee shall cooperate to provide documents and information in connection with any Infringement Defense respecting a Claim.

Except as otherwise provided in this Paragraph 9B, the following principles of cost and liability shall apply to Infringement Defenses:

 

  (i) If a Claim is in a country or jurisdiction where both Licensor and Licensee are selling Aunt Jemima branded products or have sold such products within the three most recent calendar years, then Licensor and Licensee shall share the costs of any Infringement Defense respecting such Claim and shall each contribute to any award of damages or monetary settlement relating to such Claim, both in proportion to the respective average annual Net Sales of each party’s products under the Aunt Jemima brand during the three most recent calendar years in the relevant country or jurisdiction;

 

  (ii) If a Claim is in a country or jurisdiction where Licensee, but not Licensor, is selling Aunt Jemima branded products, then Licensee shall bear the costs of any Infringement Defense or settlement respecting such Claim and shall indemnify

 

12


     and hold Licensor harmless against any award of damages or other monetary relief relating thereto; and

 

  (iii) If a Claim is in a country or jurisdiction where Licensee is not selling Aunt Jemima branded products and has not sold such products within the three most recent calendar years, then Licensor shall bear the costs of any Infringement Defense respecting such Claim and shall indemnify and hold Licensee harmless against any award of damages or other monetary relief relating thereto, provided however, that if such Claim arises as a result of an application for registration or other occurrence arising from an intention of Licensee to commence the sale of Licensed Products in such country or jurisdiction then Licensee shall bear the costs of any Infringement Defense respecting such Claim and shall indemnify and hold Licensor harmless against any award of damages or other monetary relief relating thereto.

 

  C. For the purposes of calculating Net Sales as set forth in Paragraphs 9(A)(i) and 9(B)(i), during the first three years of this Agreement, sales of the Licensed Products in any country or jurisdiction by Licensor shall be attributed to Licensee.

 

10. Non-Conforming or Unsafe Product and Product Emergencies .

 

  A. Licensee acknowledges that Licensor has an overriding interest in protecting the reputation of the Trademarks. Accordingly, if Licensee, at any time, has a reasonable basis to believe that any Licensed Product is materially mislabeled or does not otherwise conform to federal, state or local labeling or manufacturing requirements, or presents any threat to the public health or safety, or is otherwise not in full conformity with all applicable laws and has been released into the stream of commerce (any of such occurrences being a “Product Event”), Licensee shall immediately notify Licensor of the facts giving rise to such belief or suspicion. Similarly, Licensee shall immediately upon its becoming aware thereof, notify Licensor of any actual, threatened or proposed action, by any governmental agency, consumer or environmental group, media or other organization or any individual(s), directed toward removing any quantity of any Licensed Products from any markets (a “Third Party Action”). In all such cases, Licensee shall closely coordinate with Licensor with respect to any actions Licensee or Licensor might take or permit, and in respect to all public statements either party might make regarding the Product Event or Third Party Action.

 

  B. Any and all expenses relating to any Product Event, Third Party Action, or to any recall or retrieval of Licensed Products shall be borne by Licensee, including but not limited to, the cost of labor in removing the Licensed Products from retailers, wholesalers, distributors and warehouses having possession thereof, all costs for reimbursement of such parties, all costs for disposal of the Licensed Products and all other expenses and costs actually incurred in connection with such Product Event, Third Party Action, recall or retrieval.

 

13


.11. Indemnification.

 

  A. Licensor and its officers, directors, employees, agents, successors and assigns shall be indemnified and held harmless by Licensee from any and all liabilities, losses, damages, claims, costs and expenses, interest, awards, judgments and penalties (including reasonable legal costs and expenses) actually suffered or incurred by Licensor and actually arising out of or resulting from:

 

  (i) the breach of any covenant by Licensee contained herein; or

 

  (ii) any actual or alleged destruction of property, injury, death, loss or damage arising out of the manufacture, distribution, advertising, sale or consumption of the Licensed Products.

 

  B. Licensee and its officers, directors, employees, agents, successors and assigns shall be indemnified and held harmless by Licensor from any and all liabilities, losses, damages, claims, costs and expenses, interest, awards, judgments and penalties (including reasonable legal costs and expenses) actually suffered or incurred by Licensee and actually arising out of or resulting from:

 

  (i) the breach of any covenant by Licensor contained herein; or

 

  (ii) any actual or alleged destruction of property, injury, death, loss or damage arising out of the manufacture, distribution, advertising, sale or consumption of Licensor’s sale of product bearing the Trademarks.

 

  C. Licensor shall not be liable or responsible in any manner to Licensee, whether for indemnification or otherwise, except for indemnity as expressly provided in this Paragraph 11 or for indemnity as expressly provided in the Purchase Agreement. Licensee acknowledges that Licensor is not making, and has not made, any representations or warranties except as expressly provided in the Purchase Agreement including, without limitation, any implied warranties whatsoever.

 

12. Insurance.

Licensee shall maintain, at its own expense, Commercial General Liability insurance (including products liability and contractual liability coverage) with limitations of liability of not less than $10,000,000 combined single limit for bodily injury, including death, and property damage, which policy or policies shall name Licensor as an additional insured. Upon Licensor’s reasonable request, Licensee shall furnish Licensor with certificates of insurance showing compliance with the foregoing requirements. Such certificates shall state that the policy or policies will not be canceled or materially altered without at least thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to Licensor. Maintenance of the above insurance policies by Licensee will not relieve Licensee of liability under the indemnification provisions set forth herein. The policy limits specified above may be satisfied through a combination of the stipulated primary liability insurance and umbrella and/or excess liability insurance.

 

14


13. Breach and Termination .

 

  A. Licensee acknowledges and agrees that Licensor would suffer irreparable harm if Licensee were to materially breach its obligations under this Agreement and were to continue to produce or sell Licensed Products after the cure period set forth in this Paragraph 13 and that monetary damages would be insufficient to remedy the harm to Licensor. Accordingly, upon receiving notice from Licensor of a material breach of any of its obligations under this Agreement, Licensee shall immediately take whatever steps are necessary to remedy the breach, at its sole cost and expense or shall contest such notice of breach, in writing to Licensor, within five (5) days of receipt thereof. If Licensee does not contest the notice of breach within such five day period or remedy the breach within sixty (60) days from the date Licensor gives Licensee notice of such breach, Licensee shall cease all manufacture and sale of the Licensed Products affected by the breach until the breach is remedied. If (i) Licensee contests Licensor’s notice of breach within the five day period or if (ii) after the expiration of the sixty (60) day cure period, the breach continues, Licensor may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for appropriate relief. If such court determines that a material breach has occurred and is continuing, then Licensee hereby irrevocably and unconditionally consents to the entry of an order by a court of competent jurisdiction granting an injunction against further manufacture or sale of such Licensed Products until such breach is cured. Without limitation to Paragraph 23, Licensee also hereby irrevocably and unconditionally consents to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal District Court in the Northern District of Illinois for any actions, suits or proceedings arising out of or relating to this Paragraph 13 and further agrees that service of any process, summons, notice or document by U.S. registered mail to Licensee’s address set forth above shall be effective service of process for any action, suit or proceeding brought against Licensee in any such court. Nothing herein shall waive Licensor’s rights to other remedies available, either at law or in equity.

 

  B. Licensor may terminate this Agreement, effective upon one-hundred and eighty (180) days written notice to Licensee, upon the cessation, outside of the ordinary course of business, of the manufacture and sale of the Licensed Products by Licensee, its sublicensees, its successors and permitted assigns where such cessation lasts for a period in excess of six (6) consecutive months and manufacture or sale of the Licensed Products does not commence during the 180-day notice period.

 

  C. If a final nonappealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction determines that Licensee has repeatedly breached this Agreement through willful or deliberate acts or omissions indicating that Licensee is acting in bad faith, then Licensor may terminate this Agreement upon written notice to Licensee. A “final nonappealable judgment” shall mean for purposes of this Paragraph 13C a judgment that is not subject to appeal or a judgment that is not appealed within 30 days of it being rendered.

 

  D. This Agreement shall be automatically terminated, without any further action by Licensor or Licensee in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph 5B.

 

15


14. No Further Use of Trademarks .

Upon termination or expiration of this Agreement for any reason, except as set forth elsewhere herein, Licensee shall discontinue use of the Trademarks, and shall not register or use any trademark confusingly similar to any of the Trademarks.

 

15. Waiver .

The performance of any covenant under this Agreement by Licensee on the one hand or Licensor on the other, may be expressly waived in writing by Licensee or Licensor, as appropriate. Any waiver hereunder shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. No failure or delay on the part of Licensee or Licensor in exercising any right, power or privilege under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, power or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege.

 

16. Assignment and Sublicense .

 

  A. This Agreement may not be assigned, transferred or otherwise delegated (collectively, an “Assignment”) by Licensee without the prior written consent of Licensor (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) except to a party who purchases or acquires, as a going concern, the business of Licensee in which the Trademarks are used and/or to any lenders providing financing to Licensee; provided, however, that prior to an Assignment (which for these purposes only shall not include any pledge of this Agreement to a lender providing financing to Licensee until such time as the lender exercises its rights under applicable pledge agreements, security agreements or other collateral documents), any assignee of this Agreement must agree in writing, delivered to Licensor, that it shall be bound by the terms and provisions of this Agreement and that such assignee (if it is other than a lender providing financing to Licensee) or a sublicensee or sublicensees of such assignee, as the case may be, shall operate such acquired business for its own benefit and at its own risk, or shall provide a guaranty of its obligations under this Agreement from an entity and in a form both of which are satisfactory in the reasonable judgment of Licensor; and provided further, however, that an assignee of this Agreement shall not by virtue of this Paragraph 16A be required to purchase or acquire any particular assets utilized by Licensee in connection with such business prior to such Assignment nor shall an assignee be restricted from (i) leasing any assets used by it in the conduct of such business, (ii) subcontracting any function incident to its operation of such business including, without limitation, manufacturing, distribution and administrative services, or (iii) transferring any of its assets for value in an arms-length transaction to an unaffiliated third party or establishing security interests in any of its assets in favor of an unaffiliated third party, provided that any such action does not constitute an act of fraud against the creditors of such assignee.

 

  B. This Agreement may be assigned, transferred, sublicensed or otherwise delegated by Licensor without the prior written consent of Licensee.

 

16


  C. This Agreement and all of the provisions hereof shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

 

  D. This Agreement may be sublicensed, in whole or in part, by Licensee, without the prior written consent of Licensor, provided that Licensee provides prior written notice to Licensor of any sublicense and provided further, that Licensee provides to Licensor any sublicense agreement under which a sublicensee has been granted rights to use the Trademarks.

 

17. Confidentiality .

Any confidential information disclosed by either party to the other pursuant to this Agreement, except as set forth below, shall be considered confidential to the disclosing party, and shall be accorded the same treatment which the receiving party gives to its own confidential information. The obligation of confidentiality set forth in the preceding sentence shall not apply to information which (a) was publicly available at the time of the disclosure to the receiving party; (b) subsequently becomes publicly available through no fault of the receiving party; (c) is rightfully acquired by the receiving party, subsequent to disclosure by the other party, from a third party who is not in breach of a confidential relationship with regard to such information; or (d) is independently developed by the receiving party solely through the efforts of individuals who did not have access to the confidential information, as evidenced by the receiving party’s written records.

 

18. Entire Agreement .

This Agreement, the Exhibit hereto, the Purchase Agreement and the Interim Trademark License Agreement contain the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements relating to the transactions contemplated hereunder.

 

19. Survival .

The rights and obligations set forth in the following Paragraphs shall survive termination of this Agreement: Paragraphs 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, and 24.

 

20. Amendment .

This Agreement may be amended or modified in whole or in part only by a duly authorized written agreement that refers to this Agreement and is signed by the parties hereto or by their duly appointed representatives or successors.

 

21. Counterparts: Facsimile Signatures .

This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. It shall not be necessary in making proof of this Agreement to produce or account for more than one such counterpart. A facsimile copy of a signature hereto shall be fully effective as if an original.

 

17


22. Notices .

All notices, claims, certificates, requests, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and will be deemed to have been duly given if personally delivered or telecopied or on the date of receipt indicated on the return receipt if delivered or mailed (registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested) as follows:

 

If to Licensor:    The Quaker Oats Company
   321 North Clark Street
   Chicago, Illinois 60610
   Attn: General Corporate Counsel
With a copy to:    The Quaker Oats Company of Canada Limited
   Quaker Park
   Hunter Street East
   Peterborough, Ontario K9J 7B2
   Attn: Law Department
If to Licensee:    Van de Kamp’s, Inc.
   1000 St. Louis Union Station
   Suite 200
   Saint Louis, Missouri 63103
   Attn: President
With a copy to:    Van de Kamp’s, Inc.
   801 Montgomery Street
   Suite 400
   San Francisco, California 94133
   Attn: Ian R. Wilson

or to such other address as the person to whom notice is given may have previously furnished to the other in writing in the manner set forth above.

 

23. Governing Law and Jurisdiction .

This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Illinois, U.S.A. without regard to its provisions concerning conflicts or choice of law. Except as otherwise agreed in Paragraphs 3B, 4C and 5B(iii), the parties consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Court in the Northern District of Illinois for the resolution of any disputes as to the construction of this Agreement.

 

24. Severability .

Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed as requiring the commission of any act contrary to law. Wherever there is any conflict between any provision of this Agreement and any statute, law, ordinance or regulation contrary to which the parties have no legal right to contract, the latter shall prevail, but in such event, the provisions of this Agreement thus affected shall be curtailed and limited only to the extent necessary to bring it within the

 

18


requirement of such law. In the event that any part, section, paragraph or clause of this Agreement shall be held to be indefinite, invalid or otherwise unenforceable, the balance of this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect unless the severance of the portion thus held unenforceable would unreasonably frustrate the commercial purposes of this Agreement.

 

THE QUAKER OATS COMPANY     VAN DE KAMP’S, INC.
By:   

[ILLEGIBLE]

    By:  

[ILLEGIBLE]

Title:    Vice President Business Development     Title:   Exec VP
Date:    July 9, 1996     Date:   July 9, 1996

 

THE QUAKER OATS COMPANY OF CANADA LIMITED
By:  

[ILLEGIBLE]

Title:   Attorney-in-Fact
Date:   July 9, 1996

 

19


LICENSED TRADEMARKS

United States

 

Mark

  

Reg. No

  

Reg. Date

  

Owner

AUNT JEMIMA

   1575365    January 2, 1990    The Quaker Oats Company

AUNT JEMIMA

   1590084    April 3, 1990    The Quaker Oats Company

AUNT JEMIMA

   797560    October 12, 1965    The Quaker Oats Company

AUNT JEMIMA & Design

   1697862    June 30, 1992    The Quaker Oats Company

MISCELLANEOUS DESIGN (Aunt Jemima Head)

   1699260    July 7, 1992    The Quaker Oats Company

MISCELLANEOUS DESIGN

(Aunt Jemima Head)

   1614072    September 18, 1990    The Quaker Oats Company

Canada

 

Mark

  

Reg. No

  

Reg. Date

  

Owner

AUNT JEMIMA

   TMA 164,781    August 15, 1969    The Quaker Oats Company of Canada Limited

AUNT JEMIMA & DESIGN

   TMA 384,601    May 17, 1991    The Quaker Oats Company of Canada Limited

Exhibit 12.1

COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

 

    2003 Predecessor     2003 Successor / Predecessor     Successor  
   

Fiscal year
ended

July 31,

 

16 weeks

ended
November 24,

2003

   

36 weeks

ended

July 31,

2004

   

21 weeks

ended

December 26,

2004

   

Fiscal year

ended

December 25,

2005

   

Nine months

ended

September 24,

2006

 

Fiscal year

ended

December 31,

2006

 

January 1,
2007

through

April 2,

2007

   

Six months

ended

September 30,

2007

 
    2002   2003                
    (In thousands)  

Fixed charges as defined:

                   

Interest expense

  $ 14,513   $ 11,592   $ 9,310     $ 26,240     $ 26,260     $ 71,104     $ 66,705   $ 86,615   $ 39,079     $ 84,531  

One-third of non-cancelable lease rent

    1,473     1,119     317       845       499       2,062       1,547     2,026     1,061       2,123  
                                                                       

Total fixed charges (A)

    15,986     12,711     9,627       27,085       26,759       73,166       68,252     88,641     40,140       86,654  
                                                                       

Earnings as defined:

                   

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

    16,112     13,964     (4,580 )     (87,070 )     (15,281 )     (43,602 )     23,746     60,022     (60,365 )     (53,095 )

Add fixed charges

    15,986     12,711     9,627       27,085       26,759       73,166       68,252     88,641     40,140       86,654  
                                                                       

Earnings and fixed charges (B)

    32,098     26,675     5,047       (59,985 )     11,478       29,564       91,998     148,663     (20,225 )     33,559  
                                                                       

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges: (B/A)

    2.01     2.10     NM (1)     NM (2)     NM (2)     NM (2)     1.35     1.68     NM (2)     0.39  

(1) “NM” means “not meaningful.” The 2003 Predecessor’s earnings for the 16 weeks ended November 24, 2003 were insufficient to cover fixed charges by $4.6 million.
(2) The 2003 Successor/Predecessor's earnings for the period January 1 to April 2, 2007, fiscal 2005, the 21 weeks ended December 26, 2004 and the 36 weeks ended July 31, 2004 were insufficient to cover fixed charges by $60.4 million, $43.6 million, $15.3 million and $87.1 million, respectively.

Exhibit 21.1

List of Subsidiaries

 

Entity Name

   Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or
Formation

Pinnacle Foods Group LLC

   Delaware

Pinnacle Foods International Corp.

   Delaware

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the use in this Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC of our reports dated March 5, 2007 and November 24, 2004 relating to the financial statements of Pinnacle Foods Group Inc., which appear in such Registration Statement. We also consent to the references to us under the headings “Experts” and “Selected Financial Data” in such Registration Statement.

 

 

 

 

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

December 21, 2007

Exhibit 23.2

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the use of our report dated April 29, 2006, with respect to the statement of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of December 31, 2005 and 2004 and the statement of direct revenues and direct operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2005, the nine-month period ended December 31, 2004, the three-month period ended March 27, 2004, and the year ended December 31, 2003 of the Armour Foods Business of The Dial Corporation included herein and to the reference to our firm under the heading “Experts” in the prospectus.

 

 

 

 

/s/ KPMG LLP

Phoenix, Arizona

December 21, 2007

Exhibit 25.1

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


FORM T-1

STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY

UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939

OF A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

Check if an Application to Determine Eligibility of a Trustee Pursuant to Section 305(b)(2)     

WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY

(Exact name of Trustee as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   51-0055023

(Jurisdiction of incorporation of organization if not a U.S.

national bank)

  (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

1100 North Market Street

Wilmington, Delaware 19890-0001

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

Michael A. DiGregorio

Senior Vice President and General Counsel

Wilmington Trust Company

1100 North Market Street

Wilmington, Delaware 19890-0001

(302) 651-8793

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent of service)

Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC

Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp.

(Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

SEE TABLE OF ADDITIONAL REGISTRANTS

Delaware

Delaware

 

20-8720036

06-6704812

(State or other jurisdiction or incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

1 Old Bloomfield Avenue

Mt. Lakes, New Jersey 07046

(973) 541-6620

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015

Guarantees of 9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015

10  5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017

Guarantees of 10  5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017

(Title of the indenture securities)


Table of Additional Registrant Guarantors

 

Exact Name of Registrant Guarantor as Specified

in its Charter

  

State or other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization

   IRS Employer Identification
Number
  

Address, Including Zip Code

and Telephone Number,

Including Area Code, of

Registrant Guarantor’s

Principal Executive Offices

Pinnacle Foods Group LLC

   Delaware    94-3303521   

1 Old Bloomfield Avenue Mt.

Lakes, New Jersey 07046

(973) 541-6620

Pinnacle Foods International Corp.

   Delaware    26-1143457   

1 Old Bloomfield Avenue

Mt. Lakes, New Jersey 07046

(973) 541-6620

 

2


ITEM 1. GENERAL INFORMATION.

Furnish the following information as to the trustee:

(a) Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which it is subject.

 

Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia    State Bank Commissioner   

Ten Independence Mall

Philadelphia, PA 19106-1574

  

555 East Lockerman Street, Suite 210

Dover, Delaware 19901

  

(b) Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

The trustee is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

 

ITEM 2. AFFILIATIONS WITH THE OBLIGOR.

If the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each affiliation:

Based upon an examination of the books and records of the trustee and information available to the trustee, the obligor is not an affiliate of the trustee.

ITEM 16. LIST OF EXHIBITS.

List below all exhibits filed as part of this Statement of Eligibility and Qualification.

 

   

A copy of the Charter of Wilmington Trust Company (Exhibit 1), which includes the certificate of authority of Wilmington Trust Company to commence business (Exhibit 2) and the authorization of Wilmington Trust Company to exercise corporate trust powers (Exhibit 3).

 

   

A copy of the existing By-Laws of Wilmington Trust Company (Exhibit 4).

 

   

Consent of Wilmington Trust Company required by Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act (Exhibit 6).

 

   

A copy of the latest Report of Condition of Wilmington Trust Company (Exhibit 7).

Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, the trustee, Wilmington Trust Company, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of Delaware, has duly caused this Statement of Eligibility to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of Wilmington and State of Delaware on the 12th day of December, 2007.

 

[SEAL]     WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
Attest:  

/s/ Michael G. Oller

    By:  

/s/ Mary St. Amand

  Assistant Secretary     Name:   Mary St. Amand
      Title:   Vice President

 


EXHIBIT 1 *

AMENDED CHARTER

Wilmington Trust Company

Wilmington, Delaware

As existing on May 9, 1987


* Exhibit 1 also constitutes Exhibits 2 and 3.


Amended Charter

or

Act of Incorporation

of

Wilmington Trust Company

Wilmington Trust Company , originally incorporated by an Act of the General Assembly of the State of Delaware, entitled “An Act to Incorporate the Delaware Guarantee and Trust Company”, approved March 2, A.D. 1901, and the name of which company was changed to “ Wilmington Trust Company ” by an amendment filed in the Office of the Secretary of State on March 18, A.D. 1903, and the Charter or Act of Incorporation of which company has been from time to time amended and changed by merger agreements pursuant to the corporation law for state banks and trust companies of the State of Delaware, does hereby alter and amend its Charter or Act of Incorporation so that the same as so altered and amended shall in its entirety read as follows:

First: - The name of this corporation is Wilmington Trust Company .

Second: - The location of its principal office in the State of Delaware is at Rodney Square North, in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle; the name of its resident agent is Wilmington Trust Company whose address is Rodney Square North, in said City. In addition to such principal office, the said corporation maintains and operates branch offices in the City of Newark, New Castle County, Delaware, the Town of Newport, New Castle County, Delaware, at Claymont, New Castle County, Delaware, at Greenville, New Castle County Delaware, and at Milford Cross Roads, New Castle County, Delaware, and shall be empowered to open, maintain and operate branch offices at Ninth and Shipley Streets, 418 Delaware Avenue, 2120 Market Street, and 3605 Market Street, all in the City of Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware, and such other branch offices or places of business as may be authorized from time to time by the agency or agencies of the government of the State of Delaware empowered to confer such authority.

Third: - (a) The nature of the business and the objects and purposes proposed to be transacted, promoted or carried on by this Corporation are to do any or all of the things herein mentioned as fully and to the same extent as natural persons might or could do and in any part of the world, viz.:

 

  (1) To sue and be sued, complain and defend in any Court of law or equity and to make and use a common seal, and alter the seal at pleasure, to hold, purchase, convey, mortgage or otherwise deal in real and personal estate and property, and to appoint such officers and agents as the business of the Corporation shall require, to make by-laws not inconsistent with the Constitution or laws of the United States or of this State, to discount bills, notes or other evidences of debt, to receive deposits of money, or securities for money, to buy gold and silver bullion and foreign coins, to buy and sell bills of exchange, and generally to use, exercise and enjoy all the powers, rights, privileges and franchises incident to a corporation which are proper or necessary for the transaction of the business of the Corporation hereby created.

 

  (2)

To insure titles to real and personal property, or any estate or interests therein, and


 

to guarantee the holder of such property, real or personal, against any claim or claims, adverse to his interest therein, and to prepare and give certificates of title for any lands or premises in the State of Delaware, or elsewhere.

 

  (3) To act as factor, agent, broker or attorney in the receipt, collection, custody, investment and management of funds, and the purchase, sale, management and disposal of property of all descriptions, and to prepare and execute all papers which may be necessary or proper in such business.

 

  (4) To prepare and draw agreements, contracts, deeds, leases, conveyances, mortgages, bonds and legal papers of every description, and to carry on the business of conveyancing in all its branches.

 

  (5) To receive upon deposit for safekeeping money, jewelry, plate, deeds, bonds and any and all other personal property of every sort and kind, from executors, administrators, guardians, public officers, courts, receivers, assignees, trustees, and from all fiduciaries, and from all other persons and individuals, and from all corporations whether state, municipal, corporate or private, and to rent boxes, safes, vaults and other receptacles for such property.

 

  (6) To act as agent or otherwise for the purpose of registering, issuing, certificating, countersigning, transferring or underwriting the stock, bonds or other obligations of any corporation, association, state or municipality, and may receive and manage any sinking fund therefor on such terms as may be agreed upon between the two parties, and in like manner may act as Treasurer of any corporation or municipality.

 

  (7) To act as Trustee under any deed of trust, mortgage, bond or other instrument issued by any state, municipality, body politic, corporation, association or person, either alone or in conjunction with any other person or persons, corporation or corporations.

 

  (8) To guarantee the validity, performance or effect of any contract or agreement, and the fidelity of persons holding places of responsibility or trust; to become surety for any person, or persons, for the faithful performance of any trust, office, duty, contract or agreement, either by itself or in conjunction with any other person, or persons, corporation, or corporations, or in like manner become surety upon any bond, recognizance, obligation, judgment, suit, order, or decree to be entered in any court of record within the State of Delaware or elsewhere, or which may now or hereafter be required by any law, judge, officer or court in the State of Delaware or elsewhere.

 

  (9)

To act by any and every method of appointment as trustee, trustee in bankruptcy, receiver, assignee, assignee in bankruptcy, executor, administrator, guardian, bailee, or in any other trust capacity in the receiving, holding, managing, and disposing of any and all estates and property, real, personal or mixed, and to be appointed as such trustee, trustee in bankruptcy, receiver, assignee, assignee in bankruptcy, executor, administrator, guardian or bailee by any persons,

 

2


 

corporations, court, officer, or authority, in the State of Delaware or elsewhere; and whenever this Corporation is so appointed by any person, corporation, court, officer or authority such trustee, trustee in bankruptcy, receiver, assignee, assignee in bankruptcy, executor, administrator, guardian, bailee, or in any other trust capacity, it shall not be required to give bond with surety, but its capital stock shall be taken and held as security for the performance of the duties devolving upon it by such appointment.

 

  (10) And for its care, management and trouble, and the exercise of any of its powers hereby given, or for the performance of any of the duties which it may undertake or be called upon to perform, or for the assumption of any responsibility the said Corporation may be entitled to receive a proper compensation.

 

  (11) To purchase, receive, hold and own bonds, mortgages, debentures, shares of capital stock, and other securities, obligations, contracts and evidences of indebtedness, of any private, public or municipal corporation within and without the State of Delaware, or of the Government of the United States, or of any state, territory, colony, or possession thereof, or of any foreign government or country; to receive, collect, receipt for, and dispose of interest, dividends and income upon and from any of the bonds, mortgages, debentures, notes, shares of capital stock, securities, obligations, contracts, evidences of indebtedness and other property held and owned by it, and to exercise in respect of all such bonds, mortgages, debentures, notes, shares of capital stock, securities, obligations, contracts, evidences of indebtedness and other property, any and all the rights, powers and privileges of individual owners thereof, including the right to vote thereon; to invest and deal in and with any of the moneys of the Corporation upon such securities and in such manner as it may think fit and proper, and from time to time to vary or realize such investments; to issue bonds and secure the same by pledges or deeds of trust or mortgages of or upon the whole or any part of the property held or owned by the Corporation, and to sell and pledge such bonds, as and when the Board of Directors shall determine, and in the promotion of its said corporate business of investment and to the extent authorized by law, to lease, purchase, hold, sell, assign, transfer, pledge, mortgage and convey real and personal property of any name and nature and any estate or interest therein.

(b) In furtherance of, and not in limitation, of the powers conferred by the laws of the State of Delaware, it is hereby expressly provided that the said Corporation shall also have the following powers:

 

  (1) To do any or all of the things herein set forth, to the same extent as natural persons might or could do, and in any part of the world.

 

  (2) To acquire the good will, rights, property and franchises and to undertake the whole or any part of the assets and liabilities of any person, firm, association or corporation, and to pay for the same in cash, stock of this Corporation, bonds or otherwise; to hold or in any manner to dispose of the whole or any part of the property so purchased; to conduct in any lawful manner the whole or any part of any business so acquired, and to exercise all the powers necessary or convenient in and about the conduct and management of such business.

 

3


  (3) To take, hold, own, deal in, mortgage or otherwise lien, and to lease, sell, exchange, transfer, or in any manner whatever dispose of property, real, personal or mixed, wherever situated.

 

  (4) To enter into, make, perform and carry out contracts of every kind with any person, firm, association or corporation, and, without limit as to amount, to draw, make, accept, endorse, discount, execute and issue promissory notes, drafts, bills of exchange, warrants, bonds, debentures, and other negotiable or transferable instruments.

 

  (5) To have one or more offices, to carry on all or any of its operations and businesses, without restriction to the same extent as natural persons might or could do, to purchase or otherwise acquire, to hold, own, to mortgage, sell, convey or otherwise dispose of, real and personal property, of every class and description, in any State, District, Territory or Colony of the United States, and in any foreign country or place.

 

  (6) It is the intention that the objects, purposes and powers specified and clauses contained in this paragraph shall (except where otherwise expressed in said paragraph) be nowise limited or restricted by reference to or inference from the terms of any other clause of this or any other paragraph in this charter, but that the objects, purposes and powers specified in each of the clauses of this paragraph shall be regarded as independent objects, purposes and powers.

Fourth: - (a) The total number of shares of all classes of stock which the Corporation shall have authority to issue is forty-one million (41,000,000) shares, consisting of:

 

  (1) One million (1,000,000) shares of Preferred stock, par value $10.00 per share (hereinafter referred to as “Preferred Stock”); and

 

  (2) Forty million (40,000,000) shares of Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share (hereinafter referred to as “Common Stock”).

(b) Shares of Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series as may from time to time be determined by the Board of Directors each of said series to be distinctly designated. All shares of any one series of Preferred Stock shall be alike in every particular, except that there may be different dates from which dividends, if any, thereon shall be cumulative, if made cumulative. The voting powers and the preferences and relative, participating, optional and other special rights of each such series, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, if any, may differ from those of any and all other series at any time outstanding; and, subject to the provisions of subparagraph 1 of Paragraph (c) of this Article Fourth , the Board of Directors of the Corporation is hereby expressly granted authority to fix by resolution or resolutions adopted prior to the issuance of any shares of a particular series of Preferred Stock, the voting powers and the designations, preferences and relative, optional and other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions of such series, including, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the following:

 

4


  (1) The distinctive designation of, and the number of shares of Preferred Stock which shall constitute such series, which number may be increased (except where otherwise provided by the Board of Directors) or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) from time to time by like action of the Board of Directors;

 

  (2) The rate and times at which, and the terms and conditions on which, dividends, if any, on Preferred Stock of such series shall be paid, the extent of the preference or relation, if any, of such dividends to the dividends payable on any other class or classes, or series of the same or other class of stock and whether such dividends shall be cumulative or non-cumulative;

 

  (3) The right, if any, of the holders of Preferred Stock of such series to convert the same into or exchange the same for, shares of any other class or classes or of any series of the same or any other class or classes of stock of the Corporation and the terms and conditions of such conversion or exchange;

 

  (4) Whether or not Preferred Stock of such series shall be subject to redemption, and the redemption price or prices and the time or times at which, and the terms and conditions on which, Preferred Stock of such series may be redeemed.

 

  (5) The rights, if any, of the holders of Preferred Stock of such series upon the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, merger, consolidation, distribution or sale of assets, dissolution or winding-up, of the Corporation.

 

  (6) The terms of the sinking fund or redemption or purchase account, if any, to be provided for the Preferred Stock of such series; and

 

  (7) The voting powers, if any, of the holders of such series of Preferred Stock which may, without limiting the generality of the foregoing include the right, voting as a series or by itself or together with other series of Preferred Stock or all series of Preferred Stock as a class, to elect one or more directors of the Corporation if there shall have been a default in the payment of dividends on any one or more series of Preferred Stock or under such circumstances and on such conditions as the Board of Directors may determine.

 

  (c)  (1) After the requirements with respect to preferential dividends on the Preferred Stock (fixed in accordance with the provisions of section (b) of this Article Fourth ), if any, shall have been met and after the Corporation shall have complied with all the requirements, if any, with respect to the setting aside of sums as sinking funds or redemption or purchase accounts (fixed in accordance with the provisions of section (b) of this Article Fourth ), and subject further to any conditions which may be fixed in accordance with the provisions of section (b) of this Article Fourth , then and not otherwise the holders of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive such dividends as may be declared from time to time by the Board of Directors.

 

5


        (2) After distribution in full of the preferential amount, if any, (fixed in accordance with the provisions of section (b) of this Article Fourth ), to be distributed to the holders of Preferred Stock in the event of voluntary or involuntary liquidation, distribution or sale of assets, dissolution or winding-up, of the Corporation, the holders of the Common Stock shall be entitled to receive all of the remaining assets of the Corporation, tangible and intangible, of whatever kind available for distribution to stockholders ratably in proportion to the number of shares of Common Stock held by them respectively.

 

        (3) Except as may otherwise be required by law or by the provisions of such resolution or resolutions as may be adopted by the Board of Directors pursuant to section (b) of this Article Fourth , each holder of Common Stock shall have one vote in respect of each share of Common Stock held on all matters voted upon by the stockholders.

(d) No holder of any of the shares of any class or series of stock or of options, warrants or other rights to purchase shares of any class or series of stock or of other securities of the Corporation shall have any preemptive right to purchase or subscribe for any unissued stock of any class or series or any additional shares of any class or series to be issued by reason of any increase of the authorized capital stock of the Corporation of any class or series, or bonds, certificates of indebtedness, debentures or other securities convertible into or exchangeable for stock of the Corporation of any class or series, or carrying any right to purchase stock of any class or series, but any such unissued stock, additional authorized issue of shares of any class or series of stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for stock, or carrying any right to purchase stock, may be issued and disposed of pursuant to resolution of the Board of Directors to such persons, firms, corporations or associations, whether such holders or others, and upon such terms as may be deemed advisable by the Board of Directors in the exercise of its sole discretion.

(e) The relative powers, preferences and rights of each series of Preferred Stock in relation to the relative powers, preferences and rights of each other series of Preferred Stock shall, in each case, be as fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors in the resolution or resolutions adopted pursuant to authority granted in section (b) of this Article Fourth and the consent, by class or series vote or otherwise, of the holders of such of the series of Preferred Stock as are from time to time outstanding shall not be required for the issuance by the Board of Directors of any other series of Preferred Stock whether or not the powers, preferences and rights of such other series shall be fixed by the Board of Directors as senior to, or on a parity with, the powers, preferences and rights of such outstanding series, or any of them; provided, however, that the Board of Directors may provide in the resolution or resolutions as to any series of Preferred Stock adopted pursuant to section (b) of this Article Fourth that the consent of the holders of a majority (or such greater proportion as shall be therein fixed) of the outstanding shares of such series voting thereon shall be required for the issuance of any or all other series of Preferred Stock.

(f) Subject to the provisions of section (e), shares of any series of Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time as the Board of Directors of the Corporation shall determine and on such terms and for such consideration as shall be fixed by the Board of Directors.

(g) Shares of Common Stock may be issued from time to time as the Board of Directors of the Corporation shall determine and on such terms and for such consideration as shall be fixed by the Board of Directors.

 

6


(h) The authorized amount of shares of Common Stock and of Preferred Stock may, without a class or series vote, be increased or decreased from time to time by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon.

Fifth: - (a) The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be conducted and managed by a Board of Directors. The number of directors constituting the entire Board shall be not less than five nor more than twenty-five as fixed from time to time by vote of a majority of the whole Board, provided, however, that the number of directors shall not be reduced so as to shorten the term of any director at the time in office, and provided further, that the number of directors constituting the whole Board shall be twenty-four until otherwise fixed by a majority of the whole Board.

(b) The Board of Directors shall be divided into three classes, as nearly equal in number as the then total number of directors constituting the whole Board permits, with the term of office of one class expiring each year. At the annual meeting of stockholders in 1982, directors of the first class shall be elected to hold office for a term expiring at the next succeeding annual meeting, directors of the second class shall be elected to hold office for a term expiring at the second succeeding annual meeting and directors of the third class shall be elected to hold office for a term expiring at the third succeeding annual meeting. Any vacancies in the Board of Directors for any reason, and any newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the directors, may be filled by the Board of Directors, acting by a majority of the directors then in office, although less than a quorum, and any directors so chosen shall hold office until the next annual election of directors. At such election, the stockholders shall elect a successor to such director to hold office until the next election of the class for which such director shall have been chosen and until his successor shall be elected and qualified. No decrease in the number of directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent director.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Charter or Act of Incorporation or the By-Laws of the Corporation (and notwithstanding the fact that some lesser percentage may be specified by law, this Charter or Act of Incorporation or the By-Laws of the Corporation), any director or the entire Board of Directors of the Corporation may be removed at any time without cause, but only by the affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds or more of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (considered for this purpose as one class) cast at a meeting of the stockholders called for that purpose.

(d) Nominations for the election of directors may be made by the Board of Directors or by any stockholder entitled to vote for the election of directors. Such nominations shall be made by notice in writing, delivered or mailed by first class United States mail, postage prepaid, to the Secretary of the Corporation not less than 14 days nor more than 50 days prior to any meeting of the stockholders called for the election of directors; provided, however, that if less than 21 days’ notice of the meeting is given to stockholders, such written notice shall be delivered or mailed, as prescribed, to the Secretary of the Corporation not later than the close of the seventh day following the day on which notice of the meeting was mailed to stockholders. Notice of nominations which are proposed by the Board of Directors shall be given by the Chairman on behalf of the Board.

 

7


(e) Each notice under subsection (d) shall set forth (i) the name, age, business address and, if known, residence address of each nominee proposed in such notice, (ii) the principal occupation or employment of such nominee and (iii) the number of shares of stock of the Corporation which are beneficially owned by each such nominee.

(f) The Chairman of the meeting may, if the facts warrant, determine and declare to the meeting that a nomination was not made in accordance with the foregoing procedure, and if he should so determine, he shall so declare to the meeting and the defective nomination shall be disregarded.

(g) No action required to be taken or which may be taken at any annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation may be taken without a meeting, and the power of stockholders to consent in writing, without a meeting, to the taking of any action is specifically denied.

Sixth: - The Directors shall choose such officers, agents and servants as may be provided in the By-Laws as they may from time to time find necessary or proper.

Seventh: - The Corporation hereby created is hereby given the same powers, rights and privileges as may be conferred upon corporations organized under the Act entitled “An Act Providing a General Corporation Law”, approved March 10, 1899, as from time to time amended.

Eighth: - This Act shall be deemed and taken to be a private Act.

Ninth: - This Corporation is to have perpetual existence.

Tenth: - The Board of Directors, by resolution passed by a majority of the whole Board, may designate any of their number to constitute an Executive Committee, which Committee, to the extent provided in said resolution, or in the By-Laws of the Company, shall have and may exercise all of the powers of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, and shall have power to authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers which may require it.

Eleventh: - The private property of the stockholders shall not be liable for the payment of corporate debts to any extent whatever.

Twelfth: - The Corporation may transact business in any part of the world.

Thirteenth: - The Board of Directors of the Corporation is expressly authorized to make, alter or repeal the By-Laws of the Corporation by a vote of the majority of the entire Board. The stockholders may make, alter or repeal any By-Law whether or not adopted by them, provided however, that any such additional By-Laws, alterations or repeal may be adopted only by the affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds or more of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (considered for this purpose as one class).

Fourteenth: - Meetings of the Directors may be held outside of the State of Delaware at such places as may be from time to time designated by the Board, and the Directors may keep the books of the Company outside of the State of Delaware at such places as may be from time to time designated by them.

 

8


Fifteenth: - (a) (1) In addition to any affirmative vote required by law, and except as otherwise expressly provided in sections (b) and (c) of this Article Fifteenth:

 

  (A) any merger or consolidation of the Corporation or any Subsidiary (as hereinafter defined) with or into (i) any Interested Stockholder (as hereinafter defined) or (ii) any other corporation (whether or not itself an Interested Stockholder), which, after such merger or consolidation, would be an Affiliate (as hereinafter defined) of an Interested Stockholder, or

 

  (B) any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or other disposition (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) to or with any Interested Stockholder or any Affiliate of any Interested Stockholder of any assets of the Corporation or any Subsidiary having an aggregate fair market value of $1,000,000 or more, or

 

  (C) the issuance or transfer by the Corporation or any Subsidiary (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) of any securities of the Corporation or any Subsidiary to any Interested Stockholder or any Affiliate of any Interested Stockholder in exchange for cash, securities or other property (or a combination thereof) having an aggregate fair market value of $1,000,000 or more, or

 

  (D) the adoption of any plan or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation, or

 

  (E) any reclassification of securities (including any reverse stock split), or recapitalization of the Corporation, or any merger or consolidation of the Corporation with any of its Subsidiaries or any similar transaction (whether or not with or into or otherwise involving an Interested Stockholder) which has the effect, directly or indirectly, of increasing the proportionate share of the outstanding shares of any class of equity or convertible securities of the Corporation or any Subsidiary which is directly or indirectly owned by any Interested Stockholder, or any Affiliate of any Interested Stockholder,

shall require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, considered for the purpose of this Article Fifteenth as one class (“Voting Shares”). Such affirmative vote shall be required notwithstanding the fact that no vote may be required, or that some lesser percentage may be specified, by law or in any agreement with any national securities exchange or otherwise.

 

  (2) The term “business combination” as used in this Article Fifteenth shall mean any transaction which is referred to in any one or more of clauses (A) through (E) of paragraph 1 of the section (a).

 

  (b)

The provisions of section (a) of this Article Fifteenth shall not be applicable to

 

9


 

any particular business combination and such business combination shall require only such affirmative vote as is required by law and any other provisions of the Charter or Act of Incorporation or By-Laws if such business combination has been approved by a majority of the whole Board.

 

  (c) For the purposes of this Article Fifteenth :

 

  (1) A “person” shall mean any individual, firm, corporation or other entity.

 

  (2) “Interested Stockholder” shall mean, in respect of any business combination, any person (other than the Corporation or any Subsidiary) who or which as of the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote on such business combination, or immediately prior to the consummation of any such transaction:

 

  (A) is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of more than 10% of the Voting Shares, or

 

  (B) is an Affiliate of the Corporation and at any time within two years prior thereto was the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of not less than 10% of the then outstanding voting Shares, or

 

  (C) is an assignee of or has otherwise succeeded in any share of capital stock of the Corporation which were at any time within two years prior thereto beneficially owned by any Interested Stockholder, and such assignment or succession shall have occurred in the course of a transaction or series of transactions not involving a public offering within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933.

 

  (3) A person shall be the “beneficial owner” of any Voting Shares:

 

  (A) which such person or any of its Affiliates and Associates (as hereafter defined) beneficially own, directly or indirectly, or

 

  (B) which such person or any of its Affiliates or Associates has (i) the right to acquire (whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time), pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding or upon the exercise of conversion rights, exchange rights, warrants or options, or otherwise, or (ii) the right to vote pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding, or

 

  (C) which are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by any other person with which such first mentioned person or any of its Affiliates or Associates has any agreement, arrangement or understanding for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of any shares of capital stock of the Corporation.

 

  (4)

The outstanding Voting Shares shall include shares deemed owned through

 

10


 

application of paragraph (3) above but shall not include any other Voting Shares which may be issuable pursuant to any agreement, or upon exercise of conversion rights, warrants or options or otherwise.

 

  (5) “Affiliate” and “Associate” shall have the respective meanings given those terms in Rule 12b-2 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as in effect on December 31, 1981.

 

  (6) “Subsidiary” shall mean any corporation of which a majority of any class of equity security (as defined in Rule 3a11-1 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as in effect on December 31, 1981) is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation; provided, however, that for the purposes of the definition of Investment Stockholder set forth in paragraph (2) of this section (c), the term “Subsidiary” shall mean only a corporation of which a majority of each class of equity security is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation.

(d) majority of the directors shall have the power and duty to determine for the purposes of this Article Fifteenth on the basis of information known to them, (1) the number of Voting Shares beneficially owned by any person (2) whether a person is an Affiliate or Associate of another, (3) whether a person has an agreement, arrangement or understanding with another as to the matters referred to in paragraph (3) of section (c), or (4) whether the assets subject to any business combination or the consideration received for the issuance or transfer of securities by the Corporation, or any Subsidiary has an aggregate fair market value of $1,000,000 or more.

(e) Nothing contained in this Article Fifteenth shall be construed to relieve any Interested Stockholder from any fiduciary obligation imposed by law.

Sixteenth: Notwithstanding any other provision of this Charter or Act of Incorporation or the By-Laws of the Corporation (and in addition to any other vote that may be required by law, this Charter or Act of Incorporation by the By-Laws), the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (considered for this purpose as one class) shall be required to amend, alter or repeal any provision of Articles Fifth, Thirteenth, Fifteenth or Sixteenth of this Charter or Act of Incorporation.

Seventeenth:

(a) a Director of this Corporation shall not be liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a Director, except to the extent such exemption from liability or limitation thereof is not permitted under the Delaware General Corporation Laws as the same exists or may hereafter be amended.

(b) Any repeal or modification of the foregoing paragraph shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a Director of the Corporation existing hereunder with respect to any act or omission occurring prior to the time of such repeal or modification.”

 

11


EXHIBIT 4

BY-LAWS

WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY

WILMINGTON, DELAWARE

As existing on December 16, 2004


BY-LAWS OF WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY

ARTICLE 1

Stockholders’ Meetings

Section 1. Annual Meeting . The annual meeting of stockholders shall be held on the third Thursday in April each year at the principal office at the Company or at such other date, time or place as may be designated by resolution by the Board of Directors.

Section 2. Special Meetings . Special meetings of stockholders may be called at any time by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the President.

Section 3. Notice . Notice of all meetings of the stockholders shall be given by mailing to each stockholder at least ten (10) days before said meeting, at his last known address, a written or printed notice fixing the time and place of such meeting.

Section 4. Quorum . A majority in the amount of the capital stock of the Company issued and outstanding on the record date, as herein determined, shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of stockholders for the transaction of any business, but the holders of a smaller number of shares may adjourn from time to time, without further notice, until a quorum is secured. At each annual or special meeting of stockholders, each stockholder shall be entitled to one vote, either in person or by proxy, for each share of stock registered in the stockholder’s name on the books of the Company on the record date for any such meeting as determined herein.

ARTICLE 2

Directors

Section 1. Management . The affairs and business of the Company shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors.

Section 2. Number . The authorized number of directors that shall constitute the Board of Directors shall be fixed from time to time by or pursuant to a resolution passed by a majority of the Board of Directors within the parameters set by the Charter of the Company. No more than two directors may also be employees of the Company or any affiliate thereof.

Section 3. Qualification . In addition to any other provisions of these Bylaws, to be qualified for nomination for election or appointment to the Board of Directors, a person must have not attained the age of sixty-nine years at the time of such election or appointment, provided however, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may waive such qualification as to a particular candidate otherwise qualified to serve as a director upon a good faith determination by such committee that such a waiver is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. The Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer shall not be qualified to continue to serve as directors upon the termination of their service in those offices for any reason.


Section 4. Meetings . The Board of Directors shall meet at the principal office of the Company or elsewhere in its discretion at such times to be determined by a majority of its members, or at the call of the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer or the President.

Section 5. Special Meetings . Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called at any time by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the President, and shall be called upon the written request of a majority of the directors.

Section 6. Quorum . A majority of the directors elected and qualified shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Board of Directors.

Section 7. Notice . Written notice shall be sent by mail to each director of any special meeting of the Board of Directors, and of any change in the time or place of any regular meeting, stating the time and place of such meeting, which shall be mailed not less than two days before the time of holding such meeting.

Section 8. Vacancies . In the event of the death, resignation, removal, inability to act or disqualification of any director, the Board of Directors, although less than a quorum, shall have the right to elect the successor who shall hold office for the remainder of the full term of the class of directors in which the vacancy occurred, and until such director’s successor shall have been duly elected and qualified.

Section 9. Organization Meeting . The Board of Directors at its first meeting after its election by the stockholders shall appoint an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee and a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and shall elect from its own members a Chairman of the Board, a Chief Executive Officer and a President, who may be the same person. The Board of Directors shall also elect at such meeting a Secretary and a Chief Financial Officer, who may be the same person, and may appoint at any time such committees as it may deem advisable. The Board of Directors may also elect at such meeting one or more Associate Directors. The Board of Directors, or a committee designated by the Board of Directors may elect or appoint such other officers as they may deem advisable.

Section 10. Removal . The Board of Directors may at any time remove, with or without cause, any member of any committee appointed by it or any associate director or officer elected by it and may appoint or elect his successor.

Section 11. Responsibility of Officers . The Board of Directors may designate an officer to be in charge of such departments or divisions of the Company as it may deem advisable.

Section 12. Participation in Meetings . The Board of Directors or any committee of the Board of Directors may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors or such committee, as the case may be, by conference telephone, video facilities or other communications equipment. Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if all of the members of the Board of Directors or the committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing, and the writing or writings are filed with the minutes of the Board of Directors or such committee.

 

2


ARTICLE 3

Committees of the Board of Directors

Section 1. Audit Committee.

(A) The Audit Committee shall be composed of not more than five (5) members, who shall be selected by the Board of Directors from its own members, none of whom shall be an officer or employee of the Company, and shall hold office at the pleasure of the Board.

(B) The Audit Committee shall have general supervision over the Audit Services Division in all matters however subject to the approval of the Board of Directors; it shall consider all matters brought to its attention by the officer in charge of the Audit Services Division, review all reports of examination of the Company made by any governmental agency or such independent auditor employed for that purpose, and make such recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect thereto or with respect to any other matters pertaining to auditing the Company as it shall deem desirable.

(C) The Audit Committee shall meet whenever and wherever its Chairperson, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or a majority of the Committee’s members shall deem it to be proper for the transaction of its business. A majority of the Committee’s members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The acts of the majority at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall constitute action by the Committee.

Section 2. Compensation Committee.

(A) The Compensation Committee shall be composed of not more than five (5) members, who shall be selected by the Board of Directors from its own members, none of whom shall be an officer or employee of the Company, and shall hold office at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.

(B) The Compensation Committee shall in general advise upon all matters of policy concerning compensation, including salaries and employee benefits.

(C) The Compensation Committee shall meet whenever and wherever its Chairperson, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or a majority of the Committee’s members shall deem it to be proper for the transaction of its business. A majority of the Committee’s members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The acts of the majority at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall constitute action by the Committee.

Section 3. Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

(A) The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee shall be composed of not more than five members, who shall be selected by the Board of Directors from its own members, none of whom shall be an officer or employee of the Company, and shall hold office at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.

(B) The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee shall provide counsel and make recommendations to the Chairman of the Board and the full Board with respect to the performance of the Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer, candidates for membership on the Board of Directors and its committees, matters of corporate governance, succession planning for the Company’s executive management and significant shareholder relations issues.

 

3


(C) The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee shall meet whenever and wherever its Chairperson, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, or a majority of the Committee’s members shall deem it to be proper for the transaction of its business. A majority of the Committee’s members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The acts of the majority at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall constitute action by the Committee.

Section 4. Other Committees . The Company may have such other committees with such powers as the Board may designate from time to time by resolution or by an amendment to these Bylaws.

Section 5. Associate Directors.

(A) Any person who has served as a director may be elected by the Board of Directors as an associate director, to serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.

(B) Associate directors shall be entitled to attend all meetings of directors and participate in the discussion of all matters brought to the Board of Directors, but will not have a right to vote.

Section 6. Absence or Disqualification of Any Member of a Committee. In the absence or disqualification of any member of any committee created under Article III of these Bylaws, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not he or they constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified member.

ARTICLE 4

Officers

Section 1. Chairman of the Board . The Chairman of the Board shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors and shall have such further authority and powers and shall perform such duties the Board of Directors may assign to him from time to time.

Section 2. Chief Executive Officer . The Chief Executive Officer shall have the powers and duties pertaining to the office of Chief Executive Officer conferred or imposed upon him by statute, incident to his office or as the Board of Directors may assign to him from time to time. In the absence of the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer shall have the powers and duties of the Chairman of the Board.

Section 3. President . The President shall have the powers and duties pertaining to the office of the President conferred or imposed upon him by statute, incident to his office or as the Board of Directors may assign to him from time to time. In the absence of the Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer, the President shall have the powers and duties of the Chairman of the Board.

Section 4. Duties . The Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the President, as designated by the Board of Directors, shall carry into effect all legal directions of the Board of Directors and shall at all times exercise general supervision over the interest, affairs and operations of the Company and perform all duties incident to his office.

 

4


Section 5. Vice Presidents . There may be one or more Vice Presidents, however denominated by the Board of Directors, who may at any time perform all of the duties of the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer and/or the President and such other powers and duties incident to their respective offices or as the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the President or the officer in charge of the department or division to which they are assigned may assign to them from time to time.

Section 6. Secretary . The Secretary shall attend to the giving of notice of meetings of the stockholders and the Board of Directors, as well as the committees thereof, to the keeping of accurate minutes of all such meetings, recording the same in the minute books of the Company and in general notifying the Board of Directors of material matters affecting the Company on a timely basis. In addition to the other notice requirements of these Bylaws and as may be practicable under the circumstances, all such notices shall be in writing and mailed well in advance of the scheduled date of any such meeting. He shall have custody of the corporate seal, affix the same to any documents requiring such corporate seal, attest the same and perform other duties incident to his office.

Section 7. Chief Financial Officer . The Chief Financial Officer shall have general supervision over all assets and liabilities of the Company. He shall be custodian of and responsible for all monies, funds and valuables of the Company and for the keeping of proper records of the evidence of property or indebtedness and of all transactions of the Company. He shall have general supervision of the expenditures of the Company and periodically shall report to the Board of Directors the condition of the Company, and perform such other duties incident to his office or as the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the President may assign to him from time to time.

Section 8. Controller . There may be a Controller who shall exercise general supervision over the internal operations of the Company, including accounting, and shall render to the Board of Directors or the Audit Committee at appropriate times a report relating to the general condition and internal operations of the Company and perform other duties incident to his office.

There may be one or more subordinate accounting or controller officers however denominated, who may perform the duties of the Controller and such duties as may be prescribed by the Controller.

Section 9. Audit Officers . The officer designated by the Board of Directors to be in charge of the Audit Services Division of the Company, with such title as the Board of Directors shall prescribe, shall report to and be directly responsible to the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors.

There shall be an Auditor and there may be one or more Audit Officers, however denominated, who may perform all the duties of the Auditor and such duties as may be prescribed by the officer in charge of the Audit Services Division.

Section 10. Other Officers . There may be one or more officers, subordinate in rank to all Vice Presidents with such functional titles as shall be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors, who shall ex officio hold the office of Assistant Secretary of the Company and who may perform such duties as may be prescribed by the officer in charge of the department or division to which they are assigned.

 

5


Section 11. Powers and Duties of Other Officers . The powers and duties of all other officers of the Company shall be those usually pertaining to their respective offices, subject to the direction of the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the President and the officer in charge of the department or division to which they are assigned.

Section 12. Number of Offices . Any one or more offices of the Company may be held by the same person, except that (A) no individual may hold more than one of the offices of Chief Financial Officer, Controller or Audit Officer and (B) none of the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the President may hold any office mentioned in Section 12(A).

ARTICLE 5

Stock and Stock Certificates

Section 1. Transfer . Shares of stock shall be transferable on the books of the Company and a transfer book shall be kept in which all transfers of stock shall be recorded.

Section 2. Certificates . Every holder of stock shall be entitled to have a certificate signed by or in the name of the Company by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the President or a Vice President, and by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, of the Company, certifying the number of shares owned by him in the Company. The corporate seal affixed thereto, and any of or all the signatures on the certificate, may be a facsimile. In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile 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 Company with the same effect as if he were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue. Duplicate certificates of stock shall be issued only upon giving such security as may be satisfactory to the Board of Directors.

Section 3. Record Date . The Board of Directors is authorized to fix in advance a record date for the determination of the stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, any meeting of stockholders and any adjournment thereof, or entitled to receive payment of any dividend, or to any allotment of rights, or to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of capital stock, or in connection with obtaining the consent of stockholders for any purpose, which record date shall not be more than 60 nor less than 10 days preceding the date of any meeting of stockholders or the date for the payment of any dividend, or the date for the allotment of rights, or the date when any change or conversion or exchange of capital stock shall go into effect, or a date in connection with obtaining such consent.

ARTICLE 6

Seal

The corporate seal of the Company shall be in the following form:

Between two concentric circles the words “Wilmington Trust Company” within the inner circle the words “Wilmington, Delaware.”

ARTICLE 7

Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of the Company shall be the calendar year.

 

6


ARTICLE 8

Execution of Instruments of the Company

The Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or any Vice President, however denominated by the Board of Directors, shall have full power and authority to enter into, make, sign, execute, acknowledge and/or deliver and the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary shall have full power and authority to attest and affix the corporate seal of the Company to any and all deeds, conveyances, assignments, releases, contracts, agreements, bonds, notes, mortgages and all other instruments incident to the business of this Company or in acting as executor, administrator, guardian, trustee, agent or in any other fiduciary or representative capacity by any and every method of appointment or by whatever person, corporation, court officer or authority in the State of Delaware, or elsewhere, without any specific authority, ratification, approval or confirmation by the Board of Directors, and any and all such instruments shall have the same force and validity as though expressly authorized by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE 9

Compensation of Directors and Members of Committees

Directors and associate directors of the Company, other than salaried officers of the Company, shall be paid such reasonable honoraria or fees for attending meetings of the Board of Directors as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine. Directors and associate directors who serve as members of committees, other than salaried employees of the Company, shall be paid such reasonable honoraria or fees for services as members of committees as the Board of Directors shall from time to time determine and directors and associate directors may be authorized by the Company to perform such special services as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine in accordance with any guidelines the Board of Directors may adopt for such services, and shall be paid for such special services so performed reasonable compensation as may be determined by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE 10

Indemnification

Section 1. Persons Covered . The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended, any person who was or is made or is threatened to be made a party or is otherwise involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a “proceeding”) by reason of the fact that he, or a person for whom he is the legal representative, is or was a director or associate director of the Company, a member of an advisory board the Board of Directors of the Company or any of its subsidiaries may appoint from time to time or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee, fiduciary or agent of another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, enterprise or non-profit entity that is not a subsidiary or affiliate of the Company, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, against all liability and loss suffered and expenses reasonably incurred by such person. The Company shall be required to indemnify such a person in connection with a proceeding initiated by such person only if the proceeding was authorized by the Board of Directors.

The Company may indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended, any person who was or is made or threatened to be made a party or is otherwise involved in any proceeding by reason of the fact that he, or a person for whom he is the legal

 

7


representative, is or was an officer, employee or agent of the Company or a director, officer, employee or agent of a subsidiary or affiliate of the Company, against all liability and loss suffered and expenses reasonably incurred by such person. The Company may indemnify any such person in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board of Directors.

Section 2. Advance of Expenses . The Company shall pay the expenses incurred in defending any proceeding involving a person who is or may be indemnified pursuant to Section 1 in advance of its final disposition, provided, however, that the payment of expenses incurred by such a person in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding shall be made only upon receipt of an undertaking by that person to repay all amounts advanced if it should be ultimately determined that the person is not entitled to be indemnified under this Article 10 or otherwise.

Section 3. Certain Rights . If a claim under this Article 10 for (A) payment of expenses or (B) indemnification by a director, associate director, member of an advisory board the Board of Directors of the Company or any of its subsidiaries may appoint from time to time or a person who is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee, fiduciary or agent of another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, enterprise or nonprofit entity that is not a subsidiary or affiliate of the Company, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, is not paid in full within sixty days after a written claim therefor has been received by the Company, the claimant may file suit to recover the unpaid amount of such claim and, if successful in whole or in part, shall be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such claim. In any such action, the Company shall have the burden of proving that the claimant was not entitled to the requested indemnification or payment of expenses under applicable law.

Section 4. Non-Exclusive . The rights conferred on any person by this Article 10 shall not be exclusive of any other rights which such person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the Charter or Act of Incorporation, these Bylaws, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.

Section 5. Reduction of Amount . The Company’s obligation, if any, to indemnify any person who was or is serving at its request as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, enterprise or nonprofit entity shall be reduced by any amount such person may collect as indemnification from such other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, enterprise or nonprofit entity.

Section 6. Effect of Modification . Any amendment, repeal or modification of the foregoing provisions of this Article 10 shall not adversely affect any right or protection hereunder of any person in respect of any act or omission occurring prior to the time of such amendment, repeal or modification.

ARTICLE 11

Amendments to the Bylaws

These Bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed, in whole or in part, and any new Bylaw or Bylaws adopted at any regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors by a vote of a majority of all the members of the Board of Directors then in office.

 

8


ARTICLE 12

Miscellaneous

Whenever used in these Bylaws, the singular shall include the plural, the plural shall include the singular unless the context requires otherwise and the use of either gender shall include both genders.

 

9


EXHIBIT 6

Section 321(b) Consent

Pursuant to Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, Wilmington Trust Company hereby consents that reports of examinations by Federal, State, Territorial or District authorities may be furnished by such authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request therefor.

 

  WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
Dated: 12/11/07    
  By:  

/s/ Mary St. Amand

  Name:   Mary St. Amand
  Title:   Vice President


EXHIBIT 7

NOTICE

This form is intended to assist state nonmember banks and savings banks with state publication requirements. It has not been approved by any state banking authorities. Refer to your appropriate state banking authorities for your state publication requirements.

REPORT OF CONDITION

Consolidating domestic subsidiaries of the

 

WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY

   of   

WILMINGTON

        
Name of Bank       City         

in the State of DELAWARE , at the close of business on September 30, 2007.

 

ASSETS

  
     Thousands of dollars

Cash and balances due from depository institutions:

  

Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coins

   247,352

Interest-bearing balances

   0

Held-to-maturity securities

   1,171

Available-for-sale securities

   1,339,816

Federal funds sold in domestic offices

   128,500

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

   14,467

Loans and lease financing receivables:

  

Loans and leases held for sale

   3,379

Loans and leases, net of unearned income

   7,793,026

LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses

   90,906

Loans and leases, net of unearned income, allowance, and reserve

   7,702,120

Assets held in trading accounts

   0

Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases)

   133,263

Other real estate owned

   199

Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies

   2,860

Intangible assets:

  

a. Goodwill

   1,946

b. Other intangible assets

   3,315

Other assets

   317,940

Total assets

   9,896,328

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

 

2


LIABILITIES

  

Deposits:

  

In domestic offices

   6,994,751  

Noninterest-bearing

   748,309  

Interest-bearing

   6,246,442  

Federal funds purchased in domestic offices

   1,014,834  

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

   434,190  

Trading liabilities (from Schedule RC-D)

   0  

Other borrowed money (includes mortgage indebtedness and obligations under capitalized leases)

   315,797  

Subordinated notes and debentures

   0  

Other liabilities (from Schedule RC-G)

   248,973  

Total liabilities

   9,008,545  

EQUITY CAPITAL

  

Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus

   0  

Common Stock

   500  

Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock)

   125,803  

a. Retained earnings

   811,365  

b. Accumulated other comprehensive income

   (49,885 )

Total equity capital

   887,783  

Total liabilities, minority interest, and equity capital

   9,896,328  

 

3

Exhibit 99.1

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE CORP.

LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL

OFFERS TO EXCHANGE

$325,000,000 AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF THEIR 9  1 / 4 % SENIOR NOTES DUE 2015

AND $199,000,000 AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF THEIR 10  5 / 8 % SENIOR

SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2017, EACH OF WHICH HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, FOR ANY AND ALL OF THEIR OUTSTANDING

9  1 / 4 % SENIOR NOTES DUE 2015 AND 10  5 / 8 % SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2017,

RESPECTIVELY

 

THE EXCHANGE OFFER WILL EXPIRE AT 11:59 p.m., NEW YORK CITY

TIME, ON                     , 2008 (THE “EXPIRATION DATE”) UNLESS THE OFFER IS

EXTENDED. TENDERS MAY BE WITHDRAWN PRIOR TO 11:59 p.m., NEW

YORK CITY TIME, ON                     , 2008.

The Exchange Agent for the Exchange Offers is:

WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY

 

By Registered or Certified Mail:    By Regular Mail:    By Overnight Courier or Hand Delivery:

Wilmington Trust Company

Corporate Capital Markets

1100 North Market Street

Rodney Square North

Wilmington, DE 19890-1626

Attention: Alisha Clendaniel

Telephone: (302) 636-6470

  

Wilmington Trust Company

Corporate Capital Markets

1100 North Market Street

Rodney Square North

Wilmington, DE 19890-1626

Attention: Alisha Clendaniel

Telephone: (302) 636-6470

  

Wilmington Trust Company

Corporate Capital Markets

1100 North Market Street

Rodney Square North

Wilmington, DE 19890-1626

Attention: Alisha Clendaniel

Telephone: (302) 636-6470

   By Facsimile Transmission   
   (eligible institutions only):   
   (302) 636-4139   
   Telephone Inquiries:   
  

(302) 636-6470

  

DELIVERY OF THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE, OR TRANSMISSION OF THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL VIA FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION TO A NUMBER OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE WILL NOT CONSTITUTE A VALID DELIVERY. THE INSTRUCTIONS ACCOMPANYING THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL SHOULD BE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL IS COMPLETED.

Holders of Outstanding Notes (as defined below) should complete this Letter of Transmittal either if Outstanding Notes are to be forwarded herewith or if tenders of Outstanding Notes are to be made by book-entry transfer to an account maintained by the Exchange Agent at the book-entry transfer facility specified by the holder pursuant to the procedures set forth in “The Exchange Offers—Book-Entry Delivery Procedures” and “The Exchange Offers—Procedures for Tendering Outstanding Notes” in the Prospectus (as defined below) and


an “Agent’s Message” (as defined below) is not delivered. If tender is being made by book-entry transfer, the holder must have an Agent’s Message delivered in lieu of this Letter of Transmittal.

Holders of Outstanding Notes whose certificates for such Outstanding Notes are not immediately available or who cannot deliver their certificates and all other required documents to the Exchange Agent on or prior to the Expiration Date or who cannot complete the procedures for book-entry transfer on a timely basis must tender their Outstanding Notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth in “The Exchange Offers—Guaranteed Delivery Procedures” in the Prospectus.

Unless the context otherwise requires, the term “holder” for purposes of this Letter of Transmittal means any person in whose name Outstanding Notes are registered or any other person who has obtained a properly completed bond power from the registered holder or any person whose Outstanding Notes are held of record by The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”).

The undersigned acknowledges receipt of the Prospectus dated                          (as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the “Prospectus”) of Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC”), and Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp., a Delaware corporation (together with Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC, the “Issuers”), and certain of the Issuers’ subsidiaries (each, a “Guarantor” and collectively, the “Guarantors”), and this Letter of Transmittal (the “Letter of Transmittal”), which together constitute the Issuers’ offer (the “Exchange Offers”) to exchange up to $325,000,000 aggregate principal amount of their 9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015 (the “2015 Senior Exchange Notes”) and up to $199,000,000 aggregate principal amount of their 10  5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017 (the “2017 Senior Exchange Notes” and, together with the 2015 Senior Exchange Notes, the “Exchange Notes”), which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), for any and all of their outstanding 9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015 (the “2015 Senior Outstanding Notes”) and 10  5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017 (the “2017 Senior Subordinated Outstanding Notes” and, together with the 2015 Senior Outstanding Notes, the “Outstanding Notes”). The Outstanding Notes are unconditionally guaranteed (the “Old Guarantees”) by the Guarantors, and the Exchange Notes will be unconditionally guaranteed (the “New Guarantees”) by the Guarantors. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Prospectus and this Letter of Transmittal, the Guarantors offer to issue the New Guarantees with respect to all Exchange Notes issued in the Exchange Offers in exchange for the Old Guarantees of the Outstanding Notes for which such Exchange Notes are issued in the Exchange Offers. Throughout this Letter of Transmittal, unless the context otherwise requires and whether so expressed or not, references to the “Exchange Offers” include the Guarantors’ offer to exchange the New Guarantees for the Old Guarantees, references to the “Exchange Notes” include the related New Guarantees and references to the “Outstanding Notes” include the related Old Guarantees.

For each Outstanding Note of any series of the Outstanding Notes accepted for exchange, the holder of such Outstanding Note will receive an Exchange Note of the corresponding series of the Exchange Notes having a principal amount equal to that of the surrendered Outstanding Note. The 2015 Senior Exchange Notes will accrue interest at a rate of 9  1 / 4 % per annum and the 2017 Senior Subordinated Exchange Notes will accrue interest at a rate of 10  5 / 8 % per annum, in each case, payable on April 1 and October 1 of each year.

Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the same meaning given them in the Prospectus.

YOUR BANK OR BROKER CAN ASSIST YOU IN COMPLETING THIS FORM. THE INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDED WITH THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL MUST BE FOLLOWED. QUESTIONS AND REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE OR FOR ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THE PROSPECTUS AND THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT, WHOSE ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FRONT PAGE OF THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.

The undersigned has completed the appropriate boxes below and signed this Letter of Transmittal to indicate the action that the undersigned desires to take with respect to the Exchange Offers.

 

2


PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND THE PROSPECTUS

CAREFULLY BEFORE CHECKING ANY BOX BELOW.

 


List below the Outstanding Notes to which this Letter of Transmittal relates. If the space provided below is inadequate, the certificate numbers and aggregate principal amounts of Outstanding Notes should be listed on a separate signed schedule affixed hereto.

All Tendering Holders Complete Box 1:

 

Box 1*

Description of Outstanding Notes Tendered Herewith

Name(s) and Address(es) of Registered

Holder(s)

(Please fill in, if blank, exactly as name(s)

appear(s) on Certificate(s))

 

Series of
Outstanding
Notes

 

  

Certificate or
Registration

Number(s) of

Outstanding

Notes**

 

  

Aggregate
Principal
Amount
Represented by
Outstanding
Notes

 

  

Aggregate
Principal
Amount of
Outstanding
Notes Being
Tendered***

 

          
          
          
          
          
          

Total:

          
          

 

* If the space provided is inadequate, list the certificate numbers and principal amount of Outstanding Notes on a separate signed schedule and attach the list to this Letter of Transmittal.

 

** Need not be completed by book-entry holders.

 

*** The minimum permitted tender is $2,000 in principal amount. All tenders must be in the amount of $2,000 or in integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. Unless otherwise indicated in this column, the holder will be deemed to have tendered the full aggregate principal amount represented by such Outstanding Notes. See instruction 2.

 

Box 2

Book-Entry Transfer

 

  ¨ CHECK HERE IF TENDERED OUTSTANDING NOTES ARE BEING DELIVERED BY BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER MADE TO THE ACCOUNT MAINTAINED BY THE EXCHANGE AGENT AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:  

Name of Tendering Institution:                                                                                                                                                 

Account Number:                                                                                                                                                                           

Transaction Code Number:                                                                                                                                                        

 

3


Holders of Outstanding Notes that are tendering by book-entry transfer to the Exchange Agent’s account at DTC can execute the tender through DTC’s Automated Tender Offer Program (“ATOP”), for which the transaction will be eligible. DTC participants that are accepting the Exchange Offers must transmit their acceptances to DTC, which will verify the acceptance and execute a book-entry delivery to the Exchange Agent’s account at DTC. DTC will then send a computer-generated message (an “Agent’s Message”) to the Exchange Agent for its acceptance in which the holder of the Outstanding Notes acknowledges and agrees to be bound by the terms of, and makes the representations and warranties contained in, this Letter of Transmittal, and the DTC participant confirms on behalf of itself and the beneficial owners of such Outstanding Notes all provisions of this Letter of Transmittal (including any representations and warranties) applicable to it and such beneficial owner as fully as if it had completed the information required herein and executed and transmitted this Letter of Transmittal to the Exchange Agent. Each DTC participant transmitting an acceptance of the Exchange Offers through the ATOP procedures will be deemed to have agreed to be bound by the terms of this Letter of Transmittal. Delivery of an Agent’s Message by DTC will satisfy the terms of the Exchange Offers as to execution and delivery of a Letter of Transmittal by the participant identified in the Agent’s Message. DTC participants may also accept the Exchange Offers by submitting a Notice of Guaranteed Delivery through ATOP.

 

Box 3

Notice of Guaranteed Delivery

(See Instruction 1 below)

 

  ¨ CHECK HERE IF TENDERED OUTSTANDING NOTES ARE BEING DELIVERED PURSUANT TO A NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY PREVIOUSLY SENT TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:  

Name(s) of Registered Holder(s):                                                                                                                                            

Window Ticket Number (if any):                                                                                                                                             

Name of Eligible Guarantor Institution that Guaranteed Delivery:                                                                             

Date of Execution of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery:                                                                                                      

IF GUARANTEED DELIVERY IS TO BE MADE BY BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER:

Name of Tendering Institution:                                                                                                                                                 

Account Number:                                                                                                                                                                           

Transaction Code Number:                                                                                                                                                        

 

Box 4

Return of Non-Exchanged Outstanding Notes

Tendered by Book-Entry Transfer

 

  ¨ CHECK HERE IF OUTSTANDING NOTES TENDERED BY BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER AND NON-EXCHANGED OUTSTANDING NOTES ARE TO BE RETURNED BY CREDITING THE ACCOUNT NUMBER SET FORTH ABOVE.  

 

4


Box 5

Participating Broker-Dealer

 

  ¨ CHECK HERE IF YOU ARE A BROKER-DEALER WHO ACQUIRED THE OUTSTANDING NOTES FOR YOUR OWN ACCOUNT AS A RESULT OF MARKET-MAKING OR OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES AND WISH TO RECEIVE TEN (10) ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THE PROSPECTUS AND OF ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO.  

Name:                                                                                                                                                                                       

Address:                                                                                                                                                                                  

If the undersigned is not a broker-dealer, the undersigned represents that it is acquiring the Exchange Notes in the ordinary course of business and has no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in a distribution of the Exchange Notes. If the undersigned is a broker-dealer that will receive Exchange Notes for its own account in exchange for Outstanding Notes that were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, it acknowledges that it will deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale or transfer of such Exchange Notes; 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 Securities Act. A broker-dealer may not participate in the Exchange Offers with respect to Outstanding Notes acquired other than as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. Any broker-dealer who purchased Outstanding Notes from the Issuers to resell pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act or any other available exemption under the Securities Act must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements under the Securities Act.

PLEASE READ THE ACCOMPANYING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

 

5


Ladies and Gentlemen:

Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Exchange Offers, the undersigned hereby tenders to the Issuers the aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Notes indicated above. Subject to, and effective upon, the acceptance for exchange of all or any portion of the Outstanding Notes tendered herewith in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Exchange Offers (including, if the Exchange Offers are extended or amended, the terms and conditions of any such extension or amendment), the undersigned hereby exchanges, assigns and transfers to, or upon the order of, the Issuers all right, title and interest in and to such Outstanding Notes as are being tendered herewith.

The undersigned hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints the Exchange Agent as its true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact of the undersigned (with full knowledge that the Exchange Agent also acts as the agent of the Issuers, in connection with the Exchange Offers) with respect to the tendered Outstanding Notes, with full power of substitution and resubstitution (such power of attorney being deemed an irrevocable power coupled with an interest) to (1) deliver certificates representing such Outstanding Notes, or transfer ownership of such Outstanding Notes on the account books maintained by the book-entry transfer facility specified by the holder(s) of the Outstanding Notes, together, in each such case, with all accompanying evidences of transfer and authenticity to, or upon the order of, the Issuers, (2) present and deliver such Outstanding Notes for transfer on the books of the Issuers and (3) receive all benefits or otherwise exercise all rights and incidents of beneficial ownership of such Outstanding Notes, all in accordance with the terms of the Exchange Offers.

The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that (a) the undersigned has full power and authority to tender, exchange, assign and transfer the Outstanding Notes tendered hereby, (b) when such tendered Outstanding Notes are accepted for exchange, the Issuers will acquire good and unencumbered title thereto, free and clear of all liens, restrictions, charges and encumbrances and (c) the Outstanding Notes tendered for exchange are not subject to any adverse claims or proxies when accepted by the Issuers. The undersigned hereby further represents that any Exchange Notes acquired in exchange for Outstanding Notes tendered hereby will have been acquired in the ordinary course of business of the person receiving such Exchange Notes, whether or not such person is the undersigned, that neither the holder of such Outstanding Notes nor any such other person is engaged in or intends to engage in, nor has an arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in, the distribution of such Exchange Notes, and that neither the holder of such Outstanding Notes nor any such other person is an “affiliate,” as such term is defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act, of the Issuers or any Guarantor. If the undersigned is a person in the United Kingdom, the undersigned represents that its ordinary activities involve it in acquiring, holding, managing or disposing of investments (as principal or agent) for the purposes of its business.

The undersigned also acknowledges that the Exchange Offers are being made based on the Issuers’ understanding of an interpretation by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) as set forth in no-action letters issued to third parties, including Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated (available June 5, 1991), Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation (available May 13, 1988), as interpreted in the SEC’s letter to Shearman & Sterling, dated July 2, 1993, or similar no-action letters, that the Exchange Notes issued in exchange for the Outstanding Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offers may be offered for resale, resold and otherwise transferred by each holder thereof (other than a broker-dealer who acquires such Exchange Notes directly from the Issuers for resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act or any other available exemption under the Securities Act or any such holder that is an “affiliate” of the Issuers or the Guarantors within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act), without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, provided that such Exchange Notes are acquired in the ordinary course of such holder’s business and such holder is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, a distribution of such Exchange Notes and has no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution of such Exchange Notes. If a holder of the Outstanding Notes is an affiliate of the Issuers or the Guarantors, is not acquiring the Exchange Notes in the ordinary course of its business, is engaged in or intends to engage in a distribution of the Exchange Notes or has any arrangement or understanding with respect to the distribution of the Exchange Notes to be acquired pursuant to the Exchange Offers, such holder (x) may not rely on the applicable interpretations of the

 

6


staff of the SEC and (y) must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any secondary resale transaction. If the undersigned is a broker-dealer that will receive the Exchange Notes for its own account in exchange for the Outstanding Notes, it represents that the Outstanding Notes to be exchanged for the Exchange Notes 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 or transfer of such Exchange Notes; 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 Securities Act.

The undersigned will, upon request, execute and deliver any additional documents deemed by the Issuers or the Exchange Agent to be necessary or desirable to complete the exchange, assignment and transfer of the tendered Outstanding Notes or transfer ownership of such Outstanding Notes on the account books maintained by the book-entry transfer facility. The undersigned further agrees that acceptance of any and all validly tendered Outstanding Notes by the Issuers and the issuance of Exchange Notes in exchange therefor shall constitute performance in full by the Issuers of their obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement dated April 2, 2007, among the Issuers, the guarantors listed therein, Lehman Brothers Inc. and Goldman, Sachs & Co. (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), and that the Issuers shall have no further obligations or liabilities thereunder except as provided in Section 8 (indemnification) of such agreement. The undersigned will comply with its obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement.

The Exchange Offers are subject to certain conditions as set forth in the Prospectus under the caption “The Exchange Offers—Conditions to the Exchange Offers.” The undersigned recognizes that as a result of these conditions (which may be waived, in whole or in part, by the Issuers), as more particularly set forth in the Prospectus, the Issuers may not be required to exchange any of the Outstanding Notes tendered hereby and, in such event, the Outstanding Notes not exchanged will be returned to the undersigned at the address shown above, promptly following the expiration or termination of the Exchange Offers. In addition, the Issuers may amend the Exchange Offers at any time prior to the Expiration Date if any of the conditions set forth under “The Exchange Offers—Conditions to the Exchange Offers” occur.

All authority herein conferred or agreed to be conferred in this Letter of Transmittal shall survive the death or incapacity of the undersigned and every obligation of the undersigned hereunder shall be binding upon the successors, assigns, heirs, administrators, trustees in bankruptcy and legal representatives of the undersigned. Tendered Outstanding Notes may be withdrawn at any time prior to the Expiration Date in accordance with the procedures set forth in the terms of this Letter of Transmittal.

Unless otherwise indicated herein in the box entitled “Special Registration Instructions” below, please deliver the Exchange Notes (and, if applicable, substitute certificates representing the Outstanding Notes for any Outstanding Notes not exchanged) in the name of the undersigned or, in the case of a book-entry delivery of the Outstanding Notes, please credit the account indicated above. Similarly, unless otherwise indicated under the box entitled “Special Delivery Instructions” below, please send the Exchange Notes (and, if applicable, substitute certificates representing the Outstanding Notes for any Outstanding Notes not exchanged) to the undersigned at the address shown above in the box entitled “Description of Outstanding Notes Tendered Herewith.”

THE UNDERSIGNED, BY COMPLETING THE BOX ENTITLED “DESCRIPTION OF OUTSTANDING NOTES TENDERED HEREWITH” ABOVE AND SIGNING THIS LETTER, WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE TENDERED THE OUTSTANDING NOTES AS SET FORTH IN SUCH BOX.

 

7


Box 6

SPECIAL REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS

(See Instructions 4 and 5)

To be completed ONLY if certificates for the Outstanding Notes not tendered and/or certificates for the Exchange Notes are to be issued in the name of someone other than the registered holder(s) of the Outstanding Notes whose name(s) appear(s) above.

 

   Issue:   

¨           Outstanding Notes not tendered to:

  
     

¨           Exchange Notes to:

  
   Name(s):        
      (Please Print or Type)   
   Address:        
          
      (Include Zip Code)   
   Daytime Area Code and Telephone Number.   
          
   Taxpayer Identification or Social Security Number:   
          

 

Box 7

SPECIAL DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS

(See Instructions 4 and 5)

To be completed ONLY if certificates for the Outstanding Notes not tendered and/or certificates for the Exchange Notes are to be sent in the name of someone other than the registered holder(s) of the Outstanding Notes whose name(s) appear(s) above.

 

   Send:   

¨           Outstanding Notes not tendered to:

  
     

¨           Exchange Notes to:

  
   Name(s):        
      (Please Print or Type)   
   Address:        
          
      (Include Zip Code)   
   Daytime Area Code and Telephone Number.   
          
   Taxpayer Identification or Social Security Number:   

 

8


Box 8

TENDERING HOLDER(S) SIGN HERE

(Complete accompanying substitute form W-9)

Must be signed by the registered holder(s) (which term, for the purposes described herein, shall include the book-entry transfer facility whose name appears on a security listing as the owner of the Outstanding Notes) of the Outstanding Notes exactly as their name(s) appear(s) on the Outstanding Notes hereby tendered or by any person(s) authorized to become the registered holder(s) by properly completed bond powers or endorsements and documents transmitted herewith. If signature is by a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, attorney-in-fact, officer of a corporation or other person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, please set forth the full title of such person. See Instruction 4.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

(Signature(s) of Holder(s))

Date:                                                                                                                                                                         

Name(s):                                                                                                                                                  

(Please Type or Print)

Capacity (full title):                                                                                                                                            

Address:                                                                                                                                                            

(Including Zip Code)

Daytime Area Code and Telephone Number:                                                                                           

Taxpayer Identification or Social Security Number:                                                                              

GUARANTEE OF SIGNATURE(S)

(If Required—See Instruction 4)

Authorized Signature:                                                                                                                         

Date:                                                                                                                                                                         

Name:                                                                                                                                                                      

Title:                                                                                                                                                                         

Name of Firm:                                                                                                                                                      

Address of Firm:                                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                                                          

(Include Zip Code)

Area Code and Telephone Number:                                                                                                             

Taxpayer Identification or Social Security Number:                                                                              

 

9


Box 9

PAYER’S NAME: THE BANK OF NEW YORK

 

     

Substitute

 

Form W-9

 

Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service

 

Payer’s Request for Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)

   Part 1 — PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR TIN IN THE BOX AT RIGHT AND CERTIFY BY SIGNING AND DATING BELOW.   

Name

 

 

Social Security Number

 

OR

 

 

Employer Identification Number

 

  Part 3—

  Awaiting TIN     ¨

  

Part 2—Certification—UNDER THE PENALTIES OF PERJURY, I CERTIFY THAT:

(1)    The number shown on this form is my correct Taxpayer Identification Number (or I am waiting for a number to be issued to me), and

(2)    I am not subject to backup withholding because (a) I am exempt from backup withholding, or (b) I have not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) that I am subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends, or (c) the IRS has notified me that I am no longer subject to backup withholding, and

(3)    I am a U.S. person (including a U.S. resident alien).

   CERTIFICATE INSTRUCTIONS—You must cross out item (2) above if you have been notified by the IRS that you are currently subject to backup withholding because of under-reporting interest or dividends on your tax return. However, if after being notified by the IRS that you were subject to backup withholding you received another notification from the IRS that you are no longer subject to backup withholding, do not cross out such item (2).
  

The Internal Revenue Service does not require your consent to any provision of this document other than the certifications required to avoid backup withholding.

Sign Here:                                                                                                                                                                  

   Signature                                                                                                                                                                    
   Date

NOTE: FAILURE TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS FORM MAY RESULT IN BACKUP WITHHOLDING OF 28% OF ANY PAYMENTS MADE TO YOU PURSUANT TO THE EXCHANGE OFFERS. PLEASE REVIEW THE ENCLOSED GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.

YOU MUST COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING CERTIFICATE IF YOU

CHECKED THE BOX IN PART 3 OF THE SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9.

 

CERTIFICATE OF AWAITING TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

I certify under penalties of perjury that a taxpayer identification number has not been issued to me, and either (1) I have mailed or delivered an application to receive a taxpayer identification number to the appropriate Internal Revenue Service Center or Social Security Administration Office, or (2) I intend to mail or deliver an application in the near future. I understand that if I do not provide a taxpayer identification number by the time of payment, 28% of all reportable payments made to me will be withheld and, if the Exchange Agent is not provided with a TIN within 60 days, such amounts will be paid over to the Internal Revenue Service.

Signature                                                                            Date                                                                        

 

10


GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION

NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9

Guidelines for Determining the Proper Identification Number for the payee (You) to Give the Payer. —Social security numbers have nine digits separated by two hyphens: i.e., 000-00-0000. Employee identification numbers have nine digits separated by only one hyphen: i.e., 00-0000000. The table below will help determine the number to give the payer. All “Section” references are to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. “IRS” is the Internal Revenue Service.

 

For this type of account:   

Give the

SOCIAL SECURITY

number of—

  1.      Individual

   The individual

  2.      Two or more individuals (joint account)

   The actual owner of the account or, if combined account fund, the first individual on the account 1

  3.      Custodian account of a minor (Uniform Gift to Minors Act)

   The minor 2

  4.      a. The usual revocable savings trust account (grantor is also trustee)

   The grantor-trustee 1

            b. So-called trust that is not a legal or valid trust under state law

   The actual owner 1

  5.      Sole proprietorship

   The owner 3
  For this type of account:   

Give the EMPLOYER

IDENTIFICATION number of

  6.      Sole proprietorship

   The owner 3

  7.      A valid trust, estate, or pension trust

   The legal entity 4

  8.      Corporate

   The corporation

  9.      Association, club, religious, charitable,
educational, or other tax-exempt organization account

   The organization

  10.    Partnership

   The partnership

  11.    A broker or registered nominee

   The broker or nominee

  12.    Account with the Department of Agriculture in
the name of a public entity (such as a state or local government, school district, or prison)
that receives agricultural program payments

   The public entity

1. List first and circle the name of the person whose number you furnish. If only one person on a joint account has a social security number, that person’s number must be furnished.
2. Circle the minor’s name and furnish the minor’s social security number.
3. You must show your individual name, but you may also enter your business or “doing business as” name. You may use either your social security number or your employer identification number (if you have one).
4. List first and circle the name of the legal trust, estate, or pension trust. (Do not furnish the taxpayer identification number of the personal representative or trustee unless the legal entity itself is not designated in the account title.)

 

NOTE: IF NO NAME IS CIRCLED WHEN THERE IS MORE THAN ONE NAME, THE NUMBER WILL BE CONSIDERED TO BE THAT OF THE FIRST NAME LISTED.

 

11


GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9

Obtaining a Number

If you don’t have a taxpayer identification number or you don’t know your number, obtain Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card, at the local Social Administration office, or Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number, by calling 1 (800) TAX-FORM, and apply for a number.

Payees Exempt from Backup Withholding

Payees specifically exempted from withholding include:

 

   

An organization exempt from tax under Section 501(a), an individual retirement account (IRA), or a custodial account under Section 403(b)(7), if the account satisfies the requirements of Section 401(f)(2).

 

   

The United States or a state thereof, the District of Columbia, a possession of the United States, or a political subdivision or wholly-owned agency or instrumentality of any one or more of the foregoing.

 

   

An international organization or any agency or instrumentality thereof.

 

   

A foreign government and any political subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof.

Payees that may be exempt from backup withholding include:

 

   

A corporation.

 

   

A financial institution.

 

   

A dealer in securities or commodities required to register in the United States, the District of Columbia, or a possession of the United States.

 

   

A real estate investment trust.

 

   

A common trust fund operated by a bank under Section 584(a).

 

   

An entity registered at all times during the tax year under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

   

A middleman known in the investment community as a nominee or custodian.

 

   

A futures commission merchant registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

 

   

A foreign central bank of issue.

 

   

A trust exempt from tax under Section 664 or described in Section 4947.

Payments of dividends and patronage dividends generally exempt from backup withholding include:

 

   

Payments to nonresident aliens subject to withholding under Section 1441.

 

   

Payments to partnerships not engaged in a trade or business in the United States and that have at least one nonresident alien partner.

 

   

Payments of patronage dividends not paid in money.

 

   

Payments made by certain foreign organizations.

 

   

Section 404(k) payments made by an ESOP.

Payments of interest generally exempt from backup withholding include:

 

   

Payments of interest on obligations issued by individuals. Note: You may be subject to backup withholding if this interest is $600 or more and you have not provided your correct taxpayer identification number to the payer.

 

12


   

Payments of tax-exempt interest (including exempt-interest dividends under Section 852).

 

   

Payments described in Section 6049(b)(5) to nonresident aliens.

 

   

Payments on tax-free covenant bonds under Section 1451.

 

   

Payments made by certain foreign organizations.

 

   

Mortgage interest paid to you.

Certain payments, other than payments of interest, dividends, and patronage dividends, that are exempt from information reporting are also exempt from backup withholding. For details, see the regulations under Sections 6041, 6041A, 6042, 6044, 6045, 6049, 6050A and 6050N.

Exempt payees described above must file Form W-9 or a substitute Form W-9 to avoid possible erroneous backup withholding. FILE THIS FORM WITH THE PAYER, FURNISH YOUR TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER, WRITE “EXEMPT” IN PART 2 OF THE FORM, SIGN AND DATE THE FORM AND RETURN IT TO THE PAYER.

Privacy Act Notice .—Section 6109 requires you to provide your correct taxpayer identification number to payers, who must report the payments to the IRS. The IRS uses the number for identification purposes and may also provide this information to various government agencies for tax enforcement or litigation purposes. Payers must be given the numbers whether or not recipients are required to file tax returns. Payers must generally withhold 28% of taxable interest, dividend, and certain other payments to a payee who does not furnish a taxpayer identification number to payer. Certain penalties may also apply.

Penalties

(1) Failure to Furnish Taxpayer Identification Number .—If you fail to furnish your taxpayer identification number to a payer, you are subject to a penalty of $50 for each such failure unless your failure is due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect.

(2) Civil Penalty for False Information with Respect to Withholding .—If you make a false statement with no reasonable basis that results in no backup withholding, you are subject to a $500 penalty.

(3) Criminal Penalty for Falsifying Information .—Willfully falsifying certifications or affirmations may subject you to criminal penalties including fines and/or imprisonment.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT YOUR TAX CONSULTANT OR THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE.

 

13


INSTRUCTIONS

FORMING PART OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE EXCHANGE OFFERS

General

Please do not send certificates for Outstanding Notes directly to the Issuers. Your certificates for Outstanding Notes, together with your signed and completed Letter of Transmittal and any required supporting documents, should be mailed or otherwise delivered to the Exchange Agent at the address set forth on the first page hereof. The method of delivery of Outstanding Notes, this Letter of Transmittal and all other required documents is at your sole option and risk and the delivery will be deemed made only when actually received by the Exchange Agent. If delivery is by mail, registered mail with return receipt requested, properly insured, or overnight or hand delivery service is recommended. In all cases, sufficient time should be allowed to ensure timely delivery.

1. Delivery of this Letter of Transmittal and Certificates; Guaranteed Delivery Procedures. A holder of Outstanding Notes (which term, for the purposes described herein, shall include the book-entry transfer facility whose name appears on a security listing as the owner of the Outstanding Notes) may tender the same by (i) properly completing and signing this Letter of Transmittal or a facsimile hereof (all references in the Prospectus to the Letter of Transmittal shall be deemed to include a facsimile thereof) and delivering the same, together with the certificate or certificates, if applicable, representing the Outstanding Notes being tendered and any required signature guarantees and any other documents required by this Letter of Transmittal, to the Exchange Agent at its address set forth above on or prior to the Expiration Date, (ii) complying with the procedure for book-entry transfer described below or (iii) complying with the guaranteed delivery procedures described below.

Holders who wish to tender their Outstanding Notes and (i) whose Outstanding Notes are not immediately available or (ii) who cannot deliver their Outstanding Notes, this Letter of Transmittal and all other required documents to the Exchange Agent on or prior to the Expiration Date or (iii) who cannot comply with the book-entry transfer procedures on a timely basis, must tender their Outstanding Notes pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedure set forth in “The Exchange Offers—Guaranteed Delivery Procedures” in the Prospectus and by completing Box 3. Holders may tender their Outstanding Notes if: (i) the tender is made by or through an Eligible Guarantor Institution (as defined below); (ii) the Exchange Agent receives (by facsimile transmission, mail or hand delivery), on or prior to the Expiration Date, a properly completed and duly executed Notice of Guaranteed Delivery in the form provided with this Letter of Transmittal that (a) sets forth the name and address of the holder of Outstanding Notes, if applicable, the certificate number(s) of the Outstanding Notes to be tendered and the principal amount of Outstanding Notes tendered; (b) states that the tender is being made thereby; and (c) guarantees that, within three New York Stock Exchange trading days after the Expiration Date, the Letter of Transmittal, or a facsimile thereof, together with the Outstanding Notes or a book-entry confirmation, and any other documents required by the Letter of Transmittal, will be deposited by the Eligible Guarantor Institution with the Exchange Agent; or (iii) the Exchange Agent receives a properly completed and executed Letter of Transmittal, or facsimile thereof and the certificate(s) representing all tendered Outstanding Notes in proper form or a confirmation of book-entry transfer of the Outstanding Notes into the Exchange Agent’s account at the appropriate book-entry transfer facility and all other documents required by this Letter of Transmittal within three New York Stock Exchange trading days after the Expiration Date.

Any Holder who wishes to tender Outstanding Notes pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedures described above must ensure that the Exchange Agent receives the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery relating to such Outstanding Notes prior to the Expiration Date. Failure to complete the guaranteed delivery procedures outlined above will not, of itself, affect the validity or effect a revocation of any Letter of Transmittal form properly completed and executed by a holder who attempted to use the guaranteed delivery procedures.

No alternative, conditional, irregular or contingent tenders will be accepted. Each tendering holder, by execution of this Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof), shall waive any right to receive notice of the acceptance of the Outstanding Notes for exchange.

 

14


2. Partial Tenders; Withdrawals . Tenders of Outstanding Notes will be accepted only in the principal amount of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. If less than the entire principal amount of Outstanding Notes evidenced by a submitted certificate is tendered, the tendering holder(s) must fill in the aggregate principal amount of Outstanding Notes tendered in the column entitled “Description of Outstanding Notes Tendered Herewith” in Box 1 above. A newly issued certificate for the Outstanding Notes submitted but not tendered will be sent to such holder promptly after the Expiration Date, unless otherwise provided in the appropriate box on this Letter of Transmittal. All Outstanding Notes delivered to the Exchange Agent will be deemed to have been tendered in full unless otherwise clearly indicated. Outstanding Notes tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offers may be withdrawn at any time prior to the Expiration Date, after which tenders of Outstanding Notes are irrevocable.

To be effective with respect to the tender of Outstanding Notes, a written notice of withdrawal (which may be by telegram, telex, facsimile or letter) must: (i) be received by the Exchange Agent at the address for the Exchange Agent set forth above before the Issuers notify the Exchange Agent that they have accepted the tender of Outstanding Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offers; (ii) specify the name of the person who tendered the Outstanding Notes to be withdrawn; (iii) identify the Outstanding Notes to be withdrawn (including the principal amount of such Outstanding Notes, or, if applicable, the certificate numbers shown on the particular certificates evidencing such Outstanding Notes and the principal amount of Outstanding Notes represented by such certificates); (iv) include a statement that such holder is withdrawing its election to have such Outstanding Notes exchanged; (v) specify the name in which any such Outstanding Notes are to be registered, if different from that of the withdrawing holder; and (vi) be signed by the holder in the same manner as the original signature on this Letter of Transmittal (including any required signature guarantee). The Exchange Agent will return the properly withdrawn Outstanding Notes promptly following receipt of notice of withdrawal. If Outstanding Notes have been tendered pursuant to the procedure for book-entry transfer, any notice of withdrawal must specify the name and number of the account at the book-entry transfer facility to be credited with the withdrawn Outstanding Notes or otherwise comply with the book-entry transfer facility’s procedures. All questions as to the validity, form and eligibility of notices of withdrawals, including time of receipt, will be determined by the Issuers, and such determination will be final and binding on all parties.

Any Outstanding Notes so withdrawn will be deemed not to have been validly tendered for exchange for purposes of the Exchange Offers. Any Outstanding Notes which have been tendered for exchange but which are not accepted for exchange for any reason will be returned to the holder thereof without cost to such holder (or, in the case of Outstanding Notes tendered by book-entry transfer into the Exchange Agent’s account at the book entry transfer facility pursuant to the book-entry transfer procedures described above, such Outstanding Notes will be credited to an account with such book-entry transfer facility specified by the holder) promptly after withdrawal, rejection of tender or termination of the Exchange Offers. Properly withdrawn Outstanding Notes may be retendered by following one of the procedures described under the caption “The Exchange Offers—Procedures for Tendering Outstanding Notes” in the Prospectus at any time prior to the Expiration Date.

Neither the Issuers, any affiliate or assigns of either Issuer, the Exchange Agent nor any other person will be under any duty to give any notification of any irregularities in any notice of withdrawal or incur any liability for failure to give such notification (even if such notice is given to other persons).

3. Beneficial Owner Instructions . Only a holder of Outstanding Notes (i.e., a person in whose name Outstanding Notes are registered on the books of the registrar or, or, in the case of Outstanding Notes held through book-entry, such book-entry transfer facility specified by the holder), or the legal representative or attorney-in-fact of a holder, may execute and deliver this Letter of Transmittal. Any beneficial owner of Outstanding Notes who wishes to accept the Exchange Offers must arrange promptly for the appropriate holder to execute and deliver this Letter of Transmittal on his or her behalf through the execution and delivery to the appropriate holder of the “Instructions to Registered Holder from Beneficial Owner” form accompanying this Letter of Transmittal.

 

15


4. Signature on this Letter of Transmittal; Written Instruments and Endorsements; Guarantee of Signatures . If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder(s) (which term, for the purposes described herein, shall include the book-entry transfer facility whose name appears on a security listing as the owner of the Outstanding Notes) of the Outstanding Notes tendered hereby, the signature must correspond exactly with the name(s) as written on the face of the certificates (or on such security listing) without alteration, addition, enlargement or any change whatsoever.

If any of the Outstanding Notes tendered hereby are owned of record by two or more joint owners, all such owners must sign this Letter of Transmittal.

If a number of Outstanding Notes registered in different names are tendered, it will be necessary to complete, sign and submit as many separate copies of this Letter of Transmittal (or facsimiles thereof) as there are different registrations of Outstanding Notes.

When this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder(s) of Outstanding Notes (which term, for the purposes described herein, shall include the book-entry transfer facility whose name appears on a security listing as the owner of the Outstanding Notes) listed and tendered hereby, no endorsements of certificates or separate written instruments of transfer or exchange are required. If, however, this Letter of Transmittal is signed by a person other than the registered holder(s) of the Outstanding Notes listed or the Exchange Notes are to be issued, or any untendered Outstanding Notes are to be reissued, to a person other than the registered holder(s) of the Outstanding Notes, such Outstanding Notes must be endorsed or accompanied by separate written instruments of transfer or exchange in form satisfactory to the Issuers and duly executed by the registered holder, in each case signed exactly as the name or names of the registered holder(s) appear(s) on the Outstanding Notes and the signatures on such certificates must be guaranteed by an Eligible Guarantor Institution. If this Letter of Transmittal, any certificates or separate written instruments of transfer or exchange are signed by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such persons should so indicate when signing, and, unless waived by the Issuers, submit proper evidence satisfactory to the Issuers, in their sole discretion, of such persons’ authority to so act.

Endorsements on certificates for the Outstanding Notes or signatures on bond powers required by this Instruction 4 must be guaranteed by a member firm of a registered national securities exchange or of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., a commercial bank or trust company having an office or correspondent in the United States or another “eligible guarantor institution” within the meaning of Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (an “Eligible Guarantor Institution”).

Signatures on this Letter of Transmittal must be guaranteed by an Eligible Guarantor Institution, unless Outstanding Notes are tendered: (i) by a registered holder (which term, for the purposes described herein, shall include the book-entry transfer facility whose name appears on a security listing as the owner of the Outstanding Notes) who has not completed the box entitled “Special Registration Instructions” or “Special Delivery Instructions” on this Letter of Transmittal; or (ii) for the account of an Eligible Guarantor Institution.

5. Special Registration and Delivery Instructions . Tendering holders should indicate, in the applicable Box 6 or Box 7, the name and address in/to which the Exchange Notes and/or certificates for Outstanding Notes not exchanged are to be issued or sent, if different from the name(s) and address(es) of the person signing this Letter of Transmittal. In the case of issuance in a different name, the tax identification number or social security number of the person named must also be indicated. A holder tendering the Outstanding Notes by book-entry transfer may request that the Outstanding Notes not exchanged be credited to such account maintained at the book-entry transfer facility as such holder may designate. See Box 4.

If no such instructions are given, the Exchange Notes (and any Outstanding Notes not tendered or not accepted) will be issued in the name of and sent to the holder signing this Letter of Transmittal or deposited into such holder’s account at the applicable book-entry transfer facility.

 

16


6. Transfer Taxes . The Issuers shall pay all transfer taxes, if any, applicable to the transfer and exchange of the Outstanding Notes to them or their order pursuant to the Exchange Offers. If, however, the Exchange Notes are delivered to or issued in the name of a person other than the registered holder, or if a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the transfer and exchange of Outstanding Notes to the Issuers or their order pursuant to the Exchange Offers, the amount of any such transfer taxes (whether imposed on the registered holder or any other person) will be payable by the tendering holder. If satisfactory evidence of payment of such taxes or exemption therefrom is not submitted herewith the amount of such transfer taxes will be billed directly to such tendering holder.

Except as provided in this Instruction 6, it will not be necessary for transfer tax stamps to be affixed to the Outstanding Notes listed in this Letter of Transmittal.

7. Waiver of Conditions . The Issuers reserve the absolute right to waive, in whole or in part, any of the conditions to the Exchange Offers set forth in the Prospectus.

8. Mutilated, Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Securities . Any holder whose Outstanding Notes have been mutilated, lost, stolen or destroyed, should promptly contact the Exchange Agent at the address set forth on the first page hereof for further instructions. The holder will then be instructed as to the steps that must be taken in order to replace the certificate(s). This Letter of Transmittal and related documents cannot be processed until the procedures for replacing lost, destroyed or stolen certificate(s) have been completed.

9. No Conditional Tenders; No Notice of Irregularities . No alternative, conditional, irregular or contingent tenders will be accepted. All tendering holders, by execution of this Letter of Transmittal, shall waive any right to receive notice of the acceptance of their Outstanding Notes for exchange. The Issuers reserve the right, in their reasonable judgment, to waive any defects, irregularities or conditions of tender as to particular Outstanding Notes. The Issuers’ interpretation of the terms and conditions of the Exchange Offers (including the instructions in this Letter of Transmittal) will be final and binding on all parties. Unless waived, any defects or irregularities in connection with tenders of Outstanding Notes must be cured within such time as the Issuers shall determine. Although the Issuers intend to notify holders of defects or irregularities with respect to tenders of Outstanding Notes, neither the Issuers, the Exchange Agent nor any other person is under any obligation to give such notice nor shall they incur any liability for failure to give such notification. Tenders of Outstanding Notes will not be deemed to have been made until such defects or irregularities have been cured or waived. Any Outstanding Notes received by the Exchange Agent that are not properly tendered and as to which the defects or irregularities have not been cured or waived will be returned by the Exchange Agent to the tendering holder promptly following the Expiration Date.

10. Requests for Assistance or Additional Copies . Questions relating to the procedure for tendering, as well as requests for additional copies of the Prospectus and this Letter of Transmittal, may be directed to the Exchange Agent at the address and telephone number set forth on the first page hereof.

IMPORTANT: THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL OR A FACSIMILE OR COPY THEREOF (TOGETHER WITH CERTIFICATES OF OUTSTANDING NOTES OR CONFIRMATION OF BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER AND ALL OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS) OR A NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE EXCHANGE AGENT ON OR PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE.

 

17


IMPORTANT TAX INFORMATION

Under U.S. federal income tax law, a tendering holder whose Outstanding Notes are accepted for exchange may be subject to backup withholding unless the holder provides the Exchange Agent with either (i) such holder’s correct taxpayer identification number (“TIN”) on the Substitute Form W-9 attached hereto, certifying (A) that the TIN provided on Substitute Form W-9 is correct (or that such holder of Outstanding Notes is awaiting a TIN), (B) that the holder of Outstanding Notes is not subject to backup withholding because (x) such holder of Outstanding Notes is exempt from backup withholding, (y) such holder of Outstanding Notes has not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service that he or she is subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends or (z) the Internal Revenue Service has notified the holder of Outstanding Notes that he or she is no longer subject to backup withholding and (C) that the holder of Outstanding Notes is a U.S. person (including a U.S. resident alien); or (ii) an adequate basis for exemption from backup withholding. If such holder of Outstanding Notes is an individual, the TIN is such holder’s social security number. If the Exchange Agent is not provided with the correct TIN, the holder of Outstanding Notes may also be subject to certain penalties imposed by the Internal Revenue Service and any payments that are made to such holder may be subject to backup withholding (see below).

Certain holders of Outstanding Notes (including, among others, all corporations and certain foreign individuals) are not subject to these backup withholding and reporting requirements. However, exempt holders of Outstanding Notes should indicate their exempt status on the Substitute Form W-9. For example, a corporation should complete the Substitute Form W-9, providing its TIN and indicating that it is exempt from backup withholding. In order for a foreign individual to qualify as an exempt recipient, the holder must submit a Form W-8BEN, signed under penalties of perjury, attesting to that individual’s exempt status. A Form W-8BEN can be obtained from the Exchange Agent. See the enclosed “Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9” for more instructions. Holders are encouraged to consult their own tax advisors to determine whether they are exempt from these backup withholding and reporting requirements.

If backup withholding applies, the Exchange Agent is required to withhold 28% of any payments made to the holder of Outstanding Notes or other payee. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, the tax liability of persons subject to backup withholding will be reduced by the amount of tax withheld. If withholding results in an overpayment of taxes, a refund may be obtained from the Internal Revenue Service, provided the required information is furnished. The Exchange Agent cannot refund amounts withheld by reason of backup withholding.

A holder who does not have a TIN may check the box in Part 3 of the Substitute Form W-9 if the surrendering holder of Outstanding Notes has not been issued a TIN and has applied for a TIN or intends to apply for a TIN in the near future. If the box in Part 3 is checked, the holder of Outstanding Notes or other payee must also complete the Certificate of Awaiting Taxpayer Identification Number below in order to avoid backup withholding. Notwithstanding that the box in Part 3 is checked and the Certificate of Awaiting Taxpayer Identification Number is completed, the Paying Agent will withhold 28% of all payments made prior to the time a properly certified TIN is provided to the Paying Agent and, if the Paying Agent is not provided with a TIN within 60 days, such amounts will be paid over to the Internal Revenue Service. The holder of Outstanding Notes is required to give the Paying Agent the TIN (e.g., social security number or employer identification number) of the record owner of the Outstanding Notes. If the Outstanding Notes are in more than one name or are not in the name of the actual owner, consult the enclosed “Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9” for additional guidance on which number to report.

 

18

Exhibit 99.2

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE CORP.

OFFERS TO EXCHANGE

$325,000,000 AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF THEIR 9  1 / 4 % SENIOR NOTES DUE 2015

AND $199,000,000 AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF THEIR 10  5 / 8 % SENIOR

SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2017, EACH OF WHICH HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE

SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, FOR ANY AND ALL OF THEIR OUTSTANDING 9  1 / 4 %

SENIOR NOTES DUE 2015 AND 10  5 / 8 % SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2017,

RESPECTIVELY

[ Date ]

To Brokers, Dealers, Commercial Banks,

    Trust Companies and other Nominees:

As described in the enclosed Prospectus, dated                                  (as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the “Prospectus”), and Letter of Transmittal (the “Letter of Transmittal”), Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC”) and Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp., a Delaware corporation (together with Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC, the “Issuers”) and certain subsidiaries of the Issuers (the “Guarantors”), are offering to exchange (the “Exchange Offers”) an aggregate principal amount of up to $325,000,000 of their 9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015 (the “2015 Senior Exchange Notes”) and $199,000,000 of their 10  5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017 (the “2017 Senior Subordinated Exchange Notes” and, together with the 2015 Senior Exchange Notes, the “Exchange Notes”), each of which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), for any and all of their outstanding 9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015 (the “2015 Senior Outstanding Notes”) and 10  5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017 (the “2017 Senior Subordinated Outstanding Notes” and, together with the 2015 Senior Outstanding Notes, the “Outstanding Notes”) in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the enclosed Prospectus and Letter of Transmittal. The terms of the Exchange Notes are identical in all material respects (including principal amount, interest rate and maturity) to the terms of the Outstanding Notes for which they may be exchanged pursuant to the Exchange Offers, except that the Exchange Notes will not contain terms with respect to transfer restrictions, registration rights and additional interest for failure to fulfill certain of the Issuers’ obligations under the registration rights agreement relating to the Outstanding Notes. The Outstanding Notes are unconditionally guaranteed (the “Old Guarantees”) by the Guarantors, and the Exchange Notes will be unconditionally guaranteed (the “New Guarantees”) by the Guarantors. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Prospectus and the Letter of Transmittal, the Guarantors offer to issue the New Guarantees with respect to all Exchange Notes issued in the Exchange Offers in exchange for the Old Guarantees of the Outstanding Notes for which such Exchange Notes are issued in the Exchange Offers. Throughout this letter, unless the context otherwise requires and whether so expressed or not, references to the “Exchange Offers” include the Guarantors’ offer to exchange the New Guarantees for the Old Guarantees, references to the “Exchange Notes” include the related New Guarantees and references to the “Outstanding Notes” include the related Old Guarantees. The Issuers will accept for exchange any and all Outstanding Notes properly tendered according to the terms of the Prospectus and the Letter of Transmittal. Consummation of the Exchange Offers is subject to certain conditions described in the Prospectus.

WE URGE YOU TO PROMPTLY CONTACT YOUR CLIENTS FOR WHOM YOU HOLD OUTSTANDING NOTES REGISTERED IN YOUR NAME OR IN THE NAME OF YOUR NOMINEE. PLEASE BRING THE EXCHANGE OFFERS TO THEIR ATTENTION AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE.

Enclosed are copies of the following documents:

 

  1. The Prospectus;


  2. The Letter of Transmittal for your use in connection with the tender of Outstanding Notes and for the information of your clients, including a Substitute Form W-9 and Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9 (providing information relating to U.S. federal income tax backup withholding);

 

  3. A form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery; and

 

  4. A form of letter, including a letter of instructions to a registered holder from a beneficial owner, which you may use to correspond with your clients for whose accounts you hold Outstanding Notes that are registered in your name or the name of your nominee, with space provided for obtaining such clients’ instructions regarding the Exchange Offers.

Your prompt action is requested. Please note that the Exchange Offers will expire at 11:59 p.m., midnight, New York City time, on                     , 2008 (the “Expiration Date”), unless the Issuers otherwise extend the Exchange Offers.

To participate in the Exchange Offers, certificates for Outstanding Notes, together with a duly executed and properly completed Letter of Transmittal or facsimile thereof, or a timely confirmation of a book-entry transfer of such Outstanding Notes into the account of Wilmington Trust Company (the “Exchange Agent”), at the book-entry transfer facility, with any required signature guarantees, and any other required documents, must be received by the Exchange Agent by the Expiration Date as indicated in the Prospectus and the Letter of Transmittal.

The Issuers will not pay any fees or commissions to any broker or dealer or to any other persons (other than the Exchange Agent) in connection with the solicitation of tenders of the Outstanding Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offers. However, the Issuers will pay or cause to be paid any transfer taxes, if any, applicable to the tender of the Outstanding Notes to it or its order, except as otherwise provided in the Prospectus and Letter of Transmittal.

If holders of the Outstanding Notes wish to tender, but it is impracticable for them to forward their Outstanding Notes prior to the Expiration Date or to comply with the book-entry transfer procedures on a timely basis, a tender may be effected by following the guaranteed delivery procedures described in the Prospectus and in the Letter of Transmittal.

Any inquiries you may have with respect to the Exchange Offers should be addressed to the Exchange Agent at its address and telephone number set forth in the enclosed Prospectus and Letter of Transmittal. Additional copies of the enclosed materials may be obtained from the Exchange Agent.

 

Very truly yours,

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE CORP.

NOTHING CONTAINED HEREIN OR IN THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENTS SHALL CONSTITUTE YOU OR ANY OTHER PERSON AS AN AGENT OF THE ISSUERS OR THE EXCHANGE AGENT, OR AUTHORIZE YOU OR ANY OTHER PERSON TO USE ANY DOCUMENT OR MAKE ANY STATEMENTS ON BEHALF OF EITHER OF THEM IN CONNECTION WITH THE EXCHANGE OFFERS, OTHER THAN THE DOCUMENTS ENCLOSED HEREWITH AND THE STATEMENTS EXPRESSLY CONTAINED THEREIN.

 

2

Exhibit 99.3

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE CORP.

OFFER TO EXCHANGE

$325,000,000 AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF THEIR 9  1 / 4 % SENIOR NOTES DUE 2015

AND $199,000,000 AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF THEIR 10  5 / 8 % SENIOR

SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2017, EACH OF WHICH HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE

SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, FOR ANY AND ALL OF THEIR OUTSTANDING 9  1 / 4 %

SENIOR NOTES DUE 2015 AND 10  5 / 8 % SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2017,

RESPECTIVELY

[ Date ]

To Our Clients:

Enclosed for your consideration are a Prospectus, dated                                  (as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the “Prospectus”), and a Letter of Transmittal (the “Letter of Transmittal”), relating to the offer (the “Exchange Offers”) by Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC”) and Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp., a Delaware corporation (together with Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC, the “Issuers”) and certain subsidiaries of the Issuers (the “Guarantors”), to exchange (the “Exchange Offers”) an aggregate principal amount of up to $325,000,000 of their 9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015 (the “2015 Senior Exchange Notes”) and $199,000,000 of their 10  5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017 (the “2017 Senior Subordinated Exchange Notes” and, together with the 2015 Senior Exchange Notes, the “Exchange Notes”), each of which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), for any and all of their outstanding 9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015 (the “2015 Senior Outstanding Notes”) and 10  5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017 (the “2017 Senior Subordinated Outstanding Notes” and, together with the 2015 Senior Outstanding Notes, the “Outstanding Notes”) in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the enclosed Prospectus and Letter of Transmittal. The terms of the Exchange Notes are identical in all material respects (including principal amount, interest rate and maturity) to the terms of the Outstanding Notes for which they may be exchanged pursuant to the Exchange Offers, will not contain terms with respect to transfer restrictions, registration rights and additional interest for failure to fulfill certain of the Issuers’ obligations under the registration rights agreement relating to the Outstanding Notes. The Outstanding Notes are unconditionally guaranteed (the “Old Guarantees”) by the Guarantors, and the Exchange Notes are unconditionally guaranteed (the “New Guarantees”) by the Guarantors. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Prospectus and the Letter of Transmittal, the Guarantors offer to issue the New Guarantees with respect to all Exchange Notes issued in the Exchange Offers in exchange for the Old Guarantees of the Outstanding Notes for which such Exchange Notes are issued in the Exchange Offers. Throughout this letter, unless the context otherwise requires and whether so expressed or not, references to the “Exchange Offers” include the Guarantors’ offer to exchange the New Guarantees for the Old Guarantees, references to the “Exchange Notes” include the related New Guarantees and references to the “Outstanding Notes” include the related Old Guarantees. The Issuers will accept for exchange any and all Outstanding Notes properly tendered according to the terms of the Prospectus and the Letter of Transmittal. Consummation of the Exchange Offers is subject to certain conditions described in the Prospectus.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE EXCHANGE OFFERS WILL EXPIRE AT 11:59 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON                     , 2008 (THE “EXPIRATION DATE”), UNLESS THE ISSUERS EXTEND THE EXCHANGE OFFERS.

The enclosed materials are being forwarded to you as the beneficial owner of the Outstanding Notes held by us for your account but not registered in your name. A tender of such Outstanding Notes may only be made by us as the registered holder and pursuant to your instructions. Therefore, the Issuers urge beneficial owners of


Outstanding Notes registered in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee to contact such registered holder promptly if such beneficial owners wish to tender their Outstanding Notes in the Exchange Offers.

Accordingly, we request instructions as to whether you wish to tender any or all such Outstanding Notes held by us for your account, pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the enclosed Prospectus and Letter of Transmittal. If you wish to have us tender any or all of your Outstanding Notes, please so instruct us by completing, signing and returning to us the “Instructions to Registered Holder from Beneficial Owner” form that appears below. We urge you to read the Prospectus and the Letter of Transmittal carefully before instructing us as to whether or not to tender your Outstanding Notes.

The accompanying Letter of Transmittal is furnished to you for your information only and may not be used by you to tender Outstanding Notes held by us and registered in our name for your account or benefit.

If we do not receive written instructions in accordance with the below and the procedures presented in the Prospectus and the Letter of Transmittal, we will not tender any of the Outstanding Notes on your account.

 

2


INSTRUCTIONS TO REGISTERED HOLDER FROM BENEFICIAL OWNER

The undersigned beneficial owner acknowledges receipt of your letter and the accompanying Prospectus dated                          (as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the “Prospectus”), and a Letter of Transmittal (the “Letter of Transmittal”), relating to the offer (the “Exchange Offers”) by Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC”) and Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp., a Delaware corporation (together with Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC, the “Issuers”) and certain subsidiaries of the Issuers (the “Guarantors”) to exchange an aggregate principal amount of up to $325,000,000 of their 9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015 (the “2015 Senior Exchange Notes”) and $199,000,000 of their 10  5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017 (the “2017 Senior Subordinated Exchange Notes” and, together with the 2015 Senior Exchange Notes, the “Exchange Notes”), each of which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), for any and all of its outstanding 9  1 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015 (the “2015 Senior Outstanding Notes”) and 10  5 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017 (the “2017 Senior Subordinated Outstanding Notes” and, together with the 2015 Senior Outstanding Notes, the “Outstanding Notes”), upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Prospectus and the Letter of Transmittal. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings ascribed to them in the Prospectus.

This will instruct you, the registered holder, to tender the principal amount of the Outstanding Notes indicated below held by you for the account of the undersigned, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Prospectus and the Letter of Transmittal.

 

Principal Amount Held

for Account Holder(s)

  Principal Amount to be Tendered*
     
     
     
     
     

 

* Unless otherwise indicated, the entire principal amount held for the account of the undersigned will be tendered.

If the undersigned instructs you to tender the Outstanding Notes held by you for the account of the undersigned, it is understood that you are authorized (a) to make, on behalf of the undersigned (and the undersigned, by its signature below, hereby makes to you), the representations and warranties contained in the Letter of Transmittal that are to be made with respect to the undersigned as a beneficial owner of the Outstanding Notes, including but not limited to the representations that the undersigned (i) is not an “affiliate,” as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act, of the Issuers or the Guarantors, (ii) is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, and has no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in, a distribution of Exchange Notes, (iii) is acquiring the Exchange Notes in the ordinary course of its business and (iv) is not a broker-dealer tendering Outstanding Notes acquired for its own account directly from the Issuers. If a holder of the Outstanding Notes is an affiliate of the Issuers or the Guarantors, is not acquiring the Exchange Notes in the ordinary course of its business, is engaged in or intends to engage in a distribution of the Exchange Notes or has any arrangement or understanding with respect to the distribution of the Exchange Notes to be acquired pursuant to the Exchange Offers, such holder may not rely on the applicable interpretations of the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to exemptions from the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act and must comply with such requirements in connection with any secondary resale transaction.

 

3


 

SIGN HERE

 

Dated: ____________________________________________________

Signature(s): _____________________________________________________________

 

Print Name(s): ___________________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

          (Please include Zip Code)

 

Telephone Number ________________________________________________________

(Please include Area Code)
 

Tax Identification Number or Social Security Number: ____________________________

 

My Account Number With You: ______________________________________________

 

 

4

Exhibit 99.4

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE LLC

PINNACLE FOODS FINANCE CORP.

NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY

OFFERS TO EXCHANGE

$325,000,000 AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF THEIR 9  1 / 4 % SENIOR NOTES DUE 2015

AND $199,000,000 AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF THEIR 10  5 / 8 % SENIOR

SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2017, EACH OF WHICH HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE

SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, FOR ANY AND ALL OF THEIR OUTSTANDING 9  1 / 4 %

SENIOR NOTES DUE 2015 AND 10  5 / 8 % SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2017,

RESPECTIVELY

This form, or one substantially equivalent hereto, must be used to accept the Exchange Offers made by Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp., a Delaware corporation, (the “Company”), and the Guarantors, pursuant to the Prospectus, dated                          (the “Prospectus”), and the enclosed Letter of Transmittal (the “Letter of Transmittal”), if the certificates for the Outstanding Notes are not immediately available or if the procedure for book-entry transfer cannot be completed on a timely basis or time will not permit all required documents to reach the Exchange Agent prior to 11:59 pm., New York City time, on the Expiration Date of the Exchange Offers. Such form may be delivered or transmitted by facsimile transmission, mail or hand delivery to Wilmington Trust Company (the “Exchange Agent”) as set forth below. In addition, in order to utilize the guaranteed delivery procedure to tender the Outstanding Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offers, a completed, signed and dated Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof) must also be received by the Exchange Agent prior to 11:59 pm., New York City time, on the Expiration Date of the Exchange Offers. Capitalized terms not defined herein have the meanings ascribed to them in the Letter of Transmittal.

The Exchange Agent is:

WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY

 

By Registered or Certified Mail:   By Regular Mail:  

By Overnight Courier or Hand

Delivery:

Wilmington Trust Company

Address: Corporate Capital Markets

1100 North Market Street

Rodney Square North

Wilmington, DE 19890

Attention: Alisha Clendaniel

Telephone: (302) 636-6470

 

Wilmington Trust Company

Address: Corporate Capital Markets

1100 North Market Street

Rodney Square North

Wilmington, DE 19890

Attention: Alisha Clendaniel

Telephone: (302) 636-6470

 

Wilmington Trust Company

Address: Corporate Capital Markets

1100 North Market Street

Rodney Square North

Wilmington, DE 19890

Attention: Alisha Clendaniel

Telephone: (302) 636-6470

  By Facsimile Transmission  
 

(eligible institutions only):

 

(302) 636-4139

 
 

Telephone Inquiries:

 

(302) 636-6470

 

DELIVERY OF THIS NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE OR TRANSMISSION VIA FACSIMILE TO A NUMBER OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE WILL NOT CONSTITUTE A VALID DELIVERY.

This Notice of Guaranteed Delivery is not to be used to guarantee signatures. If a signature on a Letter of Transmittal is required to be guaranteed by an Eligible Guarantor Institution (as defined in the Prospectus), such signature guarantee must appear in the applicable space in Box 8 provided on the Letter of Transmittal for Guarantee of Signatures.


Ladies and Gentlemen:

Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Prospectus and the accompanying Letter of Transmittal, the undersigned hereby tenders to the Company the principal amount of Outstanding Notes indicated below, pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedures described in “The Exchange Offers—Guaranteed Delivery Procedures” section of the Prospectus.

 

Certificate Number(s) (if known) of Outstanding Notes or

Account Number at Book-Entry Transfer Facility

  

Aggregate Principal

Amount

Represented by

Outstanding Notes

  

Aggregate Principal Amount of

Outstanding Notes Being

Tendered

           
           
           
           
           

 

 
PLEASE COMPLETE AND SIGN
 

____________________________________________________________

(Signature(s) of Record Holder(s))

 

____________________________________________________________

(Please Type or Print Name(s) of Record Holder(s))

 
Dated: ____________________, ____
 

Address: ___________________________________________________________________

(Zip Code)

 

____________________________________________________________

(Daytime Area Code and Telephone No.)

 

¨           Check this Box if the Outstanding Notes will be delivered by book-entry transfer to The Depository Trust Company.

 

Account Number: ______________________________________________________

 

THE ACCOMPANYING GUARANTEE MUST BE COMPLETED.

 

2


 

GUARANTEE OF DELIVERY

(Not to be used for signature guarantee)

 

The undersigned, a member of a recognized signature medallion program or an “eligible guarantor institution,” as such term is defined in Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), hereby (a) represents that the above person(s) “own(s)” the Outstanding Notes tendered hereby within the meaning of Rule 14e-4(b)(2) under the Exchange Act, (b) represents that the tender of those Outstanding Notes complies with Rule 14e-4 under the Exchange Act and (c) guarantees to deliver to the Exchange Agent, at its address set forth in the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, the certificates representing all tendered Outstanding Notes, in proper form for transfer, or a book-entry confirmation (a confirmation of a book-entry transfer of the Outstanding Notes into the Exchange Agent’s account at The Depository Trust Company), together with a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof), with any required signature guarantees, and any other documents required by the Letter of Transmittal within three (3) New York Stock Exchange trading days after the Expiration Date.

 

Name of Firm: ___________________________________________________________

(Authorized Signature)
 

Address: ________________________________________________________________

(Zip Code)

 

Area Code and Tel. No.: ____________________________________________________

 

Name: __________________________________________________________________

(Please Type or Print)
 

Title: ___________________________________________________________________

 

Dated: ____________________, ____

 

NOTE: DO NOT SEND OUTSTANDING NOTES WITH THIS NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY. OUTSTANDING NOTES SHOULD BE SENT WITH YOUR LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.

 

 

3


INSTRUCTIONS FOR NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY

 

1. Delivery of this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.

A properly completed and duly executed copy of this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery and any other documents required by this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery must be received by the Exchange Agent at its address set forth on the cover page hereof prior to the Expiration Date of the Exchange Offers. The method of delivery of this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery and any other required documents to the Exchange Agent is at the election and risk of the holders and the delivery will be deemed made only when actually received by the Exchange Agent. Instead of delivery by mail, it is recommended that the holders use an overnight or hand delivery service, properly insured. If such delivery is by mail, it is recommended that the holders use properly insured, registered mail with return receipt requested. In all cases, sufficient time should be allowed to assure timely delivery. For a description of the guaranteed delivery procedure, see Instruction 1 of the Letter of Transmittal. No notice of Guaranteed Delivery should be sent to the Company.

 

2. Signatures on this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.

If this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery is signed by the registered holder(s) of the Outstanding Notes referred to herein, the signatures must correspond with the name(s) written on the face of the Outstanding Notes without alteration, addition, enlargement or any change whatsoever. If this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery is signed by a person other than the registered holder(s) of any Outstanding Notes listed, this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery must be accompanied by appropriate bond powers, signed as the name of the registered holder(s) appear(s) on the Outstanding Notes without alteration, addition, enlargement or any change whatsoever. If this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery is signed by a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, attorney-in-fact, officer of a corporation or other person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such person should so indicate when signing and, unless waived by the Company, evidence satisfactory to the Company of their authority so to act must be submitted with this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.

 

3. Questions and Requests for Assistance or Additional Copies.

Questions and requests for assistance with respect to tendering procedures and requests for additional copies of the Prospectus may be directed to the Exchange Agent at the address set forth on the cover hereof. Holders may also contact their broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee for assistance concerning the Exchange Offers.

 

4